The Grinch's Holiday Workshop: Hands-on Seasonal Fun for NYC Kids at CMOM

Check out Dr. Seuss' original artwork and personal artifacts

My son loved this original pencil sketch of the Grinch

Photo op: Kids can sit in the sleigh

The walls are adorned with blown-up pages from Dr. Seuss' iconic holiday story

The Grinch carves the roast beast

Classic Whoville scene

Colorful kid-size workstations

Every kid here in New York likes Christmas a lot... and the Grinch has come to CMOM and just look what he's got! Dr. Seuss' classic holiday tale comes to life in the Children's Museum of Manhattan's new exhibit The Grinch's Holiday Workshop. Kids get to do a lot more than admire the author-illustrator's pictures and poetic prose, they get to create art projects inspired by Seuss' iconic style and story, and learn how to give back to those in need.

The museum's lower level gallery is adorned with blown-up pages from The Grinch so you literally feel like you're walking into the book. Unlike the Children's Museum of Manhattan's usual exhibits like Eat Sleep Play, which is filled with loud gizmos and flashing lights, The Grinch's Holiday Workshop is rather sparse. No interactive stations here; instead there's a colorful workstation in the center of the room stocked with art supplies where kids can make their own creations, or participate in artist-led workshops inspired by How the Grinch Stole Christmas!.

Since The Grinch's Holiday Workshop is all about making things and not looking at them, it's kind of hard to write about. But from perusing the schedule of upcoming workshops, it's clear that kids will get a chance to make some really cool art projects: Pop-up friendship cards, Max the "Rein-Dog" ornaments, rhyming hats, 3D clay sculptures, collaborative murals and flip books are just some of the guided workshops on tap throughout the season.

Sometimes kids will be able to take their art home with them but—in keeping with the book's message of learning to be generous—some projects will be donated to children at the Memorial Sloane-Kettering Cancer Center or NYC homeless shelters. Kids can also follow the Grinch's footsteps throughout the museum to find plaques with various ideas for how they can volunteer this holiday season and beyond. So spending an afternoon at The Grinch's Holiday Workshop is not only fun, it's a great way to teach kids about giving back and helping those less fortunate in our community.

There will also be lots of special events throughout the two months the exhibit is on display, like Whoville Mad Libs, holiday cooking demos with James Beard Foundation chefs, and local celebrity storytimes. Our very own Mommy Poppins founder Anna Fader will be reading, as will NYC meteorologist Janice Huff and Dominic Sopranos Chianese. And of course the big green guy himself will be stopping by every weekend and select weekdays to pose for photos with the kids.

For a comprehensive list of workshops, visit CMOM's online calendar. Below are the ones that we think sound the most exciting.

Tuesday, November 6-Tuesday, November 13 and Tuesday, December 11-Sunday, December 16: Seuss-inspired “Rhyming Hats” – Create a hat decorated with your favorite words that rhyme.

Wednesday, November 14-Sunday, November 18: Who’s Holiday Feast – Create 3D clay sculptures of the town's holiday meal.

Tuesday, November 20-Saturday, November 24: Cindy-Lou Who’s Friendship Pop-Up Cards – Craft cards for children at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. It's a wonderful things to do around Thanksgiving!

Saturday, November 24: James Beard Foundation and chef Sara Jenkins – The renowned chef hosts cooking demos with a Grinch twist. Tickets required! Ask at the admissions desk when you arrive.

Tuesday, December 4-Sunday, December 9: Whoville Flip Book – Create your own flip book of Seuss-inspired characters.

Tuesday, December 18-Monday, December 24: “Max the Rein-Dog” Friendship Ornaments – Create an ornament of the Grinch’s pet, Max, to give to families living in NYC homeless shelters.

Monday, December 31: Grinch Wish Wand – Create a sparkly wand to wave and make a wish for the New Year.

The Grinch's Holiday Workshop is on view through Sunday, January 6, 2013 at the Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. All activities are free with admission, $11.

Find out about other interactive kid-friendly exhibits in our Museum Guide.