15 Great Events For Winter

The Titanosaur at AMNH

Opened January 15 [All ages] The American Museum of Natural History, which houses iconic fossils like the blue whale and Tyrannosaurus rex, is getting another amazing addition: A 122-ft-long dinosaur! This species of dinosaur is so new that has not been formally named yet, but is currently being called the Titanosaur. Paleontologists say this species was a giant herbivore and weighed in at around 77 tons—or as much as 14-15 African elephants. Its unveiling will kick off a special year of events, exhibitions, and digital offerings focused on paleontology. Free for members or with museum admission, 10am-5:45pm. Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5100, amnh.org ( Image ©AMNH/D.Finnin)

Winter Jam in Central Park

January 23 [All ages] Winter Jam NYC in Central Park is the ultimate snow day for the whole family! This day of winter fun brings city families outside for snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. Don’t worry if there will be enough snow to enjoy these winter sports—fresh snow will be brought into the city for the event. Plus, equipment is provided for free, or you can bring your own. Free, 11am-3pm. Central Park, Manhattan Bandshell Area, 212-360-8216, nycgovparks.org (Photo by NYC Parks / Daniel Avila)

Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem at Carnegie Hall

January 31 [Ages 3-6] Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem are bringing their American roots music to Carnegie Hall for a special Carnegie Kids Concert. Their music—which features beautiful vocal harmonies as well as fun instruments like a homemade percussion kit made of cardboard boxes, tin cans, and other recycled materials—is a combination of traditional, contemporary, and original songs. They will play folk, funk, blues, bluegrass, and gospel music sure to get families dancing! Free; 12pm & 2pm. 154 West 57th Street, 212-247-7800, carnegiehall.org (Photo by Joanna Chattman)

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show" at 47th Street Theater

Caterpillar January 30-March 27 [All ages] "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," the famous children’s book written and illustrated by Eric Carle, is coming to the stage! Jonathan Rockefeller’s critically acclaimed production of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show” makes its first US stop in New York this winter. The 60-minute show features 75 enchanting puppets and adapts four of Eric Carle’s beloved books: "The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse," "Mister Seahorse," "The Very Lonely Firefly" and, of course, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." Carle hopes the production will inspire children and their imaginations. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show” will also offer a special performance for autistic children on March 12 and a bilingual (Spanish and English) performance on March 19. Starting at $49.50; Saturdays at 11am & 2pm (Saturday, February 6 will have an extra performance at 4:30pm), Sundays at 12pm & 3pm. 47th Street Theater, 304 West 47th Street, 212-279 4200, hungrycaterpillarshow.com (Photo by Louis Dilion-Savage)

"Who is Frank Sinatra?" at Jazz at Lincoln Center

February 6 [All ages] Come celebrate Frank Sinatra’s centennial at Jazz for Young People’s season finale concert: “Who is Frank Sinatra?” Singer Kenny Washington will join Andy Farber & His Orchestra in performing some of Sinatra’s most famous songs while musician and storyteller Allan Harris hosts. Tickets start at $10; 1pm & 3pm. Broadway at 60th Street, 5th Floor, 212-258-9800, jazz.org (Image via blog.aarp.org)

Year of the Monkey Celebrations in Chinatown

February 8 & 14 [All ages] It’s the Year of the Monkey! What better place to ring in the Lunar New Year than in Chinatown? The 17th annual Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival, a celebration featuring thousands of firecrackers, food, and dancing, will be held on February 8. At the parade on February 14,  amazing dancing, stunning costumes, confetti, and local vendors fill the streets of Little Italy and Chinatown. Free; Firecracker ceremony at 11am, Parade at 1pm. East Houston Street to Canal Street (between Forsyth and Chrystie Streets). betterchinatown.com (Image via betterchinatown.com)

Kids' Night on Broadway

February 9 [18 and under] Kids’ Night on Broadway is an annual deal that lets anyone under 18 see a Broadway show for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Participating shows include “Aladdin,” “The Lion King,” “Matilda,” and more. The fun also includes family-friendly restaurant deals, special offers, events, and activities. Prices, venues, and times vary, kidsnightonbroadway.com (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)

