All Weekend

Maker Faire New York – Corona
One of our September Go List picks: The grounds of the New York Hall of Science explode with all kinds of inventions and creations, everything from knitting to robotics, circus to interactive sculptures, computers to crafts and more. The Young Makers area is particularly inspiring for kids, with local students showing off their cutting-edge projects, and everyone loves the life-size working replica of the Mouse Trap board game. Read our in-depth Maker Faire post for more info, ticket deals and the best booths to hit. In advance: $32.50 for adults, $17.50 for children ages 2-17; more at the door

Queens County Fair – Floral Park
Another September Go List pick: Get a taste of country life right here in the city at this annual Queens County Farm Museum fete. Enjoy blue ribbon competitions in livestock, produce, home crafts, arts and crafts, and more; pie-eating and corn-husking contests; pig races, hayrides, a petting zoo and a midway with carnival rides. For an additional fee, you can also get lost in the Amazing Maize Maze, which opens for the season this weekend. $9 for adults, $5 for children under 13, additional fees for rides and other attractions

The Haunted Pumpkin Garden – the Bronx
Get psyched for Halloween at the New York Botanical Garden's annual installation. Marvel at hundreds of jack-o'-lanterns elaborately carved and sculpted into spiders, scarecrows, bats, snakes and other scary sights. Be sure to hit the Everett Children's Adventure Garden for the costume parade and a nature scavenger hunt. $25 for adults, $10 for children ages 2-12

The Feast of San Gennaro – Little Italy
And another September Go List pick: It's your last chance to enjoy this annual fest featuring delicious food, a cannoli-eating contest, live music, games and rides, including a Ferris wheel. At night it's a real party scene so families should visit during the day. Free admission but there are fees for certain activities

Drawn to Language Opening Weekend – Hudson Square
Hit the Children's Museum of the Arts to check out this brand-new exhibit, which explores the intersection of text and visual art. As always, the museum will host related drop-in activities like Saturday's Roy Lichtenstein-inspired wearable art workshop and Sunday's spy speak session. Free with admission: $11, free for children under age 1

Circus Amok: At the Crossroads – Sunset Park & Union Square
More September Go List fun: While a few performances of this political theater troupe's all-ages climate change-themed show have been rained out over the past few weeks, it looks like clear skies this weekend. So you can catch real-life bearded lady and emcee, Jennifer Miller, and her cohorts as they mix activism with entertainment. At the Crossroads plays Brooklyn's Sunset Park on Saturday and Manhattan's Union Square on Sunday. FREE
 

Saturday, September 20

Somebody Come and Play: 45 Years of Sesame Street Helping Kids Grow Smarter, Stronger, and Kinder Opening Weekend – Upper West Side
Also on our September Go List: The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts unveils its wonderful Sesame Street exhibit featuring scripts, storyboards, designs, archival photographs and videos from the seminal early education series. Young fans of the show will love seeing Big Bird, Elmo, Snuffy and other Muppet stars up close (but behind glass), plus there's a play area, a touch wall and lots of awesome photo ops. FREE

HRP Mamas Lower Manhattan Early Education Fair Sponsored by Mommy Poppins – Tribeca
If you're on the hunt for the perfect preschool, don't miss this one-day-only event where you can get the inside scoop on the best programs in downtown Manhattan. While you meet with the directors, your kids can hit the Mommy Poppins table to craft adorable WeeWork clothespin critters. Find the complete list of participating schools in our calendar. FREE but preregistration is required

Phantom Faces Family Art Workshop – Flatiron
Check out Tony Cragg's brand-new Walks of Life art installation in Madison Square Park, and then create face sculptures from clay, foil, pipe cleaners and other materials inspired by his work. FREE

Bounce Back to School Carnival – Prospect Heights
Enjoy five bouncy houses (including one just for toddlers), face painting, games, raffles and an outdoor dance party, plus lots of yummy things to eat and drink at P.S. 9's annual fundraiser. $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 2-12, additional fees for certain attractions

Go Fish! Festival with Key Wilde & Mr. Clarke – Battery Park City
Head to Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park for catch-and-release fishing, art projects and a performance by the quirky kiddie rock duo as Key Wilde & Mr. Clarke play tunes off their latest album Animal Tales. FREE

See all Saturday events.  
 

Sunday, September 21

New York On Location – Astoria
Another September Go List pick: Go behind the scenes at Queens' Kaufman Astoria Studios to explore more than 20 trailers and trucks, all straight from productions currently shooting in NYC. Check out star dressing rooms; tech, prop, hair and makeup, wardrobe and special effects trucks; and other cool locales. Plus, stunt experts will demo high falls, street fighting and stunt driving. Once you tire of the spotlight, head to the adjacent Museum of the Moving Image, which is offering complimentary admission so you can check out its exhibits, including What’s Up, Doc? The Animation Art of Chuck Jones. FREE

Brooklyn Book Festival – Brooklyn Heights
And another September Go List pick: Meet more than 200 local authors at this annual lit fest. Young bookworms can head to the BKBF Children's Area in Columbus Park for readings and signings by award-winning authors like Brian Floca (Locomotive) and Sophie Blackall (The Baby Tree), plus fun illustrator draw-offs and appearances by costumed characters. Tweens and teens can visit the Youth Stage featuring star-studded author panels (Newbery winner Rebecca Stead, the hilarious Jon Scieszka, the legendary R.L. Stine), and compelling topics like gender identity and first love. FREE

Native American Festival – the Bronx
Enjoy traditional performances, crafts, food, storytelling and nature programs at this annual celebration. Families will be able to interact with many of the performers and try hands-on activities from the Taino, Seminole and other tribes. FREE

Flatbush Frolic – Flatbush
Hit this community celebration featuring the usual street fest fun including delicious treats, live music, a craft fair, and a dedicated kids' area with games and bouncy houses. FREE

People's Climate March for Families – Manhattan
By now you've probably heard about the big People's Climate March to draw attention to this global environmental concern. Families are invited to participate, too, and there's even going to be a designated Kids Bloc. If you're interested in joining the group, hit the Matthew P. Sapolin Playground in the morning where kids can make banners about climate change. The march kicks off at 11:30am nearby. For more info about how your family can get involved, check out the official website. FREE

See all Sunday events.  

Don't forget: We have additional activity options 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.