Halloween is just a memory now but that doesn’t mean your weekend has to be boring: There’s plenty going on around town, and most of it is absolutely free!
Complimentary events span many genres this weekend, including two book readings tonight (one from Mo Willems and another from the pair behind the Fancy Nancy series), a concert from Chocolate Chip Chamber Music on Saturday and ice skating in Bryant Park. Get your fill of fall fun before the frost sets in at the Crotona Park Harvest Festival on Sunday, where kids can enjoy pumpkin picking and decorating, canoeing and hayrides. Want more options? Check out the best free weekend events.
If you’re looking for other ideas for Saturday (and don’t mind spending a few bucks), the Queens County Farm Museum is hosting a nature-themed festival where kids can see birds of prey, frogs and other critters. If you want to get your groove on, tote your kids to Baby Loves Disco or sway in your seats while watching the talented tots in Mad Hot Ballroom, which screens at Tribeca Cinemas Kids Club. See all Saturday picks here.
Best bets for Sunday include the Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats on Staten Island and a concert by kiddie musician (and former Fleshtones bassist) Uncle Rock at Bowery Poetry Club. See all Sunday picks here.
Whatever you do this weekend, have fun!
You may have already heard that the Pond at Bryant Park began welcoming ice-skaters today. But there’s more seasonal cheer to be had at the family-friendly greenspace: the holiday shops have opened as well. Peruse Popsicle-shaped bath soaps at Just Bubbly, games galore at The Games Place, bear-paw mittens at Bear Hands and Buddies and more. The kiosks will be open Mon-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 10am-9pm and Sun 10am-6pm through January 3.
Okay, so we were wrong about Elmo, but Google is still highlighting Sesame Street’s 40th anniversary, this time with dynamic duo Bert and Ernie. What’s even cooler is that Google has vamped up their “Google Doodle” with different characters in countries worldwide. Check them all out on this website dedicated entirely to the Doodle, which showcases every one of Google’s past logos in the US and abroad.
We can’t get over how adorable the goods are at new Red Hook emporium Foxy & Winston. Owner Jane Buck, who named the store after her parents, hand-screenprints her whimsical designs—everything from a rooster to a lady bug—on baby hats, onesies, bibs, tote bags, stationery and more. On Saturday, November 7 from 7 to 9pm, Buck is hosting an opening day party at the store. Stop by for treats from Baked and, if you’re one of the first 50 people to spend $20 or more, you’ll snag a free organic tote bag.
Foxy & Winston, 392 Van Brunt St between Dikeman and Coffey Sts, Red Hook, Brooklyn (foxyandwinston.com). Subway: F, G to Smith–9th St.
Since they’re being raised in New York City, your kids are probably die-hard Yankees fans (unless they live for the Mets). If your brood wants to continue celebrating the Bronx Bombers’ victory, head to the Yankees Parade today, which begins at Battery Place and runs up Broadway to Chambers Street. If your little baseball enthusiasts are stuck in school, we suggest sneaking away from work and attending solo: It’s going to be quite a party. Congrats to Matsui, Rodriguez and the rest of the crew. You make us proud to be New Yorkers!
If you’ve got fistfuls of Halloween candy lying around, the thoughtful folks at Tribeca kiddie store Babylicious will be happy to take the tempting morsels off your kids’ sticky hands. Inspired by the deal co-owner Carol Adams makes with her own kids—keep ten pieces of trick-or-treat candy and trade in the rest for a new toy—the shop will give you a ten percent discount off your next purchase in exchange for your unopened Halloween loot. All the tasty donations will go to the Harlem Food Bank, which will distribute the goodies at Thanksgiving. The offer’s good through November 15 (as if the candy will last that long in your apartment!); we suggest making the most of your visit by stopping in on Tues, Nov 12 for storytime.
Just like last week, there’s another random holiday breaking up the normal public school routine. It’s a Wednesday, which means Broadway matinees are an option if you feel like spending some bucks. (You may be able to snag discounted seats. Check out our guide to scoring cheap theater tickets.) Let’s hope for the same kind of fabulous weather we had on Election Day, so we can spend the day outside. But if your brood (or you) get tired of the playground, here are a few free activity options.
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