Discover thousands of places to go and things to do for kids, teens and families...in print and online

Email address

Your zip code
  

Follow Kids Guide NJ
    

American Ballet Theatre
City Center, West 55th St. between 6th & 7th Aves., 212-477-3030. ABTKids Hotline: 212-419-4321. CityTix: 212-581-1212. Oct.-Nov. & May-July seasons feature premieres, full-length classics and repertory ballet and ABTKids performances with pre-performance workshops designed for ages 4-12.


American Museum of Natural History
Central Park W at 79th St., 212-769-5100. Sky info: 212-769-5900. Open 10-5:45, Rose Center open Fri. to 8:45. Suggested admission: Adults $19, children $10.50, students/srs. $14.50. Additional fee for space show, IMAX films, special exhibitions and audio guides.
   One of the world's preeminent scientific, educational and cultural institutions displays the world's largest collection of real dinosaur fossils among many other outstanding exhibits, including the Hall of Biodiversity, Gottesman Hall of Planet Earth, Hall of Ocean Life, spectacular home of the beloved 94-foot-long blue whale, and Rose Center for Earth & Space featuring the Hayden Planetarium. Thematic tours of the museum's collections are offered daily. CD audio guides are available for touring different collections. Visit website for information about adult and children's workshops for ages 4 and up, summer day camps and travel with the museum. For tour info, call 212-769-5566. For workshop info, call Dept. of Education, 212-769-5304. For space show information, see listing for the Hayden Planetarium. For the latest exhibition information, visit website
New
      AMNH History Explorer Mobile App, available free from the App Store, uses Wifi to function as an "indoor GPS" within the museum. Information on exhibits, customized tours and a fossil treasure hunt are included. A Dinosaur App and Astronomy App highlighting the museum's collections are also available.
Ongoing
      A Night at the Museum, sleepovers for families and groups with children ages 6-13. Tour the Mammal and Dinosaur Halls with flashlights, see a space show, and sleep beneath the 94-footlong blue whale in the Hall of Ocean Life. Advance reservations required, visit website for upcoming dates.
      Public Programs, demonstrations, films, performances and special events. 212-769-5315. See website for current schedule. A calendar of children and family events can be found on Ology, the "Kids & Families" section of the website.
      Discovery Room, an interactive space near the 77th St. entrance offers families, especially children ages 5-12, a behind-the-scenes look at the Museum and its science. Pick up a free timed pass for a 40-min. session at the Discovery Room entrance.
      AMNH Expeditions, family travel programs around the globe. View online or call 800-462-8687.
      Fossil Halls trace the evolution of vertebrate life with more than 100 dinosaur specimens (85% real), videos, exhibits, and computer information stations. CD audio guide and app available.
Selected Special Exhibitions
Thru May 28
     The Butterfly Conservatory: Tropical Butterflies Alive in Winter, walk through a tropical vivarium housing up to 500 live, free-flying butterflies.
Thru Aug 12
      Beyond Planet Earth: The Future of Space Exploration, speculates on humanity's next steps in space exploration.
Jan 9-Jul
      Born to Be Wild, an inspiring story of the bond between humans and animals. IMAX film.
Mar 31-Jan 6
      Creatures of Light: Natures Bioluminescence, introduces visitors to the astonishing variety of bioluminescent creatures.

Bronx Zoo Wildlife Conservation Park
Fordham Rd. & the Bronx River Parkway, 718-367-1010. April-Nov. 1: Mon.-Fri. 10-5, weekends/holidays 10-5:30. Nov.-Mar. 30: 10-4:30. April-Oct.: Adults $16, srs. $14, ages 3-12 $12, 2 & under free. Nov.-Mar.: Ages 2 & up $9. Special rides and attractions have additional entry fees. Parking fee. Admission on Wed. by donation. Admission rates discounted during winter. Total Experience tickets are discounted online. Family or group tours available by reservation, 718-220-5141.
   265 wooded acres allow spacious, naturalistic habitats for over 4,000 animals. Habitats include Congo Gorilla Forest, Baboon Reserve, African Plains, Wild Asia, World of Birds, World of Reptiles and Madagascar, the restored 1903 Lion House and NYC's first landmark LEED certified building. Special rides and attractions include hands-on children's zoo (open Apr.-Nov.), Butterfly Garden, 4-D theater, monorail ride through Wild Asia (open May-Oct.), camel rides, Zucker Bug Carousel, and zoo shuttle.

Carnegie Hall
154 W. 57th St., New York, 212-903-9600. Tickets available at box office, online or through Carnegie Charge, 212-247-7800. Sign up online for $10 student tickets.
Family Concert Series 2011-2012
60-minute concerts with world-class artists and hands-on pre-concert activities recommended for ages 5-10. 1pm. $9. Tickets can purchased online under "Explore and Learn."
Mar 3
      Songs of Solomon.
Apr 14
      The New York Pops, 12:30 & 3:30.
May 6
      Salzburg Marionette Theater.

