Union Square provides endless opportunities for those of all ages, especially for kids. If you’re looking for something new to do with your kids in the neighborhood this summer, check out this growing list of kid-focused activities. The wide variety of interesting activities, events, and organizations in the Union Square neighborhood will surely keep your kids (and the whole family) entertained this summer!

Evelyn’s playground

Located in the heart of Union Square Park, Evelyn’s Playground is a kids’ haven for fun and energy. Evelyn’s Playground has long been a family favorite in Union Square Park. The playground is home to sprawling jungle gyms, swings, and even a large spinning disc for your older kids. Better yet, Evelyn’s Playground is a stone throw away from the Greenmarket, the best place to pick up some delicious fruits or pastries for you and your kid after a long day of play.

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GENIUS GEMS

One of Union Square’s newest businesses is truly a gem in its own right! Genius Gems, located on 555 Sixth Avenue, is a STEAM-focused activity and learning space for children that allows them to explore their artistic geniuses through different activities, camps, and classes. For any parents looking for a weekend date night, but don’t want to look for a babysitter, Genius Gems also offers weekend evening drop-offs on certain dates where pizza is also served for your kids. From creating with glitter tiles, to a glow room, and even a Rainbows and Potions class, Genius Gems will be your kids’ new favorite place to build and design something new.

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The very hungry caterpillar

The Daryl Roth Theatre is a perfect community and family space for all to discover and enjoy new theatrical productions. This season, Eric Carle’s timeless children’s story lives on at the Daryl Roth Theatre in this heart-warming stage adaptation of the Very Hungry Caterpillar that features over 75 colorful and vibrant puppets. This show will feature beloved characters from four of Carle’s other children’s stories. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a fantastic and heartwarming opportunity for you and your kids to watch your childhood favorites come to life in a nostalgic and creative production. Be sure to get your tickets before they sell out!

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Books of Wonder

If your kids are reading fanatics, Books of Wonder looks pretty on par to what heaven is for kiddo bookworms. Located at 42 West 17th Street, Books of Wonder is your family’s top destination for discovering new children’s books in the Union Square neighborhood. Living up to its name, Books of Wonder has everything from new children and young adult books, and additionally carries vintage and collectible books for book collecting enthusiasts or rare book lovers. Books of Wonder regularly hosts author talks and book reading nights that are free with pre-registration. These book events are a perfect way for your kids to discover some new reads that the whole family will love.

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PARTEA

Partea on East 14th Street is anything but your parents’ version of an old school arcade. Partea is truly redefining what a new idea of an arcade is, and a great place to introduce your kids to some fun claw machine game and delicious bubble tea drinks. Inspired by Taiwanese night markets, Partea is a sleek and electric new space full of interesting new arcade games and a full menu of delicious Taiwanese street food. Get some popcorn chicken and a milk tea to snack on with your kids and channel your inner winner when it comes to the claw machines to win a cool plush toy!

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Rubin Museum of Art

Every Sunday, the Rubin Museum of Art over on 150 West 17th Street offers their Family Sunday programs, which is an art educator led activity on their third floor interactive Mandala Lab exhibition for children and their families. During a Family Sunday art session, your kids will be able to learn more about specific holidays or themes important in Himalayan, South Asian, and Buddhist traditions and create an interactive art project that’s connected to the lesson. Art projects have included paper collages and crowns, clay projects, and more.