Ongoing
So You Think You
Want To Operate
[Ages 12+]
You may think that staring at screens burns brain cells, but technological innovations are transforming videogames into pre-medical training. Liberty Science Center’s da Vinci Robotic Surgery, which lets kids perform surgical simulations like real doctors-in-training, will put every little gamer’s hand-eye coordination to good use. A life-sized plasma screen “patient” also helps budding scientists explore anatomy via CT scans and functional MRIs.
Free with admission; times vary. Liberty Science Center, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, 201-200-1000, lsc.org
Through November 12
Oh La La!
[All Ages]
After achieving smashing success in print, the children’s book character Fancy Nancy is having her grand stage début at Vital Theatre this fall. It’s a play-within-a-play, where the heroine who loves all things extravagant is stuck playing a boring old tree in her very first show. As Nancy finds ways to make her role sparkle, fans will fall in love with her bubbling personality all over again.
From $29.50; Saturdays and Sundays 11am and 1pm. McGinn/Cazale Theatre, 2162 Broadway, 212-579-0528, vitaltheatre.org
Through February 24
Comic Connections
[Ages 9-13]
Two vibrant exhibitions at the Museum of Chinese in America, “Marvels and Monsters” and “Alt.Comics,” draw kids into intriguing analyses of Asian American portrayals in graphic novels and of how art can change perceptions. Kids will have an enriching experience while visiting an exhibition that puts a relatable spin on a serious subject. To engage further with these real-life issues, time your visit with a comic-making workshop and discussion.
Free with admission; select Saturdays 1-2:30pm. Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre Street, 212-619-4785, mocanyc.org
From October 6
Winter Migration
[All Ages]
Returning to the American Museum of Natural History for its 15th year, the Butterfly Conservatory transports families from chilly fall to balmy rainforest in the flutter of a wing. In this living, breathing wonderland, all ages can admire majestic creatures hailing from across the world, like scarlet swallowtails and zebra longwings. See how the delicate-looking butterfly defends itself against predators and learn how you can create your own butterfly garden at home.
Children $14.50, adults $25; 10:15am–5pm. American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5100, amnh.org
October 6 & 7
Doors Wide Open
[Various Age-Specific Workshops]
Some of New York’s most stunning buildings open to the public this weekend for America’s largest architecture and design event, otherwise known as Open House NY. Don’t miss this chance to glimpse cool architecture that’s usually off-limits, with plenty of kid-friendly activities to boot, from making origami buildings at the Japan Society to a treasure hunt through Park Avenue Armory to a craftsy Family Festival at the Center for Architecture.
Free; various times and locations. 212-991-6470, ohny.org
October 7, 14, 21 & 28
If You Love Rock N’ Roll
[All Ages]
The B.Y.O.K concert series is back at 92YTribeca this month, featuring some of our kiddie favorites like Randy Kaplan, Astrograss for Kids, Science Fair, and Alastair Moock. If you just can’t get enough and want to make repeat visits throughout the season, consider purchasing the B.Y.O.K. Bonanzas Card, which gets you 12 tickets for the price of ten. Cool music, healthy snacks, and a good bargain—what’s not to love?
Under 2 free, ages 2+ $15; 11am. 92YTribeca, 200 Hudson Street, 212-601-1000, 92Y.org
October 17-November 11
“RING”-ing In The Fall
[Ages 3 to 5]
Forget stuffy, sit-and-watch performances. “RING A DING DING” encourages exactly what little tots are dying to do: Get up and take part in all the action! You won’t have to worry about holding your 3- to 5-year-olds in their seats at this energetic show, where kids can join Alice in a search for her runaway dog and meet all her friends along the way. Accompanied by tunes from George the Music Man.
From $14; times vary. New 42nd Street Studios, 229 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org
October 20
Music To Little Ears
[Ages 3-6]
Who says classical music is just for adults? At McGraw-Hill Carnegie Kids’ ClassNotes concert, teaching musicians lead families in deconstructing music through storytelling, active listening activities, and more fun than you ever would have imagined. In this free 45-minute session of interactive jamming, little ears will get to hear what may be thought of as intimidating music as a great way to express our rollercoaster of feelings.
Free; 11:30am. The Performance Project @ University Settlement, 184 Eldridge Street, 212-453-4532, carnegiehall.org
October 20-January 6
You’re A Mean One
[All Ages]
Inspired by Dr. Seuss’ famous Christmas story, “The Grinch’s Holiday Workshop” at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan celebrates all of this year’s remaining festivities from Halloween to New Year’s. In this whimsical and colorful fantasyland, kids will have a blast creating day-glo Grinch masks, making up their own wacky Seussian words, creating an original character for the Who-ville mural, and much more. Check the website for weekly, seasonal interactive programs.
Free with admission; times vary. Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 East 83rd Street, 212-721-1223, cmom.org
October 24
Caught At Last
[Ages 8-12]
The mysterious author of The Series of Unfortunate Events, Lemony Snicket, comes out of hiding to visit Symphony Space to kick off this season’s Thalia Kids’ Book Club. Snicket, known for his dark humor, will be reading from his brand new series, All The Wrong Questions. In true character, the author has concealed his plans outside of the presentation, book signing, and talk with comedian Sarah Vowell, but it’s sure to be an unpredictably fun time. Buckle up!
$15; 6pm. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, 212-864-5400, symphonyspace.org