Central Park
A wonderful oasis in the heart of the city, Central Park can be an all-day adventure in good weather with non-stop activities and entertainment. Park events hotline: 212-360-3456 or visit online. Consult Central Park Conservancy for walking tours and City Parks Foundation for information about cultural events.
Central Park Zoo
5th Ave. & 64th St., 212-439-6500. Nov. 6-Mar. 30: Daily 10-4:30. Mar. 31-Nov. 5: Daily 10-5:30. Adults $12, srs. $9, ages 3-12 $7, under 3 free.
   Visit the Tropic Zone, Temperate Territory and the Polar Circle where you can observe animals at close range. Daily animal feedings, guided tours, Wildlife Theater shows (April-Oct.) and 4D Theater. The Tisch Children's Zoo is an interactive area designed for toddlers and preschoolers to meet a number of small, gentle animals.
2012
      Tisch Children's Zoo reopens, after renovations.
Belvidere Castle
Mid-park at 79th St., 212-772-0210. Open May-Oct. 10-5; Nov.-Apr 10-4. Free admission. Houses the Henry Luce Nature Observatory with discovery activities for children and adults.
Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
Swedish Cottage, Central Park W. & 79th St., 212-988-9093. Brought to Central Park by Fredrick Law Olsted in 1877, the Swedish Cottage has been home to the Marionette Theatre since 1947. Performances daily. Adults $8, children $5, reservations required.
Other Park Attractions
Historic carousel rides (midway at 65th St., 212- 879-0244, free storytelling appropriate for ages 6 and up 11 am on Sat. June thru Sept. at the
Hans Christian Andersen Statue (5th & 72nd St., 212-408-0100); model Yacht Club races and regattas most Sat. April thru Nov. on the Conservatory Water (near 5th & 76th); 21 playgrounds.
Jun-Sept
      Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling in Central Park, ages 6 & up. Sat. 11-12. Free.
Oct-Mar
      Ice Skating, Wollman Rink, Central Park East between 62nd & 63rd Sts., 212-439-6900.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
70 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, 212-875-5788. Presents annual series of concerts and educational events. Pending availability, tickets are available at the box office at a 50% discount for students; $10 student rush tickets are available one hour prior to curtain; and CM360 series tickets entitle ages 21-39 to three tickets for $60. Free tickets are available to middle and high school students for select concerts. Several teen-only concerts are presented each season.
2011-2012 Meet the Music Family Concert Series
Afternoon concert series or single concerts Oct.-May for families with children ages 6-10.
Mar 4
      Inspector Pulse and the Contrapuntal Contraption, 2pm.
Apr 29
      Meet the Music! Claude Debussy Meets Sherlock Key!, 1 & 3pm.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan
212 W. 83rd St. (between Broadway & Amsterdam), New York, 212-721-1223. Tues.-Sun. 10-5, Sat. 10-7. Adults & children $11, srs. $7, under 1 free. Target Free First Friday Nights: free admission 5-8pm on the first Friday of the month. Hands-on exhibits include Time Warner television studio where daily workshop participants ages 6 & up produce their own TV news; reading/­storytelling room; art studio; an outdoor waterplay area (open April to Oct., weather permitting); PlayWorks exploration area for ages 4 & under; and changing exhibitions. Strollers must be checked; no food. Sign up for workshops upon arrival.
Sat & Sun
      Guest artists & hands-on workshops scheduled weekends and holidays, daily in summer.
Ongoing
      Adventures with Dora and Diego, ages 2-6.
Open
      Eat Sleep Play–Building Health Every Day, all ages.

Children’s Museum of the Arts
103 Charlton St. (between Hudson & Greenwich Sts.), 212-274-0986. Mon. & Wed. 12-5, Thurs. & Fri. 12-6, Sat. & Sun. 10-6, closed Tues. Pay as you wish Thurs. 4-6pm. Admission ages 1-65: $10. Hands-on, interactive arts programs, play areas and exhibitions designed for toddlers to age 10. Art projects daily, music performers and visiting artists on Sat.
Ongoing
      Wee Arts Drop-In Sessions, for ages 5 and under and caregiver. 10:45-12 before general admission hours. $22 per family.

Discovery Times Square Exposition
Former New York Times Building, 226 W. 44th St. (between 7th & 8th Aves.), 866-987-8692. Open daily 10-8. Be advised school tour hours are Mon.-Fri. 10-1 during school year. Admission by timed ticket, fees vary by exhibition.
   Large-scale exhibitions are presented in the vast space that housed the New York Times printing presses for almost a century. Free education guides can be downloaded for students, seniors, groups and scouts. Audio guides are available online and at the box office. Strollers are not permitted in the galleries. Cafe; Discovery Store; New York Times Store.
Open
      Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Biblical Times, the most comprehensive collection of ancient artifacts from Israel ever organized. Check for closing date, spring 2012.
     CSI: The Experience, visitors enter "crime" scenes,"laboratories," "autopsy" rooms and the "office" to build their case based on scientific evidence. Hands-on science in a multi-media environment is geared torard adults and youth ages 12 and up. Family Guide and Educators Guide are available online.

