The World Science Festival, being held in New York City June 1st through June 5th this year, has a variety of family events this time around. The annual Festival offers a sweeping array of cutting-edge science programs and presents many of the world’s leading scientific minds, renowned artists and influential thinkers for a five-day celebration of science that’s accessible to everyone.

The events specifically designed for kids and their families to enjoy free-of-charge include:

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2011

From the City to the Stars: A Night of Stargazing at Brooklyn Bridge Park
8:30 p.m., Brooklyn Bridge Park, Free
Families are invited to join professional and amateur astronomers for a free evening of stargazing. It’s a night to explore and discover the vast wonders of the cosmos. Guests can bring a telescope, or use one of the dozens on hand. Music and refreshments are available as a community looks to the stars and imagines the worlds beyond, while scientists help viewers learn more about what they’re seeing.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2011

Science on Site: Explorations on Governors Island
10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Governors Island, Free

Choose your own adventures on Governors Island and see the world as scientists do! This rich, outdoor environment presents a rare opportunity for urban explorers to discover the science around them – from New York's underwater world and oyster population, to the unique critters and plants that live beneath our feet, and more. Join scientists and experts from a wide variety of scientific disciplines for a day of exploration that starts with a free ferry ride and ends in a world of wonder. There will be many events on Governors Island throughout the day, some of which include:

Oysters of New York Harbor
Discover and examine fascinating underwater ecosystem filled with fish, oysters and other marine critters, see how experimental reefs are being created to increase the oyster population, and take part in this effort by designing and personalizing your own shell that will become a permanent part of the reef.  Presented with The Hudson River Foundation, The River Project, Urban Assembly New York Harbor School, NY/NJ Baykeeper

The Delicate Art of Sungazing
Join author and Science 2.0 fave Dr. Timothy Ferris, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, and local amateur astronomers to peer through dozens of telescopes at sunspots and solar weather. See the sun from space via satellite, learn about the star that keeps us alive, and bask in its early summer radiance with fellow sun worshippers.  Presented with NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory, local amateur astronomers associations

The Great Bug Hunt
Explore the little (and not so little) winged wonders of the arthropod world on Governors Island. In a world run by the insects, there are predators, pollinators, plant munchers and soil cultivators. Walk with us to discover this amazing world right under your nose, or over your head, or under your foot.  Presented with American Museum of Natural History.

Botanical Safari
What’s growing on Governors Island? Discover the surprisingly diverse plant life; explore edible, poisonous, and medicinal plants; learn the ropes of botany from New York Botanical Garden’s best!   Presented with the New York Botanical Garden

Birding Governors Island
Islands can act as “migrant traps” for birds on the move. Bring your binoculars to one of America’s great migration flyways to search for late spring migrants and the diverse families of waterbirds that live in New York’s Upper Bay.   Presented with American Museum of Natural History.

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011

2011 Youth&Family Street Fair
10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Washington Square Park, Free

Washington Square Park becomes a science wonderland when the acclaimed Youth and Family Street Fair returns for a full-day, free family science celebration. This year’s event features a non-stop program of interactive exhibits, experiments, games, and shows designed to entertain and inspire. Performances and exhibits include Dancing Mad Scientist Jeffrey Vinokur; Central Park Zoo’s Wild Life Theater; characters from PBS Kids Cyberchase and Jim Henson Company’s Dinosaur Train and Sid the Science Kid television shows; American Museum of Natural History’s Moveable Museum; The CSI Experience (John Jay College of Criminal Justice Department of Sciences); Franklin Institute’s Traveling Science Show; NY Hall of Science; NY/NJ First Robotics; Smell Lab with International Flavors and Fragrances Inc. (IFF) and Ann Gottlieb; Mad Science; “Ping Pong on the Brain” with neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki and SPiN New York; and much, much more.