Things to Do With the Kids This Weekend in NYC
At a Glance:
- Holiday & Winter Shows – Rockettes, Big Apple Circus, Puppetworks’ Tortoise & Hare
- Festive Light & Train Displays – Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights, Holiday Train Show, Lightscape
- Hands-On Fun – Cradle of Aviation, Wave Hill art project, Gingerbread City workshops
- Skating Adventures – BCM rooftop roller skating, NY Hall of Science Space Glide
- Cultural Celebrations – Three Kings Day at Nuyorican Poets Cafe, Dream of Kings at Teatro SEA
- Family Storytime – Morgan Library New Beginnings program
Even if you’re happy that the holidays are nearly over (like so many moms this year!) no one wants the holiday break to end. If you weren’t able to do all you had intended, the good news is that there are a lot of holiday events finishing their runs this weekend. Plus, there are new family activities that have nothing to do with the holidays, too. The choice is yours!
We always have a full lineup of fun family activities in our Calendar of Events … here are a few standouts taking place this weekend!
December Break at the Cradle of Aviation
Headquarters has declared December Break an all-hands-on-deck mission of fun, creativity, and holiday cheer. From scavenger hunts to hands-on crafts to model trains and pajama parties, the museum is fully stocked with activities for every young recruit and seasoned aviation fan.
Through Jan. 4, 2026, 10 am – 5 pm
Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd.,Garden City
Family Art Project: Create Your Year
Welcome the new year by creating a calendar highlighting your favorite part of every season. Get creative as you use bright colors to capture the excitement of each month.
Jan. 3 & 4, 10 am – 1 pm
Wave Hill, 675 W 252nd 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, 2026, Saturdays & Sundays 10 am – 5 pm, Wednesdays – Fridays, 2 – 5 pm
Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave.
Family First Saturdays | Storytime at the Morgan: New Beginnings
Leap off the page with an hour-long family program geared towards younger visitors. Explore the Morgan with a picture book storytime and a related tour or art activity. The January theme is New Beginnings.
January 3, 2026, 11 am – noon
The Morgan Library & Museum, 225 Madison Ave.
The Tortoise & the Hare
This classic fable comes to life as a shadow, rod & hand puppet show adapted by Nicolas Coppola.
Jan. 3 through Jan. 25, 2026, Saturdays & Sundays, 12:30 pm; Saturdays & Sundays, 2:30 pm
Puppetworks Inc, 338 Sixth Ave. at 4th St., Brooklyn
Three Kings Day with Nuyorican Poets Cafe
Celebrate Three Kings Day with the Nuyorican Poets Cafe at BPCA! Enjoy a Bougie Charcuterie spread and arts & crafts with Olga Ayala followed by a presentation of Angie Hernandez’ bilingual musical for children “Gifts of the Magi.” The celebration will conclude with an open mic for poets in attendance hosted by Nuyorican’s Executive Director, Caridad De La Luz, “La Bruja.”
January 3, 2026, 3 pm – 5 pm
Nuyorican Poets Cafe, 6 River Terrace
Check Out More Three Kings’ Day Events: 10 Three Kings Day Events Around New York City 2026
Dream Of Kings
This holiday favorite uses traditional Latin American Christmas songs to tell us the story of the year in which, rather than following the Star, the Three Magi decided to use GPS. This leads them not to arrive at Bethlehem of Judea, but at the home of Jesús Rodríguez, a kid in the Barrio Belén of Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico.
Jan. 3 & 4, 3 – 4 pm; Jan. 5, 7 pm
Teatro SEA at The Clemente Center, 107 Suffolk St.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Kids can walk through multiple lantern-lit trails filled with glowing animals, or take a ride on the Holiday Train. Then explore the Enchanted Sea, and get in line for new attractions like snow tube slides and interactive snowball games. Plus, there’s food, warm drinks, and other hands-on activities.
Through Jan. 4, 2026
Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd.
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
Lightscape
Lightscape is back at Brooklyn Botanic Garden with a refreshed after-dark trail, new light installations, and a seasonal soundtrack. Along the way, you can grab festive treats, warm drinks, specialty cocktails, and kid-friendly snacks from pop-ups or enjoy sit-down dining.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Brooklyn
Through Jan. 4, 2026, 10 am – 6 pm
Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the world-famous Radio City Rockettes at this year’s Christmas Spectacular! Whether it’s your first time or your family’s annual tradition, this show never disappoints and is always a great holiday memory in the making.
Through Jan. 4, 2026
Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas
Holiday Train Show
The Holiday Train Show is back with holiday fun 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
Gingerbread City
This unique holiday pop-up features architect-designed workshops, a showcase of gingerbread installations themed “The Playful City,” and a gingerbread-themed café by Willett’s Café Spinone. The café will offer special holiday drinks with a gingerbread twist, and children participating in workshops receive complimentary hot chocolate.
Through Jan. 4, 2026, 9 am – 7 pm
The Gingerbread City at The Seaport,19 Fulton St.
Gazillion Bubble Show: A Holiday Spectacular
The world-famous Gazillion Bubble Show returns with its first-ever holiday edition—packed with dazzling bubble artistry, immersive winter effects, Santa “snow globe” photos, and exclusive bubble toys perfect for gifting.
Through Jan. 4, 2026, Wednesdays – Sundays noon – 5:30 pm
New World Stages, 340 W 50th St.
Big Apple Circus at Lincoln Center
The Big Apple Circus is back in NYC with a new, high-energy show the whole family can get into. You’ll see Johnny Rico’s comedy, the Flying Maluendas on the trapeze, Ukraine’s Bingo Troupe stacking into wild human pyramids, and the Kung Fu Boys mixing martial arts with dance.
Through Jan. 4, 2026, various times
Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center, Amsterdam Ave & W 62nd St.
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.