FDNY Fire Zone
34 W. 51st St. (adjacent to Radio City Music Hall), 212-698-4520. Mon.-Sat. 9-7, Sun. 11-5. Free admission. Multi-media fire safety presentation every hour on the half hour 9:30-5:30, Sun. 11:30-3:30. Adults & children $6, srs. $2, not recommended for children 4 or younger. Fire safety learning center where visitors can climb on a real fire truck, try on bunker gear, meet a firefighter, feel a "hot" door, and learn to crawl through a smoke-filled hallway.

Forbes Magazine Galleries
62 Fifth Ave. at 12th St., 212-206-5548. Open Tues., Wed, Fri. & Sat. 10-4. Guided group tours by appointment on Thursdays. Free, for children of all ages. Galleries occupy the lobby level of the Forbes building and include soundtrack and display of 500 toy boats, 10,000 toy soldiers, ­collections of the oldest Monopoly sets, trophies, Presidential manuscripts & WWII documents, painting gallery and Faberge gallery.

Fraunces Tavern Museum
54 Pearl St., New York, 212-425-1778. Mon.-Sun. 12-5. Adults $7 ages 6-18 & srs. $4, 5 & under free, family group $20. Built as an elegant residence for merchant Stephan Delancey and his family, this is Manhattan's oldest surviving building. In 1762, the home was purchased by tavern-keeper Samuel Fraunces and became an important place for politics as well as food and drink. It is best known as the site where Washington gave his farewell address to the officers of the Continental Army in 1783. School tours and guided group tours available. Programs include evening and lunchtime lectures, family programs and special events.

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
5th Ave. at 89th St., New York, 212-423-3500. Sun.-Wed. and Fri. 10-5:45, Sat. 10-7:45. Adults $18, students/srs. $15, under 12 free. Pay-what-you-wish Fri. 6-8. Audio tours free with admission. Strollers permitted on ground floor only; baby carriers available at coatroom.
   Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the building is a New York City landmark and also home to one of the finest ­collections of modern and contemporary art. Family activity packs can be checked out at the Information Desk. Printed family activity guides are available at the museum and online.
Selected Exhibitions
Ongoing
      Thannhauser Collection, masterpieces of Impressionism, Post-Impressionism and contemporary French and German avant gardes art on view in a dedicated gallery.
Thru Feb 8
      Pop Objects & Icons from the Guggenheim Collection.
Selected Family Programs
Sun
      Family Drop-In Programs, creative projects led by museum educators for families with children ages 3-10. Free with admission.
      Family Tour Workshop, on select Sundays. 212-423-3587.
2nd Sun
      Family Tours, family-oriented tour and gallery activities for families with children ages 5-10. 10:30-12. $15, registration required. 212-423-3587.

Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth & Space
Central Park West at 81st St., 212-769-5900, space show and current sky information. Free audio tours available with admission. Also see listing under American Museum of Natural History.
Tues
      Astronomy Live, interactive tour of the universe and view of the changing night sky. 6:30-7:30pm last Tues. of each month.
Wed
      Field Trip to the Moon, school program Wed. at 10:30am.
Monthly
      One Step Beyond, live bands, DJ, VJs, drinks and dancing in the Rose Center. 9pm-1am. Parents night out, must be 21 or older to attend. Tickets can be purchased at amnh.org/osb or by calling 212-769-5200.
Open
      Journey to the Stars, space show, narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, explores the life and death of the stars in our night sky. Space shows are shown every half hour 10:30-4:30.

Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum
Pier 86 (on the Hudson River) at West 46th St. & 12th Ave., New York, 212-245-0072, 877-957-SHIP. April 1-Oct. 31: Daily 10-6. Nov. 1-Mar. 31: Tues.-Sun. 10-5, closed Mon. Adults $24, srs./students $20, ages 7-17 $19, ages 3-6 $12, under 3 free. Save $1.50 facility fee by purchasing online, www.intrepidmuseum.org.
   Explore the the 900 ft.-long aircraft carrier, USS Intrepid, the command center of the submarine, Growler, British Airways Concorde, A-12 Blackbird spy plane and 25 other aircraft on display. Virtual Flight Zone Simu­lators include a G-Force Encounter or flying an F-18 jet fighter mission in a Navy Flight Simulator (additional fee). The Exploreum is an interactive area for children. Scavenger hunts and family guides are available for self-guided tours.
Ongoing
      Operation Slumber, overnight program for families and organized youth groups. Birthday Parties. Call 646-381-5010 or email groupsales@
intrepidmuseum.org to book.
      All Hands on Deck, hands-on arts, crafts and experiments 11-2 and 2-4pm weekends.
      Intrepid Adventure, interactive website for kids.
Selected Special Events
Thru summer
      22' USS Intrepid Model, special display made of Lego bricks.
Feb
      Kids Week, fun and educational programs for all ages during Presidents Week.
Mar
      Salute to Women, programs all month celebrate women's contributions in history, the sciences and various career fields.
May
      Fleet Week, tour military ships, enjoy Broadway performances, kick off summer movie series on the Flight Deck.
Jun-Aug
      Intrepid Summer Movie Series, bring your lawn chairs, picnic baskets and blankets. Free, film begins at sunset.

