The Van Cortlandt House has been standing since 1748, and this program lets kids play the games its original children actually played — hoops, stilts, graces, marbles — with a raree show (a carnival peep-box, the era's pocket cinema) as the showstopper. Hands-on history this tactile beats any museum case, and the lawn setting makes it a full afternoon out in Van Cortlandt Park. One of the fall's best family programs north of Manhattan.
What to expect
Open-play stations of reproduction historical toys and games across the lawn, with staff demonstrating rules and the raree show running through the afternoon; the house museum is open alongside. Drop in anytime across the four hours.
Good to know
- The house museum sits near the park's Broadway edge at W 246th St
- 1 train to Van Cortlandt Park-242nd St, then a short walk north
- Lawn games are typically free; the house museum charges modest admission
- Best for kids roughly 4-12, but the raree show charms adults
- Restrooms and the parade ground are adjacent
Planning Sep 25–27, 2026 in NYC?
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Common questions
What is a raree show?
An 18th-century portable peep-box — viewers look through a lens at lit, changing scenes inside, the traveling entertainment of its day.
Do we need tickets?
The outdoor games are generally free; touring the historic house has a small admission — check the museum's site.
