Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
39 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Galactic snow tubing at Camelback offers an LED light show come nightfall.
Best Snow Tubing near NYC for Families
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Pillow Fort photo by Seamus McCauley via Flickr 2 .0
Snow Day Activities: 55 Fun Things To Do on a Snow Day Indoors
Central Park has some great hills for a fast ride. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Sledding Hills in NYC
Museo del Barrio's The Three Kings Day Parade takes over the streets of East Harlem Photo by Mommy Poppins
Top Things To Do with Kids in NYC in January 2026, from MP Editors
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Hit the ice at the scenic Mohonk Mountan House, which offers winter day passes to enjoy its spectacular resort amenities. Photo courtesy of the venue
23 Fun Winter Day Trips from NYC
Bryant Park's Bumper Cars are a mainstay of late-winter fun in the park. Photo by Janet Bloom
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 47 Best Things To Do with Kids in NYC
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Winter fun for kids in New York City: Building a snowman is just the start of fun things to do with kids in NYC during winter
GUIDE
NYC Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
39 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Best Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
Kids can see the masterpieces and get hands-on with art during a free visit to MoMA on Friday evenings. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museum Days (and Always-Free Museums) in NYC
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love

Mommy Poppins Winter Fest, Puzzle Day, Pac-Man, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend

Kids can get to know the brass instruments during the Philharmonic Families program Saturday. Photo courtesy of the Kaufman Music Center
Kids can get to know the brass instruments during the Philharmonic Families program Saturday. Photo courtesy of the Kaufman Music Center
1/28/26 - By Drew Kristofik

Looking for the best things to do in New York City this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Shake off last weekend's cabin fever as we inch slowly—and icily—into February this weekend. On Saturday, you can train the kids to obliterate the ghosts during Pac-Man's 45th anniversary bash at The Paley Center or puzzle with pros from Highlights Magazine on National Puzzle Day.

Sunday's main event is, of course, our own FREE Winter Festival and Camp Fair at Brooklyn's Atlantic Terminal. We'll have a fun snow globe photo-op, plus tons of kid-friendly entertainment, and the whole family is invited to get to know some of NYC's top summer camp providers through hands-on fun.

Looking ahead to next week, book your tickets now to see the next generation of Broadway stars at Broadway Bound's Empower State of Mind Benefit, set for Monday night at City Winery. All proceeds support the org's tuition-free programming for talented local kids.

Looking for even more fun things to do this weekend? Our New York City Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week—and you can filter by age, location, or even FREE events!

Not receiving our newsletter yet? Subscribe for FREE and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Best Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids

Disney on Ice Presents Mickey's Search Party at the Barclays Center

Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Thursday, January 29-Sunday, February 1
Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after Hook attempts to capture her magic. READ MORE

K-pop Demon Hunter Movie Night at The Rainbow Play Space

Lower East Side
Friday, January 30
This drop-off movie night includes an evening outing with a K-pop Demon Hunters theme. Kids do crafts, enjoy a pizza dinner, cracker snacks, tons of fun, and, of course, the Kpop Demon Hunters movie on a big wall projection! Costumes are encouraged. READ MORE

Thunderbird American Indian Dance Concert at the Theater for the New City

Lower East Side
Friday, January 30-Sunday, February 8
The 2026 Thunderbird American Indian Dance Concert features dances, stories, and traditional music from native peoples of the Northeast, Southwest, and Great Plains regions. READ MORE

Oshogatsu: New Year’s Celebration at Japan Society

Midtown East
Saturday, January 31
Celebrate the New Year Japanese-style with a riveting Japanese taiko drum performance, and a hands-on drum mini-workshop. Families can then welcome the New Year with exciting and traditional activities like New Year’s calligraphy, lion dancing and other New Year’s-themed crafts.  READ MORE

Highlights Puzzle Party at McKinley Park Library

Bay Ridge, Brooklyn – FREE
Saturday, January 31
Brooklyn's McKinley Park Library joins forces with Highlights Magazine for a puzzle party, featuring lots of challenging fun and cool giveaways! Do puzzles with the founder of National Puzzle Day, Jodi Jill, and Highlights staff, and snag giveaways for kids. READ MORE

Philharmonic Families: Brass at Merkin Hall

Upper West Side
Saturday, January 31
Discover the bright, bold sound of the brass family: horn, trumpet, trombone, and tuba! Arrive early to try out orchestral instruments, meet musicians, and craft with teaching artists. READ MORE

