Things to Do with Kids in NYC this Weekend

Plan your kids' best weekend yet in Manhattan!

By NYMetroParents Staff September 22, 2023

Enjoy these fun things to do with your kids in New York City this weekend. Start planning your weekend now with our editorially curated list of happenings for kids and families.

More Fun Events

Free Outdoor Movie Screening of “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” at Hudson Yards FREE

WHEN: Friday, Sep. 22
WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Rd, Vanderbilt Museum, Vanderbilt Museum

WHAT:

This fall, Hudson Yards is screening FREE movies on the 30-foot Big Screen in the Public Square & Gardens. Come grab a seat and bring your own blanket to enjoy “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.” All screenings are free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first serve. Doors open at 5 PM, and each movie screening begins at 6 PM.

WANT TO GO? Free

Adventures from The Shed: Immersive Shows for Preschoolers & Families

WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 23
WHERE: 14th Street Y, , 14th Street Y, 14th Street Y

WHAT:

Puppetry, music, movement, storytelling–and a bit of theatre magic! Preschoolers and their families love Adventures from The Shed, our immersive and inclusive performances. Join friends like Lion Down, Ella Isa, Mary Jo, and The Thing That Goes Blurgh! for one of four adventures.

Please try to arrive around 9:45 AM to check in and get settled.

WANT TO GO? $7.50

Latinx Fest at CMOM part 2

WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 23
WHERE: The Tisch Building at CMOM, 212 West 83rd St, The Tisch Building at CMOM, The Tisch Building at CMOM

WHAT:

Venezuela, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Chile
Latinx culture spans Latin American countries and communities. At its heart lies the captivating world of Latinx food. This weekend at CMOM explore the vibrant mosaic of traditions and important of colors, flavors and family surrounding Latinx cuisine.
September 23 & 24

Pastelito Pastry Magnets
Strengthen your fine motor skills by molding an arepa, rolling an empanada, and patting down a pupusa out of clay and learn about beloved pastry snacks from South American countries!
Saturday & Sunday, September 23 & 24 | Drop-in | All ages | 1st Floor | Inside Art

Sofrito Making
Did you know that sofrito is the base for most Latin American and Caribbean meals? Join us as we chop onions, garlic, and bell peppers to create the perfect seasoning for you to use at home on your favorite soup, rice and bean dishes. ¡Buen provecho!
Saturday & Sunday, September 23 & 24 |Discovery Classroom | Sign-up | 2:00 pm & 3:00 pm | All Ages

WANT TO GO? $16.75

Cook, Eat, and Grow! FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 23
WHERE: City Winery, , City Winery, City Winery

WHAT:

As kids are the future, PLATFORM by JBF will be holding a “Cook, Eat, and Grow!” class for children (recommended for ages 6-12) where they will learn how to regrow their food. During a week New York City dedicates to the climate, The James Beard Foundation will also be participating in Climate Week which includes a 90-minute cooking class teaching kids the importance of repurposing fresh food so nothing goes to waste. In addition, all participants will personalize their own planter to transport their new plant back home and will mix up a plant-forward dip that they can easily recreate for their friends and family on their own.

WANT TO GO? Free

Watson Adventures’ Whodunit at the Met Family Scavenger Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 23
WHERE: Metropolitan Museum of Art, , Metropolitan Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art

WHAT:

Join Watson Adventures on a unique murder mystery scavenger hunt for kids 10 and up! A killer is on the loose at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and it’s up to you to stop him! The killer has created a scavenger hunt that, when completed, reveals his name, the weapon he used and where he hid the body in the museum. You’ll get a list of suspects, weapons and hiding places that are all in the museum. By following the trail of clues and answering tricky questions, you’ll provide the police with the evidence they need to catch and convict the killer. Can you figure out whodunit? Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Price includes museum admission. Advance purchase is required.

WANT TO GO? $35-$45 (includes museum admission)

Hard Hat Area! Introduction to Construction FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 23
WHERE: The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, The Skyscraper Museum, The Skyscraper Museum

WHAT:

How do skyscrapers get built? How do we know what pieces go where? Kids will learn about the construction process in a reading of Susan L. Roth’s Hard Hat Area. This story follows a girl, Kristen, as she discovers the tools, planning, and teamwork needed to build TALL! After the read-aloud, we’ll put our skills to the test and attempt to build our own skyscrapers! Teamwork, determination, and lots of tape will be key!

