NYC has thousands of things for families and children to do, and during the spring and summer, the city has activities that include museum exhibitions, concerts, arts and crafts, sports, nature walks in local parks, and many other outdoor activities. Here are some of today's kid-friendly activities in Queens, from performances to exhibitions!
Kumon Storytime - Kumon Math & Reading Center of Battery Park City
July 29, 2010 - Manhattan
Children listen to fun, interactive stories from Kumon's Recommended Reading List, which includes more than 350 titles for any reading level. Free copies of the Recommended Reading List will be available to all families.
Summer Nights Concert: Johnny Ray & Salsa con Clase - El Museo del Barrio
July 29, 2010 - Manhattan
The band has produced hits that salsa fans and dancers alike have enjoyed worldwide for the past thirty years. RSVP required at www.elmuseo.org.
Mad. Sq. Kids Concert: The Suzi Shelton Band - Madison Square Park
July 29, 2010 - Manhattan
A free outdoor concert presented by Mad. Sq. Kids.
Children's Performance Series: Robbi K & Friends - Riverside Park South
July 29, 2010 - Manhattan
Robbi K will play from her award-winning albums, including "Keep the Beat" and "Music Makes Me Happy." Her shows combine music, theater, and culture with a worldview to bring a sense of the world community to family audiences.
New York Landmarks: Statue of Liberty - Children's Museum of Manhattan
July 29, 2010 - Manhattan
Learn about the story of one of the most famous New York landmarks and create a paper liberty torch of your own.
Arts Workshop: Giant Robot - Children's Museum of the Arts
July 29, 2010 - Manhattan
Help construct a giant robot out of cardboard and other recycled materials. For ages 4 and up.
River & Blues Concert featuring Alexis P. Suter Band - Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park
July 29, 2010 - Manhattan
The band features lead singer Alexis P. Suter, an acclaimed new talent on the roots, blues, and soul scene.
New York Restoration Project's Summer Movie Series - Swindler Cove Park
Through July 29, 2010 - Manhattan
See films from Discovery's Planet Earth series, including "Caves," "Ocean Deep," "Seasonal Forests," and "From Pole to Pole."
Helen Keller: A Daring Adventure - American Foundation for the Blind
Through July 30, 2010 - Manhattan
This exhibit explores Helen Keller's life and her work to transform the world for people with disabilities. Featuring 31 never-before-seen items, including a variety of her prized possessions, the exhibit reveals a new perspective on Keller, who served as an equal rights activist, world-renowned goodwill ambassador, advocate for the blind, and Socialist.
Student All Stars Receive Free Admission and Gelato Upgrade - Madame Tussauds New York
Through July 30, 2010 - Manhattan
Students receive one free All Access Pass (ages 18 and younger) with the purchase of one full price adult All Access Pass when they present a report card with an overall Grade A average (90 or above). They'll also receive a free gelato size upgrade when they present their same-day admission ticket at Madame Tussauds' Screme Gelato.
Last Day of the Myrtle Avenue El: Photographs by Theresa King - New York Transit Museum
Through July 31, 2010 - Brooklyn
A personal exhibition by photographer Theresa King that captures a nostalgic moment in time and the essence of riding on wood-elevated cars.
Family Workshop: Book Building - Rubin Museum of Art
Through July 31, 2010 - Manhattan
Families will construct, paint, and fill a handmade book - whether it be a scroll, manuscript, or bound book. Kids and grownups are invited to explore the galleries before or after the workshop to find examples of ancient Tibetan and Mongolian manuscripts.
'Hubble' in IMAX - American Museum of Natural History, IMAX Theater
Through July 31, 2010 - Manhattan
Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, this 43-minute film allows audiences to blast off alongside the Atlantis STS-125 crew, witness some of the most challenging spacewalks ever performed, and experience firsthand Hubble's striking images from the heart of the Orion Nebula and our Milky Way to the edge of the observable universe.
Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H.A. Rey - The Jewish Museum
Through August 01, 2010 - Manhattan
This exhibition delves into the remarkable lives and works of Curious George's creators, Margret and H. A. Rey, and features nearly 80 original drawings and preparatory dummies for the Curious George books. Visitors can also examine the parallels between the obstacles the Reys faced and these drawings, which may have saved their lives.
CMA's Arts Island Outpost: Outer Space - Governors Island
Through August 01, 2010 -
Teaching artists from the Children's Museum of the Arts will lead family workshops in painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, installation, and more, on weekends throughout the summer. July's activities will follow an "outer space" theme.
