The Best Events For Families in New York City This May

Children's Museum of Manhattan. Photo by Vandamm Studio © Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library For The Performing Arts
Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Photo by Vandamm Studio © Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library For The Performing Arts

MR. EINSTEIN GOES TO JUNIOR HIGH
MAY 3-18
[Ages 8 and up]
Making Books Sing is putting on a heartwarming show called “Dear Albert Einstein.” Set in 1954, the production follows a middle school math student with a creative mind and an imaginary Einstein to help navigate the social struggles of junior high. Filled with rock ‘n’ roll, swing and classical music, this performance is a wonderful journey of self-acceptance!
From $25; 10:30am, 2pm, and 7pm. 311 West 43rd Street, 646-250-1178, makingbookssing.org 

OH KAPLAN, MY KAPLAN!
MAY 4
[Ages 2 to 7]
The award-winning Randy Kaplan creates a mix of American roots, Delta blues, and ragtime into a one-of-a-kind concert that both kids and parents will love! This May, the talented music man will take his act to the Jewish Museum, where he’ll perform his clever and funny hits like “Mr. Diddie Wah Diddie” and “The Kids Are All Id.”
Children $13, Adults $18; 2pm. 1109 Fifth Avenue, 212-423-3200, thejewishmuseum.org

Galli Theater's "Puss in Boots"
Galli Theater’s “Puss in Boots”

MEOW!
MAY 3-25
[Ages 3 and up]
Join a cunning cat in his quest for greatness at “Puss in Boots.” One of Galli Theater’s most fun and interactive performances, the fan favorite emphasizes audience participation so your little ones can help in a journey to turn Puss’ owner, a miller’s son, into an extraordinary Prince.
Children $15, Adults $20; Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. 347 West 36th Street, 212-731-0668, gallitheaterny.com 

TINY DANCERS
MAY 7-18
[Ages 4 months to 4 years]
Tots can dance the night away at the innovative Baby Rave, a club-like party designed specifically for toddlers! Hosted by New Victory Theater, the bumping boogie night will feature a kid-friendly DJ, entrancing video projections, and funky lights. Don’t miss out on fun treats like parachutes, inflatables, and other sensory objects that create an unbeatable party atmosphere!
$15; 10:30am and 1pm. 229 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org 

New Victory Theater's Baby Rave. Courtesy of Young at Art.
New Victory Theater’s Baby Rave. Courtesy of Young at Art.

FOR KIDS, BY KIDS
MAY 9-JUNE 18
[All Ages]
Get a dose of art at the Guggenheim’s “A Year with Children 2014” exhibition. The showing features student work (whose creators range from second to sixth grade) from the museum’s artist-in-residence program, Learning Through Art. The highlighted pieces represent 11 of New York City’s public elementary schools and will be on display in Annex Level Three of the museum.
Free with admission; museum hours. 1071 5th Avenue, 212-423-3500, guggenheim.org 

CARNIVALS AND WEDDINGS
MAY 10 & 11
[Ages 2 and up]
The New York Theatre Ballet brings the perfect pair of performances to families with “Carnival of the Animals” and “Sleeping Beauty’s Wedding.” This double whammy first focuses on Queen Diana, her shaggy lion, and other peaceful animals who encounter a pair of lost children; then shifts to the fairytale nuptials of Sleeping Beauty.
Children $35, Adults $40; 11am, 1pm, and 3:30pm. 55 East 59th Street, 212-355-6160, nytb.org 

The New York Theatre Ballet
The New York Theatre Ballet. Photo by Richard Termine

A CENTENNIAL GARDEN
MAY 10-SEPTEMBER 21
[All ages]
The BrooklynBotanic Garden is hosting “100 Years and Growing” in celebration of their Children’s Garden’s 100th anniversary! The special exhibition includes a wonderful series of events like family nature walks, kids’ discovery stations, Children’s Garden inside tours, and even an all-ages family day with musical performances, crafts, games, and gardening!
Various prices; various times. 150 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, 718-623-7241, bbg.org 

SONGS FOR MOM
MAY 11
[Age 6 and up]
Celebrate Mother’s Day in a way that kids will love too! The Chamber Music Society is presenting a production of “Inspector Pulse’s Mother,” a fun play that follows a Private Ear in his mission to write a song fit for his mom. Explore what makes music say “I love you” and don’t miss the instrumental petting zoo in the lobby before the show!
From $10; 2pm. 1941 Broadway, 212-875-5788, chambermusicsociety.org 

The Big Apple Circus. Photo by Bertrand Guay
The Big Apple Circus. Photo by Bertrand Guay

CLOWNS, JUGGLERS, AND ACROBATS, OH MY!
MAY 18-JUNE 15
[All ages]
Come one, come all to an amazing variety of acts at the Big Apple Circus in Queens! Located in CunninghamPark, the special spring show has something for everyone. Kiddos will love clown Rob Torres and the animal acts presented by Jenny Vidbel, while parents and older ones can marvel at teenage juggler Ty Tojo, Russian acrobats, and circus legend Daniel Cyr on the free ladder, among many others!
From $20; Various times. 196-22 Union Turnpike, Queens, 212-268-2500, bigapplecircus.org

THAT’S ALL FOLK!
MAY 18
[All ages]
For a special blend of musical styling, check out Le Vent Du Nord, one of Carnegie Hall’s Neighborhood Concerts. This high-energy folk band incorporates a specific mix of French-Canadian and Celtic dance music, traditional tunes, and original songs into their show, which features vocals, guitar, fiddle, button accordion, and hurdy-gurdy.
Free; 3pm. 466 Grand Street, 212-247-7800, carnegiehall.org

Le Vent Du Nord at Carnegie Hall's Neighborhood Concerts
Le Vent Du Nord at Carnegie Hall’s Neighborhood Concerts

ALL THAT JAZZ
MAY 23-OCTOBER 19
[All ages]
Little music fans will love “Jazzed! The Changing Beat at 125th Street,” a unique exhibition at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Partnered with the NationalJazzMuseum in Harlem, the new show explores key figures and attributes of the genre’s history, including the sounds of Ella Fitzgerald, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson’s famous stair dance, and Duke Ellington and his renowned orchestra. Don’t miss weekly programs where tots can make their own tap shoes, record covers, and even learn the Lindy Hop!
Free with admission; museum hours. 212 West 83rd Street, 212-721-1223, cmom.org

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USC Gymnastics & Baseball Training Facility

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">We offer sports activities, after school programs, birthday parties & private lessons for kids ages 3–13 years! Our gymnastics classes are a great way to keep your child active and healthy. We strive to empower and challenge children through the sport of gymnastics.</span></p>

Studio E Art Classes

<p>Art, drawing, illustration, painting, and pottery.  Studio E Art Classes for ages 2 ½ to adult offers a creative space to find joy and rest in the creative arts. 7-week sessions are available for all classes, or just drop into a class to give it a try.</p> <p>Studio E Art is a great place to schedule a birthday party, celebration, scout troop activity, fundraiser and more.  Summer camps for children and tweens are available for half or full day in art or pottery.</p> <p>Find a complete list of classes, descriptions, and times on our <a href="https://studioeartclass.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a>, or give us a call at 631-744-4001</p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-bc02a8ce-7fff-3ce7-fefb-13163f0a79b6"></span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-2e621915-7fff-f490-fe96-ea466c05ebda"></span></span></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-eef1d235-7fff-f52c-632b-0a2c03581014"></span></p>

Chickenshed NYC

<p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed’s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.</p>