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!
Yeti, Set, Snow! - Autism Friendly Show
WHEN: Friday, Jan. 24, 10:30-11:15am
WHERE: Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park, W. 81st Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: An original story and production from the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, Yet, Set, Snow! is the story of a young girl and her friend who encounter a yeti named Pascetti on the first snow day of the winter season. This show will have reduced sound and the lights will be dimly kept on.
WANT TO GO? $8-12. 212-988-9093. cityparksfoundation.org/arts/swedish-cottage-marionette-theatre/.
Origin 1st Irish Presents Scor on Broadway
WHEN: Friday, Jan. 24, 7:00pm
WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: This unique crossover of Irish Culture and Sports will include performances from NY GAA Clubs, County Associations, and many groups celebrating their hidden stage talents for one night on Broadway!
WANT TO GO? $25 adults; $15 children . 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.
New York City Ballet Access Workshop for Children with Physical Disabilities
WHEN: Dec. 21-Jan. 25, 12/21, 11:00am-12:00pm; 1/25, 10:00-11:00am
WHERE: Samuel B & David Rose Building, 7th Floor, 165 West 65th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam, New York
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: An exploration of the music, movement, and themes of some of NYCB's most treasured repertory.
WANT TO GO? FREE. 2128705636. https://nycballet.com/Educate/Access-Programs/Workshops-for-Children-with-Physical-Disabilities.aspx.
FREE Read to our New York Therapy Dog!
WHEN: Jan. 4-25, Saturdays, 10:30am
WHERE: New York Public Library - Webster Library, 1465 York Ave., Upper East Side
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Read to therapy dog Tugboat! Pre-registration required for each 15-minute slot.
WANT TO GO? 212-288-5049. https://nypl.org/locations/webster.
FREE Latin American Drumming
WHEN: Jan. 4-25, Saturdays, 11:30am
WHERE: Hamilton Grange Library, 503 W. 145th St., Upper Manhattan
AGES: Newborn-5
WHAT: Using his collection of exotic instruments, percussionist Norberto Goldberg explores the tropical rhythms of Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond, and demonstrates how these beats have shaped and been shaped by other cultures. Ages 2-5 years.
WANT TO GO? 212-926-2147. nypl.org/locations/hamilton-grange.
FREE R&R: Shabbat at the JCC
WHEN: Jan. 4-25, Saturdays, 2:00-5:00pm
WHERE: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave, Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Make your Shabbat afternoon special and experience our community with workshops in art, yoga, meditation, food, music, lectures, film, creative art projects, spa experiences, and indoor and outdoor play.
WANT TO GO? FREE. 6465055708. https://jccmanhattan.org/r-and-r.
Just Kidding: Elizabeth Mitchell & You Are My Flower
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 25, 11:00am
WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Join two-time GRAMMY Award nominee and Smithsonian Folkways artist Elizabeth Mitchell and her family band for a gorgeous morning of gentle, homespun renditions of songs by Bob Marley, The Velvet Underground, David Bowie, Gillian Welch, and more.
WANT TO GO? $17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.
Every Voice Choirs
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 25, 7:00pm
WHERE: Kaufman Music Center, 129 W. 67th St., Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with EVC's Kids Choir, Youth Choir, Concert Choir, and Hunter Singers with guests, The Teachers College Community Choir.
WANT TO GO? $20. 212-501-3330. kaufmanmusiccenter.org.
Philadanco
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 25, 2:00pm
WHERE: Clark Studio Theater, 165 West 65th Street, 7th Floor, New York
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: This show will celebrate the company's impact on the dance world, featuring Philadanco's greatest classic works alongside some of today's most exciting contemporary choreographers.
WANT TO GO? $25 (Member Price $18). 2128755375. http://lincolncenter.org/kids?_ga=2.80949207.1761371398.1568035735-1607202316.1554131208.
'Subway' Storytime
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 25, 10:30-11:45am
WHERE: Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, Battery Park City
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Kids will read Christoph Niemann’s picture book “SUBWAY,” and then use different materials to design and create their very own city-wide transportation system and vehicles. Ages 2-5. RSVP required.
WANT TO GO? $5. https://skyscraper.org/.
FREE 21st New Year Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 25, 11:00am-3:30pm
WHERE: Sara D. Roosevelt Park, East Houston Street to Canal Street, between Chrystie Street and Forsyth Street, Lower East Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Ring in the Lunar New Year at this free fireworks ceremony and festival.
