Weekend Family Events - November 21 and 22

NYC’s Favorite Train Show Is Bigger Than Ever! Enchanting model trains zip through a display of 150 landmarks, each re-created with bark, leaves, and other natural materials—all under the twinkling glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Marvel at G-scale locomotives humming along among familiar sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Rockefeller Center—surprising at every turn—on nearly a half-mile of track. This year’s exhibition features 3,000 square feet of additional exhibition space, making room for dozens of new trains, bridges, and tracks; a captivating short film of the show's behind-the-scenes magic; and a stunning multisensory finale of light and sound. Explore a winter wonderland across their 250 acres with special tours, musical performances, and activities for kids, plus take care of your gift list at NYBG. Shop and stop for a bite at one of their exciting new dining venues. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind holiday outing! Advanced reservations are strongly recommended. Taking place at the New York Botanical Garden on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00AM to 6:00PM. There are timed entries in intervals to avoid crowding. Please check their website for pricing and timed entry details.

Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbor invites 8 to 10 year olds accompanied by an adult to take part in a science adventure. Geologically speaking, Staten Island is quite unique! The earth has a lot to teach us, if you know what to look for. Check out cool rocks, learn about geology, and take home a pet rock. The science nature event takes place at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Center on Saturday from 10:00AM to 12:00PM. The cost is $10 and $5 for members, the ticket price includes admission to the Museum.

Head to Brookfield Place this Saturday for a free live family event. Mil's Trills performance is at 11:00AM. Mil's Trills is a children's music project led by Amelia Robinson, that invites families to celebrate the community through original tunes and a rotating cast of musical guests. A highly interactive show, audiences are encouraged to be part of the experience while discovering a world of instruments. Mario the Magician performance is at 12:00PM. Mario's live performance is uplifting, inventive, highly interactive, and ridiculously funny. Part retro, part rock and roll, Mario is an artist and inventor who creates his own props. He is known for his dedication to the Maker Movement and STEAM/STEM initiatives and his clever and refreshing integration of DIY electronics and robotics into his performance. Despite his use of cutting edge technology, he never sacrifices the old-school slapstick vibe that families so love. It's "vintage meets the future." Taking place at Brookfield Place at 11:00AM to 1:00PM. this event is free to enjoy.

Join in fall for a family day at the Wycoff Farmhouse Museum! They've planned engaging, kid-friendly tours, hands-on activities, scavenger hunts, and more this Saturday. If the weather’s nice, bring a picnic and enjoy the grounds before or after your visit to the house. If you plan to visit with children under 10, they recommend visiting before 2:00PM to take advantage of specially planned activities for younger children. The family day takes place on Saturday from 11:00AM to 3:00PM and is free to enjoy.

Join in a music and yoga combined experience for kids and families this Saturday. Yoga with a dancing bear? A giant roller coaster of kid yogis? Together you'll take a trip to the moon, build a yoga tunnel, learn yoga from a gingerbread man, pop like popcorn, hang upside down like bats and lots more in this interactive concert experience. Hosted by Bari Koral. Bring your own yoga mat or use one provided. Beginners are welcome. There will also be a kid yogi inspired market place, free giveaways and free resources. The show takes place at the Gramercy Theater on Saturday at 11:00AM. Tickets cost $18.

Continuing their family-friendly Saturday Morning Cartoons series, the Irish Arts center encourages you to come in pajamas, grab some pancakes, and snuggle up on the Donaghy Theatre stage to enjoy the best feature films, TV shows and short films from some of the leading Irish animation companies. Enjoy the best TV episodes from Cartoon Saloon, Jam Media, Geronimo Productions, Brown Bag Films, Dancing Girl Productions, Giant Animation, and more. Taking place at the Irish Arts Center on Saturday, door open at 11:00AM, screening starts at 11:30AM. The cost is $5 per person.

El Museo is having Super Sabado this Saturday filled with free events. Explore the artistic world of Rodriguez Calero (RoCA), influenced by classical and contemporary elements, including Catholic iconography, and hip-hop street culture and then kids can create their own unique collage. In collaboration with the Bronx Museum of Art and the Loisaida Center explore the legacy of the Young Lords, and the relationship between art and activism. Take part in #CARVINGTHROUGHBORDERS - the project is a collection of 13 oversized woodblock prints with pro‐migrant messaging commissioned by CultureStrike. Also, join the Children’s Museum of Manhattan for a drop-in art making activity. Take part in a movement workshop to hip-hop beats with award-winning choreographer and dancer Violeta Galagarza. And be sure to finish the day off with a concert. With a remarkable blend of energy and artistry, Latin jazz superstar percussionist, composer, and bandleader Bobby Sanabria and his nonet Ascension explore Latin jazz with lively, rhythm-driven dance music. This free event is taking place this Saturday at El Museo del Barrio form 12:00PM to 5:00PM.