WANT TO GO? Free

Free Children’s Music Class with Mozart for Munchkins at Hudson Yards FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 23
WHERE: Backyard at Hudson Yards, Public Square & Gardens, , Backyard at Hudson Yards, Public Square & Gardens, Backyard at Hudson Yards, Public Square & Gardens

WHAT:

Children of all ages are invited to play, sing, and dance together with Mozart for Munchkins at the Public Square & Gardens at Hudson Yards.

Join Mozart for Munchkins for an interactive family concert experience. While our concert setting is informal, the programming remains first-rate; from Bach to Bernstein, Beethoven to bluegrass, and Tchaikovsky to Thelonious Monk, Mozart for Munchkins features outstanding repertoire performed by world-class musicians from Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Broadway, and beyond—an unforgettable experience for the whole family!

While this event is free, please RSVP!

WANT TO GO? Free

Autism-Friendly Access Workshops

WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 23
WHERE: New York City Ballet Rehearsal Studios Samuel B. & David Rose Building, , New York City Ballet Rehearsal Studios Samuel B. & David Rose Building, New York City Ballet Rehearsal Studios Samuel B. & David Rose Building

WHAT:

Join the artists of New York City Ballet in these movement workshops designed especially for children with autism and their families. During these one-hour events, children will be guided in a ballet-based warm-up and choreography inspired by a featured ballet being performed this season. Workshops feature live piano accompaniment and a designated quiet space will be available. A visual story will be sent prior to the event to give your child advance notice of what will be happening during the workshop.

For children ages 4-12 with autism and other sensory needs. No prior dance experience is necessary and siblings are encouraged to participate.

LOCATION

, 7th Floor

165 West 65th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam

WANT TO GO? $8 per participating child

Kimera Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 23
WHERE: West 111th St and Amsterdam Ave, , West 111th St and Amsterdam Ave, West 111th St and Amsterdam Ave

WHAT:

The International Brazilian Opera Company (IBOC) and the W. 111th Block Association will host the inaugural Kimeral Festival, a series of street concerts combined with storytelling events for all ages.

The Kimera festival is designed to highlight grassroots community music and storytelling, showcasing The Morningside Heights neighborhood and curated with a global vision in partnership with the W.111th Street-based non-profits, W.111th Street Block Association, and the International Brazilian Opera Company. The Kimera Festival is free, outdoors, and accessible.

WANT TO GO? Free

Minecraft Build Challenge: Unleash Your Creativity at The Paley Museum! FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 23
WHERE: The Paley Center for Media, , The Paley Center for Media, The Paley Center for Media

WHAT:

Join the Minecraft Build Challenge at The Paley Museum. Check-in starts at 2:00 pm, and the games commence at 2:30 pm. Up to forty contestants will compete in timed design challenges using Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, Switch, or PC. Creativity will be the key, and the most innovative builders will advance to the finals for a chance to win the grand prize. Two groups will tackle two challenges each, and the top three winners from each group will face off in the ultimate showdown. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your skills and become the Minecraft Build Challenge champion!The event is free, with waived entry fees for the PaleyGX Studio. General Public attendees need to pay the museum admission fee, while Paley Members enjoy free admission

WANT TO GO? Free

China Institute Mid-autumn Family Festival 2023

WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 23
WHERE: China Institute, , China Institute, China Institute

WHAT:

This year, celebrate the fall harvest by participating in unique mid-autumn festivities, flavors, and activities for the entire family! Mid-autumn is one of the most celebrated holidays in China – a time for families to get together under the full moon and light up lanterns to symbolically illuminate the path to success for the rest of the year. Join other families from all over Manhattan to discover shadow puppetry, mooncakes, traditional Han garments, sugar paintings, and much more!

