Things to Do with Kids in NYC this Weekend

Plan your kids' best weekend yet in Manhattan!

By NYMetroParents Staff January 14, 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

Disney Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation

WHEN: Oct. 21 - Jan. 30, See website for schedule
WHERE: Theater Row, 410 W 42nd St., Midtown, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: This beautifully crafted musical stage adaptation is set deep in the Hundred Acre Wood and told with stunning life-size puppetry through the eyes of the Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin, and their friends. WANT TO GO? Tickets start at $41.50. 212-714-2442.
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Gazillion Bubble Show

WHEN: Nov. 5 - May. 29, Fridays 7pm; Saturdays 11am, 2pm, 4:30pm; Sundays, 12pm, 3pm; Check website for Added Thursdays & Holiday Times
WHERE: New World Stages, Stage 2, 340 West 50th Street, 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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The Big Apple Circus

WHEN: Nov. 11 - Jan. 30, See website for schedule
WHERE: Lincoln Center, 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: The Big Apple Circus returns to Lincoln Center with world-class circus artists from around the world. WANT TO GO? Tickets start at $25. 212-257-2330.
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Rescue Rue

WHEN: Dec. 5 - Jan. 30, See website for full schedule
WHERE: DR2 Theatre, 103 E. 15th St., Union Square, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: A family-friendly musical about a little dog named Rue who realizes life is really about finding your happy beginnings, not endings! WANT TO GO? $39-$99. 212-239-6200.
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Ice Skating at the Governors Island Winter Village

WHEN: Jan. 3 - Feb. 27, Fridays, 12-5pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Governors Island, Ferries depart from 10 South Street, Manhattan and Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Governors Island, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy outdoor ice skating on a 5,000-square-foot rink. Bundle up, enjoy a hot chocolate and glide on the ice! WANT TO GO? $11; $8 skate rental; free admission on Fridays are available by walk up only. 212-440-2205.
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Cricket's Candy Creations Pop-Up

WHEN: Jan. 12 - Apr. 30, Wednesdays, 12-3pm; Thursdays and Fridays, 12-6pm; Saturdays, 11a-6pm; Sundays, 11am-4pm
WHERE: Cricket's Candy Creations, 200 Hudson St., Tribeca, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: This multi-sensory experience allows creators of all ages to craft edible candy art while immersed in a variety of candy-themed activities designed to be a unique outlet for exploration, visualization, creativity, and fun! WANT TO GO? $65-$80; $45 Creator Companion no participation in crafting activities. Must be 17 or over. .
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Nature Connections for Kids FREE

WHEN: Jan. 15 - Mar. 26, Saturdays, 10am
WHERE: The Greenhouse and Education Center at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park , 679 Riverside Dr. , Harlem, NY
AGES: 5-8
WHAT: Look at patterns in nature, explore seeds, evergreens, bird feeders and much more with garden educator Thalia Flores-Perez. Ages 6-8. WANT TO GO? 917-902-3940.
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Young People's Concert: The Orchestra Will Not Be Televised

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 15, 2pm
WHERE: Alice Tully Hall, 1941 Broadway, Upper West Side, NY
AGES: 5-12
WHAT:

On the eve of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, listen to how composers amplify calls for revolutionary acts of freedom, equality, and justice through music. Young People’s Concerts are intended for children ages 6–12 and their families. All are welcome, but each person requires a ticket.

WANT TO GO? $18-$45. 212-721-6500.
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Even More Weekend Fun

International Puppet Fringe Festival: Puppets of New York

WHEN: Aug. 13 - Mar. 31, Mondays through 8/16 and Friday-Sunday, 10am-6pm
WHERE: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave. , Upper East Side, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Explore this history of puppets and the influence they've had on New York. WANT TO GO? $20; $14 seniors 65 and older and students with ID; free for ages 19 and younger and members; tickets purchased in person is pay as you wish. 212-534-1672.
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The Rink

