Kids Events New York City

 

Events presented by Lan
Contact:  manhattankidsevents@gmail.com
Tweet her: @NYKidsEventsLan

To view the following events by monthly calendar, click here!

Upcoming Events

 

Friday-Sunday, May 17-19

With the kids all better, it’s time to hit the pavement and spend some quality time outdoors. Some great events to check out:

On Saturday at the New York-Historical Society, author Katie Yamaski reads from her latest children’s book, Fish for Jimmy, a story about two brothers that chronicles the daily hardships of life in the Japanese internment camps. Yamaski will also share her own story of living through those difficult times. Afterwards, check out the special exhibit WWII & NYC.
Where: New York-Historical Society, 170 Central Park West
When: May 18, starting at 1 pm
Cost: Free with museum admissions; go to http://www.nyhistory.org/programs/fish-jimmy-written-and-illustrated-katie-yamasaki

The Westside YMCA’s “Touch a Truck” fundraiser returns to the Upper West Side this Saturday. Kids will have a blast exploring a fire truck, a police cruiser, a bus and more. There will also be a bouncy castle, face painting, food trucks and performances from popular acts including the Dirty Sock Fun Time Band and Looney Louie. Come early for this popular event.
Where: W. 64th St., btwn Central Park West and Broadway
When: May 18, 10 am to 4 pm
Cost: Prices vary, go to http://www.ymcanyc.org/westside/pages/touchatruck

Author Michael Sadowski reads and signs his book In a Queer Voice: Journeys of Resilience from Adolescence to Adulthood at Bank Street Bookstore on Saturday. Interviews with LGBTQ youth conducted six years apart show how young queer teens once silenced have grown up to be strong and confident.
Where: Bank Street Bookstore
When: May 18, 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Cost: Free; go to https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=o13jj02fo7e016kua7hl1neo94@group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York&gsessionid=OK

Be sure to visit the Central Park Zoo this Saturday if your kids are fans of Ice Age. Sid and Scrat will be greeting purchasers of the Total Experience tickets, which includes of a special screening of  from Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaur 4D and a special tour of the Polar Zone.
Where: Central Park Zoo 4D Theater, 830 Fifth Ave.
When: May 18, various times
Cost: $13-$18; go to http://www.centralparkzoo.com/

Sure PS9’s Spring Fair will have inflatable rides and food, but it’s also about cool science, a dunk tank, talent show, and eco-friendly activities. Come to the Upper West Side on Saturday for Move Your Body, Move Your Brain.
Where: PS 9, 100 W. 84th St.
When: May 18, 11 am to 4 pm
Cost: Prices vary; go to http://www.ps9.org/

Madison Square Park hosts the popular Kids Fest this Saturday. Enjoy yoga, potato sack races, ring toss, story time from the DiMenna Children’s History Museum, a sneak peak at Monsters University, and so much more. While there, enjoy Madison Square Eats at nearby Worth Square – yummy dogs from AsiaDog, ice cream from Dreamscoops, lobster rolls from Red Hook Lobster Pound, pizza from Roberta’s, just to name a few.
Where: Madison Square Park
When: May 18, 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
Cost: Free; go to http://www.madisonsquarepark.org/things-to-do/calendar/kids-fest-sneak-peak-games-movies-and-more

Mommies rock the Hudson in the 10th annual Mamapalooza Outdoor Extravaganza on Sunday. Enjoy food, activities including a Gymboree Play Tent, arts and crafts and live music, of course.
Where: Pier 1, Hudson River Park at 70th St.
When: May 19, 11 am to 5 pm
Cost: Free; go to http://riversideparknyc.org/ai1ec_event/10th-annual-mamapalooza-outdoor-extravaganza/?instance_id=67

ONGOING EVENTS:

Check out all the talented children in NYC at A Year with Children 2013 at the Guggenheim Museum. Through June 19, the exhibit showcases works from children grades 2 through 6 from all five boroughs.
Where: The Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave.
When: Through June 19
Cost: $18-$22; go to http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/exhibitions/on-view/a-year-with-children-2013

Warm temperatures makes a trip to the Cloisters perfect. While there exploring the beautiful museum dedicated to medieval art and its garden, check out the new exhibit about unicorns in art called Search for the Unicorn.
Where: The Cloisters, 99 Margaret Corbin Drive
When: Through Aug. 18
Cost: $12-$25 recommended admissions; go to http://www.metmuseum.org/en/visit/visit-the-cloisters

Enjoy the warm weather and cool art at Madison Square Park. Through September 8, NYC-based artist Orly Genger’s eye-popping Red, Yellow and Blue artwork of painted, intricately designed hand-knotted nautical rope brightens up the park. Then dine on cookies from Eleni’s New York, joe from Third Rail Coffee, dogs from ASIADOG and many other eats, while watching kids romp through grass encircled by brightly colored sculpture.
Where: Madison Square Park, 23rd St. and Madison
When: Through Sept. 8
Cost: Free; go to http://www.madisonsquarepark.org/things-to-do/calendar/mad-sq-art-orly-genger

