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!
Spy Week
WHEN: Sept. 14-21, See website for times and programming
WHERE: Fraunces Tavern Museum, 54 Pearl Street, Downtown, CT
AGES: All
WHAT: Learn the secrets of America's first spy ring, hear stories of famed spies such as Benjamin Tallmadge and Nathan Hale, and discover the truth about some of the Revolutionary War's unsung heroes who were instrumental in the efforts of espionage.
WANT TO GO? FREE with museum admission ($7 adults, $4 children ages 6-17, free for children younger than 6). https://frauncestavernmuseum.org/.
MOCACREATE: Neighborhood Sounds
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 21, 1:00-4:00pm
WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre Street, New York
AGES: 3 and older
WHAT: Go on a sound walk and make art inspired by the soundscapes of our streets.
WANT TO GO? FREE with museum admission ($12 adults; $8 children, students, and seniors; free for children younger than 2). 8559556622. http://mocanyc.org/families/mocacreate.
FREE Drop In On Design
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 21, 11:00am-12:30pm, 1:30-3:00pm
WHERE: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2 E. 91 St., Upper East Side
AGES: 5-17
WHAT: This is a beginner workshop. No prior experience in design required to participate!
WANT TO GO? 212-849-8400. cooperhewitt.org.
FREE Silent Disco
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 21, 6:00-10:00pm
WHERE: Pier I, Riverside Park South, Riverside Drive between 65th and 72nd Streets, Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Don headphones and party on the pier at this Quiet Clubbing event featuring three live DJs spinning tunes of different genres.
WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.
FREE 8th Annual Morningside Lights
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 21, 8:00pm
WHERE: Morningside Park, Morningside Avenue and West 114th Street, Morningside Heights
AGES: All
WHAT: Illuminate the night in a sea of blue light as part of a procession of awe-inspiring handmade lanterns floating through Morningside Park to Columbia’s campus.
WANT TO GO? 646-839-6486. https://morningside-lights.com/.
FREE Annual Community Fall Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 21, 11:00am-3:30pm
WHERE: Dyckman Farmhouse Museum, 4881 Broadway, New York City
AGES: All
WHAT: Have fun with your friends and neighbors at DFM's 6th Annual Community Fall Festival, featuring free family friendly events including face painting, art workshops, cider pressing and much more.
WANT TO GO? FREE. 212-304-9422. dyckmanfarmhouse.org.
FREE German American Steuben Parade
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 21, 12:00-2:00pm
WHERE: Fifth Avenue, Fifth Avenue and E 78th Street, Midtown/Upper East Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy the colorful music and dance groups, the groups in Karneval costumes, and historic Tracht.
WANT TO GO? 718-231-4400. http://germanparadenyc.org/event/save-the-date-2019-steuben-parade/.
The Brownstone School Annual Fall Fun Fair
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 21, 10:00am-3:00pm
WHERE: Street Fair, West 80th Street (between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues), New York
AGES: 3-5
WHAT: There will be bounce houses, rides and games, live music, food from local vendors, arts and crafts, and more, open to all families.
WANT TO GO? FREE admission (tickets for rides and games sold separately). 212.874.1341. https://brownstoneschool.org/.
Curtains Up! Theatrical Design at the Morgan
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 21, 11:00am–1:00pm
WHERE: The Morgan Library & Museum , 225 Madison Avenue , New York
AGES: 5-12
WHAT:
WANT TO GO? $20 for family ticket (one child, two adults, museum admission & materials). (212) 685-0008 ext. 560. https://themorgan.org/programs/curtains-theatrical-design-morgan.
FREE Smithsonian Museum Day
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 21,
WHERE: Various Museums citywide, See museum website, Manhattan
AGES: All
WHAT: Participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket.
WANT TO GO? smithsonianmag.com/ist/?next=/museumday/.
FREE Hudson River Nature Walk
WHEN: June 2- Sept. 22, Sundays, 9-10am
WHERE: Hudson River Park- Pier 45, Hudson River Greenway, Greenwich Village
AGES: All
WHAT: Each nature walk offers a treasure hunt-like experience.
