MommyPoppins.com
MAKE YOUR DAY
Get Listed Log In Sign Up My Profile Sign out Contact
New York City
  • Anywhere
  • New York City
  • Dallas Fort Worth
  • Atlanta
  • Boston
  • Chicago
  • Houston
  • Miami South Florida
  • Philadelphia
  • Washington DC
  • Orlando
  • Los Angeles
  • San Francisco Bay Area
  • Connecticut
  • Long Island
  • New Jersey
  • Westchester
Get Listed Log In Sign Up My Profile Sign out Contact

HOME - New York City

Activity Calendar

Providers

Calendar  
  • Events

  • Deals

  • This Week's Picks

  • Activity Providers

  • Submit an Activity

NYC Guide  
  • News & Openings

  • NYC Baby Guide

  • NYC for Preschoolers

  • Tweens & Teens

  • Neighborhood Guides

  • Parks & Playgrounds

  • Free Activities

  • Visitors' Guide to NYC

  • Restaurants

  • NYC Moving Guide

Things To Do  
  • Crafts for Kids

  • Recipes

  • Science for Kids

  • Games & Activities

  • Outdoors

  • Online & Virtual

Camps & Classes  
  • Camps Guide

  • Classes Guide

  • Preschools & Schools Guide

  • Directory

Parties & Holidays  
  • Gift Guide

  • Birthday Parties

  • Party Providers

  • Holidays

  • Spring Guide

  • Summer Guide

  • Fall Guide

  • Winter Guide

Family Travel  
  • Day Trips

  • Family Vacations

  • Theme & Water Parks

  • Resorts & Hotels

  • Adirondacks

  • Hamptons & North Fork

  • Poconos Guide

  • Jersey Shore Guide

Contact

Sign up for our free newsletters.
The splash pad in Domino Park puts a smile on faces young and old. Photo by Jody Mercier
Ultimate 2025 Guide to NYC Splash Pads and Water Playgrounds
Head to the Bronx's Haffen Pool, one of our favorite free pools in NYC, to enjoy a day of swimming and splashing.
Best Free Swimming Pools in NYC for Families During Summer 2025
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Noshing on a funnel cake on the Coney Island boardwalk is a sweet ending to an epic day of summer fun.
Our Epic 2025 Summer Bucket List of Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Celebrate all things French when Bastille Day takes over Madison Avenue with a blocks-long street fest. Photo by Michael George
20 Best Things To Do in NYC July 2025 with Kids: Macy's 4th of July Fireworks and More
Find the best free and cheap activities in your city this summer with Mommy Poppins.
Summer of Savings 2025: Save Money on Kids Activities and Travel This Summer with Mommy Poppins
Tom's Restaurant is situated on a fairly sleepy corner in Morningside Heights despite its high-profile turn in Seinfeld. Photo by Jody Mercier
Lights, Camera, New York! Where to Find Iconic NYC Movie Sites with
Slip and slide your way to smiles during Asphalt Green's Sprinkler Day. Photo courtesy of Asphalt Green
Free Activities in July: 81 Best Things To Do with Kids in NYC
Explore the parks and beaches on Staten Island, one of our 100 favorite free things to do this summer in NYC. Photo by Sara M.
NYC Summer Fun: 100 Amazing FREE Activities for Kids in 2025
Enjoy the popular Movies With a View series at Brooklyn Bridge Park in July and August. Photo by Etienne Frossard
Free Outdoor Movies in NYC Summer 2025 for Kids
Start the summer with free musical entertainment at Live at the Archway in Dumbo. Photo by Noemie Trusty.
Free 2025 NYC Summer Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by  Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Teens have the opportunity to explore arts careers and institutions with Whitney Museum Youth Insights Program. Photo by Diana Kim
Teens Can Apply Now for Summer Internships in NYC
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin
Best New Broadway Shows This Season Plus Can't-Miss Classics for Families
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas
Create your very own mixed-media paintings inspired by Wave Hill’s Aquatic Garden at Monet's Magnificent Pond. Photo by Joshua Bright
Moths, Monet, and More Fun Things To Do this Weekend in NYC with Kids
FIND AND BOOK ACTIVITIES
calendar icon
This Week In
New York City
Le Carrousel Extravaganza in Bryant Park
Bryant Park Carousel - 10:00 AM Pick
Opening Week: World of Darkness at the Bronx Zoo
Bronx Zoo - 10:00 AM Pick
CityParks PuppetMobile Presents Pippi Longstocking on Midland Beach
