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 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is an event unto itself. See the larger-than-life balloons come to life the night before the parade. Photo by Anthony Quintano/CC BY 2.0
See the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation with Kids
Bring your skates and you can hit the ice for free at Bryant Park. Photo by Colin Miller
What's Open Thanksgiving Day in NYC: Best Things To Do with Kids
Classics, like Tom Turkey, and newbies alike take flight in the 98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024: Where to Watch, What's New
See the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC with our insider's guide and tips!
GUIDE
Guide to Thanksgiving in NYC for Kids and Families
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Leuca. Photo courtesy of the Noho Hospitality Group
26 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in NYC
All aboard a festively decorated Polar Express train ride for some holiday magic and memories. Photo by Gwendolyn Tundermann
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC
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
Many organizations throughout New York City are offering free turkey giveaways, plus full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season. Photo by John McCarten for the New York City Council
Where To Find Free Turkey in NYC This Thanksgiving
Experience the magic of the Tianyu Lights Festival at Citi Field this holiday season. Photo courtesy of the festival
21 Best Things To Do in NYC November 2024 with Kids
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!
GUIDE
NYC Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2024
Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 11. Photo by Heidi Lee
39 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC this November with Kids
Join Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero on a walk of wonders at NYBG's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail. Photo by Ally Noel
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 35 Top Things To Do in NYC this Fall
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
GUIDE
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
GUIDE
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
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
GUIDE
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
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
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
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
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
GUIDE
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
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids

Things To Do in NYC This Weekend With Kids: Intrepid Reopens, Broadway Drive-in, and More

Explore the Flight Deck at the Intrepid Sea ,Air and Space Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
Explore the Flight Deck at the Intrepid Sea ,Air and Space Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
9/23/20 - By Drew Kristofik

The last week of September is packing a sweet punch. We started the week with the first full-day of (remote) school and a treat at Krispy Kreme's new Times Square mega shop, and we're ending it with an Event Calendar jam-packed with things to do.

Most exciting is the return of one of our favorite kid-friendly museums, as the Intrepid lowers its gangplank once again. We've also got the news that two more of our favorite haunts, the Brooklyn Children's Museum and CMOM, have set October reopening dates.

We're also hosting an Online Back to School Fair with tons of enrichment options. Catch the last few FREE demo classes this week, including sessions from Atlantic Acting and Coucou French. If you're itching to get out, we've got intel on outdoor art trips near NYC, fall family day trips, pumpkin picking (tis the season), the best corn mazes nearby, and even some scenic, seasonal train trips.

Read on for all our top picks for things to do this week with New York City kids.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

The spooky fun at Six Flags Hallowfest starts Friday, September 18, and runs weekends through Sunday, November 1. Photo courtesy of Six Flags Great Adventure
The spooky fun at Six Flags Hallowfest starts Friday, September 18, and runs weekends through Sunday, November 1. Photo courtesy of Six Flags Great Adventure

Things To Do in NYC This Week

Thursday Afternoon Family Fun

Midtown West
Thursdays through October 29
Celebrate autumn with art and nature activities. Participants are expected to bring their own general supplies, such as crayons, markers, colored pencils, watercolor paints (bring your own container of water), glue, and scissors. Pick up a “kit bag” with instructions for the project of the day. READ MORE

Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum Reopens

Midtown West
Reopens Friday, September 25
All aboard! The Intrepid's gangplank is back in place, with mask, distancing, and timed-ticketing requirements. Some experiences are temporarily closed, but the majority of the museum is accessible. READ MORE

Climate Week

Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Monday, September 21-Sunday, September 27
In honor of Climate Week 2020, Prospect Park Alliance hosts a variety of events online and in the park. READ MORE

City of Water 2020: Blueline Exhibition in the Seaport District

South Street Seaport–FREE
Daily through Sunday, September 27
City of Water Day explores the BlueLine—the future high tide line—highlighting the risk of sea-level rise and coastal storms. Three extraordinary climate artists share their unique perspectives on climate issues and rising sea levels through artistic expression using multiple mediums. READ MORE

Sundae School

Soho
Thursdays through Sundays through Sunday, November 1
For the first time, the Museum of Ice Cream hosts in-person workshops to create your own ice cream! This hands-on workshop lets kids explore imagination through a love of sweets. Learn about the history of ice cream, and make your very own flavor from scratch. READ MORE

Circus Arts in the Park - Fort Greene

Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Fridays through November 20
Kids can stretch, bounce, balance, juggle, clown around, and enjoy an outdoor physically engaging class lead by a team of professional circus instructors. READ MORE

Family Fun Day: Wonderful World of Colors Inspired by Andy Warhol

Gramercy
Saturday, September 26
Photography fans discover the world of color and learn how artist Andy Warhol silkscreened his way to fame and fortune. In this hands-on activity, families work with natural plant dyes to create vibrantly colored silkscreened prints. READ MORE

Summer Drive-in Movie Series

Greenbelt, Staten Island
Saturday, September 26 | Back to the Future (PG)
The Pouch Scout Camp screens family-friendly flicks, drive-in style. Ticket prices include a choice of four snacks and four drinks per car. READ MORE

