In the city that’s always offering its residents and visitors the next big thing, we’ve found twelve can’t-miss moments for the coming year. From spiders at the American Museum of Natural History to a skateboarder exhibit at the New York Hall of Science, there’s plenty to keep your family busy. And just remember, these are only a few of the countless fun and family-friendly events taking place all year long. There are some hardy perennials—like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and other classics—that we chose to forego in order to bring your attention to events you may not already know about.
Art Forms: 75 Years Of Arts Education At The Children’s Museum Of The Arts
Through September 30, 2012
For the first time ever, the Children’s Museum of the Arts will display historic children’s artwork from the collections of celebrated art educators alongside contemporary artwork by New York City public school students and the museum’s teaching artists. Celebrate art education from the 1930s to today.
“Spiders Alive!” At The American Museum Of Natural History
July 28-December 2012
Beware of arachnophobia at the American Museum of Natural History! “Spiders Alive!” has descended with larger-than-life models, videos, interactive exhibits and fossils. For the bravest of the bunch, museum staff will be handling live arachnids for visitors to see up close.
Fresh Beat Band In Concert
September 8-9 & 18-19, 2012
In case you missed them in March, the Fresh Beat Band, aka The Fab Four for tots, are back with six shows at the Beacon. Your kids will Go Bananas!
“Global Shoes” At The Brooklyn Children’s Museum
September 22, 2012-March 10, 2013
Not just for budding Cinderellas, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum introduces “Global Shoes,” a bilingual exhibition (Spanish-English) complete with fantasy shoe store and factory. Designed for children ages 5-12, kiddos will learn just what their Uggs and Keens say about them.
Boo At The Bronx Zoo
October 2012
A New York Halloween tradition, weekends in October at the Bronx Zoo are chock full of programs and events known as Boo at the Zoo. What could be better to get in the spirit of Halloween than a visit with some creepy-crawlies?
“Annie”
Starting November 8, 2012
Little orphan Annie will be singing her way back into New York City’s heart on November 8, 2012, when the musical reopens on Broadway. Set your alarm for September 1—the day tickets go on sale!
Circus Oz At The New Victory Theater
November 30-December 30, 2012
Not your mother’s circus troupe, Australia’s eccentric Circus Oz will return to The New Victory with From the Ground Up, a circus with skyscrapers as its theme. Featuring live rock music and dazzling circus feats, the whole family will be astounded.
90-Second Newbery Film Festival
December 2, 2012
Discover the great filmmakers of tomorrow. The 90-Second Newbery Film Festival invites children to make 90 second movies of their favorite Newbery award-winning books. Top videos will be screened on December 2, hosted by the festival’s co-creator James Kennedy and the hilarious Jon Scieszka (The Stinky Cheese Man) with special guest appearances by Kate DiCamillo (The Tale of Despereaux) and Rita Williams-Garcia (One Crazy Summer).
Curious George At The Liberty Science Center
January-May 2013
Finally—the chance to meet Curious George! The ever-curious monkey and his friend, The Man with the Yellow Hat, will be residing at the Liberty Science Center through May and invite children ages 3-7 to visit their neighborhood. While visiting an apartment house, sidewalk produce stand, construction site and more, Curious George will help children learn key concepts in science, math and engineering.
Grand Central Terminal’s 2013 Centennial
February 1-March 15, 2013
Grand Central Terminal is 100 years old this year! The New York Transit Museum is celebrating this milestone birthday with a family-friendly exhibit at Vanderbilt Hall. Learn how the site was built—and Midtown around it—to become a focal point of New York life.
“Rad Science” At The New York Hall Of Science
February-May 2013
An exhibit centered on legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk, “Rad Science” at the New York Hall of Science will teach visitors how Hawk’s awesome tricks use physics principles like gravity, force, velocity, acceleration, inertia and balance.
35th Annual Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer Pow Wow At The Queens County Farm Museum
July 26-28, 2013
Don’t miss New York City’s oldest and largest American Indian Pow Wow at the Queens County Farm Museum. Forty Indian nations are represented over three days of intertribal Native American dance competitions. Native American art, crafts, jewelry and foods also available.
For more event picks for families, check out our Family Calendar.