WANT TO GO? http://betterchinatown.com/.
Historic Craft Workshop: Clock-Making
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 25, 2:00pm
WHERE: Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden, 421 E. 61st St., New York
AGES: 9-12, Adult
WHAT:
WANT TO GO? $20 Adults; $15 Members and Students with IDs. 212-838-6878. http://mvhm.org.
FREE Drop In On Design | Designing With Found Pigments
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 25, 11:00am-3:00pm
WHERE: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2 E. 91st St., Upper East Side
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Join guest designer Natalie Stopka to make your own paint from materials found in her studio garden and create your own work of art.
WANT TO GO? 212-849-8400. cooperhewitt.org.
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.
New York Boat Show
WHEN: Jan. 22-26, Wed.-Fri., 12:00-9:00pm; Sat. 10:00am-9:00pm; Sun. 10:00am-6:00pm
WHERE: Jacob Javits Center, 655 W. 34th St., Chelsea
AGES: All
WHAT: The Progressive® Insurance New York Boat Show will return to the Javits Center with new model boats, boating gear, accessories, and more.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Little skippers will have boatloads of fun creating a one-of-a kind nautical masterpieces to take home as a show souvenir.
WANT TO GO? $16; free for children younger than 13. 212-216-2000. https://nyboatshow.com.
AKC Meet the Breeds 2020
WHEN: Jan. 25-26, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00am-5:00pm
WHERE: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 429 11th Ave, Midtown
AGES: All
WHAT: This family-friendly, educational extravaganza gives animal lovers the unique opportunity to meet and play with hundreds of adorable dogs and cats while learning about responsible pet ownership.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Almost 200 breeds of dogs and cats will be on site!
WANT TO GO? $32. 2126968256. https://akc.org/sports/meet-the-breeds/.
Galli's: The Princess and the Pea
WHEN: Jan. 25-26, Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00pm
WHERE: Galli Theater, 74 Warren Street, New York
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Prince Prince is looking for a princess. After a failed attempt at speed dating, the right woman shows up at his door. Only the Royal Pea Test will reveal if she is a true princess.
WANT TO GO? $20 adults; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.
Disney's Cinderella Kids Performance
WHEN: Jan. 25-26, See website for days and times
WHERE: 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side
AGES: All
WHAT: This adaptation of the treasured animated film will charm its way into your heart.
WANT TO GO? $15. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.
42nd Street Young Performers Edition Performance
WHEN: Jan. 25-26, Saturday, 7:00pm; Sunday 4:00pm
WHERE: 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side
AGES: All
WHAT: The ultimate show-biz musical, 42nd Street is a celebration of Broadway, Times Square, and the people who make the magic of musical theater.
WANT TO GO? $15. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.
Broadway Playhouse: Charles Strouse
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 26, 11:00am
WHERE: Kaufman Music Center, 129 W. 67th St., Upper West Side
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Join Sean Hartley and the beloved Broadway Playhouse cast of zanies as they sing, clown, play games, and introduce children to the great writers of American musical theater. At each concert, children are chosen from the audience to participate in the fun! Ages 4-11.
WANT TO GO? $25. 212-501-3330. kaufmanmusiccenter.org.
Sunday Funday 2019
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 26, 9:30am-2:00pm
WHERE: Chelsea Piers - Pier 60, Hudson River and West 23rd Street, Chelsea
AGES: All
WHAT: Children’s Museum of Manhattan will host its sixth annual Sunday Funday family benefit full of family entertainment, indoor sports, games, creative workshops, and fabulous food.
WANT TO GO? $150 adults; $95 children. chelseapiers.com.
History Hunters: A Kid's Life at School
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 26, 11:00am-12:30pm
WHERE: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge Street, Lower East Side
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: The past comes alive in this interactive family program that takes children back in time to discover what Lower East Side kids experienced at school more than 100 years ago.
WANT TO GO? $15 adults; $10 kids; free for children younger than 5. 212-219-0302. eldridgestreet.org.
FREE EXPLO Info Meeting
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 26, 2:00pm
WHERE: Marymount School, 1026 Fifth Avenue, Upper East Side
AGES: 5-17
WHAT: EXPLO info meetings give you and your family the opportunity to ask questions and get a first-hand feel for our programs.
WANT TO GO? FREE. 781-762-7400. https://explo.org/.
Oshogatsu: New Year’s Celebration
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 26, 1:00-4:00pm
WHERE: Japan Society, 333 E 47th St, New York
AGES: 3 and older
WHAT:
WANT TO GO? $18; $10 members. 2127151275. https://japansociety.org/event/oshogatsu-new-years-celebration.
