The World Passport Workshop Series at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
The first Saturday of each month, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum hosts an interactive workshop for kids, where they learn all about a new or exciting concept that lends itself to great thematic study. On September 4, kids will love learning about boats and designing their own vessel; on October 2, little chefs can learn all about the history of quinoa and cook up a batch of their own, and on November 6, kids can learn all about the magic of the Diwali South Asian holiday! 145 Brooklyn Avenue (at St. Marks Avenue), Brooklyn; brooklynkids.org.
“BYOK (Bring Your Own Kid)” Series at 92 Y Tribeca
Make musical memories at 92YTribeca’s “Bring Your Own Kid” program, where little ones and parents can rock
out together to kid-friendly concerts every Sunday. Whether it’s
Brooklyn-based favorites the Deedle Dee Dees (October 10) or hilarious
rocker Billy Kelly (October 17), each performance promises a little
something for everyone in the audience. 200 Hudson Street; 92y.org.
“Meet The Artist Saturdays” at Lincoln Center’s David Rubenstein Atrium
This fall, Lincoln Center hosts the second annual “Meet The Artist Saturdays” series, where kids can get up close and personal with some of their favorite performing artists (like Astrograss) and also with new musical genres, like opera! The kick-off event will take place on September 4 with a special presentation entitled “Echoing Voices: A Musical History of America.” The series will take place the first Saturday of every month and is free; seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The David Rubenstein Atrium, Broadway between 62nd and 63rd streets; Lincolncenter.org.
“Beauty & The Beast” at Puppetworks
In true Puppetworks fashion, the classic tale of “Beauty & the Beast” is told with the help of intricately crafted marionettes, and accompanied by music from French composer Jules Massenet. Running from September 4 to December 19, the show is a charming adaptation of Madame Leprince De Beaumont’s 1756 French fairy tale. Recommended for ages 4 and up. 338 Sixth Avenue at 4th Street, Brooklyn; puppetworks.org. (photo credit: LR Rush)
“The Amazing Maize Maze” at the Queens County Farm Museum
Starting September 8, kids can celebrate the beginning of the fall season by getting lost within a three-acre interactive corn maze. Families can navigate the corn stalks and complete the maze by finding clues and solving exciting puzzles. The exhibit closes on November 7, so make sure to experience the adventure while it lasts. 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, Floral Park, Queens; queensfarm.org.
Painting Brooklyn Stories of Immigration & Survival at the Brooklyn Historical Society
On September 14, the Brooklyn Historical Society will debut a new exhibition entitled “Painting Brooklyn Stories of Immigration & Survival,” which will tell the stories of diverse individuals and cultures that have immigrated to Brooklyn through paintings, oral histories, poetry and personal effects. What’s more, the exhibition will host a family workshop on November 14, in which kids will have an opportunity to listen to and tell their own stories, as well as create a multimedia art project as a reflection. The exhibit runs through February 2011. Brooklyn Historical Society; 128 Pierrepont Street, Brooklyn; brooklynhistory.org.
“Mixing It Up With Marclay” At The Whitney Museum
On September 25, families are invited to take part in a multimedia exploration of artist Christian Marclay’s exhibit “Christian Marclay: Festival.” Kids can take guided tours through the various components of the exhibit, and even contribute to the creative process by adding notes to a giant chalkboard with music lines; professional musicians will then play the notes that the kids come up with! After the exhibit, families can stick around for an afternoon of musical performances. 945 Madison Avenue; whitney.org.
“The Wizard of Oz” at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Follow the yellow brick road to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, where your kids can spend the day with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion and the Tin Man in part of CMOM’s new Wizard of Oz exhibit. From creating a tornado in Dorothy’s bedroom to climbing a mountain to the Wicked Witch’s Castle, there’s plenty of exploring to be done in this exhibit open from September 25 to January 9. 212 West 83rd Street; cmom.org.