Fashionistas – strut to the Museum of Chinese in America today.  Front Row tracks the rise and establishment of 16 designers, including Vera Wang, David Chu, Derek Lam and Jason Wu.
Where: Museum of Chinese in the America, 215 Centre St.
When: Through Sept. 29
Cost: $5-$10, children under 12 are free; go to http://www.mocanyc.org/exhibitions/upcoming_exhibits/front_row_chinese_american_designers

We never caught a fish when we spent the day Catch and Release Fishing, but we had a blast. Enjoy the warmer weather standing by the waters of the Harlem Meer in Central Park today. Fishing poles are available to borrow. Children must be accompanied by an adult with I.D.
Where: Dana Discovery Center, Central Park
When: Through May 31, 10 am to 3 pm
Cost: Free; go to http://support.centralparknyc.org/site/Calendar/1861057297?view=Detail&id=118368

Think you want a future in broadcasting or podcasting? Then step up to the mic at the new workshop Audio Portraits at the Children’s Museum of the Arts. Record tracks about yourself and add music or sound to make your personal audio portrait.
Where: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St.
When: Through June 7
Cost: Free with museum admissions; go to http://www.cmany.org/event/audioportraits/2013-04-04/

To celebrate the Year of the Snake, purchase Year of the Snake by my pal Oliver Chin (Immedium). It’s a cute tale of the adventures Suzie the Snake and new friend Lily get into.

The “Whales: Giants of the Deep” exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History will enthrall children with its examination of these mighty sea creatures.  The exhibit, which runs through Jan. 5, features more than 20 skulls and skeletons from a rare skeleton of a male sperm whale measuring 58 feet long, artifacts including art carved out of whale bone, and objects highlighting the whales’ importance in many cultures.

Where: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th St.
When: Through Jan. 5, 2014
Cost: Starting at $10.50; go to http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/current-exhibitions/whales-giants-of-the-deep

The wait is over – the award-winning musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda is finally at Broadway. This production of a gifted girl who dreams of a better life snagged seven Olivier Awards (British version of the Tony Awards) so I can’t wait!
Where: Shubert Theatre, 225 W. 44th St.
When: Through Dec. 15
Cost: $32-$147; go to http://www.telecharge.com/Broadway/Matilda-the-Musical/Overview

The iconic Woolworth Building marks 100 years and to celebrate, the Skyscraper Museum has put together a stunning history of the “Cathedral of Commerce” that includes photos, blueprints, cost sheets and many other artifacts. Then on Saturday morning, kids can create their own versions in “Stack ’em High Woolworth” workshop.
Where: Skyscraper Museum 39 Battery Place
When: Through July 14
Cost: Free with museum admissions; go to http://www.skyscraper.org/EXHIBITIONS/WOOLWORTH/woolworth.htm

The butterflies are flying back to Upper West Side’s American Museum of Natural History, starting Oct. 6. Enter the 1,200 square-foot tropical conservatory and get up and close and personal with some 500 of the winged beauties.
Where: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th St.
When: Through May 27
Cost: $14.50-$25; click on http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/upcoming-exhibitions/the-butterfly-conservatory

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, check out the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection of artwork that pay homage to Eros, the god of love.
Where: Metropolitan Museum of Arts, 1000 Fifth Ave. (at 82nd St.)
When: Through June 23
Cost: Suggested $12-$25; go to  http://www.metmuseum.org/

Pippi Longstocking, with her freckles, red braids, returns the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre through June 23. Come see puppets handcrafted by the company’s puppeteers and enjoy her adventures overcoming bullies and burglars.
Where: Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, 79th St. and Central Park
When: Through June 23
Cost: $5-$8; for more info., go to http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/arts/swedish-cottage-marionette-theatre/

Get an up close look at the 3,000-mile journey that monarch butterflies make every fall in Flight of the Butterflies. This IMax film at the American Museum of Natural History chronicles their travels from the mountains of Mexico to Canada, as well as the decades spent by Dr. Fred Urquhart to track them. Afterwards, see them and their many hued brethren at the Butterfly Conservancy, which runs through May 23.
Where: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th St.
When: Through July 7; hourly from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Cost: $14.50-$25; go to http://www.amnh.org/calendar/flight-of-the-butterflies

Hoofing fans can see the history of the hot Spanish dance in “100 Years of Flamenco” at the NY Public Library for the Performing Arts. This multimedia exhibit, a collaboration between the NYPL and Flamenco Vivo, features photos, films, costumes, music and oral histories.

