Meet the Artist Saturdays: “Hip Hop Shakespeare” at Lincoln Center
On Saturday, January 8th, families can introduce their children to the magical world of Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Hamlet and more with the January installment of Lincoln Center’s popular kids program Meet The Artist Saturdays: “Hip Hop Shakespeare.” The workshop will feature a performance from The Point of Entry Theater Company, who will re-mix Shakespeare’s classic works with a modern hip hop beat and catchy raps that will have families clutching their sides with laughter—and learning a thing or two! The show is free, appropriate for kids ages 5 and up and begins at 11 a.m. 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, 212-875-5456; lincolncenter.org/atrium.

The Musical “Pinkalicious” at the Vineyard’s Dimson Theatre
Pink lovers of all ages will be pleased to know that the Vital Children’s Theater’s runaway hit musical production “Pinkalicious” (inspired by the book by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann) has found a new home at the Vineyard Dimson Theatre on East 15th Street. The hilarious one-hour show tells the tale of a little girl who loves to eat pink cupcakes so much she develops pinkititis—an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe! The show runs on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. 108 East 15th Street; 212-579-0528; pinkaliciousthemusical.com.  (Photo: Sun Productions)


“Brain: The Inside Story” Exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History
Families can learn about the inner workings of the human brain at a fascinating new exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History. Kids can see a three-pound preserved brain, walk through a tunnel of firing neurons and challenge themselves to brain-teaser games. The exhibit, which is divided into seven categories like “Your Emotional Brain,” “Your Thinking Brain” and “Your Changing Brain,” also introduces the latest findings in neuroscience and showcases new technologies that researchers use to study the brain and treat conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 1 West 79th Street, 212-769-5100; amnh.org.(Photo credit: AMNH/ D.Finnin)

Grandparent/Grandchild Program at the New York Police Museum
Dedicated to preserving the history of the New York Police Department, the New York Police Museum boasts tons of hands-on educational exhibits for kids. Beginning on January 11th, the museum will debut its new Grandparent/Grandchild Program, in which guests can come to the museum on Tuesday afternoons for activity play in the Junior Officer Discovery Zone, an interactive exhibit that allows kids to operate a police car, learn codes that actual policemen use, and make crime scene observations. Admission is $5 for grandparents and grandchildren under 5; registration is not required. 100 Old Slip, 212-480-3100; nycpolicemuseum.org.

“Raising Citizens: Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival” at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Families can celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. day all weekend at CMOM with the museum’s fun-filled and inspiring “Make a Difference Medal” workshop. Children will learn about Dr. King and his legacy, discuss the role they can play in making a difference in the world, and make a medal that shows their promise to make a positive change in their communities. For children ages 5 and up; workshops take place at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. from January 15-17. 212 West 83rd Street, 212-721-1223; cmom.org.

“Alice In Wonderland” at Puppetworks
From January 15th to April 17th, the Brooklyn marionette masters at Puppetworks will present Lewis Carroll’s famous adventure “Alice In Wonderland” with the help of intricately crafted puppets and a gorgeous set. The puppet production will feature much of the novel’s colorful imagery—such as the Mad Hatter’s tea party and the disappearing Cheshire cat—and is recommended for children ages 3 and up. Tickets are $7 for children, $8 for adults. 338 Sixth Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-965-3391; puppetworks.org. (Photo: TA Smith)

“Who Is Louis Armstrong?” at Jazz At Lincoln Center
On January 29th, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s popular Jazz for Young People program will bring the music and charm of Louis Armstrong to music lovers of all ages. Led by trumpeter Sean Jones, this workshop and concert will teach guests why Satchmo is known as “the first genius of jazz” and showcase his irrepressible charm, wit and talent. Rose Theater, 33 West 60th Street; 212-258-9800; jalc.org.

