Contributing Writers: Gavriella Mahpour, Nancy Ryerson and Veronica Torok
The start of school brings on a slew of new activities. (Modern dance, anyone?) And by the middle of fall,
parents are only too ready to settle their little ones into a comfortable
routine. But who said routines had to be boring? Here at New York Family, we encourage you to incorporate a few unique picks into your weekly schedule to boost
your family’s creativity. Our top 20 picks for the best cultural
events of the season will have you and the kids singing along with jazz greats,
dancing with larger-than-life lollipops and laughing together as you find out what it’s
like to have a pirate for an uncle. Read on for the perfect solutions on how to fill up rainy city days or cap off a perfectly sunny autumn weekend. — %uFFFD
1. THE RELUCTANT DRAGON at PUPPETWORKS
A misunderstood little
girl and an intelligent (but kind of creepy) creature team up in this charming
classic adapted for marionettes. As the two work together to figure out who’s really been stealing the village’s sheep,
the townspeople learn not to judge a book by its cover. Set in 1932, this enchanting
show includes a soundtrack of 1930s tunes plus an original song. Catch it now through December 18. puppetworks.org
2. “BEYOND THE REFRIGERATOR
DOOR” by the CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE ARTS at GOVERNORS
ISLAND
Artsy tots will be
inspired by the kid-created masterpieces in this exhibit—the result of a
summer’s worth of student art from CMA’s Summer Art Colony classes. The pieces range from
landscapes and cityscapes, to surrealism and ceramics. Some kids (ages 6 to 14)
even put together short animated films and documentaries that will be shown on
a loop. The art will be on display on Governors Island until September 25. cmany.org
3. JUST KIDDING SERIES at
SYMPHONY SPACE
Forget Saturday morning
cartoons. Little kids and tweens alike can start their weekends off with
musical musings and literary loving all autumn long at Symphony Space. Catch
musical sketch comedy from the Story Pirates, check out the impressive
acrobatics of Galumpha, or groove to Cat and Bird’s Eastern European flair—just
to name a few fall offerings. For tweens, Symphony Space hosts popular authors
for an interactive morning that includes creative writing, Q&As with the author
and a book signing. Meet Norton Juster (The
Phantom Tollbooth), Julia Avarez (In
The Time Of Butterflies) and more. Tickets range from $11 to $25. symphonyspace.org
4. “THE
SNOWY DAY” AND THE ART OF EZRA JACK KEATS EXHIBIT at THE JEWISH
MUSEUM
This
fall, the artwork of famed children’s author Ezra Jack Keats will be on display
at The Jewish Museum. Featuring over 80 of Keats’ original drawings—from Whistle for Willie and Peter’s Chair to The Snowy Day—museumgoers will have the rare opportunity to view
the author/illustrator’s preliminary sketches and collages, including his
paintings inspired by Asian art and poetry. As part of this special exhibit,
one of The Jewish Museum’s galleries will be designated as a reading room for parents
and children to enjoy Keats’ celebrated works. Exhibit runs from now until January 29. Museum admission is free for children under the age of 12 and $12
for adults. Recommended for all ages. thejewishmuseum.org
5. STONE SOUP at LITERALLY ALIVE
CHILDREN’S THEATRE
The
beloved children’s book by Michael Sgouros and Brenda Bell will be adapted for
the stage by the Literally Alive Children’s Theatre. Stone Soup is about two lost soldiers from the Revolutionary War
era who wander into a village whose residents are unwilling to share their
supply of food, until the soldiers begin preparing Stone Soup. Prior to the
performance, the theater will host a one-hour interactive arts workshop where
they will discuss how they adapted the book into a musical. Even better, bring a
few canned goods along to be donated to a local soup kitchen. Stone Soup will run from September
18-November 5. Tickets start at $25 per person. All ages are welcome. literallyalive.com
6. UNCLE PIRATE by VITAL
THEATRE COMPANY
Wouldn’t fourth grade be
easier if your uncle were a pirate? Swashbuckling 3- to 12-year-olds will enjoy
the adventures of Wilson, an average kid who finds out that his mother’s long
lost brother is a real-life pirate. (A pirate with a talking penguin, no less.)
But don’t worry, this pirate isn’t into pillaging. He’s more interested in
showing kids that if you want to be a successful buccaneer, you have to go to
school! Because how else can you learn to read a treasure map? Follow Wilson’s musical adventures as his uncle helps him deal
with school bullies and conquer the fourth grade. See Uncle Pirate September
24-November 13. Tickets start at $25. vitaltheatre.org
7. BOO AT THE ZOO at THE BRONX ZOO
Get spooked at the Bronx
Zoo this October for the zoo’s annual scare fest. Go on a haunted safari or
take a spooky hayride—and there’s plenty for little scaredy-cats to do, too! We
hear the hay maze is fun and ghost-free, or visit the extinct/endangered animal
graveyard to learn more about wildlife protection. And whether you dress up as
a scary lion or a cute puppy, don’t forget to don a costume for the parade.
