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 concerts and performances to museum exhibits, shows, crafts activities, seasonal events, and parades, 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 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, Sugar Hill, Tribeca, the Bronx, and Lower Manhattan.
RELATED: Get Great Weekend Activities in Your Inbox!
Glow-in-the-Dark Chanukah Dinner
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 13, 6pm
WHERE: 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Gather round for blessings, dancing, glow in the dark games and activities, wine (for the grown-ups), and a delicious catered meal by Chef Russ Moss. All food is kosher and nut/sesame free!
WHY WE LOVE IT: It promises to be an extravaganza of music, glow sticks, latkes, and light!
WANT TO GO? $36 and up. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.
Winter Beach Party
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 13, 12-5pm
WHERE: Children's Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Soho
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Using clay, create a beach landscape complete with oceans, beach towels, and umbrellas.
WANT TO GO? FREE with museum admission ($13). 212-274-0986. cmany.org/.
Lenfest Kids: H2O
WHEN: Sept. 21-Dec. 14, All showings at 11am and 3pm, see website for dates
WHERE: Lenfest Center for the Arts, 615 W. 129th St., New York
AGES: 5-17
WHAT: Explore the world's oceans through a diverse range of films spanning live-action and animation, classics, and recent hits.
WANT TO GO? $7 in advance; $9 at the door. 212-853-1618. https://lenfest.arts.columbia.edu/kids.
Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol': A Play with Music
WHEN: Dec. 12-14, daily, 8pm
WHERE: Morris-Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Terrace, Harlem
AGES: All
WHAT: Good for the whole family, this performance combines Dickens' brilliant original text with both traditional and unexpected Christmas music.
WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 212-923-8008. morrisjumel.org.
WeBop Family Jazz Party
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11am, 1pm, and 3pm
WHERE: Jazz at Lincoln Center, 10 Columbus Circle, New York
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Families will sing and swing into the season with this fun and interactive show.
WANT TO GO? $25 (non-walking babies do not need a ticket). 212-721-6500. https://jazz.org/events/t-10076/.
FREE Con Edison Family Day: Paper Ornaments & Pomanders
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 12-3pm
WHERE: Morris-Jumel Mansion , 65 Jumel Terrace, Harlem
AGES: All
WHAT: December’s ConEd Family Day will have two holiday activities with extended hours, and will occur during the Victorian Holiday Party.
WANT TO GO? 212-923-8008. morrisjumel.org.
Falu’s Bazaar
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11am
WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th St., Upper West Side
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Falu's show celebrates the instruments, languages, sights, and humanity of our diverse world with songs about animals, counting, spices, South Asian cooking, and the wide diversity of cultures.
WANT TO GO? $14-17. 212-864-5400. https://symphonyspace.org/events/just-kidding-falus-bazaar.
Peter Pan
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11am
WHERE: BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., Tribeca
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: In the spirit of the original tale, this production tells the story through the eyes of six children living in Edwardian England.
WANT TO GO? $30. 212-220-1460. https://tribecapac.org/event/peter-pan/.
Season of Lights: A Winter Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 10am-12pm
WHERE: Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Activities include rolling beeswax candles, cutting Chinese and Taiwanese paper lanterns, and sculpting clay candelabras inspired by Hindu floating lamps, Jewish menorahs, and Kwanzaa kinaras.
WANT TO GO? $10. 212-316-7530. https://stjohndivine.org/calendar/28951/season-of-lights-a-winter-workshop.
Winter Wonderland Lantern
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 10:30-11:45am
WHERE: The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, New York
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Build a magical winter wonderland lantern featuring skyscrapers from around the world. RSVP required.
WANT TO GO? $5 per child. 212-945-6324. http://skyscraper.org/WHAT'S_UP/family_programs.htm.
Gingerbread House & Cookie Decorating Contest
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 12-3pm
WHERE: Monarch Rooftop & Indoor Lounge, 71 W. 35th St., New York
AGES: All
WHAT: Join Monarch Rooftop for our Annual Gingerbread House and Cookie Decorating Event on Saturday, December 14th, 2019 12pm-3pm. We will be providing Complimentary Hot/Cold Beverages, Cocktails and Light fare.
WANT TO GO? $15 adults; $10 kids. 212-630-9993. monarchrooftop.com.
