Things to Do with Kids in NYC this Weekend

Plan your kids' best weekend yet in Manhattan!

By NYMetroParents Staff April 1, 2023

Enjoy these fun things to do with your kids in New York City this weekend. Start planning your weekend now with our editorially curated list of happenings for kids and families.

Editor's Picks for This Weekend

Dog Man: The Musical

WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 1
WHERE: New World Stages, 340 W 50th Street, New World Stages, New World Stages

WHAT:

Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious family show based on the worldwide bestselling series from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants. Best buds George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they’re in 5th grade, they figure it’s time to level up and write a musical based on their favorite character, Dog Man, the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!! How hard could it be? With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of Dav Pilkey’s beloved characters.

Photo by Jeremy Daniel

WANT TO GO? $50-$116

Zephyr Cirque Mechanics

WHEN: Apr. 1 - 3,
WHERE: The New Victory Theater, 209 W 42nd Street, The New Victory Theater, The New Victory Theater

WHAT:

Throwing all caution to the wind, the adrenaline-driven daredevils of Cirque Mechanics (42FT, 2019) are back with an all-new mechanical masterpiece: a 20-foot-tall windmill powered by sheer strength! Set on a rotating turntable, there’s practically nothing in Zephyr that won’t spin—including your head—as acrobats brazenly balance atop the windmill’s blades and fearlessly face the Wheel of Destiny. A turbine tug of war between man, nature and machine, Zephyr is a whirlwind of circus that’ll blow you away.

Arrive early and stay after for free pre- & post-show activities and kid-friendly amenities—part of the New Victory Experience.

Photo credit: Paris Photographics

WANT TO GO? Tickets start at $20

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella

WHEN: Sunday, Apr. 2
WHERE: The 92nd Street Y, New York, 1395 Lexington Ave., The 92nd Street Y, New York, The 92nd Street Y, New York

WHAT:

The Broadway adaptation of the classic musical features new characters, a hilarious libretto, surprising twists, and an unforgettable score from Rodgers & Hammerstein.

This production is presented in partnership with Concord Theatricals. For families with children ages 7+.

WANT TO GO? $20

Dog Man: The Musical

WHEN: Sunday, Apr. 2
WHERE: New World Stages, 340 W 50th Street, New World Stages, New World Stages

WHAT:

Photo by Jeremy Daniel

WANT TO GO? $50-$116

Zephyr Cirque Mechanics

WHEN: Sunday, Apr. 2
WHERE: The New Victory Theater, 209 W 42nd Street, The New Victory Theater, The New Victory Theater

WHAT:

Arrive early and stay after for free pre- & post-show activities and kid-friendly amenities—part of the New Victory Experience.

Photo credit: Paris Photographics

WANT TO GO? Tickets start at $20

More Fun Events

April Fools’: NYC Architecture that Never Was! FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 1
WHERE: The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, The Skyscraper Museum, The Skyscraper Museum

WHAT:

Architects around the world have built some pretty unbelievable structures, but even more have gone unbuilt! In this April Fools’ Day program inspired by the book Never Built New York, we will look at some unbuilt dreams for New York City, then kids will have the opportunity to create their own unique skyscrapers. Recommended for ages 5+.

Advanced registration required. After registering, you will receive emails to confirm your attendance through a Google Form. If you do not confirm attendance by the Friday morning before the program, your places will be canceled. Every child should be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

WANT TO GO? Free

The Little Mermaid the Musical Off-Broadway

WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 1
WHERE: The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St., The Players Theatre, The Players Theatre

WHAT:

Once upon a time there was a little mermaid who dreamed of the day when she would finally be old enough to explore the wonders of the world above the sea. When her turn comes, she is not disappointed. In fact, she saves a young prince from drowning in a shipwreck and falls deeply in love with him. Now her longing increases, as she desires to become a mortal so she can marry her young prince; but as with all dreams, there are sacrifices. The little mermaid soon learns that getting her wish means making hard choices. She also learns how much she is willing to give up for someone she loves.

The production features a live music ensemble and includes a family workshop 1 hour prior to the Sat 3p and Sun 11a matinee performances. Here the audience meets members of the creative team as well as an actor from the production who relate how they turn a book into a musical onstage.

