Fun Things To Do This Weekend with Kids in New York City

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.

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FREE Baby Storytime

WHEN: Through Jan. 25: Fridays, 10:30am
WHERE: New York Public Library Countee Cullen branch, 104 W. 136th St., Harlem
AGES: Newborn to 14 months
WHAT: Babies and their parents/caregivers can enjoy great books, lively songs, and rhymes, and meet other babies in the neighborhood.
WANT TO GO? 212-491-2070. nypl.org.

FREE Chess Club for Teens and Tweens
WHEN: Through Jan. 26: Saturdays, 1-3pm
WHERE: Chatham Square Library, 33 E. Broadway, Chinatown
AGES: 8 and older
WHAT: Are you a tween or teen who loves chess? Or are you a tween or teen who loves chess and wants to learn how to play better? Or are you a tween or teen who does not play chess but wants to learn? Come to our Tween and Teen Chess Club! An experienced chess player will be present every week to provide assistance.
WANT TO GO? 212-964-6598. nypl.org.

2019 Progressive® Insurance New York Boat Show®
WHEN: Jan. 23-27, Wednesday-Friday, 12-9pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm
WHERE: Jacob Javits Center, 655 W. 34th St., Chelsea
AGES: All
WHAT: Little skippers can create a one-of-a kind nautical masterpiece to take home as a show souvenir. There's also a Touch-A-Boat Tour for Kids and the Progressive® Boat Club interactive space where attendees can enjoy a hands-on boating courses for all levels of experience.
WHY WE LOVE IT: A chance to try Progressive’s Oculus Rift virtual reality experience and be at the helm of a virtual boat race.
WANT TO GO? $16; children 12 and younger get in free when accompanied by an adult; save $2 when you buy tickets in advance online; military and first responders get $3 off on-site on Jan. 23; visit after 5pm on Jan. 24 and pay only $5. 212-216-2000. NYBoatShow.com. 

Open Studio: Figure Drawing for Families
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 10:30am-3pm
WHERE: Whitney Museum of American Art , 99 Gansevoort St., Meatpacking District
AGES: All
WHAT: Draw live models and create your own pop portraits inspired by Andy Warhol.
WANT TO GO? $25; $18 seniors, students, and those with disabilities; free for children 18 and younger. 212-570-7713. whitney.org.

FREE Winter Jam
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 11am-3pm
WHERE: Central Park Bandshell Area, 72nd Street, Upper Manhattan
AGES: All
WHAT: The powder people at Gore Mountain will blow lots of snow in the heart of Manhattan, creating an urban snow field for all to enjoy skiing, sledding, and more.
WANT TO GO? 212-310-6600. centralparknyc.org.

Just Kidding: Meet the Remarkable Renaldo
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 11am
WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Be prepared to be astonished as you and your kids join in on the juggling, pranks, magic, and humor with this world-class clown.
WANT TO GO? $14 members; $17 non-members. 212-864-5400. http://symphonyspace.org.

FREE Winter Blast: A Family Day of Native Games
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 11am-4pm
WHERE: Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, 1 Bowling Green, Financial District
AGES: All
WHAT: Learn to play Hawaiian board games or “ring in pin,” and test your skill with Inuit yo-yos, Arctic high kick, and hoop throwing.
WANT TO GO? 212-514-3700. americanindian.si.edu/. 

Watson Adventures’ Whodunit at the Met Family Scavenger Hunt
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 10:30am-12:30pm
WHERE: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York 
AGES: 9 and older 
WHAT: Join Watson Adventures on a unique murder mystery scavenger hunt for kids 10 and up! 
WANT TO GO? $31.00-$42.00 (includes museum admission). 877-946-4868. https://watsonadventures.com/public/event/met-whodunnit-family-scavenger-hunt/.

'Emily Brown:' Autism-Friendly
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 3pm
WHERE: New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., New York City
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: In order to make the show more accessible to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, the sound, lighting, and atmosphere will be adapted for Emily Brown and The Thing.
WANT TO GO? $25. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.

