If there was an awards ceremony for Jewish holidays, Purim would win the prize for most fun and kid-friendly Jewish holiday. Kids and grown-ups get to listen to a story about a king, queen, and bad guy—all the while making noise and eating hamantaschen. Even better? Lots and lots of Purim carnivals with games, prizes, face painting, inflatables, and other fun. There are more ways to celebrate Purim in the New York area than there are flavors of hamantaschen, so we’ve rounded up the best Purim parties and carnivals near you.
While Purim is definitely one of the most awesome things happening this March, we know there are a lot of other days in the month when you will need to keep the kids entertained so we threw in a whole bunch of other kid-friendly things to do as well.
Purim 2017 begins on Saturday evening, March 11 and concludes at sundown on Sunday, March 12
Brought to you in partnership with PJ Library in New York
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Bronx
Purim After Party
Come in costume and enjoy Purim music, games, crafts, and a costume contest. In between all of the fun, help make Purim baskets to be delivered to the Riverdale Y Senior Center. Advance registration requested.
The Riverdale YM-YWHA, 5625 Arlington Ave
Sunday, March 12, 4 – 5 p.m.
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Brooklyn
Purim Celebrations
The Story of Purim Drum Circle
An interactive, hands-on, musical interpretation of the book of Esther.
East Midwood Jewish Center, 1625 Ocean Ave
Friday, March 4, 6:15 – 8 p.m.
Purim Party 
Show off your Purim costume and join Out of the Shabbox and PJ Library for movement, music, and stories. Best for ages 6 and under. RSVP requested.
Union Temple of Brooklyn, 17 Eastern Parkway, 4th fl
Saturday, March 11, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Family Megillah Readings @ Park Slope Jewish Center
Purim fun for all ages – an abbreviated version of the Purim story in Hebrew and English with puppets for families along with a separate babies and toddlers program with story time and a sing-a-long.
Park Slope Jewish Center, 1320 8th Ave
Saturday, March 11, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Purim @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center
Megillah reading, costume parade, crafts, and Purim treats.
Bay Ridge Jewish Center, Fourth Ave & 81st St
Saturday, March 11, 7 p.m.
Purim @ Congregation Mount Sinai
Megillah reading and dinner.
Congregation Mount Sinai, 250 Cadman Plaza West
Saturday, March 11, 7 – 10 p.m.
Purim Carnival – Park Slope Jewish Center
Carnival games, BBQ, PJ Library story time and Purim sing-a-long.
Park Slope Jewish Center, 1320 8th Ave
Sunday, March 12, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Purim Party & Megillah Reading
Megillah reading, crafts, face painting, and a sing-a-long for ages 4 and under.
Kane Street Synagogue, 236 Kane St
Sunday, March 12, 10:30 a.m. – Noon
Purim Carnival
A music-themed carnival with games, prizes, crafts, and a photo booth.
Shorefront YM-YWHA, 3300 Coney Island Ave
Sunday, March 12, 2 p.m.
Purim Carnival – Union Temple of Brooklyn,
Costume parade, carnival games, crafts, and DJ.
Union Temple of Brooklyn, 17 Eastern Parkway, 3rd fl
Sunday, March 12, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Purim in Jerusalem
Listen to the megillah, enjoy Israeli food and music, and a show by illusionist and mentalist Bob McEntee. RSVP requested.
Veretzky Hall, 1102 Ave L(near Coney Island Ave)
Sunday, March 12, 3 – 5:15 p.m.
Purim Family Festival
Make your own hamantaschen and Purim goody bags, face painting, mask making, and a live musical performance by the Tkiya music school.
Kings Bay Y at Windsor Terrace, 1224 Prospect Ave
Sunday, March 12, 3 – 5 p.m.
Family Purim Party
An interactive, family-friendly megillah reading, snacks, crafts, costume parade, and wine for the grown-ups. RSVP requested. Sponsored by Fig Tree and the Kings Bay Y at Fort Greene/Clinton Hill.
Bija Kids, 900 Fulton St
Sunday, March 12, 3 – 5 p.m.