Soccer Tots & Pee Wee Basketball - 71st Street Soccer Field and Basketball Courts
Through August 04, 2010 - Manhattan
All little ones (5 and under) are welcome at this introduction to soccer and basketball.
"The Magic Pot: Three Tales from China" - TADA! Youth Theater
Through August 04, 2010 - Manhattan
See this original musical for kids, performed by kids, about a young girl who finds herself in the middle of ancient tales and goes on an extraordinary adventure that teaches her about life, honesty, and true happiness.
Summer Nights Free Concert Series - El Museo del Barrio
Through August 05, 2010 - Manhattan
This outdoor concert series celebrates the diversity of contemporary Latin music with a lineup that features a range of music, alternating each week from Salsa and other traditional Latin forms to emerging music styles.
Pilobolus - The Joyce Theater
Through August 07, 2010 - Manhattan
Pilobolus brings new and classic works to its 23rd summer season. Highlights include Hapless Hooligan in "Still Moving"; "Hitched," a fast duet about love, marriage, and nostalgia; "Contradance," a collaboration with Grammy Award-winning family music man Dan Zanes; and return hits.
Summer Group Show of Innovative Artists - Axelle Fine Arts Galerie
Through August 07, 2010 - Manhattan
This installation features work by Albert Hadjiganev, Francois Bard, and Brian Stephens.
Paintings from the Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin College - Metropolitan Museum of Art
Through August 08, 2010 -
Twenty masterpieces from the Allen Memorial Art Museum, which include the great Ter Brugghen painting Saint Sebastian Tended by Saint Irene, Cézanne's Viaduct at l'Estaque, Kirchner's Self-Portrait as a Soldier, and a striking Kirchner sculpture will be on view.
Le Carrousel Magique - Le Carrousel in Bryant Park
Through August 08, 2010 - Manhattan
Watch fun-filled tricks of all kinds by the clever magicians from the off-Broadway hit "Monday Night Magic."
Children's Performance Series - Riverside Park South
Through August 12, 2010 - Manhattan
Music, storytelling, and theater for young audiences. Suitable for kids up to age 7. Through August 12.
Broadway in Bryant Park - Bryant Park Stage
Through August 12, 2010 - Manhattan
The most popular musicals on and off Broadway perform their biggest hits.
'We the People: America Rocks!' - Lucille Lortel Theatre
Through August 13, 2010 - Manhattan
A 60-minute, one-act musical recommended for ages 8 and up. Rock out with America's original "boy band," The Founding Fathers. Join George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin as they trade in their powdered wigs for power chords to help an ambitious teen.
Barbie® Collector 'Dolls of the World' Exhibit - The Peopling of America Center
Through August 15, 2010 - Ellis Island
The Barbie® Collector Dolls of the World collection celebrates countries, cultures, and fashions from across the globe. The exhibit, which celebrates the collection's 30th anniversary, will feature the Vitrine of Dolls, a display of the most recognized dolls from each country. Visitors can read fun, interesting facts about each doll and country and locate their heritage through Barbie®. The exhibit also includes a Wall of Dolls Retrospective, featuring a display of images from the collection that highlights Barbie® doll's cultural evolution through the years.
Lincoln Center Out of Doors - Lincoln Center Plazas
Through August 15, 2010 - Manhattan
The festival will feature a diverse range of music, dance, and street performance events by dozens of international, national, and local artists, highlighted by New York, U.S., and world premieres, debuts, and special commissions.
Traveling the Silk Road: Ancient Pathway to the Modern World - American Museum of Natural History
Through August 16, 2010 -
Watch live silkworms spinning cocoons, wander through a replica of a lively night market, encounter life-sized camel models, explore the ancient skills of papermaking and metalwork, and track the stars using a working model of an Arab astrolabe. Plus, kids collect special stamps in Silk Road passports issued to them at the exhibition entrance.
Coo and Crawl: A Baby and Parent Playspace - JCC in Manhattan
Through August 16, 2010 - Manhattan
Babies will play and explore their surroundings while parents get a chance to share and interact in this informal, drop-in playspace. Bring a baby blanket.
2010 RiverFlicks for Kids: Free Outdoor Summer Movie Series - Hudson River Park's Pier 46
Through August 20, 2010 - Manhattan
Enjoy family favorite movies outdoors along the Hudson River, every Friday evening from July 9 through August 20. All films are rated G or PG. Complimentary popcorn. Refreshments available for purchase.
