Things to Do with Kids in NYC this Weekend

Plan your kids' best weekend yet in Manhattan!

By NYMetroParents Staff March 25, 2023

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

Zephyr Cirque Mechanics

WHEN: Mar. 24 - 26,
WHERE: The New Victory Theater, 209 W 42nd Street, The New Victory Theater, The New Victory Theater

WHAT:

Throwing all caution to the wind, the adrenaline-driven daredevils of Cirque Mechanics (42FT, 2019) are back with an all-new mechanical masterpiece: a 20-foot-tall windmill powered by sheer strength! Set on a rotating turntable, there’s practically nothing in Zephyr that won’t spin—including your head—as acrobats brazenly balance atop the windmill’s blades and fearlessly face the Wheel of Destiny. A turbine tug of war between man, nature and machine, Zephyr is a whirlwind of circus that’ll blow you away.

Arrive early and stay after for free pre- & post-show activities and kid-friendly amenities—part of the New Victory Experience.

Photo credit: Paris Photographics

WANT TO GO? Tickets start at $20

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella

WHEN: Sunday, Mar. 26
WHERE: The 92nd Street Y, New York, 1395 Lexington Ave., The 92nd Street Y, New York, The 92nd Street Y, New York

WHAT:

The Broadway adaptation of the classic musical features new characters, a hilarious libretto, surprising twists, and an unforgettable score from Rodgers & Hammerstein.

This production is presented in partnership with Concord Theatricals. For families with children ages 7+.

WANT TO GO? $20

2003 Macy’s Flower Show FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Mar. 26
WHERE: Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W. 34th Street, Macy’s Herald Square, Macy’s Herald Square

WHAT:

Celebrate the enchanting beauty of flowers & fragrance in Macy’s Herald Square this spring. DIOR has brought its passion for florals to life, transforming the mezzanine level into a lavishly romantic dreamscape with thousands of beautiful blooms.

WANT TO GO? Free

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella

WHEN: Sunday, Mar. 26
WHERE: The 92nd Street Y, New York, 1395 Lexington Ave., The 92nd Street Y, New York, The 92nd Street Y, New York

WHAT:

The Broadway adaptation of the classic musical features new characters, a hilarious libretto, surprising twists, and an unforgettable score from Rodgers & Hammerstein.

This production is presented in partnership with Concord Theatricals. For families with children ages 7+.

WANT TO GO? $20

Dog Man: The Musical

WHEN: Sunday, Mar. 26
WHERE: New World Stages, 340 W 50th Street, New World Stages, New World Stages

WHAT:

Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious family show based on the worldwide bestselling series from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants. Best buds George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they’re in 5th grade, they figure it’s time to level up and write a musical based on their favorite character, Dog Man, the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!! How hard could it be? With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of Dav Pilkey’s beloved characters.

Photo by Jeremy Daniel

WANT TO GO? $50-$116

Zephyr Cirque Mechanics

WHEN: Sunday, Mar. 26
WHERE: The New Victory Theater, 209 W 42nd Street, The New Victory Theater, The New Victory Theater

WHAT:

Arrive early and stay after for free pre- & post-show activities and kid-friendly amenities—part of the New Victory Experience.

Photo credit: Paris Photographics

WANT TO GO? Tickets start at $20

Dog Man: The Musical

WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 1
WHERE: New World Stages, 340 W 50th Street, New World Stages, New World Stages

WHAT:

Photo by Jeremy Daniel

WANT TO GO? $50-$116

Zephyr Cirque Mechanics

WHEN: Apr. 1 - 3,
WHERE: The New Victory Theater, 209 W 42nd Street, The New Victory Theater, The New Victory Theater

WHAT:

Arrive early and stay after for free pre- & post-show activities and kid-friendly amenities—part of the New Victory Experience.

Photo credit: Paris Photographics

WANT TO GO? Tickets start at $20

More Fun Events

Adventures from The Shed

WHEN: Saturday, Mar. 25
WHERE: 14th Street Y, 344 E 14th St, 14th Street Y, 14th Street Y

WHAT:

Puppetry, music, movement, storytelling–and a bit of theatre magic! Preschoolers and their families love Adventures from The Shed, an immersive and inclusive performance. The talented team of theatre artists lead you through an adventure with friendly characters like Blurgh, Lion Down, and Mary Jo. You get to help the story unfold—all kids will receive their own show backpacks to take part in the performance and even learn a bit of American Sign Language!

