Hopefully everyone’s settled back into their school year routines–and just in time for all the family fun going on over this hoppin’ weekend! October has ushered in fall harvest fun everywhere, and Halloween celebrations are beginning to crop up early, too. Don’t miss the Queens County Farm Museum’s Kick Off to Fall, an Aussie rendition of “Peter Pan,” Story Pirates’ two performances, a kid-friendly Chile Pepper Festival, and much more family fun.
STARTING FRIDAY
The Itty Biddies are back for their annual Carnegie Kids concert at Hudson Guild, delighting all ages with folksy, pop-y tunes. Ready to rock? (Friday)
Fly over to the New Victory Theater for a magical Australian twist to “Peter Pan,” the classic story of boys who don’t want to grow up, the evil Captain Hook, and pixie dust. Dive in! (Friday-Sunday)
October means its officially the beginning of Halloween season! head over to the New York Botanical Garden for parade fanfare, puppet theatrics, scavenger hunts, and creepy animals. Be brave! (Friday-Sunday)
Who says art fairs aren’t for kids? Find interactive tours, activity tote bags, and more at the Affordable Art Fair in Chelsea. Feeling creative? (Friday-Sunday)
Relive the drive-in experience of the good old days at New York Hall of Science, whose newest installation is an outdoor theater featuring reclaimed cars as seats. Hop in! (Friday-Sunday)
STARTING SATURDAY
Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Chile Pepper Festival is more kid-friendly than you might think, with chocolate tastings, pepper planting, flame throwers, ribbon dancers, and more.
Getting hot, hot, hot! (Saturday)
The Story Pirates will take over Symphony Space to kick off the new children’s season with two shows filled with sketches created from stories written by kids like your own. Arrr you ready? (Saturday)
Get healthy with the West Side Y at their Fit for All 5K run in Riverside Park, which boasts five different age-divided relay races alongside, pace painting, Big Apple Circus clowns, kids yoga, and more. Get movin’! (Saturday)
At the My Dog Loves Central Park fair, kids can play with pups, pick up training tips, play fun games, and even participate in a parade with their favorite canines. More Here (Saturday)
Help children develop a love for reading at the Read NYC festival in Brooklyn Bridge Park, filled with face painting, crafting, sports, and live performance fun–including a Sesame Street appearance. What’s not to love? (Saturday)
Celebrate the harvest season with fresh cider, donuts, pumpkin patch fun, and one of the area’s best corn mazes at Queens County Farm Museum’s Kickoff to Fall. All right! (Saturday & Sunday)
Boo at the Zoo returns to the Bronx Zoo with a fiery Dinos & Dragons twist with all-new komodo dragon exhibit alongside the typical pumpkin and haunted fun. Plus, you can meet “Annie” cast members for this weekend only. Get the spooky scoop here. (Saturday & Sunday)
An interactive dance adaptation of “Harold and the Purple Crayon” brings graceful choreography against an animated backdrop to life at the NYU Skirbal Center. Arrive early for pre-show activities! (Saturday & Sunday)
SUNDAY ONLY
Scavenger hunts, musical performances, and perhaps even a “Chinese character flash mob”–the Chinese Character Festival at NYU Kimmel Center promises endless cultural fun. Get educated! (Sunday)