Sandbox Programs - Central Park
Through August 20, 2010 - Manhattan
A free series of programs featuring dance instruction, musical performances, and storytelling, hosted at 15 of the Park's playgrounds. For specific locations and dates, visit www.centralparknyc.org/events. Through August 20.
Word for Word Kids - Bryant Park Reading Room
Through August 21, 2010 - Manhattan
Kids can enjoy character visits, author signings, and other special events related to reading and storytelling.
Retro/Active: The Work of Rafael Ferrer - El Museo del Barrio
Through August 22, 2010 - Manhattan
This is the first solo exhibition in a museum to examine the breadth and depth of this artist's influential production over the last 55 years. On view through August 22.
HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival - Bryant Park
Through August 23, 2010 -
Watch classic films on the big screen. No tables or chairs allowed on the lawn. See website for titles.
Toddler Storytime - Ottendorfer Library
Through August 25, 2010 - Manhattan
Children ages 18-36 months are invited to the library for a program of stories, songs, and fingerplays.
Bop 'Til You Drop - Ottendorfer Public Library
Through August 25, 2010 - Manhattan
Dance party for toddlers featuring tunes from the 70s, 80s, and beyond.
Mommy & Me Cooking Class - Cupcake Kids!
Through August 25, 2010 - Manhattan
Kids ages 2-4 and their caregivers can whip up a savory or sweet treat in the kitchen while practicing motor, sensory, and social skills. Enrollment is limited; register online.
Gallery Tours - El Museo del Barrio
Through August 28, 2010 - Manhattan
Take a guided tour of El Museo's permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Tours meet at the entrance of the galleries five minutes prior to start time.
Broadway Uptown: Zora Returns to Harlem - Harlem Bar B Q
Through August 29, 2010 - Manhattan
This play takes audience members on the journey of a small town southern girl who moved to Harlem and became the first black woman to study at Barnard College and Columbia University. This dinner/theater package includes a prefix three-course meal.
Songs for Seeds Summer Concert Series - apple seeds
Through August 29, 2010 - Manhattan
Each Sunday, July 11-August 29, enjoy a performance and all-day open play in the indoor playground. Songs for Seeds is a music class that encourages kids to sing and play instruments along with a live, three-piece band. Music and language from a different country will be highlighted each week.
NeoIntegrity: Comics Edition - Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art
Through August 29, 2010 - Manhattan
This exhibition, curated by artist Keith Mayerson, includes more than 210 cartoonists, illustrators, animators, and fine artists who work with the spirit and power of iconographic languages to express themselves and tell cultural stories.
"R. Sikoryak: How Classics and Cartoons Collide" - Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art
Through August 29, 2010 - Manhattan
Examine R. Sikoryak's artistic process by viewing a selection of notes, sketches, and reference material which was used to adapt "Crime and Punishment" in the style of a mid-century Batman comic book. The exhibit also includes 10 original art boards for the final story.
Shape Lab - Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Through August 30, 2010 -
Make discoveries about shape and art in MoMA's newest interactive space. In Shape Lab, families can experiment, build, draw, read, and create with a variety of kid-friendly materials and activities. Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10:30am-5pm; Friday, 10:30am-6:30pm.
Baby Storytime - Ottendorfer Library
Through August 30, 2010 - Manhattan
Babies 0-18 months old and their caregivers can enjoy a special story time with books, nursery rhymes, and fingerplays.
Breastfeeding Support Group - 92nd Street Y
Through August 30, 2010 - Manhattan
Meet with other moms, babies, and a lactation specialist from the Parenting Center to discuss topics such as the emotional ups and downs of breastfeeding, what happens when your milk supply is weak, how to juggle breastfeeding and work, and whether and how to supplement.
Pre School Prep - YM and YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood
Through August 30, 2010 - Manhattan
A program for 2-year-olds that includes music, dance, art, storytime, and a snack.
The Little Explorers Club: Travel the World Together! - Rubin Museum of Art
Through August 31, 2010 - Manhattan
Children ages 3-5 explore a new terrain, from the tops of mountains to the depths of the seas. They'll pack their bags, share stories, inspect artwork, and create crafts from around the globe.