Jazz at Lincoln Center
Frederick P. Rose Hall, Columbus Circle, Broadway at 60th St., 212-258-9800. CenterCharge: 212-721-6500. Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra performances, jazz artists, talks, films, Jazz 101 to master classes, WeBop! classes for children 8 months to 5 years old and their caregiver, and family concerts. $10 student tickets (with valid ID) are available one hour before start of performances in Rose Theater and The Allen Room (subject to availability). Hot Seats, $10 seats for each Rose Theater performance, are available on the day of performance through CenterCharge (subject to availability).
Jazz for Young People 2011-2012
3-concert series of kid-friendly lessons by Wynton Marsalis and guests from the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra corps, recommended for ages 6 and older. 1 & 3pm at the Rose Theater.
Feb 11
      What is Improvisation?
Apr 21
      What is New Orleans Jazz?

Jazz Standard Jazz for Kids
Jazz Standard, 116 E. 27th St. (between Park & Lexington), 212-576-2232. Hosts Jazz for Kids brunch every Sunday throughout the school year with music by the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra and barbecue, lunch and kids menu from Blue Smoke. Doors open at 1pm. Free, $5 donation benefits Jazz Standard Discovery program.

The Jewish Museum
1109 Fifth Ave. at 92nd St., New York, 212-423-3200. Fri.-Tues. 11-5:45, Thurs. 11-8, closed Wed. Friday hours change after Nov. 1. Museum shop and cafe closed Saturdays. Adults $12, srs. $10, students $7.50, under 12 free. Free admission on Sat. Museum explores the diversity of 4,000 years of art and Jewish culture through permanent and changing exhibitions. Culture & Continuity: The Jewish Journey tells the unfolding story of Jewish culture and identity. Audio guide available for children ages 6 and up, free with museum admission. Family activities every Sun. and selected holiday weekdays; Sun. family concerts and theater.
Ongoing
      Archaeology Zone: Discovering Treasures from Playgrounds to Palaces, interactive children's exhibition designed for ages 3-10. Closed Sat.
Sundays Sept-Jun
      Drop-In Art Workshop, hands-on arts & crafts projects for ages 3 and up, 1-4pm; Storybooks & Art, ages 3-7, 1:15pm. For more info and complete schedule of family programs, concerts and events, call 212-423-3337 or visit website.
Selected Exhibitions
Thru Mar 25
      The Radical Camera: New York's Photo League, 1936-1951.
Mar 9-Jul 29
      Kehinde Wiley / The World Stage: Israel, large scale portraits of Israeli youths by contemporary American painter Kahinda Wiley.
May 4-Sep 23
      Edouard Vuillard: A Painter & His Muses, 1890-1940, key works by the 20th-century master.

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Alice Tully Hall, 65th St. & Broadway, 212-721-6500. The world's leading performing arts center comprises 12 resident arts organizations including the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Family Musik series features one-hour performances hosted by composer/conductor Rob Kapilow with the Family Musik Chamber Ensemble, guest artists, and audience par­ti­ci­pation. For the complete schedule of Great Performers at Lincoln Center, consult website.

Little Orchestra Society
212-971-9500. Concert series for both children and adults.
Happy Concerts for Young People 2011-2012
Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center. 60-min. 3-concert series begins in Oct. for ages 6-12. Performances at 11 & 1pm. Subscriptions and single tickets available.
Feb 4
      West Side Story & Other Music of the Americas.
Mar 10
      Cinderella & the Prince Who Slays the Magic Dragon.
Lolli-Pops Concerts
The Kaye Playhouse, Hunter College, 695 Park Ave. (68th between Park & Lexington). Popular 3- or 5-concert series for children ages 3-5. Sat. 10 & 11:30, Sun. 1 & 2:30.
Mar 3-4
      A Musical Toy Store.
Apr 21-22
      Peter & the Wolf.

Lower East Side Tenement Museum
Visitor Center: 108 Orchard St. (corner of Broome), 212-431-0233. Tickets: 866-606-7232 or online. First tour at 10:30am, last tour at 5pm daily. Adults $20, students/srs. $15, 5 and under free. Tenement museum, open by guided tours only, consists of a Visitor Center, where all tours begin, and 1863 tenement building, a National Historic Landmark that was home to over 7,000 people from 20 nations between 1863 and 1935. One-hour tours take you into re-created apartments to tell the stories of different immigrant families (suitable for children ages 8 and older). Three hour free parking is available on Broome St. between Norfolk & Suffolk Sts.
Suggested Tour for Children (ages 5 & up) & Families
Sat & Sun
      The Confino Living History Tour. In a 45-min. tour designed especially for families, a costumed interpreter, playing teenage Victoria Confino around 1916, welcomes visitors to her apartment as though they were new immigrants and teaches them how to adapt to the American way of life. Visitors can touch any items in the apartment.