FREE Retro Video Game Day
WHEN: Jan. 3-31, Fridays, 3:30pm
WHERE: Grand Central Library, 135 E. 46th St., Midtown
AGES: 13-17
WHAT: Have a blast with those old school 8, 16, and 32 bit consoles, games, and controllers you all love. All you have to bring is you and your skills!
WANT TO GO? 212-621-0670. nypl.org.
FREE Bilingual Birdies Mandarin Series
WHEN: Jan. 17-31, Friday 1/17 and 1/31, 11:15am
WHERE: New York Public Library - Seward Park Branch, 192 East Broadway, Lower East Side
AGES: Newborn-5
WHAT: Bilingual Birdies will take families on a magical journey to learn words in Mandarin and explore fun new themes!
WANT TO GO? https://nypl.org/locations/seward-park.
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/.
The Transfiguration Of Benjamin Banneker
WHEN: Jan. 23-Feb. 2, Thursdays through Saturdays, 7:00p; Sundays, 3:00pm
WHERE: La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, 66 E 4th Street, NEW YORK
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: The Transfiguration of Benjamin Banneker is a multi-disciplinary spectacle with a marching band, dancers, 12-foot puppets, shadow puppetry and moving projection screens. This event celebrates the life of Benjamin Banneker, a free black man living in Maryland from 1731 to 1806, who had a passion for the stars, taught himself mathematics and astronomy, and made important scientific discoveries.
WANT TO GO? See website for details. (212) 254-6468. http://lamama.org/benjamin-banneker/.
Thunderbird American Indian Dancers' in Concert!
WHEN: Jan. 24-Feb. 2, Fridays and Saturdays, 8:00pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 3:00pm
WHERE: Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave., East Village
AGES: All
WHAT: There will be dances, stories, and traditional music from Native Peoples of the Northeast, Southwest, and Great Plains regions.
WHY WE LOVE IT: The event has become a treasured New York tradition for celebrating our diversity by honoring the culture of our first Americans.
WANT TO GO? $15. 212-254-1109. theaterforthenewcity.net.
The Whodunit at the Met Family Scavenger Hunt
WHEN: Jan. 4-Feb. 19, Saturday, 1/4 and 1/18, 10:30am; Wednesday 2/19, 10:30am
WHERE: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: In this mischievous mystery, kids and adults team up to search great works of art to expose a killer. For ages 10 and older.
WANT TO GO? $39 adults; $31 kids ages 10-17 (includes Museum admission). 212-535-7710. metmuseum.org.
FREE Discovery Walks For Families: Harlem Meer
WHEN: Jan. 4-Feb. 21, 1/4, 1/19, 1/26, 2/1, 2/15, 2/18, 2/19, 2/21, 11:00am
WHERE: Central Park - Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Inside the Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues, Central Park
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Learn about how the area has changed over time, the plants and animals that live there today, and how the Conservancy cares for this complex ecosystem.
WANT TO GO? 212-860-1370. http://centralparknyc.org/events/individual-events/Discovery-Walks-for-Families-North-Woods-11-7-2015-1.html.
FREE Read-to-Skate StoryTime
WHEN: Jan. 11-Feb. 22, Saturdays, 11:30am-12:30pm
WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown
AGES: All
WHAT: Read and sing along with Cali Co Cat and earn a free skate rental!
WANT TO GO? 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.
FREE Discovery Walk for Families: Shakespeare Garden
WHEN: Jan. 19-Feb. 23, 1/19, 2/1, 2/19, 2/23, 11:00am
WHERE: Central Park: Belvedere Castle, Central Park, mid-Park at 79th Street, Central Park
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Bring your whole family for a guided walk through Shakespeare Garden, which features flowers included in the writer’s great works.
WANT TO GO? 212-772-0210. centralparknyc.org/events/individual-events/Discovery-Walks-for-Families-Ramble-11-14-2015-1.html.
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.
FREE imagiNATIONS Activity Center
WHEN: Jan. 1- March 16, daily, 10:00am-4:30pm
WHERE: National Museum of the American Indian, 1 Bowling Green, Lower Manhattan
AGES: All
WHAT: Visitors of all ages will explore Native scientific discoveries and inventions so ingenious many continue to affect the modern world.
WANT TO GO? 212-514-3700. americanindian.si.edu.
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.
