Things to Do with Kids

It is time once again for the Elizabeth Stewart Writing Contest in honor of the late Miss Liz, who was a remarkable Youth Services Librarian at Palo Alto City Library.

Kids and teens grades 3-12 are invited to participate. A virtual awards ceremony for all participants will be held in May. Winners will receive a grand prize and the opportunity to read their stories at the awards ceremony!

For the prompt, more info, and to submit your story, see here!

Submission window is March 1 - April 12, 2026.

Virtual

OPENING THIS APRIL IN MANORVILLE & RIVERHEAD!‍

This year, they've planted over 2.5 million Tulips at the 2 farms! Visit them regularly for upcoming bloom reports and for exciting news at the farm.

They are predicting that they will open both farms around April 15th for the Annual Tulip Festival, but it is all up to Mother Nature, so keep an eye on their website!

Waterdrinker Manorville
663 Wading River Road
Manorville, NY 11949

Waterdrinker North Fork
4560 Sound Avenue
Riverhead, NY 11901

Immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of early spring as you explore the rich history of 19th-century New England at Old Sturbridge Village. Explore the Village and enjoy the unique blend of hands-on learning, participatory demonstrations, and engaging conversation. Chat with the costumed historians, step inside historic homes and shops, meet the heritage breed animals, and so much more.

From Wednesday, April 1, through Thursday, April 30, 2026, enjoy FREE admission for up to two kids (ages 17 and under) with the purchase of an adult or senior general daytime admission ticket using code KID26 at checkout.

‍Reserve your tickets online and save even more! Members can also bring up to two kids not already covered by their membership.

1 Old Sturbridge Village Road

Sturbridge, MA 01566

This Spring Break Week, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan features special performances and hands-on experiences with some of CMOM’s fan favorites, including a Passover singalong with Joanie Leeds, a Spring focused I-Spy Easter Egg Hunt, a recycled artmaking installation with Dan Jones.

Don’t miss wearable art workshops with Ebony Bolt, performances from Spellbound Theatre, and exciting partners to be announced. Explore the performing arts, creativity, and self-expression all week long!

Included with museum admission, get your tickets here!

The Tisch Building

212 West 83rd Street

New York, NY 10024

Discover why Earth rocks through live animal encounters, hands-on STEM experiments, and eco-adventures all spring break long!

Meet insects up close, make art inspired by nature, create music from recycled materials, and build Earth-friendly inventions at the Brooklyn Children's Museum!

Get tickets here, $15/ea.

145 Brooklyn Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11213

FREE!

Step into a world where imagination knows no bounds as a storyteller takes you on nature adventures through stories, songs, and crafts.

Registration is encouraged to ensure there are enough craft supplies for all attending! Register here.

Wargo Nature Center

Birch Room

7701 Main St.

Lino Lakes, MN, 55038

Head to the SF Botanical Garden to enjoy hands-on activity stations tending to the Garden’s “yes space” for kids! Bring your garden tools or grab some at the welcome station for family fun: digging, watering, picking, building, investigating, exploring, and more!

Included with garden admission, get tickets here!

(Can't make it? Catch this event every Tuesday and Thursday until May 19, 2026)

1199 9th Ave

San Francisco, CA 94122

Get ready to move and groove as The Ensemble Barynya performers take you on a musical journey! Each dance tells a story and represents a different Eastern European culture, complete with colorful costumes and lively music. You’ll hear unique instruments like the domra (a fun, round string instrument from Russia), the guitar, and the accordion. It’s a celebration of music, dance, and culture – perfect for kids and families!

Included with museum admission at Staten Island Children's Museum, get your tickets here.

1000 Richmond Terrace, Building M

Staten Island, NY 10301

Mark your calendar for Princess and Superheroes Day at Stone Zoo! While you explore, you’ll meet some of your favorite princesses and superheroes throughout the Zoo for photo ops and meet and greets. Costumes are encouraged for all guests, so grab your crown or cape and don’t forget to take pictures. A heroic fairytale adventure awaits!

Characters will be available between 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Get your tickets online here!

Stone Zoo

149 Pond Street

Stoneham, MA 02180

Join volunteers from the MathHappens Foundation at the Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota to explore mathematical thinking through puzzles, crafts, games and more. Activities are designed for children aged 2+.

