Weekend Fun for NYC Kids: Whitney Block Party, FDNY Open House, Free Comics May 2-3

4/29/15 - By Stephanie Ogozalek

This is a weekend of tough choices thanks to the slew of spring fairs and festivals going on. There are lots of annual favorites like the Cherry Blossom Festival on Randall's Island, Hippo Playground's spring fair and Holi, the Festival of Colors, plus the art-filled grand opening fest for the new Whitney Museum of American Art.

Families can also volunteer to clean up a neighborhood park, or celebrate the FDNY's 150th anniversary. And Saturday is Free Comic Book Day, so local shops are giving away complimentary issues.

These are just a few of the great things going on this weekend. All of our best bets are below. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar and our Spring Fun Guide. And if you're looking to plan out your entire month, check out the new edition of our NYC GoList, which highlights the absolute best things to do with kids throughout May.

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All Weekend

A Band of Angels – Midtown West
Catch New York City Children’s Theater's musical about the Fisk Jubilee Singers, a choir comprised of freed slaves founded shortly after the Civil War. A Band of Angels explores the choir's incredible history as a modern-day teen is magically transported back in time to meet the original members.

Saturday, May 2

Whitney Museum of American Art Grand Opening Block Party – Meatpacking District
From our May GoList: In honor of the Whitney's brand-new, state-of-the-art home, the museum is throwing a FREE art-filled bash both indoors and outside. Enjoy engaging activities for all ages on the street, including karaoke, map making, performance workshops and offbeat art projects, many led by cutting-edge contemporary artists. FREE

It's My Park Day – Citywide
Help spruce up your neighborhood green space as part of this awesome initiative. It's a great way to connect with nature and the perfect opportunity to teach kids about the importance of giving back to their community. FREE

Free Comic Book Day – Citywide
The first Saturday in May is Free Comic Book Day so many NYC comic shops will be giving away preselected issues to anyone who visits. FREE

Holi Hai – Midtown East
Make sure you wear white and prepare to get messy at this celebration of the Hindu holiday Holi, a.k.a. the Festival of Colors. Colored powders representing happiness, love and vitality are tossed about so everyone ends up covered in rainbows. There will also be live music, dancing and ethnic eats. FREE, but preregistration required

Calhoun Carnival – Upper West Side
Enjoy carnival rides, bouncy houses, games, arts and crafts, and other kiddie fun at this annual fundraiser for the Calhoun School. Free admission but there are fees for certain activities

Carousel for All Children Opening Day – Staten Island
Go for a spin in Staten Island's Greenbelt as Willowbrook Park's merry-go-round opens for the season. Puppet performances and sing-alongs will also be on tap. Free for entertainment, $1.50 per carousel ride

On A Wing: Family Festival – Central Park
Head to Belvedere Castle to get up close and personal with birds of prey and live bats. Kids can also enjoy a guided birding walk and observe a butterfly release. FREE

Cherry Blossom Festival – Randall's Island
Hit the activity-packed isle for its annual spring fest. In addition to checking out the beautiful blooms, families can enjoy drumming performances, origami workshops, kite making and flying, and other seasonal fun. FREE

FDNY's 150th Anniversary Open House – Citywide
Stop by any of NYC's firehouses or EMT stations to celebrate the 150th anniversary of New York's Bravest! Take a tour, learn about fire safety or just check out the cool trucks—each firehouse will offer a different experience. FREE

Astrograss Concert – Prospect Heights
Catch an interactive hoedown of a concert with this family bluegrass band at the central branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. Kids can sing along, participate in a dance-off and snag a complimentary coloring book. FREE

See all Saturday events.
 

Sunday, May 3

Remember, today is the annual Five Boro Bike Tour, so many streets throughout NYC will be closed. Make sure you leave extra time to get where you're going.

Morgan Library & Museum Spring Family Fair – Murray Hill
From our May GoList: The theme of this annual fete is inspired by the museum's current Lincoln Speaks: Words That Transformed a Nation exhibit. Families can learn all about the 16th POTUS and even meet him in person (or, at least, an actor playing him). Live performances and crafts are also on tap.

Hippo Playground Spring Fair – Upper West Side
The popular Riverside Park play spot throws its annual benefit featuring a bouncy castle, pony rides, face painting, games and other fun. Free admission but there are fees for activities

On the Town – Washington Heights
Catch the classic movie tuner about three sailors on 24-hour leave in NYC during World War II at the landmarked United Palace Theatre. After the screening, cast members from the Tony-nominated Broadway revival of the musical will perform a number live onstage. FREE

Irish Dance Festival – Upper West Side
Catch this annual Irish fest featuring traditional music and dance performances, movement workshops for all skill levels, a singers' circle and other cultural fun. FREE

See all Sunday events.
 

Don't forget: There's even more fun to be found in our Event Calendar.