New York City Kids Weekend Events for October 2-4: Free Parties, Festivals, Cultural Events, Harvests, and More

Colors are changing, and those warmer jackets are making their way out of the closets—true signs that Fall is in full swing. If you’re looking to bob for apples (or pick ‘em), play in pumpkin patches or feast on the harvest, you’ve got plenty of options. But there’s also a slew of cultural events happening this weekend, like the Tibetan, Norwegian, Korean, and Diwali festivals, and Halloween events are going on already, too. If you are looking for a little mini-adventure, the “outer boroughs” are also jam-packed with events from the traditional fall fare to soap box derbies. So whatever you wind up doing, get out there and enjoy the crisp air (and leaves)!

Culture Dem Kids: Celebrate Diwali in New York City

Sure, New York City is expensive, but think how much money you save by not having to travel all the way to India with your kids to experience the culture and customs of Diwali. Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights and New Year, is a time to celebrate good fortune, family and friendships. While October 17, 2009 is the official holiday date, there are events and activities for kids to celebrate Diwali in New York as early as this week. Enjoy performances of the story of Diwali, create traditional decorations to take home, eat yummy Indian foods at Diwali Mela street fairs...all you need is a Metrocard and a sense of curiosity.

Here are some fun Diwali activities and events for kids in New York City:

5 Theater Festivals in New York This Fall

As a child growing up in New York City with a mother involved in the arts, I was dragged to many adult art events and got to know the lobbies of all the top venues very well (as I retreated in boredom half-way through probably the some of the greatest performances I'll ever see in my life). We parent in reaction to our own childhoods so, while I do believe in the positives gained by exposing children to great art that stretches a their horizons, I think they'll get even more out of it if they're engaged enough to stay in the theater. This experience led me to do a little research to find five theater festivals in New York City this Fall that have performances specifically for kids.

From a Scottish Festival to a Hip Hop Theater Festival, BAM's avant garde Next Wave Festival to a Musical Theater Festival, there are shows for children with all tastes and all ages. Read on to learn about some of the highlights:

New York City Kids Weekend Events for September 25-27: Free Entry to NY Museums, Family Days, Fairs, Great Games and More

There’s plenty of events happening this weekend, but the big cheese is Smithsonian’s Museum Day. This Saturday, participating New York (and country-wide) museums will open their doors for you to enjoy them free of charge. Lots of your favorites are participating in every boro, like the Intrepid, Noguchi, CMOM and the Rubin, and a whole bunch of those I’ve-been-meaning-to-visit’s like the Skyscraper Museum, Museum of Tibetan Art and the New Museum. If you’re not willing to deal with the crowds (or if you find yourself in love with a particular one) check out our post on museum family memberships, and read on to see what else is cooking this weekend—from finding cheap goods, to free performances and off-the-beaten-path street fairs.

This weekend there are way to many great events to list here so make sure to check our events calendar for even more cool stuff.

Weekend Events for Kids in NJ, September 25-27: Free Museum Admission, Heroes Day, Family Harvest Festival, and Cider Making

New York's museums are not the only ones that are discounted this weekend or that have great offerings! Liberty Science Center has their annual Heroes Day and offers reduced admission, the Newark Museum is free, and a free fall festival with hayrides and crafts is all you need to inspire you to visit the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms. Not enough fall festivities? Take the kids apple picking and then turn your apples into apple cider at Tenafly Nature Center. There is enough to keep everyone busy this weekend...

Weekend Events for Kids on Long Island, September 25-27: Pickle Festival, Biking the Hamptons and more

This week we may have been enjoying the last blast of Summer air, but I can still feel Fall in the air. This weekend, there are lots of great ways for Long Islanders to enjoy the season. Check out some of our picks for great weekend events here, or if you're looking for a great apple or an early pumpkin picking trip be sure to take a look at our other recent posts.

15 Family Museum Membership Deals to New York City Museums

[UPDATED: September 5, 2012]

You want to take the kids to every cultural institution in this city, but those family-of-four trips to the MoMA and CMOM are starting to add up. You wonder if you should get a membership, if it’s worth it, or if you should just brave the crowds and go during the free times. We did the leg work for you and created a list of the top museums in New York City that offer family memberships, what perks you get and what you need to know to figure out if it's worth it for your family.

Insiders Tip: A bunch of these museums offer free weekly programs along with admission, plus other special events, so a membership gets you in to lots of free, wonderful children's programming. Also, some memberships, at certain levels, will allow for reciprocal admissions to other museums on certain days, check websites for current details.

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