Family events in Valley Stream, NY

The Babylon Beautification Society presents its Annual Fair at Argyle Park in Babylon Village, a vibrant outdoor celebration of local creativity and community spirit. More than 325 artisans and makers showcase handmade work that spans clothing and accessories, home decor, artwork, toys, jewelry, bags, specialty foods, and other unique finds. A dedicated market spotlights over 35 food vendors with small batch treats such as baked goods, nut bars, jams and preserves, cheeses, honey, spices, hot sauces, and related condiments. Visitors can also enjoy additional food choices, beer and wine, and live entertainment near the Village Gazebo. Families will find a children’s area with activities at Bayman Park across the canal. Past editions have welcomed crowds exceeding 35,000. The fair is run entirely by volunteers, and net proceeds support beautification projects throughout Babylon Village.

Enjoy a guided bird walk at Massapequa Lake that highlights migrating waterfowl along with other bird species. The walk is led by a member of SSAS, is free, and is open to the public. Younger participants are especially encouraged to attend. If it rains, the walk will not take place. To register, text Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498 with your name and a contact number in case of cancellation. Use street parking on the westbound side of Merrick Road. The lake is at the southern end of Massapequa Preserve, situated between Lakeshore Boulevard and Ocean Avenue.

Mini and Me Zumba offers a 45 minute session of music, movement, and dancing designed for a parent and child to enjoy together. Tickets are $30 and cover both participants. The class takes place at The Nest and focuses on fun while getting everyone moving.

Celebrate the season at Riverview Farmers Market’s yearly fall harvest celebration with live music, performances, and family-friendly activities. The lineup features OMG Bubbles, live sets by the Chris Gomez Trio and Mood Merchant, and juggling by Sean Blue. Children can enjoy free art activities with the Educational Arts Team throughout the event. Presented with support from Impact Jersey City Heights.

An engaging celebration of New York City that explores its history, the city as it is now, and what lies ahead. Discover new angles and lesser-known details about NYC. Tickets are available.

DJ Golden Hour comes to Brooklyn Bowl, presented by The Rock and Roll Playhouse.

A family-friendly arcade day in Brooklyn features video games and pinball for all ages. All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Barcade is donating a portion of Family Day token sales to Gamers Outreach, a charity that supports recreation for children in hospitals through video games and the gaming community.

This class teaches the craft of making comics from foundational sequential storytelling through preparing pages for print. It is led by Raymond Salvador, who has created comics since childhood and later worked in the field. Lessons focus on practical methods for clarity and readability so stories connect with readers, including insights that are often not part of typical art school training. The aim is to equip anyone interested in making comics with the tools to do it well. Participants must be at least 7 years old.

This celebration marks Columbus Day.

The Build & Keep LEGO event returns to TOY BOX with a twist. This edition features a smaller set and a lower ticket price for LEGO fans. The specific build will be announced, and space is limited to 30 participants.

Mark the school holiday for Italian Heritage and Indigenous Peoples Day with a one-day camp at the Greenpoint YMCA that blends play, learning, creativity, and active movement in a supportive, supervised setting. Children can take part in arts and crafts, sports and games, music and movement, and science activities. Please send a lunch with no nuts, two snacks, and a water bottle. Registration is completed in person at the Greenpoint YMCA front desk. For more information, call 212-912-2260 or email greenpoint_contact@ymcanyc.org.

Explore New York City through an event that shines a light on its dynamic past, present, and future. Hosted at the Museum of the City of New York, this experience reveals lesser known stories about the Big Apple and offers fresh perspectives for curious visitors.

A maternity tour is available with check-in at the Mercy Hospital main lobby, where a member of the Maternal Child division will meet participants before it begins. Advance reservations are required; to reserve a spot, call 516-626-3729. Attendance is limited to six people in total, with up to two participants per couple. Spanish language support is available.

Turn a day off from school into Halloween fun at OLV in Staten Island. Children will enjoy a bat-focused story and make a craft with a Halloween theme, with additional activities planned. Snacks and coffee will be available. After story time, kids can enjoy open play in a roomy indoor play space with chances to climb, swing, slide, explore, and use their imaginations. The cost is $30 for the first child and $15 for the second.

Enjoy a free-entry skating session at the rink in Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 2. Everyone gets in at no cost, and rentals are available if needed. Skates are $8 and skate mates are $6. It is a simple, active outing that works well for kids, friends, and groups.

Enjoy a lively music and movement session created for toddlers, with lots of chances to sing and dance. Registration is not required.

The New York Islanders meet the Winnipeg Jets at UBS Arena for a head-to-head showdown.