There will also be arts and crafts and plenty more creature-themed excitement.
Visit any weekend in October to get in on this annual celebration of fall. bronxzoo.com
8. THE LITTLE PRINCE at THE NEW VICTORY
THEATER
The
Bristol Riverside Theatre will present Rick Cummins and John Scoullar’s
adaptation of the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry story, The Little Prince. This one-hour puppet production tells the story
of a pilot who has crashed in the desert and befriends a little prince, who
explains that he has been traveling the planets on a mission to discover what
is important in life. This theatrical gem is a must-see for children and parents
alike. Runs from October 1-16. Tickets
start at $14 per person. Recommended for ages 6 and up. newvictory.org
9. “EJECT!”:
AN EJECTION SEAT EXHIBIT at THE INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
An
essential, lifesaving piece of equipment for any pilot—aircraft ejection seats
have evolved considerably since the Second World War. Explore the astounding
history of this piece of equipment in this exhibition, which will display 10
ejection seats dating from the Korean War to the present. Museumgoers will also
have the opportunity to sit in the real thing! This exhibit will run from
October 1-February 5. Museum admission is $12 for children between the ages of
3 and 6, $19 for youth ages 7 to 17, and $24 for adults. Recommended for all
ages. intrepidmuseum.org
10. “THE
MATH MIDWAY” EXHIBIT at LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER
The
arrival of fall can only mean one thing for kids: back to school! While
crunching numbers for a test may seem tedious, learning about math will be utterly
fabulous thanks to the upcoming “Math Midway” exhibit at the Liberty Science Center. The interactive
display featuring 21 hands-on activities will showcase square-wheeled tricycles
that glide smoothly on a circular track of arcs and demonstrate the beauty of
geometry with plastic polyhedra. Children will also be able to create a
pen-and-ink drawing using a mechanical harmonograph. Runs from October
7-January 22. Museum admission is $11.50 for children 2 through 12 and $15.75
for adults. Recommended for all ages. lsc.org
11. SLYVESTER AND THE MAGIC PEBBLE at THE TRIBECA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The
moral of this story? Be careful what you wish for. The Enchantment Theatre
Company will present Sylvester and the
Magic Pebble at the Tribeca PAC. This thought-provoking stage production
tells the tale of Sylvester the donkey, who is transformed into a rock by the
magic of his red pebble and his struggle to get back home to his family. Based
on the book by William Steig (author of Shrek),
this theatrical reimagining reminds us that family and friends are truly
priceless. Don’t miss the performance on Saturday, October 15. Tickets are $25
per person. Recommended for children between the ages of 3 and 9. tribecapac.org
12. ENCHANTED
WAVE HILL WEEKEND at WAVE HILL
Prepare
to be spellbound! Families will be charmed by the array of free enchantment-themed
activities that the pretty park has to offer. Begin your weekend with a family
art project where children can make magic wands and tiny fairy houses, then
listen to storyteller Rama Mandel weave tales filled with sorcery and
adventure. Later in the day, hear Jim Keyes (a.k.a. Jim the Gentle Giant) sing
about faraway places and creatures during “Stories and Songs.” Lastly, when
accompanied by an adult, children ages 10 and up can take a Garden Folklore
Walk to unearth the myths of witch hazel and snakeroot. Catch the fun on
October 22-23. Programming is free and recommended for all ages. wavehill.org
13. WHO IS DUKE ELLINGTON? at
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER
Introduce your little cool
cats to a jazz great in an accessible, interactive performance with this Jazz
at Lincoln Center/Jazz for Young People event. Duke Ellington wrote over 1,000
compositions and kept a great band for more than 50 years, and kids can learn
all about him through an hour-long presentation hosted by contemporary jazz
legend Wynton Marsalis. Enjoy talks about the music as well as activities based
around the songs and performances. Before the show, check out free pre-concert
activities like dancing and crafts. Discover Duke on November 5 at 1 pm or 3 pm.
