Fairs & Festivals

The Best Annual Family Festivals for NYC Kids (Mostly Free)

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on Thu, 04/18/2019 - 2:04pm

With so much going on in NYC, it can be overwhelming to sift through all the events to land on something that's truly special. The many annual festivals that the city hosts are a great place to start. Some New York City celebrations are so great they're worth going every year, like the interactive, art-filled Figment on Roosevelt Island, the incredible (and educational) World Maker Faire New York, and Street Games, the Parks Department's tribute to old-school pastimes.

I know I'm not the only mom out there who likes to plan ahead, and since the festival season kicks into high gear this month, we figured it was a great time to round up our top annual festivals for families. Every single pick on our list is really worth your time and money—and in many cases they don't cost a penny.

7 Things to Love About the Queens County Farm Museum

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on Tue, 04/16/2019 - 3:00pm

While NYC families have full access to the best museums and shows that the world has to offer, life in the city can sometimes leave us feeling disconnected from nature. We’re always seeking ways to let our little ones get their hands dirty, so it’s no surprise that the Queens County Farm Museum in Floral Park is a family favorite.

Spanning 47 acres, the Queens County Farm Museum dates back to the 17th century and features old-fashioned farm buildings, a greenhouse complex, livestock, planting fields, an orchard, an herb garden and a vineyard, all within city limits. As soon as you walk through the gates, you’ll feel miles away from the city.

Here are the reasons we are forever loving New York City's only historic working farm and why it's a fantastic destination for NYC kids. While you’re there, make a day of it with our Queens Family Neighborhood Guide.

Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms as a Family in NYC

Submitted by Anna Fader on Thu, 04/04/2019 - 1:00pm

There are few more delightful ways to celebrate the arrival of spring than by viewing the beautiful cherry blossoms flowering all over New York City. In Japan, cherry blossom-viewing is taken to almost religious heights. Blooming flowers are carefully watched, enjoyed, and celebrated. Traditional Sakura Hanami parties feature eating, drinking, and music.

Everyone seems to know about the Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, but there are other places to enjoy these gorgeous blossoms without the crowds this April and even deeper into the spring season. Here are the best places to see cherry blossoms in New York City this spring.

40+ Spring Festivals for New Jersey Kids and Families

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 03/29/2019 - 1:51pm

It's time to kiss winter good-bye and spring into outdoor festival and fair season. Whether you choose to hop on carnival rides, stroll the streets of your favorite downtown, dance to live music, sample delicious eats, or do all of the above, there's something for everyone at these lively and family-friendly New Jersey spring fests.

Read on for more than 40 of our picks, from Earth Day celebrations to kite festivals. And for more spring action, check out Mommy Poppins' Spring Fun Guide for New Jersey Kids.

50 Free Things to Do With NYC Kids in April

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on Thu, 03/28/2019 - 3:02pm

This April in New York City, we get ready for warmer weather and a lengthy list of FREE events and activities across all five boroughs.

Celebrate Easter with animals (balloon or otherwise), appreciate the outdoors on Earth Day, or get involved in the arts. Don't worry about April showers, there are plenty of flowers to enjoy before May, and there are numerous upcoming festivals and events so we can all enjoy the outdoors as skies clear and the days lengthen, including the Annual Shearing of the Heather Celebration, the Little League Season Opener Parade, Street Games, and the dragon-filled St. George Day.

Here are 50 FREE kid-friendly and family-friendly events to keep the whole brood busy this month—without breaking the bank.

40 Things to Do With Chicago Kids Over Spring Break

Submitted by Siobhan Adcock on Thu, 03/28/2019 - 10:37am

The week of April 14 through April 20, 2019 is Spring Break for Chicago public schools that follow the CPS calendar, and there’s plenty to do around town for Chicago families enjoying a spring staycation. Our list of 40 fun things to do over spring break includes special events and exhibitions (cough, Star Wars, cough), kid-friendly concerts and performances, and over a dozen ideas for ways to get outside and explore the outdoors in our city in a garden. Best of all: Most of these activities are FREE or low-cost!

Spring Festivals, Fairs, and Carnivals in April for NYC Kids

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on Fri, 03/22/2019 - 4:00pm

New York City's spring outdoor festival season kicks off this April with more than a dozen fun and mostly FREE fairs, festivals, parades, and carnivals. Some annual Mommy Poppins favorites take place too, including the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Cherry Blossom Festival, the Queens County Farm Museum's Children's Carnival, Staten Island's St. George Day celebration, and the annual Street Games in East Harlem.

These events aren't just fun, they also foster community spirit by bringing folks together. Many fairs include old-fashioned games, eco-activities, homemade treats, and live performances. Here's your guide to the awesome NYC fairs, carnivals, and festivals happening for families this April.

Click through to our listings for all the details, including address, time, and recommended ages. And by the way, you can also find loads of fun spring festivals to our north in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, as well as out on Long Island.

Must-See Cherry Blossoms in New Jersey's Branch Brook Park

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Thu, 03/21/2019 - 12:00pm

You don't have to travel to Washington, D.C., to see a stunning display of cherry blossoms this spring. You can enjoy the lush pink blooms right here in New Jersey this month at the 2019 Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, held in Newark's Branch Brook Park from Saturday, April 6 – Sunday, April 14.

The event features two festivals-within-the-festival—Essex County Family Day and Bloomfest !—both of which offer plenty of family fun, including performances, bounce houses, a nearby playground, live music, and Japanese cultural demonstrations. It all takes place under the fragrant canopy of the sprawling park's 5,000 cherry blossom trees—the largest collection in the country.

Read on for an overview of Branch Brook Park and the festival, along with tips for visiting with kids.