In NYC and looking to "Kid Around" (with the kids) this Summer?

(Single Mom with Acting Goals here.)
Ready for the Summer? Here's a "survival guide" of free and cheap events, from concerts & movie-screenings to square dancing and roller-skating to keep your little one's busy this Summer:

The Bronx:

Celebration Congo! At the Bronx Zoo: Meet Gorillas Pattycake, Zuri & Hali as part of the 10th anniversary of the Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit. Also enjoy special Wildlife Theater performances, African dance & drum performances & traditional African storytelling. In addition, remember that every Wednesday is a pay-what-you-wish-day. (Tomorrow and Sat.; also June 26-27 & July 3-4, 10-11 & 17-18. 10am-5pm; $14-$18. Fordham Rd & Bronx River Pkwy www.bronxzoo.com)

Fun & Movies in Pelham Bay Park: Join in free bike lessons, arts and crafts, storytelling and much more at Family Day from noon to 3pm. Then stick around for one-night only screening of "ET: The Extra Terrestrial" from 8 to 10. Sit back on the great lawn of the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum & grab a bag of Reese's Pieces for this Steven Speilberg classic (Sat., July 11; free. Hutchinson River Pkwy & Bruckner Expressway, 718-885-1461)

Queens:

Rock 'N' Skate: Strap on a pair of wheels of wheels & head out to this annual skate clinic. Whether you can make figure eights or barely stand up, there's equipment on loan to all ages & plenty of music to keep you grooving. Best of all-you'll have Rockaway Beach as your backdrop. (Thurs., June 14, and Weds., Aug. 12, 6-9pm; free. Rockaway Beach Skating Rink. 108th St & Shore Front Pkwy., www.nycgovparks.org)

Queens County Farm Museum: The borough's own 47-acre working far, features orchards, hayrides, herb gardens & livestock just blocks from the Q46 bus. It also hosts events like this summer's Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer pow Wow: July 24-46, 40 Indian nations will come together for a dance competition on the orchard grounds. Visitors can also take in Native American art, crafts, jewelry and food. (Open daily from 10am-5pm. Free admission, but Pow Wow is $4-$15. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway; take the E or F train to the Kew Gardens/Union Turnpike station & then the Q46 to the Little Neck Parkway stop; www.queensfarm.org)

Manhattan:

Swing-A-Ring Nights: Ever wanted to run away to the circus? Well, here's your chance to learn the tricks. On Saturday nights, kids can learn activities like juggling, ring-swinging, unicycling and more at Riverside Park. (June 27 & July 11 & 25, Aug. 8 & 22. 5pm; free. Hudson Beach & 105th St., www.riversideparkfund.org)

MidSummer Night Swing Kids Day: Jump, jive & wail at this event hosted by Lincoln Center. Kids learn swing, ballroom and tango steps from "Mad Hot Ballroom" teacher Rodney Lopez at Damrosch Park. (Sat., July 18, 3:30pm; $5. 62nd St b/w Columbus & Amsterdam Aves. www.lincolncenter.org)

Staten Island:

Nature Story Theater: Who doesn't like a good puppet show? This event, held at Clay Pit Pond's new Interpretive Center, offers fun for the whole family. Enjoy the antics of the Clay Pit Puppets, whose shows deliver both entertainment & education. (sat., June 27, 2:30pm; free, but registration required. 2351 Veterans Road W., 718-967-1976)

Pizza Tour with Staten Island New York: Enjoy a slice & soda from Staten Island's best pizzerias, including Denino's, Jimmy Max & Lee's. B/w meals, visit local sites such as the College of Staten Island & the Staten Island Zoo. Attendees also get a SINY Tour T-shirt. Reservations must be made two weeks in advance. (Saturdays, 11am-3pm; $40. Starts at the Staten Island Ferry terminal; 347-273-1257)

Brooklyn:

Mermaids of the Deep: Head to the New York Aquarium for this year's summer kickoff. Your kids can learn legends about life under the sea, with music, games and aquatic arts & crafts to satisfy their appetites for fun. (This Sat. & Sun., noon-4pm; $9-$13, Surf Ave & W.Eighth St 718-265-3474)

Coney Island Boom-A-Ring: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey is back in town, & it's brought all the high-flying excitement you've come to expect from the circus. Bring the kids to Coney Island for summer fun under the big top. (Through Mon, Sept. 7. Various times; $10-$65. 2015 Boardwalk West 201-507-8900)

Brooklyn Botanical Garden: Don't miss June's Plant Part-y, July's Buggin' Out or August's Water Wonders. Kids can learn about the wide world of nature, from the creepy-crawlies to the rambling rivers. These weekly workshops are free with the price of admission. (Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Various times; $4-$8 900 Washington Ave & Eastern Pkwy.; www.bbg.org)

Happy Family Planning & Have a Great Summer!
(I'll be back at another time with more thoughts and ideas!)