Classics, like Tom Turkey, and newbies alike take flight in the 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: Where to Watch, What's New
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see holiday destination in NYC. Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Gardens
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is an event unto itself. See the larger-than-life balloons come to life the night before the parade. Photo by Anthony Quintano/CC BY 2.0
See the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation with Kids
See the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC with our insider's guide and tips!
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Enjoy a cozy, French-style Thanksgiving meal at Le Rivage. Photo by Evan Sung
25 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2025 in NYC
Many organizations throughout New York City are offering free turkey giveaways, plus full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season. Photo by John McCarten for the New York City Council
Where To Find Free Turkey in NYC for Thanksgiving Dinner 2025
Volunteer to help feed families in New York this Thanksgiving.
Best 2025 Thanksgiving Volunteering Opportunities for Families in NYC
Celebrate the shortest day of the year at Marine Park's Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the Marine Park Alliance
47 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids in 2025
Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2025
Enjoy the magic of Christmas in Dyker Heights as the neighborhood lights up for the festive season. Photo courtesy of Dyker Heights Lights
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Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
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Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 10. Photo by Heidi Lee
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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
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The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
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See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
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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
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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
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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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Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
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Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
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Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
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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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Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
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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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Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
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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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Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
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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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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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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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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
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Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
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Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Best Events This April Vacation Week for Kids in NYC

Ride the carousel at Prospect Park. Photo by Paul Martinka
Ride the carousel at Prospect Park. Photo by Paul Martinka
4/1/18 - By Maureen Wilkey

Trying to put together a great staycation schedule for your NYC kids for Spring Break? We've rounded up the best of Easter weekend, as well as the top things to do specifically on Easter Day. Now we're collecting the best family events happening this very week, Monday, April 2-Friday, April 6, across New York City.

And good news! This break comes right after Easter with some run-off events on Monday, right in the middle of Macy's Flower Show, and the chance to be outside (forecast: sunny!) toward the end of the week.

So don't dread the break—enjoy it just as much as they do by reading on for more great family-friendly fun. Find even more options in our daily Event Calendar, April GoList, and just released Spring Fun Guide, including day trip ideas and fairs and carnivals.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Macy's annual Flower Show brings blooms whether the weather cooperates or not. Photo courtesy of Macy's
Macy's annual Flower Show brings blooms whether the weather cooperates or not. Photo courtesy of Macy's

Throughout the Week

New York International Auto Show 2025 at the Javits Center

Midtown
Ushering in the latest automotive trends, the 2025 New York International Auto Show showcases an incredible collection of cutting-edge design and extraordinary innovation. READ MORE

Spring Break in Prospect Park

Prospect Park, Brooklyn — Mostly FREE
Join the Prospect Park Alliance during Spring Break for family-friendly activities at the Prospect Park Audubon Center and the Carousel. READ MORE

Queens Botanical Garden Spring Break Activities

Flushing, Queens
Children visit nature-themed activity stations, children create botanical crafts and get their hands dirty as they sift and search through the Exploration Station. READ MORE
A family scavenger hunt at the Met gets kids exploring and thinking. Photo courtesy of the Met
A family scavenger hunt at the Met gets kids exploring and thinking. Photo courtesy of the Met

Monday, April 2

Dino Egg Hunt: A STEAM Eggstravaganza – SOLD OUT

Flushing, Queens — FREE
Lewis Lattimer House Museum hosts a science-filled Easter celebration! Participants have the opportunity to hunt for dinosaur eggs, crack them open using kid-friendly fossil excavation tools, and reveal hidden surprises inside. READ MORE

Kids Week Bronx: Orienteering

the Bronx –– FREE
Learn how to navigate using a map and compass.The Urban Park Rangers teach kids how to navigate to hidden objects placed around the park. READ MORE

Green Meadows Farm Easter Egg Hunts

The UniverSoul Circus flies into town this week! Photo courtesy the show
The UniverSoul Circus flies into town this week! Photo courtesy the show

Tuesday, April 3

UniverSoul Circus in Roy Wilkins Park

Jamaica, Queens (repeats through April 8)
UniverSoul Circus returns to Queens with a new production, Rhythm of the World. This year’s show features over a dozen new acts from around the world, all showcasing their skills under a state-of-the-art big top tent from Italy. READ MORE

Stomp, Clap & Sing at the Brooklyn Central Library

Grand Army Plaza — FREE
These free family performances encourage movement and participation and feature popular children's entertainers. Families will be given seating priority. Seating is limited. First come, first served. READ MORE
Spring Break Family night is great for older kids, too. Photo courtesy of New York Hall of Science
Spring Break Family night is great for older kids, too. Photo courtesy of New York Hall of Science

Wednesday, April 4

Enjoy a pizza making class at Martina Pizza. Photo courtesy of Sprouts Cooking Club
Enjoy a pizza making class at Martina Pizza. Photo courtesy of Sprouts Cooking Club

Thursday, April 5

BRIC Family Workshop: What You Know Bout Love

Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Participants take inspiration from What You Know Bout Love… by Na'ye Perez, currently on view in the hallway at BRIC House. Look closely at the work and then create richly textured, vibrant collages using a variety of materials. READ MORE
Kids will dance and groove at the Brooklyn Folk Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival
Kids will dance and groove at the Brooklyn Folk Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival

Friday, April 6

Brooklyn Folk Festival 2025

Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
The Fabulous Jalopy Theatre and School of Music present the 15th annual Brooklyn Folk Festival. The festival features great events for the whole family, including a banjo throwing contest at the Gowanus Dredgers Boathouse, a concert by Hopalong Andrew (Sunday at 2pm), jam sessions, and workshops. READ MORE

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