Things to Do with Kids in NYC this Weekend

Plan your kids' best weekend yet in Manhattan!

By NYMetroParents Staff January 19, 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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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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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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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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Family Day: Building Bridges

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 22, 11am - 1pm
WHERE: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Pl., New York, NY
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: New York City has many fascinating bridges, from the historic Brooklyn Bridge to more contemporary examples. Families will learn about different types of bridges and how they work, then create their own bridges to span one of NYC's rivers, canals, or busy streets. WANT TO GO? $10 . 212-358-6133.
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The Little Match Girl: The Concert

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 22, 7pm
WHERE: The Nave at Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Drive, New York, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Armed with match sticks and music, the Little Match Girl finds the hope we all need in this performance by based on the Hans Christian Anderson story. WANT TO GO? Tickets start at $35. 212-870-6700.
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Jr. Keepers: Polar Zone

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 22, 9am-10:30am
WHERE: Central Park Zoo, 64th Street & 5th Avenue, Upper East Side, NY
AGES: 5-8
WHAT:

Think you've got what it takes to be a zookeeper? Put your skills to the test during this hands-on, interactive program. Your Jr. Keeper will test their skills during this hands-on, interactive program, going behind the scenes to learn about the daily responsibilities of Central Park Zoo Keepers. Grades K-3rd.

WANT TO GO? $60; $48 members. 800-433-4149.
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Malpaso Dance Company Family Matinee

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 22, 2pm
WHERE: The Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY
AGES: 5-17
WHAT: See dazzling, classically trained dancers in 3 performances. Ages 6-16 with an adult. WANT TO GO? $10 per kid. 212-691-9740.
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Progressive® Insurance New York Boat Show®

WHEN: Jan. 26 - 30, Wednesday-Friday, 12-8pm; Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm
WHERE: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 655 West 34th Street, New York, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

The Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show returns to the Javits Center, giving nautical novices, seasoned sailors and water lovers an all-access pass to dive into the boating lifestyle. See and shop the most comprehensive selection of boats and gear in the tri-state area and connect with fellow boating enthusiasts at the world's first and longest-running boat show. Plus, take advantage of free "Boating 101" education for new boaters at Fred's Shed Interactive Learning Center, visit our new Conservation Village, and bring the kids to climb aboard boats of all shapes and sizes, plus build a one-of-a-kind nautical masterpiece inspired by their time at the show.

WANT TO GO? $18 online; $20 at the door; free for children 12 and younger; $3 discount for Military and first responders for on-site Wednesday tickets. 646-370-3660.
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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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