Shows

Best Winter Theater for NYC Kids 2019

Submitted by Raven Snook on Mon, 01/14/2019 - 4:02pm

New York City has tons of cool shows for families this winter, including the debut of two buzzed-about Broadway productions aimed at tweens: the Internet-fueled phenomenon Be More Chill and the big-budget musicalization of Beetlejuice. But you don't need to dig into your 401K to give your kids a memorable live theater experience in NYC—plenty of family-friendly productions are playing beyond Broadway for a lot less.

This winter there are wonderful options for kids of all ages from toddlers to teens, including shows aimed specifically at the preschool set (The Naughty Penguin, Sesame Street Live!), stage adaptations of popular picture books such as The Snowy Day, The Magic School Bus and The Stinky Cheese Man, and eye-popping spectacles for the whole family (Thunderbird American Indian Dance Concert and Powwow, Jedi Academy).

Best of all, most of these 28 shows are priced at $25 and under, so you can take the whole family for less than the price of one Broadway ticket.

American Girl Live: Your Favorite Dolls Take the Stage in First-Ever National Tour

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Mon, 01/14/2019 - 10:00am

With two five-year-old girls in the family, the American Girl Doll phenomenon has overtaken our home—quite literally. We have dolls, furniture, books, and an extensive wardrobe I find myself slightly envious of. "Julie" and "Maryellen" have hobbies we talk about, preferences on activities, and are with us so often that I sometimes forget that they're not real-life pals of my daughters. So, as you can imagine, when I announced we would be going to the all-new, first-ever American Girl Live show, I was met with shrieks of excitement—followed by weeks of planning outfits, accessories, and hair-dos, for both them and their 18-inch sidekicks.

American Girl Live, featuring six of the iconic dolls and an all-girl cast (not to mention an all-female crew and creative team behind the scenes) will be touring the country in 2019, with stops that include New Jersey, Connecticut, Philadelphia, Boston, N ew York City, Long Island, and Maryland. In keeping with the American Girl mission, the show is all about "girl power," a message that came through to my girls loud and clear when I took them (and Julie and Maryellen, of course) to the Capitol Center of the Arts in Concord, New Hampshire, one of the show's first tour stops.

10 Most Exciting Kid-Friendly Openings Coming to NYC in 2019

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 01/10/2019 - 4:00pm

If there's one constant in New York City, it's change. The dawning of a new year has us looking at our calendars and into our crystal balls, anticipating all the fun that's still to come for NYC kids. We opened 2019 with some welcome family-friendly news, but that's not the biggest change in store for city families this year. Read on for 10 new places to play, museums to explore, shows to catch, and goodies to eat. If that's not enough kid-friendly fun for you, make sure you've visited our favorite spots that opened last year, too!

Pip's Island Returns to NYC This Spring With New Immersive Adventure

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Fri, 01/04/2019 - 10:12am

The holiday season is winding down and many a little one may be wondering, “what next?” Well, parents, fear not. With the return of the engaging, interactive, and empowering Pip's Island, there is plenty for kids to look forward to. My daughters and I experienced this immersive theatrical adventure back in 2016, so I was delighted to learn of its return. Read on for details on the all-new adventure coming to Times Square, with tickets on sale now.

18 Best New NYC Family Destinations That Opened in 2018

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 12/27/2018 - 4:00pm

City kids are a lucky bunch. The past year saw a huge crop of new kid-friendly destinations popping up throughout the five boroughs. From a major new exhibit at the New York Aquarium to overhauled and brand new playgrounds and even a whole park, plus indoor places to shop, romp, and create, cool new exhibits, exhibitions, and a brand new museum, our kids have got it made. We're just lucky they let us come along for the ride!

Read on on for our top 18 new kid-friendly destinations in New York City that opened in 2018. If you've already conquered these, see what other adventures await on our list of 100 kid-friendly things to do in NYC before your kids grow up.

Circus Abyssinia Is a Jaw-Dropping Holiday Show Kids Will Love

Submitted by Raven Snook on Wed, 12/12/2018 - 10:13am

I love that the New Victory Theater usually presents a circus show as its holiday production—after all, if there's anything as magical and sparkly as the holiday season itself, it's the circus. Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams may have a different vibe than the Big Apple Circus, but it's just as charming and jaw-dropping. Especially when you realize the troupe was formed just last year!

At just 100 minutes including intermission, with inventive twists on familiar acts, Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams is an exhilarating holiday show for the whole family. Read on to find out about the fabulous feats you'll see—and how you can meet and take pics with the performers.

Don't Miss PA Ballet's The Nutcracker this Holiday Season

Submitted by Erin Ryan on Tue, 12/11/2018 - 10:00am

This classic Christmas ballet returns to Philadelphia for another season of holiday pageantry. Since 1968 the Pennsylvania Ballet has been performing The Nutcracker, drawing countless families and performing arts fans. If you have the chance to see this year's show, you won't be disappointed. The sights and sounds of the dazzling dancers, eye-catching costumes, vivid sets, and phenomenal orchestral performance will make you eager to take your seat again after intermission. Having been there, we're here to tell you all about it. Keep reading for more a sneak peek of this ballet performance.

20 Best Holiday Events in NYC for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on Mon, 11/19/2018 - 4:00pm

New York City's annual transformation into a wonderland of holiday magic never gets old, especially with kids in tow. For younger kids, however, the Christmas crowds can be daunting—and the average toddler or preschooler tends to have limited patience for lines and lots of noise.

But there are still plenty of amazing seasonal spectacles just right for the 2-to-5 year-old set—including holiday lights, Christmas trains, and Santa visits. We've rounded up some stellar events that cater to toddlers and preschoolers, from abridged performances of holiday shows to gingerbread mania, plus interactive events and workshops, there's plenty of holiday wonder to go around.