The artists also have a brand NEW show that teaches children about the weather, where you get to follow Jeeves the Robot on a rainy day adventure! With new songs and some fun facts about the weather, kids are sure to have a great time with Mary-Jo and her friends — including Blurgh and Kinglsey the Dog!

It is encouraged to arrive early to get your family registered and settled. Run time is approximately 45 minutes. Please note that your family will be on a list for check-in; physical tickets are not necessary. Team members have all been vaccinated against COVID-19. They have created a show that makes family safety a priority, so that everyone can have fun!

WANT TO GO? $7.50

Wonder Women

WHEN: Saturday, Mar. 25
WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street, Children’s Museum of Manhattan, Children’s Museum of Manhattan

WHAT:

Every weekend is Wonder Women weekend in March! Celebrate Women’s History Month at CMOM and commemorate pioneering figures in science, technology, arts & design, and mathematics. Each weekend, meet women working in today’s comic book world, like illustrators, authors, and comic book editors. Then take a look back at historical wonder women as CMOM highlights their impact through hands-on projects, storytelling, and more!

WANT TO GO? Included with admission: $16; $13 seniors and visitors with disabilities

Be an Engineer, Just Like Rosie Revere! FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Mar. 25
WHERE: The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, The Skyscraper Museum, The Skyscraper Museum

WHAT:

Rosie Revere is a kid engineer who uses household objects to invent her gadgets and gizmos. Can you do the same for skyscrapers? Join the museum for a read-aloud of Andrea Beaty’s Rosie Revere, Engineer, and learn about the role of engineers and then use your own creative minds to use everyday materials to build tall structures! Ages 3+.

Advanced registration required. After registering, you will receive emails to confirm your attendance through a Google Form. If you do not confirm attendance by the Friday morning before the program, your places will be canceled. Every child should be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

WANT TO GO? Free

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

WHEN: Saturday, Mar. 25
WHERE: DR2 Theatre, 103 East 15 Street, DR2 Theatre, DR2 Theatre

WHAT:

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show has been dazzling audiences around the globe for over five years, faithfully bringing to the stage Eric Carle’s timeless classics. Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, each production of the critically acclaimed show features a menagerie of over 75 magical puppets, including the star of the show –The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Alongside The Very Hungry Caterpillar, every production of the show features three other Eric Carle stories, meaning children and families will experience a different show every time they see it.

WANT TO GO? $48-$110

Athletes, Activists, Changemakers: Celebrate Women’s Stories at JRM

WHEN: Saturday, Mar. 25
WHERE: Jackie Robinson Museum, 75 Varick Street, Jackie Robinson Museum, Jackie Robinson Museum

WHAT:

Celebrate the legacies of some of the phenomenal women—athletes, activists, changemakers—who influenced and inspired Jackie Robinson. Museum highlight tours and hands-on activities will introduce visitors of all ages to women such as Jackie’s mother Mallie Robinson, civic leader and educator Mary McLeod Bethune, activist Daisy Bates, team owner Effa Manley, tennis star Althea Gibson, collaborator Marian Logan, and of course Rachel and Sharon Robinson.

WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $18; $15 seniors 62 and older, college students with ID, youth ages 5-17 and visitors with disabilities; free for children younger than 5

Celebrate Women’s Stories at the Jackie Robinson Museum

WHEN: Saturday, Mar. 25
WHERE: Jackie Robinson Museum, 75 Varick Street, Jackie Robinson Museum, Jackie Robinson Museum

WHAT:

Join us to celebrate the legacies of some of the phenomenal women—athletes, activists, changemakers—who influenced and inspired Jackie Robinson. Museum highlight tours and hands-on activities will introduce visitors of all ages to women such as Jackie’s mother Mallie Robinson, civic leader and educator Mary McLeod Bethune, activist Daisy Bates, team owner Effa Manley, tennis star Althea Gibson, collaborator Marian Logan, and of course Rachel and Sharon Robinson.

