Things to do with kids in NYC this weekend

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is debuting its Harvest Homecoming Festival in a big way: Families can expect classic autumnal activities—think hayrides, cornhole games and bobbing for apples—but there will also be newfangled delights, such as pumpkin bowling. Mom and Dad can kick back, too: New York breweries will be on hand with cider and other bevvies. Halloween costumes are encouraged! All ages. 

Grab your lab goggles for the NYSCI Chemistry Day. Local college students and volunteers host hands-on activities and demonstrations for your little chemist. All ages.

What's cuter than a dog in a costume? A parade of dogs in costumes. The annual puppy procession and costume competition hosted by the Washington Square Park Dog Run Association will bounce to the groove of the 5-piece HonkNYC marching band. After the (ahem) weiners for the Best in Show, Most Original and Most Outrageous categories are announced, pooches can get a free pet portrait by a sketch artist, and a complimentary mini face brushing from a doggy dry bar. All dogs get Halloween bandanas, and all the kids in the crowd get to make adorable new friends.

The Creative Kitchen will take over the Children’s Museum of Manhattan this weekend. On Oct 19 and 20 there will be sing-alongs and art projects, as well as spooky snacks and funky food: it's all about making healthy eating fun. Click here for a full lineup of events.  

To enjoy the pumpkin patch of your dreams, hop aboard the ferry to Governors Island. The third annual Pumpkin Point extravaganza in Nolan Park will feature 5,000+ gourds for families to pick (for purchase) during the last two weekends in October, just in time for Halloween. The Children's Musuem of the Arts will be on hand to help kiddos with seasonal crafts and vendors will be open to provide tasty autumn snacks when visitors need to refuel (Threes Brewing is an option for the parents). If you're stopping by on Saturday, Oct 26, make sure to bring the kids to free trick-or-treating at 1pm. During these two weekends, all children's activities end at 5pm. Learn more online. All ages. 

The debut graphic novel from R. J. Palacio, the bestselling author of Wonder, White Bird is the story of a young Jewish girl hiding of Nazi-occupied France. Palacio will be in conversation with Symphony Space's Education Director Madeline Cohen, then actress Debra Monk and five campers from the Thalia Kids' Book Club will perform an excerpt from the book. A book signing will follow. Ages 8-12.

It's Scavengers and Decomposers Weekend at Wave Hill, and the stately 28-acre property on the Hudson River in the Bronx will hold some awesomely creepy, crawly events. You could visit the composting "Petting Zoo" and touch some friendly scavengers and decomposers (Oct 19-20, 11am-4pm), swing by the Boneyard and handle skulls, teeth, shells and antlers (Oct 19-20 11am-4pm) and go on a Decomposter Family Walk (Oct 19-20 noon and 1pm). The showstopper is a meet-and-greet with a vulture (Oct 19, 2pm). There are other activites—check here for the full schedule of events. Remember, admission to Wave Hill is free on Saturdays before noon. Ages 5 and up.

Your little cyclist can learn to ride a bike at the first-ever Bike Day at Prospect Park this Sunday, Oct 20. The lesson is free, but advance registration is required. The event is sponsored by Citibike, and there will also be a kid's bike swap (time to trade in that two-wheeler for one that fits), and a free helmet handout while supplies last—be sure to get there early. 

The 42nd season of the Big Apple Circus is officially underway! Brooklyn-born singer and Ringmaster Storm Marrero will lead the way as the show celebrates all-things NYC. There are plenty of acts that'll make your jaw drop, including the Dupla Mão na Roda hand-balancing duo, performances from International Juggling Association Gold Medalist Kyle Driggs, aerial acrobatics with Aliev Troupe and so much more. All ages. 

