Looking to make the most out of WorldPride with your family? There are a host of events around New York State planned with LGBTQ families in mind.
You’re never too young to learn that no two people are the same, and being different makes each of us special. That said, ythis summer presents parents with special opportunities to pass those values on to their children. And bonus: you can do it while on vacation.
This being the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall rebellion and WorldPride’s first visit to US soil, June promises to be a month like no other.
More From MetrosourceWith plenty of kid-appropriate events statewide, this summer is an ideal time to celebrate across New York’s many locations that have played a role in the struggle for equal rights. The following itinerary outlines some of the best family-friendly events to plan a trip around, or to tack on to an existing New York City visit.
What’s In Store
“Sing Out! New York,” presented by the Albany Symphony, is a music festival of free and ticketed events honoring human rights. Taking place over two weekends from May 30 – June 9 in Troy and the surrounding area, this series of concerts will feature more than 55 works by internationally-recognized musicians, historical re-enactors, inspiring family sing-alongs, fireworks at the end of each show and more.
On June 21, families can kick off their New York Pride celebration with Family Movie Night at Pier 45 in New York City. The free event features kid-appropriate movies and is hosted by Miss Richfield 1981, a drag legend who is sure to entertain the whole family.
Long Island, birthplace of Harvey Milk, celebrates Pride on the Beach from June 21 – 23 when 30,000+ people will flock to the beachfront destination for dozens of LGBTQ events, including family-friendly happenings like the festival’s 2nd annual Pet Pride Parade, concerts and worship services.
While in New York City, take part in history with the NYC Pride March on June 30. First held in 1970, spectators and marchers of all ages can enjoy the floats, performers and festively-dressed participants while showing their support of civil rights for all.
Weekend Trips
Families with socially-conscious preteens and teens can reflect on global civil rights at Picnic with the Roosevelts: A Human Rights Celebration, just north of New York City in the Hudson Valley.
The event will feature self-guided tours of the Home of President Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site, FDR Presidential Library and Museum and the Eleanor Roosevelt home at Val-Kill; a talk about Eleanor Roosevelt’s life and human rights work by keynote speaker, professor and author Blanche Wiesen Cook; and a Hot Dog Summit Lunch, a recreation of a 1939 dinner at which the Roosevelts served hot dogs to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of England.
Insider tip: discounted train tickets and free shuttle buses are available for those heading from NYC!
Families can close out their NY State Pride celebration with a road trip up to Niagara Falls on July 5 to enjoy Pride at the Falls, a free Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra concert. The falls will be lit in rainbow colors against a backdrop of fireworks.
The Catskills’ (gay-owned) Roxbury Motel, with rooms designed after favorite movies and TV shows – like ‘The Wizard’s Emeralds,’ based on The Wizard of Oz.
Saratoga Springs Racetrack, where kids can get an up-close look at the horses before races or during their morning workouts.
The unmatched outdoor offerings of the Adirondacks, home to more than 3,000 ponds and lakes.
Tours of Boldt Castle and Singer Castle, historic island castles in 1000 Islands-Seaway.
Museums that celebrate everything from folk art to farming and even baseball in Central NY.
Thriving LGBTQ scenes in Rochester with a museum dedicated to all things play: The Strong and Ithaca in the Finger Lakes.
The first state-of-the-art museum dedicated to comedy, the National Comedy Center, in Chautauqua-Allegheny
For more info on what’s happening in this historic month, check the Metrosource WorldPride site. And for additional info on the above events, check LGBTQ-family-friendly NY State site.
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Last modified: May 15, 2019
