Things to do with kids in NYC
Best upcoming events and festivals
Kick off the 2017 U.S. Open in style at this annual tennis and music fest. The live stadium show features live performances from big names in music (TBA for this year) and past preformers have included Flo Rida, Zara Larsson and Troye Sivan. There will be exhibition matches and skills competitions with tennis pros. Be sure to come by with the family beforehand to check out the free activities on the grounds, like youth tennis workshops. hair braiding, face painting and autograph signings. All ages.
Some of New York's best barbecue joints head to Hudson River Park's Pier 97 for this 19th annual bonanza. Chow down on savory, finger-licking offerings from restaurants like Dinosaur BBQ, Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, and Pig Beach and some sweet treats from Melt Bakery. Between bites dance to music from musicians like The Slam Allen Band and Canadian blues singer Dawn Tyler Watson. All ages.
At this celebration, kids enjoy free fun like a puppet show, an amazing circus show, dance performances and more. You can even use the visit as an excuse to grab a burger and a strawberry shake at Shake Shack. Ages 12 and under.
Adventurous eaters descend upon the Chile festival, where taste-testing is reserved for the brave, to send off summer with a bang. Try some artisanal spicy snacks and desserts featuring products exclusively created for the festival (like chile chocolates). While you nosh, take the sizzling tunes from bands from all over the world while your kids enjoy fun activities. All Ages.
Atlantic Ave closes down for New York City’s largest street fair, now in its 44th year and featuring hundreds of amazing vendors. Expect children's activities, delicious food of all kinds, live performances and more! All ages.
Spend Saturday catching (and releasing!) East River fish. There will also be games, snacks and crafts for younger sibs or those less familiar with the sport. Afterward dance to the nautical-themed music of Funkinships. Ages 5 and up. Meet on the Southern Shore, south of 103rd Street Footbridge
Young explorers can dive into the world of marine science at Hudson River Park's NYC marine science festival SUBMERGE. Kids of all ages will love meeting real scientists and learning more about things like oysters, underwater robots, horseshoe crabs, knot-tying, whales, pollution and plankton (just to name a few). Check out hands-on activities and kid-approved science entertainment. There are also kayaking and fishing opportunities. All ages.
Manhattan’s last remaining (and most adorable) lighthouse fetes its special day with free tours, live music, theatrical performances, arts and crafts and fishing clinics along the Hudson. As always, families can listen to a reading of the 1942 children’s book, The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge by Hildegarde H. Swift, which prompted an effort to save the lighthouse when it was decommissioned in 1948 after the “gray bridge” (the George Washington Bridge) was built overhead. All ages.
It’s been another bountiful season at the Urban Farm! Celebrate all the Earth gives us at this annual festival, brought to you by Randall’s Island Park Alliance. There will be live music, self-guided tours of the Urban Farm, face painting, kite-flying and other fall fun! All ages.
The colorful harvest celebration returns to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to host Halloween revelers of all ages. Visitors can participate in a wacky costume parade, play festive games, hear the best children's stories and listen to live performances. Ghouls and goblins of all ages will get a kick out of this spooktacular event. All ages.
Latest news
NYC Broadway Week is back with 2-for-1 ticket deals on the city's best Broadway tickets! As of August 15, 2018, tickets are now on sale for a variety of...
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We're so excited! Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day (previously known as Museum Day Live!) is a time for all New Yorkers to rejoice. Starting August 15, 2018...
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...
Grab your Samanthas, Mollys and Lucianas—it's time for a road trip. This past weekend, American Girl debuted its first-ever outlet store in Hershey,...
There's a reason New Yorkers can't get enough of waterfront parks—those epic views of the city never get old. With a skyline so breathtaking, it's no wonder...
We hate to burst your bubble, but the party's almost over. A new school year is lurking in the not-too-distant future, so in order to soak up the final days...
What happens when your dessert is too pretty to eat? It's certainly a conundrum when ordering at Taiyaki NYC, but it's a sacrifice we're willing to make....
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Give city kids a chance to explore lush landscapes on this 250-acre expanse
Football dreamers can test their standing jumps and quarterback skills at this interactive exhibit
Get your tickets now to see Frozen on Broadway! This is one musical you cannot miss.
The Nintendo Labo is an interactive set where you cut and build your own games
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Ocean without ever leaving NYC
Take your kiddo backstage at The Lion King and Aladdin
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Popular stories
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Explore our guide to the best family cruises leaving from the NYC area! Unlike pricey trips that include airfare, hotel stays and even more dough for fun activities, family cruises tie everything up in a nice neat package.
Grab a ticket—Thomas the Tank Engine is making a pitstop, and you're not going to want to miss the fun.
As if we needed another reason to love Chipotle, the restaurant is teaming up with schools and libraries across the country to help promote literacy.
