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    Things to Do with Kids in NYC this Weekend

    Things to Do with Kids in NYC this Weekend

    Plan your kids' best weekend yet in Manhattan!

    By NYMetroParents Staff

    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!

    ONLINE Feathers of Fire--The Movie
    WHEN: Jun. 4 - 4, Anytime
    WHERE: Vimeo, 155 First Ave., New York, NY
    AGES: All
    WHAT:

    "Feathers of Fire--The Movie" is an ingenious production of theater-on-film, conceived and directed by Hamid Rahmanian. It is intended for audiences aged 5 to 105. This film is a video version of "Feathers of Fire," the most elaborate shadow theater experience ever created, which was presented by BAM and other venues worldwide from 2016-2018 and won the UNIMA USA award for excellence in live performance and design. The plot is an action-packed tale of two star-crossed lovers of old Persia, based on a story from Shahnameh (the Persian Book of Kings). Zaul, an outcast albino boy, is brought up by a bird-goddess and grows up into a wise ruler. He enters into a forbidden love with Rudabeh, a princess who is the granddaughter of the dreaded Serpent King. Their young, impetuous romance survives many precarious adventures before they finally receive blessings for their union. When they ultimately have a child, it is Rostam, "the Hercules of Iran." Aspects of the story are reminiscent of "Romeo and Juliet," "Rapunzel," "The Firebird" and "Jungle Book." The piece is created and directed by Hamid Rahmanian, a 2014 Guggenheim fellowship-winning filmmaker/visual artist living in Brooklyn. It is endorsed by Francis Ford Coppola, who called the production "Fantastic! One of the greatest epics of all time and my favorite Shahnameh brought to life in a spectacular fashion by Hamid Rahmanian with shadow puppets design and cinematic wizardry."

    WANT TO GO? $4.95. 212-924-0496. https://vimeo.com/ondemand/feathersoffire.

    POST-PAUSE Cruises
    WHEN: Aug. 11 - 11, 8:30am-5pm, daily
    WHERE: Castle Clinton, Battery Park, New York, NY
    AGES: All
    WHAT: A trip on Statue Cruises to Liberty Island allows individuals to enjoy Liberty Island with plenty of outdoor space to safely explore the island and the spectacular views of New York Harbor. WANT TO GO? $19.25; $14 seniors 62 and older; $9 children 4-12 years; free for children three years and younger. 877-523-9849. https://statuecruises.com/cruises/new-york-reserve/.

    IN PERSON '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/.

    ONLINE New Victory Arts Break: Explore a World of Arts [VIRTUAL] FREE
    WHEN: Oct. 19 - May. 1, Any time (pre-recorded)
    WHERE: New Victory Theater, 229 W42nd Street, New York, NY
    AGES: 5-8, Adult
    WHAT:

    Explore the arts at home! New Victory Arts Break offers ideas for teachers and families to incorporate performing arts into their online learning. Each week will focus on a different art form with a selection of free activities for kids guided by New Victory Teaching Artists. In the special "Explore a World of Arts" series, New Victory travels from continent to continent, visiting the international artists who have appeared on the New Victory stage to see what creativity, culture and community look like where they live.

    WANT TO GO? 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.

    IN PERSON Ice Skating at the Bank of America Winter Village
    WHEN: Oct. 31 - Mar. 7, 8am-10pm, daily
    WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown, NY
    AGES: All
    WHAT:

    Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is Manhattan’s winter wonderland where you can enjoy New York City’s only free admission ice skating rink. The whole family will enjoy skating outdoors! Advanced reservations are required.

    WANT TO GO? Admission is free; $21-$36, skate rental. 212-768-4242. https://bryantpark.org/?/amenities/bank-of-america-winter-village-at-bryant-park.

    IN PERSON The Rink at Brookfield Place
    WHEN: Nov. 10 - Apr. 4, Mondays-Fridays, 2-9:15pm; Saturdays-Sunday and Holidays, 9am-10pm
    WHERE: Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St. , Financial District, NY
    AGES: All
    WHAT: Skate on the 7,350 square-foot outdoor rink while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Hudson River and cityscape. WANT TO GO? $15 per hour; $5 skate rental; see website for more options. 212-978-1673. https://therinkatbrookfieldplace.net/.

    IN PERSON Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection
    WHEN: Nov. 27 - Feb. 21, Fridays, 10-11 for members and age 65+ and immunocompromised; Friday, 11am-8pm; Saturdays?Sundays, 11am-5pm
    WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side, NY
    AGES: All
    WHAT:

    A magical wonderland awaits visitors with the return of this holiday tradition. Featuring toy trains, figurines, and miniature models from the renowned Jerni Collection, Holiday Express transports guests to a long-gone era at the New-York Historical Society.

    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. nyhistory.org.

    IN PERSON Wollman Rink
    WHEN: Nov. 30 - Mar. 31, Mondays and Tuesdays, 10am-2:30pm; Wednesdays-Saturdays, 10am-10pm; Sundays, 10am-9pm
    WHERE: Central Park, 830 5th Ave., 59th Street and 6th Avenue, Upper Manhattan, NY
    AGES: All
    WHAT:

    Situated in the heart of Manhattan at 59th Street and Sixth Avenue, the iconic Wollman Rink offers spectacular views of the NYC skyline and programs that cater to the entire family—ideal for visitors and local skating enthusiasts.

    WANT TO GO? $19 weekends and holidays; $12 weekdays; $9 seniors weekends; $6 ages 11 and younger; $5 seniors weekdays; $10 skate rental. 212-439-6900. https://wollmanskatingrink.com/.

    IN PERSON and ONLINE 'Hollywood Dogs' Exhibit
    WHEN: Jan. 6 - Apr. 11, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11am-6pm
    WHERE: American Kennel Club Museum, 101 Park Ave, Midtown, NY
    AGES: All
    WHAT: Take a closer look at your favorite Hollywood dogs at this exhibit. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 seniors 65 and older, students 13-24, and active military; $5 children younger than 12; free for virtual tour. 212-696-8360. https://museumofthedog.org/.

    IN PERSON Prismatica FREE
    WHEN: Jan. 11 - 30, Anytime
    WHERE: Garment District Alliance, Broadway pedestrian plazas between 39th and 40th Streets, Garment District , NY
    AGES: All
    WHAT:

    Visit the Garment District Alliance to experience Prismatica, an immersive installation comprised of 25 pivoting prisms that reflect the colors of the rainbow, transforming Midtown Manhattan into an enchanting atmosphere. As visitors walk through the exhibition, the six-foot-tall, multi-colored prisms will fill the space with reflections and musical sounds, creating an ever-changing light show along the Broadway plazas in the Garment District.

    Additionally, to celebrate the unveiling, on Thursday (1/14) the Broadway pedestrian plazas will also feature a pop-up sugar shack in collaboration with The Québec Government Office in New York. New Yorkers are invited to enjoy Canadian maple syrup taffy freshly made by Chef Dominic Sylvain at the Cabane à Sucre from 12:30 – 2:30pm.

     

    WANT TO GO? http://garmentdistrict.nyc/.

    IN PERSON Discovery Pop-Up (Dana Discovery Center) FREE
    WHEN: Jan. 23 - 30, Saturdays, 11am-1pm
    WHERE: Central Park, 110th Street, Upper Manhattan, NY
    AGES: All
    WHAT:

    Be sure to stop by the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center at Central Park where conservancy guides will be ready to greet you and share historic content about the Park, give out free maps, as well as provide Discovery Journals and activity materials for your kids! 

    WANT TO GO? 212-310-6600. https://facebook.com/events/504874234053069/.

    ONLINE Little New-Yorkers @ Home: Terrific Trains FREE
    WHEN: Jan. 26 - 29, Tuesday and Friday, 3:30pm
    WHERE: DiMenna Children's History Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side, NY
    AGES: 3-8
    WHAT:

    Join the museum via Zoom every Tuesday and Friday for story time and crafts! Each class includes a special Little New-Yorkers hello song, silly dances and songs, a story book reading, and a craft to do at home. This week, read Shark vs Train, written by Chris Barton and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld, and watch a toy shark and train compete under water, in the sky, and even at a bowling alley. Find out who wins! Afterwards, create a shark puppet to pit against your own toy train at home. Advanced registration required. 

    WANT TO GO? 212-873-3400. https://nyhistory.org/programs/little-new-yorkers-home-39.