Midland Beach - 1:00 PM Pick
Summer Concerts at the Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens - 5:00 PM Pick
Summer on the Hudson: Pier I Picture Show in Riverside Park
Riverside Park Pier I - 6:30 PM Pick
Children’s Performance Series in Riverside Park
Riverside Park - Pier I - 10:00 AM Pick
Opening Week: World of Darkness at the Bronx Zoo
Bronx Zoo - 10:00 AM Pick
Family Nature Journaling Hike in Van Cortlandt Park
VCP Golf Lake House - 11:00 AM Pick
Broadway in Bryant Park
Bryant Park - 12:30 PM Pick
Colonial Arts & Crafts: Quilt Block Art at Fraunces Tavern
Fraunces Tavern Museum - 12:30 PM Pick
Wild at Night at Wave Hill
Wave Hill - 8:00 AM Pick
Le Carrousel Extravaganza in Bryant Park
Bryant Park Carousel - 10:00 AM Pick
Opening Week: World of Darkness at the Bronx Zoo
Bronx Zoo - 10:00 AM Pick
CityParks PuppetMobile Presents Pippi Longstocking in Crocheron Park
Crocheron Park - 11:00 AM Pick
Picnic Performances in Bryant Park
Bryant Park - 7:00 PM Pick
Featured
Storytelling at the Hans Christian Andersen Statue in Central Park
Central Park Hans Christian Andersen Statue - 11:00 AM
Iggy Peck, Architect at the Skyscraper Museum
The Skyscraper Museum - 10:30 AM Pick
Opening Week: World of Darkness at the Bronx Zoo
Bronx Zoo - 10:00 AM Pick
Farmhouse Family Day: Creative Critters
Wyckoff House Museum - 11:00 AM Pick
Rock and Roll Playhouse Concert at Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal - 11:00 AM Pick
Featured
Breed Spotlight: Maltese at The Museum of the Dog
Museum of the Dog - 12:00 PM
Opening Week: World of Darkness at the Bronx Zoo
Bronx Zoo - 10:00 AM Pick
Drums of Freedom at Lefferts Historic House - CANCELED
Lefferts Homestead - 2:00 PM Pick
Memnon in Marcus Garvey Park
Marcus Garvey Park Amphitheater - 8:30 PM Pick
Annual Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Williamsburg
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church - various times Pick
Le Carrousel Extravaganza in Bryant Park
Bryant Park Carousel - 10:00 AM Pick
Broadway by the Boardwalk in Clinton Cove
Clinton Cove Pier 96 - 6:30 PM Pick
Bond with Brooklyn Outdoor Movies in Pacific Park
Pacific Park - various times Pick
Mini Quest : Family-Friendly Scavenger Hunt
Battery Park City, Tribeca or South Street Seaport - 8:00 AM
Sloomoo Institute
Sloomoo Institute - 10:00 AM
Featured
Emanu-El Downtown Unplugged at Pier 57
Pier 57 Rooftop Park - 10:00 AM
Stargazing on The High Line
The High Line - 7:30 PM Pick
Naumburg Orchestral Concerts
Central Park - Naumburg Bandshell - 7:30 PM Pick
Seaport Cinema at Pier 17
South Street Seaport Pier 17 - 7:30 PM Pick
Memnon in Marcus Garvey Park
Marcus Garvey Park Amphitheater - 8:30 PM Pick
SEE ALL ACTIVITIES
SUBMIT AN ACTIVITY +
Storytelling at the Hans Christian Andersen Statue in Central Park
Central Park Hans Christian Andersen Statue
Breed Spotlight: Maltese at The Museum of the Dog
Museum of the Dog
Emanu-El Downtown Unplugged at Pier 57
Pier 57 Rooftop Park
Sign up for our free newsletters.
FOLLOW US FOR ACTIVITY PICKS, DEALS, AND GIVEAWAYS
FaceBook Instagram Twitter Pinterest YouTube
Activity Guides
  • Beaches & Lakes
  • Best Of Lists
  • Birthday Parties
  • Boats
  • Boredom Busters
  • Camps
  • Childcare
  • Christmas/Hanukkah
  • City Guides
  • City Hacks
  • Classes & Enrichment
  • Community
  • Crafts & Recipes
  • Earth Kids
  • Easter
  • Fairs & Festivals
  • Fall Activities
  • Family Travel
  • Farms & U-Pick
  • Free Activities
  • GoList
  • Halloween
  • Holidays
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Indoor Activities
  • Museums
  • News & Openings
  • Outdoors
  • Parent Talk
  • Parks & Playgrounds
  • Play Gyms & Sports Centers
  • Pools & Spray Parks
  • Preschools & Schools
  • Restaurants
  • Shows
  • Skiing & Winter Sports
  • Special Needs
  • Special Occasions
  • Sports
  • Spring Activities
  • STEM
  • Stores & Services
  • Summer Activities
  • Theme & Water Parks
  • Trains, Dinos & Heroes
  • TV, Film & Movies
  • Virtual
  • Visitors Guide
  • Weekend Events
  • Weekend Trips
  • Winter Activities
  • Zoos & Gardens
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pin It WhatsApp

