We love fall in New York. The changing leaves, the slight chill in the air, and pumpkin spice everything. But along with all of this awesomeness comes the need to start finding indoor activities to occupy the kiddos as the weather turns cooler. Which is definitely not a problem this month.
Whether you are looking for ways to celebrate Shabbat with the kids, volunteer opportunities, or to get a bit of culture at a museum, play, or concert, here’s what’s going on this month in the five boroughs, Westchester, and Long Island.
Brooklyn | Long Island | Manhattan | Staten Island | Westchester
Brooklyn
PJ Library: It’s Friday! 
Sing, dance, and welcome Shabbat in a music and movement class, for ages 1-3 and a grown-up.
Park Slope Jewish Center, 1320 8th Ave, @ 14th St
Fridays, Nov. 4, 11 & 18, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Fridays @ 4 (Tot Shabbat)
Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grown-ups welcome Shabbat with singing, dancing, and stories led by guitarist and singer Ora Fruchter.
Union Temple of Brooklyn, 17 Eastern Parkway
Fridays, Nov. 4, 11 & 19, 4 – 5 p.m.
Out of the Shabbox
A cross-cultural, interfaith drop-in program for children ages 5 and under and their families. Explore unifying Shabbat themes like peace and charity with singing, dancing, and stories, and finish up with a snack.
Union Temple of Brooklyn, 17 Eastern Parkway, 4th
Saturdays, Nov. 5, 12 & 19, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Kane Street Sundays
Open play, PJ Library stories, music, activities, bagels, and snacks for families with children ages 6 and under. Open to all, drop-in, pay at the door or buy a multi-session pass.
Kane Street Synagogue Community Room, 236 Kane St
Sundays, Nov. 6, 13, 20 & 27, 9 a.m. – Noon
Challah Palooza at the Shorefront Y
Learn how to make challah using both traditional Russian-Jewish recipes and innovative new recipes, RSVP requested, all ages.
Shorefront YM-YWHA, 3300 Coney Island Ave
Sunday, Nov. 6, 3 – 5 p.m.
Challah for Hunger
Make a challah to take home and learn about helping people in need. For children ages 5 and under and their grown-ups, RSVP requested.
Park Slope Jewish Center, 1320 8th Ave
Friday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Shabbat Sing-a-Long & Storytime
Join the Kings Bay Y at Fort Greene & Clinton Hill for songs, stories, and more, free and open to the public, no prior Shabbat experience required.
Clinton Hill Co-Op School, 87 Irving Place
Fridays, Nov. 11 & 18, 1 – 2 p.m.
Giving Thanks Together: A Kibbutznik Shabbat
Join other Russian Jewish families for Shabbat dinner with delicious food, challah, wine, and activities for the kids and the adults, organized by Kibbutznik at JCH of Bensonhurst.
Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture 53 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY, 11215
Friday, Nov. 11, 6 – 8 p.m.
Sing-Along Shabbat
A Shabbat morning experience with singing, guitar, and puppetry for families with children ages 0 – 5 years, siblings, and caregivers.
Bay Ridge Jewish Center, Fourth Ave & 81 St
Saturday, Nov. 12, 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
It’s Time for Shabbat
Celebrate Shabbat with circle time, crafts, and songs, and enjoy a pizza lunch, for families with children ages 4-6, RSVP requested.
Union Temple of Brooklyn, 17 Eastern Parkway, 4th fl.
Saturday, Nov. 19, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Long Island
Signing Time Shabbat
Celebrate Shabbat with singing, dancing, and a PJ Library story and learn a bit of sign language. For families with children ages 8 and under, open to all, RSVP requested but not required.
Central Synagogue/ Beth Emeth, 430 DeMott Ave, Rockville Centre
Friday, Nov. 5, 10 – 11 a.m.
Shabbat Stop
Relaxing Saturday fun with games, face painting, stories, dancing, and exercise, for families with children ages 8 and under.