The Brooklyn outpost invites its youngest visitors to get in tune with the arts by way of its BAMkids program, which includes concerts, workshops and movie screenings. Find the 2019–2020 schedule below. Ages 2–11.  Oct 20: Screening of Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse at 2pm  Nov 3: Screening of Okko's Inn at 2pm  Nov 9: Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats performances at 10:30am and 2pm  Nov 16: Get Up, Stand Up! Family Workshop at 1pm  Nov 17: Queen of Katwe screening at 2pm  Dec 1: Muppet Christmas Carol screening at 1pm  Dec 7: Raga Kids performances at 10:30am and 2pm 

Your mission? Create a city. Your materials? A seemingly endless supply of LEGO bricks. If this sounds like your fantasy–um, rather the fantasy of your child–head to the Center for Architecture this Sunday for a day-long build-a-thon. As always, admission to the gallery is free. Ages 5 -13.

First there's a drawing lesson, then there's a drawing session: Simon Levenson, National Arts Club drawing instructor, will teach you and your kid the basics of working in charcoal. After 30 minutes of how-tos, you get to be both artist and model as you and your kid take turns sketching each other. There's some dress-up, with period accessories evoking the age of John Singer Sargent. This will be sure to—ahem—draw the family closer together. All materials included. Ages 6-14.

The Loukoumi Make A Difference Foundation has joined forces with the Broadway sensation Come From Away to emphasize the importance of helping others. The result? Inspiring Stories That Make A Difference, a new book that hits shelves on Oct 22 and focuses on personal stories from 75+ kiddos who have paid it forward. To keep the momentum high, Make a Difference with Loukoumi Week will host a variety of events throughout the country, including NYC, to spread the message. On Oct 26, The Loukoumi Good Deed Bus will tour Manhattan and stop to bring food to homeless shelters. More information about participation will be available within the coming weeks. To stay on top of the week-long events, visit loukoumifoundation.org. 

It's a balmy 80 degrees in the museum's 1,200-square-foot vivarium, which houses up to 500 butterflies living among tropical flowers. The free-flying butterflies often land on the shoulders of visitors, allowing tykes to come into direct contact with monarchs, zebra longwings, paper kites other species as they emerge from their chrysalises. Outside the vivarium, youngsters can watch a short film and read displays on the life cycle of butterflies, how to protect their habitats and what kinds of adaptations certain species have. All ages.

Can't get the kids to muster up excitement about their fruits and veggies? They'll certainly be inclined to take a look at the variety at "Lucy Sparrow's Delicatessen on 6th." The newly opened art exhibit is a completely felt-filled supermarket with adorable stuffed groceries—bakery items, produce, sushi, desserts—all of which come with a smiley face. Grab a basket and pick your items, but be prepared to shell out more than you do at the grocery store: An average item costs roughly $30. This is part of the Art in Focus public art program at Rockefeller Center, which is presented in partnership with the non-profit Art Production Fund. Catch the super-cute exhibit at 49th and Sixth. All ages. 

The weekends are filled with family activities at Wave Hill, the spectacular a 28-acre estate on the Hudson River in the Bronx. This week, you can create a DIY flower press project with the artist Duy Hoàng (Oct 12 and 13, 10am-1pm), go birding with naturalist Gabriel Willow in the morning (Oct 13, 9:30am), or take a more leisurely nature walk in the early afternoon (Oct 13, 1pm). There are fantastic activities every weekend up to Thanksgiving—the grounds look particularly good this time of year. Check here for the full schedule of events. Ages 5 and up.

The armor of Emperor Maximilian I, who ruled the Holy Roman Empire until 1519, was made for battle, and for showing off—just look at that lacy metalwork and exquisite details. There are over 180 items are in the exhibit, including the childhood armor of Maximilian's son, the future Philip I, King of Castile: This knight at the museum is sure to get the imaginations of your young ones racing. Mark your calendar for a special family afternoon on Nov 10 from 1pm–4pm that will include story time, a shadow puppet performance by Caroline Borderies and a chance for your young knights to embellish their custom armor. All Ages.

The Guggenheim wants to inspire even the littlest of visitors. On the second Sunday of each month, families are welcome to peruse the galleries through a hands-on tour that culminates with interactive activities for tiny artists. Visit the museum's site to learn about each month's theme. Ages 5 and up.  

