It doesn't get much better than Halloween at the zoo! Boo at the Zoo photo courtesy of Brookfield Zoo.
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Spider-Man in action. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
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These towns near Chicago have some of the best fall colors in the Midwest. Photo courtesy of Illinois.gov
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Lincoln Park Spooktacular! Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce
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Logan Square Halloween Parade is perfect for showing off costumes. Photo by Kate Connealy
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You can easily spend all day at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Photo by the author
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Pumpkin picking is a firm fall favorite. Photo courtesy of Keller's Farmstand
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Try a Fall outing to one of these great pumpkin patches near Chicago. Gobbert's Farm photo by Ryan Dickey via Flickr 2.0
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It's apple season! Photo courtesy of Apple Holler Orchard
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Just about an hour from Chicago, kids can pick apples at Apple Holler from mid-August to November.
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Rack up those Scout Badges at these Chicago institutions. Photo courtesy of Canva.
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See what swims by at the Shedd Aquarium. Beluga photo courtesy of the Illinois Tourism Board.
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Photo courtesy of Enchanted Castle.
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If your teens enjoy pottery, then MADE Chicago in Bucktown is the spot.
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Teen Saturdays at Chicago Architecture Center. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center.
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Places to celebrate your baby before the smash cake. Photo by Kelly Patino for Mommy Poppins
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Cooking classes for kids in Chicago. Photo courtesy of The Kid's Table
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​Launch is a Chicago trampoline park with bowling and an arcade, too. Photo courtesy of Visit Lake County
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Calm Waters is a sensory-friendly event at Shedd Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the Shedd Aquarium
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The Sugar Hole is a pop-up ice cream shop in Chicago. Photo courtesy of The Sugar Hole, courtesy of Color Club.
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Lincoln Park Zoo photo by Dice Sales courtesy of the Illinois Tourism Bureau
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Explore artistic classics at the Chicago Art Institute. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
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Hello Baby is a free indoor playground in Woodlawn. Photo courtesy of Hello Baby
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Indoor golf is great for those cold or rainy days in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Scene 75
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Thinking of getting your kid's ears pierced? These ear piercing places in Chicago are clean and gentle.
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Have your indoor birthday party at one of these fun Chicago venues. Photo courtesy of ©LEGOLAND Discovery Centers US LLC
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Skokie Exploritorium is only $5 for residents. ©Skokie Park District
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Tiny Picassos can enjoy different activities every day at the Art Institute’s Family Room. Photo by Maureen Wilkey, for Mommy Poppins
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Visit the Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
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Weekend Fun: Spring Fests, Easter Bunny Train, Free Arts Day

Make art from cherry blossoms at the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival at the Pelham Arts Center. Photo courtesy of the arts center
Make art from cherry blossoms at the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival at the Pelham Arts Center. Photo courtesy of the arts center
4/3/19 - By Susan Miele

There’s no shortage of family fun to be had this weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, with performances, spring festivals, free arts workshops, and early-Easter fun.

As noted in our newly released April GoList, a fun family performance plus pre-show workshop awaits at Lard Dog & the Band of Shy Take a ride on the Easter Bunny Train and snag a photo-op with the white fluffy guy. If your child has sensory issues, book a spot ASAP at this weekend's Bunny Cares, which we told you about in our roundup of Easter Bunny visits (other similar events have sold out).

This weekend is also a prime time to celebrate spring at the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival or at the first street fair on our radar (replete with rides and activities): Spring Fest. 

Find details and more among our top picks below, then head to our Spring Activity Guide and Event Calendar for more fun options!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Drop by the Jacob Burns Film Center for FREE Family Saturdays at the Lab. Photo courtesy of the Film Center
Drop by the Jacob Burns Film Center for FREE Family Saturdays at the Lab. Photo courtesy of the Film Center

Saturday, April 6

JBFC Kids Free Event

Pleasantville – FREE
Drop by the Media Arts Lab for a FREE family program. Each session features hands-on media activities pertaining to a different aspect of film-making. On March 7, learn about animation; on May 2, the focus is on nature; on June 6, create sound effects and your own film score. READ MORE

Easter Bunny Express in the Catskills

Kingston
Celebrate spring with a ride on the Easter Bunny Express. Take the trip on the historic Catskill Mountain Railroad from Kingston out to the Easter egg patch, enjoy some snacks, and get your photos with the Easter Bunny. READ MORE

Lard Dog & The Band of Shy

Tarrytown
Perhaps you've heard them on Sirius XM's Kids Place Live channel. This indie-kiddie-bop group has been likened to Devo and the B-52s, producing a quirky New Wave-ish style for younger audiences. Preceding the show will be a songwriting workshop. READ MORE

Free Arts Day - CANCELED

Rye – FREE
Dabble in a wide variety of STEAM activities, including painting, ceramics, 3D printing, laser cutting, and more, then stick around for a children's concert and the chance to "meet" the instruments. READ MORE
Make beautiful floral arrangements at the Cherry Blossom Festival at the Pelham Arts Center. Photo courtesy of the center
Make beautiful floral arrangements at the Cherry Blossom Festival at the Pelham Arts Center. Photo courtesy of the center

Sunday, April 7

Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival

Pelham – FREE
The annual tradition celebrating the cherry blossom as a symbol of renewal features a workshop in Japanese folk art traditions of origami and floral art, as well as a performance of Japanese Taiko drumming.  READ MORE

SpringFest Street Fair in Downtown Nyack

Nyack
Held in picturesque downtown Nyack, activities include rides, games, arts and crafts, entertainment, food, outdoor dining, and 200+ vendors. READ MORE

Bunny Cares at the Palisades

Nyack – FREE
Visit the Palisades Center for a sensory-friendly visit with the Easter Bunny. Register in advance, as this popular event sells out quickly. Upon arrival, one of the bunny’s helpers provides families with a number so you don't have to stand in line. READ MORE

April Fools' Bigfoot Hunt

Larchmont
Sheldrake Nature Center invites curious kids to a special April Fools' Day program where they'll explore the great outdoors searching for signs of the Sasquatch.  READ MORE
Enjoy music and dancing at the Brooklyn Folk Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival
Enjoy music and dancing at the Brooklyn Folk Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival

Beyond Westchester

Brooklyn Folk Festival 2025

Brooklyn – FREE
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

Spring Family Day at Carnegie Hall

Manhattan – FREE
Carnegie Hall celebrates families with FREE, interactive, and fun musical activities at its Spring Family Day. Enjoy a spring sing, watch mainstage performances, participate in a collective art project, and more. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: