Things to Do with Kids in NYC this Weekend

Plan your kids' best weekend yet in Manhattan!

By NYMetroParents Staff September 28, 2022

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

Wake up, Daisy!

WHEN: Feb. 18 - Dec. 23, Fridays-Sundays, 11am and 1pm
WHERE: Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park, W. 79th Street and West Drive, Enter Central Park at w 81st St. and Central Park West , Upper West Side, NY
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: This original take on "Sleeping Beauty" is set on New York City’s Upper West Side and is perfect for today’s modern age. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 child. 212-879-0794.
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Sesame Street The Musical

WHEN: Sep. 8 - Nov. 27, See website for schedule
WHERE: Theater Row, 410 W 42nd St., Midtown, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: For the very first time, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, and the rest of your Sesame Street favorites appear in their very own musical featuring Sesame Street’s classic standards and new smash-hit songs by Broadway’s brightest song writers. WANT TO GO? $31.50-135.50. 212-714-2442.
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PaleyWKND FREE

WHEN: Oct. 1 - 2, 10am-6pm
WHERE: The Paley Center for Media, 25 West 52nd Street, Upper West Side, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: This once-in-a-lifetime experience offers interactive and immersive attractions from the exciting worlds of media, sports, gaming, and entertainment. WANT TO GO? 212-621-6600.
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Annual Community Fall Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 1, 11am-3pm
WHERE: Dyckman Farmhouse Museum, 4881 Broadway Street, Inwood, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

The Dyckman Farmhouse Museum is the perfect place to celebrate the best season of the year! This Annual Community Fall Festival will have arts and crafts, story time with the NYPL, a bachata dance workshop with Fuerza Dance Studio, a cider press demonstration, lawn games, and so much more for you to enjoy!

WANT TO GO? 212-304-9422.
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A La Calle Block Party FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 2, 12-4pm
WHERE: Ballet Hispánico, 167 W 89th St., Upper West Side, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Ballet Hisp nico's A La Calle Block Party is a joyous celebration of Latinx dance, music, art, food, and culture! Festivities include live performances from Ballet Hispánico's Pa'lante Scholars, free dance classes, live music, and food from local vendors. New to the block party this year and as part of its commitment to champion and amplify voices within its community, Ballet Hispánico will be inviting select Latinx dance companies from around New York City to perform as guest artists, including Flamenco Vivo, Bombazo Dance Company and Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. Ballet Hispánico 2022 Block Party is made possible in part by the generous support of Con Edison. Additional support for the community event is provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

WANT TO GO? 212-362-6710.
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Sunday Fun Day

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 2, 11am-5pm
WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, Upper West Side, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: On the first Sunday of each month, the whole family can dig into New York's past with the DiMenna Children's History Museum at the New-York Historical Society. Join fun programs for different ages throughout the day, including story time, historical interpreters portraying pioneering women who worked in business and trade in 18th-century New York, family guides to explore the galleries, and a family book club discussing "Wolf Hollow" by Lauren Wolk. WANT TO GO? $22; free for children ages 17 and younger. 212-873-3400.
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Medieval Festival FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 2, 11:30am-6pm
WHERE: Fort Tryon Park, 741 Ft. Washington Ave., Fort Washington, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

The Medieval Festival in Fort Tryon Park brings to life the customs and spirit of the Middle Ages for all to enjoy. Fort Tryon Park is transformed into a medieval market town decorated with bright banners and processional flags. Performers and guests dress in medieval costumes. Visitors are greeted by authentic period music, dance, magic, and minstrels, as well as jugglers and jesters. The festival includes thrilling jousts between four knights on horseback. Experience the culture of a bygone era against the backdrop of The Met Cloisters and the Hudson River during autumn. There is fun for all ages. This free event is produced by NYC Parks and the Washington Heights and Inwood Development Corporation with support from the Fort Tryon Park Trust. Costumed vendors will be on hand to demonstrate and sell a wide variety of medieval crafts as well as food and drink.