WANT TO GO? hudsonriverpark.org.
FREE Feast of San Gennaro
WHEN: Sept. 12-22, daily, 11:30am-11:00pm (midnight on weekends)
WHERE: Mulberry Street, Btw Houston St and Canal St, Little Italy
AGES: All
WHAT: This yearly festival features fun, games, and all the Italian food you can eat.
WANT TO GO?
Alebrije Animal Puppets
WHEN: Sept. 21-22, daily, 3:00-3:45pm
WHERE: Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side
AGES: Newborn-5
WHAT: Alebrije are ornate Mexican sculptures carved out of wood and decorated with bright paint. Use neon paper to create folk art inspired puppets, then decorate your mythical creature with paint.
WANT TO GO? FREE with museum admission ($15; free for children younger than 1). 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
The Big Chocolate Show
WHEN: Sept. 21-22, daily, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Resorts World NYC, 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, Queens
AGES: All
WHAT: This family-friendly event features samples, chocolate tastings, live demonstrations, classes, and more. Families will enjoy the s'mores workshop, lollipop, truffle making, and cake decorating classes.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Indulge for a good cause! The show benefits Cookies for Kids Cancer, a national nonprofit committed to putting an end to pediatric cancers.
WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 800-630-4405. thebigchocolateshow.com.
Kids Eat History: The Story of School Lunch
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 22, 11:00am-12:30pm
WHERE: Henry Street Settlement, 265 Henry Street , Lower East Side
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Explore the origin of the school lunch program in New York City schools and how it transformed the lives of turn-of-the-20th century Lower East Side kids – at the very place where it all began, the Henry Street Settlement.
WANT TO GO? $18 adults; $10 children. https://eldridgestreet.org/venue/henry-street-settlement/.
Watson Adventures’ Hamilton: The Family Scavenger Hunt
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 22, 11:00am-1:00 pm
WHERE: Watson Adventures Meet-Up Location, Broad Street & Exchange Place, New York
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: Kids and adults work together to discover the places where the feisty Founding Father worked, played, debated, fought, and planned his fatal duel.
WANT TO GO? $17.50-$21.50. 877-946-4868. https://watsonadventures.com/location/new-york-city/wall-street-area/#event-8274.
Mid-Autumn Moon Shadow Play
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 22, 2:00pm
WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd, Flushing
AGES: 5-12
WHAT:
WANT TO GO? $10 adults; $5 children. 7184637700. http://flushingtownhall.org/event/f2657f99224be04f49388e36fc6c5f68.
FREE Fall Family Day
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 22, 12:00-4:00pm
WHERE: Carnegie Hall, 881 Seventh Ave., Midtown
AGES: All
WHAT: Build your own instruments, sing and dance with professional musicians, and celebrate fall as a family.
WANT TO GO? 212-247-7800. carnegiehall.org.
Family Concert: The FunkeyMonkeys
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 22, 11:30am-12:30pm
WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Avenue, New York
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Groove and giggle together with songs from the albums Mustache, Sing Dance and Underpants, and enjoy a wild New Year's dance-off in time for Rosh Hashanah.
WANT TO GO? $14 (includes Museum admission). 2124233200. https://thejewishmuseum.org/calendar/day/2019/09/22/?utm_source=Listing&utm_medium=Listing&utm_campaign=L_FPFCFunkeyMonkeys_092219.
FREE No Brainer or the Solution to Parasites
WHEN: Sept. 7-25, select dates, 2:00pm
WHERE: Various locations, Various locations throughout Manhattan, New York
AGES: All
WHAT: A rip-roaring musical which portrays our road to national madness as a bad trip to Hades. TNC's free street theater productions are delightfully suited for family audiences, since complex social issues are often presented through children's allegories, with children and neighborhood people as the heroes.
WANT TO GO? FREE. 212-254-1109. theaterforthenewcity.net.
FREE Bingo!
