Weekend Planner: Fun Family Activities In NYC (May 13-15)

"Cité" at the New 42nd Street Studios

Ages 3-5 will adore “Cité,” a new production by France’s Le Clan des Songes beginning this Friday at the New Victory Theater’s New 42nd Street Studios. This wordless performance featuring fascinating shadow puppetry follows the adventures of a little man as he explores a bustling city in his attempt to “chase the sun.” With sets inspired by the artwork of contemporary artist Evsa Model, this 35-minute show will mesmerize young audience members and their families. (Opens Friday)

New York Baby Show at Pier 92

For thousands of expectant and new parents from New York City and the Tri-State Area, the annual New York Baby Show offers a fun, informative, and family-friendly day of extraordinary shopping, learning, and bonding as you make your way from pregnancy into parenthood. The Baby Show offers the chance to explore at your leisure over 140 top brands and new innovative products for maternity, baby, and toddler (and have helpful conversations with people who really know their stuff). It also offers an inspiring menu of seminars with expert speakers and beloved figures from the world of parenting and pregnancy, covering everything from maternal health, to shopping for nursery and baby, to adjusting to life with baby. In short, it’s the biggest Baby Show in the country because it’s welcoming and helpful to everyone: women and men, couples, individuals, and friends — and, of course, bumps, babies, and toddlers! (Saturday-Sunday)

Bronx Zoo Birdathon

Celebrate the spring migration at the Bronx Zoo! New and experienced birdwatchers are welcome to come have fun, compete for prizes, enjoy exclusive and activities and talks with the Zoo’s bird experts and early Zoo admission, and check out an amazing live bird display on Astor Court. (Saturday)

Spring Fling at Lincoln Center

Celebrate spring at one of New York’s most famous arts centers with a fun-filled day of music and activities. Attend performances from several musical orchestras based out of Lincoln Center, including the String Quartet from the Chamber Music Society, Jazzmeia Horn, and the Verve Pipe, who will perform as the day’s finale. Younger children will love making art with the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, and there will even be instrument tryouts with the New York Philharmonic. (Saturday)

Cherry Blossom Festival on Randall's Island

Check out the cherry blossoms on Randall’s Island during its Cherry Blossom Festival! All ages can enjoy games, exhibits, performances, face painting, and music inspired by Japan. Fest goers should also visit the annual opening of the FLOW exhibit, which features five site-specific installations by local artists in conjunction with the Bronx Museum. (Saturday)

"Tree/Boom/Unthi" at BAM

Magnet Theatre, a physical theater company hailing from South Africa, will use visuals, song, and the body to tell the story of a human relationship with a tree. The show is perfect for young viewers, and is performed in three different languages. (Opens Saturday)

19th Century Field Day at Morris-Jumel Mansion

Spend at a day at the oldest remaining house in Manhattan! The Morris-Jumel Mansion, a landmark that was first constructed in 1765, welcomes spring with some old-timey fun and games. Participate in a pairs badminton tournament, or just enjoy some more relaxed, historically accurate, games. Light refreshments will be available for the family. Dress up like a 19th-Century family for extra fun! (Saturday)

9th Avenue International Food Festival

Head to Hell’s Kitchen for two days of food and fun at this weekend’s 9th Avenue International Food Festival! Enjoy a variety of cuisines from around the globe in addition to live entertainment. (Saturday-Sunday)

Baby Got Bach Spring 'Stravaganza at 92Y

Help your kids fall in love with classical pieces with this fun-filled day at the 92nd Street Y. The day begins with Backstage Upfront, where kids get to play with the professionals and have the opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime jam session. Finally, the Mainstage Concert will be led by Orli Shaham and a host of 92nd Street Y musical performers. (Saturday)

Isaac Mizrahi Family Day at the Jewish Museum

Spend this Sunday afternoon at The Jewish Museum for Isaac Mizrahi Family Day! Families with children ages 3 and up can tour the museum’s latest exhibit, “Isaac Mizrahi: An Unruly History,” with specially created family guides. Create fashion-inspired crafts during drop-in art workshops, and dance to the music of Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band. (Sunday)

Mamapalooza Outdoor Extravaganza at Pier 1 in Riverside Park

Rock out with mom for a late Mother’s Day party. This yearly event has a 2016 theme of peace and equality, and the lineup includes Vered and The Babes, a doo-wop group that’s all about being a parent; Jeanette Berry and the Soul Nerds, a multi-talented group that is all about love; and Miranda Writes, a rapper and hip hop artist who is all about positivity and light conquering darkness. (Sunday)

Imagine Ellis Island Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Festival

Come celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Month on one of our country’s most historic islands. Take in great traditional and contemporary music, and enjoy dance choreographed by Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company and Akhilandeshwari Vasudevamurthy. The event is free, but boat tickets to Ellis Island must be purchased, and we recommend you do so in advance. (Sunday)

Big Apple Circus: "The Grand Tour" in Cunningham Park

The Big Apple Circus brings the Queens premier of “The Grand Tour” to Cunningham Park! See high-flying acrobats, goofy clowns, lovable animals, and more in this show, which transports audiences back to the advent of the modern era of travel. (Opens Sunday) (Photo by Maike Schulz: Big Apple Circus)