Weekend Planner: September 23-25

Just because the weather’s getting cooler (and a tad bit more dreary) doesn’t mean
there’s not a ton to do with your kids (both inside and out). As always,
we’ve gathered a round-up of cool kid-friendly events going on this weekend. Art
fairs, fan fests and fun performances top our list of fun family adventures we
think your little ones will enjoy. —

There are a ton of arts fairs this weekend to get your
little one’s creative minds working. Bring the family to the DUMBO Arts
Festival, which is offering a number of kid-friendly events this time around. Your pint-sized Picassos can watch hilarious street performances, create their own flags and puppets
(and then march with them in a parade!), and see a circus complete with clowns and
acrobats. At the Affordable Art Fair
in Manhattan, kids can learn about
the world of contemporary art at a gallery designed especially for them,
complete with activities and workshops. Finally, on Saturday, museums across
the city will open their doors to allow the public free access to their
exhibits during the 7^th Annual Smithsonian Museum Day. Explore family-friendly galleries at The
Children’s Museum of Manhattan,
the Intrepid Sea,
Air & Space Museum
and the Brooklyn Museum…just to name a few.

Speaking of the Intrepid, take your little slugger over on Saturday
for the Fifth Annual Yankees Radio Network FanFest. Celebrate your favorite team with festive games like a Home Run Derby and a
“Soak the Sox” Dunk Tank. Former players Goose Gossage, Moose
Skowron, Doc Gooden and John Flaherty will also be there to sign autographs.

The 92^nd Street
Y is hosting a festival
on Sunday with a ton of kid-friendly outdoor activities. Children can
participate in games, sports and arts and crafts, as well as watching
performances from teen dance troupes and gymnastics demonstrations from 92Y
kids.

Symphony Space kicks off their Just Kidding!
series on Sunday with some very special performances. Enjoy the family tunes
and stories of four-time Grammy nominees Trout Fishing in America,
as well as other guest artists from the Secret
Mountain catalog.

And finally, for something parents will enjoy as much as (or
maybe even more than) kids, head down to Washington
Square Park
on Saturday night for the ultimate lightsaber battle. Even if your children don’t know the difference between a Jedi and Sith,
they’ll have a blast partaking in this epic Star
Wars-themed play fight.

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.

The Wild Center

The Wild Center, nestled within the breathtaking landscape of New York's Adirondack Park, offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. As visitors approach the Center, they are greeted by the Adirondack Mountains towering in the distance, setting the stage for an immersive adventure. Upon entering the 34,000-square-foot exhibit hall, guests are enveloped in a world of wonder and discovery. Interactive exhibits like Planet Adirondack and Climate Solutions invite exploration, allowing visitors to delve into the rich biodiversity of the Adirondack region. The indoor experience also includes an opportunity to soar on Birdly--a one-of-a-kind VR experience. Also, get up close with an animal ambassador during one of many live animal encounters throughout the day. In addition to its indoor exhibits and programs, the Wild Center also boasts 115-acres of extensive outdoor amenities. One of the highlights in the award-winning Wild Walk. Visitors walk up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest, 40 feet off the ground. Along the way, interactive exhibits provide insights into the flora and fauna that call the Adirondacks home, from songbirds to black bears. The rest of the campus features more ways to explore. Check out Patrick Dougherty&rsquo;s Stickwork sculpture, an all natural installation of woven sticks that will spark your imagination and nostalgia. Immerse yourself in Forest Music, take a naturalist-lead canoe trip, or get your roll on with Raquette River Roll, a brand-new, oversized, all-natural ball run experience opening in June 2024.

British Swim School - Long Island

The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.&nbsp; British Swim School uses gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School&rsquo;s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come see the British Swim School difference!

Music Together

Music Together&reg; is for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents/caregiver. The classes include songs, rhythmic rhymes and movement, and instrument play activities that are developmentally appropriate for the children and easy for parents and caregivers, regardless of their own musical ability.