“Angelina Ballerina The Musical” at Vital Theatre Company
Everyone’s favorite mouse ballerina Angelina and all of her friends make the big jump from the television screen (on the PBS Kids series “Angelina Ballerina: The Next Steps”) to the stage in this musical production. Starting October 2, Angelina and the gang will hip-hop, modern dance, Irish jig and of course, ballet across the stage, and have audience members dancing in their seats. Recommended for children ages 3 to 12. 2162 Broadway at 76th Street, 4th Floor; vitaltheatre.org.
The Junior Officers Discovery Zone At The New York Police Museum
Starting in October, kids will have the opportunity to be introduced to the New York City Police Department in the new and interactive Junior Officers Discovery Zone. The exhibit is divided into four sections: Police Academy, Park and Precinct, Emergency Services Unit and a Multi-Purpose Area for programming. Activities include crime scene observations, operating a police car and learning codes actual policemen use. 100 Old Slip between Walter Street and South Street; nycpm.org.
Peace Lab Family Workshop at The Rubin Museum
On Saturday, October 2, the Rubin Museum will celebrate International Day of Non-Violence with its very own (and first-ever!) peace laboratory. Families will be able to take part in sensory experiments (testing the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, feelings, and actions that make us peaceful or angry) as well as listen to live musical performances and participate in peace-themed craft projects. The festivities begin at 11 a.m. 150 W. 17th Street; rmanyc.org. (photo credit, courtesy of Magnet Images, LLC)
The Ultimate Block Party In Central Park
On October 3, families are invited to take part in the Ultimate Block Party (UBP) a social movement devised in NYC designed to change attitudes, beliefs and practices about the power of playful learning. Created in response to kids’ diminishing play times, the UBP will debut in New York before expanding nationally and internationally, catering to the needs and identity of each city. At the first ever UPB in Central Park, kids can participate in over 30 interactive and specially-designed activities, such as “The World’s Largest Simon Says,” building and designing, story writing, role playing and more. Naumburg Bandshell, (72nd Street and Dead Road), Central Park; ultimateblockparty.com.
“The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” at BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center
Enter the magical world of Narnia with this musical based on the classic C.S. Lewis adventure. On October 3, families can watch the Pevensie children dodge the white witch and explore a new world. 199 Chambers Street; tribecapac.org.
“The Butterfly Conservatory: Tropical Butterflies Alive in Winter” at the Ameri
can Museum of Natural History
A longtime favorite of museum goers of all ages, “The Butterfly Conservatory: Tropical Butterflies Alive in Winter” returns to the American Museum of Natural History on October 16. Families can discover over 500 tropical butterflies from the Americas, Africa, and Asia as they soar around the 60-foot long vivarium, created to simulate their lush native habitat. Central Park West and 79th Street; amnh.org. (photo credit: (c) AMNH/ D.Finn)
“Circurious” at Symphony Space
On October 23, families can witness a magnificent display of talent, athleticism and beauty. “Circurious” features not only standard circus performances, including acrobats, illusionists and singers, but also performances from Broadway recording artists and beauty pageant winners. This is a one-day event, so make sure to purchase tickets in advance. 2537 Broadway; symphonyspace.org.
“Sachiyo Ito & Company: Exquisite Japanese Dance” at the Museum of the City of New York
On Saturday, October 30, the Museum of the City of New York presents a once-in-a-lifetime production from the acclaimed New York City traditional Japanese dance company, Sachiyo Ito & Company. Children and parents alike will marvel at the company’s exquisite movements and wide variety of dancing styles. After the performance, families can peruse the museum’s exhibition “Samurai in New York: The First Japanese Delegation, 1960.” Performance begins at 3 p.m. 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street; mcny.org.
“Stravinsky’s Firebird” Commissioned by The Little Orchestra Society
As part of its Happy Concerts For Young People Series, the Little Orchestra Society invites families to the world-premiere of a family-friendly production of the Russian ballet masterpiece, “Stravinksy’s Firebird” on November 6. Dancing bunraku-style puppets and shadow-play in the hands of 11 puppeteers move to the incredible music of Maestro Anagnost and the Orchestra in this spectacular, one-of-a-kind performance. Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center; littleorchestra.org.
