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

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

Celebrate mom with a garden party in her honor in one of the city’s most magnificent natural spaces! The New York Botanical Garden’s Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party will feature live music, games, picnicking on Daffodil Hill, and more. Children can craft Mother’s Day cards and get creative with chalk drawing. All are invited to dine at a special brunch and see a dance performance on the Conservatory Lawn. Plus: Savor tasty offerings from food trucks, and adults can toast mom with wine or beer available for sale. (Saturday-Sunday)

LC Kids Spring Fling at Lincoln Center

There’s free fun to be had this Saturday at Lincoln Center during the LC Kids Spring Fling! All ages can sing along with Dan Zanes at the Revson Fountain, participate in dance workshops by Dancing Classrooms in Damrosch Park, and enjoy an interactive Dance-Along Story Time show with Angelina Ballerina author Katharine Holabird at the David Rubinstein Atrium. Plus, don’t miss screenings of short films for kids throughout the day from the Film Society of Lincoln Center as well as performances of “Things That Go Bang” by The Little Orchestra Society. (Saturday)

Identification Day at the American Museum of Natural History

Head over to the American Museum of Natural History on Saturday to have your rocks, shells, feathers, insects, bones and other natural artifacts identified during Identification Day. The museum’s scientists and historians will assess your specimens and provide certificates of identification to visitors.(Saturday)

"Luv: American Style" at the New Victory Theater

The Philadelphia hip-hop troupe Rennie Harris Awe-Inspiring Works takes the stage at the New Vic this month in the full-length dance musical: “Luv: American Style.” The group will perform amazing hip-hop moves—choreographed by Alvin Ailey Award recipient Dr. Rennie Harris, and set to a soundtrack of chart-topping rock—that tell the story of a young man coming to terms with love, justice, and his own identity. (Opens Friday)

Kite Flight in Socrates Sculpture Park

Let’s go fly a kite during Socrates Sculpture Park’s 13th annual Kite Flight! All ages are invited to construct, decorate, and then fly their newly minted, one-of-a-kind kite in this beautiful park located in Queens. This year, the park is partnering with the Noguchi Museum to emphasize the power that freedom and flight have in communities. (Saturday)

Gap x Rosie Pope Baby Shower at 732 Lexington Avenue

NYC moms! Get excited to celebrate the Gap and Rosie Pope collaboration on May 9 with a baby shower celebration, where you can browse the new collection! (Saturday)

New York Bike Jumble in Washington/ JJ Byrne Park

Get all your cycling gear for the summer at the sixth annual New York Bike Jumble in Park Slope! Pick up a new or used bike for yourself and the kids, and check out all the new and used accessories, clothing, collectibles, artwork, overstock, and bargains! (Saturday)

Japan Day 2015 in Central Park

Travel to Japan without leaving New York! This cultural celebration will kick off with the Japan Run (followed by the Kids Race). Modeled off of a traditional Japanese summer festival, Japan Day 2015 will also feature food and activity tents, as well as performances of taiko drumming, samurai sword fighting, the band AKB48, and more! (Sunday)

Mother's Day at Wave Hill

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Wave Hill! Enjoy brunch in the historic Wave Hill House, go on a birding walk, get creative in a special Family Art Project–Satchets and Floral Fantasy for Mom–plus enjoy a Blossom and Bloom Family Walk on the grounds.(Sunday)

The New York Children's Theater Festival: "Help Save the Monkey" at the Players Theater

8-year-old Howard and 80-year-old Lillian must save her monkey, who is about to land from space, in this whimsical puppet production, as part of the New York City Children’s Theater Festival. (Friday-Sunday)

Family Fun for Mother's Day 2015

Fun ideas--that go beyond your average brunch--for honoring mom!

10 Great Events for May

There's still lots to look forward to--an upcoming dance parade, a new exhibit at the Children's Museum of the Arts, and the event of the year for new families!