Today
FASCINATING FINDS: Bring that cool rock or interesting bone you found in the backyard to the American Museum of Natural History’s Annual Identification Day, where scientists will tell you if they really are prehistoric specimens. Ages 5 to 12. Noon, free with museum admission ($19 for adults, $14.50 for seniors and students, $10.50 for kids ages 2 to 12). Central Park West at 79th Street; 212-769-5100, amnh.org
IN TRAINING: Tank engine-obsessed types can learn about the railroad all the livelong day at the Grand Centennial Parade of Trains Weekend. Check out a collection of authentic historical train cars including the “Most Famous Train in the World,” the 20th Century Limited. All ages. Today and tomorrow, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free. Grand Central Terminal, Vanderbilt Hall, 42nd Street, between Vanderbilt and Lexington avenues; 212-340-2347, grandcentralterminal.com
FLOWER POWER: Instead of giving Mom a bunch of blossoms this year, take her to the Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party at the New York Botanical Garden where families can play lawn games, listen to live ragtime music, paint the scenery in watercolors and more. Today and tomorrow, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., free with admission ($25 for adults, $22 for seniors and students, $10 for kids ages 2 to 12). Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road; 718-817-8700, nybg.org
TOMORROW
HIP HOORAY: Keeping you up on the kiddie rock scene, this month’s Hip Tot Music Fest features headliners the Trummytones and appearances by the Jeté Dance Center and Melanie Hope Greenberg, plus glitter tattoos, face painting, arts and crafts and, best of all, goody bags. 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., $10 for kids, $12 for adults ($8 and $10 in advance). Littlefield, 622 Degraw St., between Third and Fourth avenues, Gowanus; 718-855-3388, hiptot.com
MOTHER NATURE: Is your mama a llama? How about a penguin? Even human moms will appreciate Mother’s Day at Central Park Zoo,” where both kids and parents can go on an Animal Mom scavenger hunt, make cool crafts and indulge in a feast fit for a queen. 10 a.m., ages 3 to 10, $50 per family. Fifth Avenue at 64th Street; 212-439-6500, centralparkzoo.com