Things to Do With the Kids This Weekend in NYC
With December already here, we are only a few short weeks away from the holidays.(Can you believe?!) There are really fun and memorable holiday events between now and then (and some even after!). Here are some awesome things to do with the kids this weekend in NYC!
Learn. Play. Grow
Fun-filled morning of creative activities, music and movement, open play, and more. All activities are free and open to the public, but registration is required to attend. This week’s theme is Winter Wonderland.
December 6, 9 – 11:15 am
Corlears School, 324 West 15th St.
Warm and Cozy at CMOM
Start off December with some warm winter traditions from all around the world, including the Dominican Republic, Scandinavia, and Japan!
Dec. 2 – 8, 10 am – 5 pm
The Tisch Building at CMOM, 212 West 83rd St.
Psst… Check Out Visit the NYC (First-Ever) Christmas Carousel at Herald Square
My First Nutcracker
This reimagined production is designed to inspire young children and stir the hearts of adults who cherish the full-length ballet. This wonderful holiday tradition, featuring the music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, is best for ages 3 to 8 and runs approximately 50 minutes.
Dec. 6 through Dec. 21, weekends 11 am & 2:30 pm; Tuesdays – Fridays, 5:30 pm
Theatre Row, 410 W 42nd St.
Mysteries from the Deep: Exploring Underwater Archaeology
Families can explore the unknown in underwater life with this bilingual exhibition. Visitors become underwater archaeologists through 15 interactive experiences as they navigate sonar mapping, pilot a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), reconstruct digital dive sites, and examine real artifacts from historic shipwrecks.
Through Jan. 11, 2026, 10 am – 5 pm
Intrepid Museum, West 46th St.
Peter & the Wolf: Works & Process at Guggenheim New York
Isaac Mizrahi narrates and directs Sergei Prokofiev’s charming children’s classic Peter & the Wolf, accompanied by Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect and conducted by Michael P. Atkinson. The cast, wearing costumes by Mizrahi, performs choreography by John Heginbotham, bringing the thirty-minute story to life for the young–– and the young at heart. Dec. 5-14, various times
Works & Process at the Guggenheim, 1071 Fifth Ave.
Hanukkah Painting Party
Paint your own custom Hanukkah set from a selection of Judaica ceramics, including menorahs, dreidels, kiddush cups, seder plates, and more! Mix and match your selections to design a personalized set perfect for your holiday celebrations. While you paint, enjoy treats and drinks, and bring the little ones for Hanukkah crafts to keep them entertained!
December 7, 10 am – noon
Color Me Mine, 177 Amsterdam Ave.
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
Psst.. Check Out NYC Holiday Markets 2025: Shop Local Artisans and Unique Gifts
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
Shine Bright at Hudson Yards Presented by Wells Fargo
Shine Bright at Hudson Yards brings the neighborhood to life with 115 miles of glittering holiday strings (over 2 million lights in total), 725 evergreen trees, and a 32-foot hot air balloon centerpiece suspended in the Great Room. Plus, the Vessel will be fully lit in holiday lights.
Through Jan. 7, 2026, all day
The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, 20 Hudson Yards
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.
LuminoCity: Fantasy Winter Fairyland
Themed “Fantasy Winter Fairyland,” this year’s original light art designs turn frosty magic into reality. Journey with Lumi and be amazed as towering sculptures illuminate the park, transforming it into an immersive, dazzling fairytale world and a starry holiday dream. Make sure to check out the Snow Dream Slide, where you’ll journey through the Castle in the Sky, pass through glowing clouds of snow, and glide into a snow-white fairytale of ice and magic. New this year, the Lumi Express.
Through Jan. 1, 2026, various times
Eisenhower Park, 1899 Park Blvd, East Meadow
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Interactive Holiday Show
Kids experience the stories and characters of author and artist Eric Carle in a whole new way. This stage brings to life four Eric Carle stories, through 45 magical, handcrafted puppets, world-class puppeteering, and lively original music.
Manhattan Movement & Arts Center, 248 West 60th St.
Through Dec. 28, various times
Psst.. Check Out 16 Great Places to Take Photos with Santa in New York City