Madame Tussaud Wax Museum
234 W. 42nd St., Times Square, 212-512-9600, 800-246-8872. Sun.-Thurs. 10-8, Fri.-Sat. 10-10, closes early for special events. All Access Pass: adults $36, srs. $33, ages 4-12 $29, under 4 free. 20% discount for tickets purchased online. Mingle with life-like notable figures and celebrities from past and present; 4D theater. A hit with teens; bring a camera.

Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Ave., 212-535-7710. Fri.-Sat. 9:30-9. Sun, Tues.-Thurs. 9:30-5:30. Closed Mon. Suggested: Adults $25, srs. $17, students $12, members & under 12 free. No strollers on Sun. and at most special exhibitions. Back carriers available at 81st St. coat check.
   Founded in 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world's largest and finest art museums with ­magnificent collections of classical art, Old Masters, Impressionists, American art and crafts, and ancient Egyptian artifacts. Over two million works of art span 5,000 years of world culture. Gallery talks, family programs and guided tours daily. Concert series; lectures; films; school, camp and teacher programs; adult and teen art classes; family programs in Spanish; access programs and services for visitors with disabilities are offered. Chinese garden; rooftop garden; Costume Institute.
      The Cloisters, a branch of the museum constructed from portions of five medieval cloisters, is dedicated to the art and architecture of the Middle Ages and offers a splendid setting overlooking the Hudson River. Check website for schedule of gallery talks, special events, workshops for families, concerts and seasonal garden tours. Located in Fort Tryon Park in northern Manhattan, 212-923-3700
Main Building Events
A host of family programs are offered free with museum admission and do not require advance reservations. See calendar online for schedule or call 212-650-2217.
Ongoing
      Pick up Family Guides and Hunts at the information desks and check at the information desk for scheduled drop-in guided tours and family programs. To view and print family guides or suggested itineraries before your visit, go online. Family audio guide is available.
     Start with Art at the Met, families with children ages 3-7 sketch, explore and listen to stories.
     Art Trek, program for families with children ages 5-12 explores art around the globe.
     Discoveries, workshop for children and adults with developmental and learning disabilities. Reservations required, 212-879-5500, ext. 3561.
Mon
      Holiday Monday Family Programs, ages 5-12 explore the museum through discussion and sketching on holiday Mondays.
Selected Exhibitions
Open
      New Galleries for the Art of the Arab Lands, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia & Later South Asia.
Dec 20-May 6
      Duncan Phyfe: Master Cabinetmaker in New York.
Thru Mar 18
      The Renaissance Portrait from Donatello to Bellini.
May-Nov
      Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden open weather permitting.

Metropolitan Opera
Lincoln Center, Columbus Ave. between W. 62nd and 65th Sts., 212-362-6000.

Museum of Arts and Design
2 Columbus Circle, New York, 212-299-7777. Tues.-Sun. 11-6, Thurs. 11-9. Closed Mon. and major holidays. The Store at MAD: Mon.-Sat. 10-7, Thurs. 10-9, Sun. 10-6. Adults $15, ­students/srs. $12, high school students with ID and children 12 and under (excluding groups) free, members free. Pay-what-you-wish Thurs. 6-9pm.
   Formerly the American Craft Museum, MAD collects, displays and interprets everyday objects that exemplify innovation and creativity in craft, art and design. Open Studios on the 6th floor give visitors the opportunity to observe and talk to artists at work and watch special demonstrations by exhibiting artists. Workshops for families, youth and adults, workshops and portfolio reviews for high school students, school and camp programs and summer art camps are offered. Special Family Days are offered three times a year. For information, 212-299-7780. Only umbrella-style strollers can be accommodated on the gallery floors.
Ongoing
      Open Studios, daily 11-1:30pm and 2:30-5pm. Thursday nights 6-8:30pm.
Guided Gallery Tours, Tues.-Sun. 11:30 & 3pm, Thurs. 6:30pm.
Sat
     MAD Fun: Family Day, Open Studios, workshops and film screenings offer children an opportunity to discover art, meet artists and be creative. 11am. $30 per family, includes admission. Jan 14, Mar 10
Sun
      Studio Sunday, intergenerational workshop for all ages 6 and up is scheduled monthly on Sunday 2-4pm. $10 program fee includes admission and materials. Drop-in allowed, space is limited.
Selected Exhibitions
Thru Feb 19
      Korean Eye, Energy and Matter. Beauty in All Things, Japanese art and design.
Thru May 27
      Far Out, jewelry for the senses.
Jun 12-Sep 23
      Space, Light, Structure, the jewelry of Margaret De Patta.

