Weekend Planner: The Top Weekend Events For Families (April 27-29)

Head to the park’s arboretum for a day of free programming. Events include an informative tree tour, paper leaf poem-writing, leaf identification, and much more. Check their website for a full schedule. madisonsquarepark.org

image: madisonsquarepark.org

Come witness and celebrate the new spring season with Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s iconic cherry blossom festival, Sakura Matsuri. There will be over 60 performances, demonstrations, and exhibits that feature the best of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture. bbg.org

image: bbg.org

Ages 3-5 will love this show, where performers explore what forest wood can do and we can do with forest wood. The South African company Magnet Theatre uses imaginative storytelling to bring animals to life with songs and stories. Check the website for specific show times. bam.org

image: bam.org

Head to Harlem this Saturday, when NYC Parks and the Walt Disney Company will host the 11th Annual Street Games in Thomas Jefferson Park! The Street Games event re-introduces old-school city games to kids. Participants can join rousing games of double-dutch, ultimate disc, wheelchair basketball, and more! Local radio stations will spin jams throughout the day and kids will enjoy live performances by a hip-hop breakdancer, a yo-yo master, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. nycgovparks.org

image: nycgovparks.org

Since 1993, Asphalt Green’s Big Swim Big Kick fundraiser has raised over $10 million to provide New Yorkers with access to free sports and fitness programs. Benefit guests are able to eat at a gourmet luncheon with elite and Olympic athletes, participate in family-friendly activities, and see the swim and soccer exhibition up close. Events include a 25-yard swim race, a family-friendly meal, arts and crafts, a freestyle soccer exhibition, and far more. Be sure to support Asphalt Green as they support our city. asphaltgreen.org

image: asphaltgreen.org

Go down the rabbit hole in this eclectic ballet featuring dance forms from Irish Step Dancing to African Juba to classical ballet. Starring Alice and her friends, this hour-long performance is designed to be family-friendly. Tickets are available for 11am on April 28 and 11am, 1pm, and 3:30pm on April 29. nytb.org

image: liherald.com

This dance musical takes the classic tale to another level. This 30-minute show is designed for ages 3-11. 92y.org

image: 92y.org

Celebrate Arbor Day at the Queens Botanical Garden with lawn games, gardening activities, and crafts. The event also features a petting zoo, local food vendors, face painting, and puppet shows. For adults, there will be a beer and wine garden and bar trivia. queensbotanical.org

image: queensledger.com

See polar bears explore uncharted territory! Head over to Flushing Town Hall for a show you can’t miss, “The Polar Bears Go Up.” Watch as the polar bears race each other through an area they’ve never been before, the sky. Laugh and have fun as the polar bears climb trees, jump from cloud to cloud, and reach space. Recommended for ages 2 through 5. flushingtownhall.org

image: flushingtownhall.org

There are three live DJs set up at this spectacular event. Put on a pair of headphones and pick what kind of music you want to dance to wearing some new glow-in-the-dark gear! quietevents.com

image: quietevents.com