The Yak Packers: Early Childhood Art - Rubin Museum of Art
Through August 31, 2010 - Manhattan
Children ages 2-4 and their adult companions look, touch, and explore together, then create projects inspired by Himalayan art.
Moving Through Art: Early Childhood Movement - Rubin Museum of Art
Through August 31, 2010 - Manhattan
Children ages 3-5 and their adult companions move their bodies to interpret lines and shapes and translate visual art into imaginative poses, movements, and sounds.
‘"n Other People’s Skins" - Cathedral of St. John the Divine
Through August 31, 2010 - Manhattan
Inspired by Da Vinci's The Last Supper, this exhibit consists of a table covered in a white tablecloth and surrounded by 12 chairs. An overhead projector beams life-sized images of 12 pairs of hands and arms taking food, breaking bread, and drinking wine. Visitors may sit at one of the chairs and interact with the virtual guests and inhabit 'other people's skins.'
Highway of An Empire: The Great Inca Road - American Museum of Natural History
Through September 01, 2010 -
Learn about the vast Inca Empire and it's extensive and intricate network of roads.
Mary Poppins - New Amsterdam Theatre
Through September 05, 2010 - Manhattan
See the magical Broadway version of the classic film.
The Lion King - Minskoff Theatre
Through September 05, 2010 - Manhattan
See the Tony-award winning show based on Disney's classic story.
Harlem Meer Performance Festival - Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
Through September 05, 2010 - Manhattan
This outdoor concert series features emerging and established local Latin, jazz, world, and gospel artists. For the full schedule, visit www.centralparknyc.org/events.
LIZARDS and SNAKES: ALIVE! - American Museum of Natural History
Through September 06, 2010 -
See more than 60 live lizards and snakes from five continents in exquisitely prepared habitats. In addition to the live animals, the exhibit uses interactive stations, significant fossils, and an award-winning video to acquaint visitors with the world of the Squamata, the group that includes lizards and snakes.
'Gods, Myths & Mortals: Discover Ancient Greece' - Children's Museum of Manhattan
Through September 06, 2010 - Manhattan
Immerse yourself in Ancient Greece, surrounded by real ancient objects. Climb a giant Trojan horse, escape the Cyclops, and sing with the Sirens as you complete your epic journey.
Exhibit: 'Power to Play: From Trash to Treasure' - New World Stages Gallery Space
Through September 06, 2010 - Manhattan
This traveling exhibit, organized by ChildFund International, features more than 350 toys that were handmade using found objects by impoverished children from around the world.
Imaginocean - New World Stages
Through September 11, 2010 - Manhattan
A new family musical adventure, created and written by Emmy and Tony Award-nominated actor John Tartaglia, Imaginocean follows the undersea adventures of a group of fish friends, who uncover a treasure map that leads them to learn about themselves and ultimately uncover the treasure of each other's friendship.
'Toys: The Inside Story' - Children's Museum of Manhattan
Through September 18, 2010 - Manhattan
Visitors to this exhibit can explore the simple mechanisms found inside common toys, while hands-on stations allow for open-ended experimentation with pulleys, cams, gears, linkages, and circuits.
A Clearing in the Forest - The Great Hill and The Peter Jay Sharp Children's Glade
Through September 26, 2010 - Manhattan
This summer family series combines eco-education and multi-cultural fun through interactive dance, music, art, storytelling, and puppetry performances. Programs include a workshop by the American Ballet Theatre, Great Jazz on the Great Hill, African Film for Families by the African Film Festival, puppet-making, and circusy yoga. Events are held Saturdays on the Great Hill and Sundays at The Peter Jay Sharp Children's Glade.
Pinkalicious, The Musical - The Bleecker Street Theatre
Through September 30, 2010 - Manhattan
Follow along the adventures of Pinkalicious as her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor's office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe - a dream come true for this pink-loving enthusiast.
Picasso: Themes and Variations - Museum of Modern Art
Through September 30, 2010 - Manhattan
An exhibition exploring Pablo Picasso's creative process through the medium of printmaking.
Kayaking on the Hudson - Riverside Park South
Through October 10, 2010 - Manhattan
Join the Downtown Boathouse for 20 minutes of instruction, then explore the Hudson River first-hand. Participants must wear proper attire and know how to swim.
Tape Art: Let's Draw Together! - Children's Museum of the Arts
Through October 10, 2010 - Manhattan
The exhibition will transform CMA's gallery space into a canvas for new drawings created by the Tape Artists in collaboration with CMA's young artist community. Children can request what they want the artists to draw through the use of a suggestion box. Each time new drawings are made the previous ones will be documented, disassembled, and displayed as photographs.
