All Weekend

Princess and the Pea – Flushing
German puppeteer Matthias Kuchta's rendition of Hans Christian Andersen's famous tale stars life-size fabric puppets. At a pre-show workshop at Flushing Town Hall, kids can learn how to create puppets from found objects. Show: $12 for adults, $8 for children. Workshop: $6 for adults, $3 for children.

Art of Bookmaking Festival – Upper West Side
At the Children's Museum of Manhattan, aspiring authors and illustrators can try their hand at various bookmaking techniques, and create tomes with stamps, pictures and text. Free with admission: $11.

Canal Park Playhouse Classic Film Series: The Little Rascals – Tribeca
Introduce your kids to Spanky, Darla, Alfalfa and the rest of the gang at these afternoon screenings of the original shorts, not that awful '90s movie. This weekend's lineup includes Waldo's Last Stand, School's Out and Our Gang Follies of 1938, preceded by classic cartoons, just like the old days. $9. Brunch packages are also available.

Saturday, November 5

First Saturdays for Families: Families Demonstrate for the Future – Lower East Side
Families can check out the cool new exhibition the Carsten Höller: Experience, and then create artwork inspired by it. This awesome interactive installation includes a two-story spiral slide, a sensory deprivation tank and a set of flashing lights that can cause hallucinations. FREE

The Deedle Deedle Dees Family Concert – Williamsburg
The Brooklyn-based kids' band throws a CD release party at the Knitting Factory for their new album Strange Dees, Indeed. Revelers will marvel at the group's amazingly smart lyrics, filled with all kinds of historical tidbits, and tunes that combine power pop, punk and folk. $10, $20 for a family four-pack.

The 90-Second Newbery Festival – Midtown East
This sounds really cool: Kids made and submitted 90-second videos about their favorite Newbery Medal-winning children's books, which will be screened today. Special guests include local award-winning authors like Jon Scieszka, Rebecca Stead and Ayun Halliday. FREE

Stories from Norway & Beyond with Songs & Banjo Music by Bill Gordh – Murray Hill
Scandinavia House welcomes the award-winning banjo player and storyteller, as he brings folk tales like Fox as Shepherd to life. FREE

FIAF Family Saturdays – Upper East Side
You don't need to speak français to enjoy the French Institute's brand-new family days, which kick off today with a live performance by former Cirque du Soleil clown Colin Gee, a subtitled screening of the French animated film A Cat In Paris, a bilingual storytime and more. Activities are $10-$20 and require tickets.

Bindlestiff Cavalcade of Youth – Coney Island
The beach and amusement rides may be closed for the season, but Coney Island's still got lots of excitement on tap. See the stars of tomorrow today at this variety show featuring young jugglers, dancers, acrobats, contortionists and other circus artists, all under age 21. $15 for adults, $10 for children.

Anna Banana Band – Prospect Heights
The former Music for Aardvarks bass player now fronts her own kids' band. This rocking quartet hits the central branch of the Brooklyn Public Library for a bouncy punk concert that the whole family will dig—even mom and dad! FREE

Target First Saturday at the Brooklyn Museum – Prospect Heights
Although this free party starts after sundown, if you arrive on the early side you can participate in a sculpture-making workshop and hear two local music acts, Navegante and NinjaSonik, before running home to make bedtime. FREE

R & R Saturdays – Upper West Side
The JCC in Manhattan kicks off its popular free Saturday series today. Attractions include a performance by magician and escape artist David A. Ellis, origami, hula hooping, art projects, indoor games and outdoor fun in the newly renovated rooftop playground, weather permitting. There are activities for parents too, like yoga. FREE

See all Saturday events.

Sunday, November 6

Marathon Concert
You can see the Marathon from many points today, but one of the least crowded but still picturesque spots is at the northeastern edge of Central Park on Fifth Avenue. Bonus: There will be a free Jazzmobile at Duke Ellington Circle in honor of the race, so you can enjoy live music while you cheer.

Insiders Tour of the New York Aquarium – Coney Island
Get a behind-the-scenes peek at the aquarium, including an amazing view of the shark tank from above! You'll also get up close and personal with jellyfish, horseshoe crabs and other aquatic creatures. $28 for adults, $23 for children ages 6-12.

Brettband Family Concert – East Village
Brettband—fronted by the 14th Street Y's popular Boogie with Brett instructor Brett Rothenhaus—celebrates the release of the group's new CD Four Songs with a rockin' concert. Best for preschoolers. In advance: $25 per family; at the door: $30 per family.

Atka: Return of the Wolf – Staten Island
Families can meet Atka, an Arctic Gray Wolf, and learn about the important role the creatures play in the wild from the New York Wolf Conservation Center. $12 per person; $44 for a family of four.

The Suzi Shelton Band – Tribeca
This veteran songstress hits 92YTribeca to croon some new tunes, like Smile In My Heart and Tomboy In a Princess Dress, and a few old favorites, with the help of her six-year-old daughter Emma. $15, free for babies.

See all Sunday events.

Outside NYC

New Jersey's Liberty Science Center is hosting the Math Midway through January. Best to check it out now before the holiday rush starts.

In Connecticut, families can celebrate the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the Charles W. Morgan at Mystic Seaport.

If you want one last Halloween hurrah, hit Bayville Scream Park in Long Island.


Don't forget: We have additional activity options in our Event Calendar.

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