WANT TO GO? Free with admission

The Cooking Class with Chef Adriana Urbina FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Mar. 25
WHERE: Randall’s Island Urban Farm, Wards Meadow Loop, Randall’s Island Urban Farm, Randall’s Island Urban Farm

WHAT:

In honor of Women’s History Month, join Chef Adriana Urbina, an award-winning Venezuelan Chef and three-time winning contestant of Chopped (Food Network) on the Urban Farm! Take a seat in the Urban Farm’s kitchen for an interactive cooking demo that centers around foods that promote brain health. Make and enjoy a beautiful Shaved Veggies Salad, packed with nutrients to help you feel more focused, refreshed and alert. With Chef Adriana’s guidance, use ingredients harvested from the Urban Farm to create a delicious dish that both your tastebuds and brain cells will love. All ages are welcome!

Registration is recommended on Eventbrite.

WANT TO GO? Free

The Little Mermaid the Musical Off-Broadway

WHEN: Saturday, Mar. 25
WHERE: The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St., The Players Theatre, The Players Theatre

WHAT:

Once upon a time there was a little mermaid who dreamed of the day when she would finally be old enough to explore the wonders of the world above the sea. When her time comes, she is not disappointed. In fact she saves a young prince from drowning in a shipwreck and falls deeply in love with him. Now her longing increases, as she desires to become a mortal so she can marry her young prince; but as with all dreams, there are sacrifices. The little mermaid soon learns that getting her wish means making hard choices. She also learns how much she is willing to give up for someone she loves.

The production features a live music ensemble and includes a family workshop 1 hour prior to the Sat 3p and Sun 11a matinee performances. Here the audience meets members of the creative team as well as an actor from the production who relate how they turn a book into a musical onstage. Afterward, the children are invited to create a sea creature that they can bring home as a souvenir.

WANT TO GO? $42-$62

Broadway Playhouse: Broadway Today

WHEN: Sunday, Mar. 26
WHERE: Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center, 129 W. 67th St., Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center, Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center

WHAT:

Sean Hartley and the beloved Broadway Playhouse cast sing, clown and introduce children to the great writers of American musical theater today! The performance includes songs from The Lion King, Six, The Book of Mormon, Hamilton, Wicked, Chicago and more. Kids can sing along to classic numbers and play games as they learn. For ages 4-11 and adults.

WANT TO GO? $25

The Tale Of An-Noor

WHEN: Sunday, Mar. 26
WHERE: The Kraine Theater, 85 East 4th Street, The Kraine Theater, The Kraine Theater

WHAT:

The Tale of An-Noor, written and performed by Marina Celander, is the tale of a magic bird who flies great distances to visit her friends the Old Tree and the Old River. An-Noor listens to her friends and they share tales of epic migrations, sorrows and loss, of overcoming huge odds, and feeling joy in everyday life at the edge of the river. Told through dance, puppetry and light An-Noor lets children know that there is magic all around us as long as we keep on dreaming and following the stars.

Show runs 45 minutes and is intended for children.

WANT TO GO? $22

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

WHEN: Sunday, Mar. 26
WHERE: DR2 Theatre, 103 East 15 Street, DR2 Theatre, DR2 Theatre

WHAT:

WANT TO GO? $48-$110

Family Sundays: Happy Hues of Holi FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Mar. 26
WHERE: Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17th St., Rubin Museum of Art, Rubin Museum of Art

WHAT:

This month, the Rubin Museum of Art is observing the holiday of Holi, which welcomes spring and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Dating back thousands of years, the colorful Holi tradition of throwing brightly dyed powders has spread from India and is now celebrated throughout the world. As you shake off the darkness of winter, mark this vibrant holiday by creating art of your own which evokes the happy hues of Holi. Reserve your tickets online.

WANT TO GO? Free

ASL Family Workshop Participants in the ASL community FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Mar. 26
WHERE: , , ,

WHAT:

Families in the ASL community with kids ages 5-12 are invited to explore The Sassoons and create art inspired by the works on view.

Due to limited capacity, the space is reserved for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, CODA and family members.

All Access programs are free of charge and require advance reservation. Please contact [email protected] or 212.423.3289 for more information or to register.

The Jewish Museum is committed to making its programs accessible to all.

WANT TO GO? Free

Seven Last Words

WHEN: Sunday, Mar. 26
WHERE: David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center, David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center

WHAT:

A concert featuring the music of composer Michael John Trotta with three of his most popular works. Conducted by Catherine Sailer, Seven Last Words is a multi-movement choral journey which delivers a powerful and captivating story encompassing a breathtaking palette of emotion, from intimate tenderness to majestic triumph. Following will be ‘Te Deum’, conducted by Larry Bach. ‘Te Deum’ delivers an energetic and poignant reflection on one of the oldest hymns in the Christian tradition. The concert will culminate with Trotta’s triumphant ‘Gloria’, a rare example of music that is both grounded in tradition and appealing to the modern listener.

