Free Family Events This Weekend! (November 17-19)

The 16th Annual Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal will run through Sunday, February 4! Photo via facebook.com.

Have an amazing weekend without opening your wallet! For even more activity inspiration, check out our Weekend Planner.

Through Sunday, December 24

Grand Central Holiday Fair
10am-8pm
Grand Central Terminal
All Ages
Grand Central Terminal’s annual Holiday Fair is back and better than ever! It’s the perfect place to find holiday gifts – there will be art, clothing, handbags, jewelry and other accessories for men and women, food, bath and body items, collectible toys, holiday items and home goods. The 2017 fair will feature 40 artists, craftspeople and local businesses.

Through Sunday, February 4, 2018

16th Annual Holiday Train Show
6am-8pm
Grand Central Terminal
All Ages
The annual holiday train show is back! This enchanting railroad exhibition showcases a 34-foot-long “O gauge” model train layout with the Metro North, New York Central, and subway trains departing from a mini replica of the famous Grand Central Terminal. The annual train show is sure to captivate the entire family this holiday season. All aboard!

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Saturday, November 18

The Day That Shall Not Be Named
12-4pm
Dylan’s Candy Bar
All Ages
Love candy and the Harry Potter series? Then head over to one of Dylan’s Candy Bar’s Flagship Stores for a day of magic, fun, and candy. On November 18, Dylan’s Candy Bar is hosting a Harry Potter themed event, The Day That Shall Not Be Named. Enjoy Harry Potter themed candy, a scavenger hunt, a photo booth, and everyone’s favorite Butterscotch Beer Floats. For the full experience, witch and warlock costumes are encouraged!

NYC Parks Drive-In Cinema: “Beauty and the Beast”
5-7pm
New York Aquarium, Brooklyn
All Ages
Pack up the kids and share in this classic nighttime activity! Drive into the parking lot of the New York Aquarium on November 18 for a drive-in showing of Disney’s 2017 live-action movie “Beauty and the Beast.” The movie begins at 5pm but gates open at 4:30pm for those who want to get a good spot. Bring a picnic and enjoy the movie from the comfort of your car!

Sunday, November 19

Family Fun Day Parade Celebration
12pm
Macy’s Herald Square
All Ages
As a pre-celebration to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, Macy’s Herald Square is bringing the magic of the parade to your kids! Join them for a fun-filled afternoon with face painting, balloon twisting, and other crafts and activities. This free event starts at 12pm on Sunday November 19. Don’t miss out!

Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens

With more than 35 years of experience, Broadway Dance Center Children &amp; Teens provides young movers ages 3-18 with exceptional training. BDC delivers the finest all-around dance experience for students by offering a wide variety of styles and levels, performance opportunities, and the highest caliber dance instruction that only New York City and BDC Children &amp; Teens can provide. This studio is so much more than a training course for young dancers; it is a diverse, family-friendly community for budding creatives. It has an exemplary faculty who follow the vision to not only develop a dancer&rsquo;s love and ability in dance, but to do so in a nurturing and supportive way.

HudsonWay Immersion School

A pioneer in language immersion since 2005. After school language classes provide a fun and effective way for preschool and elementary children to learn Mandarin or Spanish language skills through project based learning and fun, engaging themes.

The Wild Center

The Wild Center, nestled within the breathtaking landscape of New York's Adirondack Park, offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. As visitors approach the Center, they are greeted by the Adirondack Mountains towering in the distance, setting the stage for an immersive adventure. Upon entering the 34,000-square-foot exhibit hall, guests are enveloped in a world of wonder and discovery. Interactive exhibits like Planet Adirondack and Climate Solutions invite exploration, allowing visitors to delve into the rich biodiversity of the Adirondack region. The indoor experience also includes an opportunity to soar on Birdly--a one-of-a-kind VR experience. Also, get up close with an animal ambassador during one of many live animal encounters throughout the day. In addition to its indoor exhibits and programs, the Wild Center also boasts 115-acres of extensive outdoor amenities. One of the highlights in the award-winning Wild Walk. Visitors walk up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest, 40 feet off the ground. Along the way, interactive exhibits provide insights into the flora and fauna that call the Adirondacks home, from songbirds to black bears. The rest of the campus features more ways to explore. Check out Patrick Dougherty&rsquo;s Stickwork sculpture, an all natural installation of woven sticks that will spark your imagination and nostalgia. Immerse yourself in Forest Music, take a naturalist-lead canoe trip, or get your roll on with Raquette River Roll, a brand-new, oversized, all-natural ball run experience opening in June 2024.