Music

There's so much great music in this city, from down in the subway to on stage at Carnegie Hall. But when the free outdoor concerts come to an end, your musical interests can start to get a little pricey. That's why it is often worth checking out the subscriptions to various venues. Not only do subscriptions cost less (per concert), they give you access to the best seats in the house and make you eligible for other special offerings and discounts. Many subscriptions start in September, while others don't pick up until November, so be sure to check these out soon, so you aren't late or sold out.

2009-2010 season subscription information for family-friendly and kid-friendly concerts:

Every single event in this post is free (not even one pay-as-you wish!). Not that there aren't cool events worth paying for this weekend, but there's just so much goodness going on for absolutely free, why pay: Giant BBQs, monster art festivals, science fairs (and not the 5th grade kind) and tons of free music, food, shows and so much more. Isn't summer in the city great?

The great thing about New York City's outdoor festivals is that everyone can enjoy them. At outdoor concerts, grown ups can enjoy being outdoors on a lovely day or evening, relaxing, even if the music is for kids. And, generally, kids will put up with an adult performance much better if they can run around, dance, play and picnic while you enjoy a little grown up entertainment for once. While you might not think of a classical music concert as a great kids event, it really can work. The people that are serious about listening to the music sit right up front, as you move toward the perimeter it's more about picnicking just with great music in the background.

This summer's line-up includes everything from a They Might Be Giants kids concert to the NY philharmonic to great reggae, folk and avant garde music. Seriously, something for everyone. We've rounded the free outdoor music festivals that, while not kids festivals, are the most family friendly with nice locations for picnicking and/or kid-friendly music. Also make sure to check our post on Children's Summer Music Concert Series for concerts just for kids.

Some of your best entertainment this summer will be found for free in parks all around New York. New York City parks are filled with music, performances, and fun just for families and kids of all ages. Madison Square Parks' Mad Sq Kids is perhaps the best well known summer kid festival with free children's concerts twice a week throughout the summer, but there are others that you may not have heard of and aren't publicized much outside of their own neighborhoods. We're giving you the inside scoop on the under(play)ground summer music scene in New York City this summer.

Most of these summer concert series' start in mid-June, but a couple start as early as Memorial Day. Check each site for their full schedule of events, but note that some haven't even planned out their entire summer yet, so you might have to check back later on. 

Some people think life is just one big party. If you are one of these un-serious people who's always looking to have "fun" and likes to be "cheerful" and "happy" then perhaps you would also enjoy going to a cheerful, happy party that was "free." Thanks to Moey, the New York City musician who is perhaps responsible for more cheerful happy, partiness than any self-respecting grown-up should be, there's going to be lots of free cheerful happy partying going around in New York this month. So grab your toddlers and preschoolers and go, but be sure to talk sternly to them afterward so they don't get the wrong idea about life.

Moey's going to be partying at these New York Public Library Branches:

The Holidays are here and with them come the usual offering of parties and get togethers. Last night, we found the time to check out one very cool party: The Dan Zanes Holiday House Party at the New Victory Theater. And, this is one party you shouldn’t miss.

My son, Roan, has reached the age of forced ambivalence. I didn’t see it coming, at age four, yet here it is. When I asked him on Sunday to accompany me to a concert by the band Milkshake, he acted cavalier and stipulated that his cousin, Boone had to go as well. I invited Boone, nine years old, who is the king of cavalier. I think his mother threatened or bribed because he eventually was on board. I mention this because I did not expect these boys to dance, sing or frolic during the concert. I was wrong.

In NYC, we love our homegrown kiddie music artists, and Moey, known as Melissa Levis to her grown-up friends, is one of New York's rising stars. After rocking out in Central Park's sandbox series all summer, she's now taking it indoors for her first full-length (1 hour) concert. MOEY LIVE: P is for Party will have you and the kids dancing and singing along with Moey, her irresistible tunes and her fun band of characters, while your kids accidentally learn phonics. The show is very interactive and your kids are sure to have a blast. A great way to get your Sunday morning jamming, especially if it's raining. Recommended for ages 1-7.

Moey loves Mommy Poppins too and is offering Mommy Poppins readers two free tickets. To enter, just leave a comment here by Monday , September 29th at 8pm and we'll pick one lucky winner at random, but there's no reason to wait. You can also buy Moey tickets with the Mommy Poppins special discount code and get $5 off on every ticket up to 6. Just use the code MOGNA21. For tickets call 212.239.6200 or buy online.

Still haven't signed up for any kid-classes? Whether you are dragging your feet cause you're feeling the money pinch or your just can't commit, here is an incentive to get you going. We reached out to some great NYC programs and asked them to give our readers a deal on fall 2008 classes and they delivered.

Keep reading to get special discount codes for tons of programs including: !Hola¡ Playgroup in Spanish (pictured above), Elf Tennis, The Little Gym, Kids at Work, Play Together NYC, 92nd St Y, TADA! and more.

This is first in a series of posts listing free demo classes for NYC kids. Find more free demo classes and exclusive discounts in our second Free Demo Class Post.

I admit, I have a fear of Mommy and Me classes. I'm not sure how it started but every time the idea was batted around in my house I came up with a million excuses why it wouldn't work. But, now that my daughter is two and we are both sufficiently bored of the playground, I've come to realize it's time to take the plunge. Even better, I've realized that she is now old enough to take classes without me having to participate!

If you are anything like me, here is the perfect baby step - FREE demo classes. Before you shell out the money for a weekly class, why not try it out? We have compiled a super long list of FREE demo classes, most of which are held in August and September. From pottery to gymnastics to music to miming so you can see how you and your kid like the class before committing to an entire semester. Plus, a lot of these places have offered amazing discounts to Mommy Poppins readers if you do choose to sign up for the class.  Keep reading to check out our list.