This year, the midwinter recess for NYC public schools runs from February 17-21. If you’re looking for some free and low-cost fun with the kids, there is plenty to do right here in our backyard.
Enjoy Kids Week events around the city
Many places know that families will be out and about during the break, so they’ve made it even easier by hosting a full schedule of events.
The parks department hosts a week full of activities at parks across the five boroughs. Check out a nature puppet show at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, enjoy campfire storytime in Queens, or nature origami in Staten Island. See more events.
Bryant Park’s Kids Week offers daily themed activities for smaller children each morning from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Kids can meet experts from the New York Transit Museum and NYPD’s K9 unit, explore a scale model of the solar system, free ice skating lessons, and more. Learn more.
The Intrepid Museum even gets in on the fun, with children of all ages exploring STEAM—science, technology, engineering, arts, and math—through a variety of interactive activities. The event features NASA exhibits, live animal shows, hands-on workshops, special guest performances, and educational demonstrations designed to engage young learners and spark curiosity. Learn more.
Families can also head over to the South Street Seaport Museum for Pay What You Wish admission. Tour the 1885 tall ship Wavertree to learn about 19th-century maritime life, participate in crafting Sailors’ Valentines at 207 Water Street, and explore exhibitions at 12 Fulton Street, including a winter-themed fishing activity ideal for children aged 2–10. Guided tours of the 1908 Lightship Ambrose are also available. Learn more.
Black History Month and Lunar New Year
The week off is also a great opportunity to catch some of the Black History Month and Lunar New Year events happening around the city.
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is hosting the Black Future Festival from Sunday, February 16, to Saturday, February 22. This week-long event celebrates Black History Month and the African Diaspora through dance performances, storytelling, and workshops. Families can enjoy the featured performance “BK Dreamers” by KJB Works, art and storytelling sessions, interactive games exploring Black history, and various creative workshops. Learn more.
Kick off the break on Sunday the 16 with the 27th annual Lunar New Year Parade to celebrate the Year of the Snake. The parade will feature traditional dragon dances, vibrant costumes, and cultural performances. The procession is set to begin at 1:00 PM, traveling through Mott Street and Canal Street, and concluding on Grand Street. Learn more.
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