FREE Stripes stART for Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 9:30-10:45 am
WHERE: Children's Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Manhattan
AGES: Newborn-5
WHAT: By exploring different art mediums, this class focuses on sensory experiences while building motor skills, self-regulated independence, and social skills.
WANT TO GO? 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

ArtSee: Papercutting
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 27, 11am-12:30pm
WHERE: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., Lower East Side
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: A special family program to look closely at the brand-new exhibition Releasing Words, featuring works in cut paper.
WANT TO GO? $15.84 adults; $9.53 seniors and children; free for children younger than 5 . 212-219-0302. eldridgestreet.org.

Living History: Meet Harriet Tubman
WHEN: Jan. 26-27, 12:00 PM-4:00 PM
WHERE: DiMenna Children's History Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Meet Living Historians who portray Harriet Tubman and other self-liberated people of African descent who, like those depicted by the Betye Saar, strongly defied racial oppression in the 19th century.
WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors/educators/active military; $13students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 4. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum. 

LC Kids Presents 'Mouth Open, Story Jump Out'
WHEN: Jan. 26-27, Saturday, 11am and 2pm; Sunday, 11am
WHERE: Lincoln Center: Clark Studio Theater , 165 W. 65th St., 7th Floor, Upper West Side
AGES: 9-12
WHAT: In this one-man show and creative writing workshop for children, children get a chance to share their own stories.
WANT TO GO? $25. 212-957-1709. lincolncenter.org/kids/.

Sing!
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 27, 3:30pm
WHERE: 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Manhattan
AGES: Newborn-5
WHAT: A fun and interactive sing-along of old time favorites, folk songs, and childhood classics.
WANT TO GO? $20 first child; $10 each additional child. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.

Vogue Knitting LIVE New York

WHEN: Jan. 25-27, Friday, 5-8pm; Saturday, 10am-6:30pm; Sunday, 10am-4pm
WHERE: New York Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway, Midtown
AGES: Adult, All
WHAT: Highlights of this fiber-filled weekend include knit-couture fashion shows, free learn-to-knit and -crochet lessons, and a knit art gallery.
WANT TO GO? $20 and up. 877-825-2480. vogueknittinglive.com.

New Years Celebration: Oshogatsu

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 27, 1-4pm
WHERE: Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St., New York 
AGES: 3-12 
WHAT: Celebrate the New Year Japanese-style with this Oshogatsu event filled with the traditional activities of rice pounding, calligraphy, and lion dancing. Then watch a taiko drumming performance. 
WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids with excess energy will flip for a post-performance audience practice session. 
WANT TO GO? $18/$10 Japan Society & corporate members; free for ages 2 and younger and Cool Culture members . 212-715-1258. japansociety.org.

Ali Baba & the 40 Thieves
WHEN: Through Jan. 27: 2pm
WHERE: Galli Theater, 151 W. 26th St., 7th Floor, Chelsea 
AGES: All 
WHAT: A charming fairytale by Johannes Galli after the story of 1001 nights! 
WANT TO GO? $15-$20. 212-731-0668. gallitheaterny.com.

FREE Read-to-Skate Storytime
WHEN: Through Jan. 27: Sundays, 12-1pm
WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street and Sixth Avenue, Midtown
AGES: 8 and younger
WHAT: Read books and earn a free skate with Cali Co Cat & Pals. Plus, free books at every event, while supply lasts.
WANT TO GO? 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.

FREE Family Storytime
WHEN: Through Jan. 27: Sundays, 3-3:30pm
WHERE: New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, 476 Fifth Ave., Midtown
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Join us for stories and songs.
WANT TO GO: 917-275-6975. nypl.org.

