Weekend Planner: Fun Family Activities In NYC (February 12-15)

"Sesame Street Live: Let's Dance" at the Theater at Madison Square Garden

Join your family’s favorite Sesame Street characters at the Theater at Madison Square Garden for a live dance extravaganza! Sesame Street Live’s newest show, “Let’s Dance!” will feature two performers who will lead the audience through dance steps while Elmo, Cookie Monster, Ernie, and others take to the theater floor to boogie down. Fans can expect to hear song favorites such as “Do the Robot” and “Shake Your Head One Time.” (Opens Thursday)

"Handa's Surprise" at the New 42nd Street Studios

London’s Little Angel Theatre will present its production of “Handa’s Surprise” starting this Friday at the New Victory Theater's New 42nd Street Studios. Based on the picture book by Eileen Browne, “Handa’s Surprise” tells the story of Handa’s journey to a neighboring village and the schemes of seven sneaky animals who are trying to steal her basket of fruit. Perfect for ages 6 months to 4 years, this 30-minute production also features puppetry and a Swahili music soundtrack. (Opens Friday)

Play Fair at Javits Center North

This weekend, Javits Center North will host Play Fair! Sponsored by LEGO and Nickelodeon, this family-friendly event for all ages will feature demos and exhibits of toys from brands such as Hasbro, Crayola, Mattel, DC Comics, Cartoon Network, and others. There will also be a live performance from the Story Pirates, storytimes, meet-and-greets with Dora the Explorer, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and SpongeBob SquarePants, Star Wars Bladebuilders’ lightsaber training sessions, and the opportunity to buy best-selling games and toys. (Saturday-Sunday)

Culinary Kids Weekend at the New York Botanical Garden

Satisfy your hunger for farm-to-table cooking during Culinary Kids Weekend at the New York Botanical Garden. Kids of all ages are welcome to watch cooking demos led by the Family Garden staff, participate in activity stations and cooking workshops, and don a chef’s jacket in the Kids Kitchen Corner playspace. Chefs scheduled to appear include George Edwards and Alicia Walters. (Saturday-Monday)

"America to Zanzibar" Exhibit at the Children's Museum of Manhattan

Children of all ages can travel to the far regions of the globe–all without leaving NYC–when they visit the Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s new exhibit “America to Zanzibar.” More than 50 countries will be represented throughout this exploration of Muslim culture. Visitors can learn about ancient trade routes, Muslim architecture, open-air bazaars, and Eastern music through hands-on activities and interactive installations. Over the course of the exhibition’s run, the museum will host a variety of workshops, demos, and performances led by local American Muslims. (Opens Saturday)

Ponycon 2016 at Grand Prospect Hall

Ponycon NYC is hosting its fourth annual convention for the fans of My Little Pony. This unique, three-day event will have a number of activities and events for the entire family. Some of the offerings include a vendor marketplace selling all things Pony with a number of limited edition items, lectures, panel discussions, arts and crafts for the kids, a fashion parade, an arcade, and more. (Saturday-Monday)

AKC Meet the Breeds at Piers 92 & 94

Love dogs? Take your little ones to Piers 92 & 94 for some canine quality time! Meet and play with over 100 different dog breeds, and learn about responsible pet ownership at this “Meet the Breeds” event, held in conjunction with the 140th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 15-16. (Saturday)

Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Festival

Head over to Chinatown and celebrate the Lunar New Year at the largest Lunar New Year parade in New York City. Enjoy the lion and dragon dancers, floats, and performers along the parade route. (Sunday)

Family Fun for Valentine's Day

Whether your Valentine is a toddler or a tween, New York City has something fun the entire family can enjoy together. From Central Park’s annual Ice Festival to a super-fun dance party, celebrate with one of these fun local options.

Presidents' Day Activities for Kids and Families

Celebrate George Washington’s (February 22) and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays (February 12) with these fun and historical activities for kids and families! Meet the Washingtons, test your knowledge with presidential trivia, and more!

Kids Week at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

This year, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum’s annual Kids Week will be all about Extreme Environments! Participants will learn how NASA researches earth’s climates, meet scientists, and learn how robots are designed for space exploration. Plus, there will be engaging shows in the pop-up planetarium, science presentations, hands-on workshops, and special guests each day! (Starts Monday)

"Vikings" at Discovery Times Square

“Vikings,” Discovery Times Square’s newest exhibit, draws children and families into the Norse people’s rich history–while dispelling common misconceptions. Click the link above to read our review of the exhibit!

The Big Chill: 2016 Winter Fun Guide

Now that temps are well below 40, here are 40+ ideas for making the most of winter in the city!