Last Saturday my Grouchy Husband and I took the girls to Arthur Ashe Kids Day at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (NTC) in Flushing Queens, NY. Arthur Ashe Kids day is the largest single-day grassroots tennis and entertainment event in the world. It takes place the Saturday before the US Open. You need tickets for the performances in Arthur Ashe Stadium but there is a free festival on the grounds of the NTC.
At the festival there were games, music, and tennis activities for all ages. Many tennis pros participate in the events and you can see them practicing on the practice courts. The girls were a little young for the tennis activities but it was a beautiful day and they loved walking around.
The girls wanted a balloon from one of the balloon artists. I found the shortest line and while we waited, I went to the food court and bought lunch. Yes, the girls are eating hot dogs and waffle fries, the Carnegie Deli had the shortest line at the food court. I sacrificed a healthier meal (though I do question if a hamburger or pizza is that much healthier) for waiting in a long line.
And after an hour and a half (!), we finally made it to the front of the line. My Princess wanted a rose, and my Baby wanted a dog, but since the line was so long, the balloon artist was only making flowers and swords. So the girls got two flowers and they were thrilled.
We entered the stadium about a half hour before the show started. At first we sat in a section directly across from the stage to get the best view of the performance but it was too sunny. Then we moved in the shade behind the stage. This was much more comfortable and we could see the show from the huge screens in the stadium. The girls are still too little to understand the concept of waiting so we left after hearing Fifth Harmony and seeing Michelle Obama speak. What a treat to see the President’s wife.
A 140 foot steel Unisphere is at the entrance of the NTC. It was built for the 1964-1965 World’s Fair as a symbol of world peace. We’re on our way out and bought ice cream for the ride.
My Baby couldn’t stay awake long enough to finish her ice cream. Too much fun at Arthur Ashe Kids Day.
I really love how this event contributes to the community and promotes playing tennis and healthy living. I look forward to coming back next year and hopefully seeing more of the show.
To healthy living,
The Dumpling Mama xo