The high-tech haunted hotel will give a good spook to even the toughest guests. Designed and constructed by the City College of Technology’s Theatreworks group, this eerie house features motion sensors that activate creepy creatures and sounds, gruesome scenes and other dark brouhaha. Ages 10 and up.

This fall-tacular Halloween celebration takes over the Bronx Zoo spot on weekends from Sept 29 to Nov 14 (plus the school holiday on Monday, Oct 14). Kids can hold on tight during the Haunted Pirate Hayride, get spooked at the Extinct Animal Graveyard, pick up sweets on the Candy Trail, show off their Halloween getups at the costume parade and so much more. Tiny kids will love the mini corn maze, and you'll love all the adorable photo ops. Go on the Spooktacular Night Walks (separate ticket costs $45 per person, $35 for members), and you'll see what happens in the zoo after hours...if you dare! All ages.

Head to Coney Island for some Halloween fun! Luna Park's annual celebration kicks off mid-September and runs on weekends through October with kid-friendly activities and fall fun. Little ones can get their faces painted, ride ponies, participate in arts and crafts, magic tricks, karaoke, games, story time and dance. No need to head to a farm to find your Jack O’Lantern—the park will have a pumpkin patch onsite. Head to Luna Park's website for more event information and to learn about the $42.00 discount for parents and kids during the festival. This pass includes unlimited rides, trick or treating, pumpkin picking and more spooky fun on weekends only through Oct 27! All ages.

The LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Westchester is getting spooky this fall with Brick or Treat. The special event at the "Ulitmate Indoor LEGO Playground" features a haunted Miniland, Halloween-themed building competitions and an immersive ghost-hunting experience called "Hidden Side" that lets you use an app to find and capture spooky apparitions. Costumes encouraged! All ages.

The blooms at NYBG are given a spooky touch during this seasonal extravaganza. Expect pumpkins, scarecrows, puppets and eye-popping pumpkin carving demonstrations. Giant Pumpkin Weekend (Oct 26–27 from 10am–6pm) is one of the ground's other can't-miss Halloween happenings. All ages. 

There's nothing else quite like the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze for experiencing the magic and wonder of Halloween with your family. The attraction is set along the beautiful 18th century riverside landscape of Van Cortlandt Manor, and you can stroll along the Pumpkin Promenade to take in thousands of Jack O' Lanterns (all of which are hand-carved)! This delightfully eerie walk is also set to cool sound effects, synchronized light displays and an original soundtrack. Expect to see spiders and snakes, animals of all kinds on this spooky stroll. Be sure to get your tickets early—they sell out fast and required to gain access to the event! Also note that the tickets you purchase are for specific times. All ages.

This is one event parents might enjoy just as much as the kids...maybe even more so. Rock & Roll Playhouse is a family-friendly concert series that introduces littles to the greats—The Beatles, Queen, U2, to name a few—as the house band plays some of the most popular tunes. The weekend happening adds a few kid-friendly elements such as stories and crafts to make the program extra epic. All events in Industry City (Saturdays at 12:30pm) are free, but tickets are required. Shows at Brooklyn Bowl (Sundays at noon) are $12. Head to the event's website for a full lineup. Head to Rockfeller Center (Rockefeller Plaza, located between 49th and 50th Sts and 5th and 6th Ave) on July 27 at 11am for a midtown jam fest!

At the nation's largest science playground, tots learn about technology as they slide and seesaw, climb a giant spiderweb, romp in sand pits and wind their way around big trees. Be sure to bring shoes that can get wet—the water play area is a real highlight of any visit. Note that this feature is weather-permitting. The playground closes at 4pm in November. Ages 6 and up.

The venerable epicurean extravaganza spends Saturdays in Williamsburg and Sundays in Prospect Park. No matter your preference, there's a little something for everyone. While kids can delight in sweets like fried cookie dough, those with a more expansive palate can opt for offerings such as seafood from Lobsterdamus, Boutros' pork shawarma tacos or PopdUp brewed teas, among seemingly hundreds of other dishes. This year, the new Pizza Cupcake and Fluffies Soufflé Pancakes (available Saturdays and Sundays) will be on hand to wow visitors! Note that admission to the food fest is free, but each vendor charges various prices. All ages. 

