Weekend Planner: Fun Family Events In NYC (February 27-March 1)

The New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) is the largest film fest for children and teens in North America, screening more than 100 animated, live action, and experimental short and feature films from around the world. In addition to the films, the festival boasts a variety of activities such as gala premiers, retrospectives, filmmaker Q&As, and workshops. Winners of the NYICFF jury prizes are Academy Award eligible. Be sure to purchase tickets early—all screenings typically sell out in advance. (Friday-Feb 27)

Ages 5 and up are invited to the New Victory Theater for the A.R.T. Institute’s production of "The Light Princess." This delightful musical tells the tale of a princess who is cursed by an evil witch to literally float through life. Will she break the curse before her 16th birthday or remain up in the air forever? Find out during this magical 70-minute fairy tale. (Opens Friday)

Attention all foodies: join Bryant Park for their annual Kids Food Festival! This two-day food extravaganza will feature live cooking demos for kids with celebrated chefs, as well as musical performances and the Balanced Plate Scavenger Hunt. Among the culinary world celebs scheduled to attend are “Top Chef” judge (and our January cover mom) Gail Simmons, Jehangir Mehta, Daniel Holzman of The Meatball Shop and Joey Campanaro of The Little Owl. Kids can rock out during performances from ApplauseNY, Super Sprowtz, The Singing Baker, Baby Loves Disco, The Dirty Sock Funtime Band, and more. (Saturday-Sunday)

Block out some time this weekend to see “Blocks” at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). Geared specifically towards families with little ones, “Blocks” is Teater Tre’s production about three clowns who use colorful blocks to form physical bridges and emotional connections with one another. One of Sweden’s oldest theater troupes, Teater Tre’s blue-overalled performers will enchant and amuse audiences. (Saturday and Sunday)

Walter Martin, the talented multi-instrumentalist from indie-rock supergroup The Walkmen, will play upbeat music inspired by early rock ‘n roll at this kiddie concert featuring songs on topics from the zoo to family love and childhood. (Saturday)

Join the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) in ringing in the Lunar New Year with a lion dance, storytelling, Chinese zodiac-themed crafts, face painting, balloon animal twisting, and a performance by the Red Silk Dancers! (Saturday)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art will host its own afternoon of Chinese New Year festivities, which will include performances from Sesame Street puppeteers, the Chinese Center on Long Island’s Lion Troupe, and Lotus Music & Dance, martial arts and hand-pulled noodle demos, arts & crafts, a Chinese tea ceremony, and much more. (Saturday)

Catch the premiere of the Galli Theater’s “Three Little Pigs” at the Galli Fairy Tale Festival! This two-hour event will feature a theater workshop, face painting, enchanted arts and crafts, and more. (Sunday)

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, an award-winning children’s book illustrator and writer, is adapted for the stage in this fun black light show that tells the story of the caterpillar’s metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly. (Saturday)

Come to the 92Y to enjoy carnival games, a petting zoo, a bounce house, and create delicious hamentashen and mishloach manot. Wear your costumes and celebrate Purim with families and friends, and catch a special magic show and Purim play! (Sunday)

Come to the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College for a musical revue based on children’s literature, featuring Fly Guy Meets Fly Girl, Diary of a Worm, Fluffy the Classroom Guinea Pig, and more. (Sunday)

On Tuesday, March 3, Diva Moms presents a night out with Ron Lieber–a local dad, New York Times money columnist, and author of the new book The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money–which will include a Q&A and book signing with Lieber. To RSVP and reserve your spot at this free book club event, email [email protected] (Tuesday)

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