Skyline Drive-In

Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Pirates of the Caribbean (9/26) | Mamma Mia (9/28) | King Kong (9/29)
The Skyline Drive-In, on the Greenpoint waterfront, offers family-friendly movies with the Manhattan skyline as its backdrop. Don't have a car? No problem—socially distanced seating on lawn chairs is also available, weather permitting. READ MORE

The Yard: Days of Play

Governors Island
Saturdays through October 3
Kids can roll up their sleeves, grab a hammer, and get to work in New York City's only adventure playground. Thanks to donations, the junkyard playground is open for the day. Meet the team of playworkers and explore the 50,000-square-foot creative wonderland. Rain or shine! READ MORE

The Christmas Show at Radial Park — Broadway at the Drive-in

Astoria, Queens
Opens Saturday, September 26
Catch some holiday spirit while watching classic Christmas flicks and live performances. There are games, raffles, and secret Santa fun to enjoy, too. READ MORE

Sustainability Scavenger Hunt

Dumbo, Brooklyn–FREE
Sunday, September 27
The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy hosts a fun park scavenger hunt with a sustainability twist. Travel through the northern end of the park (from Pier 1 to 99 Plymouth Street), searching for clues and answers to questions about the park’s recycled materials and conservation efforts. READ MORE

September Sundays

Floral Park, Queens
Sunday, September 27
The Queens County Farm Museum celebrates September Sundays with timed-entry tickets to The Amazing Maize Maze, hayrides, audience crop circles, and the rhythms of New Orleans-inspired bluegrass band Mama Juke live on stage! READ MORE

Nature in the Park

Battery Park, Manhattan–FREE
Tuesdays through October 27
Pick up a self-guided worksheet that invites kids to tour the gardens, investigating plants and trees as well as the pollinating insects and birds that visit the parks of BPC. READ MORE

Six Flags Great Adventure's Fright Fest Extreme

Jackson, New Jersey
Fridays through Sundays through Sunday, November 1
Are you ready for a fright? With the Haunted Attractions Pass, you can brave haunted houses, eerie scare zones with lurking ghouls, and spine-tingling rides in the dark. The only way out is through! READ MORE

Seaport Cinema: Space Jam (PG)

South Street Seaport
Tuesday, September 29 | Shrek (PG)
Seaport Cinema screens family-friendly films on the rooftop, featuring themed food, cocktails (for adults), and surprises throughout the season. Up first is '90s favorite Space Jam. READ MORE

Top Virtual Events This Week

Orange County Children's Book Festival

FREE
Monday, September 14-Saturday, September 26
The Orange County Children's Book Festival is held in person once again in 2022. READ MORE

SUBMERGE Marine Science Festival

FREE
Thursday, September 24
SUBMERGE Marine Science Festival celebrates New York City’s coastal waters by bringing marine science to life. This year’s virtual and irl festival showcases dynamic marine environments, wildlife and science in New York City and the surrounding areas. READ MORE

2020 National Book Festival

FREE
Friday, September 25-Sunday, September 27
The 20th annual Library of Congress National Book Festival is being held online for 2020, with more than 100 best-selling authors, novelists, historians, poets, and children's writers participating. READ MORE

International Observe the Moon Night

FREE
Saturday, September 26
NASA Planetary Missions Program celebrates International Observe the Moon Night with a live planetarium show with interviews with Planetary Scientists. READ MORE

Virtual Book Tour: Chelsea Clinton

Wednesday, September 30 and Thursday, October 1
Chelsea Clinton presents her latest book She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game.  READ MORE

Blessing of the Animals at St. John the Divine

FREE
Sunday, October 4
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine welcomes families for a day of music, prayer, joy, blessings, and fun in honor of Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals and the environment. READ MORE
The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze returns for 2020. Photo by Susan Miele
The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze returns for 2020. Photo by Susan Miele

More Things To Do in NYC This September and October

The Great Pumpkin Train and More Halloween Train Rides in New Jersey

Hop aboard an NJ pumpkin train for scenic and spooky fun. READ MORE

Best Pumpkin Patches near NYC for Families

Pick a perfect pumpkin at one of these patches in Westchester, New Jersey, and Long Island. READ MORE

NYC Museums Reopen With Free Admission Deals and New Exhibits

Find out when your favorite museum reopens and how to snag tickets. READ MORE

Get Your Tickets Now for The Great Jack-o'-Lantern Blaze Hudson Valley

Get your tickets now for this Hudson Valley Halloween tradition. READ MORE

30 Fall Day Trips from NYC for Families

Apple picking, leaf-peeping, museums, farm fun...no wonder we love autumn in the NYC area. READ MORE

Krispy Kreme Debuts Times Square Mega Shop

Get your glazed doughnut fix at Krispy Kreme's new flagship store. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Prospect Park (at Grand Army Plaza)
Pier 17, South Street Seaport
William H Pouch Boy Scout Camp
Pier #40 West Houston Street & West Side Highway
Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
Krispy Kreme Times Square