15 Great Events For Spring

“The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems” at the New-York Historical Society

Opening March 18 All ages The New-York Historical Society presents “The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems,” a celebration of the work of acclaimed writer, animator, and children’s book author Mo Willems. Willems is best known for Leonardo the Terrible Monster and That is NOT a Good Idea! The exhibition showcases Willems’ impressive journey, including original art, sketches, and inspirational drawings. Join the New-York Historical Society on the exhibit’s opening weekend for readings by Mo, book signings, and interactive activities. Parents and children alike will glean wisdom, life lessons, and humor from Willems’ vast body of work. Free with museum admission, Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, 10am-6pm; Friday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm; 170 Central Park West, 212-873-3400, nyhistory.org Photo by Marty Umans

The Macy's Flower Show

March 20-April 3 [All ages] Explore America’s diverse landscapes and stunning and varied flora from across the country at the annual Macy’s Flower Show—this year themed “America the Beautiful.” Check their website for information on special programming, including live music and children’s activities. Free; Macy’s Herald Square, 151 West 34th Street, 212-695-4400, macys.com

"Dinosaurs Among Us” at the American Museum of Natural History

Opening March 21 [All ages] After unveiling the 122-ft-long Titanosaur this past January, the American Museum of Natural History continues its exploration of dinosaurs with its new exhibition, “Dinosaurs Among Us.” This exhibition will launch with accompanying dinosaur-focused programs, a new dinosaur app, a dinosaur symposium, and a fascinating examination of the evolution of dinosaurs into birds. It will feature rare fossils, life-like dinosaurs, and more. Free for members or with museum admission, 10am-5:45pm. Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5100, amnh.org

Thalia Kids’ Book Club: A Celebration of Beverly Cleary

April 3 [Recommended for ages 8-12] Honor the life and work of beloved Ramona author on the occasion of her 100th birthday at the Thalia Kids’ Book Club’s Celebration of Beverly Cleary at Symphony Space! Actors and authors, including Jarrett Krosoczka (of the Lunch Lady series), will pay tribute to her work, including the Ramona Quimby series and The Mouse and the Motorcycle. $15, $12 for members, 4pm. 155 West 95th Street, 212-864-1414 ext. 289, symphonyspace.org

Queens County Farm Museum Children's Carnival

April 9-10 & 16-17 [All ages] The Queens County Farm Museum invites you to its spring Children’s Carnival in the apple orchard! There will be carnival rides, hayrides, games, prizes, and other entertaining activities. Head to the farm museum for a day of outdoor fun! Free for Farm Members, $12 per person (includes carnival rides); 11am-6pm. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Queens, 718-347-3276, queensfarm.org

"Peppa Pig Live! Peppa's Big Splash" at the Beacon Theatre

April 9-10 [Preschool-age] Peppa Pig, George, and all their friends are headed to the Beacon Theatre for “Peppa Pig Live! Peppa’s Big Splash.” Join them for a song and dance adventure, games, and more in a fully immersive musical production. Based on the popular “Peppa Pig” television series, the show is filled with familiar and original songs. You and your preschooler are sure to have a blast as you sing along and help Peppa and friends fix their nursery roof! $40-60; 5pm on 4/9, 2pm & 5pm on 4/10. The Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway, 212-465-6500, beacontheatre.com Photo by Joe del Tufo

"Bello Mania" at the New Victory Theater

April 15-May 1 [Ages 5+] Stuntman and goofball Bello Nock is back for “Bello Mania” at the New Victory Theater! America’s favorite comic daredevil will be atop his famous sway pole, entertaining theatergoers with magic and circus fun. “Bello Mania” returns to the New Vic after two sold-out runs, so you won’t want to miss your chance to get in on the excitement! Tickets start $15, showtimes vary. New Victory Theater, 209 West 42nd Street, 646-223-2010, newvictory.org

