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!
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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!
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Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 11. Photo by Heidi Lee
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Join Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero on a walk of wonders at NYBG's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail. Photo by Ally Noel
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The 2024-2025 NYC public school calendar is out, and students return to school on Thursday, September 5.
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Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
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Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
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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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Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
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Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
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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!
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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
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
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Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
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Twinkle Playspace in Williamsburg offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
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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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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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Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
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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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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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Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
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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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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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No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
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Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
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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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Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Things To Do in NYC This Weekend & Beyond: Restaurant Week, Local Hikes, See Laurie Berkner

The Skyline Drive-in is still going strong, offering nightly movies with a stunning backdrop. Photo courtesy of the venue
The Skyline Drive-in is still going strong, offering nightly movies with a stunning backdrop. Photo courtesy of the venue
1/27/21 - By Drew Kristofik

And just like that, January is practically in the rearview. In the "excellent news" column, it's NYC Restaurant Week, and it's all about take out this year, so you can take a night off, check out new cuisine, save money, and help local businesses, all in one swoop. To help you work up an appetite, the Urban Park Rangers are leading hikes in Fort Tryon Park, Long Island City, Central Park, and Prospect Park.

Don't forget: Poppins@Home is your go-to spot for virtual fun and learning. This week, we're all about Baby in Tune classes, the Happy Feet soccer online series, cartooning, and magical potions.

We're scouring NYC for great in-person events, and we're all over virtual happenings, too, so you're covered whichever you prefer. Check the NYC Event Calendar frequently, and don't miss our list of the top indoor play spaces open now.

Editor's note: While we are trying to promote safer activities that occur outdoors or with social distancing guidelines in place, please keep your family and others safe by always wearing a mask and maintaining an appropriate distance. If you arrive at an event that appears too crowded, try using the “nearby” search feature on our Event Calendar to find something else to do. Keep in mind, reservations are required for many of these events, so plan your outings in advance, and be sure to click through to our listing for all the details, including address, time, and pricing.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Celebrate NYC Restaurant Week by picking up a pie at Table 87 or one of the other 500+ participating eateries. Photo courtesy of Table 87
Celebrate NYC Restaurant Week by picking up a pie at Table 87 or one of the other 500+ participating eateries. Photo courtesy of Table 87

Best Things To Do in NYC This Week With Kids

Skyline Drive-In

Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Friday, February 5: Despicable Me (PG)
Saturday, February 6: Coco (PG)
Sunday, February 7: Dumbo (G)
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

Birding: Bald Eagle Watch

Inwood Park–FREE
Saturday, February 6
Winter is a spectacular season for observing bald eagles in New York City parks. Learn more about the natural history and basic biology of bald eagles while rangers guide you to the best wildlife-viewing spots in the urban jungle. READ MORE

I Love Animals

Bayside, Queens
Saturday, February 6
Toddlers prep for Valentine's Day with an animal story and a triple animal meet-and-greet. Little ones and their adult companions can also create a heart-shaped bird treat to take home and hang outside. READ MORE

Hunter Island Sunset Hike

Orchard Beach, the Bronx–FREE
Saturday, February 6
Watch the sun go down with the Urban Park Rangers on this guided hike through Hunter Island. READ MORE

Black History Month: Black History in Queens

Jamaica, Queens–FREE
Saturday, February 6
Celebrate Black History Month with the Urban Park Rangers. This program highlights the significant contributions of notable and impactful Black historical figures hailing from Queens. The borough has been home to activists, athletes, inventors, and entertainers, among many other notable residents. READ MORE

Swoon: The House Our Families Built

Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Saturda- Sunday, February 6-7
A roving, mobile sculpture, The House Our Families Built, asks viewers to consider the legacy of ancestral histories and the ways in which they inform how we understand and talk about ourselves. READ MORE

Super Bowl Blitz – APEC Style

Bayside, Queens
Sunday, February 7
Animals at APEC are gearing up for Super Bowl LV and kids are invited to wear their favorite football team jerseys while brainstorming to determine what football positions frogs, tarantulas, ostriches, and squirrels would play based on their skills. READ MORE

Winter Tree ID: The North Woods

Central Park–FREE
Sunday, February 7
Take a kid-friendly hike through the North Woods and learn how to tell a maple from an oak! Discover how trees—from seeds and leaves to logs—contribute to the health of an urban park woodland community. READ MORE

