Things to do with kids in NYC this weekend

Make the most of staying in with these fun things to do at home, including our favorite 20 indoor activities kids love.  Our roundups of the best movies, TV shows, books, podcasts and more will guarantee a good time for everybody. When the time comes to head outdoors, why not check out the best kids' museums in NYC, or the most Instagrammable dessert spots in NYC? Ice cream weather will be here soon, but when it comes to the best milkshakes in NYC the season lasts the whole year.

We might be stuck inside, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy our favorite family attractions and activities in NYC.  Amid the coronavirus outbreak, local kids' museums, artists, shops and businesses have shifted gears and made their services available digitally. Yes, we might be forced to get comfortable in our tiny apartments, but we can make the best of it.  Check out our go-to classes, performances and other fun online happenings to pass the time. Stay safe, NYC!  American Museum of Natural History Even if you can't visit the dinos and giant whale in person, you can experience the American Museum of Natural History right at home. Its OLogy science website lets families take a peek at different lessons and activities in a wide range of subjects—archeology, anthropology, astronomy and more. While New Yorkers are forced to stay inside for the next two weeks, the Museum will host previously recorded tours of its halls and collections on Facebook Live at 2pm ET. Sounds like the perfect afternoon at the museum to us! (Get it?)  FunikiJam NYC's early childhood education and entertainment group is keeping spirits high with creative musical offerings. Groove to some of the best tunes in town by visiting FunikiJam's YouTube page. As we are planning to hunker down for a little longer, you can check out the group's website to see fun music, songs, jokes, etc. all focused around a theme. Be sure to subscribe online to receive a weekly email with curated activities.  MoMath  The N

Just because you're staying in doesn't mean an end to storytime! From the Brooklyn Public Library taking its readings to Facebook, to live demonstrations by famous picture-book authors, to a large selection of many of the greatest actors of our time reading some of the best books for kids, you can have an amazing storytime for kids right at home.  Along with classes for kids and DIY projects and activities from NYC shops and businesses, these virtual storytimes will keep young minds sharp—and parental minds sane.  Stay-In Storytime  WHEN AND WHERE: Via Instagram on Thursday, March 18 11am-2:20pm  The award-winning author and illustrator Bethany Barton is hosting an all-star lineup of storytime readings on her Instagram feed featuring Carson Ellis, Olivier Jeffers, Lemony Snicket and more It's three hours of delightful storytelling! Story Time! from Penguin Kids WHEN AND WHERE: Via Instagram every weekday at 11am  Authors and illustrators published by Penguin Kids will read their stories every weekday at 11am. HarperKids from Home  WHEN AND WHERE: Via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube every weekday at noon.  The team at HarperKids will hold a storytime with read-alouds and activities pure entertainment every day at noon. Mo Willems's "LUNCH DOODLES"  WHEN AND WHERE: Via the Kennedy Center every day at 1pm The first-ever Education artist-in-residence at the Kennedy Center, New Yorker Mo Williems will hold LUNCH DOODLES every day at 1pm: Your kiddos can peek into

The coronavirus outbreak has sent the city—and the world—into a state of limbo.  New Yorkers are resilient, but this new stay-at-home lifestyle is enough to make even the toughest urbanites go a little bonkers...especially when kids are in the picture.  Apartments might start to feel smaller and smaller now that the little ones are home 24/7, but there's good news for parents who are starting to break a sweat: We might not be able to have physical access to our favorite family attractions and kids' museums right now, but Google Arts & Culture lets curious kiddos gain access to their favorite destinations with a click of a mouse.  An afternoon or night at the museum (see what we did there) is possible, even amid these strange times. Google: City moms and dads thank you. Happy museum-hopping and stay safe!  American Museum of Natural History Home to our favorite dinosaur activities for kids, AMNH offers a virtual glimpse at the pre-historic creatures, mammals, insects and plenty other beloved areas of its Upper West Side digs. Be sure to peruse the online exhibit, "Picturing Science: Museum Scientists and Imaging Technologies." Brooklyn Children's Museum Although a trip to this interactive kids' museum—the first of its kind in the U.S.—is always a hit, a peek at home is pretty cool, too. Your mini geologists will love taking a gander at specimens in the online exhibit, "Fluorescent Minerals: Spices of the Mineral World." Children's Museum of the Arts There's a lot to learn, eve

