Nervous about a week off from school and not enough ways to spend it?
That’s why KidPass exists! From drop-off camps that will free you up for a few hours, to museums and exhibits that are fun for the whole fam, we’ve rounded up 11 of our favorite ways to spend Thanksgiving break in NYC.
Weekend Drop-Off Mini Camp at The Craft Studio
Where: Tribeca
When: November 16, 17, 23, 24, 8:45 – 10:15 AM
Best for: age 4 – 9 years
Often called a mini party, at this camp kids will enjoy crafts and games with the coolest supplies, pizza for lunch, and more! Bonus: this is a drop-off activities, which allows you some time for those pre-Thanksgiving errands.
Open Painting at Bee You Art Studio
Where: Bayside
When: November 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, December 1, at 10:00, 11:00, and 12:00 PM
Best for: age 5 – 10 years
Kids can come in and choose a canvas of their choice, and paint guided by step-by-step instructions. After an hour they’ll leave with a beautiful painting of their own creation.
Thanksgiving Recess Robots & Science Camp at Pine Street School
Where: Financial District
When: November 27, 9:30 – 3:00 PM
Best for: age 3 – 7 years
Calling all tiny innovators! At this camp held on Thanksgiving Eve, young innovators will use their strengths, as well as develop new skills, to program a robot and build circuits and structures. Instructors encourage children to ask ‘why’ and will never answer ‘just because’.
Holiday Camp at FunFit Kids
Where: Upper West Side
When: November 27, 9:00 – 3:00 PM
Best for: age 4 – 8 years
Or check out this day-long camp, where kids are in store for an action-packed day! Art projects, snacks, music, sports, yoga, and open play are all on the menu. Bonus: this is another drop-off camp, freeing you up for everything pre-Thanksgiving.
Take a Class at CAMP NYC
Where: Chelsea
When: Various dates and times
Best for: 12 years and under
CAMP is a family experience store with rotating themed experiences. The Campitheatre has tons of kids’ activities, from crafts to music, performances, and special events. Over break, choose from classes like Little Maestros, DIY Lightsaber, Melted Snowman Slime, We’re In A Book!, Movement and Yoga, and more. Or drop your kids off for a Date Night Pajama Party!
Adobe Stock/andov
Visit The Children’s Museum of the Arts
Where: West Village
When: Various dates and times
Best for: 15 years and under
Come explore the rotating exhibitions of contemporary art as well as make art alongside teaching artists in interactive studios. And for children under 5, come to the StArt drop-in classes, a special class environment filled with exploratory art-making, music time, and story time!
Visit The Color Factory
Where: Tribeca
When: Various dates and times
Best for: all ages
Head to Tribeca for a multi-sensory exhibit inspired by (you guessed it) color. Kids will love making their way through the 16 interactive installations, like custom-colored ice cream, a light-up dance floor, and a giant ball pit. You’ll also get colorful treats like macarons along the way!
See The National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey
Where: Times Square
When: Various dates and times
Best for: age 3 and up
We know Times Square isn’t your fave, but this one is worth it. Go on an interactive underwater journey where kids will encounter a life-sized Humpback whale, witness a battle between ferocious Humboldt squid, and watch a magnificent bait ball feeding frenzy.
Visit The Intrepid Air, Sea, and Space Museum
Where: Midtown West
When: Various dates and times
Best for: age 5 and up
This museum has the legendary aircraft carrier Intrepid, the space shuttle Enterprise, the world’s fastest jets, and a guided missile submarine! Fun and educational for kids AND adults.
Head To The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Where: Upper East Side
When: Various dates and times
Best for: all ages
Did you know that one of the greatest museums in New York City is on KidPass? Head to the Met to see 5,000 years of art from every corner of the world. Book your tickets through KidPass to get them at a discount for adults and children 12+ (children under 12 are free!)
Visit The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
Where: Financial District
When: Various dates and times
Best for: all ages
What better time to come view one of the world’s most expansive collections of Native artifacts, including objects, photographs, archives, and media covering the entire Western Hemisphere? The museum is also dedicated to acting as a resource for the hemisphere’s Native communities and to serving the greater public as an honest and thoughtful conduit to Native cultures—present and past—in all their richness, depth, and diversity.
Check Out Mommy Nearest’s 10 Best Things To Do in November
Where: Various
Best for: various
Mommy Nearest has rounded up their 10 best things to do in the NYC area this month. Why not put one (or all) of them on your Thanksgiving Break to-do list?
Looking for more ways to play in the city? Here are 7 ways to get in the Thanksgiving spirit in the NYC area. And if you want to discover and book even more fun, check out all upcoming activities across the NY Metro area.
Header Image: Adobe Stock/travnikovstudio