Museum of the City of New York
5th Ave. at 103rd St., New York, 212-534-1672. Mon.-Sun. 10-6. Families $20; adults $10; students & srs. $6, 12 & under free. Free admission Sun. 10-12. Five floors of exhibits relating to New York and its history. Antique fire gallery, Dutch Gallery with life-size replica of Dutch fort, Big Apple multi-media exhibition, costumes and Toy Gallery contains more than 10,000 playthings from the late 18th century to the present.
Sat, Sun
      Storytelling and special events.

Museum of Modern Art
11 W. 53 St., Manhattan, 212-708-9400. Sat.-Mon., Wed.-Thurs. 10:30-5:30. Fri. 10:30-8. Open until 8:45pm on the first Thurs. of each month. Closed Tues. Extended hours July 1-Sept. 3: Open Tues. 10:30-5:30, Thurs.-Sat. 10:30-8:30. Adults $25, srs. $18, full-time students with ID $14, 16 & under free with adult (includes admittance to galleries and film programs). Admission is free during Target Free Friday Nights every Fri. 4-8pm. Admission can be purchased in advance online.
   An unrivaled view of modern masters and art movements from about 1885 to the present is displayed in a renovated and expanded building designed by Yoshio Taniguchi. Ford Family Programs offer guided tours, artist talks, art workshops, and film screenings for children and their adult companions (see below for more details).
Ongoing
     Ford Family Activity Guide for ages 4 & up available at Education and Family Information desk on the second floor (next to Cafe 2).
     MoMA Audio, guides to the collections and temporary exhibitions are available free.
     MoMA Audio: Modern Kids audioguide provides four child-friendly tours geared for ages 5-10. Audio guides may be listened to and downloaded onto MP-3 devices online.
     Children's website, is designed for children ages 5-8.
     Family website provides tips for planning a family visit.
     Art Safari: An Adventure in Looking for Children & Adults, book and website for children ages 5-12.
Selected Exhibitions
Feb 26-Jun 11
      Cindy Sherman, retrospective survey of artist's photography 1970s to present.
Ford Family Programs
All programs are free with museum admission. Some programs do not require pre-registration, but tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 10am on the day of the program. For dates and registration information, email familyprograms@moma.org, call 212-708-9805 or visit www.moma.org/family and subscribe to Family Programs E-News. For info on programs for high school students, call 212-333-1252 or email teenprograms@moma.org.
School Year Ford Family Programs
Fri
      Teen Nights, for high school students. 4-8pm, pizza & refreshments served before program begins at 4:45. Bring a valid high school ID.
Sat
      Family Films, 12-1pm in The Roy & Niuta Titus Theater 2. Families should use 54th St. entrance.
     Films for Tweens, for ages 11-14 and adult companions. 2pm.
     Conversations with Contemporary Artists: The Family Edition, 1-2, registration required.
Sat & Sun
      Tours for Fours, morning drop-in program for 4 yr.-olds and their adult companions.
     A Closer Look for Kids, morning drop-in program for ages 5-10 and adult companions.
     Tours for Tweens, ages 11-14 and adult companion. 10:30-12, registration required.
     Family Art Workshop, 10:30-12:30 & 2-4pm. Advance registration required.

New Museum of Contemporary Art
235 Bowery, New York, 212-219-1222. Wed., Fri.-Sun. 11-6. Thurs. 11-9. Adults $12, srs. $10, students $8, under 18 free. Free Thurs. from 7-9. A seven-story stack of metal mesh-clad boxes shifted off axis is home to changing contemporary art exhibits.
1st Sat
      Target First Saturdays for Families, hands-on programs, conducted by museum educators, are designed for families with children and young adults ages 5-15 on the first Sat. of each month. Free, includes museum admission for up to 3 adults per family. Tickets are given out on a first come, first-served basis.

New Victory Theater
209 W. 42nd St. (just west of Broadway), 646-223-3020. Tickets: 212-239-6200 (Tele-charge). Ticket prices $14-$38. Tickets purchased for 3 or more events receive discount and membership, 646-223-3010. Oct.-May season of professional productions specifically for children and their families by national and international artists. Educational programs include day-time performances for students, curriculum materials, after-school career workshops and apprenticeship programs for high school and college students. 646-223-3092 for information.
2011-12 Season
Feb 10-26
      Brazil! Brazil!, U.S. premiere, physical theater. Recommended for all ages over 4.
Mar 2-11
      The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, N.Y. premiere,
theater. Ages 8 to adult.
Mar 16-25
      Lucky Duck, N.Y. premiere, musical theater. Elementary ages.
Mar 30-Apr 14
      Ahhh HA!, N.Y. premiere, physical theater. Whole family, ages over 4.
Apr 20-29
      The Book of Everything, U.S. premiere, theater. Ages 10-adult.
Apr 26-May 13
       Plop!, U.S. premiere, theater. Ages 2-5.
May 4-20
      Echo Aerial Tango, N.Y. premiere, dance. Ages 8-adult.
Family Workshops
1½ hr. workshops focus on a different theatrical genre or performance style related to select shows. Tickets to performance are not necessary in order to participate. Visit website for schedule.

