Looking for things to do with kids in NYC this weekend?
Spring in New York brings a mix of family events, from egg hunts and parades to Broadway shows and museum programs. So basically, there’s a little bit of everything happening across the city this Easter weekend!
Scroll down for more great events.
At a Glance:
- Shows & Performances: The Lion King, The Little Mermaid
- Festivals & Cultural Events: East Midtown Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Parade & Bonnet Festival, Lenape Games
- Museums & Exhibits: MoMA Frida & Diego, Met Wizard Scavenger Hunt, MoMA 1980s Film Series, Paley Museum exhibits, Museum of the City experience programs
- Outdoor & Family Events: New York Auto Show, Color Factory, Brooklyn Children’s Museum skating experience
Fun Things to Do and Family Events Taking Place This Weekend
The East Midtown Easter Egg Hunt 2026
Children under the age of 12 and their families are invited to hunt for candy-stuffed eggs and special golden eggs during normal business hours at participating businesses around East Midtown. Each location will also hide one golden egg, which will be redeemable for a special prize for the hunter and their families.
Through April 4 all day
All Around East Midtown, 875 3rd Ave.
The Lion King
Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, The Lion King brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals.
Select dates until June 28
Minskoff Theatre, 200 W 45th St.
New York International Auto Show
The New York Auto Show is a down-to-earth, hands-on experience where families and car fans can explore new vehicles, try interactive exhibits, and enjoy fun activities like driving simulators, obstacle courses, and off-road rides all in one place.
April 3 through April 12, Fridays and Saturdays 10 am – 10 pm, Sundays 10 am – 7 pm, Mondays – Thursdays 10 am – 8 pm
Jacob Javits Convention Center, 429 11th Ave.
The Museum of Modern Art Presents Frida and Diego: The Last Dream
The Museum of Modern Art presents Frida and Diego: The Last Dream, celebrating Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Created with the Metropolitan Opera, this exhibition pairs their artwork with theatrical design inspired by the opera El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego.
Through Sept. 12, Saturdays – Thursdays, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm, Fridays, 10:30 am – 8:30 pm
The Museum of Modern Art, 11 W. 53rd St.
Color Factory: Colors in Bloom
Open to the public through the middle of May, Colors in Bloom offers the perfect adventure, including seasonal treats, new photo ops, and a spring-themed confetti room. Stroll through a transformed space that evokes the allure of the thousands of signature cherry blossoms that surround the city each spring.
Through May 15, all day
Color Factory New York, 251 Spring St.
The Little Mermaid The Musical
See the tale of a young mermaid who saves a prince and falls in love, then must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice to become human and be with him.
Through April 4, Saturdays 7 – 8:30 pm; Sundays, 11 am – 12:30 pm; Sundays, 2 – 3:30 pm
The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St.
Watson Adventures’ Wizard School Scavenger Hunt
Young wizards will enjoy a trip to the Metropolitan Museum in search of art that echoes characters and enchanted objects in the Harry Potter books. You’ll track down serpents, Dumbledore look-alikes, and figures as scary as any Death Eater. The hunt is not an addition to or variation on Harry’s adventures, but instead references to the books will provide a surprising bridge to many strange and wonderful works of art.
April 4, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave.
South Street Seaport Museum Lenape Games
Celebrate the Lenape Games at the South Street Seaport Museum. Book your free April family activity tickets online. April offers families the opportunity to experience the Greater New York region’s rich past through fun, interactive games! Discover the traditions of the area’s Indigenous people and play the same games that were enjoyed here long before the city we know today.
April 3-26, Fridays – Sundays 11 am – 4:30 pm
South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton St.
Hablemos: New York, New York
This edition of Hablemoswhere will explore the unique elements of New York City in the art of this very special collection. In addition to viewing cityscapes, we will recreate our favorite vignette of the city using solid colors and geometric shapes.