WHEN: Sept. 6-27, Fridays, 5:30-7:30pm
WHERE: West Harlem Piers Park, West 125th Street, West Harlem
AGES: All
WHAT: BYO food and beverages to this all ages, free to enter, B-I-N-G-O night. A mix of music plays as the numbers roll out and each game winner receives a prize.
WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.
FREE Parent and Me Yoga
WHEN: June 1- Sept. 28, Saturdays, 9-9:45am
WHERE: Fort Tryon Park: Abby's Lawn, Broadway, between Dongan Place and Bennet Avenue, Upper Manhattan
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy yoga with a certified children's instructor.
WANT TO GO? 212-795-1388. nycgovparks.org.
FREE Fairy and Folk Tales From Around The World!
WHEN: June 1- Sept. 28, Saturdays, 11am-12pm
WHERE: Central Park: Hans Christian Andersen Statue, 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue entrance, Central Park
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Hear fairytales, folk stories, and stories, told by professional storytellers.
WANT TO GO? storytelling-nyc.org.
FREE Outdoor Movie Night at Randall's Island Park: Creed II (PG-13)
WHEN: Sept. 8-28, 9/8 and 9/28, 7:30-9:40pm
WHERE: Randall's Island Park, 20 Randall’s Island Park, New York
AGES: 13 and older
WHAT: Bring your family and friends for front row seats to this epic battle in the ring.
WANT TO GO? FREE. 2128307722. https://randallsisland.org/events/outdoor-movie-night-creed-ii-pg-13/.
FREE Summer on the Hudson: Sun Gaze
WHEN: May 26- Sept. 29, Last Sunday of the month, 1:00-4:00pm
WHERE: Pier I, Riverside Park South, Riverside Drive between 65th and 72nd Streets, Upper West Side
AGES: 3 and older
WHAT: The Amateur Astronomers Association and solargazing return with solar telescopes specifically designed to safely look at the sun and see sunspots and prominences under a summer sky.
WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.
Galli's The Three Little Pigs
WHEN: Sept. 21-29, Weekends, 2pm
WHERE: Galli Theater, 74 Warren Street, New York
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Gordy, Perkey, and Snoozy pigs have left the nest and must build houses of their own. One settles for a quick fix. The other, puts a little elbow grease into it. But only one takes the time to make a house that stands up to the persistence of a certain wolf.
WANT TO GO? $20 adults; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.
Discovery Walks for Families: Shakespeare Garden
WHEN: Sept. 21- Oct. 12, 9/21 and 10/12, 11:00am
WHERE: Belvedere Castle, mid-Central Park at 79th Street, New York
AGES: 5-12, Adult
WHAT: This garden features flowers and plants mentioned in Shakespeare's poems and plays and is designed to resemble the Bard's native English countryside. Registration required.
WANT TO GO? FREE. Space is limited, registration required. Families with children ages 5+ only; no groups, please.. 2127720288. http://centralparknyc.org/visit/programs/discovery-walks-for-families.html.
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.
FREE Urban Farm Exploration Days
WHEN: May 11- Oct. 19, Weekends, 11:00am-5:00pm
WHERE: Randall's Island Park, 20 Randall's Island Park, Randall's Island
AGES: All
WHAT: Explore the Urban Farm's variety of crops, rice paddies, and fragrant herbs, and meet the chickens, too! All ages welcome.
WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org.
FREE Discovery Walks for Families: The Ramble
WHEN: Sept. 14- Oct. 19, 9/14, 9/30, 10/5, 10/9, 10/19 - 11am
WHERE: Belvedere Castle, mid-Central Park at 79th Street, New York
AGES: 5-12, Adult
WHAT: Explore how this carefully planned woodland provides habitat for a variety of wildlife. Join for hands-on exploration using Discovery Kits, backpacks filled with kid-friendly binoculars, field guides, hand lenses, and a complementary Discovery Journal. Registration required.
WANT TO GO? Space is limited, registration required. Families with children ages 5+ only; no groups, please.. 2127720288. http://centralparknyc.org/events/parent-events/discovery-walks-for-families-the-ramble.html.
