Things to Do with Kids in NYC this Weekend

Plan your kids' best weekend yet in Manhattan!

By NYMetroParents Staff May 25, 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

Gazillion Bubble Show

WHEN: Nov. 5 - 27, Fridays 7pm; Saturdays 11am, 2pm, 4:30pm; Sundays, 12pm, 3pm; Check website for Added Thursdays & Holiday Times
WHERE: New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street, Stage 2, 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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Wake up, Daisy!

WHEN: Feb. 18 - Dec. 23, Fridays-Sundays, 11am and 1pm
WHERE: Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park, W. 79th Street and West Drive, Enter Central Park at w 81st St. and Central Park West , Upper West Side, NY
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: This original take on "Sleeping Beauty" is set on New York City’s Upper West Side and is perfect for today’s modern age. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 child. 212-879-0794.
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Picture the Dream: The Story of the Civil Rights Movement Through Children’s Books

WHEN: Apr. 1 - Jul. 24, Wednesday-Thursday, 11am-5pm; Friday, 11am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm
WHERE: New-York Historical Society Museum, 170 Central Park West, New York, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: See the first exhibition to delve into the events, people, and themes of the civil rights movement through children's picture books. WANT TO GO? $22; $17 Seniors, Educators, Active Military; $13 Students; $6 Kids (5–13 years old); free for children younger than 5; Admission is pay-as-you-wish from 6–8 pm on Fridays.. 212-873-3400.
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Intrepid Museum Celebrates 34th Annual Fleet Week May 26-30

WHEN: May. 26 - 30, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86; West 46th Street and 12th Avenue at Hudson River Park, New York City, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

The Intrepid Museum will celebrate the 34th annual Fleet Week, May 26-May 30, with a week of activities and events that celebrate the armed forces. Fleet Week is America's premier tribute and "thank you" to the men and women who serve in the armed forces. Activities will take place at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and on Pier 86 (46 Street and 12 Avenue, Manhattan). All events on Pier 86 are free and open to the public. Fleet Week activities will kick off Friday, May 27 with a movie night on the flight deck featuring Crimson Tide. Throughout the weekend, visitors can explore a variety of interactive displays and activities from partners including the U.S. Marines, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, USO and more. The weekend will conclude on Monday, May 30 with the Museum's annual Memorial Day ceremony. Retired and active U.S. military and U.S. veterans receive free Museum admission with proper I.D., generously provided by Bank of America.

WANT TO GO? $24-33. 212-245-0072.
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Even More Weekend Fun

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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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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Wings Over Water Giant-Screen Film

WHEN: Mar. 2 - Jul. 3, 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, and 4:30pm when museum is open
WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West, Upper West Side, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: The film captures the triumphs and challenges of the Sandhill Crane, Yellow Warbler, and Mallard Duck, as they defy all odds and soar across mountains, deserts, cities, and forests to migrate home to raise their young. WANT TO GO? Tickets that include admission to Wings Over Water start at $28 for adults, $16.50 for children (ages 3-12), and $22.50 for seniors and students. . 212-769-5100.
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Urban Farm Volunteers FREE

WHEN: Mar. 27 - Oct. 16, Sundays, 10am-1pm **NO SESSIONS May 1, May 22, and June 19**
WHERE: Randall's Island Park, 10 Central Road, East Harlem, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Volunteer to help manage this one-acre Urban Farm. WANT TO GO? 212-860-1899.
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Farm Exploration Days FREE

WHEN: Apr. 2 - Oct. 8, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-4pm **NO SESSION 9/10**
WHERE: Randall's Island Park Alliance, 10 Central Road, Harlem, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Explore the Urban Farm's variety of crops, rice paddies, and fragrant herbs! WANT TO GO? 212-8601-899.
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Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace

WHEN: Apr. 15 - Oct. 16, Mondays-Wednesdays, 10am-10pm; Thursdays-Fridays, 10am-12am; Saturdays, 8am-12am; Sundays, 8am-10pm
WHERE: The Rink at Rockefeller Center, 600 5th Avenue, Midtown, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Roller skate all summer long in NYC at Flipper’s at iconic Rockefeller Center. WANT TO GO? $12-$40.
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Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace

South Street Seaport Museum Seaport Discovery: Exploring Our Waters with Eric Carle

