Cultural Events

Enough worrying about holiday pageants, shopping, parties and what-the-heck-am-I-going-to-do-with-my-kid-over-break. Get into the holiday spirit with a live performance in celebration of the season!  New Jersey's theaters bring you everything from ballet performances of the Nutcracker and theatrical productions of “A Christmas Carol” to Chanukah concerts and Kwanzaa fests.

The Nutcracker ballet, as beautiful as it is, can be a bit much for little kids to take in. To get them to experience the magic and wonder of this timeless classic, or for a different twist for the kid who's seen the Nutcracker a bunch of times, opt to attend a less traditional version of the show—there’s a whole bunch happening in the city. They are usually shorter, less expensive and more fun, but still have that Nutcracker charm that will keep adults wide-eyed, too.
 

There are more and more fun shows for kids popping up on Broadway and more and more ways to find cheap tickets to Broadway shows for kids. Here's a rundown of the top ways to find discounted tickets to Broadway shows, with some that are only good for kids. Plus, as this post is going up, Kids Night on Broadway tickets just went on sale today, so snap those up right away. They sell out fast!

Earlier this week we wrote about a website that helps you choose appropriate movies for your kids. Another way to find great movies for kids is to check out one of the local film series where aficionados have selected for you movies that are outstanding.

And this week there's a new option because the people who bring you the Tribeca Film Festival are turning their filmy goodness to movies for kids with the brand new Tribeca Cinemas Kids Club. Read on for the scoop on this new film series where you can catch cool flicks for kids every other Saturday starting this weekend, plus three other cool film series you won't want to miss.

This Fall there are lots of new, wonderful art exhibits in the NYC museums. Natasha Schlesinger from ArtKids has offered to share some of the best ones, along with tips for enjoying them with children. So take a break from the same old kid venues and head out for some real art experiences. We've even including some of the museum family programs to make it more kid friendly.

Everyone's going crazy for Where the Wild Things Are movie coming out later this week. And New york City is so excited they've dedicated the entire week to the movie launch. This week you can hear the story read by the actors from the movie, get your picture taken in a scene from the film and see, or even buy, original illustrations from the book. Check out these fun, and free, events celebrating Where the Wild Things Are.

New York City is the best place for kids culture anywhere, from our top museums to the amazing range of kid shows and performances. Whether you're looking for a fun show featuring your preschoolers' favorite characters or a ballet or opera performed just for kids, you can find it in New York. The hardest part is figuring out what there is and where to start.

We hope this guide will help you make the most of this amazing city with tips like which museums allow strollers and ideas for how to make a trip to the museum even more fun with kids. Read our money saving tips to find out when you can go for free or how to get discounted tickets. Finally, you'll find our reviews of the most kid-friendly museums and recently reviewed art, dance, theater and music shows for kids in NYC.

Sure, New York City is expensive, but think how much money you save by not having to travel all the way to India with your kids to experience the culture and customs of Diwali. Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights and New Year, is a time to celebrate good fortune, family and friendships. While October 17, 2009 is the official holiday date, there are events and activities for kids to celebrate Diwali in New York as early as this week. Enjoy performances of the story of Diwali, create traditional decorations to take home, eat yummy Indian foods at Diwali Mela street fairs...all you need is a Metrocard and a sense of curiosity.

Here are some fun Diwali activities and events for kids in New York City:

As a child growing up in New York City with a mother involved in the arts, I was dragged to many adult art events and got to know the lobbies of all the top venues very well (as I retreated in boredom half-way through probably the some of the greatest performances I'll ever see in my life). We parent in reaction to our own childhoods so, while I do believe in the positives gained by exposing children to great art that stretches a their horizons, I think they'll get even more out of it if they're engaged enough to stay in the theater. This experience led me to do a little research to find five theater festivals in New York City this Fall that have performances specifically for kids.

From a Scottish Festival to a Hip Hop Theater Festival, BAM's avant garde Next Wave Festival to a Musical Theater Festival, there are shows for children with all tastes and all ages. Read on to learn about some of the highlights:

New York City offers a wide range of theater opportunities for kids from shows specially tailored to preschoolers to highly sophisticated shows for kids that even adults will dig. Many of your favorite places, like the New Victory Theater and Brooklyn Center of the Performing Arts, along with classical institutions like the American Ballet Theater, offer subscriptions making getting a little culture exceptionally affordable. Not only do subscriptions cost less per show, they give you access to the best seats in the house and make you eligible for other special offerings and discounts. Some 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 find them sold out.

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