NYC's most popular Instagram landmark underwent a renovation that is practically as breathtaking as its views of Manhattan. The $165 million reimagined Observatory Experience at the Empire State Building allows visitors to learn about all aspects of the iconic building: from the moment it was built to its place in pop culture today. Galleries focus on the construction, opening day and everything in between. Catch 70+ screens depicting the building's place in the NYC skyline, see if your favorite celebrity has made a visit and, of course, get a taste of King Kong! Giant ape fingers pierce the wall of a 1930s-themed office. Yikes! All ages. 

This is planet Earth like you've never seen her before. NYC's latest immersive installation—located at 718 Broadway—is photo-worthy for a cause: While venturing through 15 rooms of underwater realms and fictional landscapes, "Arcadia Earth" visitors will be able to participate in virtual and augmented reality offerings while learning how our lifestyle choices will impact the future of our planet. Proceeds from all ticket sales will also directly support Arcadia’s educational and charity partner, Oceanic Global. All ages. 

New York City is going to be treated to a dose of color thanks to "DreamWorks Trolls the Experience." When little visitors enter the 90-minute walkthrough exhibit, located at 218 W 57th St, they'll fall in love with a bunch of exciting features. Poppy's Party Room will include augmented reality and 3D technology in the midst of musical fun. Before getting wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of Troll Village and playing in the life-size Caterbus, youngsters will want to hit the bright, imaginative Hair-We-Go Salon and Barbershop—which is sure to be an Instagram hit for moms and dads. This will be open until Nov 3, 2019! All ages. 

Advertised as the "biggest, most realistic dinosaur ride in America," the new attraction shuttles families (with narration) through a wooded area packed with 40 ultra-realistic (read: gigantic) animatronic dinosaurs. One of the most notable features will certainly be the two towering Tyrannosaurus rex—as well as the vegetarian Omeisaurus that stretches an impressive 60 feet long. And to make things as realistic as possible, the Bronx Zoo teamed up with a paleontologist from the American Museum of Natural History—Don Lessem even served as an advisor on the original Jurassic Park! The experience is topped off with an ADA-accessible fossil dig area for kids to play in, plus some additional dino-themed activities around the zoo. All ages. 

Prepare to dig deep like a true paleontologist thanks to "T. Rex: The Ultimate Predator." The Museum of Natural History's new exhibit will give visitors a peek into how the massive creatures came to be. Patrons will get a good look at the new findings about the tyrannosaurs genus, with a special focus on our main man, the T. rex. Unlike what people may think—and what movies led us to believe—T. rex is simply one part of the species' 100-million-year evolution. Who knew that tyrannosaurs species actually include small, agile creatures? For real! All ages. 

A tech and gaming-inspired pop-up from artist Tianyu Qiu, the former creative director behind the whimsical Wonder World installation in Brooklyn, has opened in Soho at 1 York St. With odes to the American Pop Art movement and European Futurism movement, “Pixinity: Pop Futurism” will transport visitors of all ages to a creative universe. Those who swing by will be led through 10 vibrant rooms chock full of sculptures, pixelated pieces, emoji-like figures, digital and gaming icons and computer-inspired work. (Yes, there's even a ball pit!). All ages. 

NYC's museum dedicated to all-things espionage will soon shed some light on 007. The first James Bond exhibit in New York examines the creativity that went into bringing the movies to life. Car aficionados: You'll be pleased to know that Bond's Aston Martin DB5 will on display. There are also many interactive components to the exhibit: You can check out gadgets and gizmos in the Q's lab, get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Skyfall finale came to be and so much more. All ages. 

Although the spotlight is oftentimes on the dinosaurs, the Museum of Natural History wants to give patrons a chance to experience life under the waves, too, not just on land during prehistoric times. Thanks to the new film, Oceans: Our Blue Planet, musumer-goers can journey with the OceanX research vessel Alucia as it uncovers what's lurking beneath the sea. This film will be shown daily in the Museum’s Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak Theater in 2D at 11:30am and 4:30pm, and in 3D at 10:30am and 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30pm. The schedule is subject to change. All ages. 

