Newsletter

Although February is the shortest (and coldest) month of the year, this month is the perfect time to explore all the family-friendly events and happenings our city has to offer. With midwinter recess approaching, now is a great time to plan something fun for your little ones

From Black History Month and Lunar New Year festivities, to free NYC parks programming, and Valentine’s day workshops, there’s no shortage of educational, cultural, and enriching events that the whole family can enjoy.

Read on for activities and events in your area!

Citywide:
Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers
Monday, February 19th – 23rd | Free
The NYC Parks Department offers events for kids year round, but starting February 19th, hosts “Kids Week” with special programming during midwinter break! Among dozens of other fun activities across the five boroughs, kids can learn how to make natural dyes, attend a nature themed puppet show, meet the critters at the salt marsh in Marine Park, and more!

Manhattan:
Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade 2024
Sunday, February 25, 2024 | 1:00PM | Free
Check out the vibrant Lunar New Year parade in Chinatown on Sunday, February 25th, featuring dragon dancing, colorful costumes, martial arts performers, firecrackers, and be sure to enjoy one of the food vendors lining the parade route!

Valentine Making Workshop
Sunday, February 11th | 11:00AM – 1:00PM | Free
Take part in this longtime, annual tradition in Battery Park City where families are invited to create personalized, “old-fashioned” handmade Valentine’s cards for their loved ones. Cut, paste, and decorate with provided materials. Art projects are designed for ages 4 and up.

Brooklyn:
Black Future Festival: We Da People
Sunday, February 18th – 25th | Various times
Explore future-forward fun at Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Inspired by the African Diaspora and Black History Month, enjoy workshops, dance performances, storytelling, and more, curated by guest curators Kendra J. Bostock and STooPS.

13th Annual 90-Second Newbery Film Festival 2024
Saturday, February 10th | 1:00PM | Free (Donations Accepted)
Don’t miss out on the Brooklyn screening for the 13th annual 90-Second Newbery Film Festival, screening short films by young filmmakers at the Brooklyn Central Library. The festival is an annual video contest for filmmakers, ages 18 and under, to create short films that tell the entire stories of Newbery-winning books in about 90 seconds. (The Newbery Medal has been recognized as the most prestigious award in children’s literature!)

Queens:
Take Two Film Workshop: Monster Movie Mayhem
Saturday, February 10th | 10:00AM – 12:00PM | Free
Let your kid’s imagination run wild at this hands-on workshop in Sunnyside, Queens. Kids (ages 5 – 17) will have the opportunity to craft miniature sets using recycled materials, learn about camera angles and frame rates, and film a short movie of epic proportions. Kids get to take home their creations, as well as a link to their video!

Freezin’ Season Winter Break Workshops for Kids
Tuesday February 20th – Thursday February 22nd | 12:00PM to 3:00PM | FREE
Visit King Manor in Jamaica, Queens, for a series of engaging winter break workshops. From plastic recycling weaving to igloo building with packing peanuts, kids will have a blast unleashing their creativity and staying busy during the break.

The Bronx:
Bronx Children’s Museum Celebrates Black History Month
Throughout February | 10:00AM–1:00PM | 2:00PM – 5:00PM
All through February stop by the Bronx Children’s Museum for activities inspired by innovators such as Madame CJ walker, Garrett Morgan, Mae Jemison, Alma Thomas, and Katherine Johnson.

The Orchid Show 2024: Florals in Fashion
Saturday, February 17th – Sunday, April 21st | 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Experience the enchanting beauty of orchids at the Bronx Botanical Garden! Delve into the fascinating world of botanical fashion with thousands of orchids displayed in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

New Jersey:
Lunar New Year with Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company
Saturday, February 10th, and Sunday, February 11th | 2:00PM
Join the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company in Newark for a mesmerizing performance celebrating the Year of the Wood Dragon. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the Lunar New Year with captivating dance routines and cultural festivities.

February Family Saturdays at the Newark Museum of Art
Saturday, February 17th and 24th | 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Enjoy a day of fun activities for the family at The Newark Museum of Art! Build a fun robot, check out their Planetarium shows, and honor the Harlem Renaissance by creating relief prints celebrating artists from that time.

Staten Island:
Join the Lunar New Year Celebration at Snug Harbor
Saturday, February 17th, 2024 | 12:00PM – 3:00PM
Wear red and gold to Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Gardens. to celebrate Chinese New Year! Families with children can participate in storytelling, arts & crafts, performances and try tasty snacks. Lion Dancers will lead the parade and tour of the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden!

Jukebox Jam with Walter Rutledge
Sunday, February 18th | Workshops at 12:00PM, 1:00PM, 2:00PM, and 3:00PM
Celebrate Black History Month at the Staten Island Children’s Museum with a lively workshop led by choreographer Walter Rutledge. Dive into the music and dances of iconic African American artists, honoring their contributions to the world of entertainment.

Westchester:
Afro-Fusion Performance at White Plains Public Library
Saturday, February 17th | 3:30PM – 4:30PM
The White Plains Public Library is celebrating Black History Month with a performance by dancer and teacher Amanda Armenteros. Amanda Armenteros’ focus is in African derived movements fusing traditional and modern day African dance.

Muscoot Farm’s Winter Festival
Saturday, February 10th and Sunday, February 11th | 12:00PM – 3:00PM
Warm up your winter at Muscoot Farm’s Winter Festival. Enjoy a weekend of music, animal “meet and greets,” crafts, and activities for the whole family, including hayrides, farm tours, and treats from local vendors!

Long Island:
Long Island State Parks Black History Month Celebration
Throughout February at Long Island State Parks – Various Locations
The month-long celebration throughout Long Island State Parks highlights some of America’s notable African Americans and their accomplishments through informative posters and pictures. Get outside with your little ones to learn more about these great Americans and their impact on our history and culture.