Through May 27
Horsing Around
[All Ages]
On loan from the New York City Police Museum, which is temporarily closed due to Sandy damages, 10-Foot Cops: The NYPD’s Mounted Unit gives children a glimpse into the history and daily lives of our city’s great heroes at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM). Enjoy more than 40 original police artifacts, uniforms, and more—and don’t miss a chance to have your picture taken in a saddle like a cop! Free with museum admission, $11; 10am-5pm (7pm Saturdays). 212 West 83rd Street, 212-721-1223, cmom.org
Through June 9
For Kids, By Kids
[All Ages]
It’s the Children’s Museum of the Art’s 25th anniversary! The museum is celebrating with Fresh Faces, an exhibit of 40 portraits created by kids selected from over 50 countries, showing off a range of cultures and styles. Museumgoers can get a taste of what being a young artist is all about by creating their own self portraits, taking photos to project on museum walls, and even submitting their own works for consideration for CMA’s permanent collection. Free for infants under 12 months and seniors, children and adults $11; 4-6pm. 103 Charlton Street, 212-274-1776; cmany.org
March 2
Rock ‘N’ Write
[All Ages]
Hey rockers, here’s your chance to be a star as you jump, dance, and boogie with Moey’s Music Party! Jam with one of the city’s funnest family bands with pompoms, puppets, and bubbles for ultimate festivity. After the 45-minute concert, serious musicians-in-training can even enjoy a songwriting workshop exploring rhymes and rhythms with Moey herself. Free; 2:30-4:15pm, The JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Avenue, moeysmusicparty.com
March 2 & 3
For Little Maestros
[Ages 3-5]
Calling all budding musicians: Here’s your chance to take the baton and help lead an orchestra! “Meet the Maestro,” the latest of the Little Orchestra Society’s Lolli-Pops concert series, shares the fun of classical music with children as they meet guest conductor Andre Raphel and try their hand at commanding the players, all the while enjoying the works of Beethoven, Bach, and Ravel. From $15; Saturday at 10am & 11:30am, Sunday at 1pm & 2:30pm. The Kale Playhouse at Hunter College, 695 Park Avenue, 212-971-9500, littleorchestra.org
March 9
A Whole Lot Of Soul
[Ages 3-6]
Who says R&B can’t be family-friendly? Shine and the Moonbeams, the first soul band for families, joins the McGraw-Hill Carnegie Kids series with groovy tunes and sweet messages that tots and their parents will all love. Get ready for an empowering afternoon of celebrating individuality and standing up to bullies, all under the fun lens of song. $9-$15; 4pm. Carnegie Hall, 881 Seventh Avenue, 212-247-7800, carnegiehall.org
March 15-31
Hello Bello!
[Ages 4+]
Another thrilling performance at the New Victory Theater, Bello Nock and his talented troupe perform daring stunts and comedic acts that make Bello no ordinary clown. With a Ringling Bros. pedigree and using trampoline routines, bungee-style bouncing, and handstands on high wires, Bello keeps his audience on the edge of their seats. From $14; various times starting at 2pm and 7pm. 209 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org
March 16
A Blend Of Beats
[All Ages]
If there’s anyone who can blend an eclectic variety of music, it’s Randy Kaplan. Mixing American roots, country blues, and Broadway numbers—not to mention his original compositions—Randy’s performances are always original and creative. At Symphony Space this month, his imaginative and easy, rambling songs will have kids and adults alike hooked. Children $13, adults $20, members $17; 11am and 2pm. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, 212-864-5400, symphonyspace.org
March 16 to April 28
Toothy Twists
[All Ages]
Head over to the Vital Theatre Company for “A (Tooth) Fairy Tale,” a plucky story about a young boy and a tooth fairy who decide to switch places to spice up their lives. Of course, nothing goes as planned as the story takes children through a wild adventure through New York City with plenty of twists and personal identity revelations. From $25; Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 1pm. 2162 Broadway, 4th floor, 212-579-0528, vitaltheatre.org
March 23 & 24
Once Upon A Dream
[All Ages]
New York Theatre Ballet is bringing back James Sutton’s hour-long rendition of “Sleeping Beauty,” set in a magical kingdom under a great tree. The tot-friendly ballet plays out with the help of an exquisite forest-themed stage and Tchaikovsky’s classics, but for the fullest experience, be sure to catch the interactive introduction to the show led by artistic director Diana Byer. From $30; various start times between 11am and 3:30pm. Florence Gould Hall at FIAF, 55 East 59th Street, 646-388-660, nytb.org
March 23 to January 5, 2014
Can You Speak Whale?
[Ages 2-12]
Here’s an awe-inspiring special exhibit: the American Museum of Natural History is introducing over 20 life-size skulls and skeletons, interactive stations, and films in Whales: Giants of the Deep. Budding marine scientists will love helping to recreate a sperm whale’s squid hunt, learning about “walking” whales, and discovering the history of the relationship between humans and whales. Children $14.50, students and seniors $19, adults $25, free for members; 10am-5:45pm. Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5100, amnh.org