WHEN: Oct. 29 - Mar. 6, Mondays-Thursdays, 8am-10pm; Fridays–Sundays (and holidays), 8am-11:30pm; Winter Village closes 4pm on New Year’s Eve
WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: This 17,000 square foot rink features free admission ice skating, high quality rental skates, and free skating shows, events, and activities. WANT TO GO? Admission is free; $15-$45 skate rental; $135-$150 premium skate package. 212-768-4242.
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Accumulations: Hanukkah Lamps

WHEN: Nov. 4 - Jan. 31, Monday and Thursday, 11am-6pm; Friday, 11am-4pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10am-6pm
WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: See the largest collection of Hanukkah lamps in the world at nearly 1,050 pieces that date from the Renaissance to Thanksgiving 2013 when Hanukkah and Thanksgiving coincided. WANT TO GO? $18; $12 seniors 65 and older; $8 students; free for children younger than 18 and members; free on Saturdays. 212-423-3200.
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2021-2022 Free Faculty Concert Series FREE

WHEN: Nov. 5 - May. 20, Select Fridays, see schedule below
WHERE: Bloomingdale School of Music, 323 West 108th Street, Upper West Side, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Bloomingdale School of Music presents a free Faculty Concert Series on select Friday evenings at the David Greer Recital Hall on 323 West 108th Street. The 2021-2022 season will be an exciting and diverse series with 14 performances in a wide variety of genres. For over 20 years Bloomingdale has presented its faculty, as well as guest artists, in concerts including classical music, jazz, and world music designed specifically for children. This FREE concert series has established itself a vital part of the musical life of the Upper West Side. After a year of virtual concerts, this season will take place in-person in our newly renovated recital hall. Attendees MUST RSVP as Covid Guidelines have reduced the seating capacity in the hall.

Faculty Concert: Music of Anthony Branker Friday, November 5, 2021 at 6:00 PM Eli Asher, trumpet Brandon Vazquez, trumpet Michael Cochrane, piano Kevin Farrell, bass Chris Carroll, drums Eli Asher is joined by BSM faculty and guest performers in this special tribute to noted jazz composer, trumpeter, and educator, Dr. Anthony D.J. Branker. Afterward, please join in a celebration of Bloomingdale's 57th birthday with a reception featuring wonderful music and light refreshments.

Faculty Concert: Celebrating Jack Beeson Friday, November 19, 2021 at 7:00 PM Marc Peloquin, piano Christine Browning, soprano A special 100th anniversary celebration of American composer Jack Beeson.

Faculty Concert: Musical Portraits Friday, December 3, 2021 at 7:00 PM Weiwei Zhang, piano Olga Gurevich, piano This program highlights the piano in imaginative and scintillating works by such composers as Debussy, Prokofiev, Ravel, and Tan Dun.

Holiday Concert Friday, December 17, 2021 at 7:00 PM Join us as we celebrate the holiday season with a concert featuring faculty and students in music of the season. A festive treat to spice up your December!

For the Love of... Friday, February 11, 2021 at 7:00 PM Christine Browning, soprano A program of vocal works featuring guest tenor Christopher Trapani and members of the BSM Broadway Ensemble. Music from various operas and Broadway musicals that explore love in all shapes, sizes, and circumstances.

The Piano Music of Ed Bland Friday, February 18 at 7:00 PM Judith Olson, piano In honor of Black History Month, Judith Olson performs works by African-American composer Ed Bland (1926-2013), with whom she worked for many years.

Elegance and Exuberance Friday, March 4, 2021 at 7:00 PM Roberto Hidalgo, piano Theresa Salomon, violin Music of elegance and exuberance is celebrated in this program of music for violin and piano by Mozart and Franck.

The Japanese Koto and the Music of Yumi Kurosawa Friday, March 18, 2021 at 7:00 PM Eric Phinney, tabla Naho Parrini, violin Yumi Kurosawa, a master of the 21 string koto, Japan's national instrument, will be joined by BSM faculty members Eric Phinney and Naho Parrini, in a program featuring her innovative compositions for koto, tabla, and violin.

Dance in the Light Friday, April 1, 2021 at 7:00 PM Margalit Cantor, Baroque cello A program of sonorous joy featuring some of the most charming and popular Baroque music ever written, performed on period instruments by the Dorian Baroque ensemble.

