All Weekend

New York Theater Ballet: Sleeping Beauty – Midtown East
Dancers act out this beautiful love story in a special hour-long performance tailored for kids. $40 for adults, $35 for children 12 and under.

Gilbert & Sullivan: The Ballet – Upper East Side
Dances Patrelle mixes movement and songs to tell this original tale about Sir William Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan battling over their famous operettas The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado and HMS Pinafore. Expect selections from each, as well as lots of slapstick. The Sunday Family Matinee includes a post-show meet and greet with the performers. $20-$35

Saturday, May 14

Highland Park Strawberry Festival – Jamaica
If you can't make it out to Long Island or New Jersey to pick your own strawberries, you can celebrate berry season in the city at this fest, which includes a strawberry eating contest, bouncy houses, stilt walkers, carnival games, a concert by Laughing Pizza and a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk by Puppets in the Park. Strawberry Shortcake will also be on hand to say hello. FREE

Pop-Up Play Day – Williamsburg
New tot spot PLAY and Pop-Up Adventure Play (a sort of think tank on play and child development) are taking over McCarren Park for a day of fun. The Pop-Up Adventure Playground will feature loose materials like fabric, boxes, rope, string, wood and leaves. Other stations include a sensory play area, seed planting, live music, yoga and a real FDNY engine. FREE

The 38th Annual Ninth Avenue International Food Festival – Hell's Kitchen
This classic NYC street fair features great eats and drinks from all over the world. This year, there's also a special area for kids toward the northern end. Free admission but bring cash for food.

On A Wing: Family Festival – Upper East Side
Central Park is a great place to go bird watching due to its location on the Atlantic Flyway. That's why Belvedere Castle is celebrating our fine feathered friends with birding walks through the Ramble, visits with live birds of prey and the chance to make a bird journal. FREE

Little Red Lighthouse Tour – Washington Heights
Don't worry: Even little kids can make it to the top of this NYC landmark. (My son did it at age three!) Before you go, read the classic children’s book that made it famous: The Little Red Light House and the Great Gray Bridge. The Parks Department only opens this lighthouse to the public a few times a year so don't miss it.

Hershey Track & Field Games Local Meet – The Bronx
Young athletes can compete in various races, the softball throw and the standing long jump. The top three winners in every age group will move on to the State Final, which will he held in Red Hook, Brooklyn on Tuesday, June 7. No advance registration required. Ages 9-14. FREE.  

Brooklyn Bike Jumble – Park Slope
Need a new tire, pump, kids' seat or two-wheeler with training wheels? This flea is the place to find all that and more cycling-related products. FREE

The Big Draw – The Bronx
Let the gorgeous Wave Hill inspire you at this creative event, featuring all-day art activities, including the cool public art project Tapeandtrees, which connects tree species. FREE

The Big Swim – Upper East Side
At this swim meet, everyone's a winner, and will snag medals to prove it. Kids are organized by age and compete in various races in Asphalt Green's Olympic-size pool. Ages 6-12. Advance online registration required. FREE

P.S. 84 International Spring Fair – Upper West Side
The public school hosts its annual fund-raiser, with bouncy houses, a giant inflatable slide, crafts, face painting, henna tattoos and barbecue.   Free admission but there are fees for activities.


Sunday, May 15

New York Road Runners Youth Jamboree – Randall's Island
Kids can compete in a variety of track and field events, including races, relays, long jump and shot put. The participants with the highest scores will move on to the Mayor’s Cup, which takes place on Saturday, June 11. All kids snag medals. Register onsite. Ages 4-15. FREE

Peter Yarrow & Friends Family Sing-Along – Midtown West
Folk legendary Yarrow is joined by Bethany & Rufus and Billy Jonas. My son and I saw him last year and children really respond to Yarrow’s mellow demeanor and gentle voice. Expect to sing-along to "Puff the Magic Dragon" and other classic tunes. $30-$40.

Farm Fest – Queens
Get a taste of the country in the big city at the Queens County Farm Museum's festival, which includes sheep shearing, country western music, hay and pony rides. $5

Maira + Matisse Family Day – Upper East Side
Families can explore the vibrant works of illustrator Maira Kalman at the Jewish Museum, then create art of their own. Other fun on tap includes a scavenger hunt and a Bang On A Can concert. FREE with museum admission.

Milstein Science Series-Sundays Under the Whale: Living Large – Upper West Side
Come to the American Museum of Natural History to discover what scientists have learned about the largest animals on our planet. FREE with museum admission.

Abiyoyopalooza – Brooklyn
Head to the Audubon Center in Prospect Park for a little bit of African culture. Performers Hasan Bakr and Kevin Nathaniel share the tale of how a village is saved by a young musician and magician, using native instruments like a djembe, mbira, bongos and shekere. Enjoy crafts post-show. FREE

Second Annual Earth Day Fair – Forest Hills
Better late than never! Kids will enjoy the live animal presentations as well as learning how to compost and cook. Adults can find out how to save money by living green, and sign up for a free energy usage audit. FREE

Outside of NYC

It's almost strawberry picking time! There are pick-your-own farms in New Jersey and on Long Island, but call before heading out to confirm that picking has begun. I can personally endorse the Sussex County Strawberry Farm. My family and I pick there every year and it's less than an hour from midtown Manhattan.

In New Jersey, the kids are gearing up for the Spring Stampede 5K and Fun Run in Chester on Saturday.

On Long Island, take the kids for a spin on a restored carousel or get some local produce at a farmers' market.

In Connecticut, families can visit the White Memorial Nature Museum to see a live snake habitat and fluorescent rock cave.
 

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

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