Morningside Lights returns to illuminate the night in a procession of awe-inspiring handmade lanterns floating through Morningside Park to Columbia's campus. Photo by Cherylynn Tsushima

Morningside Lights and More Fun Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids

Kids can go apple picking near NYC at Alstede Farms, where low-to-the-ground trees are perfect for little pickers. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

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Big Bounce America lands at Citi Field at the end of the month. Photo courtesy Big Bounce.

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NYC Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2024

Pluck a perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch at Alstede Farm in New Jersey. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

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The 2024-2025 NYC public school calendar is out, and students return to school on Thursday, September 5.

Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2024-2025

Take in the Legend of Sleepy Hollow on a spooky fall day trip in the Hudson Valley. Photo by Darren McGee/NYS Dept. of Economic Development

Haunt the Hudson: Spooky Day Trips near NYC for Ghostly Adventures and Paranormal Thrills

Italian pride—and tasty eats—are on the menu at the annual Feast of San Gennaro, which takes over Little Italy in September. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort

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Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop

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Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.

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Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin

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The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!

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For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun

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NYC Summer Camp Guide

Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier

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Twinkle Playspace in Williamsburg offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.

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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

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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

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Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids

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Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC

Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.

Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids

There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier

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The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

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Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.

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Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones in NYC

See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo

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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

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Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier

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The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier

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No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird

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Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.

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Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander

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Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Try your hand at corn husking and more analog entertainment during the Corn Fest at the Queens County Farm Museum. Photo courtesy of the Queens County Farm Museum

9/1/24 - By Drew Kristofik

Fall festivals in NYC punctuate the changing of seasons with plenty of family-friendly fun. Top annual fall festival favorites include the Richmond County Fair and the Brooklyn Children's Book Fair. Plus, Mommy Poppins is providing kid-friendly entertainment at the Seaport Kids x Back to School Bash, an Open Streets event on Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights, and the Atlantic Antic, too.

There are also some cool under-the-radar events you may not have heard of, including an Italian fair in the Bronx that is a lot less crowded than Little Italy's San Gennaro.

As always, if an event piques your interest, click through to our listing for all the details, including addresses and times. And keep in mind: Really cool things to do with kids often book up quickly, so register or buy your tickets ASAP.

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