Even though the Museum of Modern Art remains temporarily closed during the city-wide shutdown, the famed destination launched a programming series called The Museum from Home. That's right: The best modern art museum in the world is available right from your couch. From guided tours led by world-renowned curators to projects that will bring out the little Jackson Pollock in your kid, MoMA is going virtual. Here's what families need to know:  Taking a page out of the when-life-gives-you-lemons playbook, MoMA now offers Art-Making Activities Families Can Do at Home and line drawings you can download, print and color yourself. The museum even sets you up with a soundtrack, MoMA's Art Tunes playlist, which will inspire your tiny Louise Bourgeois. Looking for more family-friendly art activities? Check out these ideas for projects from the museum. This could hold you over until MoMA reopens, and you can once again access the reimagined MoMA that was unveiled last October after a $450 million expansion, including the fully-renovated Heyman Family Art Lab for young visitors and an all-new Paula and James Crown Creativity Lab for older kids. The Museum from Home is yet another example of how the cultural heavyweights of NYC are responding to this moment in the city's history by bringing the arts into your home. From Arts Break by the New Victory Theater, to #ConcertsForKids from Lincoln Center, to virtual storytimes, to CMOM at Home from the Children's Museum of Manhattan, New Yorke

Disney World and all Walt Disney World theme parks are closed through at least March 31, but you can turn your home into the Magic Kingdom by using your computer, TV or other devices to go on a virtual ride. Since you can't head out for adventure, we're bringing a little bit of that fun to you: In this era of social distancing, we'll help you get your "whoo-hoo!" on without leaving the couch. Check out our favorite Disney rides—virtually:  Others observed that these online rides—though not affiliated with Disney—are loved by many, and we're positive that they'll make staying home a little more exciting for kiddos. You get to experience the full ride on classics like Splash Mountain, and epic new rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and even fan favorites like Frozen. All you have to do is stream the videos posted by dedicated fans who documented these amazing rides—and who waited in those legendary lines. (We're grateful.) Take a journey on Expedition Everest Visit Anna and Elsa on Frozen Ever After Head to a galaxy far, far away thanks to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance  Have fun on Splash Mountain  Head out of this world with Space Mountain  After all, this is a great time to bring that uplifting Disney spirit into your home. You can inspire the kiddos with the best Disney songs of all time, or stream the best Disney princess movies of all time. If you want to keep the fam entertained and cheerf

The creative juices are flowing!  Now that kids are spending time in, they're flexing their artistic muscles by way of virtual doodling classes, drawing on inspiration from the likes of Mo Willems and Dav Pilkey. (See what we did there?) And, luckily for parents, there isn't too much required in the way of clean-up. Grab a fresh box of crayons, untwist the marker tops and get ready to create a masterpiece! Here's where to find free coloring book pages for kids: Scholastic   The children's literary powerhouse offers coloring inspiration for those in pre-k to sixth grade. Expect alphabet drawings for the younger set ("K is for kangaroo" is a particular crowd-pleaser), while the older kids can work with more intricate patterns.  Disney LOL From classic Disney princess movies to fun cartoons for kids, Disney LOL offers free print-outs of characters old and new: Belle, Ariel, Vampirina, Miguel and anyone else you could possibly imagine. Be sure to also attend one of Disney's free virtual drawing classes, where animators will help you sketch Mickey, Goofy, Anna, Elsa and other famous faces! Nickelodeon Let kids take a crack at making their favorite characters from Paw Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, Shimmer and Shine, Bubble Guppies and other Nick shows come to life!  Crayola The art supplies company doesn't miss a trick. A variety of pages are available: seasons, characters, plants, animals, places and so on. Parents can even join in the fun with the selection of free print-outs fo

Fifty points for Gryffindor! Wizarding World launched a new Harry Potter at Home online hub with hundreds of games, how-tos and activities for Potterheads, making them free for all users.  Not yet registered at Wizarding World? You're in for a treat. It doesn't cost a single Knut, and after entering your basic information you can take part in a Sorting Ceremony that will assign your House (take our Harry Potter Sorting Hat quiz to confirm that the right choice was made), then enter the Forbidden Forest to discover your Patronus. Don't forget to visit Ollivanders Wand Shop—where the wand chooses you. All of this will be recorded in your user profile, or rather, in your Wizarding Passport. The new Harry Potter at Home hub adds more to this magical experience with drawing tutorials (try your hand at a Niffler!), crosswords, puzzles and other activities. Think you know everything that happened during Harry's first year at Hogwarts? Take the quiz and see! Harry Potter at Home also offers a free download of the audiobook for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone—which, in our opinion, was turned into one of the 50 best family movies of all time. Harry Potter at Home plans to add new content to entertain and delight Potterheads who are keeping their social distance—spring break might be canceled, but kids can still have fun online. According to Wizarding World, the page will be changing all the time, "just like Hogwarts and its staircases." Sign up to receive great Time Out New Yor

