11 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Manhattan this November

By Charles Beacham November 1, 2013

Our list of fun and low-cost things to do with kids in Manhattan this November includes the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and balloon inflation, a new space show at the American Museum of Natural History, Thanksgivukkah events throughout NYC, and more.

'Dark Universe'

Hayden Planetarium Space Theater at the American Museum of Natural History, Upper West Side
Opens Nov. 2

Explore the final frontier—and beyond—in Dark Universe, an all-new, long-running space show on view at the American Museum of Natural History. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson will guide you on this exciting educational adventure that explores the complexities of the cosmos by taking viewers further and deeper into space than ever before. Through the film’s stunning visualizations—all based on real scientific data—viewers are launched into deep space, to the edges of the known cosmos, where they’ll learn all about dark matter and dark energy and the role these two mysterious cosmic forces play in the universe.

'Radio City Christmas Spectacular'

Radio City Music Hall, Midtown
Nov. 8 – Dec. 30

Celebrate the season with the Rockettes as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular dances back into town. Now in its 81st year, this show has Yuletide spirit to spare. Veterans of this heart-warming, must-see production can relive cherished holiday memories while newcomers make new ones. Prepare to be wowed as New York City’s favorite dance troupe takes audiences on an awe-inspiring journey with an all-new number, “Snow,” that will transform the Great Stage into a glistening winter wonderland. And for the purists, the show is still full of dazzling dance performances of classic numbers such as “Living Nativity” and “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.”

Happy Thanksgivukkah!

What’s better than one fall holiday full of family fun? Two, of course! This year, Thanksgiving and the first day of Hanukkah fall on the same day. This hybrid holiday convergence won’t happen again for more than 70,000 years, so here are a few ways to make the most of it:

At the Festival of LED Lights at SONY Wonder Technology Lab on the Upper East Side, kids ages 8 and older can make their own LED Menorah or Christmas tree “portrait” to take home. Two session: Nov. 12 and Nov. 16. Reservations for up to four children can be made by phone, Monday-Friday, beginning two weeks prior to the event.

Make the holidays special for someone in need at Chanukah Festival + Mitzvah Day at the 92nd Street Y on the Upper East Side on Nov. 24. Create goodie bags for sick children and enjoy holiday entertainment.

See our full list of Thanksgiving and Thanksgivukkah events in NYC

Building Connections 2013

Center for Architecture, Greenwich Village
Opens Nov. 14

See what improvements up-and-coming architects would make to the Big Apple’s skyline in Building Connections 2013. This annual exhibition features models and sketches made by K-12 student designers. This long-term exhibition opens Nov. 14.

'Disney on Ice: Let’s Celebrate!'

Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
Nov. 20-24

Join Mickey and Minnie Mouse as they travel the globe for the most sensational celebration ever! Dinsey on Ice: Let’s Celebrate! brings together Woody, Jessie, and Buzz; Alice and the Mad Hatter; Princesses Tiana, Ariel, and Cinderella; and all your favorite characters for a melting pot of cultural celebrations. Nov. 20-24. Call or check the website for show times. $23.50-$83.50.

Asheba in Concert

Symphony Space, Upper West Side
Nov. 23

Get ready to revel in reggae rhythms like you’ve never heard them before. Asheba, the musical storyteller from Trinidad, shares sing-along stories of hope and happiness with a Caribbean twist. A master of calypso—the musical folkloric oral tradition of Trinidad—Asheba revamps classic kids’ tunes such as “No More Monkeys” and “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” with his uniquely soulful style. The singer’s original lullabies are sure to become bedtime hits with kids as well.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Upper West Side to Midtown
Nov. 28

Before the big dinner and day full of football, kick off your Thanksgiving with the nation’s favorite procession of giant balloons, fanciful floats, and magnificent marching bands. On Thanksgiving morning, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will herald in the 2013 holiday season by filling the heavens with a host of larger-than-life balloon characters ranging from the classic Elf on the Shelf to parade newcomers Finn and Jake from Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time. This year also marks the debut of the newest blow-up iteration of iconic Peanuts character and fan favorite Snoopy. As usual, a fleet of new floats are slated to “set sail” for their maiden voyages down Manhattan’s streets, including wonders from Royal Caribbean, SeaWorld, Cirque du Soleil, and Lindy Chocolates. With 2.5 miles of prime public viewing, America’s Parade will commence at 77th Street and Central Park West. At Columbus Circle, the parade will turn onto Central Park South and then make its way into Midtown Manhattan on Sixth Avenue. Turning crosstown on 34th Street, the march will come to a close in front of Macy’s Herald Square. FREE!

Sneak Peek: For a special treat, head over to 79th Street and Columbus Avenue between 3pm and 10pm on Nov. 27 to see the Balloon Giants Take Shape (FREE!).

See our full list of Thanksgiving and Thanksgivukkah events in NYC