Looking for things to do with kids in NYC this weekend?
From hands-on museums and live shows to indoor winter fun and free family events, this weekend’s lineup is packed with kid-friendly activities.
It looks like it’s going to be another frigid weekend in New York City. Take a break from the snow and warm up with these awesome indoor events for the family.
Plus, New York Family is hosting a great Camp Fair this weekend: New York Family Ultimate Camp Fair & Activity Expo on the Upper West Side. You’ll learn about the many camp options for your kids. This year, there will be games, raffles, arts & crafts, face paintings, a kids esports tournament, and more—and completely free!
At a Glance:
- Cozy, cold-weather–proof family fun across NYC—perfect for frigid, snowy days
- Hands-on museum programs, creative workshops, and interactive learning experiences
- Live entertainment for all ages, including theater, dance, music, and puppetry
- High-energy indoor activities like skating, bumper cars on ice, and immersive play
- Special seasonal celebrations, from Lunar New Year festivities to princess balls
- Sensory-aware and autism-friendly programming designed with families in mind
- A strong mix of free events, budget-friendly outings, and ticketed experiences
- Don’t miss the New York Family Ultimate Camp Fair & Activity Expo on the Upper West Side—games, crafts, raffles, esports, and camp info, all totally free
Remember to check out our full lineup of fun family activities in our Calendar of Events.
Fun Things to Do and Family Events Taking Place This Weekend
Family Program: Rosie Revere, Engineer!
Join the Museum for a read-aloud of Andrea Beaty’s Rosie Revere, Engineer to hear how the kid-engineer Rosie uses household objects to invent her gadgets and gizmos. Kids ages 5 and up learn about the role of engineers and then use their own creative minds to use everyday materials to build tall structures.
January 31, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place
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.
January 31, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Metropolitan Museum of Art,1000 5th Ave.
The Snow Queen
A story of enduring friendship and the journey of a young girl who travels through many lands to rescue her friend Kay. Kay has been whisked away by the enchanting Snow Queen. Gerda sets o an adventure to find him and bring him back home.
Jan. 31 & Feb. 28, 2 – 3 pm
Galli Theater, 74 Warren St.
Oshogatsu: New Year’s Celebration
After watching a riveting Japanese taiko drum performance, kids are invited on stage for a hands-on drum mini-workshop. Families can then welcome the New Year with exciting and traditional activities like New Year’s calligraphy, lion dancing and other New Year’s-themed crafts.
January 31, 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
Japan Society, 333 E 47th St.
Broadway Playhouse: The Gershwin Brothers
Kids learn about the legendary songwriting duo through games, skits and songs like “I Got Rhythm” and “They Can’t Take That Away from Me.”
February 1, 11 am – noon
Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center, 129 West 67th St.
Autism-Friendly Access Workshops
Join the artists of New York City Ballet in these movement workshops designed especially for children with autism ages 4-12 and their families. During these one-hour events, children will be guided in a ballet-based warm-up and choreography inspired by a featured ballet being performed this season. Workshops feature live piano accompaniment, and a designated quiet space will be available. A visual schedule will be sent prior to the event to give your child advance notice of what will be happening during the workshop.
Jan. 31, 1 – 2 pm
New York City Ballet Rehearsal Studios Samuel B. & David Rose Building
165 West 65th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam
Psst… Check Out How to Build the Perfect Snowman in NYC
BLACK GIRL: Linguistic Play
Tony-nominated choreographer Camille A. Brown shines a spotlight on sisterly love, unfurling the joys and complexities of Black girlhood. Across three dynamic duets, the rhythmic play of schoolyard games and adolescent feuds gives way to nurturing friendships forged in common struggle.
Through Feb. 1, Saturdays and Sundays, 2 pm; Saturdays, 7 pm
The New Victory Theater, 209 W 42nd St.
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; (Feb. 16 & 17, 10 am – 5 pm)
New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bryant Park transforms into the Bank of America Winter Village. Returning in style with its signature mix of skating, shopping, and festive cheer, this year’s Bank of America Winter Village will dazzle with a host of events and activities for visitors of all ages.
Through March 1, 2026, 8 am – 10 pm
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, 41st St. and 6th Ave.
The Chocolate Makery @ The Jewish Children’s Museum
A five-sense experience, of learning how chocolate is made from pod to delicious creamy chocolate, where kids join in the fun to harvest cocoa pods, grind and roast the beans. It ends in a crescendo of decorating their very own delicious chocolate creation.
Through Feb. 18, all day
Jewish Children’s Museum, 792 Eastern Pkwy., Brooklyn
The Grandest Princess Ball Ever
Step into a fairytale straight from a princess story at American Immersion Theater’s Grandest Princess Ball Ever. A royal celebration awaits you and your family with delightful desserts, singing, dancing, games, and a whole lot of magic. This enchanting family-centric event hosts sing-alongs, games, princess/prince lessons, makeovers, a yummy dessert bar, and more.
Jan. 31 & Feb. 1, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Carmine’s – Times Square, 200 W 44th 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.
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.
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
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.
Psst… Check Out Free Things to Do in NYC in the Winter
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.
