Weekend Planner: December 28-January 1

Ice Carving at the Bronx Zoo — Ice carving at the Bronx Zoo; photo by Julie Larsen Maher, courtesy of WCS

It might be getting chillier, but with so much fun going on in the city, it’s difficult to stay holed up all weekend. Super cool science projects, wildlife-themed ice carvings, and a bevvy of performances and festivals are all worth bundling up for this weekend. Enjoy!

Bored of break? Head over to New York Hall of Science to make ice sculptures, LED grow light systems, origami, and more. Oh my! (Friday-Sunday)

Transport yourselves to the Middle Ages at The Cloisters Museum’s evening of feasts, games, art hunts, and other festivities. Dive in! (Friday and Sunday)

Nothing says winter like Ice Carving Week at the Bronx Zoo, made magical by an ice playground, “Cake Boss” display, and more. So cool. (Friday-Sunday)

Who says you can’t enjoy a little learning while school’s out? At the Dimenna Children’s Museum, play games and learn dances related to the days of World War II. Get schooled. (Friday-Sunday)

A great incentive to visit the Museum of the City of New York: complimentary Blue Marble Ice Cream not to mention a dreamy exhibit of iconic NYC winter scenes. Sweet! (Friday-Sunday)

A penny for a 50-minute workshop? See what kids 7 and up can learn at Pixel Academy’s “digital media lab” at ArtsCetera right here. (Saturday)

The American Museum of Natural History’s annual Kwanzaa festival is back with hands-on activities, an international marketplace, and performances galore. Let’s celebrate! (Saturday)

Feel all grown up at Uncle Rock’s Symphony Space concert, where his folksy jams make real-life issues like endangered animals fun and accessible. Rock on! (Saturday)

Calling all hotel lovers: Kids can learn what daily life in a hotel is like with a hotel proprietor at Mt. Vernon Hotel Museum, then enjoy a delicious tea with their fave teddy bears. Neat. (Sunday)

For a Nutcracker-less dance performance, try Tap City Youth Ensemble’s energetic holiday show at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Hello, happy feet! (Sunday)

And click here for a full list of can’t-miss holiday family fun like trees, department store windows, gingerbread workshops, pop-up markets, “Nutcrackers,” and festive celebrations this winter.

British Swim School - Manhattan

<p>The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.&nbsp; British Swim School uses gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School&rsquo;s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come see the British Swim School difference!</p>

CK Kids

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">CK Kids offers various classes and programs, including Afterschool Program, Lil Chefs, Boys Hip-Hop, Ninja Starz, Lil Artists, CK Kids Athletic Programs, Acrobatics, Dance and Drama, and Karate.&nbsp;</span></p>

Treehouse Shakers

<div>Treehouse Shakers&rsquo; Branching OUT After-School program is for ages 12-14. This awarded program is for young people who identify as LGBTQIA+, or are seeking to become better allies. Branching OUT centers on discovering and exploring one&rsquo;s story and identity through an intentionally artist-led format. During our community-based program, young people will explore and reflect on their own story to create a larger, more meaningful experience, while gaining self-empowerment and gathering with like-minded peers. Through the guidance of our awarded teaching artists, young people will create narratives that will be turned into podcasts, dances, songs or poetry.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Young people have the opportunity to learn new art forms, work with professional artists, while building a meaningful community.</div>