Music for Guitar & Piano: Bach | Carulli | Cordero Friday, April 29, 2021 at 7:00 PM José Maldonado, guitar Tim McCullough, piano An evocative program of duets for guitar and piano featuring the music of Bach, Ferdinando Carulli, and Ernesto Cordero.

Trios in Technicolor Friday, May 13, 2021 at 7:00 PM Molly Aronson, cello Olga Gurevich, piano Claudia Schaer, violin Trios in Technicolor will allow audiences to enjoy the rich range of hues produced by the violin, cello, and piano, featuring works that directly draw inspiration from the color palette.

Starmaker Machinery III: The Illogical Mixtape Friday, May 20, 2021 at 7:00 PM Mark Mollica, electric guitar This concert will feature jazz faculty Mark Mollica's arrangements of familiar tunes put into the capable hands of his band of improvisers.

WANT TO GO? 646-765-4773.
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The Rink

WHEN: Nov. 6 - Mar. 6, 9am-11:59pm, daily
WHERE: Rockefeller Center Plaza, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Skate on this iconic ice rink- take a lesson or do your own thing! WANT TO GO? $20-$54; $60 plus admission for private lesson; $10 skate rental. 212-771-7200.
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Ally Toy Vault FREE

WHEN: Nov. 22 - Jan. 31, Mondays-Saturdays, 10am-6pm; Sundays, 12-6pm
WHERE: CAMP 5th Avenue , 110 5th Ave, New York, NY
AGES: 3-17
WHAT: Families can enjoy interactive activities and donate toys to those in need. WANT TO GO? 917-997-0439 .
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Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection

WHEN: Nov. 26 - Feb. 27, Wednesday-Thursday, 11am-5pm; Friday, 11am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm **CLOSES 3pm on 12/24 and CLOSED on 12/25**
WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: See classic toy trains along with a miniature amusement park! WANT TO GO? $22; $17 Seniors/Educators/Active Military; $13 students; $6 ages 5-13; free for college students with ID and children 4 and younger; pay as you wish on Fridays from 6-8pm. 212-873-3400.
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South Street Seaport Museum Winter Exhibitions FREE

WHEN: Dec. 4 - Feb. 28, Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-5pm
WHERE: South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton Street, Downtown Manhattan, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

These winter exhibitions include a new introductory gallery South Street and the Rise of New York, as well as a newly reconfigured return of the popular Millions: Migrants and Millionaires aboard the Great Liners, 1900-1914, which was last on view prior to the pandemic. South Street and the Rise of New York explores the critical role played by the Seaport and South Street in securing New York's place as America's leading city and its rise to become the world's busiest port by the start of the 20th century. The exhibition draws from the Seaport Museum's vast collection of works or art and artifacts via large reproduction and selected artifacts on display related to the 19th century history of the Port of New York. This amazing harbor allowed New Yorkers to develop world-wide connections that made the city an economic and cultural powerhouse. The port fostered the city's energy, and that energy attracted the talent and skill of people from around the world, making New York the most ethnically diverse place on the planet. The exhibition highlights Schermerhorn Row, the block of warehouses and offices that stand on man-made land reclaimed from the East River between about 1797 and 1807; the Museum's fleet of historic ships, which tell the story of New York as a great port city through their connections to world commerce, coastal deliveries, and the working harbor; and Bowne & Co., a contemporary re-interpretation of one of the many printing offices that flourished in lower Manhattan in the 19th and 20th centuries. Millions: Migrants and Millionaires aboard the Great Liners, 1900–1914 is one of the first exhibitions to examine, side-by-side, the dichotomy between First Class and Third Class passengers aboard ocean liners in the early 20th century. This exhibition features both original and reproduction artifacts from the Museum's permanent collection including ocean liner memorabilia and ephemera, ceramics, and luggage trunks from both immigrants and First Class passengers. The exhibition will familiarize viewers with passenger life aboard ocean liners, the defining differences between travel for wealthy Americans in First Class and future Americans immigrating to the United States in Third Class.

