Best New York Weekend Events For Families

This weekend, celebrate the wonders of the natural world: Meet Atka the Arctic Gray Wolf at AMNH, learn about creepy crawlies at the Brooklyn Children Museum’s Icky Fest, and enjoy Michael Hearst’s animal inspired concert at Carnegie Hall. If flora and fauna aren’t your thing, catch a Broadway show–when you buy a ticket, your child’s is free–through Kids’ Night on Broadway, starting on Friday.

For more of our favorite events this month, check out our 10 Great Events picks for January.

For more ideas for winter activities in (and out) of the city, see our Winter Fun Guide.

Disney on Ice: “Princesses & Heroes” at Nassau Coliseum
Join your favorite Disney characters for Disney On Ice: "Princesses & Heroes" at Nassau Coliseum, beginning Thursday! Ariel, Jasmine, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Snow White, and their respective princes will battle the forces of evil during this ice skating spectacular. Recommended for ages 3 and up. (Thursday-Sunday)
Circus Now: International Contemporary Circus Exposure 2015 at NYU Skirball Performing Arts Center
Get a taste of the best in contemporary circus as nine of the world’s most inventive troupes from six countries take the stage for a showcase and celebration of modern circus. (Thursday-Sunday)
Kids’ Night on Broadway
Starting this Friday, ages 6 through 18 can see a Broadway show for free when accompanied by an adult with a full-priced ticket. Participating shows include “Aladdin,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserables,” “Wicked,” “The Lion King,” “Jersey Boys,” and others. Also, don’t forget to check out kidsnightonbroadway.com for exclusive deals on restaurants and other offers. (Friday-Thursday, January 15)
New York Theatre Ballet at 92Y: Legends and Visionaries 2015
Catch the New York Theatre Ballet’s first show of the new season at 92Y’s Buttenweiser Hall this weekend. “Legends and Visionairies” features unique pieces by five acclaimed choreographers. (Friday-Sunday)
Live Encounter With A Wolf at AMNH
Meet Atka, an Arctic Gray Wolf, and learn about his species and the important role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Children ages 5 and under are welcome to attend the 11am showing. The event will be held again for older children at 1pm. (Saturday)
Icky Fest 2015 at the Brooklyn Children's Museum
Head over to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum this weekend for Icky Fest 2015. All ages will get a kick out of the ooey gooey, creepy crawly and just plain gross activities that the museum has in store. There will be a bug petting zoo, a carnivorous plants demo, an ocean creatures presentation, a Germ Detectives workshop, and a musical performance from The Trummytones. (Saturday-Sunday)
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia: "Stella, Queen of the Snow" at Symphony Space
Calling all fans of Marie -Louise Gay's "Stella" books! The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia will use whimsical puppets, beautiful scenery, and original music to adapt the books to the stage, telling the story of a brother in sister who spend the day playing in the snow and discovering the world of winter. (Saturday)
MulchFest 2015
Looking for an eco-friendly way to dispose of your Christmas tree? Join the Parks and Recreation Department and GreeNYC in recycling your Christmas tree into wood chips, to be used in parks and gardens across the city. Bring your tree to a ‘Chipping Location’ throughout the five boroughs (and take home some mulch of your own), or leaving their tree for special curbside collection now through January 16. (Saturday-Sunday)
Stam-Pede at Symphony Space
Stomp your feet to afternoon of percussive dance from five top companies, from Irish dance to body percussion to tap dance, you’ll be wowed by these ensembles’ quick feet and catchy rhythms. Participating companies include: Atlantic Steps; Darrah Carr Dance; Germaine Salsberg's Les Femmes; Ryan Casey; and the Bang Group. (Sunday)
Carnegie Kids: "Songs for Unusual Creatures"
Ever heard of an elephant shrew or a giant Chinese salamander? Musician, author, and composer Michael Hearst will introduce young audiences to these and other unusual animals during his show at Carnegie Hall this Sunday. All ages are welcome. This event is free, but reservations are required. Seating is on a first-come first served basis. (Sunday)
Broadway Playhouse: Charles Strouse at Merkin Concert Hall
Celebrate “Annie” composer Charles Strouse with the Kaufman Music Center this weekend. Strouse composed for more than 30 musicals, and you’ll also hear songs from “Annie,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” and more—plus, get the inside scoop on “Annie” from Strouse himself. (Sunday)
10 Great Events for January
Our favorite events this month, including an Audubon Winter EcoCruise, Kids’ Night on Broadway, Celebrasia NYC, and much more.
New York Family's Winter Fun Guide
Explore the winter-ful world of New York City and beyond with 40+ ideas for fun in and out of the cold, from sledding and winter carnivals to crafting and indoor games.