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!
FREE Discovery Walks For Families: Harlem Meer
WHEN: Jan. 4-Feb. 21, see event for schedule
WHERE: Central Park - Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, inside the Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox avenues, Central Park
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Learn about how the area has changed over time, the plants and animals that live there today, and how the Conservancy cares for this complex ecosystem.
WANT TO GO? 212-860-1370. http://centralparknyc.org/events/individual-events/Discovery-Walks-for-Families-North-Woods-11-7-2015-1.html.
Drop In On Design - School Break Week
WHEN: Feb. 17-21, daily, 11am-3pm
WHERE: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2 E. 91st St., Upper East Side
AGES: 5-17
WHAT: Join for design activities including screenprinting, printmaking, and more.
WANT TO GO? Free for children; adults need separate museum ticket: $12. 212-849-8400. cooperhewitt.org.
Winter Break History Day
WHEN: Feb. 18-21, daily, 9am-3pm
WHERE: Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, 421 E. 61st St., Upper East Side
AGES: 9-12
WHAT: Travel back in time this winter and experience life in 19th-century New York City!
WANT TO GO? $60 per day. 212-838-6878. https://brownpapertickets.com/event/4464511.
FREE Winter Break: STEM
WHEN: Feb. 18-22, Tuesday through Thursday, Saturday, 1pm
WHERE: New York Public Library - Webster Library, 1465 York Ave., Upper East Side
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Spend your winter break creating STEM projects, including a marshmallow catapult and a balloon rocket.
WANT TO GO? 212-288-5049. https://nypl.org/locations/webster.
FREE Read-to-Skate StoryTime
WHEN: Jan. 11-Feb. 22, Saturdays, 11:30am-12:30pm
WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown
AGES: All
WHAT: Read and sing along with Cali Co Cat and earn a free skate rental!
WANT TO GO? 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.
Kids Week
WHEN: Feb. 15-22, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, Midtown
AGES: All
WHAT: Kids Week at the Intrepid Museum is an exciting, indoor, family-friendly festival offering a variety of hands-on activities. Join all week long for live animal shows, pop-up planetarium shows, maker spaces, live performances, and so much more!
WHY WE LOVE IT: Children will learn more about STEAM through activities and demonstrations designed to educate and inspire.
WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $33; $31 seniors; $24 children ages 5-12. 212-245-0072. intrepidmuseum.org.
FREE Saturday Family Workshops Masquerade: Venetian Carnival
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 22, 11am-12:30pm
WHERE: 6 River Terrace, Battery Park, Lower Manhattan
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Make your own character masks and watch a performance by the Kairos Italy Theater in English and Itailian.
WANT TO GO? 212-267-9700. bpcparks.org/event/friday-night-for-teens-10/2015-12-11/.
Pete the Cat
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 22, 11am
WHERE: BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., New York
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW Bus! Based on the Pete the Cat series of books by Kimberly and James Dean.
WANT TO GO? $30. 2122201460. https://tribecapac.org/event/pete-the-cat-2/.
Mumu Fresh: An Acoustic Experience
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 22, 11am and 2pm
WHERE: Clark Studio Theater, 165 W. 65th St., 7th Floor, Upper West Side
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Maimouna Youssef's performance blends gospel, jazz, soul, and hip-hop for an awe-inspiring musical experience.
WANT TO GO? $25; $18 members. 212-875-5375. http://lincolncenter.org/kids?_ga=2.80949207.1761371398.1568035735-1607202316.1554131208.
The Gustafer Yellowgold Show
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 22, 11am
WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, Upper West Side
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Morgan Taylor returns with his full band to the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre with his Grammy-nominated music and gorgeous full-screen animation for an all-ages multimedia extravaganza centered around a character who comes from the Sun.
WANT TO GO? $14-17. 212-864-5400. https://symphonyspace.org/events/justin-kidding-gustafer-yellowgold.
FREE The Art of Storytelling Through the Wonder of Books
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 22, 11am-3pm
WHERE: Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, 1 Bowling Green, Downtown Manhattan
AGES: All
WHAT: Join the museum for art activities, book readings, and signings, as well as meet-and-greets with author Traci Sorell (Cherokee Nation) and Kevin Noble Maillard (Seminole Nation).