FREE Art on the Farm
WHEN: May 5- Oct. 20, Weekends, 2:00-4:00pm
WHERE: Randall's Island Park, 20 Randall's Island Park, Randall's Island
AGES: All
WHAT: Join us for unique family art projects inspired by the farm.
WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org.
FREE Hester Street Fair
WHEN: April 13- Oct. 26, Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-6pm
WHERE: Hester Street , Corner of Hester and Essex Streets, New York
AGES: All
WHAT: Spend the weekend perusing handmade goods, creative products, and artisanal food.
WANT TO GO? https://hesterstreetfair.com/.
FREE Discovery Walks for Families: Turtle Pond
WHEN: Sept. 7- Oct. 26, 9/7, 10/1, 10/14, 10/26 - 11:00am
WHERE: Belvedere Castle, mid-Central Park at 79th Street, Uptown
AGES: 5-12, Adult
WHAT: Discover the home to five species of turtles who live here year-round. Learn why they love basking in the sun on flat logs or rocks, which makes the base of Vista Rock the perfect spot for their sunbathing activities. Registration required.
WANT TO GO? FREE. Space is limited, registration required. Families with children ages 5+ only; no groups, please. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the Discovery Walk to allow time for check in.. 212-772-0288 . http://centralparknyc.org/events/parent-events/discovery-walks-for-families-turtle-pond.html.
Family Workshops
WHEN: Sept. 15- Oct. 27, 2:30pm
WHERE: Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St., Midtown
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Families with children ages 6-10 will construct and decorate a beautifully bound project that can be used for any sketching, writing, or creating purposes.
WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 3. 212-832-1155. japansociety.org.
Creative Play
WHEN: Sept. 15- Oct. 27, 9/15 and 10/27, 1:00pm
WHERE: Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St., Midtown
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Play, sing, dance, and create! Explore Japanese culture and customs with a master storyteller and artist in interactive classes with seasonal themes.
WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 3. 212-832-1155. japansociety.org.
Family Workshops
WHEN: Sept. 15- Oct. 27, 2:30pm
WHERE: Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St., Midtown
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Families with children ages 6-10 will construct and decorate a beautifully bound project that can be used for any sketching, writing, or creating purposes.
WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 3. 212-832-1155. japansociety.org.
FunikiJam's Baby Likes to Rock! Family Musical
WHEN: Sept. 22- Oct. 27, Sundays, 11:00am-12:00pm
WHERE: Actors Temple Theatre, 339 W 47th St, Times Square
AGES: All
WHAT: When the United Nations asks Captain Jam to create a brand new kids' TV Show to promote global community, he invites the coolest, hippest, grooviest Agents of Jam from around the world to join him at the World Music Fair where they explore Mexico, Africa, Germany, Ireland, Arabia, and more.
WANT TO GO? $37.50 and up. https://actorstempletheatre.com/.
Alice in Wonderland the Musical
WHEN: Sept. 21- Nov. 17, Saturdays, 3:00p and 7:00pm; Sundays, 11:00a
WHERE: The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal Street, New York
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Tumble down the rabbit hole with the wonderfully, wild, wacky, and whimsical cast of characters in the new musical and world premiere of Alice in Wonderland by Michael Sgouros and Brenda Bell.
WANT TO GO? $32-$52. 212-475-1237. literallyalive.com.
Play N Go™ Friday
WHEN: Through Nov. 29: Fridays, 6-8:30pm
WHERE: P.S. 87, 160 W. 78th St., Upper West Side
AGES: 8 and older
WHAT: League Play (drop in players permitted) (3) Rounds, Players are paired in "Quads" starting with the (4) highest USCF rated players based on their current rating and continuing down to new and unrated players. *Unrated players will be matched by age, eldest to youngest, and receive a USCF provisional rating immediately following the play. Once the matches are complete, players have a 5-minute grace period to begin their next game. Players leave upon the completion of their (3) scheduled matches. Participants will earn points, (2) per win, (1.5) per draw and (1) for each game played. The Top 20 Point Earners (beginners and advanced) qualify for the Ca$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.
