Things to do with kids in NYC this weekend

Bryant Park will keep the winter fun alive on Saturdays with the help of Cali Co Cat. Kiddos' favorite character will read the best stories in town, and afterward, littles have a chance to earn a free skating session on the ice rink. If you attend two story times and one New York Public Library program at the 42nd St location (and/or take out a NYPL book), you'll be entitled to a free skate. Have an adult who wants to get in on the action? Those youngsters who attend three story times will get a skating freebie for one adult, too. Bonus points? Free books are given out while supplies last. Learn more about the program and scoring those sweet deals here. All ages. 

Get kids off on the right foot this new year by cultivating in them a joy of reading. With Greenlight Bookstore’s Saturday storytimes (11:30 am at the Fort Greene location; 1:30 pm at the Prospect Lefferts Garden store), children can enjoy books by exciting authors. Learn about the history of hip-hops — the music, art, and and culture that made it possible — through Frank Morrison's magnificently illustrated The Roots of Rap (Jan 12), or get lost in the imaginative world of cartoonist Tom Eaton's comics series Bug Zapper (Jan 26). Kids can also enjoy a particularly active storytime with VeroyogaNYC, which will combine books with actual yoga (Jan 19).

Zombies seem like all fun and games on The Walking Dead, but the New York Hall of Science is preparing littles for the real-life zombie apocalypse, not what you see in Hollywood. Through mathematical challenges, kiddos are in the front seat during this 20-minute game where they're tasked with helping the Center for Calamity Control take care of the outbreak. All ages. 

Hurry, hurry step right up! You're not going to want to miss the tricks and surprises that Magic Evan pulls out of his hat. Kids can enjoy laugh-out-loud moments, interactive experiences and, of course, a few balloon animals during his Saturday-morning performance. All ages. 

During Jamaica Center of Arts and Learning's Saturday matinee series, families can enjoy amazing performances from musicians, dancers, and storytellers representing cultures from around the globe. Kids can groove to the afro, futuristic soul of Brooklyn-based duo Soul Science (Oct. 27); be enthralled by The East Village Dance Project's innovative take on the Nutcracker with New Stories of the Shell-Shocked Nut (Dec. 15); be amazed by master storyteller Michael Manswell's tales of the African diaspora and the Caribbean (Jan. 19); and feel inspired by the instruments created out recycled materials and reused stuff at the Family Bash (April 13). All ages, full lineup can be found on website.    

The focus of this weekend's story time at NYHS will be on compassion and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Museum workers will read We March by Shane W. Evans, and afterward, children will create a dove paper airplane using Dr. King's words and messages as their inspiration. Ages 3–7.

At this celebration, the museum will host activities that honor the life and mission of Martin Luther King Jr. Kids will celebrate King’s memory by creating a mosaic of his portrait (Saturday–Monday, noon–1:45pm) and attending a (ticketed) performance from the Harlem Gospel Choir (Jan 19 at 3pm). 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, 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 May 12, 2019 All ages. 

The Museum of the City of New York will pay homage to Corduroy's creator, illustrator Don Freeman, with the new exhibit, “A City for Corduroy: Don Freeman’s New York.” Expect a glimpse into the creative process of the 1968 story, as well as other popular work from the creator, including drawings, paintings and original sketches. All ages. 

Take a trip to Hogwarts—without leaving NYC! Potterheads can experience "Harry Potter: A History of Magic," a British Library exhibit that is coming to the New York Historical Society. Harry Potter: A History of Magic will open at the New-York Historical Society October 5, 2018 and will feature rare books, manuscripts and treasures from the British Library’s collections that relate to the myths and magic behind the series. Original drafts and drawings by author J.K. Rowling and illustrator Jim Kay will also be on display for the first time. All ages. 

Ready your wands, young wizards: All-things magical and mystical are heading to the New-York Historical Society for the London transplant, "Harry Potter: A History of Magic," a can't-miss exhibit for history buffs and bibliophiles. Fans will be able to celebrate one of the most beloved characters in children's literature and explore a wide variety of artifacts, including work from J.K. Rowling's original manuscript, oracle bones dating back to the 1600s and even costumes from the Broadway play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. But a celebration of Harry and all that he means to us wouldn't be complete without a variety of family events. Here's a full lineup of what parents and kiddos can attend when the exhibit opens on Oct 5.  Hogwarts House Badges, Saturdays and Sundays from 1–4pm, free with museum admission, all ages.  Harry Potter Family Book Club, various dates from 4–6pm, $15, $12 members, ages 14 and under.  Writing Historical Fantasy with Writetopia Lab, Oct 21 2–6pm (ages 8–10) and Nov 3 2–6pm (ages 11-13), $125/student.  History of Magic Family Days, Nov 18 and Dec 9, free with museum admission, all ages.  Harry Potter Trivia for Families, Oct 14 at 2:30 pm, $25, $22 members, all ages.  Historical Hallowe'en, Oct 28 at 5pm, $20, ages 18 and under. 