Shabbat & Other Family Fun
PJ Library It’s Friday
Get ready for Shabbat with this weekly music class including songs, stories, Shabbat blessings, and a snack. Best for ages 1 -3 and a grown-up.
Park Slope Jewish Center, 1320 8th Ave
Friday, March 3, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Shabbat Songs & Stories
Music, stories, and games for families with children ages 0 -3, organized by the Kings Bay Y at Fort Greene/Clinton Hill.
Clinton Hill Co-Op School, 87 Irving Place
Fridays, March 3 & 17, 3 – 3:45 p.m.
Family Shabbat Service & Dinner
Welcome Shabbat with singing, dancing, and stories followed by dinner. All ages. RSVP requested.
Bay Ridge Jewish Center, Fourth Ave & 81st St
Friday, March 3, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Out of the Shabbox
A cross-cultural, interfaith drop-in program for toddlers through age 5 that explores Shabbat themes through music, movement, and storytelling.
Union Temple of Brooklyn, 17 Eastern Parkway, 4th fl
Saturdays, March 4, 11 & 17, 9:30 -11 a.m.
ShaJam Singalong
Celebrate Shabbat with a fun and interactive sing-a-long, crafts, stories, and dancing.
Kings Bay Y at North Williamsburg, 14 Hope St
Saturday, March 4, 10 – 11 a.m.
PJ Library: It’s Time for Shabbat
Learn about Shabbat, create a take-home craft project, and enjoy a pizza lunch. For children ages 4 – 6 years and their families. RSVP requested.
Union Temple of Brooklyn, 17 Eastern Parkway, 4th fl
Saturday, March 18, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Family Volunteer Day – Farming at Bushwick City Farms
Join Repair The World and PJ Library for a day of mulching, planting, fixing, and cleaning to help Bushwick City farms get ready for spring and summer. Advance registration requested, please bring a hat and a bottle of water, gloves and snacks will be provided. Free
Bushwick City Farms, 354 Stockton St
Sunday, March 19, 1 – 3:30 p.m.
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Long Island
Purim Celebrations
Bagels & Blox – Purim Celebration
Celebrate the holiday of Purim with crafts, music and a PJ Library story. Best for ages 5 and under. Siblings welcome. RSVP requested.
Temple Judea, 333 Searingtown Rd, (LIE, exit 36-across from Christopher Morley park), Manhasset
Sunday, March 5, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
PJ Library Celebrates Purim
Celebrate Purim with songs, stories, and snacks. RSVP requested.
Temple Tikvah, 3315 Hillside Ave, New Hyde Park
Saturday March 11, 10:15 – 11:45 a.m.
Trolls Musical Purim
A musical Purim spiel and costume parade followed by dinner, a DJ, and other entertainment. RSVP requested.
Temple Avodah, 3050 Oceanside Rd, Oceanside
Saturday, March 11, 6 p.m..
Purim Open House – Makom NY
Activities for all ages.
91 Joyce Drive, Woodbury, NY
Saturday, March 11, 4 – 6 p.m.
A Magical Purim Celebration: Card Magic by Jason
Megillah reading, photo booth, dinner buffet and bar, and card magic performance by Jason Ladanye. RSVP requested.
Chabad of the Hamptons, 13 Woods Lane, East Hampton
Saturday, March 11, 7:45 p.m.
Purim Carnival
Purim fun with special booths for little ones, and PJ Library stories.
West End Temple, 147-02 Newport Ave, Neponsit
Sunday, March 12, Noon – 3 p.m.
Temple Beth Torah Purim Celebration
Megillah reading and Purim spiel followed by a carnival including a special area for the preschool and toddler set.
Temple Beth Torah, 35 Bagatelle Rd, Melville
Sunday, March 12, 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Purim Banquet & Megillah Reading
Come in your Purim finest and feast like royalty, RSVP requested.
Chabad of the Hamptons, 17 Woods Lane, East Hampton
Sunday, March 12, 5 p.m.