Story Pirates Flagship Show
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 12pm
WHERE: The Flea Theater, 20 Thomas St., New York
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Stories by children from NYC and beyond will be brought to life and staged by the Story Pirates professional improvisational and comedic actors replete with music, costumes and sets. At the show, Story Pirates cast will take story ideas from the audience and turn them into hilarious musical sketch comedy, songs.
WANT TO GO? 37. 2122260051. https://storypirates.com/buy-tickets/.
Sundays: Dig-Drop In
WHEN: Through Dec. 15: second Sunday of each month, 12-3pm
WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., New York
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Discover a passion for ancient artifacts in the Museum's simulated archaeological dig.
WANT TO GO? FREE with museum admission ($18 adults; free for children and teens). 212-423-3200. https://thejewishmuseum.org/programs/families?utm_source=Listing&utm_medium=Listing&utm_campaign=L_FPSundaysDigDropIn_2019.
Kids 'N Comedy
WHEN: Through Dec. 15: Sundays, Sept. 22, Oct. 27, Nov. 24, Dec. 15, 12:30pm
WHERE: Gotham Comedy Club, 208 W. 28th St., Chelsea
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: See the funniest young comedians in New York, and even get the chance to tell a joke yourself, live on stage.
WANT TO GO? $15 Cover + 1 item minimum per person. 212-367-9000. gothamcomedyclub.com/.
The Dangerous Christmas of Red Riding Hood
WHEN: Through Dec. 15: see website for days and times
WHERE: TADA! Youth Theater, 15 W. 28th St., Chelsea
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: A hilarious take on the Red Riding Hood tale as told from the wolf’s point of view.
WANT TO GO? $30 adults; $15 children. 212-252-1619. tadatheater.com.
Peter & the Wolf with Isaac Mizrahi
WHEN: Dec. 7-15, see website for showtimes
WHERE: The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side
AGES: 3 and older
WHAT: Isaac Mizrahi narrates and directs Sergei Prokofiev's charming children's classic.
WHY WE LOVE IT: The costumes are by Mizrahi himself and the show is just 30 minutes, perfect for little ones!
WANT TO GO? $45. 646-765-4773. https://guggenheim.org/event/peter-the-wolf-with-isaac-mizrahi.
NY Handmade Collective's Holiday Handmade Cavalcade
WHEN: Dec. 9-15, daily, 10:30am-7:30pm
WHERE: Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave., Chelsea
AGES: All
WHAT:
WANT TO GO? FREE admission; prices for goods varies.. 917-463-3833. handmadecavalcade.com.
Dances Patrelle presents The Yorkville Nutcracker 2019
WHEN: Dec. 13-15, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday, 12pm and 5pm
WHERE: Kaye Playhouse, 695 Park Ave., Upper East Side
AGES: 3 and older
WHAT: Audiences enjoy lavish sets and costumes and a tour through Olde New York's most beloved landmarks.
WANT TO GO? $70. 646-765-4773. https://dancespatrelle.org/.
11th Annual St. Nicholas Cookie Walk
WHEN: Dec. 14-15, Saturday, 11am-4pm; Sunday, 12-3pm
WHERE: St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 288 E. 10th St., New York
AGES: All
WHAT:
WANT TO GO? FREE to Enter; Cookies - $20 and $35. 2122546685. stnicholascookiewalk.com.
3D Gingerbread House Installation
WHEN: Dec. 14-15, Saturday and Sunday, 1-3pm
WHERE: Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Contribute to an evolving 3D gingerbread house installation inspired by the assemblage and collage style of art-making.
WANT TO GO? FREE with museum admission ($15; free for children younger than 1). 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
Family Day: Gingerbread Architecture
WHEN: Dec. 14-15, Saturday and Sunday, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm
WHERE: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, Greenwich Village
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Help Gingerbread City cross the pond! The Center for Architecture and London's Museum of Architecture invite families to participate in a gingerbread skyline workshop.
WANT TO GO? $50 per gingerbread building kit. 212-358-6133. centerforarchitecture.org/familyday.
OGO
WHEN: Dec. 14-15, Saturday and Sunday, 11am & 2pm
WHERE: Clark Studio Theater, 165 W. 65th St., 7th Floor, Upper West Side
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Featuring live music and puppetry, this charming and gentle production will elicit laughter and wonderment.