Sid Jacobson JCC, Forest Drive, Greenvale
Saturday, Nov. 5, 2:30 – 5 p.m.
JWOW Kids Co-Op: Noah’s Ark and Kindness to Animals
Learn the story of Noah’s ark and the importance of being kind to animals while exploring local wildlife at Sweetbriar Nature Center. For children ages 3-6 years, siblings welcome, RSVP requested, limited space available.
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown
Sunday, Nov. 6, 10 – 11 a.m.
Superhero Sundae
Come dressed as your favorite superhero for a special superhero training camp, ice cream sundaes, and a tzedakah project. Best for ages 4 and under, RSVP requested.
Hewlett East Rockaway Jewish Centre Nursery School, 295 Main St, East Rockaway
Sunday, Nov. 6, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Election Day Soccer Camp with Super Soccer Stars
No school? No problem. Sign up for one of the age-appropriate groups and the kids will play soccer, do crafts, and eat snacks. Advance registration required.
Schechter School of Long Island, 1 Barbara Lane, Jericho
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Shalom Shabbat
Welcome Shabbat every Friday with songs, stories, and movement, for ages 4 years and under.
Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore, 1001 Plandome Rd, Manhasset
Fridays, Nov. 11 & 19, Noon – 12:40 p.m.
Shababa Cooks for Veterans
Make soup and pies for local veterans, for ages 1-6 years and a grown-up.
Sid Jacobson JCC, 300 Forest Drive, Greenvale
Friday, Nov 11, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Great Veterans Day Challah Bake
Learn how to braid challahs and make your own to bake at home, share challah with U.S. Veterans, and take in a performance of “Detective Lingo & the Great Challah Cover Up.” RSVP requested, for families with children ages 2-8, siblings are welcome.
Schechter School of Long Island, 1 Barbara Lane, Jericho
Friday, Nov. 11, 9:45 – 11:30 a.m.
Tot Shabbat
Tot Shabbat service for preschoolers including music and a PJ Library story, followed by gym time, bagels, juice, and coffee. RSVP.
Temple Am Echad, 1 Saperstein Plaza, Lynbrook
Saturday, Nov. 12, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Brett Band for Kids
Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers will dance, clap, and sing along to both original songs and classics, followed by a room full of bubbles.
Sid Jacobson JCC, 300 Forest Drive, Greenvale
Sunday, Nov. 13, 11:15 a.m. – Noon
Bagel Babies Gives Thanks
Get ready for Thanksgiving with a craft, songs, PJ Library story time, and bagels. For children ages 5 and under, RSVP requested.
Central Synagogue/ Beth Emeth, 430 DeMott Ave, Rockville Centre
Wednesday, Nov 16, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
PJ Library Does Mitzvot
Do a craft, listen to a story, sing songs, and enjoy pizza and salad for dinner. For families with children ages 2-4 years.
Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore, 1001 Plandome Rd, Plandome
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Once Upon A Shabbat – Sing A Long
Learn new Shabbat songs to prepare for an upcoming volunteer opportunity at an assisted living facility. Attendance not required at both events. Best for ages 7 and under.
Merrick Jewish Centre, 225 Fox Blvd., Merrick
Friday, Nov. 18, 5:45 – 6:30 p.m.
ECC Shabbat Family Service & Dinner
A child-friendly, interactive Shabbat service followed by dinner.
Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave, Huntington
Friday, Nov. 18, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Tot Shabbat Celebration and Dinner
Celebrate Shabbat with music, movement, stories, and prayers followed by a free, kid-friendly Shabbat dinner. RSVP requested but not required, open to all.
Plainview Jewish Center, 95 Floral Drive, Plainview
Friday, Nov. 18, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Give Thanks for Thanksgiving
Visit with the residents of Sun Harbor Manor and share crafts, songs, and stories. A great family volunteer opportunity for families with children ages 0-7 years.
Sun Harbor Manor, 255 Warner Ave, Roslyn Heights
Sunday, Nov. 20, 2:30 p.m.
