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The Parent Loop
Because parenting is better when we share the good stuff.
September 11–13, 2026
Weekend Guide
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| Discover handpicked and budget-friendly happenings on the UWS, plus a couple of nearby highlights too good to skip — not everything happening, just the ones we'd text a friend about. Because "What should we do?" shouldn't be stressful. |
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Hi loopers,
This is a heavier weekend to open on: today marks the 25th anniversary of September 11th. If you want to spend part of the day in remembrance, Bryant Park is holding tribute with 2,753 white chairs honoring those lost, and a memorial concert tonight. However you spend the day, I'm thinking of the families who lost someone 25 years ago.
On a lighter note: it's officially back-to-school season around here, and Rosh Hashanah begins tonight at sundown — Shanah Tovah to the loopers celebrating. However this first week went for your family, consider this a gentle, no-pressure weekend ahead — nothing too ambitious below.
Have a friend who wants to sign up? Share the link here and follow @theparentloopnyc for more. Quick tip: Click on the "Read online" (top right) so your reading view doesn't get trimmed. Scroll down for this week's Ongoing events and Indoor favorites too, in case the day-by-day picks below don't quite fit your plans. |
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Around The Loop: Little shoutouts, local sightings, and meaningful connections from the week.
It was so nice to catch up with Claudia, our PTA chair, and Catherine at drop-off this week — swapping survival stories about getting our kids to school on time made the whole morning feel a little less chaotic. Also: La Escuelita's 2s classes still have a few spots open if you're looking for a great community for your little one.
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| Friday - September 11 |
| 2,753 Chairs Tribute @ Bryant Park, 8 AM–4 PM, all ages. Write notes and attach flowers to empty chairs honoring those lost on 9/11. |
| Table of Silence Project 9/11 @ Josie Robertson Plaza, Lincoln Center, first light (around 8:15 AM), building to a moment of silence at 8:46 AM. Over 150 dancers perform this annual tribute; free and open to the public, or watch the livestream. More reflective than fun, but a moving way to mark the day as a family if that feels right for yours. |
| Sweet New Year: Rosh Hashanah Creations @ Children's Museum of Manhattan, 10:30 AM–12:30 PM & 2–4:15 PM, all ages. Painted Rosh Hashanah cards in the Makerspace, inspired by honey and apples. Museum admission required. |
| Open Playtime @ NYPL–Bloomingdale, 11 AM, ages 0–5. Unstructured play with toys and books, no registration needed. |
| Discovery Tank: Guided Gallery @ Pier 57, 3–6 PM, all ages. |
| Little New-Yorkers: The Proudest Blue @ New-York Historical, 3:30–4:30 PM, all ages. Storytime and crafts on hijab and family. Museum admission required. |
| American Symphony Orchestra: 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Concert @ Bryant Park, 7 PM. Outdoor memorial concert honoring those lost and the heroes of 9/11; no tickets needed, bring a picnic. Long and reflective — better suited to older kids or a quiet family evening. |
| Summer on the Hudson: Game Night @ Pier I, Riverside Park South, 7–9 PM, all ages. Bingo, quiz shows, and prizes hosted by the NYC Trivia League. |
| Movie Under the Stars: Lilo & Stitch @ Playground Eighty Nine (W. 89th between Amsterdam and Columbus), 7:15–9:15 PM, all ages. |
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Volunteering
9/11 Day of Service — final day
New York Cares and 9/11 Day's four-day service event aboard the Intrepid wraps up today. Teen-friendly, so it's a good one to bring older kids along to. Sign up here. |
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| Saturday - September 12 |
| Kids In Motion @ Bloomingdale Playground (Amsterdam Ave, 104th–105th St), 10 AM–6 PM, all ages. NYC Parks' mobile play unit with organized sports, games, and fitness demos. |
| Central Park Model Yacht Club Races @ Conservatory Water, 10 AM–1 PM, all ages. Watch hobbyists race remote-control model yachts, weather permitting. The Parent Loop pick! |
| Sweet New Year: Rosh Hashanah Creations @ Children's Museum of Manhattan, 10:30 AM–12:30 PM, plus a Rosh Hashanah performance with Tkiya Music at 2 & 3 PM and flowerpot decorating throughout the day. Museum admission required. |
| Saturday Puzzle Time @ NYPL–Riverside, 11 AM, all ages. |
| Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling @ Central Park, 11 AM, all ages. A Central Park summer tradition, running through Sept 21. |
| Little Red's Hood @ Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, Central Park, 11 AM & 1 PM, ages 3–7. $10 children/$15 adults, advance online purchase only. |