Tickets are $13/ea, get them online here!

(Can't make it this week? Recurring every Saturday!)

224 Lamm Street

Mankato, MN 56001

Join the Acton Discovery Museum during this special FREE evening for visitors who are more comfortable in a mask-wearing environment!

Enjoy a fun, friendly experience in their accessible and universally designed children’s museum while exploring interactive exhibits and participating in hands-on activities. Any family or group who can benefit from a limited capacity, mask-required visit is welcome at this event; a medical diagnosis is not required.

High touch surfaces are disinfected throughout the day and all exhibits will be given extra cleaning before the evening event. All staff will be wearing masks and all visitors ages 2 and older will be required to wear a mask while inside.  A large portion of the campus is outside, and visitors have the option to remove their masks while outdoors.

Extra accommodations for the comfort of visitors, including a designated Take-A-Break Space, will be available. Parking is free. Dinner (including a gluten-free option) is provided!

Be sure to pre-register for this event here!

177 Main Street (Route 27)

Acton, MA 01720

Dance, learn, and move together at this monthly program! Join the Staten Island Children's Museum for workshops that engage kids of all ages in fun, educational movement experiences, from dancing games to yoga. Every hour starting at: 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm. Special Music Video Mania! Session from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Come learn choreography from trending dances and put your moves on stage with a focus on video production including lighting & sound design, camera angles, and creative direction!

Included with museum admission at Staten Island Children's Museum, get your tickets here.

1000 Richmond Terrace, Building M

Staten Island, NY 10301

Join the Acton Discovery Museum to celebrate Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday!

Born on April 15, 1452, Leonardo da Vinci was an inventor, artist, engineer, and mathematician who spent his lifetime following his curiosity and exploring a wide variety of interests. Be inspired by da Vinci’s passion for flight as you build paper helicopters at their Wind Table, try a bridge building challenge in da Vinci Workshop, go on a scavenger hunt to discover some of da Vinci’s most visionary inventions, and practice your hand at writing backwards like da Vinci.

After your visit, check out the Discover da Vinci website to explore the creative genius of Leonardo da Vinci at home.

Included with museum admission.

177 Main Street (Route 27)

Acton, MA 01720

Looking for something fun to do over April Break? Join the Metropolitan Waterworks Museum on Saturday, April 18th from 10am-2pm for Spring Engineering!

Embrace your inner engineer with fun drop-in activities. Build and test drive a car made from a cardboard tube or make a paper cup robot arm and see how many cotton balls you can lift!

This program is FREE of charge (suggested donation of $5) and is recommended for ages 5+. Reservations are REQUIRED so your make sure to get your tickets today!

Metropolitan Waterworks Museum, Inc

2450 Beacon Street

Boston, MA 02467

Gather with the rest of the Mom village to create community while exercising and discovering parenting tools at Blossom Birth & Family Center!

Schedule of the day includes:

• 10:30 am: Yoga Stretches  (30 min)
• 11:00 am:  Strength Training (30 min)
• 11:30 am:  Provider Mingling and Information (45 min)
• 12:30 pm: Snacks provided by Chef Alex

Just $10, get your tickets here!

3921 Fabian Way

Palo Alto, CA, 94303

Swing by Sugar Plum Parties and have a dance party with Rumi from K-Pop Demon Hunters, plus a surprise special guest!

Admission includes pizza, makeovers (hair & nails), take home arts & crafts, and commemorative 4X6 photo.

$40 per child, get your tickets here.

306 Boston Rd.

Unit K (next to Belly Buster Diner)

Billerica, MA 01862

Hosted during April school vacation, Discovery Adventures are immersive day programs that give kids a chance to step back in time and experience life in the 1830s at Old Sturbridge Village. Every session offers kids the opportunity to explore an aspect of 19th-century history and daily life. All programs include an afternoon snack, hands-on crafts, and the chance to learn something new while making lasting friends and memories.

Registration Notes

• Pre-registration is required
• Registration closes at 7:00 am on the Wednesday before the start of each session
• Sessions frequently sell out, and early registration is encouraged!
• Lunch is available for an additional fee
• See add-on options, registration forms, FAQ, and information letter here

1 Old Sturbridge Village Road

Sturbridge, MA 01566