Weekly Highlights in NYC #22: January 13-19
Here's what to do if you're staying in town for MLK weekend, some fun upcoming performances, great family parties you'll want to grab tickets for and my all-time favorite soup recipes...
About and Out is a free, curated weekly newsletter that keeps you up to date on the best of what’s happening in NYC. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox every Tuesday. Follow along on Instagram too!
Are you in town for MLK weekend and looking for things to do? Here are some fun ideas to make the most of it:
The MoMA Mart Pop-Up just opened and it’s running through March 29 at MoMA Design Store in SoHo. This playful pop-up turns everyday food forms into design objects like lamps, clocks, candles, and décor. The immersive “faux-food” market celebrates creativity and supports the museum’s programs.
At The New Victory Theater on Saturday, January 17, there’s a family acrobatics workshop if you’re into that.
Musical Explorers Family at Carnegie Hall: Saturday, January 17 at 12 p.m. This family-friendly, interactive musical adventure invites children ages 4–8 to discover world music traditions through lively performance, singing, and movement.
MLK’s Peace Parade at Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM): Running Tuesday, January 13 through Monday, January 19. Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with hands-on activities for kids, including banner-making, peaceful art, dream watercolor painting, and large-scale art installations.
Young People’s Chorus of NYC Honors MLK: Saturday, January 17 at 4 p.m.
Join YPC, along with special guests Broadway star Nikki Renée Daniels and baritone Lester Lynch, for a free concert at Brick Presbyterian Church celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Winter StoryTime at Bryant Park: Saturday, January 17, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Join Cali Co Cat for meow-sic and purr-cussion at Winter StoryTime in the Winter Village at Bryant Park. Best for ages 2–9.
BAM is hosting a 40th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with powerful remarks by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, music, dance, a free Just Mercy screening, intergenerational choir performances, family activities, and community events. Free and open to all.
There’s a School‑Break Family Afternoon at The Met. Painting Outside the Lines on Monday, January 19, from 1–4 p.m. Free drop‑in art session for families with kids (ages ~3–11) to explore creative, hands‑on painting activities. Materials provided; space limited, first‑come, first‑served.
If you’re looking for kids’ day camps and activities, here are some drop-off options for Monday, MLK Day:
For younger children (ages 3–5), Art Farm Camp and Kids in Sports are two great options
NORY: Full- and half-day camp options with STEM and coding programs for ages 3–12 on the UWS, FiDi/Tribeca, and Brooklyn
Ace Martial Arts (my favorite taekwondo studio). And here are some other sports-focused camps: Chelsea Piers (many options, various sports), NYC Elite Gymnastics, Asphalt Green, Fast Break Sports, and Dribbl
ColorpopWorkshop: Their 63rd Street location still has spots available (the 91st Street location is sold out), running 10 a.m.–2 p.m. for children ages 4–12.
Chelsea also has great creative options, including Genius Gems (a favorite with my kids!), Tastes Buds Kitchen (it’s cookie-decorating themed!) and The Fashion Class (for ages 6-12).
Here are a few upcoming performances to have on your radar that may be worth grabbing tickets for:
KPop Demon Hunters Sing-Along Screening: January 18, 6 p.m. at 92nd Street Y. Join a lively sing-along screening of KPop Demon Hunters, followed by a live conversation with songwriters EJAE and Mark Sonnenblick. Expect upbeat pop anthems, fun audience energy, and insights into how the film’s music was made.
Ballet of Lights, Sleeping Beauty at Kaye Playhouse: This sparkling ballet blends classical dance with glow-in-the-dark costumes and stunning choreography. Great for ages five and up. Runs on select dates: Friday, January 23; Saturday, February 14; Saturday, March 7; and Saturday, May 9.
Disney On Ice: January 15-January 19 at UBS Arena and January 29–February 1 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. A classic family favorite featuring beloved Disney characters, dazzling skating, and interactive moments on ice. Tickets are on sale now and worth booking early.
New York Philharmonic at Radio City Music Hall: January 25, 7 p.m. For the first time in history, the New York Philharmonic will take the stage at Radio City Music Hall under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel. This one-night-only performance is a rare chance to experience world-class orchestral music in an unforgettable setting.
Rug Concerts at Diller-Quaile: Saturday, February 7, 9:30–10:15 a.m. & 11–11:45 a.m. A beloved 45-minute interactive music experience for children six and under and their caregivers—featuring singing, movement, and up-close performances. It’s a family favorite and highly recommend attending! Tickets will sell out.
Tickets are on sale now for some standout upcoming kids’ parties worth planning ahead for. I’ve shared these before, but they’re worth repeating as I highly recommend these events:
Sunday Funday: January 25 at the Metropolitan Pavilion benefiting the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM).
The Met Family Benefit: Seeing Stars: February 5, benefiting The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Young Hearts Friends Fest: February 10 at the Museum of Ice Cream, benefiting God’s Love We Deliver.
If you missed it, here’s last week’s skiing issue, highlighting what I’ve learned about skiing with kids in the tri-state area. It was a popular edition—thank you all for the wonderful feedback!
Here are some free winter printouts from Lauren at Kickstart Reading.
January always gives me big-soup energy. At the start of the year I always make a large pot of Ina Garten’s chicken stock. It takes a bit of time, and huge stockpot is needed, but it’s so worth it to have frozen stock on reserve when making soups this winter (I freeze them in these quart containers). Homemade stock makes such a difference compared to store-bought!
And speaking of soups, here are some of my all-time favorite recipes that I keep coming back to: Green Garlic Ginger Chicken and Rice Soup from Wishbone Kitchen, Winter Minestrone, Lemony White Bean Soup With Turkey, Harira (Spiced Moroccan Vegetable), and a super easy red lentil. I made this one this weekend and it will also be a new favorite in the rotation.
I love following Kerry from @uesthings on Instagram. A fellow Upper East Sider, she’s become a go-to resource for what’s new, noteworthy, and worth visiting — from restaurant openings and hidden gems to local shops and everyday UES life. It’s the kind of account you turn to when you want to know what’s actually worth checking out in the neighborhood. Below, she shares some of her top winter picks on the UES that I can’t wait to check out myself.
“Perfect Winter Weekend Activity: I love pairing the Museum of the City of New York with ice skating at the newly renovated Davis Center in Central Park North. The museum is stroller friendly with great seasonal exhibits plus Amy’s Bread for snacks and drinks, then you can head straight to the rink where weekday skate rentals are just $10 and it is way less crowded than Wollman or Rockefeller Center.
Kid-Friendly Fine Dining: When I want a nicer family dinner that still feels easy, I go for San Babila for great pizza and pasta, Adria for elegant Mediterranean plates that are perfect for sharing, or Nick’s Pizzeria for classic New York pies in a fun neighborhood setting. All feel special without being stressful with kids.
Unique Date Night Ideas: If you are bored of typical dinner dates, I love switching it up with a pasta making class at Aunt Jake’s, a ceviche making class at Mission Ceviche, or ending the night with cocktails and live piano music at Melody’s Piano Bar. All are memorable and perfect for a winter night out.”
Thanks so much for sharing your recommendations, Kerry!