WANT TO GO? 212-795-1388.
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Even More Weekend Fun

Gazillion Bubble Show

WHEN: Nov. 5 - 27, Fridays 7pm; Saturdays 11am, 2pm, 4:30pm; Sundays, 12pm, 3pm; Check website for Added Thursdays & Holiday Times
WHERE: New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street, Stage 2, Hell's Kitchen, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Mind-blowing bubble magic, spectacular laser lighting effects, and momentary soapy masterpieces will make you smile, laugh, and feel like a kid again. WANT TO GO? $59-$99.50. 212-239-6200.
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Urban Farm Volunteers FREE

WHEN: Mar. 27 - Oct. 16, Sundays, 10am-1pm **NO SESSIONS May 1, May 22, and June 19**
WHERE: Randall's Island Park, 10 Central Road, East Harlem, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Volunteer to help manage this one-acre Urban Farm. WANT TO GO? 212-860-1899.
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Farm Exploration Days FREE

WHEN: Apr. 2 - Oct. 8, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-4pm **NO SESSION 9/10**
WHERE: Randall's Island Park Alliance, 10 Central Road, Harlem, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Explore the Urban Farm's variety of crops, rice paddies, and fragrant herbs! WANT TO GO? 212-8601-899.
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Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace

WHEN: Apr. 15 - Oct. 22, Mondays-Wednesdays, 10am-10pm; Thursdays-Fridays, 10am-12am; Saturdays, 8am-12am; Sundays, 8am-10pm
WHERE: The Rink at Rockefeller Center, 600 5th Avenue, Midtown, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Roller skate all summer long in NYC at Flipper’s at iconic Rockefeller Center. WANT TO GO? $12-$40.
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Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace

WHEN: Apr. 15 - Oct. 16, Mondays-Wednesdays, 10am-10pm; Thursdays-Fridays, 10am-12am; Saturdays, 8am-12am; Sundays, 8am-10pm
WHERE: The Rink at Rockefeller Center, 600 5th Avenue, Midtown, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Roller skate all summer long in NYC at Flipper’s at iconic Rockefeller Center. WANT TO GO? $12-$40.
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Fun on the Farm FREE

WHEN: May. 7 - Oct. 8, 2-4pm
WHERE: Randall's Island Park, 10 Central Rd. , Randall's Island, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy family fun inspired by the farm, rivers, green spaces and natural areas. Saturdays, May 7-Oct. 8. (not July 30, Sept. 10, 17, Oct. 1) WANT TO GO? 212-860-1899.
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Dior + Balenciaga: The Kings of Couture and Their Legacies FREE

WHEN: Jun. 1 - Nov. 6, Wednesday-Friday, 12-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm
WHERE: The Museum at FIT , 227 W 27th St., Chelsea, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

The Museum at FIT (MFIT) presents Dior + Balenciaga: The Kings of Couture and Their Legacies, an exhibition featuring fashions by the two most important couturiers of the mid-20th century, Christian Dior (1905-1957) and Crist bal Balenciaga (1895-1972). Featuring approximately 65 garments and ensembles drawn solely from The Museum at FIT's permanent collection, it is the first exhibition to juxtapose the work of these legendary designers, side by side.

WANT TO GO? 212-217-4558.
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BATMAN x SPYSCAPE

WHEN: Jun. 8 - 8, Wednesdays-Saturday, 11am-8pm; Sundays, 11am-7pm; Mondays, 11am-8pm
WHERE: SPYSCAPE, 928 8th Ave. , Upper West Side, NY
AGES: 13 and older
WHAT:

BATMAN x SPYSCAPE is an all-new interactive experience that will drop fans into the heart of a Gotham City mystery. This experience will take fans on a top-secret mission to inﬁltrate an underworld organization, Leviathan, whose goal is to disrupt the Super Hero and Super-Villain communities. Fans become recruits and the eyes and ears for the World’s Greatest Detective, Batman, and are enlisted by the mysterious Oracle, an alternate identity of Barbara Gordon (Batgirl), to help solve some mysterious kidnappings. The adventure plays out in an immersive physical world of rich media and interactivity enhanced by a real time / real world mobile app. This approach allows fans to participate in the physical experience, while gathering intel and communicating with some of Gotham City’s most compelling characters through the app, for a unique and elevated experience.

