12 Jan Things to Do With Kids in NYC This Weekend

If you are looking for things to do with kids in NYC this weekend, then we’ve got the perfect round-up of activities and events taking place. Explore the best of what the city has to offer and create family-friendly memories that will last a lifetime.

January 17

Watson Adventures’ Grand Central Scramble Scavenger Hunt For Families
Grand Central Terminal, 89 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017
$17.50-$21.50

Join Watson Adventures on a unique scavenger hunt for adults and kids 7 and up! Kids and adults work together to uncover the secrets of this amazing train station. To win, you’ll have to go nuts in the Whispering Gallery, learn a secret about the stars in the “sky”, find TV celebs in the food court, stand on fish under an upside-down tree in the Grand Central Market, and learn the arrival time of a “ghost” train

January 17 & 18

Luminosa: A Festival of Lights
Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St, Flushing, NY 11355
Admission applies

Step into a world of enchantment as Luminosa comes to New York for the first time! Taking place at the breathtaking Queens Botanical Garden, this festival of lights, presented by the acclaimed Luminosa, is set to be larger and more awe-inspiring than ever.

Wednesday, January 15, 5:00 pm to Sunday, January 19, 9:00 pm

January 18

Family Concert: Falu at Jewish Museum
Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave at 92nd St, New York, NY 10128
Admission applies, Jewish Museum Family Member and children 18 and under are free
Ages 3 to 7

Dance with Falu, whose Grammy award–winning music takes families on a journey through South Asia and the day-to-day wonder of being a child. In honor of the artist Anish Kapoor’s artwork on view, listen to songs from Falu’s albums “A Colorful World” and “Falu’s Bazaar” exploring India’s instruments, animals, spices, and sights to celebrate the vibrant world we share through song.

January 18

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213
$15 per person / free for BCM members

Turn dreams into action with two days of service, storytelling, and song! March with Grammy-nominated musician Fyütch, create shadow puppets, join community service projects, and hear Dr. King’s words come to life.

January 18

Sea Shanty Sessions
The Noble Maritime Collection, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building D, Staten Island, NY 10301
Pay-what-you-wish museum admission

Led by the Folk Music Society of New York, this program offers a great opportunity to experience authentic, time-honored maritime songs in an appropriately historic setting. The sessions are free and family friendly, and you are encouraged to sing along if the mood strikes you!  If you can’t make it this weekend, we hold a session on the third Sunday of every month.

For more things to do with kids in NYC this weekend and beyond, please check out other events by visiting our calendar >>

Please always check ahead with the venue/organizer for each event to make sure there are no cancelations.

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(Updated January 12, 2026)