April 4, 11:30 am – 1 pm
The New York Historical, 170 Central Park West
Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival
Celebrate Easter and this annual event that brings you the very best bonnets along Fifth Avenue. Immortalized by Irving Berlin (with some help from Judy Garland and Fred Astaire), the pageant is a New York City tradition that stretches back to the 1870s. The best place to watch is from the area around St. Patrick’s Cathedral; better yet, bring your bonnet and join the parade. The parade marches north on Fifth Avenue, from 49th Street to 57th Street.
April 5, 10 am – 4 pm
Fifth Ave. and 49th St.
The Museum of Modern Art Presents A View from the Vaults: The 1980’s
MoMA is launching a film series called A View from the Vaults: The 1980s, featuring movies from a time before digital filmmaking took over. It highlights a mix of bold, influential films from around the world and gives a glimpse into what made the 1980s such an exciting decade for movie lovers.
Through April 7, Fridays 10:30 am – 8:30 pm; Saturdays – Thursdays, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
The Museum of Modern Art, 11 W. 53rd St.
Blooming Wonders: A Celebration of Spring
Visitors can step inside a vibrant digital garden where pixels bloom, and art, technology, and nature converge in stunning, high-resolution projections and interactive visuals.
Through May 31 noon – 7 pm
ARTECHOUSE NYC, 439 W 15th St.
Empire Skate of Mind
Empire Skate of Mind brings roller skating to BCM’s rooftop terrace—disco music, all-ages fun, and a nod to the legendary Empire Roller Rink that made skating history in the neighborhood.
Through April 12, Saturdays & Sundays 10 am – 5 pm, Wednesdays – Fridays, 2 – 5 pm
Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave.
Survivor Exhibit at The Paley Museum
In celebration of Survivor’s landmark 50th season, this dynamic exhibit honors the iconic reality series. Featuring memorable props, iconic wardrobe pieces, and original artifacts spanning all fifty seasons, the exhibit offers fans a unique opportunity to relive Survivor’s most unforgettable moments.
Wednesdays – Sundays noon – 6 pm through May 31
The Paley Museum, 25 West 52 St,
Celebrate 45 Years of PAC-MAN at The Paley Museum
Join Paley for a retro-cool family day packed with games, creativity, and classic arcade fun. Meet PAC-MAN, jump into gameplay, snap a photo with the world’s favorite hungry hero, and get crafty with PAC-MAN–inspired arts and crafts.
Through May 31, Wednesdays – Sundays, noon – 6 pm
The Paley Museum, 25 West 52 St.
Psst… Check Out the Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in NYC This Spring
The Lowdown on Kids’ Activities in NYC
Is it worth going to New York with kids?
Absolutely! Taking kids to New York City is always a great idea. The city is packed with kid-friendly things, especially on weekends, and parks and playgrounds are plentiful. There are amazing museums and zoos, carousels to ride, and food on every corner. That said, it’s a busy place: it’s loud, there’s a lot of walking, and it can be overwhelming if you try to do everything.
It’s better to plan just one main activity each day, leave time for playgrounds and snacks, and not stress about seeing it all. Truthfully, the little moments are what kids tend to remember most, like riding the subway, running around Central Park, or spotting dinosaurs at the museum. These stick with them more than checking off every big landmark.
Where are good places to take a child in NYC?
When you’re visiting New York City with kids, the goal is to keep things easy and fun for everyone, including yourself!. If you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, Central Park is a go-to. Kids love Heckscher Playground, and there’s always something new to see at the Central Park Zoo.
Brooklyn Bridge Park is another favorite on the weekend. It has big open spaces and playgrounds, and the views of Manhattan are stunning, plus you’re right by the water.
Rainy or cold day? Weekend or weekday, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and the American Museum of Natural History are both winners and stroller-friendly! If you’re just looking to squeeze in some quick fun, hop on the SeaGlass Carousel, wander around Little Island, or visit a neighborhood playground (there are SO many). Then treat yourselves to authentic NYC pizza or ice cream nearby. Picking one main activity, planning for snack and bathroom breaks, and calling it a day before anyone gets tired is the real NYC parenting hack.
Looking for even more family fun? Be sure to check out our comprehensive calendar of events, updated daily with the latest happenings across NYC and beyond, from holiday events and new attractions to performances and free local activities for all ages.
