The New York Botanical Garden's floral show Van Gogh's Flowers is inspired by the genius of the iconic artist Vincent van Gogh. Photo by Jody Mercier
Memorial Day Weekend 2025 in NYC: Fleet Week and More To Do in NYC with Kids
Mommy Poppins is set to host its first Family Travel Fest on Saturday, May 31 at the Atlantic Center.
Register for Travel Fest for a Chance to Win a Dreams Resorts & Spas Vacation!
The Parade of Ships is always a highlight of Fleet Week in NYC. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bradley Rickard
Guide to Fleet Week 2025 with Kids: Salute the Sailors, Tour the Ships, and More Fun for Families
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Start the summer with free musical entertainment at Live at the Archway in Dumbo. Photo by Noemie Trusty.
Free 2025 NYC Summer Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families
Strawberry picking at Bishop Farms makes for a sweet day trip.
Best Strawberry Picking Farms and Strawberry Festivals near NYC
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
The splash pad in Domino Park puts a smile on faces young and old. Photo by Jody Mercier
Ultimate 2025 Guide to NYC Splash Pads and Water Playgrounds
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Brooklyn Bridge Park celebrates spring with a Kite Fest on Saturday, May 17. Photo by John Eng
Best Things To Do in NYC May 2025 with Kids
Hop the ferry to Governors Island to explore all the island has to offer. Photo by Diana Kim
Spring Day Trips from NYC for Families
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
Dinosaur Safari returns to the Bronx Zoo this spring. Photo courtesy of the zoo
51 Spring Bucket List Ideas for Kids in NYC
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
The 2024-2025 NYC public school calendar is out, and students return to school on Thursday, September 5.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2024-2025
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Teens have the opportunity to explore arts careers and institutions with Whitney Museum Youth Insights Program. Photo by Diana Kim
Teens Can Apply Now for Summer Internships in NYC
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin
Best New Broadway Shows This Season Plus Can't-Miss Classics for Families
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
100 Things To Do in NYC With Kids Before They Grow Up
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas

29 Best Things To Do in NYC September 2024 with Kids

Big Bounce America lands at Citi Field at the end of the month. Photo courtesy Big Bounce.
Big Bounce America lands at Citi Field at the end of the month. Photo courtesy Big Bounce.
8/30/24 - By Drew Kristofik

Labor Day kicks off September's activities, launching New York City's season of apple picking, fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes.

September is here, and even though the kids are heading back to school, there's still plenty of time for fun. The Richmond County Fair and the West Side County Fair return with rides, games, and plenty of live music.

Meanwhile, unicycles are wheeling all over town, and we're hosting back-to-school parties at The Seaport and in Brooklyn. By month's end, things are getting spooky, as the New York Botanical Garden unveils its deliciously eerie Nightmare Before Christmas light trail.

Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

As always, if an event piques your interest, click through to our listing for all the details, including addresses and times. And keep in mind: Really cool things to do with kids often book quickly, so register or buy your tickets ASAP.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Jack Skellington sets a spooky stage at the New York Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy NYBG.
Jack Skellington sets a spooky stage at the New York Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy NYBG.

Best Things To Do in NYC in September with Kids

15th Annual NYC Unicycle Festival

Citywide – FREE
Thursday, August 29-Sunday, September 1, 2024
The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus rolls out its annual NYC Unicycle Festival across New York City, bringing together recreational riders, world-class performers, mountain and off-road unicycle enthusiasts, and mono-wheel vehicle inventors.  READ MORE

Back to Hogwarts at Grand Central Terminal

Midtown East – FREE
Friday, August 30-Sunday, September 1, 2024
Harry Potter fans are invited to a special Back to Hogwarts pop-up in the beautiful Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal. Expect magical performances, exciting Lego building activities, an interactive Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions fan experience, plus activations from Scholastic, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and even the chance to toast one another with the most delectable of wizarding drinks: butterbeer. READ MORE

Richmond County Fair

Richmond, Staten Island
August 31-Monday, September 2, 2024
An old-fashioned county fair in New York City, the 42-year-old Staten Island tradition features family fun and entertainment for all ages, including circus performers, crafts and rides for the kids, live music, plenty of eats, and contests. READ MORE

Seaport Kids x Back to School Bash

South Street Seaport – FREE
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Rescheduled from Saturday, September 7, the Seaport Kids x Back to School Bash promises an exciting day packed with free kids’ activities. Enjoy a dazzling magic show, and get creative with balloon animals and fun kid crafts. Say goodbye to back-to-school blues while discovering engaging classes and activities from local schools in collaboration with Mommy Poppins and Brooklyn Bridge Parents. READ MORE