WANT TO GO? $25 (Member Price $18). 212-875-5375. http://lincolncenter.org/kids?_ga=2.80949207.1761371398.1568035735-1607202316.1554131208.
Let it Glow! Family Chanukah Concert
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 10:30am
WHERE: 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Sing and dance, then shmooze, hit up the donut bar, check out fun mitzvah projects, and keep the good times rolling at a lively afterparty.
WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.
Winter Wonderland Family Disco!
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 1-5pm
WHERE: The Venue, 2284 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., Harlem
AGES: 3-5, 5-8, Adult
WHAT: Kids Dance Revolution is a themed discotheque-styled experience tailored for the enjoyment of the entire family. Kids 9 months to 7 years olds with their families will bond over generational sounds and throwback dance steps.
WANT TO GO? $12; $40 for family of 4. 201-565-2564. https://KidsDanceRevolution.com.
Holiday Gift Sewing Workshop
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 1:30-3:30pm
WHERE: The Fashion Class, 21 W. 39th St., 4th Floor, Midtown
AGES: 5-17
WHAT: Make handmade holiday gifts this year for friends and family. Choose from a pillow, a zippered pouch, or two scrunchies. Ages 6-15 years. Registration required.
WANT TO GO? $50. 646-239-6663. https://midtown.thefashionclass.com/collections/workshops/products/holiday-gift-making-workshop.
Origami Folding Fun Sessions
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 10:30am-12pm
WHERE: The American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park W., Upper West Side
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Families can explore the magic of origami together.
WANT TO GO? $35 . 212-769-5100. amnh.org.
Family Days: Hanukkah Family Day
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 12-4pm
WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Midtown
AGES: 3 and older
WHAT: Dance to the pop-rock tunes of ShirLaLa, sketch Hanukkah lamps from around the globe, watch a unique Hanukkah story come to life through a drawing performance, and collaborate on a giant work of art.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Families can engage in a Jewish Museum tradition and build a sculptural Hanukkah lamp with funky found objects.
WANT TO GO? FREE with Museum Admission ($18; free for children younger than 19). 212-423-3200. https://thejewishmuseum.org/calendar/day/2019/12/15/?utm_source=Listing&utm_medium=Listing&utm_campaign=L_FPFamilyDays_12152019.
MOCACREATE: Time Capsules & Treasure Keepers
WHEN: Dec. 7-21, Dec. 7 and Dec. 21, 2-5pm
WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., New York
AGES: 3 and older
WHAT: Take a bit of the present and preserve it for the future by creating a personalized time capsule!
WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission ($12 adults; $8 children, students, and seniors). 855-955-6622. http://mocanyc.org/visit/events/mocacreate_time_capsules_treasure_keepers.
Breakfast With Santa
WHEN: Through Dec. 22: Saturday-Sunday, 9:30am
WHERE: Broadway Comedy Club, 318 W. 53rd St., Midtown
AGES: All
WHAT: An interactive musical comedy show, continental breakfast, and pictures with Santa.
WANT TO GO? $25-35. 212-568-6560. improv4kids.com.
Seven in One Blow, or the Brave Little Kid
WHEN: Dec. 6-22, Fridays, 7pm; Saturday-Sunday, 3pm; Dec. 19, 7pm
WHERE: Axis Theatre, 1 Sheridan Square, Greenwich Village
AGES: 3 and older
WHAT: Adapted from the classic fairy tale by The Brothers Grimm, this interactive play tells the story of a child who kills seven flies with a single swat.
WANT TO GO? $20; $10 students and seniors; $5 children. 212-352-3101. https://axiscompany.org/.
A Golem from Buenos Aires
WHEN: Dec. 9-22, Saturday-Sunday, 11am and 1pm
WHERE: 14th Street Y, 344 E. 14th St., East Village
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: A multidisciplinary theater play for the whole family, inspired by the Jewish legend of the Golem of Prague.
WANT TO GO? $22. 212-780-0800. 14streety.org.
FREE Santa's Corner
WHEN: Dec. 14-22, daily, 1-3pm
WHERE: Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, Between W. 40th and 42nd Streets, Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Midtown
AGES: All
WHAT: The week-long winter wonderland features a photo op, holiday crafts, and the chance to whisper your wish list in Santa’s ear!