A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker re-imagines Tchaikovsky’s classic score through explosive hip hop choreography. A dozen all-star dancers, on-stage DJ and an electric violinist bring the traditional Nutcracker story to life in contemporary New York City. This evening-length show celebrates love, community and the magic of the holiday season. Taking place at the United Palace Theater on Saturday at 2:00PM. Tickets cost from $10 - $100.

Head to the Jamaica Performing Arts Center on Saturday to enjoy a family friendly performance that teaches children about classical music. The not-so-famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Schmutzinberry needs to write a piece of music that shows just how much he loves his grandmother. Luckily, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center artists are ready to reveal how composers use the elements of timbre, dynamics, and articulation to create specific moods in music!
(Recommended for ages 8-10 and families) Taking place on Saturday from 3:00PM to 4:00PM. At 2:00PM to 3:00PM is a community artist workshop. This event is free to attend, but an RSVP is required.

Join a new tradition for fans of Fiddler on the Roof on Sunday. The show is back on Broadway and the Museum at Eldridge Street is celebrating Tevye and turkeys! Come make fiddle shaped challah, fiddler art, and follow a trail of fascinating clues all over the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue. Tevye was on his way to New York at the end of the musical and in real life, most Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe came here too. A fun filled scavenger hunt reveals Eldridge’s own special tale of giving thanks – not to mention a few feathers and a well hidden turkey! All this, plus prizes, surprises, and a rousing Fiddler sing-along with musicians Kathleen Fletcher and Julian Mesri. Taking place on Sunday at 11:00AM. The cost is $15 per family.

Entrenched in America’s cultural psyche for more than three-quarters of a century, MGM’s classic fairytale of jewel-toned fantasy lands and homes rediscovered resulted from a nearly disastrous production and barely broke even upon its initial release, but soon became one of the most-watched films in movie history. And with its breathtaking feats of Technicolor and a star-making performance by Judy Garland (not to mention the adorable antics of Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, and Bert Lahr), it’s easy to see why. Head to BAM Rose Cinemas to enjoy this classic movie on Sunday at 11:30AM. General admission costs $10, children 12 and under cost $7.

Staten Island's own Native American representatives, Red Storm Drum and Dance troupe, will delight and inform you with chants and stories about animals and humans living together in harmony, as they perform authentic blessings on the wildlife in the zoo's care. In the tradition of celebrating a harvest, they'll make special thanksgiving meals for their animals throughout the afternoon. Taking place at the Staten Island Zoo on Sunday from 12:00PM to 3:00PM. This event is free with zoo admission.

Besides being the perfect metaphor for their ultimate cause, this yearly bowling party— replete with pizza, live music, and raffles—serves as an opportunity to bring together friends, families, and folks from Pediatric Cancer Foundation who are united in their passion to help those struggling with pediatric cancer and support the doctors and researchers on the front lines of the fight. It’s a place to learn about the progress being made, and the work still left to be done. And it’s a whole lot of fun! Every roll down the lane gets us one step closer to striking out pediatric cancer for good. The Strike Out Pediatric Cancer PCF Bowlathon: Funny shoes. Serious aim."  Taking place on Sunday from 1:00PM to 3:00PM at Bowlmor Chelsea Piers. Registration for the free event cost $50 and includes 60% donation to PCF, shoe rentals, pizza, refreshments, bowling and an afternoon of fun.

One of Jim Henson’s most beloved television specials tells the story of Ma Otter and her son Emmet, who both secretly enter a talent contest to win money for each other’s Christmas presents. This presentation includes Kermit the Frog's segments. As an added bonus, Jim Henson Legacy President Craig Shemin, producer of the award-winning documentary Behind the Scenes in Frogtown Hollow, will present outtakes from the special and excerpts from the documentary. Taking place at the Museum of the Moving Image on Sunday at 1:00PM. Tickets cost $12, $9 for senior citizens and students, free for members at the Film Lover level and above. All tickets include same-day admission to the Museum.