Purim Carnivals
East Meadow Jewish Center, 1400 Prospect Ave, East Meadow, Sunday, March 5, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Temple Chaverim, 1050 Washington Ave, Plainview, Sunday, March 12, 9:15 – 11 a.m.
Temple Or Elohim, 18 Tobie Lane, Jericho, Sunday, March 12, 11:30 a.m.
Central Synagogue – Beth Emeth, 430 DeMott Ave, Rockville Centre, Sunday, March 12, Noon – 2 p.m.
Temple Adas Israel, corner of Elizabeth St and Atlantic Ave, Sag Harbor, Sunday, March 12, 3 p.m.
Shabbat & Other Family Fun
PJ Library Bim Bam Shabbat Friday Night Service and Dinner
A family-friendly Shabbat service followed by dinner. For families with children ages 8 and under. RSVP requested.
Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave, Huntington
Friday, March 4, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Family Judaica Art Workshop
Create Shabbat keepsakes to bring home. RSVP requested.
Temple Adas Israel , corner of Elizabeth St & Atlantic Ave, Sag Harbor
Sunday, March 5, 4 p.m.
Stay, Play & Pray
Jewish stories, crafts, and songs, for preschoolers and their favorite grown-ups.
Temple Chaverim, 1050 Washington Ave, Plainview
Sunday, March 5, 9:30 -10:30 a.m.
Pajama Party!
Dinner, dessert, stories and other pre-bedtime fun. RSVP requested.
HANC Plainview, 25 Country Drive, Plainview
Monday, March 20, 6 – 7:15 p.m.
PJ’s & Prayer
Enjoy songs, stories, and hot chocolate. For families with children ages 8 and under.
Temple Chaverim, 1050 Washington Ave
Friday, March 24, 6 – 7 p.m.
Swing Into Spring Shabbat Celebration
Get ready for spring and celebrate Shabbat with singing, dancing, and PJ Library story time. For children ages 8 and under and their families.
Central Synagogue- Beth Emeth, 430 Demott Ave, Rockville Centre
Saturday, March 25, 10 – 11 a.m.
Matzah Factory
Preschoolers get a chance to bake their own matzah and learn about Passover. RSVP requested.
Shelter Rock Jewish Center, 272 Shelter Rock Rd, Roslyn
Sunday, March 26, 10 – 10:45 a.m.
Manhattan
Purim Celebrations
Downtown
PJ Play! at Pause Play
An interactive performance of the Purim story performed by Play Me a Story, snacks included. Advance registration recommended.
14th Street Y, 344 East 14th St
Friday, March 11, 3 – 4 p.m.
Tot Purim Party
Celebrate Purim with havdalah, crafts, singing, stories, a costume parade, pizza and hamantaschen. RSVP requested.
Town & Village Synagogue, 334 East 14th St
Saturday, March 11, 6 – 7 p.m.
Purim Party
Celebrate Purim with Chabad on the Lower East Side with a megillah reading, live music, mad science show, dancing, and buffet dinner. RSVP requested.
Pier 36, 299 South St
Sunday, March 12, 5 – 10 p.m.
Midtown
Family Shabbat Dinner & Learning: Get Ready for Purim!
Celebrate Shabbat and Purim with dinner, wine, Purim-themed activities, and an interactive puppet show from Yellow Sneaker Puppets.
Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, 30 W 68th St
Friday, March 3, 5:45 – 8 p.m.
Purim @ Sutton Place Synagogue
Megillah reading, Hamilton-themed Purim spiel, and hot dog dinner.
Sutton Place Synagogue, 225 East 51st St
Saturday, March 11, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
Purim @ Stephen Wise Free Synagogue
Purim celebration for kids in grades K – 2 followed by megillah reading and Purim spiel.
Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, 30 West 68th St
Saturday, March 11, 4 p.m. Kids’ Celebration, 5 p.m. Megillah reading, 6 p.m. Purim Spiel
Central Synagogue’s Purim Celebration
Megillah reading and Purim spiel, followed by a Purim carnival and special big kids celebration for kids in grades 3 – 6.
Central Synagogue, 652 Lexington Ave
Sunday, March 12, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Uptown
Kids Shabbat Across America
Get ready for Shabbat with music, stories, and dancing. RSVP requested.