Afterward, the children are invited to create a sea creature that they can bring home as a souvenir.

Pre-show Arts Workshop:  one hour prior to Sat 3pm and Sun 11a performances

(Additional SCHOOL BREAK 1p workshop and 2p matinees on Wed, April 12)

(NO SHOWS ON: Sunday, March 26th and April 9th)

Appropriate for all ages – we have no age restrictions – recommended for 5 and up

Show is approximately 70 minutes long with no intermission. Ticket price includes pre-show arts workshop.

WANT TO GO? $42-62

Family Day: Building Bridges

WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 1
WHERE: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, Center for Architecture, Center for Architecture

WHAT:

New York City has many fascinating bridges, from the historic Brooklyn Bridge to more contemporary examples. What kind of bridge would you design for NYC? Families will learn about different types of bridges and how they work, then create their own bridges to span one of NYC’s rivers, canals, or busy streets.

Family Day Programs are designed for children ages 5 – 13 years old, accompanied by an adult.

WANT TO GO? $10 per person

The Magic School Bus: Lost In The Solar System

WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 1
WHERE: BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center

WHAT:

When the class gets lost on the way to the planetarium, Ms. Frizzle saves the day by blasting into outer space for an epic interplanetary field trip! But when rivalries both old and new threaten to tear the students apart, our young heroes must learn to pull together or risk getting forever lost in the solar system. Hop on the Magic School Bus for a ride in this new musical adaptation based on the original book series published by Scholastic. TheaterWorksUSA. Ages 5 +.

WANT TO GO? $30

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 1
WHERE: DR2 Theatre, 103 East 15 Street, DR2 Theatre, DR2 Theatre

WHAT:

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show has been dazzling audiences around the globe for over five years, faithfully bringing to the stage Eric Carle’s timeless classics. Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, each production of the critically acclaimed show features a menagerie of over 75 magical puppets, including the star of the show –The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Alongside The Very Hungry Caterpillar, every production of the show features three other Eric Carle stories, meaning children and families will experience a different show every time they see it.

WANT TO GO? $48-$110

The Little Mermaid the Musical Off-Broadway

WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 1
WHERE: The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St., The Players Theatre, The Players Theatre

WHAT:

Afterward, the children are invited to create a sea creature that they can bring home as a souvenir.

Pre-show Arts Workshop:  one hour prior to Sat 3pm and Sun 11a performances

(Additional SCHOOL BREAK 1p workshop and 2p matinees on Wed, April 12)

(NO SHOWS ON: Sunday, March 26th and April 9th)

Appropriate for all ages – we have no age restrictions – recommended for 5 and up

Show is approximately 70 minutes long with no intermission. Ticket price includes pre-show arts workshop.

WANT TO GO? $42-62

MOCACREATE: Chrysanthemums for Qing Ming with Teaching Artist Yu Rong FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 1
WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St, Museum of Chinese in America, Museum of Chinese in America

WHAT:

It’s almost time for Qing Ming (清明), a holiday dedicated to honoring our ancestors, cleaning their grave sites, and making ritual offerings. Both the white chrysanthemum, a flower of mourning, and the willow branch, a symbol of new life that wards off troubled spirits, are common Qing Ming offerings.

During this special MOCACREATE workshop, we’ll be celebrating Qing Ming by creating ink drawings of symbolic chrysanthemums on rice and yupo paper. We’ll experiment with ink and water to see how they react on different types of paper.

We’ll also be writing letters to our ancestors on green paper, which we’ll use to decorate a collaborative willow tree made to honor our loved ones who are no longer with us.

FREE! Click for more information!

Yu Rong is a painter and product designer who has exhibited paintings and wine goblet designs in the US, UK, Italy, and the Czech Republic. She was born in Sichuan and currently lives in New York City. Yu is interested in designing products that are fun to use and creating paintings that are natural and true. She is currently a teaching artist at the Hope Garden Center and MOCA, as well as a member of the CREATE Council on the Arts in the Catskills New York and at Ceres gallery, a feminist, not-for-profit, alternative gallery in New York City dedicated to the promotion of contemporary women in the arts. You can learn more about her here: www.yurong.work!

WANT TO GO? Free

The Little Mermaid the Musical Off-Broadway

WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 1
WHERE: The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St., The Players Theatre, The Players Theatre

WHAT:

Afterward, the children are invited to create a sea creature that they can bring home as a souvenir.

