September 12–13, 2026 · 13 events · Manhattan
The Upper East Side this weekend offers a mix of free literacy programs, holiday observances, and early childhood movement classes, all within a few blocks of one another. Whether you're looking for a quiet reading session with a therapy dog, a family service with live music, or a ballet class for a preschooler, the schedule leans toward morning activities. Note that several options require advance sign-up or membership, so check availability before heading out.
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
This free program at NYPL Yorkville Library lets children ages 5–12 practice reading aloud to a licensed therapy dog in individual 10-minute sessions. It's a no-pressure way to build literacy confidence, and the Upper East Side location makes it easy to drop in on Saturday morning.
From $100Sat, Sep 12 · 9:30 AM
92nd Street Y · Upper East Side
Bring your whole family for a soulful and energetic High Holiday celebration, led by Rebecca Schoffer, Director of Jewish Family Life, with a live band!
At 92nd Street Y, this family service welcomes children from birth through age 18 with a live band and a leader focused on Jewish family life. It's a rare weekend option that accommodates a wide age range in one session, though the $100 price point is worth noting.
balletFrom $180Sat, Sep 12 · 11:30 AM
Tutu School Upper East Side · Upper East Side
Exploring Ballet B/C at Tutu School Upper East Side: a weekly 45-minute ballet class for ages 4 and 5 yrs. Rolling monthly membership ($180/month, registration ongoing) with unlimited make-up classes.
Tutu School's Exploring Ballet B/C is a 45-minute Saturday class for 4- and 5-year-olds, with a rolling monthly membership that includes unlimited make-up classes. It's a structured movement option for preschoolers on the Upper East Side, at $180 per month.
balletFrom $180Sat, Sep 12 · 8:30 AM
Tutu School Upper East Side · Upper East Side
Baby Ballet A/B at Tutu School Upper East Side: a weekly 45-minute ballet class for ages 6 months- 18 months. Rolling monthly membership ($180/month, registration ongoing) with unlimited make-up class
From $100Sat, Sep 12 · 9:30 AM
92nd Street Y · Upper East Side
Join Hazzan Shimon Smith for a vibrant and soul-stirring High Holiday experience designed especially for children ages 6–12 and their grown-ups.
balletFrom $180Sat, Sep 12 · 9:30 AM
Tutu School Upper East Side · Upper East Side
Tutu Toddlers A/B at Tutu School Upper East Side: a weekly 45-minute ballet class for ages 1.5 – 3 yrs. Rolling monthly membership ($180/month, registration ongoing) with unlimited make-up classes. Ta
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
balletFrom $180Sat, Sep 12 · 10:30 AM
Tutu School Upper East Side · Upper East Side
Exploring Ballet A/B at Tutu School Upper East Side: a weekly 45-minute ballet class for ages 3 and 4 yrs. Rolling monthly membership ($180/month, registration ongoing) with unlimited make-up classes.
balletFrom $180Sat, Sep 12 · 12:30 PM
Tutu School Upper East Side · Upper East Side
Primary Ballet Prep A/B at Tutu School Upper East Side: a weekly 45-minute ballet class for ages 5 -8 yrs. Rolling monthly membership ($180/month, registration ongoing) with unlimited make-up classes.
balletFrom $180Sun, Sep 13 · 9:30 AM
Tutu School Upper East Side · Upper East Side
Tutu Toddlers A/B at Tutu School Upper East Side: a weekly 45-minute ballet class for ages 1.5 – 3 yrs. Rolling monthly membership ($180/month, registration ongoing) with unlimited make-up classes. Ta