Events: Top Kid-Friendly Activities For The Week

The Little Red Lighthouse Festival will take place this Saturday in Fort Washington Park; photo by Judy Harrow via flickr
The Little Red Lighthouse Festival will take place this Saturday in Fort Washington Park; photo by Judy Harrow via flickr

There’s something for everyone to check out this week in the city. Whether you’re a dog devotee, a comics connoisseur, a LEGO lover, or simply a fan of the five boroughs, you’re sure to enjoy this selection of NYC events. Happy October!

Thursday, October 9-Sunday, October 12

New York Comic Con
The Javits Center
Various times
Families with children of all ages should head over to the Javits Center for New York Comic Con! An annual classic, this comic book bonanza will feature days of comic book author autograph signings, movie screenings, lectures, and memorabilia displays! The convention will host daily activities for children in the Family HQ, and, as usual, Sunday is Kids Day! There will be performances from Super Sprowtz and Gustasfer Yellowgold, hands-on arts and crafts workshops, a kids costume parade, storytelling with New Victory Theater, and much more.

Friday, October 10-Monday, October 13

Grand Opening Celebration of the Flatiron District LEGO Store
Madison Square Park
Various times
Join the LEGO Group and New York Family in celebrating the grand opening of the new LEGO Store Flatiron with a four-day bash October 10-13 in Madison Square Park. This new flagship location will have 3D LEGO mosaics of the neighborhood’s history, as well as life-size LEGO models! Participants can help Master Builders construct a 20-foot tall Statue of Liberty model made entirely out of LEGO blocks and receive daily prizes by being one of the first 300 visitors to make a qualifying purchase.

Saturday, October 11

My Dog Loves Central Park Fair
Naumburg Bandshell, Central Park
11am-3pm
Bring your family and dog(s) to Central Park this Saturday for the My Dog Loves Central Park Fair! Spend a dog day afternoon with your pooch during this on-leash event which includes games, trainer sessions, microchipping, a dog agility obstacle course, a pet-friendly real estate talk, canine makeovers, and more. Kids will lap up the Family Fun Zone where they can participate in a scavenger hunt and get their face painted! Free. This event will take place rain or shine.

Little Red Lighthouse Festival
Fort Washington Park
12pm-4pm
Come by the 22nd Little Red Lighthouse Festival to celebrate Manhattan’s only remaining lighthouse, made famous by Hildegarde Swift’s beloved children’s book The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge. There will be tours led by the Urban Park Rangers, two musical performances, readings of Swift’s book, fishing clinics, a kids’ workout class, food, and activities for the whole family. Free

Saturday, October 11-Sunday, October 12

Open House New York
Various locations throughout NYC
Various times
Open House New York (OHNY) grants the public access to 300 historic New York City buildings. Public tours, talks and activities will take place throughout the five boroughs and will provide a glimpse into both residential and industrial landmarks. As part of OHNY, families with children ages 5 and up should be sure to check out the Weekend Family Festival at the Center for Architecture. This free two-day festival will feature design and construction activities for crafty kids. Some sites and tours are free. Others require advanced reservations for a fee of $5. OHNY will take place rain or shine.

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Polaris Productions Theater Camp

<p>Kids will learn, rehearse, and perform the wonderful Maurice Sendak and Carole King musical, Really Rosie. For 10 weekdays, campers will take part in physical and vocal warm-ups and learn choreography, staging, and vocal parts. They’ll develop skills in acting, singing, character development, and more. This camp will ignite your child’s imagination and passion for performing, build their self-esteem, and help them form lasting friendships. They’ll have fun! At camp’s end, the kids will perform Really Rosie for family members and friends. Kids of all levels of experience, ages 8 through 13, are welcome to join.</p>

Color Me Mine

<p>Color Me Mine Upper West Side proudly stands as a minority woman-owned studio, and we've been an integral part of the Color Me Mine franchise system since 2018! Pottery painting isn't just an activity; it's a captivating and inclusive experience that transcends age and skill levels.</p> <p>At Color Me Mine Upper West Side, we extend a warm invitation to dive into a realm of creativity, self-expression, and connection. Families, friends and teams grow stronger bonds when they create memories together, and at Color Me Mine, we're here to help facilitate those moments.</p> <p>Whether you're seeking a delightful family outing, a unique date night, or a solo adventure, our paint-your-own-pottery studio offers boundless possibilities. Step into our welcoming space in the heart of Lincoln Center and unleash your inner artist. Create unforgettable memories as you craft beautiful ceramic masterpieces to cherish for many years to come.</p> <p>Color Me Mine Upper West Side is also the preferred venue for celebrations of all kinds. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a baby or bridal shower, a team-building event, a gathering for college groups, an enriching field trip, or an adventure with scouts, we've got you covered. Our versatile space and passionate team provides the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories and fostering creativity in every guest.</p> <p>Join us at Color Me Mine Upper West Side, at 177 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City where every visit promises a fun journey of color, joy, and artistic exploration!</p>

BAMkids

<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">BAMkids presents adventurous art and ideas for young audiences, igniting the imaginations of creative kids ages 3—11 with a fun and engaging lineup of workshops, movie matinees, and live performances from around the world.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{"><span style="background-color: #ffffff;">BAM Education connects learning with creativity, engaging imagination by encouraging self-expression through programs for students, teachers, and audiences of all ages. Explore the programs on their website to learn more about their opportunities for creative online engagement!</span></span></p>