Courtesy of Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Though it’s a quiet Monday, there is a lot to do with the kids on Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 12, which is also Italian Heritage Day. Keep the weekend fun going with these family activities.
At a Glance:
Fun things to do with kids on Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Italian Heritage Day
Monday, October 12, 2026 (with some events happening all weekend long)
Festivals, cultural celebrations, hands-on activities, music, food, workshops, and more
Perfect for families looking for something to do on the day off from school
Family-Friendly Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Italian Heritage Day Events
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Join Native artists sharing their living traditions in this two-day celebration of Indigenous cultures! Take part in Haudenosaunee social dances, create your own beadwork and pottery, learn traditional mush making, and shop at our Native artisan marketplace. Presented with the North American Indigenous Center of New York.
Oct. 11 & 12, 10 am – 5 pm
Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave.
Psst… Check Out Halloween Experiences in NYC and (The Great) Beyond 2026
Indigenous Peoples’ Weekend
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Weekend, as we honor Indigenous communities and recognize their cultures and contributions through nature programming, hands-on activities, and a walking tour highlighting female Lenape Saunksquas (Chieftains) and their role in the 15th-century Dutch-Indigenous alliance. Through family-friendly programs, learn about the important role of plants and food in Indigenous cultures.
Oct. 10 – 12, all day
Wave Hill, 675 W 252nd St., Bronx
Courtesy of Queens Botanical Garden
Indigenous Peoples Day: Wampum Belt Making Workshop
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day by helping Matinecock artist Tecumseh Ceasar co-create a wampum belt and learn local Native culture. Commemorate Indigenous Peoples Day by co-creating a wampum belt with Matinecock wampum artist Tecumseh Ceasar! Visitors will help thread wampum beads into a simple design on this belt, which will be used as an educational tool within local indigenous communities upon completion. Visitors will also learn about local native culture, history, and customs.
October 12, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing
Mt. Loretto Italian Festival
Join Catholic Charities of Staten Island for the Italian Festival at The Mount! The event will feature rides and games, beer and sangria gardens, live music on stage, vendors, food, and eating competitions. Tickets and parking may be purchased in advance online or at the door.
Oct. 9 – 12, various times
Mount Loretto, 6581 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island
Columbus Day Parade
A grand celebration of Italian-American pride and heritage as Fifth Avenue comes alive for the iconic Columbus Day Parade. Join the Columbus Citizens Foundation for a stirring day of pageantry, tradition, and community—honoring history, culture, and the enduring contributions of Italian Americans in New York and beyond.
October 12, 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
5th Avenue Between 44th St. and 72nd St.
Psst… Check Out Things to Do with the Kids in NYC This Weekend
Dining and Cooking