"Sesame Street Live: Lets' Dance!" at the Theater at Madison Square Garden

February 11-21 [All ages] See your favorite Sesame Street characters up close and personal in a show that delights kids and adults alike. Hosted by two live performers, Sesame Street Live’s “Let’s Dance!” lets the audience dance along with the characters. Just like on TV, the Sesame Street Live production has awesome music and lessons for all ages. Tickets start at $15; showtimes vary. 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, 212-465-MSG1, theateratmsg.com (Photo courtesy of the Vee Corporation)

Kids Week at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

February 15-20 [All ages] This year, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum’s annual Kids Week will be all about Extreme Environments! Participants will learn how NASA researches earth’s climates, meet scientists, and learn how robots are designed for space exploration. Plus, there will be engaging shows in the pop-up planetarium, science presentations, hands-on workshops, and special guests each day! Kids Week activities are free with general admission, regular museum activities such as Guided Tours and simulator rides require an additional fee; 10am-5pm. Pier 86, West 46th Street & 12th Avenue, 877-957-7447, intrepidmuseum.org (Image via intrepidmuseum.org)

The Manzana City Crew at Symphony Space

February 20 [All ages] The Manzana City Crew is returning to Symphony Space after two sold-out performances last year for its “Beats, Rhymes, & Breaking” show. The Crew will show off their amazing breakdancing skills at the theater in this show full of excitement, spins, windmills, pop-and-locking, and more. $15 for nonmembers, $13 for members; 11am & 2pm. 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, 212-864-5400, symphonyspace.org (Image courtesy of Symphony Space)

New York Philharmonic Very Young People's Concert, "Forte and Piano"

February 28-29 [Ages 3-6] Designed by New York Philharmonic musicians and faculty from Columbia University’s Teacher’s College, the New York Philharmonic’s Very Young People’s Concerts combine games, storytelling, and music to inspire children’s imaginations and talents. The “Forte and Piano” concert features music from Edvard Grieg’s “Peer Gynt Suite” and focuses on how dynamics make music fun. Tickets start at $24. Sunday, 12:30pm & 3pm, Monday at 10:30am. Merkin Concert Hall, 129 West 67th Street, 212-875-5656, nyphil.org (Photo by Michael Divito)

"Legends" at the Barclays Center

February 25-March 6 [All ages] Two world-famous circus powerhouses—Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey—present “Legends” this winter. In this group show, a variety of acts come together in a diverse cast spanning 20 countries. The lineup includes circus legends like big cat presenter Alexander Lacey, the Cossack horseback Riders of the Wind, the Ringling Bros. Asian Elephants, and more! Tickets start at $15; showtimes vary. 620 Atlantic Avenue, 917-618-6100, barclayscenter.com (Image via Feld Entertainment)

New York International Children's Film Festival

February 26-March 20 [Ages 3-18] For four weekends this winter, the New York International Children’s Film Festival will take families around the world without having to leave the city. From 2,500 submissions from all around the world, the festival chooses 100 films from over 30 countries and in more than 15 languages. It showcases the best features in animation, live action, documentary, and experimental film. There are also Q&As with the directors, filmmaking workshops, and audience voters to pick the award winners. For ticket pricing, visit nyicff.org; screening times and locations vary. 212-349-0330, nyicff.org

Kids Food Festival in Bryant Park

March 5-6 [Ages 2+] The Kids Food Festival is a fun-filled, tasty weekend that’s also educational. The event aims to teach families about making balanced food choices and to help reduce childhood obesity. The two-day festival will feature exhibits, cooking classes, demonstrations, entertainment, and lots of yummy food. General admission is free; there may be a cost for cooking classes and other events. 10am-6pm. Bryant Park, 718-406-7506, kidsfoodfestival.com

"Fly" at the New Victory Theater

March 11-27 [Ages 10+] The New Victory Theater presents “Fly,” a theatrical adventure from the NAACP  Ovation Award-winning Pasadena Playhouse, and the TONY Award-winning Crossroads Theatre Company. Set in 1944, “Fly” tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen through dance and video projection. The show focuses four brave young men who join the first black military aviators in US history. Tickets start at $15; showtimes vary. The New Victory Theater, 229 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3000, newvictory.org (Photo by Sherry Rubel)