The big ball drop in Times Square is an unforgettable New Year's Eve sight, if you can handle the crowds! Photo by Michael Hull
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The Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo shine brightly into the new year. Photo by Terria Clay/Bronx Zoo
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Museo del Barrio's The Three Kings Day Parade takes over the streets of East Harlem Photo by Mommy Poppins
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Bryant Park's Bumper Cars are a mainstay of late-winter fun in the park. Photo by Janet Bloom
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Hit the ice at the scenic Mohonk Mountan House, which offers winter day passes to enjoy its spectacular resort amenities. Photo courtesy of the venue
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See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
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Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
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Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
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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
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Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
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Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
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There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
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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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Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
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For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
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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
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The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
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Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
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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
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Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
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The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Weekend Fun: Parties, Nanoscience, and a Circus; April 6-7

NanoDays. Photo courtesy of Museum of Science, Boston
NanoDays. Photo courtesy of Museum of Science, Boston
4/3/19 - By Clementina Verge

Bye, bye winter blues. Baseball bats are swinging, birds are singing, and campgrounds are beginning to accept reservations. April has certainly brought a burst of sunshine, so take advantage of the mild weekend forecast and celebrate opening day at Tower Hill Botanic Garden. If you're more interested in growing ideas than flowers, attend the Brain Building Literacy Fair or check out the new CuriousCity Pop-Up Children's Museum in Peabody. You're also likely to find something for everyone in the family on our list of 15 Free and Fun Things to Do in April (hey, taxes are due). 

Also on Mommy Poppins:

Need more ideas for family fun? Browse our full events calendar, like our Facebook page, and be sure to bookmark our spring fun guide.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Catch feats of strength and balance at the circus. Photo courtesy of the Big Apple Circus
Catch feats of strength and balance at the circus. Photo courtesy of the Big Apple Circus

All Weekend

Big Apple Circus

Peabody
The Big Apple Circus is ready to astonish generations of guests with the world’s most celebrated acts in the most intimate setting. Celebrating the 42nd season with an extravaganza and choreography like no other. Listen to the 100-man Big Apple Circus Band and watch contortionists twist into mindbogglingly shapes, while aerial acrobats take your breath away. READ MORE

Space Opera

Cambridge
Join in celebrating North Cambridge Family Opera's 20th anniversary in a grand production of Space Opera, a light-hearted galactic odyssey, based on a familiar science fiction tale of heroes and villains, robots and aliens, unlikely adventures, and supernatural nonsense.  Featuring entertaining lyrics set to singable music in a variety of popular and classical styles, Space Opera is presented by an inter-generational cast in English with side titles.  PERFORMANCES: Saturday, March 30 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm Sunday, March 31 at 1:00pm and... READ MORE

Legally Blonde The Musical

Foxboro
A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances – this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal. READ MORE
It's all about spells and mystical animals at Wizarding Day. Photo courtesy of Franklin Park Zoo
It's all about spells and mystical animals at Wizarding Day. Photo courtesy of Franklin Park Zoo

Saturday

Family Fun Fair

Brookline
Enjoy kids' games/art activities, face painting, silent auction, raffle, delicious food, and a live puppet show performance by CactusHead Puppets at 1 p.m.   READ MORE

Wizarding Day at Franklin Park Zoo

Boston
Spend a magical day at Franklin Park Zoo as the wizarding world is brought to you. READ MORE

Play Up the Music - Disney Junior Event

Newton
The Shops at Chestnut Hill invites the local community to a Disney Junior Music Play Date centered around music that aims to entertain and delight children of all ages. During the Disney Junior Music Play Date, families will participate in a variety of activities including a make-and-take craft, photo booth with themed props, and other activities such as paint your own macaron (sponsored by Woops!) set to your favorite Disney Junior Music playing in the background. This event does not include live character appearances. READ MORE

NanoDays with a Quantum Leap

Boston
Explore worlds too small to see: nanoscience plus quantum science and their latest applications. READ MORE

Brain Day

Boston
Explore the wonders of the brain and nervous system. This free event is staffed by undergraduates who spent about a month preparing their individual stations covering many topics of neuroscience, such as structures of the brain through histology, motor learning through mirror drawing, neuro and comparative anatomy, traumatic brain injury, Brain Machine Interface, Human to Human Interface, and more. Each station has unique interactive experiments that allow participants to engage in effective learning. Sponsored by Boston University's Mind & Brain Society. READ MORE

Sunday

McMullen Museum Spring Celebration

Boston
In celebration of spring, the McMullen Museum invites everyone to participate in a day filled with children’s programming, music, artmaking, storytelling, and guided tours of the exhibitions. The Museum will also offer Japanese-inspired activities to coincide with Eaglemania, including Yo Yo fishing, kamishibai, origami, and more. READ MORE

Splish Splash Beach Bash!

West Newton
Skip spring and swing into summer at the Splish Splash Beach Bash. Bring your towel and wear your sunnies (and your suit, too, if you wish!) and get ready as we imagine we are spending the day at the beach. Dancers will enjoy a ballet-based class, crafts, and a sweet treat. READ MORE

Caring Bunny

Newton
Caring Bunny creates a sensory-friendly environment for families of children with special needs. This event will provide a subdued and welcoming environment as many steps are taken to reduce sensory triggers, creating a more comfortable atmosphere for children visiting the Bunny. READ MORE

Super Kids Yoga!

Fall River
Calling all superheroes! In this Super Kids Yoga workshop, children will learn different yoga poses, breathing exercises and games to help increase body awareness and calm their bodies, all while learning how to use their superhero powers. READ MORE

Superhero and Princess Party

Tyngsborough
Activities include sing-a-longs, crafts, storytelling, tattoos, face painting, and a Mr. Mac's lunch buffet. Attendees are invited to wear their favorite superhero or princess costume (or really any costume) they want. READ MORE

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