Where: NY Public Library for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center
When: Through August 3
Cost: Free; go to http://lc.lincolncenter.org/shows/207122?show_date=2013-03-12%2012:00:00

Explore the wonders of clay with the Clay Bar at the Children’s Museum of the Arts. Open from noon to 5 pm, kids can drop in and create whatever their fires up their imagination.
Where: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St.
When: Mondays-Fridays
Cost: Free with museum admissions; go to http://www.cmany.org/event/at-the-clay-bar/2013-03-11/

Cinderella heads to the big dance – Broadway that is, starting Jan. 21. The Rodgers and Hammerstein adaptation of this classic fairy tale stars Great White Way vets Laura Osnes and Santino Fontana.
Where: Broadway Theatre, 1681 Broadway at 53rd St.
When: Through Sept. 29
Cost: Starting at $45; for more info., go to http://cinderellaonbroadway.com/

The Discovery Center for the Children at the Prospect Park Zoo is once again open after a major overhaul. There is now a “camp site” for families to read books, activity boxes to explore, an area just for tots filled with foam blocks and stuffed animals, and more.
Where: Discovery Center for the Children, Prospect Park Zoo
Cost: $5-$8 Zoo admissions; go to http://www.prospectparkzoo.com/plan-your-trip/activities/discovery-center.aspx

Nurture that artistic talent by stopping in at the Museum of Modern Art’s “Art Labs: People” today, and every day except Tuesdays. Paint a portrait using Microsoft’s Fresh Paint app, put on a shadow puppet show, use every day objects to make works of art, and so much more.
Where: MOMA, 11 W. 53rd St.
When: Every day except Tuesdays, various times
Cost: Free with museum admissions; click on  http://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/exhibitions/1295

While the older kids are in school, take your toddler to Story Hour at Bank Street Bookstore. Staff will entertain you and the tykes with readings, music and fun. Afterwards, stock on the books, including the latest adventures by Junie B. Jones (Turkeys We’ve Loved and Eaten (and Other Thankful Stuff)) and Captain Underpants (Captain Underpants and the Terrifying Return of Tippy Tinkletrousers).
Where: Bank Street Bookstore, Broadway and 112th St.
When: Every day, 10:30 am to 11:15 am
Cost: Free; for more info., go to http://www.bankstreetbooks.com/

It’s hard sometimes to find good books that reflect your family’s ethnic diversity. That’s why we love Immedium, a publishing company that features works by talented Asian American writers and graphic artists. For more information, go to http://www.immedium.com/news/email/201206.html

Consider taking the kids to the Staten Island Children’s Museum. My friend Angela swears the trip is worth the effort. First, what kid can resist a ferry ride across the Hudson River? Then a bus drops you off right in front of the museum, where you can climb through an ant hill, play chess on a giant board, get hands-on experience building a house, and get wet in the outdoor boat-themed play space.
Where: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace
Cost: $6; for more info., go to http://statenislandkids.org/index.html

Take the kids to the country without leaving the Big Apple. The Queens County Farm Museum the longest continuously farmed site in NY State, is always an adventure. My daughter loved seeing the chickens, cows, goats, sheep, even peacocks.
Where: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park
Cost: Free; go to http://queensfarm.org/index.html

Since its founding, New York City has been a magnet for immigrants. Learn about the Big Apple’s rich ethnic history thanks to guided tours at the Tenement Museum. The sights, sounds and voices of immigrants looking for a better life and, in some cases, to reinvent themselves are an eye-opening experience that should not be missed.
Where: Tenement Museum, 103 Orchard St.
When: Various times
Cost: $17-$25, children under 5 are free; go to http://www.tenement.org/tours.php

Instill the love of art early with the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “Start with Art at the Met!” In the hour-long program, kids will learn about the art in one of the museum’s many galleries from museum staff, followed by drawing. Ideal for kids ages 3 and 7. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Where: Carson Family Hall, Education Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave.
When: Various times
Cost: Free with adult admission, no reservation required; go to http://www.metmuseum.org/events/programs/family-programs

Drop by the pretty Rubin Museum of Art for a workshop with the Yak Packers. Create art inspired by the Himalayan works in the museum as well as listen to a story. Themes range from patterns to colors. Ideal for ages 2 to 4; children must be accompanied by an adult. Then be sure to check out the cool “Illuminated” exhibit, which features the precious jewels and metals used to adorn the sacred arts of the Himalayan region.
Where: Rubin Museum of Art, 150 West 17th St.
When: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Cost: Free with museum admission; go to http://www.rmanyc.org/

Before you fill up your weekends, keep the mornings of Saturday or Sunday open for the Museum of Modern Art’s free family tours. Our daughter loved the Tours for Fours, for example, in which museum staff take children and their caregivers to various artworks to look at and talk about various themes. One visit, she learned about color, another she studied faces. Afterwards, the children create their own works of art. There are similar programs for kids up to 14 years old.
Where: Lewis B. and Dorothy Cullman Education and Research Building, 4 West 54th St.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 10:20 am to 11:15 pm
Cost: Free, but get there promptly at 10 am for tickets as it is first-come, first serve; click on http://www.moma.org/