“Sculpting the Himalayas” Family Workshop at the Rubin Museum
Families can build and move mountains every Saturday throughout the month of February at the Rubin Museum’s workshop “Sculpting the Himalayas.” Children ages 6 and up and a parent will take inspiration from the museum’s galleries to build snow-capped Himalayas, rivers, shrines and symbols from clay, fabric and mixed media. Workshops take place at 2 p.m. 150 West 17th Street; 212-620-5000; rmanyc.org. Photo: (Joanne Chan)

 “Picturing People” Family Workshop at the Whitney Museum
Say cheese! On select Saturdays in February, families can take part in the Whitney Museum’s “Picturing People” workshop, in which museum guests will explore pictures of individuals in various media and learn the fundamentals behind portraits, posing and profiles. Workshop admission is $10 per family and includes museum admission; pre-registration is required. 945 Madison Avenue, 212-570-3600; whitney.org.

Milkshake Concert at Symphony Space
On February 5^th, Grammy nominated and mom-run kiddie rock group Milkshake, who plays tunes inspired by everyone from Rodgers and Hammerstein to The White Stripes, will hit the stage at Symphony Space’s Just Kidding Series. Fronted by singer Lisa Mathews and guitarist Mikel Gehl—whose music for adults has been featured in movies and primetime television—will charm adults and kids alike with their endearing lyrics and authentic rock n’ roll spirit. Tickets range from $13-$27; the show begins at 11 a.m. Peter J. Sharp Theatre, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street; symphonyspace.org.

The Haitian Children's Day Celebration at the Children's Museum of the Arts
Introduce your children to the art and culture of Haiti by attending the Children’s Museum of the Arts and the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute’s Haitian Children’s Day Event on February 5th. Families will be able to enjoy interactive workshops inspired by Haitian and folk art, live musical and dance performances and more. Festivities take place between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. 182 Lafayette Street, 212-941-9198; cmany.org.

Cinderella at the New York Theatre Ballet
Introduce your child to the magic of dance with the New York Theatre Ballet’s “Once Upon A Ballet” spring performances, all of which are geared toward children ages 3-12. On February 12th and 13th, the NYTB will present Donald Mahler’s beautifully imagined production of Cinderella, complete with a dancing clock, wacky stepsisters and a charming prince. Performances are Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for children and $40 for adults. 55 East 59th Street, 212-679-0401; nytb.org.

Kids Week 2010 at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Escape the late winter blues with a week of hands-on fun at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum’s Kids Week. From February 19th-27th, the Intrepid invites families to enjoy a host of special, kid-focused programming, including interactive exhibits in the Exploreum Hall, different hands-on activities every day of the week (like the Intrepid’s spectacular flight simulators), special guest performances and more. Pier 86, 12th Avenue and 46th Street, 877-957-SHIP; intrepidmuseum.org.

Gustafer Yellowgold’s Infinity Sock at the DR2 Theatre
Beginning February 26, families can experience the newest musical journey from Gustafer Yellowgold—the curious yellow sun creature that has captured the hearts of adults and kids alike—when he takes the stage at the DR2 Theatre. Gustafer’s “Infinity Sock” is a multi-media show that is part pop rock concert, part animated movie that tells the story of Gustafer’s search for the longest sock in the universe. The show runs through April 2nd on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. 103 East 15th Street; gustaferyellowgold.com.

Carnegie Hall’s “Family Sing”
On Sunday, February 27th, make musical memories at Carnegie Hall’s Family Sing with the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, where kids will be able to experience first-hand what it’s like to be part of the choir. Before the event, families can check out Carnegie Hall’s website for sheet music and audience clips to help them learn the songs. The performance itself, which will be led by the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, will include pre-concert activities and warm-ups led by members of the ensemble. Performance begins at 1 p.m.; tickets range from $9-$15. Zankel Hall, 881 Seventh Avenue, 212-903-9600; carnegiehall.org. Photo: Stephanie Berger.

“Mischief” at the New Victory Theater
From March 18th to 27th, families can join the New Victory Theater for the U.S. premiere of “Mischief,” an award-winning family production hailing from Great Britain that will mesmerize adults and children alike. Hailed as “a whimsical and hugely inventive encounter with movement, music and mood” by The Scotland Herald, the production is a colorful musical playland featuring foam noodles grooving to an eclectic array of live tunes. The performance is appropriate for kids ages 4 to 8; tickets range between $18-$38. 209 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010; newvictory.org. Photo: Patrick Baldwin

“BYOK (Bring Your Own Kid)” Series at 92 Y Tribeca
Every Sunday, the 92 Y Tribeca introduces families to some of the coolest kids music around with the weekly concert series BYOK (Bring Your Own Kid). On February 27^th, rocker Randy Kaplan will take the stage for a morning of musical storytelling (complete with covers of favorites from Hank Williams and Bob Dylan); on March 27^th, Erin Lee and the Up Past Bedtime Band will play their beloved and award-winning kid rock that’s influenced by everything from country to punk. Concerts begin at 11 a.m.; tickets are $15, children under 2 are free. 200 Hudson Street, 212-601-1000; 92y.org.

