New Events, Venues, and Shows in New York City for 2018

A new year brings new things to do in New York City. 2018 is chock-full of fun events, venues, and shows for you and your kids. Here’s a look at 2018’s offerings for kids and families in New York City.

The Progressive New York Boat Show

The Progressive New York Boat Show at the Javits Center runs Jan. 24-28, Wednesday-Friday, 12-9pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm. The show, which originated in 1905, has boats of all sizes, from luxury motor yachts and stunning sailboats to performance boats and inflatables, we previously reported. Enjoy workshops and seminars, plus a touch-a-boat tour for families with working vessels from the NY Fire Department. Kids can climb aboard, chat with captains, and take pictures at the helm. 

Lego Live

Lego Live will be heading to New York City’s Pier 36 for Presidents Day weekend, Feb. 16-18. Lego Live NYC will include more than 4,600,000 bricks in a 65,000-square-foot space, as well as Lego master builders and fun workshops for kids. It’s a Lego lovers dream! In addition to the millions of Legos to play with, kids will also have opportunities to build, create, and learn. Each Lego brand will be represented at different stations throughout the venue. 

The High Line Plinth 

We are big fans of the High Line so we were excited to hear it’s getting a dedicated park space for contemporary public art exhibitions. The Plinth is part of the Spur, which is the parks largest and newest space. Visitors can take in amazing views and greenery along with a rotating display of art. 

Unseen Oceans

This new exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History will be sure to entice little ocean lovers. Opening March 12, 2018, through January 6, 2019, this exhibit will give a glimpse of the ocean from top to bottom and show, “unseen habits of the oceans’ most mysterious animals and mapping remote, inhospitable habitats in unprecedented detail,” according to the AMNH website. Entry is timed and is included with your ticket.

Harry Potter: A History of Magic

Wizards and muggles alike will rejoice when this exhibit opens at the NY Historical Society in October 2018.  The exhibit, “unveils rare books, manuscripts, and magical objects from the collections of the British Library, New-York Historical Society, U.S. Harry Potter-publisher Scholastic, and other special collections,” according to the website. Guests will be able to explore subjects studied by the wizards of Hogwarts and see original drafts by author, J.K. Rowling. September 2018 marks 20 years since the release of the first book Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Tickets go on sale in April.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two 

Harry Potter is coming to the Great White Way with performances starting April 22, 2018. The show is based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany and is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series. The show picks up years later when Harry is an overworked and over-tired dad and employee of the Ministry of Magic. Tickets go on presale Feb. 7, 2018.

Frozen the Broadway Musical

The Frozen frenzy is still strong, partly in thanks to the hype around the anticipated Broadway show. Previews begin Friday, Feb. 22 at the St. James Theatre and will feature all the beloved characters and songs from the movie. Tickets are on sale now. 

Chelsea Waterside Play Area 

In 2016 plans for redesigning this playground were announced. Now the $2 million project will be completed in time for the summer. The new renovation will provide kids with new fun offerings such as a giant pipefish-shaped climbing structure in the center of the playground among other new creations for kids to enjoy. There will also be the addition of a playhouse as well as a water maze for older children, we previously reported.

Ocean Wonders: Sharks!

This exhibit at the New York Aquarium is several years in the making. The 57,000 sq. ft. exhibit will immerse visitors in the world of sharks, the threats they face, and the role they play in the world’s oceans. A shimmer wall, with 30,000 individual tiles, will wrap around the entire exhibit, which will “move with the wind and glitter in the sun,” according to the website.  The exhibit is slated to open this summer.

NYC Ferry

New routes will be added this year making your commute much more scenic. Why not take kids on a tour of the city for the same price it costs to ride the bus or subway? The new schedules will go into effect on Jan. 20 and they include the South Brooklyn route, the Astoria route, the Rockaway route, and the East River route. This should make for some fun adventures with kids this summer!

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