Things to do this weekend with the kids in New York

Things to Do With the Kids This Weekend in NYC

With the cold temperatures hitting the city this week, it actually feels like the holidays will soon be here. It’s just in time, too, because some of the best family holiday attractions are opening this weekend. Plus, there are plenty of other fun, family things to do in the city!

Holiday Train Show

The Holiday Train Show opens this weekend at the New York Botanical Garden! It is a must-see for kids who are obsessed with trains. Even those who aren’t will appreciate the amazing assortment of model trains. Each miniature masterpiece has been meticulously crafted from natural materials, including palm fronds, pinecones, and cinnamon sticks.
New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx
Nov. 15 through Jan. 11, 2026, Tuesdays – Sundays 10 am – 6 pm

Psst.. Check Out Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms Near NYC

Mario the Maker Magician 2.0

Upgrading his inventions for the New Victory stage, it’s Mario Marchese, the world’s loudest kid whisperer. With a magnetic mixture of mad scientist shenanigans, big-kid showmanship, and superb sleight of hand, Mario the Maker Magician 2.0 invites kids (and their grown-ups) to join in on the chaos. Mario’s DIY spirit of handmade set pieces and scrappy contraptions proves that the real magic is in using what you have and doing what you love.
Nov. 15 through Nov. 30, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am – noon; Nov. 28, 3 – 4 pm & 11 am – noon
The New Victory Theater, 209 W 42nd St.

Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the world-famous Radio City Rockettes at this year’s Christmas Spectacular! Whether it’s your first time or your family’s annual tradition, it somehow manages to always become a great holiday memory.
Nov. 6 – Jan. 4, 2026
Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas

New York Jewish Book Festival

The New York Jewish Book Festival returns for a day full of author talks, panels, and workshops that explore Jewish voices across a variety of genres and subjects. Plus, a special Hanukkah Bazaar!
Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, 36 Battery Pl.
November 16, 10 am – 6 pm

Big Apple Circus at Lincoln Center

The Big Apple Circus is back in the city, featuring comedic genius of Johnny Rico, the trapeze artistry of the Flying Maluendas from Chile, and the high-energy acrobatics and human pyramids of Ukraine’s Bingo Troupe. The Kung Fu Boys blend martial arts, dance, and precision choreography into a dazzling spectacle, and so much more.
Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center, Amsterdam Ave & W 62nd St.
Nov. 7 – Jan. 4, 2026

LuminoCity: Fantasy Winter Fairyland

Themed “Fantasy Winter Fairyland,” this year’s original light art designs turn frosty magic into reality. Journey with Lumi and be amazed as towering sculptures illuminate the park, transforming it into an immersive, dazzling fairytale world and a starry holiday dream. Make sure to check out the Snow Dream Slide, where you’ll journey through the Castle in the Sky, pass through glowing clouds of snow, and glide into a snow-white fairytale of ice and magic. New this year, the Lumi Express.
Nov. 7 – Jan. 1, 2026, various times
Eisenhower Park, 1899 Park Blvd, East Meadow

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Interactive Holiday Show

Experience the spellbinding stories and colorful characters of beloved author and artist Eric Carle in a whole new way. This show brings four Eric Carle stories to life, with 45 handcrafted puppets and lively original music.
Manhattan Movement & Arts Center, 248 West 60th St.
Nov. 15 – Dec. 28, various times

Disney On Ice Presents Jump In!

Join Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Donald as they transport audiences into your favorite Disney stories. From Frozen to Encanto, plus new characters from Moana 2 and Inside Out 2, are making their Disney On Ice debut.
Beginning Nov. 12, Fridays – Sundays 11 am – 1 pm and Saturdays and Sundays, 3 – 5 pm through Nov. 16; Daily 8 am – 5 pm through Nov. 16; Nov. 12 7 – 9 pm
UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont

POP MART’s SKULLPANDA You Found Me Pop-Up Experience

Step into the mysterious world of SKULLPANDA: You Found Me, an immersive pop-up that brings the beloved series to life. Discover exclusive photo moments, special SP surprises, and limited edition collectibles – including POPOP jewelry and the SKULLPANDA x Wednesday plush collaboration.
Through Jan. 6, 2026, Sundays – Wednesdays, 10 am – 7 pm; Thursdays – Saturdays, 10 am – 9 pm
SKULLPANDA You Found Me Pop-Up, 430 7th Ave.

The Wizard School Scavenger Hunt at the Met Museum

Young wizards can search the Metropolitan Museum for art that echoes characters and enchanted objects in the Harry Potter books. They can track down serpents, Dumbledore look-alikes, and figures as scary as any Death Eater. The hunt isn’t a variation on Harry’s adventures; it references the books to introduce kids to many strange and wonderful works of art.
Nov. 15, Dec. 30 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave.

Manhattan Turkey Trot 5K

Trot on down to Randall’s Island for the Manhattan Turkey Trot 5K. Run the scenic out-and-back and unique path along the Island. A portion of event proceeds benefits the Never Stop Running Foundation, which supports athletic and charitable events.
November 16, 8:30 am – noon
Randall’s Island Field #10, 130 Central Road

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail

Join Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero for a frightfully fun frolic through the world of the beloved film, now featuring even more of your favorite characters, scenes, and songs. Back by popular demand with new refreshment and merchandise BOOths, the must-see New York event is certain to become a favorite fall tradition for spirits of all ages.
Wednesdays – Sundays through Nov. 30
New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx

Psst… Check Out Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 Line-Up Announced