The Dirty Sock Funtime Band at the Jewish Museum
On March 20, families can celebrate Purim at the Jewish Museum with the annual rockin’ performance from the Dirty Sock Funtime Band, a New York City-based multinational kids band that is a frequent guest on both Noggin and Nick, Jr. At the concert, kids can enjoy carnival-like klezmer rock and dance in costume to the fun jam “ClownaHagila.” Concerts begin at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and are appropriate for children ages 3 and up. 1109 Fifth Avenue, 212-423-3200; thejewishmuseum.org.

Poppy Seed Purim at the Kaufman Center
The Kaufman Center’s Poppy Seed Players have taught lessons and traditions of Jewish culture to children for 21 seasons! On March 20th, families can enjoy a musical re-enactment of Purim with the fun-filled production “A Poppy Seed Purim,” a light-hearted re-telling of the Biblical story of how Queen Esther saved the Jews of Shushan complete with vibrant characters, humor and a catchy melodic score. Merkin Concert Hall, 129 West 67th Street, 212-501-3303; kaufman-center.org.

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar And Other Eric Carle Favorites” at the Skirball Center
As part of its Big Red Chair family series, the Skirball Center at NYU presents a theatrical re-imagining of three of Eric Carle’s beloved children’s stories, including the tale about the famously hungry caterpillar who eats his way through an assortment of treats before his metamorphosis into a butterfly. The performance will take place on April 2nd at 10 a.m. and is appropriate for children ages 2 and up. 566 LaGuardia Place, skirballcenter.nyu.edu.

“Room on the Broom” at BMCC Tribeca
BMCC Tribeca offers a wide variety of family-friendly theatrical programming. On April 16th, the Performing Arts Center showcases a musical adaptation of the bestselling book “Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The performance will tell the story of a witch and her cat and the characters they meet throughout their journey—and whether or not the duo will have enough room on their broom to save everyone from a hungry dragon. Experience the tale of a witch and her cat and the characters they meet in their journeys. 199 Chambers Street, 212-220-1459; tribecapac.org.

“World Passport Workshop: Tip Your Hat Off to Seuss!” at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Oh, the places you’ll go! Celebrate the magic of Dr. Seuss at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum’s special celebration of the beloved author’s birthday on March 5th and 6th. In this workshop, children can explore the ways Dr. Seuss used words to stretch his readers’ imaginations, hear their favorite Seuss stories, make a Seuss-inspired hat and even compose their own Seussical poems. 145 Brooklyn Avenue, 718-735-4400; brooklynkids.org.

“Up, Up And Away With The Woodwinds” At The Little Orchestra Society
The Little Orchestra Society’s popular Lolipops kids concerts invite families to discover new musical genres in a relaxed and fun-filled setting. On April 2nd and 3rd, families can check out “Up, Up And Away with the Woodwinds,” a musical adventure that will take children experience the musical culture of China, Holland, Africa and Brazil and introduce them to composers like Mozart and Tchaikovsky. Performances are intended for children ages 3 to 5 and take place on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. and on Sunday at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The Kaye Playhouse, Hunter College, 68^th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues, 212-971-9500; littleorchestra.org.

Barnyard Easter Egg Hunt at the Queens County Farm Museum
The city’s only working historical farm, the Queens County Farm Museum hosts frequent events and workshops for kids of all ages throughout the year. On April 23rd, families can hop over to the annual Barnyard Easter Egg Hunt, where kids can do the “bunny hop,” participate in an egg toss, visit with the farm animals, take a hay ride and much more. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, 718-347-3276; queensfarm.org.

--Amanda Ferris, Katie Garton, Tiffanie Green, Rachael Horowitz and Amy Spiro