Updated December 2013

Presidents' Day is on Monday, February 17, and most schools are closed for at least the day, and some are closed for additional days, as well. The long weekend is a great time for a visit to New York City, and we have four great places to go with the kids:

1. American Museum of Natural History

Family Fun in NYC for Presidents' Day

Visit The American Museum of Natural History. With space shows in the Planetarium, IMAX films, and lots of amazing exhibits, this museum is perfect for kids of all ages. With special programs on Saturday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb. 16, as well as the not-to-be-missed experience of walking through The Butterfly Conservatory which has live butterflies and moths. Open daily 10 am  5:45 pm; tickets required.

2. Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre

Watch a puppet show at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre. Located in Central Park, the marionette puppet show is an enchanting experience for kids 3 and older. Popular puppet production Bessie's Big Shot—which tells the story of one cow's seemingly impossible dream to join the circus—will be showed throughout February. Open daily; reservations required.

3. Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

Board the Intrepid. The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum is having Kids Week Saturday, Feb. 15 to Sunday, Feb. 23, with performances, raffles, and giveaways each day. Open daily 10 am – 5 pm; tickets required.

4. Ice Skating

Go ice skating. There are lots of ice rink options in Manhattan, and you can take your pick from all of the favorites, like Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, The Rink at Rockerfeller Center, Trump Rink in Central Park, and Liberty View Ice Rink in Battery Park City's Robert Wagner Park. Call or visit the rinks' websites for hours and admission fees.

If you're going to New York City by train, check the times: New Jersey Transit is on a holiday schedule on Monday.