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Harvest Glow, Ragamuffin Parade, and More Things To Do this Weekend in NYC with Kids

Harvest Glow is one of two big seasonal events opening at the Bronx Zoo this weekend. Photo by Terria Clay/courtesy of the Bronx Zoo
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9/24/25 - By Drew Kristofik

Looking for the best things to do in New York City this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

The last weekend in September is lit, thanks to the opening of The Nightmare Before Christmas light trail at the New York Botanical Garden, Harvest Glow at the Bronx Zoo, and the Illumination light festival in Wagner Park.

Plus: A production of Mo Willems' Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! is squawking at the Tribeca PAC, the Poseidon Parade floats through the Rockaways, and the Queens Agricultural Fair beckons with old-fashioned fun, including hay rides.

More Things To Do in New York City this Week with Kids

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Best Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids

Broadway Magic Hour at the Broadway Comedy Club

Midtown West
Select dates through Sunday, October 26
The Broadway Magic Hour features master magicians Jim Vines and Carl Mercurio in a performance that includes mind-boggling mysteries and hilarious comedy for all ages. Witness magic, mind-reading, comedy, and grand illusions! READ MORE

The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at the New York Botanical Garden

Bronx Park, the Bronx
Opens Thursday, September 25
Join Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero on a walk of wonders, as your favorite characters, scenes, and songs from the immortal film The Nightmare Before Christmas come to life in New York's most treasured garden. READ MORE

Harvest Glow at the Bronx Zoo

Bronx Park, the Bronx
Opens Thursday, September 25
The Bronx Zoo's nighttime, family-friendly, Halloween spectacular invites families to follow an animal-themed, illuminated, jack-o'-lantern trail, explore Dinosaur Safari at night, and enjoy live pumpkin carving, Wildlife Theater, games, and more.    READ MORE

Illumination NYC: Light Art Festival at Wagner Park

Battery Park City
Thursday, September 25-Saturday, September 27
Illumination NYC shines with immersive installations, projection mapping, performances, food, drinks, and community celebration—all free and open to the public. This year, the festival takes place at the grand reopening of Wagner Park.   READ MORE

Clothing and Halloween Costume Swap at Artful Souls and Wellness

Williamsburg, Brooklyn – FREE
Friday, September 26
Swap gently used clothing and costumes at Arful Souls. This event provides a perfect way to refresh your wardrobe, get ready for spooky season, and connect with the community.   READ MORE

Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus at Tribeca PAC

Tribeca
Saturday, September 27
It’s not easy being the Pigeon. But, when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! gets everyone’s wings flapping. READ MORE

Park Fair in Forest Park

Forest Park, Queens
Saturday, September 27
The Richmond Hill Block Association hosts its 50th annual Park Fair in Forest Park. Enjoy a day full of rides, food, and more. READ MORE

Poseidon Parade

Rockaways, Queens – FREE
Saturday, September 27
Family-friendly and art-centered, this annual march celebrates self-expression, community, and the beauty of the Rockaway shore. READ MORE

Ragamuffin Parade in Bay Ridge

Bay Ridge, Brooklyn – FREE
Saturday, September 27
Halloween costumes get an early airing at the 59th annual Ragamuffin Parade, which promenades through the streets of Bay Ridge. READ MORE

La Escuelita Touch-a-Truck and Block Party

Upper West Side – FREE
Saturday, September 27
La Escuelita hosts a touch-a-truck celebration, where city vehicles are available for children to explore. Parents can check out a community children's clothing swap as well. READ MORE

Bronx Zoo's Boo at the Zoo

Bronx Park, the Bronx
Opens Saturday, September 27
Trek the candy trail, explore an extinct animal graveyard, and take in pumpkin carving demos as the Bronx Zoo's annual Halloween tradition returns, bringing with it tons of family-friendly activities. New this year: a trick-or-truth maze, face painting, a creepy mystery wall, and a Halloween mashup. Costumes are welcome. READ MORE

Queens Agricultural Fair at the Queens County Farm Museum

Floral Park, Queens
Saturday, September 27-Sunday, September 28
Get a little bit country at the Queens Agricultural Fair! Enjoy pie-eating and corn-husking contests, hayrides, carnival rides, and midway games. Visit the main stage and family entertainment tents featuring live music and theatrical performances, check out local craft and food vendors, and more.  READ MORE

Bronx Native American Festival in Pelham Bay Park

Pelham, the Bronx – FREE
Sunday, September 28
Pelham Bay Park hosts four hours of performances, exhibits, arts and crafts, delicious food, and storytelling to honor the area's Native American heritage.  READ MORE

Harlem Girls in Sports Day in Riverbank State Park

Harlem – FREE
Sunday, September 28
Harlem Girls in Sports Day (HGSD) is a free community event that provides participants with the unique opportunity to explore non-traditional sports, including basketball, flag football, tennis, soccer, and gymnastics, through a hands-on experience. READ MORE

RIPA's Harvest Festival

Randall's Island – FREE
Sunday, September 28
The Randall’s Island Park Alliance hosts a free, family-friendly celebration of fall. Decorate and bring home your very own pumpkin from RI's immersive patch, participate in a cooking demonstration with seasonal vegetables, enjoy live performances, have your face painted, and learn about nature. READ MORE

Party on Park

East Harlem – FREE
Sunday, September 28
Come bike, walk, and scoot at Party On Park 2025. Spaces are open under and along the Park Avenue Viaduct in East Harlem for family-friendly fun for all ages. READ MORE

Making Moves: Community Art Party on the High Line

High Line – FREE
Sunday, September 28
Kick off autumn with a creative energy boost and dance on The High Line to a live DJ set by Saint James Joy, groove alongside collaborative art activities led by High Line teaching artists, get expansive by joining a movement workshop led by New Victory Theater, check out hands-on activities with community partner Infirnity, or simply vibe to the music and experience the changing seasons on The High Line. READ MORE

Create-athon: Draw Your Escape at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side – FREE
Sunday, September 28
Lincoln Center’s first create-athon of the 2025-26 season is a dive into the world of superheroes and super villains! Learn from professional comic book illustrators and writers how to make your own comic book panel. And, since The Metropolitan Opera is a partner, you’ll get to bring your project to life with added sound effects—just in time for The Met premiere of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay. READ MORE

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About the Author

Drew Kristofik
Drew Kristofik’s career took a twist from editing teen magazines to a seven-year stint at MacNeil/Lehrer, followed by a long run at Nickelodeon/Viacom as Director of Content for Nick Online and Editor-in-Chief of ParentsConnect.com. A founding member of the Webby Award-winning GoCityKids, she’s written for Family Fun, Vanity Fair, and New York. Her middle school novel, The Time Boat, is available on Amazon Kindle. Drew keeps the MommyPoppins New York Events calendar spot-on and can be reached at events@mommypoppins.com.
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