Vancouver takes on New York in an interconference clash that matches the Canucks’ speed and finesse with the Islanders’ disciplined, hard-hitting style. The contrast often leads to close games with sudden momentum swings. With early-season points on the line and star players on both rosters, both sides will be pushing hard from the opening faceoff.

Teens can stop in at the library to pick up a new craft kit. Kits are available inside the building and no registration is needed. Supplies are limited and offered until they run out, with a limit of one kit per person. Share your finished creation on Facebook or Instagram at @bogotalibrarynj.

Settle in for a multimedia experience that guides the audience through all 21 counties of the Garden State, tracing accounts of mysterious creatures, haunted lore, and distinctive regional legends. From Sussex County’s Big Red Eye to the curious lights associated with Cape May, each chapter draws on local tradition and unfolds with vivid visuals, historical background, memorable facts, and opportunities to take part in the storytelling. The result is an engaging tour of folklore that connects place and story across the state.

Settle in for a relaxed Lego building session that encourages imagination and free play. Create original builds at your own pace and enjoy time to experiment with new ideas. Please register each child individually for this event.

NJIT’s Homecoming Weekend brings alumni, families, and friends back to campus to celebrate, reconnect, and share Highlander pride. The lineup includes athletic competitions, alumni reunions, academic offerings, guided campus tours, family-friendly activities, and signature traditions, with options for all ages. During registration, participants can tailor their visit by selecting the events they want to attend. A 20 percent registration discount is available with code EARLYHOCO26. For questions, contact Briana Curtis, Director, Alumni Engagement, at briana.curtis@njit.edu or (862) 449-2703, or Michael Davis, Director, Office for Student Involvement and Leadership, at michael.a.davis@njit.edu or (973) 596-3694.

Block Buddies is an inclusive LEGO social group that supports neurodivergent children in growing confidence, building friendships, and practicing social skills through creativity and play. Kids take part in hands-on building activities and team challenges in a friendly setting where everyone can learn, create, and connect at their own pace. The program is designed for ages 7 to 12. Each participant receives a take-home LEGO poly bag build. The fee is $39.95 per participant, and siblings are $20.

Young skaters can learn the basics in a fun and supportive class designed for children ages 5 to 14. Instruction emphasizes safety and building confidence on wheels, and it welcomes beginners. The class takes place in a beautiful outdoor setting and costs $20. Online registration is available.

Admission is free for everyone at this pier-side roller skating event. Skates are available to rent for $8, and skate mates can be rented for $6. It suits families, children, groups, and anyone seeking a budget-friendly way to roll, with skating set against a city skyline backdrop.

A free, family-friendly trunk or treat at Presbyterian Church of Sweet Hollow offers a safe community outing. Costumes are welcome as participants move from car to car to collect treats and small surprises for Halloween fun. The festivities will proceed regardless of weather.

Girls Who Code comes to the Sci-Tech & Esports Hub in Jersey City with a free weekly series that helps girls explore technology through hands-on coding, creativity, and teamwork. Sessions focus on building problem-solving skills and confidence while highlighting pathways in STEM. No prior experience is needed, only curiosity and a desire to learn. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.

Town of Mamaroneck Recreation offers a Pizza Bingo session for children ages 6 to 11 at the Senior Center. Kids can enjoy pizza while playing multiple bingo games with chances to win prizes throughout the event. The cost is $25 for residents and $35 for nonresidents. Pre-registration is required.

Modern Scholars in West Sayville hosts Kayleigh Wilson’s college essay workshop, offering personalized support to help students craft a college essay that makes a strong impression. The program includes three 75-minute sessions with guidance tailored to each participant. Open to public and homeschool students, it provides a focused space to move forward on college goals.

Young children can discover pickleball through a lively camp at Newport Racquet Club in the Newport area of Jersey City. Designed for first-time players and tailored to their age, each session keeps kids active with simple, playful drills that introduce essential skills in a supportive setting. It offers a friendly path into this rapidly growing paddle sport while building confidence and having fun.

Greenpoint YMCA presents a family-friendly celebration filled with activities, games, and goodies for all ages. Highlights include a bounce house, face painting, arts and crafts, sweet treats, and more.

Discover more about the Hudson River Audubon Society while watching raptors move across the sky. The focus is on observing birds of prey in flight and learning about the organization. Please bring your own binoculars for the best views.

Rescheduled because of weather, the third installment of SummerJam is a no-cost celebration marking the close of summer. The event highlights projects created in summer programs, with games and snacks adding to the festive atmosphere. It features live sets from bands and DJs, face painting, games, dancing, and art displays, plus a preview of the DramaJam Troupe's fall production of Shrek the Musical. No registration is required.