WANT TO GO? 646-765-4773.
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Sharks, A New Exhibition

WHEN: Dec. 15 - Jun. 30, Wednesdays–Sundays, 10am–5:30pm
WHERE: The American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park W., Upper West Side, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: The new exhibition Sharks features dozens of life-sized models, fossils, touch-free interactive exhibits, and more WANT TO GO? Starting at $16.50 for Children (3-12) and $28 for Adults. 212-769-5100.
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Beloved Community Creations: The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

WHEN: Jan. 5 - 28, Wednesdays-Sundays and Jan. 17, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Explore Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Beloved Community,” his global vision for our world based on justice, inclusivity, equal opportunity, and a love for others. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 seniors 65 and older. 212-721-1223.
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Science Adventures for Early Learners

WHEN: Jan. 7 - 28, Wednesdays-Sundays, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Sample some science for the small ones in CMOM’s early childhood exhibition, PlayWorks, all month long. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 seniors 65 and older. 212-721-1223.
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TADA! Youth Theater Winter Open Houses

WHEN: Jan. 8 - 15, 9:30am-1pm
WHERE: TADA! Youth Theater, 15 W 28 St. , Madison Square North, NY
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Head to an open house to learn about TADA! Youth Theater's winter semester classes. The open houses will take place on Saturdays, Jan. 8 and 15, with groups divided by ages. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-252-1619.
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Theater for Young Audiences at 92Y: Red Riding Hood

WHEN: Jan. 9 - 16, Sundays, 11:30am and 1pm
WHERE: 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side, NY
AGES: 3-12
WHAT:

An all-new version of the beloved classic Little Red Riding Hood comes to life in dance and song! Go on journey with the high-spirited and fearless Little Red as she ventures into the country to deliver her Grandmother a very special and delicious cake. Unbeknownst to Red, there is an extraordinarily hungry cake-eating Wolf who will stop at nothing to get the homemade dessert! And that may include putting Red and her Grandmother on the menu! With an original score and songs, 10 dancers magically bring to life the colorful and tasty characters of this timely tale! Designed for families with children 3-11, this 35-minute show will warm your heart, tickle your funny bone, and quite possibly make you very hungry for cake!

WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-415-5500.
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Bill’s 44th

WHEN: Jan. 11 - 15, See website for schedule
WHERE: Dixon Place, 161A Chrystie St. , Lower East Side, NY
AGES: 13 and older
WHAT: Created by Andy Manjuck and Dorothy James, Bill's 44th is a comedic show that brings two puppeteers together to create one (very worried) protagonist. Puppetry, raucous balloons and a cheeky piece of crudit all collide to examine the pitfalls of impatience and the wonder of loneliness. WANT TO GO? $16-$24 . 212-219-0736.
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In Person Italian Art and Craft

WHEN: Jan. 11 - Jun. 18, Tuesdays, 5-6pm; Saturdays, 4-5pm
WHERE: Speakitaly NYC , 49 West 28th Street, #Floor 3, Chelsea, NY
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Kids will create a wonderful array of arts and crafts projects using traditional Italian materials. Ages 4-10. WANT TO GO? $30. 212-603-9685.
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Slime BootCAMP

WHEN: Jan. 12 - Feb. 2, Wednesdays and Fridays, 4:30pm
WHERE: Camp at The Shops at Columbus Circle, 10 Columbus Circle, #Suite 202, Upper West Side, NY
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Learn new techniques and ways to play with different slime concoctions and ingredients. Ages 4-12. WANT TO GO? $40. 917-765-6038.
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Hirschfeld and the Art of Television Exhibit

WHEN: Jan. 12 - 30, Wednesdays-Fridays, 12-6pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-6pm
WHERE: The Paley Center for Media, 25 W. 52nd Street, Midtown, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Al Hirschfeld's innovative caricatures provides a visual metaphor for the mission of the Paley Center, as he too preserved the work of the many trailblazing personalities and newsmakers of television and radio. You are invited to enjoy this list of influential programs that reflect the contributions made by many of Hirschfeld's subjects. You will get to experience exemplary programs with the year noted that reflect the subjects at their best.