| Discovery Tank: Guided Gallery @ Pier 57, 11 AM–5 PM, all ages. |
| Summer on the Hudson: Nature Explorers @ 102nd Street Field House, Riverside Park, 11 AM–12:30 PM, ages 4–10. Nature workshops and educational crafts. |
| Open Process Art @ NYPL–Columbus, 12 PM, all ages. The branch just reopened after building repairs, so it's a nice weekend to stop back in. |
| Amsterdam Avenue Open Streets (106th–110th St and 111th St–Cathedral Pkwy), 12–7 PM. Car-free blocks with local vendors and programming. |
| Living History: Black Doll Making @ New-York Historical, 12–4 PM, all ages. Historical interpreters lead 19th-century doll-making crafts. Museum admission required. |
| Theater Games @ NYPL–St. Agnes, 4 PM, kids. |
| West Harlem Summer Jazz Festival @ Morningside Park (113th & Manhattan Ave), 5–6:30 PM, all ages. |
| Morningside Lights lantern-building workshop @ Miller Theatre, Columbia University, exact hours TBD — geared toward ages 10+ and adults. Part of the run-up to the Sept 19 lantern procession; confirm hours before heading over. |
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Sponsored
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| Sunday - September 13 |
| Summer on the Hudson: Tai Chi @ Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, Riverside Park, 8–9:30 AM, all ages. |
| Little Red's Hood @ Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, Central Park, 11 AM & 1 PM, ages 3–7. $10 children/$15 adults, advance online purchase only. |
| Uptown Kid Lit Festival @ Inwood Hill Park, 11 AM–4 PM, all ages. A book festival celebrating reading and writing for kids — a bit of a trip, but worth it. The Parent Loop pick! |
| Sunday Story Time: Two New Years @ New-York Historical, 11:30 AM–12:30 PM, all ages. Museum admission required. |
| Storytime @ Book Culture on Broadway (2915 Broadway at 114th St), 1 PM, young kids. |
| Sandcastle Competition @ Beach 108th St, Rockaways, 1–4 PM, all ages. Watch contemporary artists build elaborate sand sculptures — another trek, but a fun one. |
| Art Is Alive Festival @ Asase Yaa School of the Arts, Bed-Stuy, kicks off today through Sept 19, times vary. West African and Caribbean dance, percussion, and wellness classes; the block party finale isn't until the 19th. |
| Sweet New Year: Rosh Hashanah Creations @ Children's Museum of Manhattan, flowerpot decorating available throughout the day. Museum admission required. |
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| Ongoing events |
| Juggling Lessons @ Bryant Park, Saturdays 11 AM–2 PM (weekdays noon–1 PM), all ages. Equipment provided. |
| Le Carrousel @ Bryant Park, daily 11 AM–8 PM, all ages. $5 per ride. |
| Governors Island: ferry free on weekends before 11 AM (otherwise $5 round-trip). Blazing Saddles Learn to Ride classes for beginners also on the island. |
Boating (first-come, first-served):
Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse @ Pier 2, Wed–Thu 5–7 PM, Sat 10 AM–3 PM.
Central Park Boathouse @ E 72nd St, rentals from ~$30/hour.
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| Indoor favorites for rainy or hot days |
| Discovery Room @ American Museum of Natural History, Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30 AM–1:25 PM & 2:15–5:10 PM, ages 4–12. Included with admission; free timed passes, first come first served. |
| The 81st Street Studio @ The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Sunday–Tuesday, Thursday–Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM (last entry 4 PM), ages 3–11. Free, no museum admission required. |
| Little Red's Hood @ Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre — see Saturday and Sunday listings above. |
| Discovery Tank: Guided Gallery @ Pier 57 — see Friday and Saturday listings above; closed Sunday this week. |
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Because parenting is better when we share the good stuff.
The Parent Loop
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| I'm always looking for great sponsors and partners. If your business would like to sponsor or connect with parents, contribute to a swap, or be part of a future The Parent Loop event, just reply here and let's grab coffee! |
| The Parent Loop is not responsible for changes to hours, pricing, availability, reservations, closures, or event details. Please confirm all information directly with the venue before visiting and choose activities that fit your family's needs, comfort level, and circumstances. This newsletter may contain affiliate links. The Parent Loop is not responsible or liable for transactions, exchanges, or recommendations shared by members in community groups. Please use your own discretion. |
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| The Parent Loop · Upper West Side, NYC |
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