Things to Do with Kids in Washington Heights This Weekend

September 12–13, 2026 · 16 events · Manhattan

Washington Heights this weekend offers a mix of free indoor and outdoor family activities, from library storytimes to sports clinics and creative workshops. Highlights include a Carnaval mask-making event with a live performance, a drop-in playground program with varied games, and a gentle storytime for the youngest children. With multiple options on both Saturday and Sunday, families can easily find something that fits their schedule and age group.

Top Picks

1Top Pick
Create a Carnaval Mask at Morris-Jumel MansionFREE

Create a Carnaval Mask at Morris-Jumel Mansion

Sat, Sep 12 · 1:00 PM

Morris-Jumel Mansion · Washington Heights

Create your own vibrant Carnaval mask in collaboration with Leadlights Ensemble, then enjoy Leadlights Ensemble’s interactive outdoor performance of the beloved book, Cesaria Feels the Beat, celebrati

All ages

Create a vibrant Carnaval mask with Leadlights Ensemble, then stay for an interactive outdoor performance of the book 'Cesaria Feels the Beat.' This event combines hands-on art-making with live storytelling and is free for all ages.

2Top Pick
Kids In Motion: London Planetree PlaygroundmovementFREE

Kids In Motion: London Planetree Playground

Sat, Sep 12 · 10:00 AM

London Planetree Playground — Play Area · Washington Heights

Join NYC Parks staff in free activities in NYC's playgrounds, including organized sports, games, fitness demos, board games, water games, and more!

Kids in Motion at London Planetree Playground offers a wide range of free activities including organized sports, games, fitness demos, board games, and water games. It's a flexible, drop-in option for families looking for active play in a local park.

3Top Pick
Saturday StorytimeFREE

Saturday Storytime

Sat, 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

Up to age 5

Saturday Storytime at the Fort Washington Library is a free, indoor program designed for children 5 and under with a caregiver. It includes music, movement, and read-alouds, making it a good fit for younger kids not yet ready for sports clinics.

Saturday, September 12 (6)

Summer Sports Experience: Basketball: Skills and DrillsbasketballFREE

Summer Sports Experience: Basketball: Skills and Drills

Sat, 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.

Ages 8–14
Open Play: Popup Playtime!playspaceFREE

Open Play: Popup Playtime!

Sat, 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

Ages 18 mo–5 yrWeekly
Kids in Motion: Anne Loftus PlaygroundmovementFREE

Kids in Motion: Anne Loftus Playground

Sat, Sep 12 · 10:00 AM

Fort Tryon Park — Anne Loftus Playground · Washington Heights

Join NYC Parks staff in free activities in NYC's Playground, including organized sports, games, fitness demos, board games, water games, and more!

Basketball Clinic at Highbridge Recreation Center (Ages: 5 to 7)basketballFREE

Basketball Clinic at Highbridge Recreation Center (Ages: 5 to 7)

Sat, Sep 12 · 12:30 PM

Highbridge Recreation Center — Gymnasium · Washington Heights

NYC Parks instructional Basketball Clinic open to youth ages 5 to 7, to learn and practice the fundaments of Basketball through a series of drills.

Ages 5–7
Basketball Clinic at Highbridge Recreation Center (Ages: 8 to 12)basketballFREE

Basketball Clinic at Highbridge Recreation Center (Ages: 8 to 12)

Sat, Sep 12 · 1:45 PM

Highbridge Recreation Center — Gymnasium · Washington Heights

NYC Parks instructional Basketball Clinic open to youth ages 8 to 12, to learn and practice the fundaments of Basketball through a series of drills.

Ages 8–12
Summer Sports Experience: Flag FootballmovementFREE

Summer Sports Experience: Flag Football

Sat, Sep 12 · 2:00 PM

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.

Ages 8–14

Sunday, September 13 (1)

Family StorytimestorytimeFREE

Family Storytime

Sun, Sep 13 · 2:30 PM

NYPL Washington Heights Library · Washington Heights

Join us at the Washington Heights Library on Sundays 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-ag

Up to age 5
See all 16 events in Washington Heights

Nearby this weekend

Free events in Washington Heights
Everything this weekend →Guides to classes & activities →All events in Washington Heights