Find fun and low-cost events for kids in Manhattan this month, including a hilarious show about motherhood, a new exhibit at the Children’s Museum of the Arts’ new space, magician Max Darwin’s new show, Yo Gabba Gabba Live! on tour, the Big Apple Circus’ new show, a Special Needs School Fair, and Ben Rudnick in Concert.
And we couldn’t forget about Halloween! Check out our roundup of the best Halloween events for kids in NYC.
Motherhood Out Loud
As any parent will tell you, raising kids can be a rollercoaster ride. Motherhood Out Loud, a new comedy about all things parenthood, depicts the raw emotions and rocky roads in a hilarious, personal, and insightful way. Cooked up by Susan R. Rose and Joan Stein, the unpredictable play will simultaneously exploit outdated child-raising ideas and celebrate the common truths and deep-seated feelings that every parent, young or old, experiences. September 20 through October 29. 7pm Tuesday-Thursday; 8pm Friday; 2pm and 8pm Saturday; 3pm Sunday. $45-$65.
59 East 59th Street; www.motherhoodoutloud.com
In photo: Cast members Mary Bacon and Saidah Arrika Ekulona, director Lisa Peterson, cast members Randy Graff and James Lecesne
CMA’s New Exhibit at New Space
On October 1, the Children’s Museum of the Arts (CMA) opens the door to its new home at 103 Charlton Street in Hudson Square, introducing a new exhibition and more workshops for an ever-expanding audience. The new facility features multiple art studios, a state-of-the-art sound station and media lab, a clay bar, and a 2,000-square-foot gallery that can host up to 70,000 visitors in the first year. CMA’s opening exhibit, Make Art (In) Public, presents a survey of artists past and present whose work has impacted public spaces, bringing communities together and contributing to the beauty of daily life. The exhibit will include works by Keith Haring, Swoon, Hundertwasser, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Moondog, and others. These artists’ bold and sometimes immense visions have changed the way we view art and inspired a whole new generation.
Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton Street
The Amazing Max in Manhattan
Magician Max Darwin’s sleight of hand and humor will keep audiences spellbound in The Amazing Max and the Box of Interesting Things. Objects appear out of thin air, the laws of physics are defied, and miracles are performed inches from spectators’ faces in this magic show where the props onstage seem intent on surprising even the magician himself. Be prepared for striking visual magic, comedy and juggling, and loads of audience participation. For more information on the show: www.theamazingmax.com. Saturdays and Sundays at 4:30pm throughout October (opens October 2). $29.50-$49.50.
Manhattan Movement and Arts Center, 248 W. 60th Street
Yo Gabba Gabba Live!
Yo Gabba Gabba Live! It’s Time to Dance! has been rocking the pre-school and young adult set on their live tour of 50 North American cities. Enthusiastic fans of all ages will have the opportunity to see the colorful cast of characters come to life onstage in New York this month. Presented by Kia Motors, the show presents a mix of classic Yo Gabba Gabba! favorites as well as new songs and performances. The state-of-the-art, high-energy production features DJ Lance Rock, Brobee, Foofa, Muno, Plex, and Toodee, plus a rockin’ mix of music, animation, games, singing, and dancing. The show stops at NYC’s Beacon Theatre on October 14-16 for six shows. $40-$75.
Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway at 74th Street
Big Apple Circus Back Under the Big Top
For its 34th season, the Big Apple Circus presents Dream Big!, an all-new show under the big top that showcases stunning acts. These include a juggler with a suit to fit his sweet feats of fancy handiwork, a mechanical doll who comes alive in a sinuous balancing act, spirited horses, frolicsome dogs, audacious acrobats who astound with athletic grace, comical conjurors, a singing ringmistress who will be accompanied by the Big Apple Circus Band, and, of course, Grandma, in her last season with the circus. October 20, 2011 through January 8, 2012. Show times vary; see website for full schedule. $15 and up. For tickets: 888-541-3750.
Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park, 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, West 62nd Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues; www.bigapplecircus.org
Special Needs School Fair
Representatives from preschools and elementary, middle, and high schools serving the New York City special needs community will come together at the 2011 Special Needs School Fair to provide information and answers to your questions. School materials will be available. For more information or to register, call 646-505-5708. October 25. 5:30-7:30pm.
The JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Avenue
Ben Rudnick and Friends in Concert
Jam along to Ben Rudnick and Friends‘ upbeat tunes, including a few non-scary Halloween songs. The adventurous, high-energy band will perform its original upbeat acoustic music that has roots in everything from bluegrass to rock ‘n roll and is full of fun-to-sing lyrics. October 29 at 11am. $20; $13 children.
Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway
More Fun
For even more fun family events in the NYC area this month, check out our constantly updated Calendar of Events