Daddy Daughter Paint Date

Upper West Side
Sunday,February 7
Dad's can get in the studio with their little girls at Color Me Mine and paint heart plates, picture frames, mugs, plaques, and more to celebrate Valentine's Day. Complimentary chocolates are included. READ MORE

Meet the Presidents in the Oval Office

Upper West Side
Ongoing, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
A permanent gallery on the fourth floor of the New-York Historical Society features a detailed re-creation of the White House's Oval Office where presidents have exercised their powers, duties, and responsibilities since 1909. Explore the space and hear presidential audio recordings. READ MORE
Laurie Berkner hosts a live, virtual concert to benefit the CNY Diaper Bank. Photo courtesy of the artist
Laurie Berkner hosts a live, virtual concert to benefit the CNY Diaper Bank. Photo courtesy of the artist

Top Virtual Events This Week

Living History @ Home: Black Women and the Suffragist Movement

FREE
Wednesday, February 3
The New York Historical Society invites kids to learn about individuals, like Ida B. Wells, and organizations, like the National Association of Colored Women, that organized and protested for the rights and freedom of Black women in America. READ MORE

Intrepid Adventures: Space Pudding

FREE
Thursday,February 4
What do astronauts eat in space? Explore The Intrepid Museum’s connection to the Space Race and follow a recipe with an instructor to create your very own “space pudding.” READ MORE

Animation First Film Festival 2024

February 5-15
The sixth edition of Animation First, celebrating the artistry of French animation, presents animated feature films and shorts, filmmaker conversations, work-in-progress presentations, video games, AR-VR experiences, a student shorts programs, and more. READ MORE

2021 Sundance Film Festival

Thursday, January 28 through Wednesday, February 3
The influential indie film festival goes virtual this year. The Sundance Film Festival takes place each January in Park City, Utah, Salt Lake City, and at the Sundance Resort, and is the largest independent film festival in the United States.  READ MORE

Living History @ Home: Black Women and the Suffragist Movement

FREE
Wednesday, February 3
The New York Historical Society invites kids to learn about individuals, like Ida B. Wells, and organizations, like the National Association of Colored Women, that organized and protested for the rights and freedom of Black women in America. READ MORE

Moon Over Manhattan: A Lunar New Year Family Day

FREE
Saturday, February 6
The Asia Society invites visitors to ring in the new year with performances and craft activities inspired by Lunar New Year traditions across Asia. READ MORE

Lunar New Year Celebration – SOLD OUT

FREE
Saturday, February 76
Ring in the Year of the Blue Dragon at Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and enjoy lion dances, live music, festive snacks, candy, calligraphy, crafts, and more. READ MORE

Lunar New Year at the Queens Botanical Garden

FREE
Saturday, February 6 - Sunday, February 28
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at the Queens Botanical Garden with lion dance performances, a zodiac-themed craft, storytelling, and more. READ MORE
Gear-up and hit the slopes at Hunter. It's an easy a day trip from NYC! Photo courtesy of the resort
Gear-up and hit the slopes at Hunter. It's an easy a day trip from NYC! Photo courtesy of the resort

More Things To Do in NYC This Month

Northeast Snowboarding Parks Where You Can Catch Some Air

If you're ready to shred, we've rounded up 12 nearby terrain parks for your pleasure. READ MORE

18 Best Arts and Crafts Classes in NYC for Kids

Nurture your kid's creativity at these artsy spots. Some even offer FREE classes. READ MORE

Prismatica Lights Broadway With Rainbow-Filled Public Art Display

This eye-catching display adds a little whimsy to the city streets. READ MORE

Private Playtime: 13 Indoor NYC Play Spaces That Can Be Rented For Pods or Families

Enjoy a private play date or invite your pod to one of these cool play spaces. READ MORE

Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids

Enjoy a day of nature or culture without spending a dime. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Alley Pond Environmental Center
Orchard Beach Parking Lot in Pelham Bay Park
Alley Pond Environmental Center
Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (inside the Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues)
Dimenna / New York Historical Society Online
The Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum Online
Dimenna / New York Historical Society Online
Brooklyn Conservatory of Music