Things to do with kids in NYC
Best upcoming events and festivals
The New York Philharmonic performs John Williams’s score during this festive screening. If you’ve ever wanted to feel refined while snickering at lines like “I wouldn’t let you sleep in my room if you were growing on my ass” or watching a little kid literally torture grown men, here’s your chance.
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.
Forty unique vendors come together in one of NYC's most gorgeous architecutral attractions to provide a can't-miss holiday experience. If your daily commute's got you down, the Grand Central Holiday Fair is surely one way to make you feel merry and bright. Explore the wide array of handmade goods—toys, games, accessories and more—before boarding your train home. Chances are, you're bound to find some great gifts for loved ones. Even better? You also have the option to snag a sneak peek at the holiday train show too, so you're truly entering a winter wonderland. You'll be spending a lot of time wandering the train station this season! Note that the market won't be open on Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve, so plan your shopping ahead of time. All ages.
Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason's musical take on Dr. Seuss's yuletide fable, in which a selfish creature overcomes his chronic cardiac deficiency, played two holiday seasons on Broadway during the Great White Way's green-monster craze of the 2000s. Now it returns to MSG in a production directed by Matt August and starring Gavin Lee, who recently shone as another green grump in Broadway's SpongeBob SquarePants.
All aboard! One of NYC's most beloved traditions is making its way back into town. The New York Botanical Garden promises another year of fantastic displays during its annual holiday train show, this time spotlighting Lower Manhattan. Get a glimpse of trains zipping through pint-sized downtown attractions—One World Trade Center, Battery Maritime Building—while enjoying festive decorations in one of the city's most beloved green spaces. In addition to the display itself, the Holiday Train Show also offers the opportunity for fun programming—arts and crafts for kids, Bar Car Nights for mom and dad and other festive happenings. Get your tickets ASAP—this event is likely to sell out quickly. All ages.
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.
Families can celebrate the holiday by taking a spin around the ice rink in Central Park and watching as a giant had-carved ice menorah is lit for Chanukah. Enjoy original and traditional holiday tunes as you lap around the rink. Gratis kosher food and hot beverages are included in the evening's festivities. All ages.
Latest news
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Time Out Shop
Let kids take their love for movies to another level
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 your tickets now to see Frozen on Broadway! This is one musical you cannot miss.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Ocean without ever leaving NYC
Take your kiddo backstage at The Lion King and Aladdin
The best of New York
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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.
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