New York Aquarium
West 8th St. & Surf Ave., Coney Island, 718-265-FISH. Summer: Mon.-Fri. 10-6, weekends 10-7. Fall and spring: Mon.-Fri. 10-5, weekends 10-5:30. Winter: Daily 10-4:30. Adults $14.95, children 3-12 $10.95, srs. $11.95, under 3 free. Admission on Fridays after 3pm by donation. Purchase discount combo tickets online for Coney Island and the Aquarium Total Experience. Group rates. Parking fee.
       Indoor and outdoor sea cliffs exhibit, shark tank, touch tank (May-Sept.), jellyfish exhibit, 4D theater and Aquatheater features shows year 'round with dolphins (May-Oct.) and sea lion. Guided tours; family workshops; summer camp; group programs.

New York Botanical Garden
200th St. & Southern Blvd. (I-95 Bronx River Parkway exit 4B), Bronx, 718-817-8700. Travel directions: 718-817-8779. Event line: 718-817-8777. April-Oct.: Tues.-Sun. and Mon. holidays 10-6. Adults $20, srs. & students $18, ages 2-12 $8, under 2 free. Parking $10.
   250 acres of natural and landscaped grounds include 27 outdoor gardens, a 40-acre forest, the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, hands-on family garden and Everett Children's Adventure Garden featuring discovery center, wetland trail, kids herbarium and playful outdoor landscapes. Golf cart and tram tours. Strollers are not permitted in Conservatory.
Selected Exhibitions
Mar-Apr
      The Orchid Show, annual celebration.

New York City Ballet
David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, 63rd & Columbus Ave., 212-496-0600. Fall, winter and spring seasons and annual presentation of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker begins Thanks­giving weekend through Dec. For information about Ballet for Young People performances, children's workshops and pre-show discussions, call 212-870-5636 or email education@nycballet.com. Performance companions for kids and families are available online. Student rush tickets are offered for select repertory performances. Call student rush hotline, 212-870-7766, for information.

New York City Opera
David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, 63rd & Columbus Ave., 212-870-5600. Oct.-April season features new and classic productions and abridged family matinee. Full-time students age 29 and under can purchase up to two tickets for $10 each up to two hours before performance.

New York Hall of Science
47-01 111th St. & 48th Ave., Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, 718-699-0005. Sept.-June: Tues.-Thurs. 9:30-2, Fri. 9:30-5, Sat. & Sun. 10-6, closed Mon. except holidays. July & Aug.: Mon.-Fri. 9:30-5. Sat. & Sun. 10-6. Adults $11; students (2-17)/srs. $8. Sept. 1-Jun 30: Free Fri. 2-5pm and Sun. 10-11. No free hours during July and Aug.
   Originally built as a pavilion for the 1964-65 World's Fair, the building and grounds now feature more than 400 hands-on exhibits devoted to science and technology including a space exhibit, biochemistry lab, technology gallery, sports challenge, interactive math exhibition and Preschool Discovery Place. Birthday parties; sleepovers; scout and community programs.
Sat & Sun
      Drop-in workshops, demonstrations, videos shows and make-and-take activities are related to a monthly theme.
Open
      Historic Rocket Park, chronicles the history of rocket development and includes an Atlas rocket, original Mercury 1 capsule and interactive "climb-in" replica of the Friendship 7 Mercury capsule that carried the first American Astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
Apr-Dec
      Science Playground. Experience physics through outdoor play equipment– special slides, seesaws, water wheels, windmills and musical sound station. For all ages with adult super­vision. Expanded area for ages 6 and younger. Flat shoes must be worn. $4.
      Rocket Park Mini-Golf, explore the science behind mini-golf. Adults $6, children/srs. $5.
Selected Exhibitions
Thru Mar 31
      Wild Ocean; Tornado Alley, 3D theater.
Mar 31-Sep 2
      Animation.

New York Philharmonic
Avery Fisher Hall, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, 212-875-5656. Four Young People’s Concerts Nov.-Mar. introduce children ages 6-12 to live symphonic music. Pre-concert Kidzone Live! features demonstrations, activities and a chance to talk to musicians. Phil Teens offers $12 Philharmonic tickets, Saturday matinees and pre-concert events for ages 12-17. Very Young People’s Concerts use games, active listening and hands-on music-making with musicians of the New York Philharmonic to introduce children ages 3-5 to classical music.
Ongoing
     $12 Student Rush Tickets, may be available up to 10 days before a concert by visiting website or the box office on day of show. Must have valid student ID.
Young People's Concerts 2011-2012: Four Greats
Performances 2pm on Sat. for ages 6-12; preceded by Zidzone Live!, an interactive music fair, 12:45.
Mar 17
      Four Greats: Ludwig von Beethoven.
Apr 14
      Four Greats: Johannes Brahms.