Step inside the world of senses in this funhouse-like exhibtion at AMNH. There are eleven unique galleries in all. You’ll be able to explore how real our “reality” is (and what it’s shaped by.) And what our mind tells us through our different senses. Step into a room that tests your balance as the walls will appear to wave and ripple, through your feet tell you otherwise. Fly through a garden seen through the eyes of a bee or butterfly to learn how other animals experience flowers. Take a smell test and learn how what we think is one scent really is a symphony of different smells. There will also be a live presentation on why our senses are necessary for survival, how our senses are different from other animals and why human perception is unique. All ages.

The museum opens up its doors every Sunday for family-friendly activities revolving around various themes. Not only do little ones get to explore their creativity and learn a bit more about particular topics, but they also can revel in the fact that they can take home their work after a day of working on a masterpiece. In March, the museum is celebrating Holi, the Hindu spring festival of colors and love, by inviting families to create their own handmade paper that use bring and vibrant hues. Ages 3 and up.

This Park Slope institution's fall performance is the Charles Perrault version of Sleeping Beauty, written in 1697. The familiar story comes to life when portrayed by a cast of hand-carved wooden marionettes dressed in intricate Medieval costumes. Set to the Tchaikovsky ballet score, it's an elegant telling that will delight your children. Note: bonus performances will be held on the school holidays on Oct 14 and Nov 11. Reservations suggested. Ages 4 and up.

The 42nd season of the Big Apple Circus is officially underway! Brooklyn-born singer and Ringmaster Storm Marrero will lead the way as the show celebrates all-things NYC. There are plenty of acts that'll make your jaw drop, including the Dupla Mão na Roda hand-balancing duo, performances from International Juggling Association Gold Medalist Kyle Driggs, aerial acrobatics with Aliev Troupe and so much more. All ages. 

One World Project (302 Vanderbilt St) is looking to bridge the gap between cultures. Come to the Saturday play sessions (for both children and adults) to immerse yourself in the Spanish language by way of outside play, story time, music and other fun activities. Scholarships are available. Register online. Ages 5 and under. 

What happens when the zoo closes? Now you'll get a chance to find out! Once all visitors take off for the evening, you'll be invited to join the Spooktacular Walks and get up close and personal with some creepy creatures, enjoy a night walk of the grounds and refuel with a pizza dinner. All ages. 

Enjoy the best of the spooky season with great activities that'll make your little ghouls and goblins squeal with delight. Collective Governors Island will host pumpkin painting (at Three Peaks) from Oct 11–31. Unleash the creativity and decorate a pumpkin to take home. For the daring souls who are willing to brave scary stories for artisanal caramel chocolate s'mores are invited to Campfire Ghost Stories from Oct 25–31. Learn more online. All ages. 

Ready to finally give some of those old toys a new home? Teach kids the valuable lesson of passing on things they've outgrown to others in the community at this recycling event. The whole family can bring clean, reusable, and portable items — including housewares, toys, books, and clothes — and take home things others have left. All ages, you do not need to bring something to take something. 

Thanks to initiatives from GrowNYC, recycling is something you can look forward to. In October stop by one of the Stop 'N' Swap events, like the one in Carona at PS 330 (110–08 Northern Blvd, North Corona) on Oct 20 from noon–3pm and another on the FiDi (Pace University, Aniello Bianco Room) on Oct 26 from noon–3pm. These events allow you to put your old treasures to good use. You're encouraged to stop by and bring clean, portable items including clothing, books, housewares and more. Plus, you're able to take something that suits your fancy without having donated an item. Learn more at grownyc.org. All ages. 

Who doesn't love a good tale about dragon? At this workshop, kiddos get inspired by stories of colorful monsters on high-soaring, fire-breathing adventures and then create a story of their own using animation. Under the direction of animator and web developer Haley Shibble, the little filmmakers come up with their own cast of fantasy characters and then learn use stop motion animation to film the project. Ages 7 - 10.