WHEN: Apr. 15 - Jun. 30, April and May: Fridays-Sundays, 11am-5pm; June: Wednesdays-Sundays, 11am-5pm
WHERE: South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton Street, New York, NY
AGES: Newborn-5
WHAT: Immerse yourself in the world of Eric Carle with activities, driving ferries on a giant play-table, learning about cargo ships through the eyes of a rubber duck., and more- all while exploring Carle's use of color and pattern. WANT TO GO? $5 ages 1-12; free for accompanying adult. 646-765-4773.
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Roller Rink at The Standard, High Line

WHEN: Apr. 22 - Aug. 31, Mondays-Fridays, 12-11pm; Saturdays, 10am-12am; Sundays, 10am-11pm
WHERE: The Standard Plaza at The Standard, High Line, 848 Washington at 13th Street, Meatpacking District, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Take a visually immersive trip into a 1960's Mod-inspired rink and restaurant, with black & white checkered turf and playful seating surrounding the stark white, 136 person skating rink. WANT TO GO? $12 to 'Drop In'; $3 to rent skates. 212-645-4646.
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The Visionary Universe of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

WHEN: Apr. 27 - May. 29, Wednesdays-Sundays, 12-5:30pm
WHERE: The Paley Center in New York, 25 West 52 Street, Upper West Side, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

The frontier awaits! The Paley Center for Media celebrates Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the latest incarnation of the groundbreaking Star Trek franchise, with an immersive exhibition and a broader exploration of the many acclaimed series in the Star Trek universe of series, which have captivated audiences across decades.

Throughout the celebration, the Paley Center will host special screenings, opportunities to view the uniforms and artifacts from several series, weekly kids and family programs featuring the animated hit Star Trek: Prodigy, and much more. These Paley programs will complement the exhibition and allow visitors to further explore Star Trek's impact on our culture and our world.

WANT TO GO? $20; $16 Student/Teachers/Seniors/Veterans/First Responders; free for children younger than 12. 212-621-6600.
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Candytopia

WHEN: Apr. 29 - Jul. 31, TBA
WHERE: Candytopia New York, 111 West 32nd Street, Corner of 32nd and 6th, Midtown, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Candytopia transports guests to an imaginative confectionary wonderland with a one-of-a-kind full sensory experience and welcomes people of all ages to explore their sweet tooth like never before. WANT TO GO? $36; $29 ages 4-12; free for children 3 and younger.
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Fifth Avenue Blooms imagined by Van Cleef & Arpels FREE

WHEN: May. 1 - 31, Anytime
WHERE: Fifth Avenue, Fifth Avenue from 47th street to 59th street, Midtown, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

To celebrate the arrival of spring and Mother's Day, Van Cleef & Arpels was invited to partner with the Fifth Avenue Association and imagine numerous immersive installations along Fifth Avenue in New York City. This month, twelve blocks along the Avenue will be transformed into a floral sketchbook created by French artist, Alexandre Benjamin Navet with fourteen colorful sculptures complemented by live flowers, titled Fifth Avenue Blooms imagined by Van Cleef & Arpels. Pedestrians along the Avenue are invited to step into the artist's universe: arches, benches, pergolas and other architectural elements in the artist's signature bright colors and energetic lines punctuate the stroll and provide opportunities for visitors to take a moment of respite and enjoy the scenery. All are encouraged to immerse in the saturated tones, and capture the moment to celebrate the spring 2022 season.

WANT TO GO? 310-567-5616.
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The Museum of Modern Art Presents “Matisse: The Red Studio” May 1 - September 10

WHEN: May. 1 - Sep. 10, 10:30am-5pm
WHERE: Museum of Modern Art, 11 West 53rd St. , Midtown, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: The exhibition focuses on the genesis and history of Matisse's The Red Studio (1911), a painting that has remained among MoMA's most important works since it was acquired in 1949. WANT TO GO? $14-25. 212-708-9400.
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Children's Read Aloud FREE

WHEN: May. 7 - Sep. 17, 11am-12pm; first and third Saturdays of the month
WHERE: Randall's Island Park, 10 Central Rd. , Randall's Island, NY
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Boogie Down Storytime is a family-friendly experience that cultivates early literacy awareness through joyful reading experiences. First and third Saturdays of the month, May-October WANT TO GO? 212-860-1899.
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Fun on the Farm FREE

WHEN: May. 7 - Oct. 8, 2-4pm
WHERE: Randall's Island Park, 10 Central Rd. , Randall's Island, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy family fun inspired by the farm, rivers, green spaces and natural areas. Saturdays, May 7-Oct. 8. (not July 30, Sept. 10, 17, Oct. 1) WANT TO GO? 212-860-1899.
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THE BEAST

