You are reading

Hunters Point Parks offer free summer programming for children under 10

Families enjoy a puppet show from Wonderspark Puppets at last year's Summer Kids. Photo courtesy of HPPC.

Families enjoy a puppet show from Wonderspark Puppets at last year’s Summer Kids. Photo courtesy of HPPC.

July 11, 2025 By Shane O’Brien

The Hunters Point Parks Conservancy (HPPC) is hosting its 10th year of free programming for children this summer in Hunter’s Point South Park and Gantry Plaza State Park on the Long Island City waterfront, providing free family-friendly programming every morning at 10 a.m. across July and August.

HPPC’s Summer Kids, which launched on July 7 and will run until Aug. 17, provides free events for children aged 10 and under every morning in both waterfront parks, including music, movement, and art offerings.

HPPC said the free events will give families “fun options” to spend time together outdoors while also helping neighborhood kids get outside and explore their local parks.

The free programming includes events such as “Zing! Kids Fitness,” which focuses on movement, mindset, and play and provides workouts and activities for children aged 4-11.

“Yogi Beans,” which introduces young people to yoga through non-competitive and non-judgmental activities, will also take place as part of the Summer Kids series. This is in addition to a number of events hosted by City Owlets, an organization offering modern activities for local families. City Owlets will provide access to art, music, science, and puppetry in Hunters Point South Park and Gantry Plaza State Park across July and August.

Kids practice yoga at Yogi Beans. Photo courtesy of HPPC.

Kids practice yoga at Yogi Beans. Photo courtesy of HPPC.

The Blue Bus Project, a non-profit mobile art organization that brings free participatory art events to underserved communities, will also host recycled art workshops as part of the series. Children work with recycled and upcycled materials to raise awareness of waste and the transformational power of the imagination, turning ‘trash’ into a material ripe for creativity.

Last year, more than 3,700 people participated in the series.

HPPC Executive Director Jessica Sechrist said the Summer Kids remains one of the most “popular and rewarding” series that the conservancy produces each year.

“As our neighborhood continues to grow and welcome more young families, we’re proud to offer these events,” Sechrist said in a statement. “We’re proud to offer affordable, enriching programs for young children that help foster their appreciation for spending time outdoors and engaging with nature. It’s great to see families return year after year and talk with new residents who find our activities and become regulars.”

This year’s programming is sponsored by TF Cornerstone, Hunters Point South Living, Council Member Julie Won and the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development.

Anyone interested in attending events this summer is advised to register to receive event updates in case events are cancelled due to inclement weather. Registration is available on the HPPC website.

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Finding Room to Grow: NYC Apartment Buildings Designed with Families in Mind

Jul. 29, 2025 By Tara Lustberg

Finding family-friendly housing in NYC can be a challenge, especially with the average rent of a two-bedroom apartment in NYC averaging over $5,400 per month, according to apartments.com. According to reports, this is significantly higher (148%) than the national average and has increased by 7% since December 2023. But some properties offer thoughtful amenities for families, making city living seem more manageable.

Borough President recommends approval of One LIC Neighborhood Plan with conditions

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards announced on Monday a long list of recommendations to approve the city’s One LIC Neighborhood Plan with conditions.

The sweeping proposal entered the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) in April, following certification by the City Planning Commission, and aims to transform a large portion of Long Island City with new zoning rules that would create nearly 14,700 housing units—including 4,300 affordable homes—alongside 14,400 jobs, over 3.5 million square feet of commercial and industrial space and expanded access to the East River waterfront.

Cool off this summer with margaritas in Queens

Jul. 25, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The summer season ushers in outdoor adventures, extended daylight hours and sweltering heat, making it the perfect time to kick back at a local restaurant or bar and order a refreshing margarita. Sipping on this tequila-infused cocktail is one of the best ways to beat the heat and revel with margarita connoisseurs in your neighborhood.