Some of the city’s most innovative museums and galleries give kids—of all ages—an opportunity to get involved and learn as well as look.

LES Galleries Third Thursdays
On Thursday, July 21, Lower East Side galleries roll out the red carpet, staying open from 6 to 9 p.m. The New Museum (235 Bowery) also offers free admission from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday nights (Bonus: on July 21 at 7 and 9 p.m. catch a rare appearance by Basquiat-era knob-twiddlers Gray, whose sound runs from “Stockhausen-inspired fugues to churning dubstep workouts”). Stop by the Lower East Side Visitor Center at 54 Orchard Street for a gallery and neighborhood guide. Participating galleries are listed here.

Summer Shakeup: Shakespeare for Students
Join the Public Theater for Summer Shakeup, a special event for students 6th grade and up. Get an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes at a major American theater company and get to know Shakespeare in a whole new way as the Public Theater’s professional teaching artists lead a hands-on exploration of Shakespeare’s world and works through games, art and acting.
Saturday July 23rd, 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (registration 10:00 a.m.).
Queensbridge Park, Queens
Tickets: $Free

Waterfront Museum Tug & Barge Week
Dive into the city’s history with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. The Waterfront Museum and the Tug Pegasus Preservation Project are bringing a week of free public tugboat trips and free barge tours to the park. The Waterfront Museum—aboard the 1914 Lehigh Valley Barge No. 79—and the 1907 Tugboat Pegasus—listed on the National Register of Historic Places—will dock at the foot of Atlantic Avenue at Pier 6 from Thursday, July 14 - Monday, July 25. Check the event site for a schedule of activities.

Serious Eats All Star Sandwich Festival / 3d Ward’s 4th Annual Pig Fest
If you’ve been trying to get to Governor’s Island at least once this summer, gourmet sandwiches from the city’s finest purveyors of said sandwiches, a dizzying selection of craft beers and ales, and, of course, ice cream, may be just the motivation you need. If $50-100 ticket prices aren’t what you had in mind for a sandwich or two, visit uber-arts-center 3rd Ward’s big outdoor bash and enjoy BBQ from The Brindle Room, summery drinks, a bike clinic, chocolate sculpting and more—and see what all the Bushwick buzz is about (NY Times).

Live Music Round-Up
The Williamsburg Waterfront and the sunset over Manhattan will make a nice backdrop for noise-punk duo Death from Above 1979; spin the compass with the Taureg/African blues of Tinariwen at the Highline Ballroom; leave dry land behind with ethereal art-beatsters Gang Gang Dance and Rocks Off Cruises; be the first of your friends to like EMA at Mercury Lounge; for memorable classics old and new catch The Feelies, Real Estate and Times New Viking at the Prospect Park Bandshell. And If you’d rather catch up with the ’90s, you’re in luck: Jane’s Addiction are playing at Terminal 5, though you’ll need to score a ticket to get in.