Best Weekend Events For Kids and Families in NYC

There are two weekends left till October, and we all know what that means–Halloween celebrations are in full swing. From big venue bashes to cool community fests, it’s all here in this post. But if you need a break from all the spooky thrills, plenty of circus spectacles, Dr. Seuss-inspired workshops, and other family fun await, too.

STARTING FRIDAY

It’s skating galore at Chelsea Piers’ Sky Rink, host to Ice Theatre of New York’s Home Season shows. So cool! (Friday-Saturday)

STARTING SATURDAY

The Big Apple Circus is back at Lincoln Center with its new Legendarium show, full of aerial stunts, contortionism, juggling, and more. Who’s excited? (Saturday-Sunday)

Celebrate the holidays with The Grinch at CMOM, where new Dr. Seuss-inspired workshops honor everything from Halloween to New Year’s. Day-glo masks, wacky words, and a Who-Ville mural–oh my! (Saturday-Sunday)

Enchanted Wave Hill comes alive this weekend with fairy crafts, bewitching stories, and silk painting. Oooh, magical. (Saturday-Sunday)

Calling all animal lovers: AKC’s Meet the Breeds is bringing 225 breeds of cats and dogs to the Javitz Center. Get the canine scoop here. (Saturday-Sunday)

Families affected by autism gain early admission to the Intrepid Museum for a story-telling and art-making hour just for them. Fly on over. (Saturday)

Aspiring chess masters should head to Soho for Chessfest 2012, where student stars from the new “Brooklyn Castle” documentary welcome new opponents. Game on–and see our film review here. (Saturday)

More circus fun: The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus celebrates Family Day at the Bard Graduate Center with stilt walkers, face painting, workshops, and other fun fare. Spectacular! (Saturday)

Carnegie Kids makes classical music fun for children ages 3-6 at its ClassNotes concert, all about deconstructing music through storytelling and interactive jammin’. Rock on! (Saturday)

Halloween gets a marine twist at the Queens Museum of Art, whose Underwater Spectacle includes a shipwreck treasure hunt, sea monster masks, and other aquatic fun. Dive in!(Saturday)

Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Harvest Festival brings the pumpkin patch right to the city, plus fall-themed crafts, live music, and more. More here. (Saturday)

It’s a carnival-Halloween hybrid at the Brownstone School, where bouncy castles, a Candy Land course, and train rides thrill. All aboard! (Saturday)

Looking for a fancy-pants celebration? The Harvest Fest in Battery Park City provides face painting by Sephora, spooky ‘dos from Bumble & Bumble, and mini-golf from Chelsea Piers. Gotta love it all. (Saturday)

Halloween at Socrates Sculpture Park means costume-making workshops, local harvest food, live music, and even a costume contest for Fido–what’s not to love? (Saturday)

SUNDAY

No need to wait till 10/31 for your sweets–City Reliquary’s Annual Havemeyer Sugar Sweets Festival in Brooklyn boasts cookies, pies, cakes, and everything you dream of. Remember to brush after! (Sunday)

BONUS TIP

Overwhelmed? The “Get Up, Get Going, Or Just Get Over It” panel at The JCC in Manhattan next Thursday is all about taking back your life. Featured speakers like Karen Amster-Young–author of upcoming book 52 Weeks, about trying something new every week–will be presenting their best tips on transitioning into a better, healthier life that you love.

The Ailey School – First Steps and Bounding Boys

<blockquote style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <div dir="ltr"> <div class="m_-3740164643787738207m_4977048992707393770WordSection1"> At The Ailey School, FIRST STEPS offers a structured creative movement curriculum that allows girls (ages 3-6) and boys (age 3), to develop body awareness and control and learn the basics of dance technique. BOUNDING BOYS (ages 4-6) provides a more athletic experience, and an energetic approach to teaching dance skills. </div> </div> </blockquote>

Super Soccer Stars

Soccer Stars is New York&rsquo;s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps. At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace. Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent &amp; Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week: Connecticut: <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> &nbsp; Westchester: <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> &nbsp; New York City: <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> &nbsp; Can&rsquo;t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available!&nbsp;

Color Me Mine

Color Me Mine Upper West Side proudly stands as a minority woman-owned studio, and we've been an integral part of the Color Me Mine franchise system since 2018! Pottery painting isn't just an activity; it's a captivating and inclusive experience that transcends age and skill levels. At Color Me Mine Upper West Side, we extend a warm invitation to dive into a realm of creativity, self-expression, and connection. Families, friends and teams grow stronger bonds when they create memories together, and at Color Me Mine, we're here to help facilitate those moments. Whether you're seeking a delightful family outing, a unique date night, or a solo adventure, our paint-your-own-pottery studio offers boundless possibilities. Step into our welcoming space in the heart of Lincoln Center and unleash your inner artist. Create unforgettable memories as you craft beautiful ceramic masterpieces to cherish for many years to come. Color Me Mine Upper West Side is also the preferred venue for celebrations of all kinds. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a baby or bridal shower, a team-building event, a gathering for college groups, an enriching field trip, or an adventure with scouts, we've got you covered. Our versatile space and passionate team provides the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories and fostering creativity in every guest. Join us at Color Me Mine Upper West Side, at 177 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City where every visit promises a fun journey of color, joy, and artistic exploration!