With my thigh stretched at an ungodly angle in physical therapy the other week, my trainer told me about her quest to grab tickets for her daughter and herself to attend a “baby rave” in NYC to the mellifluous tunes of EDM. “That’s a thing?” I thought.
Five weeks into motherhood and I have learned that not only are kiddie concerts, in fact, a thing, but this blessed city and its environs have musical entertainment of all stripes in spades this summer.
Here, a snapshot of just some of the best in the tristate.
Take kiddos of all ages to Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens for classical and jazz jams: Classic(al) Cartoons! (June 21), Sounds of Summer (July 19), Cool Jazz (Aug. 16), Groove & Move (Sept. 20).
This comes courtesy of Hudson Yards’ season of free outdoor programming at Backyard at Hudson Yards, presented by Wells Fargo.
The interactive performances showcase everything from jazzy scatting to animated characters as musical melodies, often played by talent from esteemed orchestras and Broadway shows.
11th Avenue between 30th and 32nd streets. RSVP at Hudson Yards New York
About 2½ hours from Manhattan, you’ll find the idyllic Catskill town of Bethel, home of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (200 Hurd Road), also notable as the home of the iconic 1969 Woodstock music festival.
This summer, families can soak up the sounds of the Rock and Roll Playhouse (June 21, July 19 and Aug. 9), geared toward kids ages 10 and under and performing the hits of The Beatles, David Bowie and other musical giants.
Part of a nationwide tour, the shows are part of Bethel’s Family Concert Series, with ticket prices on a “pay what you can” model, starting at $5.
Or, on July 6, check out popular children’s music brand Kidz Bop’s live show. Lawn and pavilion seats start at $42, or you can try to snag a “$30 Ticket to Summer” lawn seat, part of a Live Nation promotion.
On July 12, swing by Lower Manhattan’s Perelman Performing Arts Center (251 Fulton St.) for the first annual Family Day.
Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the indoor and outdoor bonanza will delight and distract kids with music, workshops, dance battles, “creation stations” and more. FYI: Head to PAC NYC through June 28 for its Free Music programming, which has a diverse roster of artists on the lobby stage.
You may already have heard of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, established in 1979 and billing itself as the longest-running free outdoor performing arts festival in the city.
But now you know you’ll need to round up the crew come July 26 for an outdoor screening of “The Wiz,” in honor of the late Quincy Jones.
Taking place at the Lena Horne Bandshell (141 Prospect Park West, near 10th Street) at 7 p.m., make sure everyone dons their finest “Wizard of Oz”-inspired frocks as you and your loved ones savor the beloved film soundtrack.
Nutmeg State folks, take note. Starting on June 18, the Sherman Green Gazebo (451 Post Road, Fairfield, Conn.) will host free family-friendly Peanut Butter Jam concerts from 10:15 to 11 a.m. on Wednesdays. Kids can dance, sing, smile (and hopefully not hissy fit) to their hearts’ content accompanied by live music.
The shows run through July 30 and include Steve Elci and Friends, Benny Mikula aka the Lone Gnome and other Raffi-channeling minstrels.
Sugar, Sugar! Festival in Domino Park in Williamsburg (12 South Third St.) is a novel performing arts series that kicked off on June 4.
Events run through the month until Saturday and are totally free to attend. While the lineup extends beyond music (theater, dance, comedy and puppetry will all be in the rotation), many are kid-friendly and incorporate musical elements.
Are Mom and Dad in need of a little getaway? Always. Hop in a car (or an Amtrak) and head 130 miles northeast to Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., this summer (1 Mohegan Sun Blvd.).
Sun Patio outdoor concerts are slated for select Saturdays through Sept. 6. While the acts aren’t explicitly for young ones, you can bop around with your older kids to former ’90s dreamboats Hanson and fan favorite the Roots.
Tickets start at $15, and you can make your offspring feel extra special and mature with VIP upgrades like firepit seating and mocktails.
Head to Westchester on July 12 for the Pleasantville Music Festival, a fun-filled, daylong bash at Parkway Field.
Now in its 19th year, 2025’s fête is provided by Northwell Health and headlined by Dawes. Along with other must-see acts, like Robert Randolph & Friends and the Grateful Dead all-female tribute band Brown Eyed Women, the Chill Tent Stage will host musicians from the Rock and Roll Playhouse performing the works of Taylor Swift and other contemporary artists.
Dubbed New York’s Backyard Jam, the event also has food trucks, a beer and wine garden, activities for kids and much more.
48 Marble Ave., Pleasantville, NY. $75 for adults, $55 for seniors and students ages 10 to 21. Free for kids under 10