WHY WE LOVE IT: Families can enjoy free photos, caroling, and holiday crafts.
WANT TO GO? 212-768-4242. wintervillage.org.
Santaland
WHEN: Through Dec. 24: hours vary between 7am-9pm daily
WHERE: Macy's Herald Square, 151 W. 34th Street, Midtown
AGES: All
WHAT: Head to a Macy's Santaland near you to meet and snap a photo with St. Nick!
WANT TO GO? FREE admission (keepsake photos available for purchase). 212-695-4400. macys.com.
Sam Eaton's The Quantum Eye - Mentalism and Magic Show
WHEN: Through Dec. 26, 5pm
WHERE: Theatre 80, 80 Saint Marks Place, East Village
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: An exploration of mentalism and magic where ability and humor blend with audience participation.
WANT TO GO? $49-$79. 347-294-0092. thequantumeye.com.
The CMOM Christmas Tree
WHEN: Dec. 1-27, daily, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Share your memories and make new ones this holiday season as you design ornaments inspired by the art in the exhibit, Art, Artists & You, for the annual CMOM Christmas Tree.
WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission ($15; free for children younger than 1). 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
Saturday Sketching
WHEN: Through Dec. 28: Saturdays, 10am-4pm
WHERE: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Art materials are available for exploration of architectural shapes and spaces.
WANT TO GO? $15; $10 students and seniors; free for children younger than 12. 212-423-3500. guggenheim.org.
Open Studio
WHEN: Through Dec. 29: Saturdays-Sundays, 10:30am-3pm
WHERE: Whitney Museum of American Art , 99 Gansevoort St., Chelsea
AGES: All
WHAT: Make your own art inspired by works on view.
WANT TO GO? $25; $18 seniors/students; free for children younger than 18. 212-570-7713. whitney.org/events/families-open-studio.
Open Studio for Families
WHEN: Through Dec. 29: Sundays, 1-4pm
WHERE: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side
AGES: 3 and older
WHAT: Enjoy a drop-in studio art-making program.
WANT TO GO? $15; $10 students and seniors; free for children younger than 12. 212-423-3500. guggenheim.org.
Sundays: Studio Art Sessions
WHEN: Through Dec. 29: Sundays, 1-4pm
WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Paint, draw, sculpt, or craft a work of art inspired by exhibitions on view.
WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission ($18 adults; free for children and teens). 212-423-3200. https://thejewishmuseum.org/programs/families?utm_source=Listing&utm_medium=Listing&utm_campaign=L_FPStudioArtSundays_2019.
Holiday Nostalgia Rides
WHEN: Dec. 1-29, Sundays, 10am-5pm
WHERE: 2nd Avenue on the F Line, Houston Street, Lower Manhattan
AGES: All
WHAT: Ride one of the eight cars from the 1930s that ran along lettered lines through the late-1970s.
WANT TO GO? $2.75. nytransitmuseum.org/holidaynostalgiarides.
The Little Dancer, A Holiday Family Musical
WHEN: Dec. 1-29, see website for showtimes
WHERE: Theatre 71, 152 W. 71st St., Upper West Side
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: A holiday family musical that tells the heartwarming story of the most famous dancer in the world.
WANT TO GO? $38-$49. 212-877-3111. thelittledancer.org/NYMetroKids.
Galli's: The Snow Queen
WHEN: Dec. 14-29, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm
WHERE: Galli Theater, 74 Warren St., New York
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: A story of enduring friendship and the journey of a young girl who travels through many lands to rescue her friend.
WANT TO GO? $20 adults; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
WHEN: Through Jan. 5: see website for days and times
WHERE: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Ave., Midtown
AGES: All
WHAT: Share the joy of the holidays with your loved ones this year at the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes® presented by Chase. Experience Radio City Music Hall® as it transforms into an immersive, winter wonderland, and create lasting memories with the legendary Rockettes®. Start your tradition at this year’s Christmas Spectacular from November 8th through January 5th!
WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 212-465-6000. radiocity.com.
