Cultural Events

May 20 2013

5 Ways for Kids to Experience Russian Culture in NYC

Things to do with kids: 5 Ways for Kids to Experience Russian Culture in NYC

I was born in the former Soviet Union and grew up speaking Russian with my parents in the U.S. Once I became a mom, I wanted to pass the language and culture on to my three children. But with a dad who only speaks English, that's proven to be tougher than I'd expected. On top of that, the age difference between my kids (the eldest is in eighth grade, the youngest kindergarten) means they're rarely interested in the same activities, so finding an all-ages Russian activities has been a challenge.

However, after years of personal research and experimentation, we've found several great programs that teach a combination of Russian language, Russian culture and even Russian-Jewish culture. Since June marks NYC's 11th annual Russian Heritage Month, this seems like the perfect time to give Russia some love. Here are five ways kids can experience Russian culture in New York City.

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May 2 2013

Free Photo Fun: Get Your Face Plastered in Times Square As Part of the Inside Out Project

Free Photo Fun: Get Your Face Plastered in Times Square As Part of the Inside Out Project

Have you (or your kids) always dreamed of seeing a giant photo of your face in Times Square? Thanks to the Inside Out public art project, you don't need to become famous for that wish to come true. Through Friday, May 10, this innovative photo booth truck parked near the TKTS Booth will be spitting out huge, one-of-a-kind, black-and-white portraits of anyone willing to wait on line for FREE. And although you are allowed to keep your poster, the artists behind the installation encourage participants to have their portraits plastered on the Times Square pedestrian plazas instead. After all, that's the whole point of the Inside Out Project.

I went to Times Square to check out this public art installation in person to see if it was as cool as it sounded. And it totally is. However, there are some important things to know before you go, especially if you're bringing kids. Read on to find out the best time to go to avoid the crowds, how you can make a group reservation and what the Inside Out Project is all about.

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Apr 30 2013

5 Unique Mother's Day Brunch Ideas in NYC: More Than Just a Meal

Things to do with kids: 5 Unique Mother's Day Brunch Ideas in NYC: More Than Just a Meal

Mother's Day always feels like so much pressure. Where will you brunch? Will the kids like it? Will you ever be able to pay off the credit card bill? With Mother's Day fast approaching on Sunday, May 12, it's time for you (or your partner) to start planning (although what's the old adage? If you want something done right...).

Our NYC Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide is filled with fantastic family restaurant recommendations in all five boroughs, including eateries with family entertainment. We even have two posts dedicated to traditional Mother's Day brunch options, both swanky spots and reader favorites. But if you're looking for a unique Mother's Day brunch experience, one that comes with more than just a meal, we have five offbeat ideas that include arts and culture, a cool waterfront foodie tour and fun at an iconic racetrack.

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Apr 28 2013

Free Comic Book Day in NYC and Two Free Bronx Comic Cons

Things to do with kids: Free Comic Book Day in NYC and Two Free Bronx Comic Cons

We love comic books and comic cons almost as much as we love freebies. Put the two together and we're giddier than Iron Man with a new gadget (or girl).

This Saturday, May 4 is the annual Free Comic Book Day when shops across the country give away certain issues at no cost. We've got the scoop on how to find a participating comic shop near you, as well as details on two free comic cons in the Bronx this month, including the annual Kids Comic Con.

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Apr 23 2013

TADA! Brings a Pair of Books by Ezra Jack Keats to Vibrant Life on Stage

TADA! Brings a Pair of Books by Ezra Jack Keats to Vibrant Life on Stage

From Fancy Nancy to the Berenstain Bears to Matilda, putting popular children's books on stage is nothing new. And yet TADA! Youth Theater's musicalization of a pair of Ezra Jack Keats stories is pretty daring because most theater companies stay far away from the award-winning author/illustrator. Yes, he's famous and many of his books are beloved, so adapting his work might seem like a no-brainer. But here's the thing: While Keats' tales are quite evocative on the page, with moody illustrations and sparse text that capture the inner lives of his characters, there isn't a lot of action. How the heck do you make that theatrical?

Well, TADA!—a company made up of talented local kids ages 8 to 18 that we're always raving about—decided to give it a go. How did they fare?

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