These family-friendly events and venues in and around Manhattan are worth planning a visit to this January. Please the nautical enthusiasts in your family at the Progressive New York Boat Show, catch a Gustafer Yellowgold show with the kids, or check out family-friendly exhibits at the New York Botanical Garden or Children’s Museum of the Arts.
Welcome to the Boat Show
All aboard! The Progressive New York Boat Show at the Javits Center will please nautical novices and enthusiasts alike. The show, which originated in 1905, has boats of all sizes, from luxury motor yachts and stunning sailboats to performance boats and inflatables. Enjoy workshops and seminars, plus a touch-a-boat tour for families with working vessels from the NY Fire Department. Kids can climb aboard, chat with captains, and take pictures at the helm. Jan. 24-28, Wednesday-Friday, 12-9pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm. Age: All. $16; free for children younger than 13. Javits Center, 625 W. 34th St., Hell’s Kitchen. nyboatshow.com.
Sing “Strawberry Love” at the Gustafer Yellowgold Show
Grammy nominated songwriter and cartoonist Morgan Taylor will present his animated characters and sing original songs at the Gustafer Yellowgold Show at Symphony Space. Families will dig live music, hand drawn onscreen animations, and vivid storytelling featuring Gustafer—a friendly creature who came to Earth from the sun and is living an explorer’s life in a slightly psychedelic version of the Minnesota woods. Jan. 20, 11am. Age: All. $17. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.
New York Botanical Garden
During any given season, guests young and young-at-heart can appreciate the beauty of nature at the 250-acre New York Botanical Garden. There are family programs, indoor and outdoor exhibits, and a 50-acre native forest to satisfy any nature lover.
Visit it: 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx; 718-817-8700; nybg.org.
Can’t-miss event: Holiday Train Show through Jan. 15
Children’s Museum of the Arts
Stop by the Children’s Museum of the Arts for family-friendly and accessible art exhibits as well as hands-on art classes for children as young as 10 months up to teens—you can also create together during Saturday Family Studios.
Visit it: 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village; 212-274-0986; cmany.org.
RELATED: Get Area Activities in Your Inbox
Main image: Kids can check out and climb aboard real sea vessels.
Courtesy Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show/Mike Sheehan