The Edible Garden at The New York Botanical Garden - The New York Botanical Garden
Through October 17, 2010 - Bronx
See a garden wide exhibition of edible plants and vegetables plus cooking demos, special programs and more.
Young Sprouts Gardening - Children's Garden, Nelson A. Rockefeller Park
Through October 26, 2010 - Manhattan
Children ages 3-5 (accompanied by an adult) can plant seeds, water the garden, and pick and eat fresh greens and vegetables, all of which are organically grown without pesticides or harmful chemicals. Kids can also enjoy picture books and simple crafts.
Gardening Club for Kids - Children's Garden, Nelson A. Rockefeller Park
Through October 26, 2010 - Manhattan
Kids in grades 1-5 can master gardening skills and green practices and learn how plants are useful to people.
Preschool Play - Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park
Through October 27, 2010 - Manhattan
Meet other toddlers, parents, and caregivers for interactive play on a grassy lawn. Carefully selected toys, books, and play equipment will be provided.
Preschool Art - Nelson A. Rockefeller Park
Through October 28, 2010 - Battery Park City, off Chambers Street
Very young artists are introduced to paper, clay, and paint, as well as art supplies from nature and everyday recyclable materials. They'll create a different project every week, planned by an art educator/artist. Materials provided.
“27 Seconds” - Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
Through November 21, 2010 - Manhattan
This exhibition narrates and explores the 1967 Apollo I tragedy and honors the heroes who died during the explosion. The artifacts on display hail from several museums around the country as well as the private collection of the family of Roger Chaffee, one of the mission's fated astronauts.
Central Park TV & Movie Sites Tour - Central Park
Through November 27, 2010 - Manhattan
Visit the locations from iconic films that have been shot in world-famous Central Park on this two-hour tour.
Under the Canopy: Caring for Central Park's Trees - Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
Through November 28, 2010 - Manhattan
Explore the lives of Central Park's 24,000 trees through this educational exhibit by the Central Park Conservancy. Through photographs and eco-displays, you'll learn about the trees' natural history and how the Conservancy maintains the Park's 152 different species. Through November 28.
Second Sundays Family Tours - Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Through December 12, 2010 - Manhattan
Every second Sunday of the month, enjoy a family-oriented tour that incorporates age-appropriate conversations, creative, hands-on gallery activities, and opportunities to explore the permanent collections and special exhibitions. For families with children ages 5-10. Registration recommended.
Voices of Liberty Exhibit at the Keeping History Center - Museum of Jewish Heritage
Through December 31, 2010 - Manhattan
Visitors can experience a soundscape composed of diverse voices responding to arriving in America for the first time, including Holocaust survivors, Soviet refuseniks, and others. As the exhibit grows, visitors will be able to add their own responses to seeing the harbor or their own stories of arriving in the U.S. Open through 2010.
Radio City Stage Door Tour - Radio City Music Hall
Through December 31, 2010 - Manhattan
During this one-hour walking tour, guests will explore the hall's art-deco interior, learn the secrets and history of the Great Stage, walk through The Roxy Suite, meet one of the world-famous Radio City Rockettes, and take part in a Radio City Rockette kick line.
Studio Sundays: Intergeneraltional Program - Museum of Arts and Design
Through December 31, 2010 - Manhattan
Explore the creative process through various mixed media — clay, metal, fiber, wood, glass, paper, rubber, etc. — and related studio activities that encourage the transformation of your ideas into art objects.
Race to the End of the Earth - American Museum of Natural History
Through January 02, 2011 -
This exhibit recounts the contest to reach the South Pole in 1911-1912. The focus lies on the challenges that the two competing explorers faced as they undertook their 1,800-mile journeys from the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf to the Pole and back. The exhibit also links these early explorations to modern science and research on Antarctica.
TIGERS The Exhibition: Tracking a Legend - The South Street Seaport
Through January 15, 2011 - Manhattan
Through the story of a wild tigress and her cubs, visitors experience the world of the Bengal tiger and are taken into a rich environment of engaging activities and technology.
"Voces Y Visiones" - El Museo del Barrio
Through January 31, 2011 - Manhattan
The exhibition features milestones in the history of El Museo through artwork, documentation, and memorabilia from its permanent collection and archives. Open through January 31, 2011.