WANT TO GO? 212-514-3700. https://americanindian.si.edu/calendar?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D141081661.
Medieval Arts Children's Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 22, 10am-12pm
WHERE: Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side
AGES: 5-8
WHAT: In this signature workshop, children carve a block of limestone, create medieval illuminated letters, design gargoyles, weave, and more!
WANT TO GO? $10 per child. 212-316-7530. https://stjohndivine.org/calendar/28953/medieval-arts-childrens-workshop.
Supertalls of the Future
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 22, 10:30-11:45am
WHERE: The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, Downtown Manhattan
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Tour the new exhibit, Supertall 2020, then design a future city! RSVP: education@skyscraper.org
WANT TO GO? $5 per child; members are free. 212-945-6324. https://skyscraper.org/PROGRAMS/upcoming_programs.htm.
FREE Discovery Walk for Families: Shakespeare Garden
WHEN: Jan. 19-Feb. 23, see website for schedule
WHERE: Central Park: Belvedere Castle, Central Park, mid-Park at 79th Street, Central Park
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Bring your whole family for a guided walk through Shakespeare Garden, which features flowers included in the writer’s great works.
WANT TO GO? 212-772-0210. centralparknyc.org/events/individual-events/Discovery-Walks-for-Families-Ramble-11-14-2015-1.html.
Riddle Of The Trilobites
WHEN: Feb. 7-23, see website for days and times
WHERE: New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Midtown
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: With humor, heart and eye-popping prehistoric puppetry, this underwater adventure shows us how we can leave our mark on the world when we dare to be brave.
WANT TO GO? $17 and up. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.
Sesame Street LIVE! Let's Party!
WHEN: Feb. 14-23, see website for showtimes
WHERE: The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Seventh Avenue at 32nd Street, Midtown
AGES: All
WHAT: Learn new songs and sing along to familiar favorites with Oscar and Cookie Monster; build a snowman with Elmo; flap your wings with Big Bird; marvel at Abby’s magic; be amazed when Super Grover flies; and move to the rhythm with Rosita
WHY WE LOVE IT: Opt for the pre-show experience and an Elmo and friends meet & greet!
WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 212-465-6741. theateratmsg.com.
Power Pigeon Puppet Pals
WHEN: Feb. 14-23, Fridays through Sundays, 10am-1pm
WHERE: Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Color and design a walking finger puppet of your favorite super powered pigeon, Zip, Zap or Zoom. Bring them along to help you make your way in the Super Power Metropolis!
WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $15; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
Zap's Memory Adventure Comic Book
WHEN: Feb. 14-23, Fridays-Sundays, 3-3:45pm
WHERE: Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side
AGES: Newborn-5
WHAT: Collage panel squares, speech balloons and thought bubbles as you draw your own comic book.
WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $15; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
Superpowered Simon Says
WHEN: Feb. 14-23, Fridays-Sundays, 4-4:15pm
WHERE: Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Power pose your way through a game of Simon Says. Build super brain and body skills with a bit of practice, focus, and a few laughs!
WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $15; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
February School Vacation Week
WHEN: Feb. 15-23, daily, 1-3pm
WHERE: DiMenna Children's History Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Drop by the DiMenna Children's History Museum and create rock & roll-inspired art projects to celebrate the New-York Historical exhibition Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution.
WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $22 adults; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 5. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.
Gear up with Zip, Zap and Zoom
WHEN: Feb. 15-23, Saturday-Sunday, 2:30-5pm
WHERE: Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Create, tinker and ideate your own super powered gadgets and gear! Construct Zip’s superpowered tool belt to stay in control, create Zap’s headgear that glows when the brain is hard at work, or design goggles to see multiple perspectives like Zoom.
WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $15; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
Esther Saves the Day!
WHEN: Feb. 22-23, Saturday and Sunday, 11am and 1pm
WHERE: 14th Street Y, 344 E. 14th St., East Village
AGES: 3 and older
WHAT: Beauty contests, a forgetful King, and a lottery of DOOM comprise the traditional story of Purim, based on the Book of Esther.
WANT TO GO? $12; family 4-pack for $30. 212-780-0800. 14streety.org.