WANT TO GO? $23

ASL Teen Program

WHEN: Sunday, Mar. 26
WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 4th Floor Studios, 1109 5th Ave., The Jewish Museum, 4th Floor Studios, The Jewish Museum, 4th Floor Studios

WHAT:

Participants in the ASL Teen community are invited to explore the exhibition The Sassoons and create art inspired by the works on view. Due to limited capacity, the space is reserved for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, CODA and family members. All Access programs are free of charge and require advance reservation. Please contact [email protected] or 212.423.3289 for more information or to register.

WANT TO GO? $0

CINCO/FIVE

WHEN: Friday, Mar. 31
WHERE: Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd Street, Theatre Row, Theatre Row

WHAT:

Piper the Puppet has traveled to New York City all the way from the planet Blank to learn about his FIVE senses! Incorporating live music, puppetry, videos and sensory objects, FIVE invites you to explore your five senses while celebrating the unique boroughs of New York City!

Written for young audiences by Sara Morgulis and Brooke Boertzel, with a bilingual version adapted by Andrea Palma and Ana Cantorán Viramonte, NYCCT’s touring musical visits Theatre Row this spring!

Join us for FIVE, our multimedia musical, at 10:30 am and CINCO, our bilingual multimedia musical, at 1pm!

WANT TO GO? $27.50

The Deepest Breath by Treehouse Shakers

WHEN: Friday, Mar. 31
WHERE: Manhattan Movement and Arts Center, 248 W. 60th St. NY, NY 10023, Manhattan Movement and Arts Center, Manhattan Movement and Arts Center

WHAT:

Treehouse Shakers Presents
The Deepest Breath

Join us on a bubbling aquatic adventure of bravery & self-love

For Ages 9-13+

Treehouse Shakers’ The Deepest Breath, is for ages 9-13 and their families. Based on the book by Meg Grehan, adapted/directed by Cheyenne Mesura, with choreography by Ashley Chavonne in collaboration with the performers, The Deepest Breath centers on Stevie, a young girl who LOVES to read. After realizing that there are so many things to learn about, Stevie experiences anxiety. As her anxious thoughts take over, Stevie focuses on learning about EVERY creature in the ocean in hope that she can unravel her thoughts and make sense of these new feelings. There is just one thing that Stevie can’t stop thinking about…why does she get a fizzy feeling in her stomach when she looks at her friend Chloe?

Audiences are invited to join Stevie on a bubbling, aquatic adventure of acceptance and self-love as her curiosity leads her to uncover more about the world and herself. Told through original theater and dance, The Deepest Breath is an inquisitive and honest story that welcomes young people to be brave in a world full of unknowns. Join Treehouse Shakers’ for this new premiere that celebrates LGBTQIA+ identities.

Premiere Night Celebration
Party and Talk Back Following Performance
Friday, March 31 @ 7PM

WANT TO GO? $15-50

April Fools’: NYC Architecture that Never Was! FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 1
WHERE: The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, The Skyscraper Museum, The Skyscraper Museum

WHAT:

Architects around the world have built some pretty unbelievable structures, but even more have gone unbuilt! In this April Fools’ Day program inspired by the book Never Built New York, we will look at some unbuilt dreams for New York City, then kids will have the opportunity to create their own unique skyscrapers. Recommended for ages 5+.

WANT TO GO? Free

The Little Mermaid the Musical Off-Broadway

WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 1
WHERE: The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St., The Players Theatre, The Players Theatre

WHAT:

Once upon a time there was a little mermaid who dreamed of the day when she would finally be old enough to explore the wonders of the world above the sea. When her turn comes, she is not disappointed. In fact, she saves a young prince from drowning in a shipwreck and falls deeply in love with him. Now her longing increases, as she desires to become a mortal so she can marry her young prince; but as with all dreams, there are sacrifices. The little mermaid soon learns that getting her wish means making hard choices. She also learns how much she is willing to give up for someone she loves.

Afterward, the children are invited to create a sea creature that they can bring home as a souvenir.