Barnes & Noble, 150 E 86th St
Friday, March 3, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.
Purim Story Time
Learn about Purim through songs and stories, RSVP requested, organized by Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun.
Barnes & Noble, 150 E 86th St
Sunday, March 5, 10 – 11 a.m.
PJ and Play Story Time
Drop in for Purim-themed PJ Library stories, crafts, pizza and playtime in an indoor play space. For ages 5 and under, RSVP requested.
Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 7 West 83rd St. between Columbus & Central Park West
Thursday, March 9, 4:50 – 5:15 p.m.
Purim Celebration
Celebrate Purim with holiday songs, treats, and crafts. For kids ages 4 and under and their grown-ups. Advance registration requested.
JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave
Friday, March 10, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
92Y Upside- Down Purim Dinner
Come in costume for a fun and silly Purim-themed Shabbat dinner. Advance registration requested.
92Y, 395 Lexington Ave
Friday, March 10, 6 – 8 p.m.
Littlest Megillah Service
Learn about the Purim story, make some noise, and get early entrance into the big Purim party. For kids ages 5 and under and their families.
Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 7 West 83rd St
Saturday, March 11, 5 – 5:30 p.m.
Family Purim Celebration
A kid-friendly megillah reading, silly Purim spiel, costume parade, and holiday treats. RSVP requested.
B’nai Jeshurun, 257 West 88th St
Saturday, March 11, 5:45 – 6:45 p.m.
Sing Song Purim
Purim songs, stories, and dances for the early childhood set. Siblings welcome, Purim carnival to follow.
Congregation Or Zarua, 127 East 82nd St
Sunday, March 12, 10 – 10:45 p.m., 11:30 a.m. Purim Carnival
Washington Heights
Purim Carnival at the Y
Celebrate Purim at the Y with bounce castles, photo booths, gaga, crafts, foods, music, and a kosher wine tasting for the 21+ crowd. Fun for all ages.
YM&YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood, 54 Nagle Ave
Sunday, March 12, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Purim Carnivals
Manny Cantor Center, 197 East Broadway @ Jefferson St, Sunday, March 12, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Town & Village, 334 East 14th St. Sunday, March 12, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Sutton Place Synagogue, 225 East 51st St, Sunday, March 12, 10:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Park East Day School, 164 East 68 St, Sunday, March 5, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Ramaz School, 114 E 85th St, Sunday, March 12, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
92Y, 1395 Lexington Ave, Sunday, March 12, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Congregation Habonim, 103 West End Ave, Sunday, March 12, Noon – 2 p.m.
Shabbat & Other Family Fun
Grown-Ups Cracking Up!
Parents get to talk comedy with TV writers from Odd Mom Out and Sex and the City and drink cocktails, kids will have separate, supervised fun with Purim stories and a craft, concluding with pizza and kiddush for everyone.
14th Street Y, 344 East 14th St
Friday, March 3, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Shabbat Sing-Along
Welcome Shabbat with singing and dancing. For ages 4 and under.
JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave
Friday, March 3, 9 – 9:20 a.m.
Picture This!
An ongoing series with interactive gallery programs, stories, crafts in the art studio, snack, and live music. Attend one program or the entire series. For families with children ages 4-10 years. This month’s concert features The Pop Ups.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Sunday, March 12, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m..
Concert: The Pop-ups
An action-packed multimedia performance with puppets, and an electro-pop beat.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Sunday, March 12, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
PJ Library Pajama Havdalah
Rock your favorite pajamas and say goodbye to Shabbat with PJ Library stories, crafts, and music. RSVP requested.
Central Synagogue’s Community House, 123 East 55 St
Saturday, March 18, 4 p.m.
The Paper Bag Players: Trip to the Moon
Whimsical stories and live music against the backdrop of the group’s trademark cardboard and paper sets.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Sunday, March 19, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Bubbie’s Kitchen Family Event at the Y
Create traditional Passover dishes with a guest chef. For families with toddlers through middle school. RSVP required.
