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!
Family Day
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 23, 2-4pm
WHERE: National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey, 226 W. 44th St., Times Square
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Explore the Pacific Ocean and meet and learn the various plants and animals that call the ocean home. Then, your kids can participate in Coral Reefs, a STEAM educator-led workshop powered by SciTech Kids, while you all enjoy coffee, juice, and snacks. Ages 4-12.
WANT TO GO? $39.50; $32.50 children ages 3-12. 646-308-1337. natgeoencounter.com.
FREE Leaf Fest
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 23, 11:00am-2:00pm
WHERE: Madison Square Park, Madison Avenue and 23rd Street, Flatiron District
AGES: All
WHAT: Help rake, collect, and bag leaves throughout the Park.
WANT TO GO? 212-520-7600. madisonsquarepark.org.
Workshop di Thanksgiving
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 23, 3:30-5:00pm
WHERE: Collina Italiana, 1556 Third Avenue, Suite 603, New York
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Art and crafts, games, and songs, in Italian!
WANT TO GO? $40. 2124277770. collinaitaliana.com.
Watson Adventures’ Wizard School Scavenger Hunt 2: The Museum of Magical History
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 23, 10:30am-12:30pm
WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West, New York
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: Search for exhibits that echo characters, places, and enchanted objects in the books and movies of the Harry Potter universe.
WANT TO GO? $29.50-$45.00 (includes museum admission). 8779464868. https://watsonadventures.com/location/new-york-city/american-museum-natural-history/#event-6825.
Galli's: Aladdin
WHEN: Nov. 16-24, Saturdays and Sundays, 2pm
WHERE: Galli Theater, 74 Warren Street, New York
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: When Aladdin finds a genie in a lamp his dreams of riches come true. In order to win the love of the princess and save the kingdom, Aladdin will need more than a genie's magic!
WANT TO GO? $20 adults; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.
Native American Arts Fest: Storytelling
WHEN: Nov. 23 -24, daily, 10:30am
WHERE: Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side
AGES: Newborn-5
WHAT: Children’s Museum educators share the story of Nimoshom, a school bus driver with a lot to say, and Thunder Boy Jr., a little boy determined to find his own way.
WANT TO GO? FREE with museum admission ($15; free for children younger than 1). 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
Native American Games
WHEN: Nov. 23-24, Saturday and Sunday, 1:00-5:00pm
WHERE: Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Create and compete in Native American games like the ring and pin, hacky sack, and the stick game.
WANT TO GO? FREE with museum admission ($15; free for children younger than 1). 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
The Holiday Music of Eric Whitacre
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 24, 2:00PM
WHERE: Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall, 881 7th Avenue (at 57th Street), New York
AGES: All
WHAT: Grammy Award-winning composer and conductor Eric Whitacre returns with DCINY for a holiday-themed concert of new arrangements and original works.
WANT TO GO? $20 and up. 2127078566. https://carnegiehall.org/en/calendar/2019/11/24/the-holiday-music-of-eric-whitacre-0200pm.
Family Concert: Hopalong Andrew Band
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 24, 11:30am-12:30pm
WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Avenue, New York
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Hear the down-home fun of Hopalong Andrew and his crackerjack band of world-class Americana musicians.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids and parents love how Andrew and his band playfully adapt traditional folk songs and classic country songs to reflect city life.
WANT TO GO? $14 per person (Includes Museum admission). 2124233200. https://thejewishmuseum.org/calendar/day/2019/11/24/?utm_source=Listing&utm_medium=Listing&utm_campaign=L_FPFCHopalongAndrew_112419.
Evacuation Day Celebration
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 24, 11:00am-5:00pm
WHERE: Fraunces Tavern Museum, 54 Pearl Street, Downtown, CT
AGES: All
WHAT: On November 25, 1783, British troops evacuated New York City, the last city to be occupied at the end of the Revolutionary War. Celebrate this momentous event by visiting the Museum for special programming that includes live performances by the uniformed New Jersey Fifes & Drums.
WANT TO GO? $1. https://frauncestavernmuseum.org/.
Girl Power: How Clara Lemlich Changed the World
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 24, 11:00am-12:30pm
WHERE: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge Street, New York
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Learn more about what girls lives were like in the early 1900s, and how one brave activist made them so much better!
WANT TO GO? $14 adults; $10 children. 212-219-0302. eldridgestreet.org.
Play N Go™ Friday
WHEN: Through Nov. 29: Fridays, 6-8:30pm
WHERE: P.S. 87, 160 W. 78th St., Upper West Side
AGES: 8 and older
WHAT: League Play (drop in players permitted) (3) Rounds, Players are paired in "Quads" starting with the (4) highest USCF rated players based on their current rating and continuing down to new and unrated players. *Unrated players will be matched by age, eldest to youngest, and receive a USCF provisional rating immediately following the play. Once the matches are complete, players have a 5-minute grace period to begin their next game. Players leave upon the completion of their (3) scheduled matches. Participants will earn points, (2) per win, (1.5) per draw and (1) for each game played. The Top 20 Point Earners (beginners and advanced) qualify for the Ca$h Prize Challenge at the end of each season. **Same school students will be separated by request at check in whenever possible**
WANT TO GO? $36. chessnyc.com/fridays-play-go-events.