FREE Family Sundays: Sprouting Sculptures
WHEN: Through Jan. 27: Sundays, 1-4pm
WHERE: Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17th St., Flatiron
AGES: 3 and older
WHAT: Sundays are for families! Bring your family to the Rubin Museum for a Sunday afternoon of activities both kids and grownups will enjoy. Drop into the Education Center for some art-making, enjoy our 2:00 p.m. family exhibition tour, and go on your own thematic gallery search.
WANT TO GO: 212-620-5000. rubinmuseum.org/familysundays.

FREE Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Experience
WHEN: Through Jan. 27: See website for schedule
WHERE: Sony Square NYC, 25 Madison Ave., Nomad
AGES: All
WHAT: Be the hero and enter a world of limitless possibilities. Experience the Spider-Verse with Sony’s immersive haptic installation, see yourself as the superhero with the Xperia 3-D creator, take a photo with your Spidey squad, and more.
WANT TO GO? 212-833-8800. sony.com.

Open Studio
WHEN: Through Jan. 27: Saturday-Sunday, 10:30am-3pm
WHERE: Whitney Museum of American Art, 99 Gansevoort St., Meatpacking District
AGES: All
WHAT: Get creative in the Whitney’s Hearst Artspace and make your own art inspired by works on view in current exhibitions. Each week offers a different art making project.
WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $25; $18 seniors, students, and those with disabilities; free for children 18 and younger. 212-570-3600. whitney.org.

Harry Potter: A History of Magic
WHEN: Through Jan. 27: Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, 10am-6pm; Friday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm
WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Harry Potter: A History of Magic captures the traditions of folklore and magic at the heart of the Harry Potter stories. Organized by the British Library, the exhibition features centuries-old treasures, including rare books, manuscripts, and magical objects from the collections of the British Library, the New-York Historical Society, and other museums, as well as original material from American publisher Scholastic and J.K. Rowling’s own archives. Unique to New York Historical’s presentation—and on public view for the very first time—are Mary GrandPré’s pastel illustrations of Scholastic’s original editions of the novels; Brian Selznick’s newly created artwork for the covers of the 20th anniversary edition of the Harry Potter series published by Scholastic; cover art by Kazu Kibuishi featured in Scholastic’s 15th anniversary box set; and costumes and set models from the theatrical production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
WANT TO GO? $21; $16 teachers and seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

Big Apple Circus
WHEN: Through Jan. 27: See website for schedule.
WHERE: Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: The Big Apple Circus brings together the most acclaimed circus acts from all over the world. See horizontal juggling for the first time in America, the award-winning aerial duo Desire in Flight, the astonishing quadruple somersault on the flying trapeze, horses and dogs, clowns, acrobats, and so many more wonders — all in the magical and intimate one-ring big top tent!
WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 212-257-2330. bigapplecircus.com.

'Emily Brown and the Thing'
WHEN: Jan. 26-Feb. 3, Saturday and Sunday, 11am
WHERE: New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., New York City 
AGES: 3-8 
WHAT: A friendly but woeful creature, The Thing has lost his Cuddly in the Dark and Scary Wood and won't stop crying. Luckily Emily and Stanley the rabbit are here to save the day. 
WHY WE LOVE IT: Puppets, music, and plenty of pajamas. What's not to love? 
WANT TO GO? $25-$30. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org. 

Matinee: 44th Annual Thunderbird American Indian Dancers' Dance Concert and Pow-Wow
WHEN: Jan. 25-Feb. 3, Sundays, 3pm
WHERE: Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave., East Village 
AGES: 5 and older 
WHAT: Experience dances, stories, and traditional music from Native Peoples. Then meet the talented dancers. 
WHY WE LOVE IT: At the conclusion of these matinées, young audience members are welcome to the stage to be photographed with the dancers. 
WANT TO GO? $12; $1 children ages 5-12 when accompanied by paying adult. 212-254-1109. theaterforthenewcity.net.