Pre-show Arts Workshop:  one hour prior to Sat 3pm and Sun 11a performances

(Additional SCHOOL BREAK 1p workshop and 2p matinees on Wed, April 12)

(NO SHOWS ON: Sunday, March 26th and April 9th)

Appropriate for all ages – we have no age restrictions – recommended for 5 and up

Show is approximately 70 minutes long with no intermission. Ticket price includes pre-show arts workshop.

WANT TO GO? $42-62

Family Day: Building Bridges

WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 1
WHERE: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, Center for Architecture, Center for Architecture

WHAT:

New York City has many fascinating bridges, from the historic Brooklyn Bridge to more contemporary examples. What kind of bridge would you design for NYC? 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.

Family Day Programs are designed for children ages 5 – 13 years old, accompanied by an adult.

WANT TO GO? $10 per person

The Magic School Bus: Lost In The Solar System

WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 1
WHERE: BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center

WHAT:

When the class gets lost on the way to the planetarium, Ms. Frizzle saves the day by blasting into outer space for an epic interplanetary field trip! But when rivalries both old and new threaten to tear the students apart, our young heroes must learn to pull together or risk getting forever lost in the solar system. Hop on the Magic School Bus for a ride in this new musical adaptation based on the original book series published by Scholastic. TheaterWorksUSA. Ages 5 +.

WANT TO GO? $30

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 1
WHERE: DR2 Theatre, 103 East 15 Street, DR2 Theatre, DR2 Theatre

WHAT:

WANT TO GO? $48-$110

The Little Mermaid the Musical Off-Broadway

WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 1
WHERE: The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St., The Players Theatre, The Players Theatre

WHAT:

Afterward, the children are invited to create a sea creature that they can bring home as a souvenir.

Pre-show Arts Workshop:  one hour prior to Sat 3pm and Sun 11a performances

(Additional SCHOOL BREAK 1p workshop and 2p matinees on Wed, April 12)

(NO SHOWS ON: Sunday, March 26th and April 9th)

Appropriate for all ages – we have no age restrictions – recommended for 5 and up

Show is approximately 70 minutes long with no intermission. Ticket price includes pre-show arts workshop.

WANT TO GO? $42-62

MOCACREATE: Chrysanthemums for Qing Ming with Teaching Artist Yu Rong FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 1
WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St, Museum of Chinese in America, Museum of Chinese in America

WHAT:

It’s almost time for Qing Ming (清明), a holiday dedicated to honoring our ancestors, cleaning their grave sites, and making ritual offerings. Both the white chrysanthemum, a flower of mourning, and the willow branch, a symbol of new life that wards off troubled spirits, are common Qing Ming offerings.

During this special MOCACREATE workshop, we’ll be celebrating Qing Ming by creating ink drawings of symbolic chrysanthemums on rice and yupo paper. We’ll experiment with ink and water to see how they react on different types of paper.

We’ll also be writing letters to our ancestors on green paper, which we’ll use to decorate a collaborative willow tree made to honor our loved ones who are no longer with us.

FREE! Click for more information!

Yu Rong is a painter and product designer who has exhibited paintings and wine goblet designs in the US, UK, Italy, and the Czech Republic. She was born in Sichuan and currently lives in New York City. Yu is interested in designing products that are fun to use and creating paintings that are natural and true. She is currently a teaching artist at the Hope Garden Center and MOCA, as well as a member of the CREATE Council on the Arts in the Catskills New York and at Ceres gallery, a feminist, not-for-profit, alternative gallery in New York City dedicated to the promotion of contemporary women in the arts. You can learn more about her here: www.yurong.work!

WANT TO GO? Free

The Little Mermaid the Musical Off-Broadway

WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 1
WHERE: The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St., The Players Theatre, The Players Theatre

WHAT:

Afterward, the children are invited to create a sea creature that they can bring home as a souvenir.

Pre-show Arts Workshop:  one hour prior to Sat 3pm and Sun 11a performances

(Additional SCHOOL BREAK 1p workshop and 2p matinees on Wed, April 12)

(NO SHOWS ON: Sunday, March 26th and April 9th)

Appropriate for all ages – we have no age restrictions – recommended for 5 and up

Show is approximately 70 minutes long with no intermission. Ticket price includes pre-show arts workshop.

WANT TO GO? $42-62

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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