Top NYC Kids’ Events & Family Fun This Weekend

At a Glance:

• Pride events, picnics, and community celebrations across the city
• Hands-on exhibits and museum experiences for curious kids
• Outdoor festivals, street fairs, and neighborhood block parties
• Live music, theater, and performance events for all ages
• Park programming, outdoor play, and seasonal activities
• Pet-friendly events, plus a few special experiences for older kids and teens

Pride takes center stage this weekend with parades, picnics, and pet-friendly celebrations but the fun doesn’t stop there. Families can dig into festivals, live performances, museum experiences, and outdoor play.

Remember to check out our full lineup of fun family activities in our Calendar of Events. Scroll down for more super fun, family-friendly events!

Fun Things to Do and Family Events Taking Place This Weekend

Heroes Within: An Art & Storytelling Exhibit Celebrating LGBTQ+ Youth

Heroes Within is a moving new exhibit that turns LGBTQ+ youth into superheroes through one-of-a-kind portraits created by queer and ally artists from around the world. Along with the inspiring artwork, families can enjoy free community events throughout the month, including workshops and screenings of Maxxie LaWow – Drag Super-Shero.Z
June 5 – July 6, all day
Positive Exposure Gallery, 83 Maiden Lane

Woof Fest: Paws for Pride 2026

The beloved, family-friendly Pride event is back for its 6th year! Bring your dog to Manhattan West to celebrate Pride with a fabulous afternoon of performances, activities, and community. And don’t miss the signature event – the “Walk of Pride” Catwalk Contest, in which you and your pup can strut down the catwalk and show off your unique style and pride in front of the judges, for a chance to win fun prizes! Festive attire is encouraged.
June 6, noon – 3 pm
Manhattan West Plaza, 385 Ninth Ave.

Girls Run at the Mastercard New York Mini 10K

Girls ages 8–18 can lace up and take part in the free Girls Run at the Mastercard New York Mini 10K, one of the country’s most iconic women’s running events. Participants of all abilities will receive a T-shirt (while supplies last) and a finisher’s medal while celebrating fitness, confidence, and fun alongside fellow young runners.
June 6, 8:50 am – noon
Central Park, 972 Fifth Ave.

Petco Love Pet Adoption Block Party

Meet more than 40 adoptable dogs and cats from Best Friends Animal Society at this one-day Union Square event, where all adoption fees will be waived to help pets find loving homes. Families can stop by to meet puppies, kittens, and adult animals in need of adoption, making it an easy and welcoming way to connect with a new companion.
June 7, 11 am – 4 pm
Union Square Park, 201 Park Ave S.

Pride Family Picnic

Visitors are invited to bring a picnic, play yard games, and spend an afternoon in community. The Queer Big Apple Corps Marching Band will perform at 12 pm Following the performance, there will be a musical instrument petting zoo for a hands-on introduction to a variety of instruments.
June 6, 11 am – 2 pm
Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave.

Summer Bash for Pets

Celebrate the grand opening of two new Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group locations with a pet-friendly Summer Bash featuring treats, photo ops, custom pet tags, giveaways, and activities for both pets and their people. Visitors can also learn about veterinary services and take advantage of a free first exam for new patients at participating locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
June 6, 11 am – 2 pm
Heart of Chelsea, 226 West St., Greenpoint, Brooklyn
June 7, 11 am – 2 pm
Heart of Çhelsea, 544 Hudson St., West Village, Manhattan

Ocean Shell-a-bration Weekend

June 8th is World Oceans Day, and the Aquarium is celebrating the vital role that oceans play in our lives with a whole weekend filled with activities and entertainment, including Wildlife Theater, crafts, photo ops, keeper chats, parades, games, costumed characters, puppets, and NEW activities and experiences.
June 6 & 7, 11 am – 4:30 pm
New York Aquarium,  602 Surf Ave.

Sing for Hope Pianos in Union Square

As part of the Union Square Partnership’s summer programming, a lively, colorful Sing for Hope piano will return to Triangle Plaza for three weeks, inviting passersby to stop and play in one of the city’s busiest public spaces. The Sing for Hope Pianos are part of a global arts initiative that creates artist-designed pianos, places them in public spaces for everyone to enjoy, and then transports and activates them year-round in permanent homes in schools, hospitals, transit hubs, refugee camps, and community-based organizations.
Through June 7, all day
Union Park Plaza, Broadway & East 17th St.

Pier 2 Roller Skating Free Admission Days

Skate into fun with free admission days and roll around the rink to the sounds of Pop, Hip Hop, and family-friendly tunes!
Mondays and Fridays 3:30 – 6 pm Sundays 10 am – noon through Nov. 22
Pier 2 Roller Skating Rink,150 Furman St., Pier 2

Cerebral Palsy Community Day

Back for the third year, this popular outdoor summer event attracts hundreds of people with cerebral palsy and disability for a day of fun, food, and friendship. It features live music, dancing, adaptive sports, equipment, resources, arts & crafts, raffles, and giveaways.
June 6, 11 am – 2 pm
Haven Plaza, 710 W 168th St.

