September 12–13, 2026 · 204 events
This weekend in Manhattan offers a mix of free library programs, outdoor sports, and a special lantern procession. Whether your child wants to read to a therapy dog, build with LEGOs, or play basketball, there are options across neighborhoods like Morningside Heights, Washington Heights, and the Upper East Side. All picks are free, and most are drop-in unless noted.
FREESat, Sep 12 · All day
Miller Theater at Columbia University · Morningside Heights
Morningside Lights returns for its 15th year, illuminating the night in a procession of awe-inspiring handmade lanterns floating through Morningside Park to Columbia's campus.
This 15th annual procession features handmade lanterns floating through Morningside Park to Columbia's campus. It's a free, unique evening event that stands out from the typical daytime library programs.
FREESat, Sep 12 · 11:00 AM
NYPL Yorkville Library · Upper East Side
Dogs can’t read but they can be great listeners! Enjoy individual no-pressure reading time with a licensed therapy dog. Children can sign up to read approximately 10 minutes each during the R.E.A.D. s
Children ages 5-12 can practice reading aloud to a licensed therapy dog in a no-pressure setting. This individual reading time helps build confidence and is offered free at the Yorkville Library.
FREESat, Sep 12 · 10:00 AM
Little Tree Bilingual Montessori of NYC · Manhattan Valley
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with Little Tree Bilingual Montessori of NYC at a special FREE Open House. Explore Little Tree’s beautiful Upper West Side campus while enjoying a morning of festive,
This free open house celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival with festive activities at a bilingual Montessori school on the Upper West Side. It's designed for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2-5) and their families.
basketballFREESat, Sep 12 · 10:00 AM
J. Hood Wright Park — Basketball Courts · Washington Heights
The Summer Sports Experience program engages children in active outdoor play. An NYC Parks staff member leads four to seven hours of free activities in NYC’s playgrounds.
NYC Parks staff lead free basketball skills and drills for children ages 8-14 at J. Hood Wright Park. It's an active outdoor option in Washington Heights for kids who want to play sports.
museumFREESat, 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
Teaching artists from The Studio Museum in Harlem lead a monthly early childhood class with reading, singing, movement, and art-making. This free event at Harlem Library is tailored for ages 2-5.
FREESat, Sep 12 · 11:00 AM
NYPL Ottendorfer Library · East Village
Stories, songs, and movement for the whole family! All storytimes will be capped at 20 families per program. This is on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets will be handed out at the First Floor
This all-ages storytime at Ottendorfer Library includes stories, songs, and movement for the whole family. Tickets are handed out first-come, first-served, so arrive early to secure a spot.
sensoryFREESat, Sep 12 · 11:00 AM
NYPL 53rd Street Library · Midtown East
This event will take place in-person at the 53rd St. Library. Join us for a library playdate and meet other caregivers as we explore developmentally appropriate play materials in a safe, warm, and joy
This sensory-friendly open play session at the 53rd Street Library is designed for babies and toddlers (ages 0-3). Caregivers can meet others while children explore developmentally appropriate play materials.
FREESat, Sep 12 · 9:00 AM
NYPL Epiphany Library · Gramercy Park
SATURDAY STEAM: LEGO Open Play Join us every Saturday in September for LEGO open play in the 2nd floor children's room! Bricks suitable for children of all ages will be provided. ALL AGES No tickets r
LEGO open play at Epiphany Library provides bricks suitable for children of all ages. It's a free, drop-in event in the children's room every Saturday in September.
FREESat, Sep 12 · 10:00 AM
Thomas Jefferson Park · East Harlem
This free weekly program is available to youth ages 8-16 and enables participants to learn the fundamentals of the sport and stay active.
This free weekly track and field program for youth ages 8-16 teaches fundamentals and keeps kids active. It takes place at Thomas Jefferson Park in East Harlem.
musicFREESat, Sep 12 · 11:00 AM
NYPL Riverside Library · Lincoln Square
Stop by the library to relax and unwind while building jigsaw puzzles together with some calming lo-fi music in the background.
Riverside Library hosts a calm puzzle time with jigsaw puzzles and lo-fi music for ages 3-5. It's a quiet, free activity in Lincoln Square for children who enjoy focused play.
movementFREESat, Sep 12 · 10:00 AM
NYPL Bloomingdale Library · Manhattan Valley
Join us in the children's room for puzzles and different toys each week appropriate for preschool- through elementary-age. We might have board puzzles, floor puzzles, logic puzzles, or even a challeng
FREESat, Sep 12 · 10:00 AM
NYPL Roosevelt Island Library · Roosevelt Island
Join us for a fun and interactive scavenger hunt! There will be prizes for all who participate.
playspaceFREESat, Sep 12 · 10:00 AM
NYPL Washington Heights Library · Washington Heights
Join us for at Washington Heights for a library playdate and meet other caregivers as we explore developmentally appropriate play materials in a safe, warm, and joyful environment. Extend your child’s
storytimeFREESat, Sep 12 · 10:00 AM
NYPL 58th Street Library · Midtown East
This event will take place in person at 58th Street Library. Join us for songs, rhymes, and favorite read-aloud books in this storytime that’s fun for young children 5 and under. There will be books,
storytimeFREESat, Sep 12 · 10:30 AM
NYPL Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) · Murray Hill
Join us for songs, rhymes, and favorite read-aloud books in this storytime that’s fun for young children 5 and under. Ideal for caregivers with multiple-aged children. Registration is not required. Fi
storytimeFREESat, Sep 12 · 10:30 AM
NYPL Webster Library · Upper East Side
Dogs can’t read but they can be great listeners! Enjoy individual no-pressure reading time with a licensed therapy dog. Children can sign up to read approximately 15 minutes each during the R.E.A.D. s
FREESat, Sep 12 · 11:00 AM
NYPL Fort Washington Library · Washington Heights
Stop by the Fort Washington Children’s Floor for a special weekend storytime. Join us for music, movement, and read-alouds. Intended for children 5 and under with caregiver. Pasen por la biblioteca de
artFREESat, Sep 12 · 11:00 AM
NYPL 67th Street Library · Lenox Hill
Bring your little artist to the library as we explore open-ended ways to promote early learning through art and share fun ideas for creating with little ones at home. Young artisits will explore color
storytimeFREESat, Sep 12 · 11:00 AM
NYPL 96th Street Library · Carnegie Hill
Join us on Saturday mornings with your little ones for storytime, crafts, or other fun events. We will share books and have fun with the whole family. Ages: 0-5.
FREESat, Sep 12 · 11:15 AM
NYPL Seward Park Library · Cooperative Village
Join librarians from Seward Park Library for books, songs, and rhymes every Saturday. Best for children up to age 5 and their caregivers. Storytime will take place on the Second Floor (Children's Floo