Tickets are $12, $20 or $28. jalc.org
14. “EATSLEEPPLAY: BUILDING
HEALTH EVERY DAY” EXHIBIT at THE
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF MANHATTAN
Learning
how to maintain a healthy lifestyle has never been more fun (or relevant)
thanks to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s upcoming exhibit, EatSleepPlay. This interactive exhibit
will teach youth essential facts about nutrition, sleep and exercise, via
educational games and activities. The program is divided into five thematic
areas, like Eat, where kids will be
able to sort fruits and veggies into bins and create their own nutritious
superhero. In the Sleep zone,
visitors can view an image of a sleeping child and discover what happens in the
body during slumber. The Play section
will encourage families to stay active in the soundproof laser dance chamber. Opens
on November 5. Museum admission is $11 per person. Recommended for ages 2
through 10. cmom.org
15. LOLLI-POPS: THE ORCHESTRA – A HAPPY FAMILY at LITTLE ORCHESTRA SOCIETY
Introduce your tots to
classical music in the cutest way possible with the Lolli-Pops. Each colorfully
costumed Lolli-Pops character represents a different member of the orchestral
family, like strings or percussion. The performance includes timeless pieces
like Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy” and Debussy’s “Cakewalk.” The
sugary characters make new music go down sweet for three to five-year-olds, and
parents will enjoy hearing great music in an adorable, family-friendly setting.
See it on November 12 at 10 am or 11:30 am, or on
November 13 at 1 or 2:30 pm.
Tickets are $40 for prime seating and $15 for rear balcony/rear orchestra
seating. littleorchestra.org
16. TADA!
YOUTH THEATER SEASON PREVIEW EVENT
The
TADA! Youth Theater Resident Youth Ensemble presents “Sneak Peek: A Musical
Revue.”%uFFFD Be the first to enjoy musical numbers from their upcoming season,
including songs from The History Mystery,
Everything About School (Almost) and
a brand new musical still in the works.%uFFFDThe award-winning kids of the
Resident Youth Ensemble produce high-quality original musicals that are
guaranteed to get your whole family out of their seats. The Sneak Peek will run
from November 18-20. All ages are welcome. tadatheater.com
17. “BEYOND EARTH: THE FUTURE
OF SPACE EXPLORATION” at THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
America’s last space shuttle (for a while at least) may
have launched, but kids can still dream about the final frontier thanks to this
great exhibit. Walk through a recreation of the surface of Mars, see a replica
of a lunar habitat and check out authentic equipment from past space missions.
For dedicated space lovers, there are also challenging computer games and
plenty of chances to hear from scientists on what the future holds for reaching
out beyond earth. Could there be life on other planets? Would a moon colony be
possible within our lifetime? Take one small step to this exhibit and make one
giant leap in learning. “Beyond Earth” opens November 19. amnh.org
18. KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY MUSICAL at THE SKIRBALL CENTER
Any parent and child who
have had to bring a favorite stuffed animal to the Laundromat can surely understand
the trauma that comes from watching Teddy spin around with dirty underwear.
That’s the experience that this fun musical captures, based on the beloved
picture book by Mo Willems. What starts as a quick trip to a Brooklyn
Laundromat takes a turn for the worse when Trixie’s favorite fuzzy friend gets
lost. It’s up to Dad to save the day! You’ll have five chances to see this
heartwarming family musical with performances spanning November 25 – 27.
Tickets are $15 – $25. skirballcenter.nyu.edu
19. HANSEL AND GRETEL at THE METROPOLITAN OPERA
The
classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale will be brought to life when Richard Jones’s
English-language production of Engelbert Humperdinck’s opera Hansel and Gretel returns to The
Metropolitan Opera. The exquisitely imaginative sets (each act takes place in a
different kitchen) and costumes by John Macfarlane are not to be missed. There
will be several midweek matinee performances especially for families. Hansel and Gretel will run for eight
performances during December 16-January 7. Recommended for children ages 8 and
up. metoperafamily.org/metopera
20. BROADWAY/OFF-BROADWAY
MUST-SEES
These shows aren’t new,
but every time you take a child to Broadway, their eyes light up all over
again. If you haven’t seen them yet, here are some theatrical staples to catch
this season. Or better yet…see them again!
Billy Elliot: Imperial Theatre, 249 West 45th Street, 212-239-6200, billyelliotbroadway.com
Blue Man Group: Astor Place Theatre, 434 Lafayette Street, 1-800-BLUEMAN, blueman.com
The Gazillion Bubble Show: New World Theatre, 340 West 50th Street, 212-239-6200, gazillionbubbleshow.com
Lion King:
Minskoff Theatre, 200 West 45th Street, 866-870-2717, lionking.com
Sister Act: Broadway Theatre, 1681 Broadway, 212-239-6200, sisteractbroadway.com
Spiderman Turn Off the Dark: Foxwoods Theatre, 213 West 42nd Street, 212-556-4750, spidermanonbroadway.marvel.com