Jamaica Community Partnership presents its second community health gathering at the Roy Wilkins Park Recreation Center, open to participants of every age across Southeast Queens. Built around a head to toe approach to wellbeing, it features health screenings, hands-on activities, and helpful resources. Dedicated Wellness Corners will highlight topics such as literacy and financial wellness, with more to explore. Organizers have also invited elected officials to underscore how civic engagement connects to community health.

A free, hands-on building workshop brings kids and adults together on the grounds of the Thomas Paine Cottage Museum. Participants can learn new skills while creating projects with guidance from master carpenters from The Fuller Center for Housing of Greater New York City. All tools and equipment are provided, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Part of Artsfest 2026, this in-person experience blends creativity, learning, and teamwork for all ages.

Budding entrepreneurs take center stage as kids present and sell items they made themselves, gaining real-world experience through a dedicated Youth Makers Market. Families can enjoy workshops, performances, and hands-on activities that spark creativity and highlight teamwork. Returning participants from last year appear alongside newcomers, bringing fresh ideas and energy. Meet award-winning children's authors and get crafty at interactive art stations. Enjoy live music from the accomplished artists of Songcatchers, and let little ones play and move with Shake, Rattle and Roll Music. Builders of all ages can pick up new skills at a workshop led by master carpenters from the Fuller Center for Housing of Greater NY. The Artsfest Makers Market adds food trucks, music, and additional vendors for an even fuller experience. History enthusiasts can visit the Paine Cottage Museum open house to explore stories of New Rochelle, the Huguenot founding families, and the life of Thomas Paine during his time in the community.

Leonardo State Marina’s Nature Center is the setting for a yearly Halloween celebration filled with free, family friendly activities. Expect Halloween themed games, hands on crafts, and prizes throughout the event. Highlights include a costume contest for kids and a separate contest for pets. All ages are welcome. A parent or guardian must remain with anyone under 16 during all programs. The Nature Center is the small building inland from the marina office. Please park in the large central lot across the street and avoid parking on the grass in front of the marina office or the Nature Center. This festival is weather dependent, and any changes will be posted on Facebook. For questions, contact the naturalist team at saylor.whiteman@dep.nj.gov or scullymaureen04@gmail.com.

Xanadu Day Disco brings a bright, glittery roller experience where music, movement, and imagination meet. This all-ages daytime skate party spins disco, house, and pop for a feel-good rink session filled with color and energy. Booth reservations are available for groups of seven or more, and those reservations include general admission tickets. Guests ages 16 to 17 may enter with a skate waiver signed by a legal guardian, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. A valid government ID is required for entry, and photos of IDs are not accepted. Tickets do not include skate rental. Skates and safety gear can be rented on a first come, first served basis. All sales are final and a waiver must be signed in advance. Gum, outside food, and outside drinks are not permitted, and all bags are subject to search at the entrance. The venue is wheelchair accessible with entry ramps and ADA restrooms, and additional assistance can be arranged. This is an inclusive, safe space with zero tolerance for harassment, aggression, racism, bigotry, or hate. Skating is fun and also carries risk, so be aware of your limits and those around you. Skate guards are available to help. If the rink feels crowded, take a short break and return when you are ready. Keep each other safe and maintain the flow. Purchasing a ticket signifies agreement to Xanadu’s terms and conditions.

Whether you are brand new to Pokémon or a veteran player, this relaxed play session invites you to learn the game, face off with others, and trade cards in a welcoming environment. People of any age and experience level can take part. Stop in, grab a seat, and get into the action. Entry is free.

Open Streets on Amsterdam Ave turns the stretch from W. 96th to W. 110th into a lively community scene with neighbors, games, live music, food and drinks, and ways to get moving. At its center, the International Makers Market between W. 106th and W. 107th showcases locally owned small businesses offering jewelry, textiles, handmade clothing, organic body care, home decor, indie art, and more. Supported by Columbus-Amsterdam BID, OnAirMkts LLC, and NYC DOT.

Celebrate autumn at the annual Fall Festival at Tanner Park in Copiague with activities like hayrides, pumpkin picking, face painting, and more. SouthBound performs live as a four-piece act bringing high energy and crowd-pleasing showmanship. After the festival, enjoy an outdoor screening of Monsters, Inc. under the stars. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for comfort. Admission is free for both the festival and the movie.

At United Palace, the 1984 Ghostbusters film is screened on a large HD cinema display while an orchestra performs the score live on stage, precisely synchronized with every scene. This movie concert format offers a fresh way to experience the story as Academy Award winning composer Elmer Bernstein’s music unfolds in real time with the action.