Although you can't visit the happiest place on earth right now, that doesn't mean Disney can't come to you.  Resourceful parents—who understand the challenges of working from home—will be pleased to know that their little Disney princesses have access to a plethora of entertainment right at their fingertips. (Phew!) It's simple: All kids need to do is grab a piece of paper, sharpen a pencil and hop online. The Disney Parks How to Draw Series on YouTube will keep little illustrators busy all afternoon (once their homework is complete, of course). The pros at The Magic of Disney Animation walk viewers through what it takes to draw famous characters: Anna, Elsa, Bell, Tinker Bell, Goofy, Winnie the Pooh, Jack Skellington and, of course, Mickey Mouse! (Walt Disney did say, "I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing—that it was all started by a mouse.) These 10-20 minute-long videos will be a saving grace for moms and dads who are not only working and taking care of their families, but stepping in as substitute teachers while their kiddos are learning remotely. It can seem challenging, but we'll help keep your crew busy (and sane!) while spending time in. Be sure to also check out the greatest Disney movies and strengthen youngsters' art appreciation with virtual museum tours and digital classes. Don't forget to tune in with famed author and illustrator Mo Willems, who hosts a drawing class online every day at 1pm!   Sign up to receive great Time Out New York Kids deals in

The best escape rooms for kids in NYC are closed for now, but this Harry Potter-themed digital escape room will let you enjoy the thrills of solving riddles and puzzling out problems while keeping your social distance. The escape room was created by Sydney Krawiec, youth services librarian at Peters Township Public Library in McMurray, PA, and it draws on the richly detailed world J.K. Rowling created in her seven-book Harry Potter series. Muggles like us better brush up on our knowledge of the wizarding world if we're going to make it out in one piece. So pour yourself a butterbeer, snack on a handful of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans (taking care not to eat the ones that taste like earwax, soap, rotten egg or booger) and take this Harry Potter Sorting Hat quiz to find your house. Then get ready for some mental calisthenics that will draw on your mastery of Harry Potter's life and times, as well as good ol' logic, common sense and other noble traits every wizard should possess. Potterheads disappointed by the delayed opening of the Harry Potter flagship store in NYC can take some comfort in completing this digital quest. Need to brush up on the Sorcerer's Stone, the Chamber of Secrets and the other titles? The NYPL has you covered: The library's free e-reader lets you download and read Harry Potter titles—and hundreds of thousands of other books—without having to spend a single Knut, Sickle or Galleon. Sign up to receive great Time Out New York Kids deals in your inbox e

Great news for parents and caregivers: The New York Public Library makes it possible for anyone with a library card and an iOS or Android device to read any of the 300,000 e-books in the library's virtual collection. All you need to do is download the SimplyE reader developed by the NYPL, and use your library card to gain full access. No library card? No problem: Any person who lives, works, attends school or pays property taxes in New York State can get a card online for free in just a couple of minutes. The NYPL might be turning 125 this year, but the institution is up on the latest tech. Even better, it makes these and other resources easy to use. Download SimplyE, and browse a selection that includes everything from Harry Potter, to Curious George, to Caldecott-winning books like They All Saw a Cat. Overwhelmed by so much choice? Start with the top checkouts of all time, then take a look at our list of the 101 best books for children of all ages. From SimplyE to the virtual storyimes for kids taking place these days (we're talking Karen LeFrak reading A Sleepover at the Museum, to LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems, to the daily Penguin Kids Story Times), there's a lot of kid-friendly online lit that's free and fun. Sign up to receive great Time Out New York Kids deals in your inbox each day.

The city that never sleeps has been forced to take a breather.  Amid the coronavirus outbreak, closures have swept throughout New York and do-it-from-home routines have become the new norm. It has definitely been overwhelming...especially for those stuck in a tiny apartment with kiddos in tow.  To add a little levity to the situation, a few of our favorite New York toy store locations have decided to offer delivery options for those who are stuck inside. If you're looking for a way to keep the littles occupied, you might want to order that new board game STAT. Here are some services to consider so that your time WFH is less stressful:   FAO Schwarz NYC's iconic shopping destination for kids will continue its personal shopping and local delivery services, even though its 30 Rock location will be closed from Mar 17–30. If it's time to pick a new science project, email personalshopping@faoschwarz.com to see what options are available. Mary Arnold Toys The oldest continually-run toy store in NYC, which is nestled on the Upper East Side, is taking care of patrons with phone (212-744-8510) and online orders, as well as free same-day delivery, making it easy for you to stay comfy—and safe—at home.  Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store For Park Slope parents who are desperate to keep the tots occupied, consider a curbside delivery of the coolest puzzles and games when ordering online at Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store—an option free of human contact (a plus during a time of social dis

