What's New & What's Good for kids, families & The Culture
Things to Do for Children and Families Across New York State*
In Albany...
Sankofa Saturdays @ AMBACC Winter-Spring Session starts Saturday January 24th. Rooted in culture and history of the African diaspora, this immersive experience is designed for youth ages 5 - 15. Music, arts, literature, and more! Register today for d coats for kids! Music, arts & crafts! Door prizes! Music and more fun! Children better be good because Santa is on his way too! Bring the children out for a picture with Santa. (Hint: if you're looking for Black Santa, don't miss this!) Jingle & Soul the day away. Now that's sounds like hot chocolate for real! Tap right here for information.
When: Satuday 12/6 3pm - 6pm Where: AMBACC 135 South Pearl St Albany 12202 Cost: FREE
​​
Celebrate Umoja (Unity) on the first night of Kwanzaa at the New York State Museum's Annual Kwanzaa Festival. Families can enjoy live drumming, African dance performances, and storytelling sessions. There will be an African marketplace featuring local vendors and a candle-lighting ceremony to honor heritage and unity. Click here to visit the museum's website for more information.
When: 12/26 4pm - 8pm. Where: NYS Museum 222 Madison Avenue 4th Floor Terrace Cost: FREE
​
Put your skates on! The Empire State Plaza ice rink opens 12/5. Skating is free and open to the whole family. Skate rental is available for $5. Lace up for a day of outdoor fun. Right here to visit the website for hours and more information.
In Buffalo,
Wintermission is here! The City of Buffalo announced the Winter Bash which is part of the City's effort to make winter fun and accessible for everyone. The Winter Bash offers free ice skating, food, music and more! Bring everyone to this family friendly event. Free transportation is provided to and from Canalside for the event. For more information, click here.
When: Dec 6th 11am - 3pm Where: Canalside - free transportation provided Cost: Admission FREE
​
Be there in Niagara Square for Buffalo's Kwanzaa flag raising ceremony. This community gathering celebrates the first day of Kwanzaa and kicks off a week of festivities. Check here for more information.
When: 12/26 12pm-12:30pm Where: Niagara Square Buffalo Cost: FREE
​
The Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor is Lighting Up Michigan Street! Come out for Soulful Christmas featuring the Holiday Market! Come back for the Soul Ball and much more - tree lighting, tours, Black radio history! Celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa in Buffalo this month! Enjoy for the family and the culture. Click here for dates, hours and other information.
When: Throughout December Where: Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Cost: Free to Varies
In Rochester,
Celebrate Kwanzaa at ROC Holiday Village with live music, storytelling, and cultural activities. This is sure to be a joyous event rooted in African heritage and the seven principles. Two films, Kwanzaa and Roc City Chronicles: Our Stories, Ourselves, will be shown taking folks through the history and culture of the diaspora from Africa to Rochester! Ashe! Come back on the 12/28 for the Three Kings Celebration! Click here and here for more info.
When: 12/14 11am-2pm & 12/28 Where: Gingerbread House 353 Court Street Rochester Cost: FREE
​
Free skating at MLK Ice Rink Wednesdays through Fridays! Learn to cross country ski with the Carter Street R-Center for children ages 10-16. Ski equipment provided. Dates and times vary, for more information click here.
When: Dec 29 - Jan 4 days and times vary Where: MLK Ice Rink 353 Court Street Rochester Cost: Varies​
​
In Syracuse,
Join the Community Folk Art Center for a vibrant pre-Kwanzaa celebration. The evening features live music, dance performances, and traditional foods. Families will learn about the principles of Kwanzaa and enjoy a welcoming community atmosphere.Click here and here for more info.
When: 12/4 6pm Doors open 5:45pm Where: Black Box Theater 805 E. Genesee St. Syracuse Cost: FREE
​
We know that folk in Syracuse know that it's cold in the winter. But that doesn't mean we have to hibernate. For some winter time fun, check out the City of Syracuse Winter Fun webpage for ideas. Skiing, skating, sledding, even snowshoeing are family fun things to do or even try for the first time! Bundle up, bring the family out for some quality time and local adventures. There's a winter wonderland out there. We should all be part of it!
For more information click here.
When: Winter Where: City of Syracuse - Various Cites Cost: Varies​
​
In New York City,
The Brooklyn Children's Museum Kwanzaa Festival returns for the 18th year. The week long festival features drumming, dance, workshops and more. Families can enjoy cultural fun rooted in the seven principles! Click here for more info.
When: 12/26 - 12/30 10am -5pm Where: BCM 145 Brooklyn Avenue Brooklyn Cost: $15
​
​Uptown in Manhattan, lace up at the Davis Center Gottesman Rink for community skate or learn to skate. Youth lesson in skating, figure skating and hockey are available. For hours and pricing, check the website here.
​When: Winter - Hours Vary Where: Davis Center at the Harlem Meer Central Park 106 & 108 Cost: $5 and up
​
Visit the Studio Museum in Harlem and take a tour to see the amazing collection of African art. Bring the family and immerse in artistic expression of Black culture. Sundays are free! Check out their website for hours and fees here.
When: Wednesday - Sunday Opens at 11am Where: 144 W 125th St. New York Cost: Sundays FREE
​
​​
​
AN IMPORTANT COMMUNITY MESSAGE:
Many of the community based organizations whose events and programs are listed on this page might be in need of helping hands, donations, or other support. If you like what they do, consider reaching out to lend a hand. Many hands make light work!*