New York Theatre Ballet
Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th St., 212-679-0401. Chamber ballet company presents Nov.-May repertory and family season including a one-hour Nutcracker in Dec. and Once Upon A Ballet series for families with children ages 3-12. Individual tickets, subscriptions, group discounts available.
Once Upon A Ballet 2011-2012
Feb 11
      The Alice in Wonderland Follies, Feb. 11 at 1pm, Feb. 12 at 11 & 1pm.
Mar 10
      Sleeping Beauty, Mar. 10 at 1pm, Mar. 11 at 11 & 1pm.

The Paley Center for Media
25 West 52 St., 212-621-6800. Wed.-Sun. 12-6, Thurs.-8pm. Adults $10, students/seniors $8, children under 14 $5. On-going screenings in museum theaters daily or select your own program from over 60,000 radio and television programs to view or listen to at an individual console.
Sat
       Re-creating Radio, two-hour workshop for groups ages 9 and older to produce old-time radio drama. Advance reservations necessary, 212-621-6600.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
234 W. 42nd St., 212-398-3133. Daily 9am-1am. Adults $32.61, ages 4-12 $24.99, online discounts. Themed galleries feature strange and unusual, and sometimes gruesome, artifacts collected from around the world. Group and school tours; event space rentals; themed birthday parties for ages 4 and up. Download free study guides from website.

Sony Wonder Technology Lab
Sony Plaza, 550 Madison Ave. (entrance on 56th St. side), 212-833-8100. Tues.-Sat. 9:30-5:30, last group 1⁄2 hr. before closing. Free, advance reservations recommended. Inter­active science center geared to ages 8-18. Learn the history of communications technology, how the technology works and try your hand at a variety of professions that rely on communication technology—recording studio, TV studio, virtual surgery, robotics, movie maker, video game production and others.

Staten Island Children’s Museum
Historic Snug Harbor Cultural Center, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, 718-273-2060. Open Tues.-Sun. 12-5, 10-5 when NY Public Schools are closed. Wed. 10-8 in July and Aug. Ages 1 and up $6, under 1 free. Grandparents free on Wed. Strollers not permitted.
   Creative, hands-on exhibits encourage ­toddlers to age 10 to explore and experiment. Current exhibits include Bugs & Other Insects, Portia's Playhouse, House About It, Great Explorations, Ladder 11 and Sea of Boats (outdoor play-space, weather permitting). Walk-in workshops and pre-school activities most days and every weekend. Staten Island Botanical Garden is next door, children 12 and under are free.

Staten Island Zoo
614 Broadway, Staten Island, 718-442-3100, 718-442-3101. See listing under Outdoors–Zoos.

Symphony Space
2537 Broadway at 95th St., New York, 212-864-5400. Community-based arts organization is committed to offering a continuing calendar of artistically and culturally diverse programs at the lowest possible ticket prices. Events include Just Kidding, a Saturday morning multi-art series for children ages four and older.

Theatreworks/USA
212-647-1100, 800-497-5007. The nation's largest creator and producer of professional theater for young and family audiences tours throughout the U.S. and presents family series at Tribeca Performing Arts Center during the school year, 199 Chambers St., 212-220-1460. Touring productions and presentations, residencies and workshops available. Enter your zipcode on website to find local performances.
Tribeca Family Series 2011-2012
Feb 26
      Henry and Mudge, 3pm.
Mar 18
      Nate the Great, 3pm.
Jun 3
      Skippy Jon Jones, 3pm.

Whitney Museum of American Art
945 Madison Ave. (at 75th St.), New York, 1-800-WHITNEY. Wed.-Thurs. 11-6, Fri. 1-9, Sat. & Sun. 11-6. Adults $18, students/srs. $12, under 8 free. Fri. 6-9pm pay-what-you-wish. Explore modern masterpieces of American art in Marcel Breuer’s landmark building. Free family guides and family audio guides available in museum lobby.
Whitney Family Programs
Reservations required for family programs, 212-671-5300.
Select Fri
      Stroller Tours, tours of current exhibitions when Museum is closed to the public for parents and babies ages 0-18 months. Registration required.
Select Sat Sept-Jun
      Family Fun Art Workshop, gallery tour and art activity for ages 6-10 with adult on select Sat. during the school year.
     Art School, studio classes for ages 8-12.
     Whitney Wees, interactive tour of museum galleries for ages 4-5.

back to top
home | about | advertise | subscribe | contact | submit event | use and privacy policy

Kids Guide • PO Box 892 • Murray Hill, NJ 07974-0892 • T 908-665-0607 • F 908-665-2052
Online and in print for over 17 years

Kids Guide, the Kids Guide logo and Kids Guide design are trademarks of PageWorks LLC and may only be used with permission of PageWorks LLC. All material is copyrighted 2012.