Little Dottie wants to follow in her mother's footsteps on the TV hit, Doc McStuffins. With the hopes of becoming a doctor, she practices her medical routines on her stuffed animals...who just so happen to come to life! Kids can channel their inner Doc McStuffins by checking in on fury friends in the ER, giving animals X-rays and more. This is a bilingual English and Spanish immersive exhibit. All ages. 

There’s no arguing that books are an artform—especially when visiting the Children Museum of the Arts’ eccentric exhibit. In “A Way with Words,” books are transformed into sculptures, paintings and other works to emphasize their importance and history. Museum staff guide young bibliophiles through a craft inspired by the pieces on display. All ages. 

Do you have your magnifying glass ready? You'll need it! Liberty Science Center is taking a step back in time with its latest exhibit, “The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes," which allows visitors to explore science and technological advances from the late 1800s, decipher the inner workings of forensic specialists today and go through clues to uncover an exclusive mystery! All ages. 

Take a look back at Andy Warhol's iconic pieces—portraits, pop and photo silkscreen paintings and other pieces of work—during the Whitney's retrospective that highlights all aspects of his career. During Family Day (Dec 1 from 10:30am–3pm), kids can create their own artistic gems inspired by the late icon. Check the museum's website to see when its Open Studios (Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30am–3pm in November and December, minus holidays) will dedicate its weekly kids’ project to all-things Warhol. All ages. 

Travel deep beneath the Ocean's surface to discover what lurks in the dark, cold depths of the sea with this special exhibit. Visitors learn about the new, cutting edge technologies like robotics, satellite monitoring, miniaturization, and high-definition imaging that scientists use to explore the ocean's vast realm. They can also see some of the new discoveries, like a new island forming near Hawaii and the behaviors of deep sea animals. The exhibit features mesmerizing displays, like a floor-to-ceiling array of biofluorescent species (animals that absorb and re-emit light) and a virtual ride in a submersible. All ages. 

Get those lab coats ready! Little ones can take on the role of scientists in the latest traveling exhibit at Brooklyn Children's Museum. "Science + You" is an interactive opportunity for visitors to explore health and nutrition. In the 1,200 square-foot-space, kids will be able to explore their findings at the Magnification Area, learn about the five food groups in the Test Kitchen and more. All ages. 

If you have trouble packing your suitcase before a trip, wait until you find out what astronauts have to bring when they head to outer space! During this year’s annual Space & Science Festival, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will host an exhibit, "Personal Space," dedicated to all of the personal items that astronauts bring along for the trip. Astronauts who will be featured in this exhibit include Mike Massimino, Dr. Ellen Baker and more. All ages. 

If your kids won't cover their mouths when sneezing or refuse tissues, maybe "Germ City: Microbes and the Metropolis" will help them change their ways. MCNY's new exhibit will focus on the clash between NYC and disease and how it has shaped us in a variety of ways, from culturally to physically. Pieces include "Blood Mirror," Jordan Eagles' offering that's comprised of human blood, a 20th-century smallpox quarantine poster and New York City Health Department diphtheria pamphlet, among many other others. Don't forget to register for the Community Care Fair, a family event on Nov 18 from 11am–3pm, that will let visitors explore ways we care for one another by taking a look at paraphernalia, stories and more. All ages.  

Ready for a few laughs? Well you're in luck. The masterminds behind the popular TV series Impractical Jokers are coming back where it all originated. This exhibit gives fans an up-close and personal look at costumes, props and even secrets behind the show. Make sure you're on your A-game: There will be a few interactive impractical surprises on display throughout the exhibit. 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 American Museum of Natural History’s exhibit explores the microbes, viruses, fungi and other organisms that live inside our bodies. According to the exhibit, our gastrointestinal tract is home to about 100 trillion bacteria and they can be affected by where we live, what we eat and what we touch among other factors. Learn about all about microbial genes and the important work they do to keep us alive. All ages.

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.

Get ready to have your mind blown at this massive gingerbread house display. In it, you won’t find just a couple of houses made of gingerbread cookies, candy and icing. That would be child’s play compared to this 500-square-foot village that has won the Guinness World Record for 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Master builder Jon Lovitch designs, bakes and builds each feature over the course of the year. All ages.

  Commuting in the winter can be quite a challenge. Between cold temperatures, howling winds and a dusting of snow, getting to and from NYC isn't always easy. However, The New York Transit Museum's model train exhibit at the Grand Central Gallery Annex & Store makes the venture a lot more tolerable. Lionel trains will travel along two 34’ long “O” gauge model train layout, where onlookers will start off in a mini Grand Central and follow along as the route heads toward the North Pole as work from Ebony Bolt is displayed throughout the exhibit. Sounds like a fun way to kill time while you're waiting for your 6pm home, right? All ages.