Looking for fun and free/low-cost things to do with kids in Manhattan? Check out our roundup of top NYC family events in May, including Mamapalooza, Animal Tales Extravaganza, and Taste of Tribeca.
May 5
The Imagination Movers, a group of four dads-turned-rockstars who have their own musical-comedy show on Disney Junior, will perform dance-friendly tunes from their new CD/DVD Rock-o-Matic during a tour stop at Best Buy Theater. Be ready for an eclectic pop mix of songs about everything from healthy snacks to conquering bedtime fears.
May 12
You don’t want to miss Pirate School!, the swashbuckling one-man family vaudeville show performed aboard the historic Waterfront Museum Showboat Barge, anchored for a limited time (May 3-15) at Pier 25 in Hudson River Park. Created and performed by veteran physical comedian and actor David Engel (AKA Billy Bones), Pirate School! has enthralled families for more than 15 years with its mischievous blend of clown theater, adept magic, zany musical score, and boisterous full-audience participation. Billy Bones teaches youngsters how to be good pirates with lessons on how to stand, talk, sing, and laugh like buccaneers. Cannons boom, skulls talk, cutlasses drop, and pets run amok.
May 13
There’s a lot going on to celebrate moms this month. We could joke about how mothers deserve to be commemorated every day of the year (which is true!) or we could skip straight to the part where we point you in the right direction for some Mother’s Day fun: See our roundup of all-about-mom events here.
May 19
Now in its 18th year, Taste of Tribeca is a staple in the downtown foodie scene, giving the community an annual reason to gather around food, wine, and art. Founded in 1994 by the parents of Tribeca’s public elementary schools, PS 150 and PS 234, the street festival showcases and benefits the arts and enrichment programs of the neighborhood. Visitors will enjoy dishes from more than 70 neighborhood chefs and family-friendly activities like the Kids Zone, live entertainment, and cooking demos.
May 20
Rock star moms, take note: Mamapalooza is coming back to the big city for its annual Mamapalooza Extravaganza. As part of Summer On The Hudson, the FREE festival at Riverside Park boasts an array of activities, including live music, demonstrations, and a family fitness event. Featured performers include Parents With Angst, Erin Lee and The Up Past Bedtime Band, and Meg’s Melodies. There will also be plenty of food, a fair of family services and information, and shopping opps provided by women-owned businesses.
Weekends through Sept. 9
Kate Monster of the Tony Award-winning musical “Avenue Q” stars in the new kid-friendly musical “Avenue Zoo,” which opened at Bronx Zoo April 21 as part of the zoo’s annual Animal Tales Extravaganza. The show highlights the importance of wildlife conservation in an entertaining way and runs weekends through Sept. 9 at 12:30pm and 2:30pm at the zoo’s Asia Plaza Stage.
Search for even more fun family activities in/near NYC in our full calendar of events.