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Manhattan
Storytime with Shira
Enjoy a PJ Library story and snack with Rabbi Shira Epstein, the Executive Director of the Y, drop-in.
14th St. Y, 344 East 14th St, Lobby
Friday, Nov. 4, 1:15 – 1:45 p.m.
Shabbat Central
A warm and accessible Shabbat experience for families with children ages 5 and under and their siblings, light Shabbat dinner to follow.
Central Synagogue – Community House, 123 E. 55th St.
Friday, Nov. 4, 5 – 6 p.m.
PJ Play! at Pause Play
Spend Saturday afternoon with family and friends and watch Yellow Sneaker Puppets bring a children’s book to life with puppets, crafts, and storytelling. For families with children ages 5 and under.
14th St Y, 344 East 14th St
Saturday, Nov. 5, 3 – 4 p.m.
Tot Shabbat – Sutton Place Synagogue
Dance in a Torah parade, listen to stories, learn some Shabbat songs, and finish with challah and grape juice. For ages 5 and under.
Sutton Place Synagogue, 225 East 51st St
Saturdays, Nov. 5 & 19, 11 a.m. – Noon
New Families, New Traditions
The puppets and humans from Yellow Sneaker Theater Company bring Jewish holidays and traditions to life for downtown families with kids ages 0-4.
Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place
Sunday, Nov. 6, 10:30 a.m.
MJH Kids: All Aboard!
A hands-on workshop and original performance based on the PJ Library story, “When Jesse Came Across the Sea.” Buy tickets in advance or at the door.
Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place
Sunday, Nov. 6, 11 a.m.
Sunday Funday/Yom Kef
Get a preview of the new JCC Harlem with hands-on activities, music, and Hebrew—activities for grown-ups too. RSVP requested.
JCC Harlem, 318 W 118 St
Sunday, Nov 6, 1 – 4 p.m.
Presidents Don’t Have To Eat Vegetables
Collect fun facts about our past 44 presidents and learn which one refused to eat broccoli and which president was so big that he needed his own special bath tub. Create patriotic crafts and cast your own ballot for the election. For school-age kids, RSVP requested.
Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 1 – 2 p.m.
PJ Library Storytime
Listen to stories about traditions, holidays, and families, for children ages 4 and under.
Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Shababa Kids in the Kitchen
A new Shabbat-flavored cooking class for children and grown-ups together. Make Shabbat and holiday favorites and creative snacks, sing Shababa songs and blessings, and set a beautiful Shabbat table together. For children ages 3-5 years and their favorite grown-ups, advance registration required, limited space available.
92 St. Y, 1395 Lexington Ave
Friday, Nov. 11, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
KabalTot Shabbat & Friday Nite Bites
Welcome Shabbat with music, dancing, challah, and grape juice followed by an informal Shabbat dinner. For families with children ages 5 and under.
Sutton Place Synagogue, 225 East 51st St
Friday, Nov 11, 5:45 – 6:15 p.m.
Challah for Hunger Community Baking Experience
Learn about making and braiding challah and braid two challahs—one to take home, and one to give away. Challah for Hunger seeks to raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in the US. For families with children ages 7 and under, RSVP requested.
Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 7 West 83rd St (btw Columbus Ave & CPW)
Saturday, Nov. 12, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Lab/Shul Shabbat AM
A monthly Shabbat morning family-friendly, God-optional, musical morning worship event with activities for adults, kids, and nosh.
Judson Memorial Church, 55 Washington Square S
Saturday, Nov. 12, 9:30 – 1 p.m.
PJs and Havdalah
Wear your best PJs and say goodbye to Shabbat through art, songs, and stories. For families with children ages 5 and under, RSVP requested.
B’nai Jeshurun, 270 West 89th St
Saturday, Nov. 12, 4:15 – 5:30 p.m.