New York Theatre Ballet's "Cinderella" at Florence Gould Hall

April 17 [All ages] Watch the classic rags-to-riches tale of “Cinderella” unfold on the stage of the New York Theatre Ballet at Florence Gould Hall! Kids and adults alike will marvel at this enchanting one-hour performance, choreographed by Donald Mahler, with costumes by Sylvia Taalson Nolan, and set design by Gillian Bradshaw-Smith. Children 12 & under, $24; Adults, $34; 11am, 1pm & 3:30pm. Florence Gould Hall, 55 East 59th Street, 212-355-6160, nytb.org Photo by Christopher Duggan

On Location Street Fair

April 23 [All ages] Closing out the annual Tribeca Film Festival, the On Location Street Fair invites families to an exciting, free outdoor celebration of storytelling and creativity. Explore the worlds of filmmaking, gaming, sports, and performing arts, and more with a variety of screenings, workshops, and events. Free, 10am-6pm. Greenwich Street from North Moore Street to Chambers Street, tribecafilm.com

Sakura Matsuri Festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

April 30-May 1 [All ages] Celebrate the end of Hanami, the Japanese commemoration of the cherry blossom season, at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s annual Sakura Matsuri Festival. The weekend will be comprised of over 60 events and performances, including music, dance, workshops, exhibitions, and vendors of Japanese fashion, food, art, and more! Enjoy a day of exploration against the backdrop of beautiful cherry blossoms. $25 for adults, $20 for students/seniors; 10am-6pm. 990 Washington Avenue, 718-623-7200, bbg.org Photo by Liz Ligon courtesy of Brooklyn Botanic Garden

"Meet Me at the Fountain" at Lincoln Center

April 30, May 21 & 22 [Recommended for ages 7+] Now’s your chance to join a secret crime-fighting team and help stop a plot to sabotage an opera diva! In “Meet Me at the Fountain,” an immersive and interactive performance taking place across the entire Lincoln Center campus, audiences young and old will embark on an exciting adventure as they keep Lincoln Center’s stages safe! $25, runs every 30 minutes starting at 10am-12pm & 1-5pm; 165 West 65th Street, 212-957-1709, kids.lincolncenter.org

"Bianco" at Brooklyn Bridge Park

MAY 3-29 [All ages] The circus is coming to Brooklyn Bridge Park! St. Ann’s Warehouse is joining forces with NoFit State for "Bianco," a one-of-a-kind circus experience. Head to Brooklyn Bridge Plaza to explore “the magic of human balance and counter balance” in aerial performances and more! Tickets start at $35; Tuesdays-Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 6:30pm, Sundays at 2pm & 8:30pm. Brooklyn Bridge Plaza, 334 Furman Street, Brooklyn, brooklynbridgepark.org

"Where the Wild Things Are" at the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts

May 5-8 [Recommended for ages 5-7] Adapted from the classic children’s book by Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are comes to the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing arts as an intimate, interactive live performance. Visit Max’s bedroom and join him as he explores the land of the Wild Things. The landscape will come alive during the performance, and you will have the chance to help the Wild Things bring Max safely home! $25, showtimes vary. Presentation House Theater at NYU Skirball Center, 566 LaGuardia Place, 212-992-8484, nyuskirball.org Photo by Chris van der Schyf

Mother's Day Garden Party at NYBG

May 7-8 [All ages] Celebrate Mother’s Day in a beautiful natural setting at the New York Botanical Garden’s annual Mother’s Day Garden Party. Enjoy live music, games, picnicking, crafts, a delicious brunch or supper (tickets sold separately) and more. All-Garden Pass: Adults, $30; Students w/ ID, $27; Children (2-12), $15; Members & Children under 2, Free; Brunch & supper tickets $55-85. 10am-6pm. 2900 Southern Boulevard, the Bronx, 718-817-8700, nybg.org

"My City, My Song" at Carnegie Hall

May 14 [Ages 3-6] Carnegie Kids presents the vibrant, interactive concert “My City, My Song” this spring, which explores New York City’s diverse musical and cultural traditions. Join composer and percussionist Bobby Sanabria, who will share the beats of Latin music, jazz vocalist Brianna Thomas, and composer, multi-instrumentalist and dancer Jen Shyu—who performs music from Taiwan, Korea, China, and East Timor—for an unforgettable performance. Free, 12pm & 2pm. 157 West 57th Street, carnegiehall.org