WANT TO GO? Tickets start at $29 for adults and start at $22 for children 6-12 (recommended for ages 13 and older).
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Seaport Discovery: Exploring Our Waters with Eric Carle FREE

WHEN: Jul. 20 - Oct. 2, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11am-5pm
WHERE: South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton Street, Downtown Manhattan, NY
AGES: Newborn-5
WHAT:

The South Street Seaport Museum announces that admission is free for the rest of the summer to a new discovery room of maritime-themed art by the late Eric Carle, beloved creator of picture books for young children. Seaport Discovery: Exploring our Waters with Eric Carle is designed specifically for children aged 2-7 and their adults. Huge immersive murals will bring families into Carle's book A House for Hermit Crab and the cargo-ship adventures of 10 Little Rubber Ducks. Visitors will enjoy activities, like meeting a live hermit crab, driving ferries on a giant play-table, and learning about cargo ships through the eyes of a rubber duck- all while exploring Carle's use of color and pattern. After visiting the discovery room, families can explore the rest of the Seaport Museum's galleries for free and find out how the fleet of historic ships connect to Carle's art. Guided tours of lightship Ambrose, and self-guided tours of tall ship Wavertree, are also free for adults and kids, and tickets for sailing excursions on schooner Pioneer and harbor cruises on tugboat W.O. Decker from May to October are available for purchase.

WANT TO GO? 646-765-4773.
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Open Squash: Junior Open House FREE

WHEN: Aug. 19 - Dec. 16, Fridays, 4pm
WHERE: Open Squash, 25 West 39th St, 5th Floor, Clinton, NY
AGES: 5-17
WHAT:

Squash is for everyone ! Come and give this exhilarating, fitness-accelerating, strategy-sharpening racket game a try. Get on court with the super-friendly, talented coaches and discover what is often referred to "the chess of athletics". Financial aid available to support tuition costs.

WANT TO GO? 914-315-4070.
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Back-to-School Supplies Drive

WHEN: Sep. 1 - 30, Mondays-Thursdays, 12-10pm; Fridays-Sundays, 10am-10pm
WHERE: ARTECHOUSE NYC, 439 W 15th Street, Chelsea, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

This back-to-school season, ARTECHOUSE NYC has partnered with New York Edge, the largest provider of school-based afterschool and summer programs in New York City. This September, any guest who donates school supplies pays the Child rate for our latest exhibition, Life of a Neuron! Simply bring markers, pencils, erasers, colored pencils, rulers, glue sticks, or other supplies when you visit ARTECHOUSE NYC and save $8 off your admission. All supplies will be donated directly to New York Edge for the 2022 - 2023 school season!

WANT TO GO? $9-$17.
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Authentic Flamenco

WHEN: Sep. 9 - Oct. 8, Fridays, 6:30pm and 9pm; Saturdays, 6:30pm and 9pm; Sundays, 5pm and 7:30pm
WHERE: Harlem Parish - St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 258 W 118th St., Harlem, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Flamenco is an expression of passion and emotion; with it, the feelings that make us human are honored and celebrated. Originating in Spain, this special show, in partnership with the Royal Opera of Madrid and produced by SO-LA-NA, brings together award-winning professionals for an unforgettable performance with stunning vocals, instruments, and dances. Whether you're an avid flamenco lover or just seeing it for the first time, there's no better, more authentic way to witness firsthand the raw power of this captivating Spanish art form.

WANT TO GO? Tickets start at $45.90.
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Jesse Owens Track & Field Youth Program FREE

WHEN: Sep. 10 - Nov. 12, 10am-12pm
WHERE: Randall's Island Park, 10 Central Rd. , Randall's Island, NY
AGES: 9-17
WHAT: RIPA's Jesse Owens Track and Field Program, offered in partnership with City Parks Foundation, enables kids to learn the fundamentals of the sport and stay active. Saturdays. (Not Sept. 17, Oct. 1) WANT TO GO? 212-860-1899.
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Astronomy Night FREE

WHEN: Friday, Sep. 30, 5-9pm
WHERE: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, West 46th Street at Twelth Avenue, Hell's Kitchen, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Participate in talks from leading scientists, activities, and a chance to look at the starts through high-powered telescopes with the help of local astronomers. WANT TO GO? 212-245-0072.
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Harvest Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 1, 12-3 pm
WHERE: Randall's Island Park, 10 Central Rd. , Randall's Island, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Join the Randall's Island Park Alliance for a free, family-friendly celebration of fall. WANT TO GO? 212-860-1899.
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The Little Mermaid