PJ Library Pajama Havdalah
Welcome the new week with a Havdalah service, crafts, and PJ Library story time. For children ages 8 and under and their families, RSVP requested.
Central Synagogue – Community House, 123 E. 55th St.
Saturday, Nov. 12, 4 – 5:30 p.m.,
Grown-ups Cracking Up
Sit back, relax, and laugh with drinks and entertainment by comedians and comedic storytellers. The kids will have their own fun with a PJ Library book, music, and activities. Everyone comes back together for kiddush and a pizza dinner. For families with children ages 5 years and under, RSVP requested.
14th St Y, 344 East 14th St
Friday, Nov. 18, 4:15 – 6 p.m.
Friday Night Lights
A short family service and community Shabbat dinner with kids’ activities and plenty of schmoozing time for the adults. RSVP requested, all ages.
JCP Downtown at Tribeca Synagogue, 49 White St
Friday, Nov. 18, 5:45 p.m.
Picture This!
This new family series includes a gallery program with activities, art, and a PJ Library story followed by creating original art in the art studio and a snack. The program concludes with a concert by Alex & The Kaleidoscope.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave @ 92nd St
Sunday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Sing Me A Story
Sunday fun including songs, finger plays, interactive stories, art, and a parachute ride, for families with children ages 5 and under. RSVP requested.
JCP Downtown, 146 Duane St
Sunday, Nov. 20, 10 – 11 a.m.
Shababa Thanksgiving Concert
Give thanks, dance, and sing along to your favorite Shababa songs with 92Y’s Rebecca Schoffer, Karina Zilberman, and a live band with guest performances by the Shababa Sparks, Mamas, and Shaboomers, after party to follow.
92nd St Y, 1395 Lexington Ave
Sunday, Nov. 20, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
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Staten Island
Family Ready Day
A free event focusing on family safety and disaster readiness—along with some family fun.
Bernikow JCC, 1466 Manor Rd
Sunday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Family Thanksgiving Hike & Brunch
Get some exercise after Thanksgiving dinner with a family hike followed by brunch.
Bernikow JCC, 1466 Manor Rd
Friday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m.
Westchester
Gan Shabbat Family Service
An interactive introduction to Shabbat with songs, stories, and prayers followed by a kid-friendly Kiddush. For preschoolers and their families.
Bet Torah, 60 Smith Ave, Mt. Kisco
Friday, Nov. 4, 10:30 a.m. – Noon
Tot Shabbat at Temple Beth Shalom
Welcome Shabbat with stories, songs, activities, and snacks, for ages 6 and under and their families.
Temple Beth Shalom, 760 Route 6, Mahopac
Saturday, Nov. 5, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Sammy Spider First Mitzvah: The Musical
Join Sammy Spider and friends for an original musical based upon the popular Sammy Spider books by Sylvia Rouss. RSVP requested, call 914-698-2960.
Westchester Jewish Center, Rockland & Palmer Ave., Mamaroneck
Sunday, Nov. 6, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Ruach Tot Shabbat
Celebrate Shabbat with a craft, songs, a PJ Library story, challah, and grape juice. RSVP requested.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center, 515 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry
Friday, Nov. 11, 5:30 – 6:15 p.m.
Tot Shabbat
A kid-friendly musical service followed by a Shabbat dinner. Free gift for every child! RSVP requested.
Jewish Community Center of Harrison, 130 Union Ave, Harrison
Friday, Nov. 18, 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.
JLiFE HavDairy
A musical Havdalah service, dairy dinner, craft activity, and PJ Library story time. Wear your best pajamas! RSVP requested.
Beth El Synagogue Center, 1324 North Ave, New Rochelle
Saturday, Nov. 19, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Pre-K & Kindergarten Program: Shabbat
A monthly program focusing on a different Jewish holiday or topic through cooking, music, storytelling, and crafts. Free and open to the public.
Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester, 2125 Westchester Ave East, Rye
Sunday, Nov. 20, 9:30 – 11:45 a.m.
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