Green But No Longer Mean
Through December 31
[All Ages]
Get in the holiday spirit with Cindy-Lou Who and everyone’s favorite reformed grump, the Grinch! An interactive and kid-friendly experience inspired by the Dr. Seuss classic, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan has once again recreated its real-life walk-through of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Kids can enjoy story time around the Grinch’s larger-than-life reading chair, make up their own funny Seuss-inspired phrases with Whoville Mad Libs, and create tree ornaments, Grinch masks, and super silly “rhyming hats.” Free with admission; 10am-5pm (7pm Saturdays). 212 West 83rd Street, 212-721-1223, cmom.org
The Circus Goes Urban
Through January 12
[All Ages]
In a brand new show, “LUMINOSITY,” the Big Apple Circus is bringing together talented performance artists from around the globe. Marvel at an incredible circus adventure set in the cityscape with amazing acts like a masterful dog-walker leading a pack of skillful pooches, soaring businesswomen who report directly to a double trapeze, a food cart vendor with a flair for juggling, plus construction workers performing feats of strength. And, of course, what would an urban circus be without some city-slicker clowns? From $25; various start times between 11am and 7pm. Damrosch Park, 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, 888-541-3750, bigapplecircus.org
All About Scouts
November 9
[Ages 6-16]
Head over to the Intrepid Museum’s Scout Day and help little ones celebrate history and the heroic members of our military. Boy/Girl Scouts can earn requirements toward badges, interest projects, loops, or try-its as they chat with veterans and active military personnel, learn more about life as a USS crewmember, contribute to a massive “thank you chain” that will be sent to the military, and create a special stamp to commemorate the day. From $15.50; 11am-2:30pm. Pier 86 at West 6th Street, 212-245-0072, intrepidmuseum.org
Soul Cool
November 9
[All Ages]
The upcoming Jazz for Young People family concert is all about melding jazz with gospel–and making the soulful combination fun for kids. Using Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, and Wynton Marsalis as inpsiration, pianist and conductor Damien Sneed leads kids and their parents alike in fun activities that help illustrate the genres’ most important concepts at Jazz at Lincoln Center. From $24.40; 1pm & 3pm. Broadway and 60th Street, 212-721-6500, jalc.org
A Twinkletoe Twist
November 10 to 24
[Ages 4-6]
Making Books Sing combines dance and puppetry in “Ballerina Swan,” which tells the story of a swan who dwells in Central Park named Sophie with aspirations of becoming a ballerina and performing in Swan Lake. Based on the beloved children’s book by former New York City Ballet prima ballerina, Allegra Kent, this story is brought to life with the help of a five-foot tall swan puppet with some serious dance skills! Children $15, adults $20; Thurs and Fri 10:30am, Sat and Sun 11am & 2pm, 311 West 43rd Street, 646-601-1406, makingbookssing.org
Got The Rhythm?
November 15 to December 1
[Ages 6 & Up]
The New Victory Theater will be pulsing with energy in “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now,” in which a seven-piece “rhythmic circus” from Minneapolis taps along to a brass band and the percussion of human beatboxing in what they call “heatbox.” Ready for an explosive dance performance? From $14; various start times between 12 & 7pm, Fri-Sun. 209 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org
The Power of Poison
November 16 to August 10
[All Ages]
Throughout history, poison has wreaked havoc in its countless forms, from the menacing rattlesnake to the seemingly unassuming skin of a mango. The American Museum of Natural History’s Power of Poison exhibit explores the role venom has played in nature, human health, literature, and myths. Learn about some of history’s most puzzling cases of poisoning, like Cleopatra’s notorious snakebite and Napoleon’s encounter with arsenic. Children $16, adults $27 (includes) admission; every half hour 10:30am-4:30pm. American Museum of Natural History, 212-769-5100, amnh.org
Songs For Fams
November 17
[All Ages]
Come see the Brooklyn Youth Chorus as they celebrate and honor the music of legendary composer Benjamin Britten. Carnegie Hall will be filled with the sweet sound of little ones singing as the chorus showcases some of Britten’s most notable pieces. Before the concert, ticket-holding children can even take part in some interactive games. From $12; 1pm, Carnegie Hall, 212-247-7800, carnegiehall.org
Puppet Magic
November 23 & 24
[All Ages]
In association with New York City Center, The Little Orchestra Society recreates Igor Stravinsky’s historical “Firebird” production of magic and immortality through the use of puppets and illumination. With David Alan Miller serving as guest conductor, this full sensory performance will combine a lively score with exquisite puppetry. From $17; 11am & 1pm Saturday & 1pm Sunday, 131 West 55th Street, 212-581-1212, littleorchestra.org