Orli Shaham's Bach Yard: Winter Winds
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 23, 10:30am
WHERE: Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center, 129 W. 67th St., New York
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Live ensemble performances are combined with storytelling, costumed musicians, and a host of hands-on activities where children get up close to musicians and instruments. The internationally acclaimed pianist Orli Shaham and her friends introduce musical concepts, instruments and the experience of concert-going to children age 3-8.
WANT TO GO? $20. 212-501-3330. https://kaufmanmusiccenter.org/mch/event/orli-shahams-bach-yard-wonderful-winds/.
Polar Bear Festival
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 23, 11am-4pm
WHERE: The American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park W., Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: This family-friendly festival dives into all things polar bear with activities, show-and-tell with Museum collections, and an interactive theater performance.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Scientists will be on hand to discuss conservation, polar bears' predatory nature, and how humans have interacted with these amazing mammals through history.
WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $23; $13 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-769-5100. amnh.org.
My Funny Valentine Family Disco!
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 23, 1-5pm
WHERE: The Venue, 2284 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., Harlem
AGES: 3-5, 5-8, adult
WHAT: Children and their families will party over generational sounds and throwback dance steps.
WANT TO GO? $12 general admission; $40 family of 4; $15 at door. 2015652564. https://kidsdancerevolution.com/.
FREE Toddlers in Rhythm
WHEN: Feb. 7-28, Fridays, 4pm
WHERE: New York Public Library - 53rd Street, 18 W. 53rd St., Midtown
AGES: Newborn to 5
WHAT: In this movement workshop for little ones, we explore the fundamentals of rhythm and movement, using the lens of African Dance. Listening to the beat of a live drummer, participants and their caretakers have fun exploring their range of movement and feeling how the rhythm moves them to their core!
WANT TO GO? https://nypl.org/locations/53rd-street.
The Brave Little Tailor
WHEN: Feb. 22-29, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm
WHERE: Galli Theater, 74 Warren St., New York
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: The hero in this story is armed with wit, cunning, and a sense of humor, and he conquers all before him, including giants, a unicorn, and a princess.
WANT TO GO? $20 adults; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.
Weekly Powerful Meditation to Manifest Your Best Life
WHEN: Through March 8: Sundays, 6-6:30pm
WHERE: Bode NYC Upper East Side, 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.
How to Eat Like a Child… and other lessons in not being a grown-up
WHEN: Feb. 15-March 8, Saturday and Sundays, 2pm and 4pm, plus select other dates
WHERE: TADA! Youth Theater, 15 W. 28th St., Chelsea
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Children and adults will laugh along to comical numbers such as How to Torture Your Sister, How to Beg for a Dog, How to Understand Your Parents, How to Stay Home from School, and more.
WANT TO GO? $30 adults; $15 children. 212-252-1619. tadatheater.com.
FREE imagiNATIONS Activity Center
WHEN: Jan. 1-March 16, daily, 10am-4:30pm
WHERE: National Museum of the American Indian, 1 Bowling Green, Lower Manhattan
AGES: All
WHAT: Visitors of all ages will explore Native scientific discoveries and inventions so ingenious many continue to affect the modern world.
WANT TO GO? 212-514-3700. americanindian.si.edu.
Planet Play
WHEN: Through April 24: select Saturdays, 9:30am
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: Through April 27: Fridays, 11am
WHERE: Kips Bay Library, 446 Third Ave., Kips Bay
AGES: Newborn to 5
WHAT: A short cartoon or movie suitable for a younger audience.
WANT TO GO?
FREE New York City Ballet Access Workshop for Children with Autism
WHEN: Feb. 8-May 23, 2/8 and 5/23, 1pm
WHERE: Samuel B & David Rose Building, 7th Floor, 165 West 65th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam, New York
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Don't miss the next installment of Unlimited, MoMath's mix-n-mingle evening for students in late middle school through high school. Enjoy a fun-filled, math-focused night where you can hang out with old and new friends, enjoy some snacks, and move to some great tunes!
WANT TO GO? 212-870-5636. https://nycballet.com/Educate/Access-Programs/Workshops-for-Children-with-Autism.aspx.
T. rex: The Ultimate Predator
WHEN: Through Aug. 9: daily, 10am-5:45pm
WHERE: The American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park W., 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.
