Weekend Planner: Fun Family Activities In NYC (April 8-10)

"Wringer" at Stage II at City Center

Based on the Newbery Honor-winning book by Jerry Spinelli, the New York City Children’s Theater’s”Wringer” tells the heartfelt and funny story of Palmer, a 10-year-old boy who’s about to take part in his town’s annual pigeon shoot. Palmer becomes friend with a pigeon and decides to take him on as a pet in a plot twist! This timeless story about peer pressure and speaking out against wrongs, is now an entertaining spectacle at City Center’s theater. All kids and kids-at-heart will enjoy this story set against a fantastic music score and set design. There will also be talk backs with the cast and the novel’s author. (Opens Friday)

Peppa Pig Live! "Peppa Pig's Big Splash" at the Beacon Theatre

Peppa Pig, George, and all their friends are headed to the Beacon Theatre for “Peppa Pig Live! Peppa’s Big Splash.” Join them for a song-and-dance adventure, games, and more in a fully immersive musical production. Based on the popular “Peppa Pig” television series, the show is filled with familiar and original songs. You and your preschooler are sure to have a blast as you sing along and help Peppa and friends fix their nursery roof! (Saturday and Sunday)

New York Family Camp Fairs--Last of the Season!

Are you looking for a summer camp for your child? After introducing thousands of local families to day camps and sleepaway camps, we will soon be hosting the final two Camp Fairs of the season, coming up on Saturday, April 9 (Upper East Side) and Sunday, April 10 (Upper West Side).The Camp Fairs (the largest in NYC) offer families the unprecedented opportunity to speak with a big host of camp directors and get essential questions answered: What kinds of camps are right for my child? Should my child go to day camp in the city or out of the city? Is my child ready for sleepaway camp? Should we look at general camps or specialty camps? The fairs are informative, free, and fun for the whole family. Sponsored with the American Camp Association-NY/NJ. Click the link above to pre-register! (Saturday-Sunday)

Children's Carnival at the Queens County Farm Museum

The Queens County Farm Museum invites you to its spring Children’s Carnival in the apple orchard! There will be carnival rides, hayrides, games, prizes, and other entertaining activities. Head to the farm museum for a day of outdoor fun! (Saturday and Sunday and April 16-17)

Annual Shearing of the Heather Celebration in Fort Tryon Park

The spring is finally here and Fort Tryon Park's Heather Garden invites you for their annual spring rite–the Shearing of the Heather by members of the Northeast Heather Society and Heather Garden staff. Bring your musical instruments and join in the community parade through the Heather Garden, which features the largest heather collection in the northeast. Kids will love participating in a historical scavenger hunt, making flower-themed crafts, and getting their faces painted while the parents enjoy the garden’s spring beauty and panoramic views of the Hudson River and Palisades! (Saturday)

New York Tartan Day Parade

Bring out the bagpipes and don your kilt! Stop by the Tartan Day Parade and celebrate Scottish heritage with these fun festivities. (Saturday)

A Child Grows in Brooklyn Family Expo

A Child Grows in Brooklyn’s big Family Expo is back on April 9th at Industry City! What’s new at the Expo this year? CAMPS! Over 30+ local camp directors will be there to speak with parents about summer programming for kids 3-18 years old. See Brooklyn’s favorite kids’ musicians Mil’s Trills at 1pm, and African drumming with Cumbe at 2pm. This is a family-friendly event, with face painting, games, kids’ crafts, music, snacks, and lots of raffle prizes! (Saturday)

Milstein Science Series: Wild Antarctica at AMNH

Learn all about Antarctica this Sunday at the American Museum of Natural History’s Wild Antarctica science festival, part of the museum’s Milstein Science series. All ages will enjoy exploring the vast array of marine life that live underneath the frozen landscape of the world’s coldest continent. The afternoon will feature a live penguin demo, interactive activities, and performances. (Sunday)

Good Deeds Day in Herald Square

Join millions of people around the world (in 42 US states and 70 countries) as they celebrate Good Deeds Day with acts of kindness. Stop by Herald Square and “do a good deed on-the-go!” With over 40 participating organizations and numerous activities, the NYC event will warm your heart. Plant a tulip bulb in a local park, write letters to senior citizens in care centers, write thoughtful sentiments on the Good Deeds Board, donate canned goods to a food drive, and participate in other kind-hearted activities during this day-long, family-friendly event. (Sunday)

Story Pirates at NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts

Let the Story Pirates take your kids on an epic storytelling adventure at the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts this Sunday. Using ideas from the audience, this improv group will weave tales into songs that’ll leave children howling with laughter. Prior to the performance, (1pm) join other audience members for a free arts and crafts activity, Mad Libs, and more! This event is part of the center’s “Big Red Chair Family Series.” (Sunday)

Elizabeth Mitchell and You Are My Flower at the Jewish Museum

Don’t miss the lively folk-rock trio of Elizabeth Mitchell and You Are My Flowerat the Jewish Museum! Join this family band for folk classics and their original “soulful” tunes from their albums “Catch the Moon” and “Blue Clouds.” (Sunday)

10 Great Events for April

Queens County Farm Museum Children’s Carnival, “Peppa Pig Live!” at the Beacon Theatre, Sakura Matsuri Festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and more!