Events: Top Kid-Friendly Activities For The Week

Check out the panoply of cool events we have on display for your family this week. There are two poppin’ happenings; one with the some famous penguins, one with the world’s most famous nanny, as well as a kids’ fest, a Day of the Dead celebration, and Open House New York. Enjoy!

Beginning Friday, October 14

“Mr. Popper’s Penguins”
New Victory Theater
Various times
Starting this Friday, a waddle of penguins will take over the New Victory Theater during the Pins and Needles production of “Mr. Popper’s Penguins.” Based on the book by Richard and Florence Atwater, this new musical theater adaptation tells the tale of the Poppers, an ordinary couple who receive a penguin in the post and have their lives turned upside down. Recommended for ages 4 to 7. Runs weekends through Sunday, October 30. Tickets start at $25.

Saturday, October 15

Kids Fest: Stages in the Square 2016
Madison Square Park
11am-3pm
Join other NYC families in Madison Square Park this Saturday for the second annual Stages in the Square Fest! Throughout the day, three stages will feature musical and theatrical performances, workshops, and storytelling for kids ages 0 through 12 and their families. Performers scheduled to appear include Tim and the Space Cadets, The Amazing Max, Story Laurie, the Shinbone Alley Stilt Band, The Joshua Show, and others. There will also be face painting, puppet-making with the New Victory Theater, and much more. Plus, fill up on mouth-watering grub from local favorites like Gorilla Cheese NYC, Melt Bakery, Carpe Donut, and La Sonrisa Empanadas. This event is free.

Día De Los Muertos
El Museo Del Barrio
11am-5pm
Celebrate the Day of the Dead this year at El Museo Del Barrio! This annual Super Sábado event, which honors family members and friends who have passed away, includes art-making workshops, face painting for ages 12 and under, a musical procession beginning in Central Park, storytelling, and a dance performance by Mazarte Dance Company. This event is free.

Saturday, October 15-Sunday, October 16

Open House New York Weekend
Various locations throughout NYC
10am
Open House New York Weekend is back! This annual two-day event allows visitors access to hundreds of cultural sites throughout the five boroughs—including historical, contemporary, residential, and industrial sites—for tours, talks, performances, and additional special events. Family-friendly sites this year include the Museum of the City of New York, the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, the Center for Architecture, the Museum at Eldridge Street, and the New York Hall of Science. Activities for kids include scavenger hunts, special tours, arts and crafts, and more. This event is free; some activities require advance registration.

Sunday, October 16

Lin-Manuel Miranda Screens “Mary Poppins”
4pm
The United Palace
Meet actor Lin-Manuel Miranda this Sunday during a special screening of the 1964 Disney classic “Mary Poppins” at The United Palace theater. In recognition of Miranda’s generous contribution of a new DCP projection system to the Palace, and to say goodbye as he departs for London to begin shooting “Mary Poppins Returns” with Emily Blunt, audiences can enjoy a live intro to the Academy Award-winning film with the “Hamilton” creator. Tickets start at $10.