FREE 17th Annual Holiday Train Show
WHEN: Through Feb. 3: Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm
WHERE: New York Transit Museum Gallery and Store, Suttle Passage, Grand Central Terminal, Midtown
AGES: All
WHAT: Dazzling both children and adults alike, the Transit Museum’s display will feature Lionel trains traveling along a 34’ long, two-level, “O” gauge model train layout. Departing from a miniature replica of Grand Central Terminal on their way to the North Pole, the model train’s featured in this year’s festive exhibit will be set against a backdrop designed by artist Ebony Bolt.
WANT TO GO? 877-946-4868. grandcentralterminal.com.

'The True Story of Little Red'/'La Verdadera Historia de Caperucita'
WHEN: Through Feb. 9: Sundays, 11am
WHERE: Teatro Sea, 107 Suffolk St., First Floor, New York 
AGES: All 
WHAT: This bilingual musical play tells the classic fable, but with a comical twist. 
WANT TO GO? $20; $10 children. 212-529-1545. http://teatrosea.org.

Mickey: The True Original Exhibition
WHEN: Through Feb. 10: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-8pm
WHERE: 60 Tenth Ave., Chelsea
AGES: All
WHAT: Mickey: The True Original Exhibition celebrates 90 years of Mickey Mouse’s influence on art and pop culture. This immersive experience is inspired by Mickey’s status as a ‘true original’ and his consistent impact on the arts and creativity in all its forms. Guests will have the chance to explore the 16,000-square-foot exhibition featuring both historic and contemporary work from renowned artists.
WANT TO GO? $38; free for children 3 and younger. partners.disney.com.

CityParks Foundation Presents 'Yeti, Set, Snow!'
WHEN: Through Feb. 24: See website for schedule.
WHERE: Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, West 81st Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: A young girl named Widget, and her friend, Twig, encounter a yeti named Pascetti on the first snow day of the winter season. Pascetti, who lives on a mountaintop nearby, dislikes the snow. Through songs and snow day activities, Pascetti discovers not only that snow can be fun but also the value of friendship.
WANT TO GO? $8-$12. 212-988-9093. cityparksfoundation.org/swedish-cottage-marionette-theatre.

'Odd Day Rain'
WHEN: Jan. 19-Feb. 24, Fridays, 7pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 2pm and 4pm
WHERE: TADA! Youth Theater, 15 W. 28th St., Chelsea 
AGES: 5-17 
WHAT: Find out what happens to Aurora and her friends after a big disaster in the year 2211 in this futuristic rock musical. 
WANT TO GO? $30; $15 child. 212-252-1619. tadatheater.com.

Bank of America Winter Village
WHEN: Through March 3: See website for hours
WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street and Sixth Avenue, Midtown
AGES: All
WHAT: In its 17th season, the iconic holiday experience will feature its beloved ice-skating rink (the only free admission skating rink in NYC), more than 170 holiday shop vendors curated by Urbanspace (through Jan. 2, 2019), and the debut of The Lodge, an après skate-style escape from the cold anchored by a festive cocktail bar and a luxury Champagne Bollinger bar, along with 12 new and classic restaurant concepts.
WANT TO GO? $20 for skate rental. 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.

FunikiJam's City of Hope Music and Movement
WHEN: Jan. 21- March 4, 9:30-10:15am
WHERE: Symphony House, 235 W 56th St., Midtown West
AGES: 3-5
WHAT: Dance, sing, and play along with high-energy classes from a multiple "best of parenting" winner for music education where every week is a new globe-spanning musical adventure.
WANT TO GO? $40. 646-410-5743. https://gobambino.com/activity/funikijams-city-of-hope-music--movement-class-2264.html.

