Weekend Planner: Fun Family Activities In NYC (May 4-6)

"The Pied Piper" at the New Victory Theater

Italy’s Carlo Colla & Sons Marionette Company will perform its production of “The Pied Piper” starting this Friday at the New Victory Theater. The Brothers Grimm tale of the mysterious man with a flute will be brought to life with an astounding array of more than 120 stringed puppets and 300 rat marionettes. This 90-minute production is perfect for families with children ages 7 and up. (Opens Friday)

Big Swim Big Kick at Asphalt Green

Want to swim in an Olympic-sized pool? Or play competitive soccer on Asphalt Green’s soccer field? Then, head over to Asphalt Green's Upper East Side campus this Saturday for an engaging fundraising event celebrating sports, where kids can compete in swimming and soccer. Proceeds benefit Asphalt Green’s community programs.(Saturday)

"On a Wing Festival" in Central Park

It’s bird migration season and you can celebrate at the Central Park Conservancy’s annual On A Wing Festival. Participants can meet live bats, butterflies, and birds of prey, look for songbirds, create their own Central Park adventure, and much more. (Saturday)

Identification Day at AMNH

Do you have a plant, fruit, flower or bone you would like to identify? Well, then join the scientists at American Museum of Natural History for Identification Day. You can bring your own specimens to this annual event and scientists will attempt to identify your discovery while showing you a few specimens from the Museum’s collection! (Saturday)

Grand Opening at DUMBO Boulders

If you haven't already, come by the new Dumbo Boulders outdoor climbing wall for their Grand Opening celebration! They'll be offering free entry and rentals for all, as well as family fun for ages 6-15. Instructors will be on-hand to assist first-time climbers! (Saturday)

"Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny" at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center

Kids of all ages will love this live performance of two classic children’s books. Goodnight Moon is on every family’s bedtime reading list, and the Runaway Bunny shows how mom (and dad!) will always be there and full of love. Mermaid Theatre is in their 40th year performing, and they are masters of using puppets, sound and music to entrance young children and bring their favorite stories to life. (Saturday)

Mother's Day Weekend Garden Party at the New York Botanical Garden

Celebrate Mother’s Day in a beautiful natural setting during the New York Botanical Garden’s annual Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party. Enjoy live music, games, garden tours and walks, picnicking, crafts, a delicious brunch or supper (tickets sold separately) and more. (Saturday-Sunday)

Mother's Day Weekend at Wave Hill

Wave Hill goes all out for Mother’s Day, making it one of the garden’s biggest weekends of the year! Tour the garden’s seasonal highlights, lavender pillows and cards for mom, and simply take in spring at the garden. There is a brunch, but currently both seatings are sold out. However, the cafe is still taking pre-orders for gourmet boxed lunches, so you can picnic on the Conifer Slope! (Saturday-Sunday)

10th Annual Japan Day in Central Park

Celebrate Japan Day in Central Park this Sunday! All are invited to spend the day exploring Japanese culture through food, arts and crafts, technology, and much more. Not-to-be-missed activities include Japanese calligraphy workshops, a Hello Kitty photo booth, Kabuki-style face painting, “yo-yo” fishing, and origami making. (Sunday)

"Bianco" in Brooklyn Bridge Park

The circus is has arrived in Brooklyn Bridge Park! St. Ann’s Warehouse is joining forces with NoFit State for “Bianco,” a one-of-a-kind circus experience. Instead of taking place in front of a static audience, the circus unfolds above, behind, and on all sides of the performance space. Head to Brooklyn Bridge Plaza to explore “the magic of human balance and counter balance” in aerial performances and more! (Ongoing; runs through May 29)

Family Fun for Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday, May 8! It’s time to take a few days to celebrate the mom in your life, and as always, New York City has a myriad of options.Pick mom’s favorite, and give her a day to remember. (hoto via centralparkzoo.com)