Things to Do with Kids in NYC this Weekend

Plan your kids' best weekend yet in Manhattan!

By NYMetroParents Staff December 1, 2020

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.

*Be sure to call venues ahead of time to make sure events are still happening in the wake of COVID-19 concerns.*

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!

Second Saturdays Trailwork Party + Bike Share at Highbridge Bike Park FREE
WHEN: Sep. 14 - 10, Second Saturday of each month, 10:00am-3:00pm
WHERE: Highbridge Park, West 174th Street and Amsterdam Ave., Washington Heights/Bronx, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Learn what it takes to build, maintain, and ride the most progressive urban bike park in America. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

ONLINE Laurie Berkner's Birthday Party Shows FREE
WHEN: Aug. 21 - Dec. 4, See schedule below
WHERE: Laurie Berkner, , , NY
AGES: Newborn-5
WHAT: Laurie encourages families who are watching to decorate, just like she will, wear party clothes, and bake a special birthday treat to bring to the party. WANT TO GO? https://facebook.com/LaurieBerknerBand/.

IN PERSON Opening of 'Presidential Dogs' exhibit.
WHEN: Sep. 8 - Jan. 31, Tuesdays-Sundays, 10am-5pm
WHERE: American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog, 101 Park Ave., Murray Hill, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

The “Presidential Dogs” exhibition will look back on the different breeds of dogs that have lived at the White House. It will explore their history, highlight specific dogs that were owned by US presidents, and examine the influence these breeds had on the dog world as well as the American public at large. From George Washington’s Foxhounds to Bo and Sunny, the Portuguese Water Dogs owned by the Obamas, this exhibit will examine the role of dogs in American presidential history. The exhibition will contain artwork from the MoD collection, historic documents from the AKC archives, and photo reproductions. Some breeds highlighted in the upcoming exhibit will include Airedale Terriers, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Collies, English Springer Spaniels, Foxhounds, Golden Retrievers, Newfoundlands, Portuguese Water Dogs, Scottish Terriers and Welsh Terriers. Using the AKC Museum of the Dog app (available on Google Play Store and the App store), visitors will be able to vote for their favorite presidential dog featured in the new exhibit.

WANT TO GO? $15; $10 seniors, military, youth ages 13-24; $5 children younger than 12. 212-696-8360. https://museumofthedog.org/.

IN PERSON Re-opening FREE
WHEN: Sep. 24 - Dec. 31, Fridays-Mondays, 11am-4pm and Thursdays, 11am-8 pm
WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: The Jewish Museum is re-opening and all visitors will enjoy free admission through December 31 with advanced reservations. WANT TO GO? 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

ONLINE Adventure Players Live! Interactive Online Performances for Children
WHEN: Nov. 6 - Dec. 25, Fridays, 4pm
WHERE: Adventure Players, 12 Fulton St., New York, NY
AGES: 5-12
WHAT:

Adventure Players Live! continues interactive online performances via Zoom, inviting children ages five to nine to join them in The Great Great Forest, an interactive world filled with whimsical characters and wild places. Ticket availability is limited for each show to give each child a fully immersive experience. Adventure Players Live!'s flagship program delivers music, storytelling and movement designed to involve each child. New adventures premiere every week. The company's ensemble of professional artists and educators aims to nourish kids' creativity, imagination, and resilience by connecting them through play. Each child is a vital part of how the journey unfolds. November Shows Visiting Friends

Over the River and Through The GGF November 6, Join Forester in cheering up those who are feeling a little lonely, and realize that by connecting with others, we find joy ourselves!

A Newcomer Arrives in The GGF November 13, When a new visitor arrives in The Great Great Forest, how do we create a space of belonging and inclusion? Join Forester and friends in greeting a traveler and creating a friendship soup.

Stories of Family in The GGF: Playback Theater November 20, Join the Forester Family as we gather by their cabin's fireplace to listen to your stories of Family. Be ready for the Foresters to re-tell your stories and you can join us in acting them out too!

December Shows Finding Our Way Through Outer Outer Space Friday,

December 4, join a mission to Outer Outer Space, where every Adventurer becomes a Cadet for The Great Great Forest Space Agency. Each mission highlights the resilience and success of female pioneers throughout the history of space exploration!

Searching for Twig in The Deep Deep Ocean December 11, Did you know The Great Great Forest is only a river ride from the Deep Deep Ocean? Join in for a day underwater, where you'll meet marvelous sea creatures and a mer-person on a search for our dear dear friend!

Telling Stories of Holidays and Hopes for the New Year: Playback Theater, December 18 Join the Forester Family around the cabin's fireplace, where we'll share holiday tales and hopes for the new year. Be ready to re-tell your stories and act them out with the Foresters!

WANT TO GO? $20 per family. 646-765-4773. https://adventureplayerslive.com/.

IN PERSON Santa Brunch Cruise in NYC
WHEN: Dec. 1 - Jan. 3, 12pm on sailing dates
WHERE: Event Cruises NYC, 299 South Street, New York, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Ho ho ho! Santa is finally here with his Elves and invites you and your kids to join him for a nice brunch on the water! With lots of fun activities, the Santa Brunch Cruise will be an event for you to create unforgettable memories for your kids and family. Carol singing, live storytelling, Christmas crafts, Santa meeting at the North Pole...see how the Santa Brunch Cruise brings the magical holiday season to life! Cruise highlights: - Visit Santa at the North Pole and take amazing pictures with Santa at his home - Decorate your own gingerbread house or Christmas tree and bring your craft home - Get a delicious brunch with various sweet treats: cupcakes, brownies, cookies, hot chocolate with marshmallow, and more - Sip on a sparkling wine while your kids are listening to live storytelling - Soak in the holiday spirit aboard the 3 deck vessel, where you will sing along merry Christmas carols with Santa and Elves, and take in the fabulous NYC skyline views Cruise. Face covering and social distancing are required for all passengers on board. Vessels are deep cleaned daily and sanitized between trips. Hand sanitizers are installed on all decks of vessels.

WANT TO GO? From $69. 917-671-9710. https://eventcruisesnyc.com/christmas-cruises?utm_source=NYMetroParents&utm_medium=EventCalendar&utm_campaign=Listing_SantaBrunchCruise.

ONLINE Morgan Explorers FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 6, 2pm
WHERE: The Morgan Library & Museum, 225 MADISON AVE, New York, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

A forty-five-minute family program that combines teaching of simple crafts, live virtual object exploration, and is inspired by both the library and temporary exhibitions.

WANT TO GO? 212-590-0331. https://themorgan.org/programs/virtual-talks-and-tours.

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

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

Want more content like this? Receive our Scoop packed with great ideas