Things to Do with Kids in Harlem This Weekend

September 12–13, 2026 · 14 events · Manhattan

Harlem this weekend offers free family programming across libraries, parks, and recreation centers, from early-childhood art and story experiences to urban farming and dance. The range means you can pair a morning library class with an afternoon farm demo or a folkloric dance intensive, all within the neighborhood. Most picks are free and drop-in friendly, with a few paid dance options if you want a structured Saturday morning class.

Top Picks

1Top Pick
Lil Studio! at Harlem Library with The Studio Museum in HarlemmuseumFREE

Lil Studio! at Harlem Library with The Studio Museum in Harlem

Sat, Sep 12 · 11:00 AM

NYPL Harlem Library · Harlem

11am - Lil’ Studio (Ages 2-5) From the teaching artists at The Studio Museum Harlem, a monthly early childhood class that engages children and their adult(s) in reading, singing, movement, and art-mak

Ages 3–5

This free class from Studio Museum teaching artists combines reading, singing, movement, and art-making for ages 2–5 and their grown-ups. It's a practical, low-commitment way to introduce early learners to museum-style creative programming at the Harlem Library.

2Top Pick
Food Demos on the Urban FarmoutdoorFREE

Food Demos on the Urban Farm

Sat, Sep 12 · 12:00 PM

Randall's Island Park — Urban Farm · Harlem

The Urban Farm hosts free food demonstrations to teach the community-at-large how to cook with the seasonal produce they can see growing on the farm.

At Randall's Island Park Urban Farm, free food demonstrations show families how to cook with seasonal produce growing on-site. It's a hands-on way to connect food, gardening, and cooking without a registration fee.

3Top Pick
FREE Haitian Folkloric Dance Summer Performance IntensiveshowFREE

FREE Haitian Folkloric Dance Summer Performance Intensive

Sat, Sep 12 · 1:00 PM

Pelham Fritz Recreation Center — Multi-Use Room B · Harlem

Dance. This free Haitian Folkloric Dance Summer Performance Intensive takes place in Multi-Use Room B, presented by NYC Parks.

This free NYC Parks intensive at Pelham Fritz Recreation Center introduces Haitian folkloric dance in a multigenerational recreation setting. It adds a movement-and-culture option to the weekend beyond typical library or movie programming.

Saturday, September 12 (7)

Baby Ballet BeginnerFrom $20

Baby Ballet Beginner

Sat, Sep 12 · 9:00 AM

New York City · Harlem

Does your little one love to twirl and leap? Then this is the class for them! Students learn the foundations of Ballet technique through a fun and engaging curriculum designed just for them, utilizing

Ages 3–4
Baby TapFrom $20

Baby Tap

Sat, Sep 12 · 9:50 AM

New York City · Harlem

Does your little one love to move their feet and make fun rhythms? If so, this is the class for them! This class uses imaginative play alongside fun tunes to introduce tap dance technique through a cu

Ages 3–5
Tap 1 BeginnerFrom $20

Tap 1 Beginner

Sat, Sep 12 · 10:40 AM

New York City · Harlem

Tap 1 Beginner introduces students to the history of tap and important terminology, as well as rhythms and basic technique. Dancers learn foundational knowledge and key skills of Tap to work towards m

Ages 6–7
Library Scavenger HuntFREE

Library Scavenger Hunt

Sat, Sep 12 · 11:00 AM

NYPL Countee Cullen Library · Harlem

This event will take place in person at the Countee Cullen Library. Join us for an exciting scavenger hunt! Children and their caregivers will use a special key card to search the library for hidden i

Up to age 5
"Get Involved" Celebration and African American Day ParadeFREE

"Get Involved" Celebration and African American Day Parade

Sat, Sep 12 · 12:00 PM

Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building Plaza · Harlem

The African American Day Parade weekend starts with the 4th Annual "Get Involved" Community Literacy, Health, and Culture Celebration, a free community event that features a health panel, health fair,

All ages
Kids Get Cookin’ + Cook Your Culture: A Cooking Workshop for ChildrencookingFREE

Kids Get Cookin’ + Cook Your Culture: A Cooking Workshop for Children

Sat, Sep 12 · 12:00 PM

6th Street and Avenue B Community Garden · Harlem

Calling all junior chefs! Celebrate Mexico's Día de la Independencia by creating a healthy dish from a local family-inspired seasonal recipe with veggies & herbs from the garden & greenmarket’s farmer

Family Movie MatineeFREE

Family Movie Matinee

Sat, Sep 12 · 1:00 PM

NYPL Harlem Library · Harlem

Come for a great family movie at 1pm every Saturday & Sunday! On the 2nd floor All ages FREE

Up to age 5
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