Things to do with kids in NYC
Best upcoming events and festivals
After declaring bankruptcy in 2016 to widespread lamentations, the family-friendly circus came bouncing back to life at Lincoln Center last year, and now returns for its 41st season with a show that aim to throw some spotlights on women. New ringmaster Stephanie Monseu presides over a spectacle that includes a trapeze routine by the Flying Tunizianis, a trampoline act created by Andréanne Quintal, and an acrobatic duet, performed by Virginia Tuells and Ihosvanys Perez, in which she does most of the heavy lifting.
Amid the messy streets and cold temps, we may sometimes forget that winter in New York is supposed to be awesome. (Seriously.) The Parks Department reminds us why we should love the colder months thanks to Winter Jam, its annual winter sports festival in Central Park. Families can learn or take part in snowshoeing, skiing and sledding. Bring your own snow sports gear or borrow the equipment on load at no cost, then while away the hours sipping hot chocolate and enjoying the outdoors during this ultimate snow day. The rain date for the 2019 event is Feb 2. Enter the park at 72nd St, as the festivities will take place in the Bandshell area. All ages.
Every year Lincoln Center presents a phenomenal lineup of programming for kids of all ages. This years, wee ones (ages 0–18 months) can explore their surroundings with Rain, a sensory performance that includes touch and music, while slightly older babies (ages 6 months-36 months) can join a friendly environment for creative exploration with Pulsar. Highlights for big kids include Is this a Dagger? The Story of Macbeth (ages 8 and up), a retelling of the classic tale by a Scottish storyteller; You Me and the Space Between (ages 6 to 12), a performance about an inventive child that utilizes storytelling and choreography; Soundtrack '63 (ages 12 and up), a multimedia musical experience about music's relationship to social justice. A number of shows offer relaxed performances for neurodiverse audiences. Visit here for more details.
The Cultural Services of the French Embassy and the French Institute Alliance Francaise present an arts festival specifically targeted to youngsters. This festival combines philosophy, music, magic, design and dance through a series of programs that incorporate work from a bevy of French and global artists. This year, families can sign their crew up for Malika Zarra: Musical Journey (March 10 at 2pm, free, ages 5 and up), Philosophy for Kids (March 24 at 2pm, free, ages 6 and up) and so much more. Learn more about the offerings here. Ages 5 and up.
Queens Botanical Garder is celebrating the Year of the Pig with special performances, crafts and other festivities. While you're there check out the exhibition, “Organic Emergence.” All ages.
From mid-December through March, spend chilly weekend mornings at Film Forum's popular family-friendly movie series. Watch time-tested faves like It's a Wonderful Life (Dec 15 and 16), Charlie Chaplin’s The Circus (Dec 22 and 23), Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Jan 19 and 20), The Muppet Movie (Feb 2 and 3), and more. Visit filmforum.org to view the complete schedule and grab your tickets. All ages.
Expensive Broadway price tags stopping your crew from heading to the theater? This annual promotion, a program of the Broadway League, is the perfect excuse to play dress-up and do Times Square in style. On February 26, 2019, kids don't pay a dime once you purchase a full-price adult ticket to a Broadway show. Tickets include fun perks like pre-theatre activities, restaurant discounts and educational programs. There's something for kids of all ages, including Frozen and The Lion King for young ones and Mean Girls and Dear Evan Hansen for the older set. Ages 18 and under.
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Partake in the yuletide festivities by hoppingaboard a bus to the neighborhood’s best sites.
Give city kids a chance to explore lush landscapes on this 250-acre expanse
Get in on a cool indoor hangout at Grand Central! This event transforms Vanderbilt Hall into a fun–filled dining area with live, family-friendly entertainment. Kiddos can make arts & crafts and get their faces painted courtesy of Kidding Around Toys, dance and sing along in the event's Jam to the Music perfomance courtesy of Brooklyn Children's Museum, watch performances from Grammy Award–winner Tim Kubart (Aug 24) and cast members of Wicked (Aug 25) and Something Rotten (Aug 26), too. There's also great food from the likes of Shake Shack and Zaro's Family Bakery available for purchase! Event located in Grand Central's Vanderbilt Hall. All ages.
Your favorite show has been extended due to popular demand! This 60-minute performance adapts four of Eric Carle's most timeless tales.
Physics demonstrator David Maiullo performs scientific magic through a variety of cool experiments.
New York Kids Club is more than just a favorite family hotspot for classes, parties and camps—it's also an exciting place to bring the kids when you simply just need a fun night out on the town.
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Set an alarm and mark your calendars for Nov 16—the day NYC's brand-new FAO Schwarz will make its debut in Rockefeller Plaza.
Families and fresh frozen food-snackers everywhere are freaking out, and for good reason: A brand new Trader Joe's location is coming to the Lower East Side this month.
A dose of Disney magic is Manhattan-bound this autumn, so grab your mouse ears and ready your Instagram.
Hold onto your hardhats, young builders. LEGO is taking the fun to new heights.
Scratch "visit an epic NYC playground" off your summer bucket list. The Chelsea Waterside Park Play Area has officially reopened after nearly a year of renovations, and the $3.4 million in upgrades will make your kids go bananas.
NYC is expecting some visitors. Poppy, Branch and other beloved Trolls characters are Manhattan-bound for "DreamWorks Trolls the Experience," an interactive exhibit that is slated for opening on Thursday, November 15 (218 West 57th St) in Times Square.
All aboard! Disney Cruise Line just announced its 2019 lineup, and there are a few ships pulling into port in NYC.
Life as a NYC parent offers undeniable perks—like access to incredible museums and institutions—but it also comes with a set of unique challenges.
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