Grab and Go! Where to Take the Kids This Weekend

There's a lot to love about summer in the city—especially when it includes free snacks, concerts, poetry, gardening, horse rides and dance.

So make the dog days decidedly more puppy-like with these five great free events, which are close enough that you don't even have to get on public transportation to get there!

Rolie Polie Guacamole

What? Local children's shops Hank & JoJo and Little Poco along with children's event specialists Cuzin’s Kidz present a free concert of Brooklyn's beloved kid rockers, Rolie Polie Guacamole - with free lemonade and popcorn! After the show, kids can keep the joint jumping on the free Moon Bounce!
Where? Dekalb Market, 332 Flatbush Ave. Ext at Willoughby Ave.
When? Thursday, Aug. 18, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
How Much? Free.
Ages? All Ages.

Free Carousel Rides!

What? Astoria Federal Savings Bank sponsors free rides for kids on Brooklyn's historic carousel in Prospect Park. If you've never visited the carousel, it's a perfect chance to check out the beautifully carved and wonderfully restored 51 animal carousel. If you have visited, then your kid is sure to do whatever you want all morning after the promise (bribe) of an upcoming ride on the magical lions! One of the few carousels in the world that is wheelchair accessible.
Where? Prospect Park Carousel, entrance at Flatbush Avenue and Empire Boulevard.
When? Thursdays in August, noon – 6 p.m.
How Much? Free.
Ages? 12 and under.

What? Young writers (ages 7-18) read alongside Brooklyn all-star authors such as Bryonn Bain, R. Erica Doyle, Bernice McFadden, Rick Moody, and Jon Sands in this seventh installment of the annual Fort Greene Park Summer Literary Festival. Afterwards, join authors and audience at Greenlight for music, mingling, refreshments, and signings by the featured Festival authors.
Where? Fort Greene Park (rain venue – Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton St. at South Portland Avenue)
When? Saturday, Aug. 20, 3 p.m. After party at , 6 p.m.
How Much? Free.
Ages? 6 and up.

City Kids Dance Open House

What? Meet the teachers and attend a free demo class at this open house for City Kids Dance, who will be offering classes in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill this fall. Plus, discounts if you register for a class, and, while supplies last, free CKD t-shirts and balloons.
Where? South Oxford Space, 138 South Oxford St.
When? Sunday, Aug. 21 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Demo schedule, 12:45 p.m.; Dance & Tumble walking tots (3 years), 1:30 p.m.; Ballet Babies! (18 months-3 years), 2:15 p.m.); Super Hero Adventure, (4-7 years), 3 p.m.
How Much? Free. info@citykidsdance.com
Ages? 0-7.

Habana Works Kid's Corner

What? Habana Works continues their weekend Kid's Corner program of creative workshops and games aimed at teaching environmentalism, wellness and community. This weekend, kids can learn about gardening and make herb bouquets with fresh herbs from the Habana Outpost garden.
Where? , 757 Fulton St. at South Portland Avenue.
When? Saturday, Aug. 20 and Sunday, Aug. 21, noon to 4 p.m.
How Much? Free.
Ages? All ages.