WHEN: May. 10 - Sep. 25, Tuesdays-Sundays, 11am-6pm
WHERE: Pier 83, West 42nd St. and 12th Ave. , Hell's Kitchen, NY
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Rocketthrough the water at a heart-pounding 40 knots for this adventure on the water! WANT TO GO? $30; $25 child over 40 inches. 212-563-3200.
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Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: Windy Windsock Making

WHEN: May. 25 - 29, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Create a sculpture inspired by Indonesian artist, Teguh Ostenrik. Ostenrik founded Yayasan Terumbu Rupa, a non-profit organization that raises awareness of marine ecosystem preservation through a series of art installations called ARTificial Reefs. Part of Inside Art.

WANT TO GO? $15; $12 seniors 65 and older and visitor with disabilities. 212-721-1223.
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Rooftop Cinema Club Midtown: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

WHEN: Saturday, May. 28, 2:15pm
WHERE: The SkyLawn Rooftop Bar at Embassy Suites, 60 West 37th Street , Midtown, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Sing 2: Buster and his new cast now have their sights set on debuting a new show at the Crystal Tower Theater in glamorous Redshore City. But with no connections, he and his singers must sneak into the Crystal Entertainment offices, run by the ruthless wolf mogul Jimmy Crystal, where the gang pitches the ridiculous idea of casting the lion rock legend Clay Calloway in their show. Buster must embark on a quest to find the now-isolated Clay and persuade him to return to the stage. Rated PG. Running time is 110 min.

Situated at The SkyLawn Rooftop Bar at Embassy Suites in Midtown Manhattan, this location is a fantastic spot to sit back, get cozy and enjoy movies on the big screen in the open air. Doors open 30 minutes before the screening, allowing plenty of time to grab your headphones, select a seat and enjoy the Rooftop experience! Classic cinema concessions will be available at the box office.

WANT TO GO? Tickets start $21.50 for adults and $13.75 for children 12 and younger.
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Mickey & Friends x CAMP: An Extra Big Adventure

WHEN: May. 28 - Jul. 31, Mondays-Thurdays, 10am-4pm; Fridays and Saturdays, 9am-8pm; Sundays, 10am-7pm
WHERE: CAMP, 110 5th Avenue, Chelsea, NY
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Join Disney's Mickey & Friends on an interactive, immersive, fantastical adventure that's literally larger than life. WANT TO GO? Tickets start at $24 on weekdays and $38 on weekends. 917-997-0439.
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Side By Side Block Party FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May. 28, 12-6pm
WHERE: Flatiron Plaza, 949 Broadway, Broadway between 22nd street and 23rd street, Madison Square, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Don't miss the year’s best block party! This free-admission special event will get the Side By Side party started, celebrating our nation’s heroes and the strength of New York City with fun-filled games, a food festival and musical guests, including a special DJ appearance by Questlove. You’ll feel the sense of community that only Fleet Week and Memorial Day weekend in the Big Apple can bring.

WANT TO GO?
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Say Cheese!

WHEN: Sunday, May. 29, 11am-12pm
WHERE: FamilyLab, , New York, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Welcome to FamilyLab: An everybody friendly gathering for families with young children ages 0-8 (siblings welcome). Centered around the family table, we get a little messy in the kitchen for a whole lot of fun. The springtime Jewish holiday, Shavuot, celebrates story and song, seasonal harvest, rainbow revelations, and most importantly - Cheese! Jump into the kitchen to make traditional blintzes (like a crepe!) filled with your own homemade farmer's cheese. Register today for your ingredient list. With Lab/Shul's unique God-optional approach to tradition, text and story, FamilyLab is open to those who identify as Jewish, Jew-ish, and everything in between. Shira Kline a.k.a. ShirLaLa, leads these meet-ups through story, music, art activities and great conversation. Whether you grew up at the 2nd Avenue Deli or it'll be your first blintz, all families are welcome!

WANT TO GO? Sliding Scale. 562-552-7071.
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The “Jews Burying Ground” and Historic Chatham Square Walking Tour

WHEN: Sunday, May. 29, 1:00pm
WHERE: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St. , Lower East Side, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Join historian Bradley Shaw as he expands on the history of Lower Manhattan during a historic walk to the Jews Burying Ground, the oldest Jewish Cemetery in the United States. WANT TO GO? $0-25. 212-219-0888.
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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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