Things to Do With the Kids This Weekend in NYC
At a Glance:
- Indoor family fun for a rainy winter weekend
- Skating, shows, museums, and hands-on activities
- Free and ticketed events across all five boroughs
- Options for toddlers through teens
The cold weather is finally expected to break this week, but may be replaced with a lot of rain this weekend. So another week of indoor family fun may be in store. Luckily, there is a lot to be had.
Here are a few standouts taking place this weekend! Remember to check out our full lineup of fun family activities in our Calendar of Events.
Bumper Cars on Ice at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
They’re back! This seasonal favorite, Bumper Cars on Ice, returns to The Rink at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park for guests to bump, slide, and spin on the ice.
Jan. 9 through Feb. 28, Mondays – Saturdays 2 – 10 pm, Sundays, 9:20 am – 5:20 pm
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, 41st Street and 6th Ave
PhysFest NYC – Physical Theater Family Shows & Free Kids Workshops
Broken Box Mime Theater’s third annual PhysFest NYC presents a number of family-friendly shows and kid-friendly events during their 10-day physical theater festival.
Jan. 8 – 18, all day
Stella Adler Center for the Arts, 65 Broadway
Mysteries from the Deep: Exploring Underwater Archaeology
Last weekend to dive into the fascinating world of underwater discovery at the Intrepid Museum. Located in the Museum’s Space Shuttle Pavilion, the bilingual exhibition marks the first stop of a multi-year international tour co-produced with Flying Fish, the acclaimed exhibition firm behind the Museum’s popular Apollo: When We Went to the Moon.
Through Jan. 11, 10 am – 5 pm
Intrepid Museum, West 46th St.
Family Art Project: Starry Night Sky
Get lost in the vast expanse of the night sky as we explore the stars and planets visible at this time of year. Capture this cosmic spectacle by making your own light box full of constellations and learn what these phenomena can teach us about the mysteries of space.
Jan. 10 & 11 10 am – 1 pm
Wave Hill, 675 W 252nd St., Bronx
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, 2026, Saturdays & Sundays 10 am – 5 pm, Wednesdays – Fridays, 2 – 5 pm
Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave.
The Tortoise & the Hare
This classic fable comes to life as a shadow, rod & hand puppet show adapted by Nicolas Coppola.
Through Jan. 25, 2026, Saturdays & Sundays, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm
Puppetworks, Inc, 338 Sixth Ave. at 4th St., Brooklyn
SUBMERGE: Beyond the Render
SUBMERGE: Beyond the Render is a family-friendly immersive digital art experience at ARTECHOUSE that lets parents and kids explore colorful, larger-than-life worlds created by award-winning artists using cutting-edge technology.
Through March 1, noon – 7 pm
ARTECHOUSE NYC, 439 W 15th St.
Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are In A Play!”
Get ready for a musical experience, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved, award-winning, best-selling children’s books, that will leave audiences doing the “Flippy Floppy Floory” dance all night long! In Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”,
Through Feb. 1, Saturdays & Sundays 11 am – noon, and 4 – 5 pm
Atlantic Stage 2, 330 West 16th St.
Psst… Check Out Free Kid and Family Activities in NYC: 10 Free Things to Do This Week
Space Glide at the New York Hall of Science
“Space Glide”, an immersive skating experience set in deep space, has landed at the New York Hall of Science! The indoor rink is made of “Glice,” an eco-friendly, polymer-based, ice-like substance, which does not require skates. Visitors can glide in booties provided by NYSCI, making it fun and accessible to all ages and skill levels. The rink will feature projections onto the Glice and around the room to simulate floating through space.
Through Feb. 22, 2026, Wednesdays – Sundays 10 am – 5 pm; (Jan. 19, Feb. 16 & 17, 10 am – 5 pm)
New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona
Holiday Train Show
Last call for the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden. Model trains ride past nearly 200 handmade landmark replicas that have been built from pinecones, palm fronds, and cinnamon sticks.
New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx
Through Jan. 11, 2026, Tuesdays – Sundays 10 am – 6 pm
Psst… Check Out 15 Best Indoor Things to Do in NYC This Winter: Family-Friendly Activities
Looking for even more family fun? Be sure to check out our comprehensive calendar of events, updated daily with the latest happenings across Brooklyn and beyond, from festivals and performances to free local activities for all ages.
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. 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.