The Happening Block Party

Kick off summer at The Happening, the free annual community block party hosted by Church Street School for Music & Art. Families can enjoy live music, hands-on art projects, student artwork, games, food, and more while supporting programs that help make arts education accessible to communities across New York City.
June 7, noon – 5 pm
Church Street School for Music & Art, 41 White St.

Summer at the Terminal: Ferry Food Fest 2026

This vibrant waterfront food festival brings together local eats, music, and community at Brooklyn Army Terminal.
June 7, 1 pm – 7 pm
Brooklyn Army Terminal, Ferry Plaza Park, 140 58th St.

Astoria Park Carnival

Queens’ picturesque Astoria Park comes alive with the sights, sounds, and aromas of the electrifying midway with exciting rides and games for the whole family and deep-fried treats, sweets, and other tantalizing carnival eats.
June 3 & 4, 4 – 10 pm; June 5, 4 – 11 pm; June 6, noon – midnight; June 7, 12 – 11 pm
Astoria Park, Corner of Hoyt Ave N and 19th St. (Under the RFK Bridge)

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood at the Bronx Zoo

Step into the Neighborhood of Make-Believe when Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood arrives at the Bronx Zoo for an all-new interactive family experience. Kids can explore hands-on activities, ride a life-sized Trolley, enjoy a live show with Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat, meet their favorite characters, and learn about animals through imaginative play inspired by the beloved PBS KIDS series.
Through Sept. 7, weekdays, 10 am – 5 pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am – 5:30 pm
Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd.

MAPS – MoMath Annual Puzzle-hunt Series at MoMath

Put your problem-solving skills to the test during this interactive puzzle adventure led by puzzle creator and IBM research scientist Rik Sengupta at the National Museum of Mathematics. Teams of four to six will explore the neighborhood around the museum while tackling a series of clever challenges designed for puzzle lovers ages 16 and up (or ages 14–15 with an adult guardian).
June 6, 1 pm – 5 pm
National Museum of Mathematics, 11 East 26th St.

Young People’s Chorus of NYC’s Spring Celebration Concert

More than 600 young singers will take the stage for the Annual Spring Celebration Concert presented by Young People’s Chorus of New York City. Led by founder and artistic director Francisco J. Núñez, this uplifting performance celebrates the talent, creativity, and achievements of New York City youth, including a special tribute to graduating senior choristers.
June 7, 5 pm – 7 pm
The United Palace, 4140 Broadway

“Black River” from New Plays for Young Audiences NYU Steinhardt

Black River is an imaginative Afro-surreal family adventure that follows 10-year-old Jonas as he journeys down Wisconsin’s Black River in a mythical canoe, searching for healing after the loss of his father. Written by Nathan Yungerberg and directed by Brandon Rashad Butts, this family-friendly production explores love, grief, and hope through a blend of fantasy and storytelling, and is best suited for ages 9–14.
June 6, 7 – 8:30 pm; June 7, 2 – 3:30 pm
Provincetown Playhouse, 133 MacDougal St.

Flower Power at NYBG

Step into the spirit of the ’60s at Flower Power, a colorful celebration of peace, love, and the lasting symbolism of flowers at the New York Botanical Garden. This immersive experience features bold floral displays, 1960s-inspired art and photography, and outdoor installations that invite visitors to connect with nature and embrace flowers as symbols of creativity, unity, and change.
Tuesdays – Sundays 10 am – 6 pm through Oct. 18
New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd.

2026 Bell Blvd Food & Music Fest

Head to Bayside for a lively street festival along Bell Boulevard featuring live music, performances by local dancers and martial artists, family activities, sports demonstrations, and community exhibits. Families can enjoy free entertainment throughout the day, while food lovers can purchase tickets for the popular Restaurant Stroll and sample bites and beverages from dozens of local eateries.
June 7, 2 pm – 6 pm
Bell Blvd from 38th Ave. to 43rd Ave, and 41st Ave from 213th Street to 214th Place, Bayside

Drums Along the Hudson 2026

The 24th Annual Drums Along the Hudson brings Native American culture, music, dance, and traditions to New York City through an open-air pow wow, cultural performances, storytelling, crafts, and family activities. Hosted by Sandra Bookman, this free family festival celebrates both Indigenous heritage and the city’s rich cultural diversity while promoting environmental awareness and community engagement.
June 7, 11 am – 6 pm
Inwood Hill Park, W. 218th St. & Indian Road

Spring Family Discovery Weekends

Learn and play together in the Discovery Garden with hands-on stations that encourage families to explore nature alongside volunteer educators and teenage Garden apprentices. Be sure to explore the meadow, woodland, and marsh habitats, too. This is a drop-in program for families with children of all ages, included with Garden admission.
Saturdays and Sundays 10:30 am – 12:30 pm through June 7
Brooklyn Botanic Garden,1000 Washington Ave.