Cirque Mechanics' 42FT
WHEN: Dec. 6-Jan. 5, see website for showtimes
WHERE: New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Midtown
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: With a brilliant blur of sequined stilts, feathered frocks, and flashing circus stripes, the endlessly inventive Cirque Mechanics upends expectations in a dizzying, dazzling array of acts.
WANT TO GO? $22 and up. 646-223-3010. http://newvictory.org/.
FREE PaleyLand
WHEN: Dec. 7-Jan. 5, Wednesdays through Sundays, 12-6pm
WHERE: The Paley Center for Media, The Paley Center for Media, 25 W. 52 St., New York
AGES: All
WHAT: Create magical holiday memories while engaging in a special Instagram moment in a whimsical candy cane forest, playing holiday-themed video games and VR, enjoying craft activities and games, warming up with hot cocoa, viewing beloved holiday TV classics, and visiting with Santa!
WANT TO GO? 212-621-6697. paleycenter.org.
The Wizard of Oz: A Jazz Musical for All Ages
WHEN: Through Jan. 11: see website for showtimes
WHERE: Harlem Rep/Tato Laviera Theatre, 240 E. 123rd St., Harlem
AGES: All ages
WHAT: "The Wizard of Oz: A Jazz Musical for All Ages," with its timeless score and eternal allegories, is a magical experience for young (and young-at-heart) audiences.
WANT TO GO? 212-868-4444. wizardofozjazzmusical.com.
Junior Keepers
WHEN: Through Jan. 12: Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 15, and Jan. 12, 9-10:30am
WHERE: Central Park Zoo, E. 64th St., Upper East Side
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Each session focuses on a different animal and includes creating some early morning enrichment for them.
WANT TO GO? $60. https://centralparkzoo.com/.
28th Annual Holiday Train Show
WHEN: Through Jan. 26: see website for schedule
WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx
AGES: All
WHAT: Model trains zip through an enchanting display of more than 175 New York landmarks, each delightfully re-created from natural materials.
WANT TO GO? Tickets start at $23 for adults and $10 for children ages 2-12; free for members and children younger than 2. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.
Big Apple Circus
WHEN: Through Feb. 2: see website for showtimes
WHERE: Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: World renowned for its intimate one-ring and artistic style, Big Apple Circus is passionate about revitalizing the circus with unique and astounding human feats, innovative design, and technology.
WHY WE LOVE IT: All your classic circus delights in a climate-controlled Big Top tent with tiered seating, perfect for families with young children.
WANT TO GO? $45 and up; free for children younger than 3 (on lap). 212-721-6500. https://bigapplecircus.com/.
Weekly Powerful Meditation to Manifest Your Best Life
WHEN: Through March 8: Sundays, 6-6:30pm
WHERE: Bode NYC Upper Eastside, 173 E. 83rd St., New York
AGES:
WHAT: A suggested donation of $10 benefits Super Happy Healthy Kids, a non-profit after-school program for New York City Public School children.
WANT TO GO? $10 suggested donation. 917-369-0032. http://superhappyhealthykids.com.
Planet Play
WHEN: Through April 24: select Saturdays, 9:30am (see website for dates)
WHERE: The Wetherby-Pembridge School, 7 E. 96th St., New York
AGES: 3-5
WHAT: Welcome to Planet Play: our magical world of sensory learning, wonder and exploration for babies and toddlers ages 0-3 years. These 45 minute sessions encourage young children to explore the world around them through songs, music and movement in a wonderful sensory experience.
WANT TO GO? $15 per person. 646-569-5742. https://chickenshed.org.uk/nyc.
FREE Movies for Tots
WHEN: Through April 27: Fridays, 11am (no session Sept. 20)
WHERE: Kips Bay Library, 446 Third Ave., Kips Bay
AGES: Newborn to 5
WHAT: A short cartoon or movie suitable for a younger audience.
WANT TO GO?
T. rex: The Ultimate Predator
WHEN: Through Aug. 9, 2020: daily, 10am-5:45pm
WHERE: The American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West, Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: T. rex: The Ultimate Predator will introduce you to the entire tyrannosaur superfamily and reveal the amazing story of the most iconic dinosaur in the world through stunning life-sized models, fossils and casts, engaging interactives, and an immersive multiplayer virtual reality experience developed exclusively for this exhibition.
WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $23; $18 seniors and students; $13 for children ages 2-12. 212-769-5100.amnh.org.