    ONLINE Architecture at Home: Windows: The Eyes of a Building FREE
    WHEN: Friday, Jan. 29, 11-11:45am
    WHERE: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, New York, NY
    AGES: 5-12
    WHAT:

    Learn more about architecture and design from the comfort of your own home with these free, live online Architecture at Home workshops led by Center for Architecture educators. Each 45-minute session explores an architectural topic through virtual tours, interactive, lessons and discussions, and gets kids started on a design project they can complete on their own with at-home materials. All Architecture at Home events require a device with internet connection and camera. All programs are FREE and are open to at-home learners, families, and youth ages 5+.? The word window comes from the old Norse for “wind eye,” or the eye of the building that lets the wind in. Windows are also our eyes to the world outside. Learn more about the many different types of windows architects use, from fanlights to eyebrow windows, then design your own window to frame a favorite view. Advanced registration required. 

    WANT TO GO? 212-358-6133. https://centerforarchitecture.org/k-12/architecture-at-home-events/.

    ONLINE Open Studio from Home: Marisol FREE
    WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 30, 11-11:40am
    WHERE: Whitney Museum of American Art, 99 Gansevoort St., Meatpacking District, NY
    AGES: All
    WHAT:

    You are invited to Open Studio From Home, free weekly online art classes with Whitney Educators! Participants will experiment, create, and learn together with at-home art materials.  

    Horace Pippin’s The Buffalo Hunt and Rockwell Kent’s The Trapper both depict snowy scenes that stretch far into the distance. In The Buffalo Hunt, a buffalo is encircled by dogs, while a hunter waits perched behind a hill. Though he likely never saw a buffalo in person, Pippin may have called upon his own memories as a trapper in the Pocono Mountains as well as historical engravings of the American West. In The Trapper, Kent painted a man and his dog at the edge of a snowy cliff. He created this scene based on the view from his Vermont studio.  

    This week, learn how Pippin and Kent created these winter landscapes from their own memories and imagination. Then, collage your own winter landscapes using layers of blank white paper. 

    Materials: 

    Multiple sheets of white paper
    Scissors
    Glue stick or glue

    Advanced registration required. 

    WANT TO GO? 212-570-3600. https://whitney.org/events/open-studio-from-home-marisol.

    ONLINE Meet Victoria Confino
    WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 30, 4-5pm
    WHERE: Tenement Museum, 97 Orchard St., New York, NY
    AGES: All
    WHAT:

    Journey back in time to 1916 and learn from an actor playing Victoria Confino, a real 14-year-old girl who immigrated to the United States in 1913. Victoria will show us her home, and share stories of her daily life and how her family keeps their culture alive through food, language, holidays and more. See how life in 1916 was quite different from today, but also explore how people cope when they move to a new place and are uncertain about the future- an experience as relevant today as it was in her time. Throughout the program, participants will have a chance to ask Victoria their own questions. Advanced registration required. 

    WANT TO GO? $15 per device; free for members. 877-975-3786. https://tenement.org/tour/virtual-tour-meet-victoria/?tour_date=2021-01-30.

    ONLINE Baldizzi Family
    WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 30, 11:30am-12:30pm
    WHERE: Tenement Museum, 97 Orchard St, New York, NY
    AGES: All
    WHAT:

    Visit the 1930's home of Adolpho and Rosaria Baldizzi, immigrants from Sicily who lived at 97 Orchard Street with their children, Josephine and Johnny. As they did on their "Hard Times" building tour, you'll explore their daily lives and experiences as immigrants living through the Great Depression. How did they manage economic struggles? What supports did they have from community and government programs, and what lessons can we draw from their story for our lives today? Advanced registration required. 

    WANT TO GO? $10 per device; free for members. 877-975-3786. https://tenement.org/tour/virtual-tour-baldizzi-family/?tour_date=2021-01-30.

    ONLINE Architecture at Home: Fa ade: The Face of a Building FREE
    WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 30, 11-11:45am
    WHERE: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, New York, NY
    AGES: 5-12
    WHAT:

    Learn more about architecture and design from the comfort of your own home with these free, live online Architecture at Home workshops led by Center for Architecture educators. Each 45-minute session explores an architectural topic through virtual tours, interactive, lessons and discussions, and gets kids started on a design project they can complete on their own with at-home materials. All Architecture at Home events require a device with internet connection and camera. All programs are FREE and are open to at-home learners, families, and youth ages 5+. What can a building’s face or façade tell us about what goes on inside? You’ll look at several building façades to hone your building detective skills, then teach you our tried-and-true method for drawing any building façade, including one of your own design! Advanced registration required. 

    WANT TO GO? 212-358-6133. https://calendar.aiany.org/2021/01/30/architecture-at-home-fa%c3%a7ade-the-face-of-a-building/.

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

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