Royal Canin Unveils New Kibble Art Installation at the AKC Museum of the Dog

Royal Canin is bringing a playful twist to classic art with a new NYC installation featuring iconic masterpieces like The Mona Lisa, The Girl with the Pearl Earring, and The Scream recreated entirely from kibble. The unexpected exhibit celebrates the debut of the brand’s first-ever Corgi-specific diet and is included with regular museum admission, making it a fun stop for both art lovers and dog fans.
Through June 9, Wednesdays – Sundays 11 am – 6 pm
AKC Museum of the Dog, 101 Park Ave.

The BEAST

Blast off from the Hudson River, race down the west side of Manhattan, and charge toward Lady Liberty with skyline views of Chelsea and Downtown the whole way. This 30-minute adventure hits 45 mph across New York Harbor with 1,400 BHP twin jet engines, pounding music, and a crew that knows how to bring the chaos. You will stop for one quick, unforgettable photo before the power kicks back in and the fun cranks up again.
Through Oct. 12, Saturdays, various times
Pier 83, West 42nd St. and 12th Ave.

Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock

Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE brings Gobo, Mokey, Wembley, Boober, and Red to the stage in a new musical from The Jim Henson Company, based on the Emmy-winning Apple TV+ series. When the Fraggles search for the lost Celebration Stone, their world comes alive with puppets, music, and big-hearted chaos from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. This nostalgic, family-friendly adventure includes walk-around Fraggles, Doozers, and even a towering Gorg. A sensory-friendly performance on June 7 at 5 pm will include ASL interpretation and audio description.
Through June 21, Saturdays and Sundays, noon and 5 pm. Check website for special dates/times.
The New Victory Theater, 209 W 42nd St.

All-Ages Weekend Stencil Class

Get creative every weekend at the Banksy Museum NYC with the all-ages Rebel Stencil Class. Drop in anytime between 1–3 pm, work with an instructor, and create your own street art—then explore the museum at your own pace.
Through July 26, Saturdays and Sundays, 1 – 3 pm
Banksy Museum,  277 Canal St.

The Lion King

Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, The Lion King brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals.
Select dates until June 28
Minskoff Theatre, 200 W 45th St.

The Museum of Modern Art Presents Frida and Diego: The Last Dream

The Museum of Modern Art presents Frida and Diego: The Last Dream, celebrating Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Created with the Metropolitan Opera, this exhibition pairs their artwork with theatrical design inspired by the opera El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego.
Through Sept. 12, Saturdays – Thursdays, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm, Fridays, 10:30 am – 8:30 pm
The Museum of Modern Art, 11 W. 53rd St.

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The Lowdown on Kids’ Activities in NYC

Is it worth going to New York with kids?

Absolutely! Taking kids to New York City is always a great idea. The city is packed with kid-friendly things, especially on weekends, and parks and playgrounds are plentiful. There are amazing museums and zoos, carousels to ride, and food on every corner. That said, it’s a busy place: it’s loud, there’s a lot of walking, and it can be overwhelming if you try to do everything.

It’s better to plan just one main activity each day, leave time for playgrounds and snacks, and not stress about seeing it all. Truthfully, the little moments are what kids tend to remember most, like riding the subway, running around Central Park, or spotting dinosaurs at the museum. These stick with them more than checking off every big landmark.

Where are good places to take a child in NYC?

When you’re visiting New York City with kids, the goal is to keep things easy and fun for everyone, including yourself!. If you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, Central Park is a go-to. Kids love Heckscher Playground, and there’s always something new to see at the Central Park Zoo.

Brooklyn Bridge Park is another favorite on the weekend. It has big open spaces and playgrounds, and the views of Manhattan are stunning, plus you’re right by the water.

Rainy or cold day? Weekend or weekday, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and the American Museum of Natural History are both winners and stroller-friendly! If you’re just looking to squeeze in some quick fun, hop on the SeaGlass Carousel, wander around Little Island, or visit a neighborhood playground (there are SO many). Then treat yourselves to authentic NYC pizza or ice cream nearby. Picking one main activity, planning for snack and bathroom breaks, and calling it a day before anyone gets tired is the real NYC parenting hack.

Looking for even more family fun? Be sure to check out our comprehensive calendar of events, updated daily with the latest happenings across NYC and beyond, from holiday events and new attractions to performances and free local activities for all ages.