Fluttering yellow leaves, red-and-white Starbucks cups, more
and more talks of turkey. Oh yes, the holiday season is officially upon us. This
weekend, get the family out the door and into a festive groove at chocolicious
celebrations, cool exhibits, the skating rink, and the Quidditch field. —
For a sweet start to the weekend, join all the city’s
chocolate lovers at the 14th Annual New York Chocolate Show at the Metropolitan Pavilion. Showcasing
tempting treats from over 65 fine chocolate companies, the show offers the
family a rare chance to taste creamy-rich creations not often found at stores.
Don’t worry, it’s not just about stuffing yourself. Take a break from all the
eating with cooking demonstrations, book signings, and activities at the Kids
Zone.
At the same time, this weekend also offers a unique
opportunity to teach kids about hunger with spectacular, mind-boggling
sculptures made of over 100,000 cans of food at the Canstruction Exhibit and Design Competition. Housed in the World Financial
Center, the sculptures will be disassembled and the food donated to City
Harvest at the close of the exhibit. Entrance is free, but bring your own cans
of high-quality food to donate in the spirit of the holidays.
Other fun exhibit experiences this weekend include the newly
unveiled EatSleepPlay exhibit at The Children’s Museum of Manhattan, a
highly interactive series that teaches families about nutrition, sleep and
exercise. If you’ve got lots of energy, make sure to check out the soundproof
laser dance chamber. Otherwise, the New-York Historical Society reopens this
weekend with a new DiMenna Children’s History Museum, hosting story hours, games and Family
Learning Labs that cover topics like the history of toys.
Of course, you wouldn’t want to spend the entire weekend
snacking and being cooped indoors either. Harry Potter fans will know that the
last movie DVD is now released, and they can
relive the story off-screen at the Quidditch World Cup on Randall’s Island. Cheer on over 2,000
players, marvel at live owl demonstrations, and pick up some wizardly gear
along the way. For more outdoor fun, come out to the Second Annual Family Day at Citi Pond in Bryant Park. In addition
to a pet fashion show and live entertainment from performers like Bob Dorough
from the beloved “Schoolhouse Rock” films, the event will also rent skates to
the first 100 kids to show up for free.
Looking for more weekend fun? Click here for more weekend highlights.
Click here for the full calendar of all family events happening this weekend and every day of the week.
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