Pre-show Arts Workshop:  one hour prior to Sat 3pm and Sun 11a performances

(Additional SCHOOL BREAK 1p workshop and 2p matinees on Wed, April 12)

(NO SHOWS ON: Sunday, March 26th and April 9th)

Appropriate for all ages – we have no age restrictions – recommended for 5 and up

Show is approximately 70 minutes long with no intermission. Ticket price includes pre-show arts workshop.

WANT TO GO? $42-62

China Institute – Hoppy Rabbit Playdate FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Apr. 2
WHERE: China Institute, 125 E. 65th St., China Institute, China Institute

WHAT:

China Institute Hoppy Rabbit Playdate program offers 1-hour open session where families can bring their children to our spacious and cozy indoor playground space to play, socialize, have fun with age-appropriate toys and activities. This is also a great time to meet children and families interested in exploring Chinese language and culture.

All families are welcome! Children are required to stay with their caregivers at all times, with the supervision and support from Mandarin speaking educators and dedicated staff. Toys, crayons, picture books, and other educational supplies will be provided onsite.

In the new year of the Rabbit, let’s make many new friends and great memories!

WANT TO GO? Free

Easter Brunch with the Bunny

WHEN: Sunday, Apr. 2
WHERE: Hard Rock Cafe New York, 1501 Broadway, Hard Rock Cafe New York, Hard Rock Cafe New York

WHAT:

This family friendly Easter brunch will have Easter coloring for kids, eggs and candy, Theatrical Bunny meet and greet and photo op and fun. Breakfast will be served buffet style and will include Eggs, Potatoes, Bacon, Turkey Sausage, Pancakes, Fresh Fruit, Pastries and more! Coffee, Juice and Tea included. Kids ticket include Easter eggs filled with candy. Adults can also add our Bottomless Mimosa option for $19.50.

WANT TO GO? Tickets are $24 for adults and $10 for kids under 10.

Ostereiersuchen – Easter Egg Hunt

WHEN: Sunday, Apr. 2
WHERE: Central Park, Wild West Playground, Central Park West & W 93rd St,, Central Park, Wild West Playground, Central Park, Wild West Playground

WHAT:

Gather for a fun Easter Egg Hunt with various stations where the kids can engage in fun games (ie Eierlaufen, Sackhüpfen). Once all the points are gathered, they can start the Egg Hunt for their very special Easter Gift that the “Osterhase” hid for them.

WANT TO GO? $30 per child; $10 per adult

Eldridge Arts & Learning: Stained Glass (Ages 5+)

WHEN: Sunday, Apr. 2
WHERE: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge Street, Museum at Eldridge Street, Museum at Eldridge Street

WHAT:

At the Museum at Eldridge Street, the more than sixty stained glass windows serve many important roles. From capturing natural light to displaying a beautiful design, the colorful shapes and patterns bring the synagogue to life. Learn about the stained glass windows of this historic synagogue and collage a colorful creation of your own!

Please note: this is not a drop-off activity. Children must have an adult companion with them at all times. Tickets must be purchased in advance, as space is limited.

Cool Culture Pass holders and those with SNAP benefits can attend for free.

Face coverings are required for all visitors ages 2 and older, even if they are vaccinated.

WANT TO GO? $0-$12

Freedom Art Jam – In-Person Family Day

WHEN: Sunday, Apr. 2
WHERE: The Jewish Museum, Scheuer Auditorium, 1109 5th Ave., The Jewish Museum, Scheuer Auditorium, The Jewish Museum, Scheuer Auditorium

WHAT:

This Passover extravaganza features art, music, and dancing! Set yourself free to the joyful sounds of Grammy-winner Joanie Leeds, craft a holiday work of art, create a freedom shaker, add to a giant mixed-media seder themed installation, explore the galleries, and more!

This program will be offered in American Sign Language and with interpretation.

WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $18; $12 seniors; $8 students; free for youth younger than 18 and members

GatherNYC presents Trio Fadolìn

WHEN: Sunday, Apr. 2
WHERE: Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), 2 Columbus Circle, Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), Museum of Arts and Design (MAD)

WHAT:

GatherNYC presents Trio Fadolìn (Sabina Torosjan on violin, Valeriya Sholokhova on cello, and Ljova, performing on the fadolín) in its Sunday morning concert series at the Museum of Arts and Design in Columbus Circle. Guests at GatherNYC are served exquisite live classical music by New York’s most celebrated artists, a taste of the spoken word, and a brief celebration of silence. The entire experience lasts one hour and evokes the community and spiritual nourishment of a religious service – but the religion is music, and all are welcome.

WANT TO GO? $25

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

WHEN: Sunday, Apr. 2
WHERE: DR2 Theatre, 103 East 15 Street, DR2 Theatre, DR2 Theatre

WHAT:

WANT TO GO? $48-$110

Synagogues of the Lower East Side Walking Tour

WHEN: Sunday, Apr. 2
WHERE: , , ,

WHAT:

Stroll through the neighborhood’s 100-year-old history! One hundred years ago, there were as many as 500 synagogues dotting the streets of the Lower East Side. Only a few, like the Museum’s landmark building and the Bialystocker Synagogue, still exist in their original form; most are distant memories or have been altered beyond recognition. Some even serve completely different functions – as Buddhist temples or private homes!

Join historian Bradley Shaw to explore the evolution of the Lower East Side through the fate of its synagogues. You’ll learn about the ones still in existence, the ones that were lost, and the ones transformed to fit the needs of a changing neighborhood.

Museum at Eldridge Street Walking Tours are only available to small groups (20 people max). This tour is available to both individual ticket holders and families.

The Museum at Eldridge Street requires proof of vaccination for all visitors over the age of 12.

WANT TO GO? $0 – $28.52

Holi On The Hudson 2023

WHEN: Sunday, Apr. 2
WHERE: Riverside Park near Pier I Cafe, 500 W 70th St, Riverside Park near Pier I Cafe, Riverside Park near Pier I Cafe

WHAT:

Holi is a Hindu festival of spring which typically falls on the full moon day (Purnima) between the end of February and the middle of March (month of Phalgun). In India, Holi is celebrated by people of all nationalities, backgrounds, and religions. The festival spreads the messages of love, goodness, and renewal.

Celebrate the onset of spring and warm weather by being out in nature, and soaking up the warmth of the sun! There will be activities to keep the whole family engaged and learning.

Entrance to the venue is free. Price includes kites for the whole family, access to all the creative art activities, and organized performances. To add more to the festivities come dressed in casual Indian clothes!

WANT TO GO? Admission is free; $15 ticket includes includes kites for the whole family, access to all the creative art activities, and organized performances.

The Little Mermaid the Musical Off-Broadway

WHEN: Sunday, Apr. 2
WHERE: The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St., The Players Theatre, The Players Theatre

WHAT:

Afterward, the children are invited to create a sea creature that they can bring home as a souvenir.

Pre-show Arts Workshop:  one hour prior to Sat 3pm and Sun 11a performances

(Additional SCHOOL BREAK 1p workshop and 2p matinees on Wed, April 12)

(NO SHOWS ON: Sunday, March 26th and April 9th)

Appropriate for all ages – we have no age restrictions – recommended for 5 and up

Show is approximately 70 minutes long with no intermission. Ticket price includes pre-show arts workshop.

WANT TO GO? $42-62

Looking for more events in your area? Search our comprehensive events calendar.

There’s a lot to do this weekend with your family, whether you're planning a day trip that's close to New York City or are looking for the best things to do with kids in Manhattan this weekend. After all, weekends are the best because you get to spend time with your kids, so make the most of your time together and check out our picks for the best kid-friendly activities in Manhattan! From storytimes and concerts to museum exhibits, crafts activities, seasonal events, and more, you're sure to find something to do that keeps everyone happy and having fun. Look no further for ideas and plan your weekend in New York City with our guide that highlights the best family-friendly (virtual and in-person) events happening in and around your neighborhood, including family fun in Central Park, the Lower East Side, the Upper West Side, Harlem, Midtown, the Upper East Side, Greenwich Village, Battery Park, Bryant Park, Tribeca, the Bronx, and Lower Manhattan. You can also find weekend fun in ourBrooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, and Rockland—and check out our Manhattan calendar for hundreds of things to do each month!

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