New York City's Hip Hop Drip Drop Fun All Summer

Common stars at this summer's  Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival; photo courtesy Bkhiphopfestival.com

Heading to New York City this summer? There's a lot taking place in the Big Apple, much of it free.

New York City reports more families are visiting than ever and it’s easy to see why — the misty breezes and splashing waves are thrilling visitors to Brookfield Place, the new waterfront commercial plaza next to North Cove Marina and the new World Trade Center.

Among the city's many world class museums , the Whitney Museum of American Art has a spectacular new home in the Meatpacking District, with a free gallery on the ground level and Statue of Liberty views from every gallery deck. It's at the entrance to The High Line (the most searched for attraction in 2014 according to Google), which provides the ideal, car-free stroll with the kids.

Broadway has many great musicals this season, and apps like TodayTix.com help you find same-day and within-the-week discounted tickets, without waiting on the TKTS line at Times Square.

Central Park literally blossoms in summer, especially with Tavern on the Green reopening in late May after several years’ absence. Tuck everyone in at the Birgarten, a fun front patio with hot dogs and cheap good beer that is more affordable than the regular menu and just as scenic. Ask the kids to pick between seeing a game at one of two baseball stadiums with the most expensive hot dogs in the MLB, having dinner in Little Italy or Chinatown, renting bikes or bicycle rickshaws, shopping at Macy’s or Williamsburg Flea, and touring the 9/11 Memorial (book tickets ahead at 911Memorial.org ), or the Statue of Liberty , and we guarantee a memorable visit.

The 11th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival takes place Wednesday July 8th to Saturday July 11th. A celebration of Hip-Hop Music and Culture featuring Common, Mobb Deep, Lion Babe, Freeway, the cast of "Money & Violence", Chelsea Reject, DJ Rob Swift, Waffle NYC, Skyzoo, Mike Floss, Datwon Thomas - Editor In Chief of Vibe Magazine, Uncle Ralph McDaniels, Lavan Wright, Charles Hamilton, PitchBlak Brass Band and more (see complete lineup of artists here).

The Festival is a four day experience encompassing Music, Film, Education, Food, Beer and Dance that will take you from Williamsburg to Crown Heights to Bed-Stuy to Gowanus and back again.  

The Hip-Hop Institute Conference. July 8th. Join us for our day long conference on Hip-Hop, Technology and criminal justice reform at Medgar Evers College.

Dummy Clap Film Festival. July 9th. Hosted by Vibe Magazine featuring a screening of the 1994 classic movie "Fresh" followed by a Master's Class with Cloud 9 TV, the creators of the acclaimed web series "Money & Violence" at HOA Gallery in Bed-Stuy.

Beats & Eats. July 10th. A curated tour of Brooklyn's best bars and restaurants brought to you by The Brooklyn Brewery.

JUICE Hip-Hop Exhibition. July 10th. A celebration of the core elements of the culture. Dance Off, Salute The DJ, Show & Prove Showcase, Beat Showcase, Sneaker Gallery, and Art Gallery. At Littlefield in Gowanus

Finale Concert. July 11th. Common, Mobb Deep, Lion Babe, Freeway, DJ Rob Swift and more. The perfect way to end the week. With some of the best musicians from the world of Hip-Hop and beyond.

For more ideas on fun things to do with the family this summer -- even for last minute planners -- checkout Family Travel Forum's Best Summer Vacations roundup.