There's always something going on in Manhattan, from exciting festivals to eccentric exhibits. However, amidst all the commotion, it can be hard finding the perfect events and venues for your family. Lucky for you we've hand-picked four of the best places to see and things to do in the city, whether you're a New York City-native or just visiting for the day!
Adventures Abound!
Opening May 4 for the 2019 summer season, play:groundNYC on Governors Island is New York City’s only adventure playground with loose parts and materials, tools, and space for kids to just be kids. Children can visit this outdoor space to imagine and build in an area made for kids only, no parents allowed (with staff supervision). Get messy, imagine, and dream big—no restrictions! Saturday-Sunday, 12-4pm. Ages: 5 and older. Free. 40 Barry Road, Governor’s Island; play-ground.nyc.
Dance into Spring!
What better way to celebrate the warm weather finally arriving in NYC than by joining 10,000 dancers, DJs, and live bands at the 13th annual Dance Parade and Festival? This unique display of culture will feature more than 80 styles of dance, including African, tango, salsa, hip-hop, contemporary, Irish, Chinese, and more! If you want a prime view, you can even purchase a grandstand ticket to watch from Astor Plaza. Saturday, May 18; parade begins at 1pm. Ages: All. Free to attend; $35 and up for grandstand ticket. Parade starts at 21st Street and Broadway; danceparade.org.
The Morgan Library
A short walk away from Grand Central and Penn Station, the Morgan Library & Museum is a one-stop shop for all book worms looking to dive deep into the wide variety of literary works from the 20th century. Take an augmented reality tour through the Gilded Age gem, Pierce Morgan’s former library, to explore the rare medieval and Renaissance works or peruse the rare manuscripts, early children’s books, and much more at your own leisure.
Visit it: 225 Madison Ave., Murray Hill; 212-685-0008. themorgan.org.
Can’t-miss event: Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth; open through May 12
The Whitney
Free for children, The Whitney is home to a variety of unique works of art from artists of various backgrounds and is the perfect place for a peaceful afternoon with your family. Be sure to visit its website to find out more about stroller tours, tours for immigrant families, activities for families with children on the autism spectrum, and more family fun.
Visit it: 99 Gansevoort St., Meatpacking District; 212-570-3600. whitney.org.
Can’t-miss event: Open studio for teens, select Fridays May 3-June 28, 4-6pm (see website)
Main Image: More than 100 dance organizations are participating in this year’s Dance Parade. Courtesy Dance Parade New York