YM&YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood, 54 Nagle Ave
Sunday, March 26. 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
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Staten Island
Your Word: Children’s Drum Circle
Preschoolers and school-age children are invited to participate in a drum circle, part of the Staten Island Jewish Music Festival.
Arden Heights Jewish Center, 1766 Arthur Kill Rd
Sunday, March 5, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Concert: Shira & Friends
An upbeat and family-friendly performance by Jewish rocker Shira Kobren and her band. Part of the Staten Island Jewish Music Festival.
Temple Israel Reform Congregation, 315 Forest Ave
Wednesday, March 15, 4 – 5 p.m.
Westchester
Purim Celebrations
Purim Tot Shabbat
A musical Shabbat celebration followed by dinner. RSVP requested.
Jewish Community Center of Harrison, 130 Union Ave, Harrison
Friday, March 3, 5:45 – 7 p.m.
The Great Hamantashen Bake
Music and hamantaschen baking with old friends and new. RSVP requested.
JCC of Harrison, 130 Union Ave, Harrison
Sunday, March 5, 10:30 a.m.
Young Families Purim Celebration at Emanu-El
Celebrate Purim with a brief Shabbat morning service, stories, songs, crafts, snacks and mimosas for the parents. RSVP requested.
Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester, 2125 Westchester Ave East
Sunday, March 12, 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
Purim-Palooza!
Megillah reading and Purim spiel followed by a Purim carnival.
Westchester Reform Temple, 255 Mamaroneck Rd, Scarsdale
Sunday, March 12, 9:15 a.m. – Noon
Purim for Young Families / Purim Carnival
Purim songs, stories, and a costume parade with Rabbi Stein and Cantor Janet, followed by a carnival and magic show.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center, 515 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry
Sunday, March 12, 10 – 10:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m. Carnival
Kindergarten and Pre-K Purim Program
Learn about Purim through activities, music, snacks, and crafts. Drop-off. RSVP requested.
Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester, 2125 Westchester Ave East, Rye
Sunday, March 12, 9 – 11:45 a.m.
Purim Carnivals
Westchester Jewish Center, 175 Rockland Ave, Mamaroneck, Sunday, March 12, 3 – 5 p.m.
Congregation B’nai Yisrael, 2 Banksville Rd, Armonk, Sunday, March 12, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont & Emanu-El, 2 Ogden Rd, Scarsdale, Sunday, March 12, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Shabbat & Other Family Fun
Bim Bam Shabbat
Sing Shabbat songs, listen to stories, and have challah and grape juice. Best for toddlers and preschoolers, RSVP requested. Organized by Ramah Day Camp in Nyack and Solomon Schechter School of Westchester.
Solomon Schechter School of Westchester, 555 W Hartsdale Ave, White Plains
Friday,. March 3, 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
PJ Library Tot Shabbat!
A musical tot Shabbat led by synagogue clergy, crafts, and breakfast. RSVP requested.
Congregation B’nai Yisrael, 2 Banksville Rd, Armonk
Friday, March 3, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Gan Shabbat Service
An interactive introduction to Shabbat songs, stories, and prayers for families with children ages 8 and under, followed by a kid-friendly kiddush.
Bet Torah, 60 Smith Ave, Mt. Kisco
Saturday, March 4, 10:30 a.m. – Noon
Shabbat Rocks & Family Night
A musical Shabbat service for families with children of all ages.
Congregation Sons of Israel, 1666 Pleasantville Rd, Briarcliff Manor
Friday, March 10, 7 – 8 p.m.
Bim Bam Shabbat
Sing Shabbat songs, listen to stories, and have challah and grape juice. Best for toddlers and preschoolers, RSVP requested. Organized by Ramah Day Camp in Nyack and PJ Library.
Irvington Public Library, 12 S Astor St, Irvington
Friday, March 24, 4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
PJ Library Story Time and Sing Along
Listen to PJ Library favorites and sing.
Westchester Jewish Center, 175 Rockland Ave, Mamaroneck
Sunday, March 26, 11 – 11:45 a.m.
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