Things to Do Over Thanksgiving Weekend with Kids in New York City

Sure, maybe your Thanksgiving Day is jam-packed with food and family and food...and family...that just leaves you with, oh, three and a half days of long weekend to fill. Luckily, there's lots to do this weekend from cool animation shorts and workshops, a fun holiday tree lighting celebration, a musical performance of the Christmas Carol, a chance to meet some all-star children's book authors, hear jazz, go on a hike and more. Hop to it.

MY PICK:
The Museum of the Moving Image will be showing Pixar shorts and offer animation workshops for kids all weekend long. From Friday Nov 27-Sunday, Nov 29, there will be hourly screenings of animated shorts from Pixar and two hands-on workshops for kids. In the Moving Pictures Workshop children ages 6-10 will learn how animation works and make a Thaumatrope. In a Stop-Motion Animation workshop children aged 10 and up will create their own stop-motion movies to share online. Museum admission is suggested $7, free for children under 8. Shorts are free, workshops have materials fee of $5 and $10. There's plenty more to do at the Museum of the Moving Image while you're there, like play vintage arcade games, dub your voice in to a famous movie and more. They're keeping the museum open until 5pm as opposed to their regular closing time at 3pm, so make a day of it! For more info: www.movingimage.us

It will also be a great weekend for ice skating, going to the Zoo , seeing the department store holiday windows or train displays.

FRIDAY

Tree Lighting at the South Street Seaport
Kid-friendly rockers Princess Katie and Racer Steve, Gordon from Sesame Street, and of course, Santa will entertain kids of all ages in the historic Seaport District. There will also be a parade and the Big Apple Chorus will sing carols. See more Christmas tree lightings here. FREE

The NY Historical Society Living History Day
Did you know Abraham Lincoln established Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863. Come to the NY Historical Society and meet him in person to say thanks. As part of a full day of family fun you'll meet a Lincoln re-enactor and members of the Union army regiments, create crafts, go on a scavenger hunt, and hear a concert by the Abyssinian Baptist Church Choir. $12, children under 12 free.

A Musical Christmas Carol
This funny musical performance of the Dickens classic is perfect for children aged 6-13. $12

SATURDAY

Books of Wonder Holiday Kick-Off
What an amazing line-up Books of Wonder has coming out for their Holiday Kick-Off. 10 of today's most talented children's book authors and artists, including Art Spiegleman, Holly Hobbie, Jerry Pinkney, John Rocco and more. Each will introduce little readers to their titles, take questions and sign copies of their books. FREE

Karma Kids Family Yoga
Enjoy a free family yoga class at the uptown Lululemon store at 1127 Third Avenue at 66th St at 9am. Open to all ages. FREE

Nature Hikes
The Parks Department hosts several hikes around the city Saturday and Sunday. If you're not leaving the city for the weekend this is a great way to get some fresh air and work off your turkey, enjoying a beautiful Fall day out in nature. FREE

SUNDAY

Jazz for Kids
Jazz is fun for kids. Come to Bar 55 for music and share snacks and drinks for kids and adults. Admission is $5.