Weekend Fun for NYC Kids: Spring Fairs, Free Comics, Pixar in Concert, Holi Festival of Colors May 3-4

4/30/14 - By Stephanie Ogozalek

Is there an anti-rain dance we can try? We'll do whatever it takes to make sure the incessant showers clear up before the weekend since there are so many spring fairs and festivals going on, from annual favorites like the Cherry Blossom Festival on Randall's Island, Hippo Playground's spring fair and Holi, the Festival of Colors to the first-ever Kickstarter Block Party in Williamsburg.

Two of our top family event picks for May take place this weekend: the citywide volunteering initiative It's My Park Day and Asphalt Green's no-cost swim meet The Big Swim. Plus Saturday is Free Comic Book Day so local shops are giving away complimentary issues to kids.

These are just a few of the great things going on this weekend. All of our best bets are below. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar and our Spring Fun Guide. And if you're looking to plan out your entire month, check out the new edition of our NYC Go List, which highlights the absolute best things to do with kids throughout May.

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All Weekend

Dear Albert Einstein Opening Weekend – Midtown West
Making Books Sing's brand-new musical hopes to inspire a love of STEM subjects. Set in 1954, the show focuses on a 12-year-old girl who enjoys math but worries about being branded a nerd by her peers. Luckily legendary theoretical physicist Albert Einstein pops up in her imagination to set her straight but not before causing all kinds of problems. $25, $95 for a family four-pack

Bedtime – Fort Greene
Created specifically for toddlers and preschoolers, this 45-minute interactive show at BAM is an ideal first-time theater experience. Without uttering one word, two pals turn bedtime into playtime as pillows transform into wings, sheets change into flags, and even towels become imaginary playthings. Coming in your PJs is encouraged. $7

Sheep Shearing Weekend – Corona
Watch the sheep get their annual haircuts at the Queens Zoo and then make animal-themed crafts. Free with admission: $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 3-12

 

Saturday, May 3

The Big Swim – Upper East Side
One of our May Go List picks: Asphalt Green hosts this noncompetitive swim meet for ages 6 to 12 in its Olympic-size pool. Kids of all skill levels can experience the excitement of a race with starting blocks, officials and a timed finish, and every participant goes home with a medal and a T-shirt. FREE but preregistration by Thursday, May 1 required

It's My Park Day – Citywide
Another May Go List pick: Help spruce up your neighborhood green space as part of this awesome initiative. It's a great way to connect with nature and the perfect opportunity to teach kids about the importance of giving back to their community. There are It's My Park Day volunteering events throughout the five boroughs and you can find the complete list on the Park Department's website. FREE

Free Comic Book Day – Citywide
The first Saturday in May is Free Comic Book Day and many NYC comic shops will be giving away preselected issues. Visit the event's official website for a list of participating locations. FREE

Holi Hai – Midtown East
Make sure you wear white and prepare to get messy at this celebration of the Hindu holiday Holi, a.k.a. the Festival of Colors. Colored powders representing happiness, love and vitality are tossed about so everyone ends up covered in rainbows. There will also be live music, dancing and ethnic eats. FREE but preregistration encouraged

Spring Fair – Morningside Heights
Best for the preschool set, the Columbia Greenhouse Nursery School's benefit features a petting zoo and pony rides, face painting, carnival games and craft projects. There will also be a rummage sale with gently-used kids' gear. Free admission but there are fees for certain activities

Calhoun Carnival – Upper West Side
Enjoy carnival rides, bouncy houses, games, arts and crafts, and other kiddie fun at this annual fundraiser for the Calhoun School. Free admission but there are fees for certain activities

Carousel for All Children Opening Day – Staten Island
Go for a spin in Staten Island's Greenbelt as Willowbrook Park's merry-go-round opens for the season. Puppet performances and sing-alongs will also be on tap. Free for entertainment, $1.50 per carousel ride

New York Philharmonic Presents Pixar in Concert – Upper West Side
The world-class orchestra gives the classical treatment to 13 Pixar soundtracks while clips from the films (including Up, Finding Nemo and Wall-E) screen in the background. A fabulous first Avery Fisher Hall experience for ages 5 and up. $40-$125

Cherry Blossom Festival – Randall's Island
Hit the activity-packed isle for its second annual spring fest. In addition to checking out the beautiful blooms, families can enjoy drumming performances, origami workshops, tastings of cherry blossom tea, arts and crafts, and other seasonal fun. FREE

Kickstarter Block Party – Williamsburg
While this fest isn't aimed at families, there should be lots of things for kids to enjoy as dozens of the company's crowd-funding partners show off their cool creations and latest projects. Live music, eclectic eats, an art show and hands-on workshops are also on tap. Check the schedule before you go since certain activities require preregistration. FREE

See all Saturday events.
 

Sunday, May 4

Remember, today is the annual Five Boro Bike Tour, so many streets throughout NYC will be closed. Make sure you leave extra time to get where you're going.

The Suzi Shelton Band – Gowanus
The Brooklyn singer/songwriter celebrates the release of her third children's album, Smile In My Heart, with a rockin' concert. Other fun includes tunes by Marc Bazerman from Baze and His Silly Friends, an offbeat art project from Brooklyn Design Lab and the premiere of Shelton's brand-new video. In advance: $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 2 and up; at the door: $15 for adults, $10 for children

Hippo Playground Spring Fair – Upper West Side
The popular Riverside Park play spot throws its annual benefit featuring a bouncy castle, pony rides, a petting zoo, a maze, face painting, games and other fun. Free admission but there are fees for activities

Irish Dance Festival – Upper West Side
Stroll a mile south in Riverside Park to catch this annual Irish fest featuring traditional music and dance performances, dance workshops for all skill levels, a singers' circle, Celtic crafts and Gaelic language classes. FREE

See all Sunday events.
 

Don't forget: There's even more fun to be found in our Event Calendar. Before heading out on your adventures, be sure to download our FREE Mommy Poppins Kids on the Go app so you can find the best family destinations wherever you happen to be in NYC.