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
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Enjoy a cozy, French-style Thanksgiving meal at Le Rivage. Photo by Evan Sung
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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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See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
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Tom's Restaurant is situated on a fairly sleepy corner in Morningside Heights despite its high-profile turn in Seinfeld. Photo by Jody Mercier
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All aboard the North Pole Express for story time sprinkled with enchanting holiday fun. Photo by Jody Mercier
All aboard the North Pole Express for story time sprinkled with enchanting holiday fun. Photo by Jody Mercier
11/14/25 - 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.

It's the weekend before Thanksgiving - no better time to run away to the circus! And NYC has plenty of big top options this weekend. From Circus Vazquez at Citi Field to Flip Circus, Universoul Circus and the Big Apple Circus, there's never been a better time to introduce little ones to the joys of sheer spectacle.

 

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!

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360 All Stars bring sports into the spotlight at the Kupferberg Center in Queens. Photo courtesy the Kupferberg Center.
360 All Stars bring sports into the spotlight at the Kupferberg Center in Queens. Photo courtesy the Kupferberg Center.

Best Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids

Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs Opening Week at AMNH

Upper West Side
Opened Monday, November 17
Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs explores the striking before-and-after story of the asteroid impact 66 million years ago that annihilated non-avian dinosaurs, along with 75 percent of the plant and animal species on the planet, and opened the door for new ecosystems and animals to evolve. READ MORE

Family Fridays: Nim and Nibbles at MoMath on 5th

Gramercy – FREE
Friday, November 21
MoMath hosts a sweet introduction to the world of game theory! With chocolate, cookies, and candy, kids discover the classic strategy game of Nim and other impartial games, learn how to determine a winning strategy, and uncover real-world connections to computer science and AI.  READ MORE

You'll See...at Lincoln Center's Clark Studio Theater

Upper West Side
Friday, November 21-Sunday, November 23
James Joyce’s epic story of one day in one city, Ulysses, is brought to life in this inventive show by Branar, combining live performance, intricate paper design, and an original score. READ MORE

Circus Vazquez at Citi Field

Astoria, Queens
Opens Friday, November 21
Circus Vazquez, America’s largest family-owned big top circus, brings its new 2025 production to Queens. Circus Vazquez has entertained generations of families with an awe-inspiring, death-defying, hilarious, authentic, and affordable circus experience. READ MORE

Flip Circus in Forest Park

Forest Park, Queens
Through Tuesday, November 25
World-class clowns, acrobats, jugglers, and daredevils display their talents in a big top so intimate that no audience member is more than 50 feet from the ring. READ MORE

UniverSoul Circus in Coney Island

Coney Island, Boorklyn
Opens Friday, November 21
UniverSoul Circus returns to Brooklyn 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

Big Apple Comic Con at The New Yorker Hotel

Midtown West
Opens Saturday, November 15
It's Not Only Comics, but original artwork, trading cards, toys, anime, Pokemon, gaming, tees, posters, sci-fi, toys. All in the beautifully restored art deco masterpiece New Yorker Hotel in the heart of NYC. READ MORE

Log & Moss Storytime at Fugue Gallery

Lower East Side – FREE
Saturday, November 22
Kids are invited to celebrate the launch of the second edition of Log & Moss, by Catherine Mondoa. After a reading of the tale, kids can explore a few real biomaterials from the exhibition, the living room, and create a nature-inspired craft using moss and other natural materials.   READ MORE

Living History: Harlem Rent Party at the New-York Historical

Upper West Side
Saturday, November 22
Learn about 1920s Harlem rent parties, gatherings held by tenants to raise money to pay their high NYC rents. The host usually provided live music, dancing, food, and drinks. Enjoy a snack that you would have come across at a Harlem rent party in 1920’s Harlem, interact with historical interpreters, and explore The Gay Harlem Renaissance exhibition. READ MORE

Hearth & Harvest Festival in Historic Richmond Town

Richmond, Staten Island
Saturday, November 22
Celebrate Native American culture and traditional 19th-century harvest activities through food, dance, storytelling, and crafts during this special program at Historic Richmond Town. READ MORE

La MaMa Kids: You Have Arrived

Lower East Side
Saturday, November 22-Sunday, November 23
A one-person show that brings the pressing issues of climate change and climate refugees to life without uttering a single word. Through the mesmerizing medium of a dynamic large-scale pop-up book and simple yet visually captivating puppetry, the show invites us to experience the profound transformation of our landscapes, echoing the silent yet powerful stories of displacement and resilience happening throughout the globe. READ MORE

Celebrate the Holidays at PaleyLand!

Midtown West
Opens Saturday, November 22
The Paley Center's must-see holiday extravaganza fills five floors of the Paley with holiday fun and winter wonderland magic. Enjoy free hot chocolate, watch past and present holiday family specials on the big screen, discover the magic of a classic model railroad display, and so much more. READ MORE

Big Apple Circus at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side
Through Sunday, January 4
The magic of the Big Apple Circus returns to New York City — bolder, brighter, and more breathtaking than ever — with the comedic genius of Johnny Rico, the jaw-dropping trapeze artistry of the Flying Maluendas’ from Chile, and the high-energy acrobatics and human pyramids of Ukraine’s Bingo Troupe. READ MORE

Disney On Ice's Jump In at UBS Arena

Elmont, Queens
Daily through Sunday, November 16
Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Donald transport audiences into some favorite Disney stories, from Frozen to Encanto, plus new characters from Moana 2 and Inside Out 2.   READ MORE

North Pole Express in Manhattan

Midtown West
Through Sunday, January 4
Santa brings the North Pole to the heart of Manhattan. Take a tour of Midtown Manhattan’s storied holiday lights as you listen to thrilling Christmas tales told by one of Santa’s elves. The journey ends with a visit from Santa himself.  READ MORE
Mohonk Mountain House provides a picture-perfect backdrop for a fall getaway. Photo courtesy of the resort
Mohonk Mountain House provides a picture-perfect backdrop for a fall getaway. Photo courtesy of the resort

More Things To Do this Week in NYC with Kids

24 Best Things To Do in NYC with Kids November 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors

NYC is ready to turn on its holiday charm with these top November events. READ MORE

NYC Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2025

Best fall fairs, u-pick farms, art, and seasonal getaway ideas for NYC families. 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

30 Fall Day Trips from NYC for Families

Apple picking, leaf-peeping, museums, farm fun...no wonder we love autumn in the NYC area. READ MORE
It wouldn't be Thanksgiving in NYC without the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade—and its cavalcade of clowns. Photo courtesy of Macy's
It wouldn't be Thanksgiving in NYC without the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade—and its cavalcade of clowns. Photo courtesy of Macy's

Fun Thanksgiving Things To Do in NYC with Kids

See the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation with Kids

Watching the parade balloons inflate is an only-in-NYC experience: Here's all you need to know. READ MORE

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: Where to Watch, What's New

This is your go-to guide for seeing the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with kids in tow. READ MORE

50 Thanksgiving Crafts, Games, and Activities for Kids and Families

While the turkey is in the oven, set up a few of these Thanksgiving crafts and games. READ MORE

25 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2025 in NYC

Skip the cooking and head out for a family-friendly Thanksgiving Day meal. READ MORE

Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun

From the Thanksgiving parade to the ball drop, NYC is magical during the holidays. READ MORE

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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.