Theater for Babies: 5 NYC Shows Aimed at Very Young Audiences

Raven Snook's picture Submitted by Raven Snook on

It's no surprise that NYC kids have a reputation for being sophisticated. After all, we culture-loving parents have been dragging them to museums and movies since before they could walk and talk. However, traditionally parents have waited until their kids were old enough to sit quietly in a seat for an hour without screaming or puking before attempting to bring them to live theater—even most NYC puppet troupes recommend their shows for ages 3 and up.

But recently I've noticed an intriguing trend: live shows aimed specifically at toddlers and babies. Theater for extremely young audiences was originally developed by companies in Europe and Australia, and both the New Victory and BAM have imported some of these shows to NYC. Now local children's theater companies are getting into the genre, too, creating work geared toward the under 4 set. While the shows feature a wide variety of styles and themes, all are short, intimate, interactive and eye-catching—pretty important when you're playing to a crowd that's too young to understand dialog or plot. Plus no one is expected to stay in their seats.

Here are five live theater experiences for babies and toddlers coming up this May.

Classes For Kids in Charlestown, MA

Submitted by Kristin Quinn on

Given its close proximity to downtown and the airport, beautiful new parks, and kid-friendly streets, families are flocking to Charlestown, MA and staying put.  Because of this influx, businesses are stepping up to the plate to meet the demand for enrichment classes in the area. Read on for the details about Charlestown's classes for expectant moms, babies, toddlers -- all the way up to big kids.  

10 Summer Camps for Westchester Kids with Special Needs

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on

For children with special physical, emotional, learning or medical needs, it can often be difficult to find summer camp programs designed specifically with their challenges in mind. While many traditional summer camps can accommodate a child with some minor needs, those designed to play on the strengths of special needs children while helping them develop in areas of weakness can often offer campers an experience unlike any other. 

We've rounded up ten summer camps in and around Westchester County that cater to children with special needs, providing individual attention with low staff to student ratios coupled with programs designed to let kids have fun, learn and explore while developing social skills and confidence in a nurturing and safe environment. Read on for more details on special needs summer camps in Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley area. Looking for more camp options? Check out our ever-growing Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory. 

Mostly Free & Fun Things To Do With NJ Kids This Weekend May 3-4: Kite Day, Super Science Saturday, Bee Hives & More!

Submitted by Sasha Muzzarelli on

Why not welcome the beautiful month of May with an outdoor activity this weekend? Take your pick, because Jersey is bursting with family-friendly events! See how high you can fly a kite during Kite Day at Terhune Orchards, get the buzz on bees at Morris Museum’s Bee Box Inspection or gear up for a day of springtime food and fun at the Hoboken Arts & Music Festival. And to get a jump start on celebrating mom, check out the Mother’s Day Breakfast and Craft at Imagine That! Children’s Museum, or find a full list of weekend activities on our Event Calendar. And whatever you do, don't forget to check out our newly retooled and updated NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide, with new information, tips and listings!

'Maker Day' in Connecticut

Submitted by Brandee Gilmore on

A couple months ago, I saw something on my FB feed about a Maker Faire.  I was immediately and equally curious about whom was making what, and that extra ‘e’ in fair.  However, it wasn’t until I saw a little cardboard signs with a robot logo advertising a Mini Maker Faire at 4-way stops in Westport this week, that I followed through on the sleuthing … and found myself toting the boys there three days later.  Here’s a little about what we found, and how you can bring this trend to your town in the near future!

News: Downtown Lego Invasion, Free Playwriting Workshop for Teens, Bring Imagination Playground to Your School

Submitted by Alina Adams on

Big news for Lego lovers, including the scoop on the company's soon-to-open flagship NYC store. Plus, some cool new openings in Brooklyn, a FREE intergenerational playwriting project for teens, the postponement of one of our favorite annual family festivals and a new online forum where you can share your worst parenting confessions anonymously. Read on for all of this and a bunch of other kid-centric tidbits.

NJ Celebrates Moms on Mother's Day, from Alvin Ailey to Crafting to Wine Tasting

Submitted by Laura J on

Congratulations, Mom! You’ve survived another year – 365 days filled with gymnastics, soccer, parent/teacher nights, stomach bugs and endless birthday celebrations. You now have a full 24 hours dedicated to you. Sunday, May 11th marks a celebration honoring mothers, motherhood and all things maternal. New Jersey offers several unique ways of celebrating. From crafting to wine tasting to dance, today is your day. 

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