5 Must-See Exhibits For Kids At The Intrepid Sea, Air, And Space Museum

If you didn’t get to visit the Enterprise Space Shuttle at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum this summer, now’s the time. Having reopened after Sandy, the museum has plenty going on for the rest of the season, from their 30^th Anniversary Celebration to a new Space Shuttle Pavilion. We compiled a list of the five must-sees the family can enjoy over winter break.

1. Enterprise Space Shuttle
First and foremost, experience the Enterprise at the new Space Shuttle Pavilion! The Intrepid offers a kid-friendly guided Space Tour, which includes the Shuttle, special artifacts, and a replica Gemini Castle open for climbing. Don’t leave without taking a photo of your little astronaut wannabe underneath the shuttle.

2. “Thirty Years of Collecting: Treasures from Intrepid’s Collection”
Even if you’ve already seen the museum’s newest aircraft, the special artifacts from this temporary exhibit, such as a US Navy Pilot’s helmet, will delight through the holidays. Families also have the rare opportunity to speak with volunteers who are former crew members—like 93-year old volunteer, Sam Folsom, whose WW2 flight suit is displayed in the exhibit.

3. LEGO model of Intrepid on the Hanger Deck
This 1:40 scale model of the Intrepid is fun for kids and adults, especially for building block fans. Lego artist Ed Diment used 250,000 LEGO pieces to create this 22 foot long replica. It’s a 4.5-by-4.5 foot model and weighs 550 pounds—imagine creating that at home!

4. XD Theater in the Exploreum
Strap on your 3-D glasses and hop on board. This kid-friendly exploration simulator will put your kids’ seats and imagination in motion. The 4D ride includes seats that vibrate and shake as the audience is raced through a stunning world of 3D graphics.

5. Fo’c’s’le on the Hangar Deck
Head to the front of the ship to check out the new anchor chain room. This exhibit provides an up-front view of the museum’s two 30,000 pound anchors. Guests get a chance to explore junior-officers’ dormitories for a taste of what a life of marine duties might be like.

Bonus Tip: Arts, Crafts, and Experiments on the Discovery Deck
Each weekend, the museum provides creative activities for kids visiting the museum. Check the calendar before you go and time your trip accordingly!

Monster Mini Golf

Upon entering Monster Mini Golf, all perceptions of traditional mini golf will be spirited away by the indoor, 18-hole, monster-theme, glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course! The locations in <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/deerpark/">Deer Park</a>, and <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/gardencity/">Garden City, NY</a> invite guests to experience a host of family-oriented fun activities. Whether visiting for the first time or the one hundredth, mini golfers feel the excitement and adventure of playing mini golf amidst spooktacular monsters and custom, glow-in-the-dark, hand-painted artwork. While testing their skill on the fairways, lively music flows over the course from the unique &ldquo;WEIRD Radio&rdquo; station&rdquo; and an interactive DJ entertains golfers with contests, awarding cool prizes for the wackiest reasons. While the course is challenging enough for adults, it is also quite playable for children. Monster Mini Golf is open year-round and frightfully fun for the entire family. In addition to miniature golf and thrilling arcade and redemption games, the locations offer additional attractions. <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/deerpark/">Monster Mini Golf in Deer Park, NY</a> offers a Laser Maze and a Virtual Reality experience. The Garden City location offers a Laser Maze, Bowling, and a Virtual Reality Experience. Two very posh, private party rooms are also available and are perfect for any event. Monster Mini Golf looks forward to making it a monstrous success. Monster Mini Golf is indoors, ensuring that the event will always take place, regardless of the weather. It is a climate-controlled, affordable source of family entertainment. For more details please visit <a href="http://monsterminigolf.com">monsterminigolf.com</a> or find them on Facebook.

Manhattan Mandarin

Manhattan Mandarin runs the Mandarin after-school programs at over 40 schools nationwide, including St. Bernard's, Chapin, Allen-Stevenson, and Buckley. Whether in schools, students' homes, in the office, online, or on our beloved China trips, our teachers and tutors have helped hundreds of students of all ages master the Mandarin language on their own unique paths to fluency. Our philosophy has always been to make private lessons and classes perfectly tailored for each individual student. We look forward to working with you. - Jamie Keyte, Founder

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;