Watson Adventures’ Wizard School Scavenger Hunt for Harry Potter Fans
WHEN: Nov. 16-30, 11/16, 10:30am-12:30pm; 11/30, 11am-1pm
WHERE: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: Young wizards will enjoy a trip to the Metropolitan Museum, in search of art that echoes characters and enchanted objects in the Harry Potter books. You'll track down serpents, Dumbledore look-alikes, and figures as scary as any Death Eater. Advance purchase is required. Price includes museum admission.
WANT TO GO? $31.00-$39.00 (includes museum admission). 877-946-4868. https://watsonadventures.com/location/new-york-city/metropolitan-museum-art/#event-8288.
FREE Le Carrousel StoryTime
WHEN: Nov. 2 - Dec. 1, Saturdays, 2:00-3:00pm
WHERE: Le Carrousel at Bryant Park, Bryant Park (40th st between 5th and 6th avenues), New York
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Cali Co Cat and her carousel pals get you jumpin' and leapin' with fun, games and stories to boot! Join us at Le Carrousel for this super fun and free story time for kids! Perfect for kids ages 2-8.
WANT TO GO? FREE. 2127684242. bryantpark.org.
MUMMENSCHANZ in RE:PLAY
WHEN: Nov. 15 - Dec. 1, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays; see website for times
WHERE: New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Midtown
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Creature conjurors! Shape shifters! Material manipulators! The masked mimics of MUMMENSCHANZ make their New Victory debut with RE:PLAY. Inspiring audiences across five continents over four decades with three stints on Broadway, the "Musicians of Silence" will surprise you with each artful scene.
WANT TO GO? $17. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.
Workshop di pittura (Painting)
WHEN: Nov. 9 - Dec. 7, 11/9 and 12/7, 3:30-5:00pm
WHERE: Collina Italiana, 1556 Third Avenue, Suite 603, New York
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Painting and Fun all in Italian!
WANT TO GO? $40. 2124277770. collinaitaliana.com.
FREE Le Carrousel Magique
WHEN: Nov. 3 - Dec. 8, Sundays, 2:00-3:00pm
WHERE: Le Carrousel, Bryant Park (40th St. between 5th and 6th avenues), New York
AGES: All
WHAT: Voila! The world's best magicians perform fun-filled tricks for kids of all ages.
WANT TO GO? FREE. 2127684242. bryantpark.org.
Morgan Explorers
WHEN: Nov. 10 - Dec. 8, 11/10 and 12/8 , 1:30-3pm
WHERE: The Morgan Library & Museum, 225 Madison Ave., New York
AGES: All
WHAT: On the second Sunday of each month, families are invited to enjoy a drop-in experience in J. Pierpont Morgan’s 1906 Library. Engage in art activities, handle touch objects, and get your questions answered by a Morgan educator.Free with museum admission; no registration required.
WANT TO GO? FREE with museum admission ($22 adults; $14 senior; $13 students; free for children younger than 13. 212-685-0008. themorgan.org.
Story Pirates Flagship Show
WHEN: Nov. 16 - Dec. 14, 11/16 and 12/14, 12:00pm
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: Sept. 22- Dec. 15, Second Sunday of each month, 12:00-3:00pm
WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Avenue, 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). 2124233200. https://thejewishmuseum.org/programs/families?utm_source=Listing&utm_medium=Listing&utm_campaign=L_FPSundaysDigDropIn_2019.
Kids 'N Comedy
WHEN: Sept. 22- Dec. 15, Sundays, 9/22, 10/27, 11/24, 12/15, 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: Nov. 23 - 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.
Sam Eaton's The Quantum Eye - Mentalism and Magic Show
WHEN: Aug. 13- 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.
Saturday Sketching
WHEN: May 18- Dec. 28, Saturdays, 10am-4pm (July 6)
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: May 18- Dec. 29, Weekends, 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: May 19- Dec. 29, Sundays, 1-4pm (no session July 7)
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: Sept. 22- Dec. 29, Sundays, 1:00-4:00pm
WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Avenue, New York
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). 2124233200. https://thejewishmuseum.org/programs/families?utm_source=Listing&utm_medium=Listing&utm_campaign=L_FPStudioArtSundays_2019.
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
WHEN: Nov. 8 - 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.
The Wizard of Oz: A Jazz Musical for All Ages
WHEN: June 29- January 11, 2020
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: Oct. 13- Jan. 12, 10/13, 11/10, 12/15 and 1/12, 9:00-10:30am
WHERE: Central Park Zoo, East 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: Nov. 23 - 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: Oct. 12-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: March 10-March 8, 2020, Sundays from 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: Nov. 9 - April 24, 2020, 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: Sept. 6- April 27, 2020, Fridays, 11:00am (no session 9/20)
WHERE: Kips Bay Library, 446 Third Ave, Kips Bay
AGES: Newborn-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.
