All Weekend

BubbleMania: Science, Art & Comedy with Casey Carle –  Flushing
Bubble master Casey Carle presents a 30-minute performance at the New York Hall of Science. Watch as he makes foam, fog and helium bubbles as well as soapy orbs that burst into flame. $4 in addition to regular museum admission.

Saturday, April 23

Kirikou and the Sorceress –  Upper West Side
This stunning animated film (no CGI here!) follows Kirikou, a young boy who attempts to break an evil spell on his African village. For children ages 5 and up due to mature content, including animated nudity. $11 for adults, $9 for children.

Story Time: Brian Yanish & Scrap Kins – Brooklyn
Yanish will read from his new book Scrap Kins: Build it Book Volume I, then help kids turn trash into treasure. My son once did a Scrap Kins crafting session and the orange-juice-carton-turned-owl-shaped-bird-feeder he made is still hanging outside our kitchen window. FREE

Little Club Heads Hip-Hop Spring Break Party – Financial District
Get the party started at this family-friendly dance party, where kids can kick it old school, just like mom and dad did back in the day. In addition to the DJ, there will be balloon twisters, clowns, face painting and other tot-pleasing activities. $15

Secrets of the Forest Floor – Central Park
Take a guided tour through the Ramble (during the day, for those of you aware of the area's naughty nighttime rep). A park ranger will help kids pick up rocks to uncover what lies beneath them. FREE


Sunday, April 24

Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival – Midtown East
Take the annual springtime stroll up Fifth Avenue with your silly or splendorous bonnet. FREE
 
Bronx Art Ensemble Family Concert: Peter and the Wolf – the Bronx
The Prokofiev piece was composed specifically for children. Each instrument plays a character in this beloved tale about a boy who tries to protect his animal pals. FREE with all-access New York Botanical Garden pass.

Clearing in the Forest: Dance – Central Park
The annual outdoor performance series kicks off this season with Capacitor Dance Company's interpretive Perfect Flower, after which kids can learn about park blooms from New York Microscopical Society staff. FREE

David Grover with Grover’s Gang – Upper East Side
Kids will have a blast celebrating Passover at this groovy concert at the Jewish Museum. The Children’s Choir of Congregation Rodeph Sholom will join the band to sing I Can See Freedom, When You Believe and Let My People Go in a Glee-inspired style. $16 for adults, $11 for children.

Outside of NYC

Take a day trip to New Jersey and enjoy a hike through Campgaw Mountain Reservation. You could also hit the Adventure Aquarium, where Buttons the hippo is celebrating her 14th birthday. Click here to read our review from our visit last summer. And this is the last weekend you can take a train ride with the Easter Bunny.

On Long Island, there are five fun egg hunts this weekend, including the Penguin Egg Hunt at Atlantis Marine World. Or head to the Brookhaven Wildlife and Ecology Center in Holtsville to spend a day with the mini-zoo's 100 animals.  

Connecticut has its share of Easter activities, too, including a festive Easter Bunny Fun Day at the Connecticut Trolley Museum, with crafts, bubbles and eggs. Or visit the Audubon Raptor Center in Sharon to marvel at eagles and owls.

Don't forget: There's even more fun in the Mommy Poppins Events Calendar.