OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Carnegie Hall goes crazy for hip-hop, with a 50th anniversary celebration of the genre for little ones and their families Saturday, October 7. Photo by Jennifer Taylor
29 Best Things To Do in NYC October 2023 with Kids
Kids can go apple picking near NYC at Alstede Farms, where low-to-the-ground trees are perfect for little pickers. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Apple Picking near NYC: Best Apple Orchards for Apple Picking with Kids
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Pluck a perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch at Alstede Farm in New Jersey. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Best Pumpkin Patches near NYC for Families
Candy, critters, and plenty of sweet treats await when Boo at the Zoo takes over the Bronx Zoo this fall. Photo by Julie Larsen Maher
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 35 Top Things To Do in NYC this Fall
Try your hand at corn husking and more analog entertainment during the Queens County Fair. Photo courtesy of the Queens County Farm Museum
Best Fall Festivals and Fairs in NYC this September and October
Big-name Broadway shows like &Juliet come at a premium prices, but there are ways to save on Broadway tickets. Photo by Aka NYC.
Discount Broadway Tickets: Six Ways to Save Big on Broadway Shows
With amenities for all ages and new three-bedroom residences, The Solaire is a family paradise in Battery Park City.
Eco-Friendly Living in One Of Manhattan’s Most Kid-Friendly Neighborhoods
Pick you own apples at a farm near NYC. Photo by Matt Nighswander
GUIDE
Fall Fun Guide for NYC Kids
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
43 Things To Do on a Rainy Day Indoors in NYC
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 Children's Museums in NYC for Families to Visit
Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine in
Guide to the Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families
NYC school kids head back to school on Thursday, September 7, 2023, according to the newly released NYC public school calendar. Photo by Al De Ingeniis
2023-24 NYC Public School Calendar: New Holidays, Plus 2024 & 2025 Calendars
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
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
The Brooklyn Museum is a premier art museum, with floors of treasures and outdoor art, too.
Brooklyn Museum Guide For Kids - Everything You Need to Know Before Your Family Visit
See Isabella's flower-filled wonderland in real-life at the new Disney Encanto x CAMP experience at the Flatiron location.
Encanto's Casita Comes to Life at CAMP Fifth Avenue
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
Enjoy a wild visit to the Philadelphia Zoo during a weekend getaway to the City of Brotherly Love. Photo courtesy of the zoo
13 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
Lola and Tots offers is a drop-in play as well as membership-based childcare with co-working benefits.
19 Top Indoor Play Spaces in New York City
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
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
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
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
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
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
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
22 Free Indoor Places To Play in NYC
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones in NYC
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
Hunting down pop-up public art displays is one of our favorite free things to do in NYC. Zaq Landsberg's Reclining Liberty is on display in Morningside Park through April 2022.
100 Free Things To Do in NYC With Kids
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
Top Attractions in NYC: Best Things To See and Do With Kids
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting.
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
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
Find the NYC neighborhood that fits your family.
GUIDE
Moving Guide: Top NYC Neighborhoods for Families
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
GUIDE
News & Openings in NYC
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids

Atlantic Antic, Morningside Lights, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids

The Hudson River Park presents the Submerge Marine Science Festival, which explores NYC's coastal waterways.Photo courtesy of Hudson River Park
The Hudson River Park presents the Submerge Marine Science Festival, which explores NYC's coastal waterways.Photo courtesy of Hudson River Park
9/29/23 - By Drew Kristofik

Looking for the best things to do in New York City this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Last weekend was a bit of a washout, but that just means more fun is on tap this weekend. Our top picks include diving into the Submerge Marine Science Festival, getting lit at the Brooklyn Book Fest's Children's Day, making sure Fido gets his annual Blessing, and giving our Halloween duds a test run at the Ragamuffin Parade.

Light up the night at Morningside Lights on Saturday and don't miss Sunday's Atlantic Antic, where Mommy Poppins and Brooklyn Bridge Parents are programming the Fun Zone sponsored by Prospect Schools.

If you've still got energy, our Family Activity Calendar is full of fun, including a brand-new feature: You can now book discounted Broadway tickets directly from our site!

More Things To Do in New York City this Week with Kids

Illuminate the night during a procession of awe-inspiring handmade lanterns during Morningside Lights. Photo courtesy of Morningside Lights
Illuminate the night during a procession of awe-inspiring handmade lanterns during Morningside Lights. Photo courtesy of Morningside Lights

Best Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids

Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo

Bronx Park, the Bronx
Opens Thursday, September 28
Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo sparkle with more than 5,000 carved, animal-themed pumpkins over a half-mile jack-o’-lantern trail. The evening includes live pumpkin carving demonstrations, games, festive fall treats and food trucks, and fun for all ages.  READ MORE

Bryant Park Square Dance

Midtown West–FREE
Friday, September 29
Do-si-do and promenade at a dance party like no other, with a whole lot of country food, music, trick roping, kids' crafts, a corn shucking competition, and a mechanical bull. Swing on by for live music, dancing, food, and fun. No experience or partner necessary. READ MORE

Halloween House at Oculus

Financial District
Opens Friday, September 29
Halloween House NYC is a completely immersive, one-of-a-kind Halloween experience where you are transported to an all-Halloween world—a not-too-scary, yet pleasantly spooky place, where even little kids can have a good time! READ MORE

