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.
Macy's annual Flower Show, which has been running for over 60 years, provdies a showcase for the world’s diverse plant life and the work of the nation’s most renowned floral designers. This year, sci-fi-inspired arrangements will evoke the other-worldly tale of Space Flight Director Lucy Ryder, who discovered Paradisios. There are a variety of events that will appeal to visitors, but kids will be especially excited about the Flower Show's Family Day with Peppa Pig (March 24 at 1pm). Expect face painting, balloon twisting and more. For a full schedule, click here. To learn how to register, click here. All ages.
This super-sweet Instagram-worthy event will certainly inspire you to start your meal with dessert. The tasty weekend event returns to Long Island City and will be accompanied by 20+ vendors—10Below, Oddfellows Ice Cream, to name a few—and offer plenty of opportunities to try something as tasty as it is beautiful. Don't forget to snag some goodies from the free candy bar! Learn more about the sugar frenzy Dessert Goals here. 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.
You might think you've been transported to Japan thanks to Brooklyn Botanic Garden's legendary festival. Welcoming the peak of the cherry blossom season, the Japanese tradition of Sakuri Matsuri celebrates spring, the arts and the great outdoors with a slew of cultural arts and merry making. Expect performances, tea ceremonies, games and more. All ages.
We're longing for spring—warm temperatures, blue skies and, of course, flowers. Fortunately, the New York Botanical Garden is here to deliver with its annual Orchid Show. Visitors can expect a taste of Singapore right here in NYC thanks to the 2019 theme. "Singapore" celebrates the Asian "City in a Garden," and we're certainly adding it to our list of things to do. Be sure to take a look at the festival's programming, which includes an insiders tour for budding botanists, orchid care demonstrations and q&a session. Mom and Dad, if you're calling the babysitter for a night off, you might want to consider enjoying an Orchid Evening ($38) complete with cocktails, music and naturally, the beautiful display. Learn more about "The Orchid Show: Singapore" here. All ages.
New York’s biggest block party hits town once more, offering free access to six museums (from the Met to the Museum of the City of New York) along a car-free mile sprinkled with music, art and entertainment. Kids can color up the sidewalk with chalk, get their faces painted, and enjoy performances. Stop in to enjoy amazing exhibits celebrating many different cultures and styles at El Museo Del Barrio, the Jewish Museum, Guggenheim and more. The festival runs along Fifth Avenue between 82nd St and 105th St. All ages.
At NYC's annual Earth Day celebration in Union Square, tots (and their parents) can see live performances, participate in family-friendly DIY activities and watch as local environmentally conscious businesses put on various displays. In NYC, this event is an Earth Day tradition. All ages.
Even farm animals need a little touchup in the hair, er, fur department. At the Queens County Farm's annual sheep shearing event, families will also be able to check out shearing and wool spinning demos, enjoy crafts, local food vendors, music and much more. All ages.
Trek out to the working farm for a country carnival held in the apple orchard at Queens County Farm. Among the festive offerings are amusement rides, midway games, hayrides, refreshments and of course, a ride in Tilt-A-Whirl. Register for the family fun online! All ages.
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This musical prequel to The Wizard of Oz addresses surprisingly complex themes, such as standards of beauty, morality and, believe it or not, fighting fascism. Thanks to Winnie Holzman’s witty book and Stephen Schwartz’s pop-inflected score, Wicked soars. The current cast includes Jackie Burns as Elphaba and Amanda Jane Cooper as Glinda.
Give city kids a chance to explore lush landscapes on this 250-acre expanse
Theater review by Adam Feldman The world of Harry Potter has arrived on Broadway, Hogwarts and all, and it is a triumph of theatrical magic. Set two decades after the final chapters of J.K. Rowling’s world-shaking kid-lit heptalogy, the two-part epic Harry Potter and the Cursed Child combines grand storytelling with stagecraft on a scale heretofore unimagined. Richly elaborated by director John Tiffany, the show looks like a million bucks (or, in this case, a reported $68 million); the Lyric Theatre has been transfigured from top to bottom to immerse us in the narrative. It works: The experience is transporting. Jack Thorne’s play, based on a story he wrote with Rowling and Tiffany, extends the Potter narrative while remaining true to its core concerns. Love and friendship and kindness are its central values, but they don’t come easily: They are bound up in guilt, loneliness and fear. Harry (Jamie Parker) is weighted with trauma dating back to his childhood, which hinders his ability to communicate with his troubled middle son, Albus (Sam Clemmett); it doesn’t help that Albus’s only friend is the bookish outcast Scorpius Malfoy (the exceptional Anthony Boyle), son of Harry’s erstwhile enemy, Draco (Alex Price). Despite the best intentions of Harry’s solid wife, Ginny (Poppy Miller), and his friends Hermione (Noma Dumezweni) and Ron (Paul Thornley), things turn dark very fast. Set designer Christine Jones and lighting designer Neil Austin keep much of the stage shroude
No time to figure out the subway? Hop on and hop off at more than 30 stops around New York City with an open-top big bus tour. You'll cruise by world-famous landmarks including the Empire State Building, Times Square, Rockefeller Center and Central Park.
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.
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Go under the see at this unusual bowling alley with faux (and real) critters on display).
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The attraction just announced that it will set up shop in Brooklyn from July 26–28 at Aviator Sports, so start planning your summer bucket list and book those tickets ASAP!
This feast for the eyes (and Instagram feeds) will feature 100 hot air balloons from around the globe that take flight twice each day.
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.
