Weekend Planner: Fun Family Activities In NYC (October 7-9)

Get into costume and come to the Bronx Zoo for Halloween festivities during its annual Boo at the Zoo celebration! Kids can chow down on candy as they make their way through the zoo while participating in activities including magic shows, a costume parade, a hay maze, live musical performances, and more. Plus keep an eye out for spooky jack o’lanterns! (Weekends through Sunday, October 30)

Photo: Julie Larson Maher via bronxzoo.com

Over 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins are awaiting you in Old Westbury, New York! The carved pumpkins are illuminated and set along a walking path at Old Westbury Gardens. The display is also accompanied by eerie Halloween music to help get visitors into the holiday spirit. (Beginning Friday)

Photo: Mike Pollock via therise.org

Show your kids that math can be fun during this entertaining workshop at the National Museum of Mathematics. Children ages 5 and up can decorate the faces of 27 smaller cubes with three different colors before they assemble it into a bigger, 3 x 3 x 3 cube. See if they can move the cubes around so that all the sides of the big cube are the same color! Mathematician Harold Reiter will be on-hand to help and instruct. (Friday)

Photo: momath.org

Ever wonder what would happen if the whole world was left to the dogs? “The Space Pirate Puppy Musical” tells the story of the Dogstar Fleet's intergalactic mission to save planet Earth. The entire family will love watching this kid-friendly, action-packed musical. (Beginning Saturday)

Photo: horsetrade.info

Head over to Carl Schurz Park this Saturday for a lovely day of horse-carriage rides and fun! There will be pumpkins to decorate and plenty of music for the whole family to enjoy. Enter at East End Avenue between 87th and 88th Streets. (Saturday)

Photo: carlschurzparknyc.org

Stop by Symphony Space this Saturday to hear some unique reggae, folk, and pop tunes from singer-songwriter Steve Weeks. He’ll use cans, pots, and pans to create upbeat music for all ages. Your kids will love his engaging and thought-provoking lyrics. This concert has a running time of one hour. (Saturday)

Photo: symphonyspace.org

This Saturday get a taste of Italy during Rome Through Richmond Town! This Italian festival in historic Richmond Town will feature cooking demos, an expanded Kids’ Plaza, cultural exhibits, live music, tons of traditional food, and a Pizza Alley where fest-goers can sample some of Staten Island’s best pies. (Saturday)

Photo: historicrichmondtown.org

Twist and shout to the roots-rock-pop tunes of Josh & the Jamtones at the Jewish Museum! Join the “kindie” music scene, and enjoy tunes inspired by the fall holidays and other family favorites. (Sunday)

Photo: thejewishmuseum.org

Visit the Queens Museum this Sunday for a free operatic production of “Hansel and Gretel.” During this interactive show your kids will be able to learn songs and dances! The whole family will enjoy this creative twist on a classic kids’ tale. Be sure to arrive prior to the 2pm show for a prop-making arts and crafts workshop. (Sunday)

Photo: Koko Lanham via operapommerouge.wixsite.com

Enjoy a fun for all-ages puppet/human adventure tale at the Flushing Town Hall. Created and performed by Bonnie Duncan, this laugh-out-loud show combines puppetry, mime, dance, and original music. Find out what happens after a mischievous squirrel steals the underpants of a lonely heroine! (Sunday)

Photo: flushingtownhall.org

"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Asphalt Screams at Asphalt Green, the 23rd Annual Family Party at the American Museum of Natural History, and more!