WHEN: Oct. 1 - 2, 2pm
WHERE: Galli Theater NY, 74 Warren St., Tribeca, NY
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: The Little Mermaid falls in love with a prince on land when she saves him from a storm and is willing to give up her life under water to be with him, but a deal she makes with a sea witch makes this more difficult than she expected. WANT TO GO? $20-25 . 917-855-1095.
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In Motion Workshop

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 1, 12:30-1:15pm
WHERE: New York City Ballet Rehearsal Studios, Samuel B. & David Rose Building, 7th Floor, 165 West 65 St. , Upper West Side, NY
AGES: 9-12
WHAT: Join the artists of New York City Ballet in these 45-minute movement explorations of the music and themes of a ballet featured in the matinee performance. WANT TO GO? $15 . 212-496-0600.
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Sweet & Spooky Halloween Harvest

WHEN: Oct. 1 - 31, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11am-6pm
WHERE: Cricket's Candy Creations, 200 Hudson Street, Tribeca, NY
AGES: 3-12
WHAT:

Children and families can choose their own pumpkins from the Pumpkin Patch, paint their pumpkins, and enjoy apple cider and apple cider donuts before or after participating in the Cricket's Candy Creations signature experience featuring Halloween-themed edible candy crafts. Halloween-themed candy crafts may include Candy Corn Slime, Boo-licious Bling, Marshmallow Ghosts, Crazy Candy Apples, Chocolate Broomstick Painting and more!

WANT TO GO? $65-$80.
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Zoo Peeps 1 Day: See

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 1, 9:30-10:30am
WHERE: Central Park Zoo, 64th Street & 5th Avenue , New York, NY
AGES: 3-5, Adult
WHAT:

This toddler program is perfect for our youngest zoo-per heroes ages 2-3 years old, with caregiver. During Zoo Peeps caregiver and me classes, you and your toddler will play, create, move and learn together as we meet animals at the Zoo. Each session includes a unique theme, an animal encounter, and admission to enjoy the Zoo following the program. Price includes one child and one caregiver.

WANT TO GO? $35; $28 members. 800-433-4149.
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Symbiosis Scenes

WHEN: Oct. 1 - 2, 10am-1pm
WHERE: Wave Hill, 4900 Independence Ave., Bronx, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Symbiosis is everywhere in nature. Create a diorama to highlight your favorite plant or animal partnerships. Please note the following important COVID-related information to ensure everyone's safety: Approximately nine families will be able to participate at a time, based on the time each family arrives. If capacity is full when you arrive, you will be provided with a "come back" card so you will have first entry for the next session. Each family will receive its own set of materials and cleaning will happen in between seating participants. Unvaccinated visitors are encouraged to wear a mask inside. Wave Hill House is accessible to all visitors. The building is located along a paved route with moderate changes in grade.

WANT TO GO? FREE with admission: $10; $6 students and seniors 65 and older; $4 children 6 and older; free for members. 718-549-3200.
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Junior Keepers: Tropics

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 1, 9-10:30am
WHERE: Central Park Zoo, 64th Street & 5th Avenue, Central Park, NY
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Think you've got what it takes to be a zookeeper? Put your skills to the test during this hands-on, interactive program at the zoo. Go behind the scenes to learn about the daily responsibilities of Central Park Zoo Keepers. Grades: K - 3rd WANT TO GO? $48 . 800-433-4149.
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A La Calle Block Party FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 2, 12-4pm
WHERE: Ballet Hispánico, 167 W 89th St., Upper West Side, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

WANT TO GO? 212-362-6710.
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CMS Kids: Instrumental Families!

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 2, 11am
WHERE: Rose Studio at CMS, 165 West 65th Street, 10th Floor, Upper West Side, NY
AGES: 3-8
WHAT:

Did you know instruments have families? Follow along and explore the sounds from three families of instruments: strings, keyboards, and brass! What makes a French Horn sound the way it does? What makes the piano and the violin sound the way they do? Get to know these instruments in this fun, interactive program including a work by Johannes Brahms for all three!

WANT TO GO? $28. 212-875-5788.
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Reading into History: Wolf Hollow

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 2, 2pm
WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, New-York Historical Society, Upper West Side, NY
AGES: 9-12
WHAT: Join in person at the New-York Historical Society for a book club discussion on Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk. WANT TO GO? FREE with museum admission ($22; $17 seniors, educators, active military; $13 students; $6 ages 5-13; free for children 5 and younger). 212-873-3400.
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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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