Now that spring has sprung, we thought we’d highlight a few of the season’s most exciting museum exhibits, workshops and performances in the city for kids. Whether an adventure inside the human brain, a discovery program to share with grandparents or a very hungry caterpillar (yep, that’s the one!), you’re sure to find a cultural experience your kids will flip for! —
"Brain: The Inside Story" Exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History
Families can learn about the inner workings of the human brain at this fascinating exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History. See a three-pound preserved brain, walk through a tunnel of firing neurons and challenge yourself 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.
"Pinkalicious The Musical" at the Vineyard’s Dimson Theatre
Pink lovers of all ages will be pleased to know that 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.
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 April 9-10, the NYTB will present "Exquisite Little Ballets," an
interactive program designed to introduce children to the wonder of
dance. On May 14-15, families can catch the classic "Sleeping Beauty."
complete with a dancing clock, wacky
stepsisters and a charming prince. Performances are Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Sundays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for children and $40 for adults.
Carnegie Hall Family Concerts
These fun and educational afternoon concerts, recommended for children
ages 5-10, are a great way to introduce kids to the world of music. Join
them April 9 for a "Young Artist’s Showcase" with "From The Top," or on
May 14 for a jazzy, folksy concert with Haitian vocalist Emeline
Michel. 1 p.m.; $9 per ticket.
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. This season, the museum is running a special 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.
"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.
"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.
"Room on the Broom" at Tribeca Performing Arts Center
Tribeca Performing Arts Center 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.
"Up, Up And Away With The Woodwinds" With The Little Orchestra Society
The Little Orchestra Society’s popular Lolli-Pops 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, 68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues.
"Tipi: Heritage Of The Great Plains" At The Brooklyn Museum
Celebrates the tipi’s remarkable architectural form, which historically was the center of Native American Plains family life and remains an essential structure for celebratory and ceremonial occasions. The exhibition features three full-size tipis along with more than 150 objects to explore. Runs through May 15.
Pictured: A Carnegie Hall Family Concert.