BRIC Family Day: Back To School

Downtown Brooklyn – FREE
Saturday, September 7, 2024
BRIC House invites families to participate in an afternoon of creativity and excitement for the upcoming school year with a whole bunch of activities. READ MORE

Big Kick at Asphalt Green

Upper East Side – FREE
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Kids can participate in an outdoor soccer festival under the lights on Litwin Field. Participants receive a drawstring bag—perfect for toting your soccer ball to the field! Registration is not required.   READ MORE

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Holiday Show at The Duke on 42nd

Midtown West
Opens Saturday, September 7, 2024
One of the most beloved and widely-read children’s books of all time, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, emerges from the page in a masterful and beautiful theatrical experience for the whole family. READ MORE

Annual Bus Festival in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Dumbo, Brooklyn – FREE
Sunday, September 8, 2024
The New York Transit Museum invites visitors aboard some of its beloved vintage vehicles at this annual fest. Explore buses from the vintage fleet representing more than 80 years of New York City surface transit history.  READ MORE

West Side County Fair

Upper West Side
Sunday, September 8, 2024
Summer on the Hudson's biggest event of the season—the West Side County Fair—returns, bringing with it a full afternoon of county fair magic in Manhattan. READ MORE

Ferragosto 2024

Belmont, the Bronx
Sunday, September 8, 2024
The Belmont section of the Bronx hosts the annual Ferragosto festival in the original Little Italy: Arthur Avenue and East 187th Street. READ MORE

Private School Admissions: Parent Workshops (ISAAGNY)

Virtual
Multiple dates beginning Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Applying to private school? Unlock the secrets to a smooth and successful admissions process with free, virtual parent workshops! These sessions offer invaluable insights from a panel of private school leaders, all of whom bring years of experience *and* up-to-date knowledge to the conversation. They'll guide you through every step: from application to enrollment. READ MORE

Flatiron Jewish New Year Street Fair

Chelsea
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
The Jewish New Year's Street Festival is a pre-holiday celebration for young families in Lower Manhattan. Come by for a Kosher ice cream truck, music by Noah Solomon Band, inflatables, a beekeeper, and a bubble show to celebrate the new year. READ MORE

98th Annual Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy

Little Italy – FREE
Thursday, September 12-Sunday, September 22, 2024
The Feast of San Gennaro honors Italian Americans in professional baseball this year with its blocks-long street festival dubbed the "Feast of all Feasts!" Enjoy food, entertainment, and vendors along Mulberry Street from Houston to Canal. Food Network star Anne Burrell serves as grand marshal. READ MORE

Story Pirates: The Amazing Adventure Tour at Ethical Culture

Upper West Side
Saturday, September 14, 2024
This fast-paced, hilarious, and inspiring show for the whole family features Eric from The Story Pirates Podcast, plus a cast of the funniest Story Pirate actors, singers, and comedians around.  READ MORE

End of Summer Block Party in Bay Ridge

Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Brooklyn Bridge Parents partners with the 5th Avenue BID in Bay Ridge to host a big end-of-summer block party spanning 13 blocks of car-free 5th Avenue from 68th to 81st Street, complete with bouncy houses, arts and crafts, a bubble show, water play, and much more. READ MORE

Mid-Autumn Festival at Alley Pond

Alley Pond, Queens
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Alley Pond's Mid-Autumn Fest includes Chinese calligraphy and origami workshops, a Chinese dance performance, and more. READ MORE

Morningside Lights at Columbia University

Morningside Heights – FREE
Saturday, September 14-Saturday, September 21, 2024
Morningside Lights returns for its 14th year, illuminating the night in a procession of awe-inspiring handmade lanterns floating through Morningside Park to Columbia's campus. READ MORE

Back-to-School Party on Car-Free Montague Street

Downtown Brooklyn – FREE
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Mommy Poppins and Brooklyn Bridge Parents host a back-to-school party during Open Streets on Montague Street between Clinton and Hicks Streets in Brooklyn Heights. Enjoy a bubble show, music with Hopalong Andrew, a dance party, and dozens more activities. READ MORE

SOLD OUT Step Afrika!