Disney's 'Frozen: The Broadway Musical'

WHEN: Through March 10: Tuesday-Sunday
WHERE: St. James Theatre, 246 W. 44th St., Midtown
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: The spectacular Disney film that captivated audiences around the world has finally made it to Broadway! Following the success of the 2013 animated movie, Frozen the Musical expands on the story of two sisters, giving more time to the characters we’ve come to love. With a book by Jennifer Lee, and music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the show has kept many members of the creative team from the film, ensuring everything on stage is faithful to the original story. Instead of being a direct copy of the film, what Frozen the Musical does is transform these animated characters into something real and tangible. It really takes the time to dig deep into the characters’ motivations, allowing their relationships to develop further. 
WANT TO GO? $35 and up. 877-250-2900. seatsforeveryone.com/frozen

School of Magic
WHEN: Through March 19: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm
WHERE: Mission Solvers, 10 W. 25th St. (Inside Apple Seeds), Chelsea
AGES: 8 and older
WHAT: Welcome to the Elite School of Magic. You are hours away graduating and becoming magicians when your rivals at the School of Witchcraft steal your magic book of spells. If you do not find the book in time, you will remain students and be trapped in school forever. Can you find the magic book of spells within 45 minutes and graduate in time?
WANT TO GO? $36. 646-902-1258. missionsolvers.com.

'Pinkalicious' the Musical
WHEN: Through May 18: selected Saturdays, 11am
WHERE: St. Luke's Theatre, 308 W. 46th St., Midtown
AGES: All
WHAT: Pinkalicious The Musical is one-hour musical based on the best-selling children's book Pinkalicious by Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann.
WANT TO GO? $49.50. 212-239-6200. vitaltheatre.org.

'Angelina Ballerina' The Musical
WHEN: Through May 19: Select Saturdays and Sundays, 11am and 1pm
WHERE: Theater at Blessed Sacrament, 152 W. 71st St., Upper West Side
AGES: 2-7
WHAT: Angelina and her friends, Alice, Gracie, AZ, Viki, and even their teacher, Ms. Mimi, are all aflutter because a special guest is coming to visit Camembert Academy! Angelina and her friends will perform all types of dance, including hip-hop, modern dance, the Irish jig and of course, ballet, and they are excited to show off their skills to their famous visitor. Angelina is the most excited of all, but will she get the starring moment she hopes for?
WANT TO GO? $49.50. 212-579-0528. theateratblessedsacrament.com.

The Butterfly Conservatory: Tropical Butterflies Alive in Winter
WHEN: Through May 27: daily, 10am-5:45pm
WHERE: American Museum of Natural History Central Park West at 79th Street, Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: This exhibition, an annual favorite, features up to 500 live, free-flying tropical butterflies from the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The butterflies are housed in a vivarium that approximates their natural habitat, includes live flowering plants that serve as nectar sources, and features controlled artificial light, temperature, and humidity.
WANT TO GO? $28; $22.50 students and seniors; $16.50 children ages 2–12. 212-769-5800. amnh.org.

DreamWorks Trolls The Experience
WHEN: Through May 31: Monday-Friday, 10am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-8pm
WHERE: 218 W. 57th St., Midtown
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: DreamWorks Trolls The Experience transports guests into the glittery world of DreamWorks Trolls through a visually-stunning, interactive journey to Poppy’s Best Day Ever Celebration. Guided by a rainbow path, visitors will sing, dance, hug, and celebrate alongside DreamWorks Trolls before meeting Poppy while creating unforgettable family memories and sharable social media moments.
WANT TO GO? $40. 800-844-3545. trollstheexperience.com.

Lerner and Loewe's My Fair Lady
WHEN: Jan. 17- July 28, Check schedule for details
WHERE: Alice Tully Hall, 1941 Broadway, Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: "My Fair Lady" tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed?
WANT TO GO? $87 and up. 212-875-5788. chambermusicsociety.org/.

Choco-Story NYC

WHEN: Through Oct. 16: Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Jacques Torres Chocolate, 350 Hudson St., Hudson Square
AGES: All
WHAT: Visitors will discover in the 5,000-square-foot museum the story of chocolate and its journey from tree to bar through a self-guided tour of original artifacts, eight premium tastings including original Mayan hot chocolate freshly ground by hand, and a bon-bon making demonstration, offering an educational–and delicious—experience for families, children, and chocolate lovers.
WANT TO GO? $10-$15. 917-261-4252. mrchocolate.com.

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.
  

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