Pac-Man Anniversary Family Party at the Paley

Midtown West
Saturday, January 31
Waka Waka your way to a celebration as Pac-Man turns 45! This retro-cool family day is packed with games, creativity, and classic arcade fun, from photo-ops with the world’s favorite hungry hero to hands-on activities and exciting giveaways.  READ MORE

Winter Festival and Summer Camps Fair

Prospect Heights, Brooklyn – FREE
Sunday, February 1
We're turning another blah winter weekend into a huge celebration. Join Mommy Poppins and the best camps and activities for NYC kids for a fabulous, free indoor winter festival with a giant snow globe, magic shows, face painting, balloon animals, toys and prizes. Try out archery, robotics, animation, tumbling, obstacle courses, crafts, theater games, and lots more fun camp activities!  READ MORE

Family Concert: Sonia De Los Santos at the Jewish Museum

Upper East Side
Sunday, February 1
Sonia De Los Santos performs songs from her native Mexico in both English and Spanish, along with bilingual versions of American classics such as This Land is Your Land. Playing guitar and jarana, De Los Santos also shares melodies connected to nature for the Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shevat (the birthday of the trees).   READ MORE

Celebrate Tu BiShvat at the Brooklyn Children's Museum

Crown Heights, Brooklyn
Sunday, February 1
Ring in the Jewish new year of trees and celebrate nature’s revival. Plant seedlings to take home, enjoy nature-themed storytelling and music, sample traditional fruits, and create art using natural materials.  READ MORE

Lunar New Year of the Horse at Kupferberg Center

Flushing, Queens
Sunday, January 1
The world-renowned Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company welcomes the Lunar New Year of the Horse with majestic dragons, acrobatic lions, elegant peacocks, twirling ribbons, bamboo instruments, and more. READ MORE

Gabby's Dollhouse Live! at Kings Theatre

Flatbush, Brooklyn
Sunday, February 1
Gabby's Dollhouse takes to the stage with an exciting original story featuring incredible puppets, dynamic staging, a talented live show cast of singer-actor-puppeteers, and songs from the beloved series, including Hey Gabby, You Can’t Spell Meow Without Me, and Sprinkle Party. READ MORE

Broadway Bound Benefit Concert at City Winery

Chelsea
Monday, February 2
Young talent shines alongside Broadway stars as Broadway Bound Kids presents its fourth annual benefit concert, Empower State of Mind. The evening features performances, raffles, auctions, and community spirit, all while supporting tuition-free performing arts programs for NYC students.  READ MORE
Celebrate your valentine all month long in NYC. Photo via Canva
Celebrate your valentine all month long in NYC. Photo via Canva

More Things To Do this Week in NYC with Kids

Best Things To Do with Kids in NYC in February 2026, from MP Editors

February is short on days, but packed with big-time fun! READ MORE

Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects

Bookmark this blockbuster list of arts and crafts and never run out of ideas for creative play. READ MORE

Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide

Find the best FREE kids' activities in NYC. READ MORE

Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up

This is our NYC kids bucket list. How many have you checked off? READ MORE
When the flakes fly, Central Park is full of great sledding hills! Photo by Jody Mercier
When the flakes fly, Central Park is full of great sledding hills! Photo by Jody Mercier

More Things to Do in New York City this Winter

Best Sledding Hills in NYC

Hit these neighborhood hills across the five boroughs when the snow falls. READ MORE

29 Cool Things To Do on February Winter Break in NYC

Beat the midwinter blues with these fun picks for February's winter break. READ MORE

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 47 Best Things To Do with Kids in NYC

Don't let the cold stop you: NYC is a wonderland of winter fun. READ MORE

Best Indoor Places to Play in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Park Slope families have plenty of indoor places to play. Here are our top picks. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Drew Kristofik
Drew Kristofik’s career took a twist from editing teen magazines to a seven-year stint at MacNeil/Lehrer, followed by a long run at Nickelodeon/Viacom as Director of Content for Nick Online and Editor-in-Chief of ParentsConnect.com. A founding member of the Webby Award-winning GoCityKids, she’s written for Family Fun, Vanity Fair, and New York. Her middle school novel, The Time Boat, is available on Amazon Kindle. Drew keeps the MommyPoppins New York Events calendar spot-on and can be reached at events@mommypoppins.com.
Recent Articles By Drew Kristofik:
Read more articles by Drew Kristofik.