The Upper West Side offers families a range of weekend activities that span indoor play, guided nature experiences, and outdoor learning. This curated selection prioritizes gentle, low-pressure options—from unstructured play spaces to forest-based activities—that work well for babies and young children who benefit from calm environments and caregiver involvement.
Top Picks
1Top Pick
From $30
Weekend Open Play
Sat, May 16 · 10:00 AM
FunFit HQ · Upper West Side
Open play for children to climb, bounce, twirl and socialize in an unstructured environment. Let your little one play freely in our kids space that features climbing, gymnastic mats, sports equipment
Ages 0–7Drop-in
Open Play at FunFit HQ offers unstructured movement for babies and toddlers (0-84 months) with climbing, mats, and sports equipment in a controlled indoor environment. This is ideal for infants and young walkers who benefit from safe, sensory exploration without scheduled instruction.
2Top Pick
outdoorFREE
Summer on the Hudson: Forest Bathing
Sat, May 16 · 10:00 AM
River Run Playground · Upper West Side
Join us and reconnect with nature on a guided walk led by certified Forest Therapy Guide Lori Klamner.
Forest Bathing at River Run Playground provides a gentle, guided nature walk led by a certified Forest Therapy Guide—a low-stimulation outdoor option for families seeking calm connection to natural surroundings. The free, Saturday morning slot fits easily into weekend routines.
3Top Pick
From $360
Spring Saturdays in the North Woods
Sat, May 16 · 10:30 AM
Central Park at W. 108th St. and Central Park West (Classes meet by the benches inside the park). Link to address: https://goo.gl/maps/oKdVh6ZRtx6oyRa56 · Upper West Side
Outdoor class based on the Danish approach to Forest School. We connect and learn in nature. The day is led by the children, although each class session employs a theme and optional activity for explo
Ages 0–9Course
Spring Saturdays in the North Woods uses a Forest School approach where outdoor learning is led by children's interests, making it flexible for babies and toddlers who thrive in nature-based, child-paced environments. Central Park location on the Upper West Side provides accessible green space.
More Events
martial_artsFREE
Summer on the Hudson: Tai Chi
Sun, May 17 · 8:00 AM
Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument · Upper West Side
Learn and practice Tai Chi, a slow moving martial art with health benefits for all fitness levels.
FREE
Summer on the Hudson: Sun Gaze Sundays
Sun, May 17 · 1:00 PM
Pier I · Upper West Side
Join the Amateur Astronomers Association to safely observe the central star of our solar system.
artFREE
Summer on the Hudson: Over, Under, Through
Sun, May 17 · 11:00 AM
Parkour Park · Upper West Side
Build your strength, agility, coordination, and mobility with fun drills, partner exercises, and games.
musicFREE
STRONG Nation®
Sat, May 16 · 10:30 AM
Rock Climbing Wall Room · Upper West Side
STRONG Nation® combines body weight, muscle conditioning, cardio and plyometric training moves synced to original music that has been specifically designed to match every single move.
outdoorFREE
Locomotive Open House in Riverside Park
Sat, May 16 · 10:00 AM
Riverside Park South · Upper West Side
Visit the renovated locomotive in Riverside Park South and learn about the rail history of Manhattan’s West Side.
outdoorFREE
Summer on the Hudson: Locomotive Open House
Sat, May 16 · 10:00 AM
Locomotive Lawn · Upper West Side
Visit the renovated locomotive in Riverside Park South and learn about the rail history of Manhattan’s West Side.
From $55
Spark Saturdays - Parent & Child Yoga
Sat, May 16 · 11:00 AM
Spark Studio · Upper West Side
Parent & Child Yoga at Spark Studio brings caregivers and kids together for movement and breathing exercises designed for ages 0 months to 18 years. Drop-in classes are $55 per session at this studio-