Experience a kaleidoscope of photo-ops, plus acrobatic shows, tasty food, craft cocktails, live music, and more at the captivating light festival, Lektrik, at the Queens Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy of Fever

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 in NYC: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and More Things To Do

The Tianyu Lights Festival transforms the Citi Field parking lot into a magical holiday destination with larger-than-life lanterns and kid-friendly activities. Photo courtesy of the festival

Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids

During Christmas in NYC, Midtown Manhattan is chock-full of glittery eye candy. Photo by Ally Noel

Christmas in New York: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids

Santa is a busy man, so reservations are required to visit Santland at Macy's Herald Square in New York City in 2024. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo

Macy's Santaland NYC: When and How to See Santa at Herald Square in 2024

GUIDE

Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun

The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows near NYC

Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Calypso, Carols, and Cocoa: The Dumbo Holiday Lighting. Photo by Hassan Mokaddam

Best Christmas Tree Lightings in NYC with Fun Activities for Kids, Plus Menorah Lightings, Too

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!

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NYC Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2024

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

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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

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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

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Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids

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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

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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

65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age

Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.

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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

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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

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Boredom Busters for Kids

Things To Do in NYC with Kids this Weekend: Lighthouse, Pumpkins, Animals, Harvest

See the new exhibit The Art of the Brick at the New York Hall of Science. Photo by Drew Kristofik

10/2/19 - By Drew Kristofik

It's harvest season in NYC, which means pumpkins are ripe for picking at neighborhood supermarkets and bodegas—and local patches, too. Harvest fests abound this weekend, so you can take your pick (see what we did there?) from options that include the Harlem Harvest Fest, Jefferson Market Garden, the Greenbelt Pumpkin Fest, Oktoberfest in Sunnyside, and the Harvest Fest on Randall's Island. You can even gather 'round a seasonal campfire in Prospect Park and learn about native corn in the Battery.

On the Upper West Side, Oran Etkin and Timbalooloo rock Symphony Space on Saturday, and preschoolers can get their fill of world roots music for free at Lincoln Center's Brown Rice Family concert. Plus, Jazz at Lincoln Center introduces kids to the music of Chick Corea.

CMOM's Comic Con runs all weekend, the Little Red Lighthouse Fest celebrates the 77th anniversary of the book that made it famous, animals get blessings at St. John the Divine (and dogs get their day in Central Park), and Sunday is Pickle Day on the Lower East Side, packed with all things sweet and sour, plus face painters, balloon twisters, and carnival games.

Don't miss our Ultimate Halloween Fun Guide, and our list of the Best Free Halloween Events for Kids. And remember that our Fall Fun Guide and daily event calendar are always excellent resources for family fun!