Free Weekend Activities for NYC Kids: Comic Con, Winter Jam, Polarpalooza, more

I think the holiday hang-over is finally over and the family events machine is gearing up again. This weekend there are too many great events to list so make sure to check our calendar for lots more fun activities we just couldn't get to here. But, below are some super winter festivals, kids day at the comic conference, free museum programs and stay tuned. Later in the day I have some cool film events to share.  

Winter Jam NYC
On Saturday, February 7, East River Park will host Winter Jam NYC 2009 winter festival event! Winter Jam NYC will feature a 70-foot long Snow Flume for sledding, a professional snowboarding competition on a 90-foot tall Snowscraper structure, a winter snowfield with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, a snow sculpture contest, a Warming Hut with free samples from NY State farmers and producers, performances from the high flying Skyriders, live music from artists such as Apollo Run and Dujeous, and plenty of fun activities for all ages! Winter Jam '09 is FREE, and all winter sports equipment will be provided, including tubes for sledding, snow shoes, and cross-country skis.

Comic Con Kids Day
On Sunday, February 8th, come to the Galleria in the Javits for loads of fun from your favorite authors and characters! Meet Mo Willems and learn how to draw pigeon. Meet Jeff Kinney, author of the popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. And much, much more. Way to many kid activities to list here. Children 12 and under FREE. A steep $40 for adults. My friend, Raven, is blogging the highlights over at TimeOut NY Kids. Sounds pretty great.

Polarpalooza at Museum of Natural History
All weekend there will be talks, activities and performances exploring the topic of weather at the poles and climate change. Dozens and dozens of activities for people of all ages. Check the site for details. Free with museum admission (which is suggested donation).

PS 234 Winterfest Saturday, Feb 7 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM at Greenwich and Chambers
Join the whole school community for a fun day of crafts to make, games to play, rummage and lovely vendors to buy from. Our 5th grade musicians begin playing in the auditorium at 12:30.

Also, this weekend being the first weekend of the month, the Children's Museum of Manhattan will be having its free First Friday (free from 5-8pm). Check out other free first weekend family museum programs in our Free Museum Times post.