Upper West Side – FREE
Friday, September 20, 2024
Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience.   READ MORE

Poseidon Parade

Rockaways, Queens – FREE
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Family-friendly and art-centered, this annual march celebrates self-expression, community, and the beauty of the Rockaway shore. READ MORE

NYSoM Superhero Festival 2024 in Evergreen Park

Ridgewood, Queens – FREE
Saturday, September 21, 2024
NYSoM Fall Blockbuster presents its sixth annual Superhero Festival. The festival features a superhero carnival inside Evergreen Park, character-themed games for prizes, classic arcade games, and meet-and-greets with superheros. READ MORE

Family Day: Baila! Canta! Celebra! at Carnegie Hall

Midtown West – FREE
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Carnegie Hall’s annual Family Day salutes Nuestros sonidos (Our Sounds), a season-long celebration of Latin culture in the US. With activities offered in both English and Spanish, it’s  an afternoon of live music, dance, and celebration. Stop by for a quick visit or stay for the whole afternoon! READ MORE

Flatbush Frolic

Flatbush, Brooklyn
Sunday, September 22, 2024
One of NYC's largest street fairs, featuring thousands of visitors and hundreds of vendors, the Flatbush Frolic dizzies up Cortelyou Road with food, games, pony rides, carnival rides, music, and more.  READ MORE

BAM Presents: A Celebration of African Diasporic Dance in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn – FREE
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Families can celebrate DanceAfrica early at this fun-filled, outdoor workshop led by BAM teaching artist Yasmar Cruz. Discover how African and diasporic dance forms celebrate community, providing a unique window into the history and traditions of its people. READ MORE

Brooklyn Book Festival

Downtown Brooklyn – FREE
Sunday, September 22-Monday, September 30, 2024
Dive into some great books at the 2025 Brooklyn Book Festival. Kid-friendly programming abounds during Children's Day on Saturday, September 20. READ MORE

Family Night with Stacey Abrams at BAM

Downtown Brooklyn
Tuesday, September 24
Stacey Abrams, the nationally celebrated politician, activist, and New York Times bestselling author, hosts a special family evening as she presents the latest addition to her beloved children’s series, Stacey Speaks Up.    READ MORE

The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at the New York Botanical Garden

Bronx Park, the Bronx
Opens Friday, September 27, 2024
Join Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero on a walk of wonders, as your favorite characters, scenes, and songs from the immortal film The Nightmare Before Christmas come to life in New York's most treasured garden. READ MORE

Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival

Downtown Brooklyn – FREE
Friday, September 27-Saturday, September 28, 2024
The Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival is an annual celebration of the neighborhood's cultural community and the artists, writers, and performers who inspire the borough’s creative spirit. READ MORE

Little Red Lighthouse Festival

Hudson Heights – FREE
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Celebrate Manhattan’s only remaining lighthouse with Urban Park Ranger presentations, readings of The Little Red Lighthouse and The Great Gray Bridge children’s book, live music, and activities for all ages. READ MORE

Big Bounce America at Citi Field

Flushing, Queens
Opens Saturday, September 28, 2024
Big Bounce America brings an action-packed bouncy-house wonderland to Citi Field. Hop inside the self-described "world's largest bounce house" or one of its other inflatable fun zones. READ MORE

49th Annual Atlantic Antic: Playtopia, Powered by Prospect Schools

Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
Sunday, September 29, 2024
The largest street fest in New York City, the Atlantic Antic spans 10 blocks of Brooklyn’s Atlantic Avenue with food and craft vendors, family fun, and amazing performances. This year, Playtopia with Mommy Poppins and Brooklyn Bridge Parents, sponsored by Prospect Schools, is located between Hicks and Henry Streets in Cobble Hill near Brooklyn Bridge Park.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Multiple locations around NYC
Seaport Square, South Street Seaport
Emily Warren Roebling Plaza
Riverside Park South - Pier I
Virtual (Zoom)
The New York Society for Ethical Culture
Alley Pond Environmental Center
Miller Theater at Columbia University
Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center
BAM Fisher Fishman Space
Little Red Lighthouse (in Fort Washington Park)

About the Author

Drew Kristofik
Drew Kristofik’s career took a twist from editing teen magazines to a seven-year stint at MacNeil/Lehrer, followed by a long run at Nickelodeon/Viacom as Director of Content for Nick Online and Editor-in-Chief of ParentsConnect.com. A founding member of the Webby Award-winning GoCityKids, she’s written for Family Fun, Vanity Fair, and New York. Her middle school novel, The Time Boat, is available on Amazon Kindle. Drew keeps the MommyPoppins New York Events calendar spot-on and can be reached at events@mommypoppins.com.
Recent Articles By Drew Kristofik:
Read more articles by Drew Kristofik.