WANT TO GO? $15

16th Annual “Family Day” Celebration on Governors’ Island presented by African Film Festival FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sep. 24
WHERE: Nolan Park at Governors Island, , Nolan Park at Governors Island, Nolan Park at Governors Island

WHAT:

Join the Trust for Governors Island and AFF for this highly anticipated day of enjoyment! Fun-seeking individuals of all ages are invited to join us for an enchanting day of free activities including storytelling, double-dutch, dance and drum workshops led by world-renowned instructors, arts and crafts and a selection of short films, all celebrating Africa and the diaspora.

SCHEDULE

12:00pm – 3:00pm: Needle Arts Workshop with Michelle Bishop & Harlem Needle Arts

1:00pm – 5:00pm: Selected Short Films the MoCADA House (Egúngún by Olive Nwosu; Precious Hair & Beauty by John Ogunmuyiwa; Frieda by Tisa Chigaga; Mma Moeketsi and Botlhale by Reabetswe Moeti)

1:30pm – 4:00pm: Storytelling & Double Dutch with Malika Lee Whitney

2:00pm – 3:15pm: Afro-Brazilian Dance Class with Quenia Ribeiro & Grupo Ribeiro

3:30pm – 4:45pm: Senegalese Sabar Dance Class with Babacar M’baye & Sing Sing Rhythm

5:00pm – 6:15pm: Guinean Dance Class with Maguette Camara & Les Merveilles de Guinea

All day: Multi-Ethnic Fusion Cuisine vended by Fauzia’s Heavenly Delights

WANT TO GO? Free

The Little Mermaid

WHEN: Sunday, Sep. 24
WHERE: Galli Theater NY, , Galli Theater NY, Galli Theater NY

WHAT:

The Little Mermaid falls in love with a prince on land when she saves him from a storm and is willing to give up her life under water to be with him, but a deal she makes with a sea witch makes this more difficult than she expected.

WANT TO GO? $25; $20 kids

SUBMERGE Marine Science Festival FREE

WHEN: Friday, Sep. 29
WHERE: Pier 84 Hudson River Park, , Pier 84 Hudson River Park, Pier 84 Hudson River Park

WHAT:

Celebrate all things marine science during two fun-filled days at Hudson River Park’s 10th Annual SUBMERGE Marine Science Festival! SUBMERGE brings marine science to life! Join our River Project team and regional STEM experts to learn about NYC’s coastal waters and wildlife. This interactive science festival invites the public to explore water topics through awesome experiments, kid-approved entertainment and much more!

WANT TO GO? Free

Free Outdoor Movie Screening of “Crazy, Stupid, Love” at Hudson Yards FREE

WHEN: Friday, Sep. 29
WHERE: Public Square & Gardens at Hudson Yards, , Public Square & Gardens at Hudson Yards, Public Square & Gardens at Hudson Yards

WHAT:

This fall, Hudson Yards is screening FREE movies on the 30-foot Big Screen in the Public Square & Gardens. On September 29th, come grab a seat and bring your own blanket to enjoy “Crazy, Stupid, Love.” All screenings are free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first serve. Doors open at 5 PM, and each movie screening begins at 6 PM.

WANT TO GO? Free

Looking for more events in your area? Search our comprehensive events calendar.

There’s a lot to do this weekend with your family, whether you're planning a day trip that's close to New York City or are looking for the best things to do with kids in Manhattan this weekend. After all, weekends are the best because you get to spend time with your kids, so make the most of your time together and check out our picks for the best kid-friendly activities in Manhattan! From storytimes and concerts to museum exhibits, crafts activities, seasonal events, and more, you're sure to find something to do that keeps everyone happy and having fun. Look no further for ideas and plan your weekend in New York City with our guide that highlights the best family-friendly (virtual and in-person) events happening in and around your neighborhood, including family fun in Central Park, the Lower East Side, the Upper West Side, Harlem, Midtown, the Upper East Side, Greenwich Village, Battery Park, Bryant Park, Tribeca, the Bronx, and Lower Manhattan. You can also find weekend fun in ourBrooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, and Rockland—and check out our Manhattan calendar for hundreds of things to do each month!

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Things to Do with Kids in NYC this Weekend

More Fun Events

Free Outdoor Movie Screening of “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” at Hudson Yards FREE

Adventures from The Shed: Immersive Shows for Preschoolers & Families