WANT TO GO? $20; $16 Student/Teachers/Seniors/Veterans/First Responders; free for children younger than 12. 212-621-6600.
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Hot Peas 'N Butter Virtual Family Concert FREE

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 14, 4-4:45pm
WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Avenue, New York, NY
AGES: 3-8
WHAT:

Shake and sizzle to the multicultural rhythms of Hot Peas 'N Butter. Hear a mix of contagious beats, from vibrant Puerto Rican folk music to soulful American blues, and in honor of Tu B'Shevat (birthday of the trees) dance to tunes from award-winning albums including "Back to The Land," which celebrates our connection to the earth. This performance is free with RSVP. One ticket per household. The YouTube link will be sent with email confirmation. If you do not receive your email confirmation within ten minutes, please check your spam folder. Ages 3 - 8.

WANT TO GO? 212-423-3200.
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Ice Theatre of New York City Skate Pop-Up Concert, FREE

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 14, 3:20pm
WHERE: The Rink at Rockefeller, 600 5th Ave, New York, NY 10020, Midtown, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Ice Theatre of New York (ITNY) presents a City Skate Pop-Up Concert at the Rink at Rockefeller, featuring ITNY skaters Liz Schmidt and Ella Bauer. Liz Schmidt will perform "When Atoms Embrace" at 3:20pm and Ella Bauer will perform "Home Alone" at 4:50pm. These performances are free and open to the public, and the rink will be open for skating.

WANT TO GO? 646-765-4773.
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Thunderbird American Indian Dancers' Pow Wow and Dance Concert

WHEN: Jan. 14 - 23, Friday and Saturday, 8pm; Children's Matinees Saturday and Sunday, 3pm
WHERE: Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave., East Village, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: This event will feature dances, stories and traditional music from Native Peoples of the Northeast, Southwest and Great Plains regions. WANT TO GO? $15; Children's Matinees: $15; $1 for children younger than 12. 212-254-1109.
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Saturday Kids Program

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 15, 10am-2pm
WHERE: OHM Center, 1143 First Avenue , Between 62nd and 63rd Street, Upper East Side, NY
AGES: 5-12
WHAT:

Drop in any time to our OHM's Saturday Kids Program, where your kids will learn meditation, chanting, yoga, Sanskrit; they will listen to stories, color, practice physical balance, and play games (in our backyard when weather permits)...lunch is provided along with creative projects and music. Kids LOVE this program and don't want to leave at pick-up time. Max 8 kids.

WANT TO GO? $125. 917-838-4077.
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Vintage Winter Pop-up FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 16, 10am - 5pm
WHERE: Grand Bazaar NYC, 100 W 77th St. , Upper West Side, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Browse the racks of everything old but new-to-you. 100% of the profits are donated to four local public schools, benefiting over 2,000 children. WANT TO GO? 212-239-3025.
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Picture This! Recycled Characters Virtual Tour + Art Workshop FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 16, 10-11am
WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Avenue, New York, NY
AGES: 3-8
WHAT:

Discover how artists transform everyday materials into imaginative works of art! In celebration of the holiday of Tu B'Shevat (birthday of the trees), think about ways to be kind to the earth and reuse materials around you. See works in the Jewish Museum collection that include a playful mix of objects such as light bulbs, metal cans, stones, wood blocks, and more. Design a unique character out of materials you find or collect and transform these objects into something new. Free with RSVP. RSVP for Zoom link. One ticket per family. Zoom information will be sent with email confirmation. If you do not receive your email confirmation within ten minutes, please check your spam folder. Ages 4 - 8.

WANT TO GO? 212-423-3200.
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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!

Looking for a new doctor, a new school, an after-school program, or special needs services? Find the resources your family needs.

Things to Do with Kids in NYC this Weekend

Get can’t-miss winter activities sent to you!

Editor's Picks for This Weekend

Nature Connections for Kids FREE

Even More Weekend Fun

2021-2022 Free Faculty Concert Series FREE

Ally Toy Vault FREE

South Street Seaport Museum Winter Exhibitions FREE

Hot Peas 'N Butter Virtual Family Concert FREE

Ice Theatre of New York City Skate Pop-Up Concert, FREE

Vintage Winter Pop-up FREE

Picture This! Recycled Characters Virtual Tour + Art Workshop FREE

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