Submerge: NYC Marine Science Festival

Midtown West–FREE
Friday, September 29-Saturday, September 30
Editor's note: Friday's event has been canceled. The Hudson River Park presents Submerge—a free, two-day science extravaganza devoted to raising awareness about our coastal waters.  READ MORE

Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival

Downtown Brooklyn
Friday, September 29-Saturday, September 30
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

Morningside Lights: The Open Book

Morningside Heights–FREE
Saturday, September 30
Morningside Lights returns for its 12th year, illuminating the night in a procession of awe-inspiring handmade lanterns floating through Morningside Park to Columbia's campus. This year, each of the 50+ community-built lanterns pays tribute to a book that inspires, enlightens, and shapes how we see the world. READ MORE

West Side Fest

Midtown West to Greenwich Village–FREE
Saturday, September 30
Go West, young families, for a daylong celebration of all the West Side has to offer. Participating organizations, including the Atlantic Theater Company, the Whitney, The High Line, and The Joyce provide fun activities for all ages. READ MORE

Cirque-tacular presents 'The Art of Circus'

Tribeca
Saturday, September 30
Cirque-Tacular features one dazzling circus feat after another in a high-energy, family-friendly flurry of fun, as a special company of performers bend, twist, flip, and fly with mind-boggling artistry and athleticism. Inspired by the world's greatest visual art masterpieces, and by the artists (Da Vinci, Van Gogh, Warhol) who created them, The Art of the Circus is an art museum come to life. READ MORE

Sugar Skull! A Dia de Muertos Musical Adventure

Greenwich Village
Saturday, September 30
Sugar Skill! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure is a touring bilingual/bicultural musical for young audiences and families that uses traditional regional music and dance from Mexico to tell the story of 12-year-old Vita Flores. READ MORE

56th Annual Ragamuffin Parade

Bay Ridge, Brooklyn–FREE
Saturday, September 30
Halloween costumes get an early airing at the 56th annual Ragamuffin Parade. Bonus: At the end of the parade, every child who is registered and marches the whole route in costume receives a gift. Rain or shine. READ MORE

Back-to-School Bash with Suzi Shelton

Park Slope, Brooklyn–FREE
Saturday, September 30
Join Brooklyn's own award-winning Suzi Shelton at an outdoor musical performance for the playground set of Park Slope. This show is geared for families with children up to 8 and runs approximately 60 minutes. READ MORE

Yoga and Dance Jam

Central Park–FREE
Saturday, September 30
Life Time hosts a mid-day family experience amidst the beauty of Central Park, including a sprint through the NYC Triathlon's finish line. READ MORE

Kids Rock for Kids

Greenwich Village
Saturday, September 30
Teen rock bands from around Austin, Nashville, Canada, and NYC rock out to raise money for kids in crisis. READ MORE

Kids Day at Olly Olly Market

Chelsea–FREE
Saturday, September 30
Olly Olly hosts an action-packed day with a bounce house, face painting, and, of course, good eats! READ MORE

Van Alen Block Party

Carroll Gardens–FREE
Saturday, September 30
Van Alen Block Party is a celebration of all things Gowanus — the vibrant, dynamic, and creative neighborhood. Swing by for an afternoon of music, performance, and family-friendly crafts and games. READ MORE

Worldwide Day of Play at CMOM

Upper West Side
Saturday, September 30
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan celebrates Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play with Paw Patrol-inspired activities and more. Join the CMOM team in constructing an obstacle course to aid in superhero training and strike a playful power pose with Nickelodeon friends Dora the Explorer and Rocky from Paw Patrol. READ MORE

Mother Goose

Upper East Side
Opens Saturday, September 30
The tales of Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill, and more — nursery rhymes and songs passed down from generation to generation — get a distinctly contemporary retelling in the 92Y's new musical adaptation. READ MORE

Brooklyn Book Festival

Downtown Brooklyn–FREE
Saturday, September 30-Sunday, October 1
The 2023 Brooklyn Book Festival celebrates its 18th anniversary of presenting free literary programming. This year's fest includes events both in-person and virtual. Kid-friendly programming abounds during Children's Day on Saturday, September 30. READ MORE

Blessing of the Animals and the Feast of Saint Francis

Morningside Heights–FREE
Sunday, October 1
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine welcomes families to a day of music, prayer, joy, blessings, and fun in honor of Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals and the environment. READ MORE

48th Annual Atlantic Antic

Bed Stuy, Brooklyn–FREE
Sunday, October 1
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, for the first time, there is a Mommy Poppins & Brooklyn Bridge Parents Fun Zone sponsored by Prospect Schools between Hicks and Henry Streets. READ MORE

RIPA's Harvest Festival

Randall's Island–FREE
Sunday, October 1
The Randall’s Island Park Alliance hosts a free, family-friendly celebration of fall. Enjoy live musical performances from Pete Nater and Associates, plus a Boogie Down Books pop-up shop, and more. READ MORE

Party on Park

East Harlem–FREE
Sunday, October 1
Come bike, walk, and scoot at Party On Park 2023. Spaces are open under and along the Park Avenue Viaduct in East Harlem for family-friendly fun for all ages. READ MORE

Author Lian Cho Presents Oh, Olive!

Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn–FREE
Sunday, October 1
Author Lian Cho hosts a hilarious storytime to celebrate the release of Oh, Olive! A picture book all about painting outside the lines and sharing your art with others. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Miller Theater at Columbia University
Multiple locations in Manhattan
BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center
The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture
Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
X
Install this app: tapthen Add to Home Screen
X
To get notifications upgrade iOS.