“Fall Family Day” at The Guggenheim Museum
On Sunday, November 14, families are invited to a day of festivities celebrating the Guggenheim Museum’s architecture and fall exhibitions. Kids will be able to engage in discussions about the art, as well as participate in a scavenger hunt and art-making activities and watch performances and storytelling. Recommended for children ages 4 to 10; no registration required. 1071 Fifth Avenue; guggenheim.org.
The Sneak Peek: A Musical Revue
The award-winning TADA! Youth Theater has produced original musicals performed by kids ages 8-18 for over 25 years. While most of the company’s performances are in the New Year, this season families can look forward to Tada’s “Sneak Peak: A Musical Revue” from November 19 to 21. The revue will feature musical numbers from Tada’s upcoming productions, including “Rabbit Sense,” “Odd Day Rain” and “The Little Moon Theater,” and is sure to have kids excited about Tada’s forthcoming spring season. 15 West 28th Street; tadatheater.com.
Jazz for Young People’s “What Is Jazz”? at Jazz at Lincoln Center
On November 20, your family can learn the true meaning of jazz with legendary trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis. Come enjoy the swinging music and teach your children to feel jazz’s true meaning in their souls—scatting is optional! Time Warner Center, Broadway and 60th Street, 5th Floor; jalc.org.
“Momentum” at the New Victory Theater
From December 3 to January 2, the New Victory Theater will host Tel Aviv’s multicultural troupe Mayumana, which will perform its high-energy, interactive music show, “Momentum.” The show, which combines elements of music, dance, drumming, acrobatics and more, has already been seen by thousands worldwide. 209 West 42nd Street; newvictory.org.
“The Nutcracker” at New York Theatre Ballet
For the 26th year in a row, New York Theatre Ballet presents a magical one-hour production of the classic wintertime tale, “The Nutcracker.” A perfect way to ring in the holiday season, the Once Upon A Ballet series is designed for children, though the beautiful performance will mesmerize parents, too! Performances will be held on December 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at Florence Gould Hall, 55 East 59th Street; nytb.org. (photo credit: Richard Termine)
“How The Grinch Stole Christmas” at Carnegie Hall
Celebrate the holidays with the Whos! On December 11, the New York Pops will perform the beloved story of the Grinch on the Carnegie Hall stage. Bring your family an hour before showtime and enjoy free pre-concert activities. The performance itself features orchestral music, singers, dancers and a chorus, plus a full narration of the story and a projection of illustrations from the original book. 57th Street and Seventh Avenue; carnegiehall.org.(photo credit: Julien Jourdes)
“Peter and the Wolf” at the Jewish Museum
On Sunday, December 12 at 2 p.m., the acclaimed Pushcart Players will present the classic tale of a boy named Peter and his animal friends, each of which are represented with a different instrument! This musical presentation is appropriate for all ages, and is sure to please parents and kids alike. 1109 Fifth Avenue; thejewishmuseum.org.
“Mummenschanz” at the Skirball Center For The Performing Arts
Prepare to be amazed as the revolutionary Swiss performance troupe, “Mummenschanz,” brings its show to the NYU-based cultural center as part of its Big Red Chair Series from December 21 to January 8. This completely non-verbal show brings imagination to the forefront as everyday items become extraordinary, and shadows and lighting are used for a dramatic, and impactful, effect. 566 LaGuardia Place; skirballcenter.nyu.edu.
Musical Adventures With The Poppy Seed Players At The Kaufman Center
The Kaufman Center hosts the beloved musical troupe the Poppy Seed Players, who, now in their 21st season, perform musical plays for kids about Jewish culture. While many of the performances are after the New Year, families can look forward to Merkin Concert Hall’s annual family Hanukkah revue, “Latkes And Applesauce” on December 5. Featuring work from some of New York’s funniest writers, the show is a joyous and family-friendly holiday celebration. Merkin Concert Hall, 129 West 67th Street (between Broadway and Amsterdam); kaufman-center.org.
— Beata Cherepakhina, Alessandra Hickson, Matthew Thaler
