Experience the magic of the Tianyu Lights Festival at Citi Field this holiday season. Photo courtesy of the festival
21 Best Things To Do in NYC November 2024 with Kids
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC to Book Now!
All aboard a festively decorated Polar Express train ride for some holiday magic and memories. Photo by Gwendolyn Tundermann
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC
GUIDE
NYC Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2024
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is an event unto itself. See the larger-than-life balloons come to life the night before the parade. Photo by Anthony Quintano/CC BY 2.0
See the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation with Kids
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Leuca. Photo courtesy of the Noho Hospitality Group
26 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in NYC
Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 11. Photo by Heidi Lee
39 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC this November with Kids
Join Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero on a walk of wonders at NYBG's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail. Photo by Ally Noel
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 35 Top Things To Do in NYC this Fall
Classics, like Tom Turkey, and newbies alike take flight in the 98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024: Where to Watch, What's New
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
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
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
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
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
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
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
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
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
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
Twinkle Playspace in Williamsburg offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
21 Top Indoor Play Spaces in New York City
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
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
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
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
101 Free Things To Do in NYC with 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
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and Fun Zones 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
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
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
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
100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
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
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids

25 Best Things To Do in NYC April 2024 with Kids

The popular Big Umbrella Festival blooms as a free campus takeover at Lincoln Center full of relaxed spaces with multi-sensory experiences. Photo by John Altdorfer
The popular Big Umbrella Festival blooms as a free campus takeover at Lincoln Center full of relaxed spaces with multi-sensory experiences. Photo by John Altdorfer
3/31/24 - By Drew Kristofik

Holi, The Solar Eclipse, Passover, and Earth Day add up to lots of fun for kids in New York City this April!

April arrives with fool-proof fun: bathe in glorious color at the Brooklyn Children's Museum's Holi Fest, catch the solar eclipse at Top of the Rock or one of these other local spots, shift gears at the New York International Auto Show, and celebrate Earth Day at the American Museum of Natural History, the Children's Museum of Manhattan, and during Car-Free Earth Day. You can also wander through the Architects of Air's Daedalum maze and hang with Mommy Poppins at one of our biggest events yet: Babytopia!

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 up quickly, so register or buy your tickets ASAP.

Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Top Things To Do in NYC with Kids this April

Earth Day Month at the Children's Museum of Manhattan

Upper West Side
Opens Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Make everyday Earth Day this April and spring into action to support our planet’s many creatures, the environment, and more. READ MORE

All the Birds of the World at 5th Wall Studio

Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Thursday, April 4-Saturday, April 6, 2024
Melody Bates' original fairy tale, All the Birds of the World, brings Phoenix, Roc, Thunderbird, Hugin and Muninn, and many more to vibrant life in a lyrical, high-spirited tale of magic and heroic adventure. READ MORE

Mikail Akar 'NO DOUBT' at Artexpo New York 2024

South Street Seaport
Friday, April 5, 2024
Mikail Akar, the 11-year-old Cologne-born contemporary artist, returns to Artexpo New York to unveil his highly anticipated exhibition, NO DOUBT. This collection of abstract artworks showcases the young artist’s passionate dedication to his craft, pushing the boundaries of imagination. READ MORE

Grand Falloons: What a Gas! at the Staten Island Children's Museum

Snug Harbor, Staten Island
Saturday, April 6, 2024
The Grand Falloons Science Circus presents a program focused on the elements of our atmosphere, the importance of waste reduction, and actionable energy conservation methods. READ MORE

PALEYGX Minecraft Build Challenge at the Paley Museum

Midtown West
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Put your build skills to the test at Paley's Minecraft Build Challenge! Up to 40 contestants face off in timed design challenges, using their favorite machine: Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, Switch, or PC. Each round is judged based on creativity, and only the most innovative builders vie for the grand prize. READ MORE

Celebrate Holi with the Brooklyn Children's Museum

Crown Heights, Brooklyn
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Holi, BCM’s annual celebration of the springtime holiday focused on renewal, color, and play makes all ages feel as if you’ve been transported to the streets of India, Trinidad, or Guyana. Visitors take over neighboring Brower Park with pounds of color powder to throw in the air. READ MORE

Architects of Air's Daedalum at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side – FREE
Opens Saturday, April 6, 2024
Experience a gigantic, whimsical labyrinth at Damrosch Park. Daedalum is formed out of 19 egg-shaped domes, twisting and turning into the tunnels of a maze. Passing through the maze, visitors discover two original features—an incredibly intricate rainbow-colored tree and a cavernous dome. READ MORE

New York International Auto Show 2024 at the Javits Center

Midtown West
Through Sunday, April 7, 2024
Ushering in the latest automotive trends, the 2024 New York International Auto Show showcases an incredible collection of cutting-edge design and extraordinary innovation. READ MORE

Brains On! Live: Your Brain is Magic at The Opera House

Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Sunday, April 7, 2024
Brains On, a popular podcast for kids, presents a hilarious science-themed live stage show that takes the audience on an adventure through the brain. Hosts Molly Bloom, Marc Sanchez, and Sanden Totten perform magic tricks, dance moves, out-of-body experiences, mystery sounds, and even a game show!    READ MORE

Solar Eclipse at Top of the Rock

Midtown West
Monday, April 8, 2024
Zoom up to Top of the Rock for a special solar eclipse viewing event that includes complimentary eclipse viewing glasses provided by Warby Parker, themed treats from The Weather Room, and eclipse-inspired music while taking in 360-degree views of New York City. READ MORE

Big Umbrella Festival at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side – FREE
Friday, April 12-Sunday, April 14, 2024
The popular Big Umbrella Festival blooms as a free campus takeover at Lincoln Center full of relaxed spaces with multi-sensory experiences, performances, installations, and workshops specifically welcoming neurodivergent audiences and their families. READ MORE

I'mPossible at the New Victory Theater

Midtown West
Opens Friday, April 12, 2024
Run away and join the circus with young Johnny as he finds himself among an awe-inspiring, inclusive ensemble featuring a deaf ringmaster, an award-winning gymnast who uses a wheelchair, and an aerialist born without legs. READ MORE

BABYTOPIA: A World of Fun from Bump to Preschool at Atlantic Terminal

Boerum Hill, Brooklyn – FREE
Saturday, April 13, 2024
BABYTOPIA presented by PediaGROW is a fun, free event for new and expectant parents and families with toddlers through nursery school ages hosted by Mommy Poppins and Brooklyn Bridge Parents. Join us for dozens of activities like free baby and maternity portraits, a ball pit and play area for little ones, games, freebies, a stroller giveaway, and more! READ MORE

Alexander and The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day at the Sheen Center

Greenwich Village
Saturday, April 13, 2024
In this delightful adaptation of her popular book, Judith Viorst sets Alexander's rather trying life to music and brings to the stage one of America's feistiest characters. Not only does Alexander wake up with gum in his hair, but his mother forgets to pack him dessert, and his best friend decides he's not his best friend anymore. READ MORE

Celebrate Jackie Robinson Day at the Jackie Robinson Museum

Soho
Saturday, April 13-Monday, April 15, 2024
On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking the color barrier in modern Major League Baseball. Commemorate Robinson’s enduring legacy on and off the baseball diamond with fun-filled events for fans of all ages featuring special museum tours, hands-on activities, games, and more.   READ MORE

Passover Art and Dance Party for Families at the Jewish Museum

Upper East Side
Sunday, April 14, 2024
The Jewish Museum's Passover extravaganza buzzes with art, music, and dancing! Set yourself free to the joyful sounds of Daphna Mor and Saskia Lane, create holiday-themed art, add to a giant mixed-media installation, explore the galleries, and more!  READ MORE

Earth Day 2024 in Union Square

Union Square – FREE
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Union Square's annual Earth Day New York event is a fantastic way to connect to environmental campaigns, green lifestyle products, and interesting people doing great green work!   READ MORE

Word. Sound. Power. at BAM

Downtown Brooklyn
Friday & Saturday, April 19 & 20, 2024
BAM honors the bond between beat and rhyme at its annual celebration of hip-hop and spoken word. Drawing on 50 years of hip-hop greatness, this program pays homage to the masters of vocal instrumentation whose sounds reverberate to the stratosphere. READ MORE

Car-Free Earth Day

Citywide – FREE
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Open Streets: Car-Free Earth Day is an annual car-free event hosted by NYC DOT. Programming is presented at signature locations citywide to promote activism and education surrounding climate change, sustainability, and other relevant topics. READ MORE

Seaport Kids x Earth Day

South Street Seaport – FREE
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Mommy Poppins and Brooklyn Bridge Parents team up for an Earth Day celebration that includes sustainable castle construction, Lego building, plants, science, and the beauty of recycled materials. Plus, enjoy a magic show with an Earth Day twist. READ MORE

Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure at Madison Square Garden

Midtown West
Saturday & Sunday, April 20 & 21, 2024
Mayor Goodway is getting everything shipshape for a big Pirate Day celebration in Adventure Bay, but when Cap’n Turbot falls into a dark and mysterious cavern, it’s Paw Patrol to the rescue. READ MORE

Apple Blossom Children's Carnival at the Queens County Farm Museum

Glen Oaks, Queens
Saturdays & Sundays, April 20-28, 2024
Celebrate spring at the Queens County Farm Museum. This children's carnival kicks off the farm's special event season. Tilt-A-Whirl in the orchard and enjoy carnival rides, hayrides, and midway games. READ MORE

Climate Arts Festival at the Queens Botanical Garden

Flushing, Queens
Saturday, April 27, 2024
The Queens Botanical Garden celebrates Earth Day with fun, hands-on activities, art exhibits, music, interactive performances, tours, demonstrations, and more! While you're there, be sure to check out the Sustainable Vendor Fair and support local businesses. READ MORE

Earthfest at the American Museum of Natural History

Upper West Side
Saturday, April 27, 2024
The American Museum of Natural History hosts a full day of family-friendly activities, performances, and lectures showcasing local and international efforts devoted to preserving planet Earth. READ MORE

Paley Family Day: Barbie at the Paley Museum

Midtown West
Saturday, April 27
Celebrate the whimsical world of Barbie with special screenings of Barbie: A Touch of Magic, Barbie “Brooklyn” and Barbie “Malibu” giveaways, fun Instagram Barbie moments, plus an opportunity to play the latest Barbie video game, Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, and win a Barbie Dreamhouse! READ MORE

Pinkalicious The Musical at Actors Temple Theatre

Washington Heights
Sundays, through May 19, 2024
Pinkalicious can't stop eating pink cupcakes, despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor's office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe—a dream come true for this pink-loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out how to get out of this predicament. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Multiple locations around NYC
The Theater at Madison Square Garden