Oct 29, 2026
Mall-o-ween at Destiny USA
Costumes, characters and a festive afternoon at the mall, with family activities in the Canyon on Level 1.
View details →NY for Kids events calendar
Kids Events, Festivals & Shows in New York
Find upcoming children’s festivals, holiday shows, museum programs, seasonal celebrations and family entertainment across New York State.
Calendar updated October 29, 2026. Use each event’s official link to check current tickets and details.
Oct 29, 2026 – Nov 1, 2026
Enchanted Pumpkin Trail at Buffalo Zoo
An after-dark zoo walk through glowing giant jack-o’-lantern scenes and seasonal surprises.
View details →Oct 31, 2026
Halloween Celebration at the American Museum of Natural History
Dress up beneath the Blue Whale for a museum-wide day of music, creative activities and Halloween surprises.
View details →Oct 31, 2026
Spooky Skate Bash at Palisades Center
Costume-friendly skating with complimentary admission and rentals in two afternoon sessions.
View details →Nov 1, 2026
Festival of Nations
A colorful celebration of world cultures, with dance, international food and community performances.
View details →Nov 14, 2026 – Jan 10, 2027
Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden
Miniature trains pass nearly 200 New York landmark replicas crafted from natural materials inside the conservatory.
View details →Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
Magic of Lights at Jones Beach
A spectacular drive-through trail of animated lights, festive characters and illuminated scenes.
View details →Nov 21, 2026
Santa's Arrival at Palisades Center
The shopping center welcomes the holiday season with Santa's scheduled arrival.
View details →Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Animal-themed lantern safaris, glowing tunnels, interactive light installations and festive performances.
View details →Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 4, 2027
Lights on the Lake
Drive through an enchanting lakeside route lined with illuminated holiday scenes.
View details →Nov 21, 2026 – Dec 5, 2026
Deck the Hall-bany Holiday Market & Festival
Downtown Albany holiday market with seasonal decorations, family activities and local makers.
View details →Nov 26, 2026
100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
A once-in-a-century edition of the iconic Thanksgiving parade, featuring giant character balloons and floats.
View details →Nov 27, 2026 – Dec 20, 2026
Roc Holiday Village
Free ice skating and rentals, Santa's Workshop, craft activities, music and a festive downtown market.
View details →Nov 27, 2026 – Dec 30, 2026
Fairgrounds Festival of Lights
More than 70 light displays and festive tunnels, with Santa and walk-through attractions on full-experience nights.
View details →Dec 4, 2026
Albany Holiday Tree Lighting
A community holiday gathering and tree-lighting ceremony in downtown Albany.
View details →Dec 12, 2026
NY Family EXPO at Destiny USA
Try children's activities, discover education and entertainment programs, explore a children's business fair and meet local organizations.
View details →Feb 13, 2027 – Feb 20, 2027
Kids Week at the Intrepid Museum
A week of special science, technology and hands-on activities at the aircraft carrier museum.
View details →Feb 26, 2027 – Mar 14, 2027
New York International Children's Film Festival
An imaginative festival of independent films from around the world, chosen with young audiences in mind.
View details →Mar 13, 2027 – Mar 21, 2027
New York State Maple Weekend
Visit working sugarhouses, see how maple syrup is made and discover farms across the state.
View details →Mar 13, 2027 – Mar 14, 2027
Night at the Museum Sleepover
A rare overnight adventure exploring dinosaur halls by flashlight before sleeping near legendary museum exhibits.
View details →Apr 2, 2027 – Apr 24, 2027
Lincoln Center Big Umbrella Festival
An inspiring series of interactive performances and sensory-conscious experiences designed with neurodiverse audiences.
View details →Favorite places for kids
Find places to visit →Attractions worth discovering with children
The Strong National Museum of Play
Large interactive museum devoted to play and games
View details →Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST)
Hands-on science and technology experiences
View details →Palisades Center Ice Rink
Ice skating and programs; check public session schedule
View details →Plan a birthday party for kids
Choose an unforgettable birthday venue
Birthday party ideas for children
Make their celebration memorable
Compare birthday party places by location and activity: indoor playgrounds, science museums, active games and immersive adventures.
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Explore by interest
Browse all activities →Find the right activity for your child
Indoor Activities for Kids in New York
Discover indoor play centers, science museums, interactive adventures and family entertainment that children can enjoy in New York when it is cold, hot or rainy.
View details →Children's Museums and Science Centers in New York
Explore children’s museums, science centers, history experiences and planetariums across New York State, with ideas for choosing educational family outings.
View details →Outdoor Adventures and Parks for Kids in New York
Find New York parks, zoos, beaches, nature centers, gardens and outdoor attractions where children can explore, play and discover the natural world.
View details →Kids Entertainment Centers and Play Parks in New York
Compare New York indoor entertainment centers, climbing attractions, interactive adventures, arcade-style experiences and play parks for kids.
View details →Entertainment inside shopping centers
Play and explore at New York malls
Indoor activities, attractions and kids events
More than shopping
Find kids entertainment at Destiny USA, Palisades Center and major New York malls: play parks, climbing, interactive attractions and special events.
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