Sundays: Dig-Drop In
WHEN: Sept. 22- Dec. 15, Second Sunday of each month, 12:00-3:00pm
WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Avenue, New York
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Discover a passion for ancient artifacts in the Museum's simulated archaeological dig.
WANT TO GO? FREE with museum admission ($18 adults; free for children and teens). 2124233200. https://thejewishmuseum.org/programs/families?utm_source=Listing&utm_medium=Listing&utm_campaign=L_FPSundaysDigDropIn_2019.
Kids 'N Comedy
WHEN: Sept. 22- Dec. 15, Sundays, 9/22, 10/27, 11/24, 12/15, 12:30pm
WHERE: Gotham Comedy Club, 208 W. 28th St., Chelsea
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: See the funniest young comedians in New York, and even get the chance to tell a joke yourself, live on stage.
WANT TO GO? $15 Cover + 1 item minimum per person. 212-367-9000. gothamcomedyclub.com/.
Sam Eaton's The Quantum Eye - Mentalism and Magic Show
WHEN: Aug. 13- Dec. 26, 5pm
WHERE: Theatre 80, 80 Saint Marks Place, East Village
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: An exploration of mentalism and magic where ability and humor blend with audience participation.
WANT TO GO? $49-$79. 347-294-0092. thequantumeye.com.
Saturday Sketching
WHEN: May 18- Dec. 28, Saturdays, 10am-4pm (July 6)
WHERE: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Art materials are available for exploration of architectural shapes and spaces.
WANT TO GO? $15; $10 students and seniors; free for children younger than 12. 212-423-3500. guggenheim.org.
Open Studio
WHEN: May 18- Dec. 29, Weekends, 10:30am-3pm
WHERE: Whitney Museum of American Art , 99 Gansevoort St., Chelsea
AGES: All
WHAT: Make your own art inspired by works on view.
WANT TO GO? $25; $18 seniors/students; free for children younger than 18. 212-570-7713. whitney.org/events/families-open-studio.
Open Studio for Families
WHEN: May 19- Dec. 29, Sundays, 1-4pm (no session July 7)
WHERE: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side
AGES: 3 and older
WHAT: Enjoy a drop-in studio art-making program.
WANT TO GO? $15; $10 students and seniors; free for children younger than 12. 212-423-3500. guggenheim.org.
Sundays: Studio Art Sessions
WHEN: Sept. 22- Dec. 29, Sundays, 1:00-4:00pm
WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Avenue, New York
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Paint, draw, sculpt, or craft a work of art inspired by exhibitions on view.
WANT TO GO? FREE with museum admission ($18 adults; free for children and teens). 2124233200. https://thejewishmuseum.org/programs/families?utm_source=Listing&utm_medium=Listing&utm_campaign=L_FPStudioArtSundays_2019.
The Wizard of Oz: A Jazz Musical for All Ages
WHEN: June 29- January 11, 2020
WHERE: Harlem Rep/Tato Laviera Theatre, 240 E. 123rd St., Harlem
AGES: All ages
WHAT: "The Wizard of Oz: A Jazz Musical for All Ages," with its timeless score and eternal allegories, is a magical experience for young (and young-at-heart) audiences.
WANT TO GO? 212-868-4444. wizardofozjazzmusical.com.
Weekly Powerful Meditation to Manifest Your Best Life
WHEN: March 10-March 8, 2020, Sundays from 6-6:30pm
WHERE: Bode NYC Upper Eastside, 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.
FREE Movies for Tots
WHEN: Sept. 6- April 27, 2020, Fridays, 11:00am (no session 9/20)
WHERE: Kips Bay Library, 446 Third Ave, Kips Bay
AGES: Newborn-5
WHAT: A short cartoon or movie suitable for a younger audience.
WANT TO GO?
T. rex: The Ultimate Predator
WHEN: Through Aug. 9, 2020: daily, 10am-5:45pm
WHERE: The American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West, 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.
