It’s a happy weekend for New York
City. Tons of it’s-all-you’ve-been-waiting-for events are finally here, not
least of which is our New Parents Expo! If you haven’t gotten tickets yet, we’re
offering a special discount for a
two-day access to everything–and we do mean everything–you need to know
as an expecting or new parent. Our other favorite activities this weekend range
from sweet to scary to super creative. —
One scrumptious cant-miss event this weekend is the Chocolate Weekend NYC, featuring over 30 decadent venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Free tastings, discounts and sweepstakes abound. The rewards
program also means that the more stores you visit (the more treats you sample)
the more you’ll save. To add some spice to the sugar, get some under-the-sea
thrills at New York Aquarium‘s Ascarium. Brave a haunted sunken ship, go on a
ghostly “sea-fari,” and even trick-or-treat in the safe space of the aquarium.
Have a closet artist in the
house? Give kids 8-14 a chance to shine by trying their hand at drawing at the Desert Island Comic Zine Party at the Whitney, where they’ll find
inspiration from up and coming artists. In an all-immersing celebration, The Big Draw at the National Museum of the American
Indian features activities led by artist Maria Hupfield alongside dance and
music performances.
The entire family can also tap
into the creative side with Open House New York, which provides free weekend-long access
to some of the city’s most amazing architecture and design. Don’t hurt your
dropping jaws when you see innovative rooftop farms and stunning private
residences you didn’t know even existed! (Just be sure to make reservations in advance!) Cinemaphiles can enjoy six hours of
free popcorn with Kids Film Fest Family Day, showcasing films from Brooklyn’s summer
kidsfilmfest.
We’re also gearing up for Madison
Square Park’s Fall Kids Fest 2011, with music, games, pumpkin picking and
a Big Apple Circus clown-led costume parade. In addition to the usual crafts,
snacks and face painting, the debuting backyard-style game contest promise a
whole day of fun.
Finally, for a cultural end to the weekend, the Dia De Los Muertos Celebration at El Museo del Barrio observes a 3,000-year-old Mexican
tradition with a Central Park procession and arts activities. There’s no better
way to wrap up all the fun than celebrating life (and remembering those who
have passed away).
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.
And if you haven’t already, click here to register for our free weekly newsletter which features our favorite events to enjoy every weekend in the city and beyond.