When faced with an unforeseen amount of time indoors, we recommend stocking up on some sweets.  Grocery store shelves are bare and local businesses are closed, but there is still a way to satisfy that sundae craving. Check out delivery options from your favorite ice cream shops in NYC if a need for cookies 'n cream or rocky road strikes. (Mom and Dad, if you're getting desperate and need to resort to a cocktail, Time Out New York can help with that.)  Vida's Brooklyn Bed Stuy's scoop shop/play center hybrid is offering delivery on Grubhub for those who are dreaming about a creamy dessert.  Melt Bakery Who could say no to an ice cream sammie? Have the best in the city when ordering Melt Bakery from Grubhub, Postmates, Uber Eats or DoorDash.  Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Don't stay inside without a pint of Honeycomb. Get your favorite flavors from Van Leeuwen from Postmates, Uber Eats and Caviar while the shops are closed. Blue Marble Ice Cream
 The tasty organic ice cream can show up right to your door with the help of gold belly. Have family friends stuck inside across the country? No sweat: You can ship the ice cream nationwide.  Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream Options are endless when it comes to flavors from Morgenstern's. Its 88 offerings—from Passion Fruit Strawberry, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and even the eclectic French Fry—are up for grabs on Caviar. Be sure to check each shop/service for delivery times.  Sign up to receive great Time Out New York Kids deals in your inbox e

Economy Candy, the 83-year-old family-owned shop on the Lower East Side known for stocking more than 2,000 different items, including strange and wonderful candy you can't find anywhere else in NYC, just introduced CandyCare, a care package full of treats that will delight your family—and that will help the iconic candy shop weather the economic storm caused by social distancing.  That's right, one of the best candy stores in NYC needs support. As the shop puts it, "Toilet paper is handy but candy is dandy! Help us keep the lights on by purchasing a CandyCare Kit." These days it's better to give and receive.  Photograph: Courtesy Economy Candy Here's the sweet scoop on CandyCare kits:  CandyCare kits, which are offered in a variety of sizes, start at $35 (which includes free shipping)! They come in three configurations: Basic: Gummies, hard candies, chocolates and other sugary sweets Combo: Candies, chocolates, dried fruits and nuts Health Nut: Dried fruits, nuts and other healthy snacks Photograph: Courtesy Economy Candy Besides, ordering a care package for your household is just the kind of indulgence that can lift your spirits. Why not send one to the household of a friend or loved one, and watch the unboxing via a video stream? After all, everything from storytime to public school classes is going online!  If you're looking for more ways to keep busy while indoors, check out what's happening at Time In.  Sign up to receive great Time Out New York Kids deals in your in

The city that never sleeps has suddenly become very quiet.  Amid health and safety concerns, as well as coronavirus closures and cancellations, New Yorkers have resorted to staying in. (As a result, we even temporarily changed our logo.) But we'll help you make the most out of your city...even while you're in your apartment.  Although many classes for kids and family attractions aren't operating normally, we've come across some entertaining DIY projects and activities, straight from NYC's coolest destinations. If you're worried how to keep the kids entertained during this time, read on!  For the scientists: Carmelo the Science Fellow, who operates kids' workshops, camps and birthday parties from his Brooklyn outpost, has also gifted young scientists with monthly DIY projects online. We're certain your lab techs would love to try their hand at making this aluminum foil volcano.  For the chefs: Sample cuisines from around the world without leaving your kitchen. FreshMade NYC's *free*2019 Around the World e-book will give little foodies access to plenty of recipes that they'll be anxious to tackle...and eat!  For the artists:  What's more rewarding than completing a project and having a prized possession to display? Brooklyn Craft Company guides creative visionaries toward making the mini loom of their dreams. This is a great thing to try with tweens and teens who want to add a few chic touches to their space.  For the strategists: Nothing is better than a good game of chess, ri

Good news for parents with energetic kids: Amazon Prime took down the paywall for some of its children's content, making a number of its kids shows free for all viewers. Now your little one can enjoy more shows—from Pete the Cat and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie to Danger and Eggs and Gortimer Gibbons—at no additional cost to you. It's a part of a wide-reaching trend of companies giving free content to kids who are now socially distanced from their friends, and asked to spend their days at home. From virtual storytimes to online classes, there's plenty to keep those young minds occupied. First, you need an Amazon account to access the shows. (Signing up for an Amazon account is free.) Then, take your pick of fantastic children's programming for kids ages 11 and under. The selection of free content is limited, but there are some solid shows in the lineup, including a number of programs from PBS Kids—here's your chance to catch up on The Best of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. As any parent or caregiver will tell you right now, remote learning isn't always smooth sailing. Giving kids more choice is. Good thing—every little bit helps.  While you're at it, be sure to check out our favorite TV shows for kids—from Peppa Pig to Doc McStuffins—or enjoy a marathon of the best family movies. Sign up to receive great Time Out New York Kids deals in your inbox each day.