Cirque du Soleil's Totem: Evolution Las Vegas Style

3/20/13 - By Raven Snook

While it's tough to write about any circus, it's especially difficult to describe the over-the-top antics of Cirque du Soleil. (Thank god for our slide show.) The Canadian troupe is famous for featuring some of the best circus performers in the world (all human, no animals!) and jaw-dropping visuals, from the sets to the costumes, even the lighting design is spectacular.

That said, while I am consistently impressed with Cirque's craft, I don't always love the shows. Some of them are just way too highfalutin for my taste (see Zarkana). I prefer the more earthbound ones, like the insect-themed Ovo, which was a truly unforgettable theatrical experience. So how does Totem rate?

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

It's a lot of both. Any show that claims to explore the theme of evolution through ethnic folk tales is going to be a bit pretentious. But Totem reaches such glorious heights of absurdity—a super-sexy roller-skating duo decked out in Native American garb, some dude dressed as Darwin juggling illuminated balls in a massive funnel—that it's hard not to get swept away. I kept thinking to myself, this really is your brain on drugs.

While there were a few slow moments like the clown, who spoke in an Italian patois that wasn't very funny and might seem offensive to some, most of Totem moves so fast you barely have a chance to process everything. The audience favorite was definitely the Crystal Ladies, a Vegas-like duo who spin bejeweled pieces of fabric with their hands and feet (it's way more impressive than it sounds—like I said, it's hard to write about Cirque!) but my daughter and I also loved the unicyclists who juggled bowls on their heads (they dropped a few in their finale but got it right the second time) and the comparatively understated trapeze act. So many trapeze routines are about being sexy. This one really stood out because it showed the couple's rocky courtship, which was cute.

So what does all this have to do with evolution and ancient folk tales? Who knows. Who cares! At least the evolution angle gives Cirque a chance to break out incredibly realistic ape costumes and do an awesome live version of Darwin's theory of evolution. There are a lot of other circuses playing in NYC this spring but Totem will stick with you long after the others have faded into memory... and not just because it will take you months to pay off your credit card bill. As always, Cirque does not come cheap: Tickets start at $55 for adults, $45 for children ages 2 to 12 but you can save a few bucks by using the BroadwayBox discount code. Given the price and the fact that it's two and a half hours, Totem is best for school-age kids. The two seven-year-olds I was with both gave it an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

Totem by Cirque du Soleil is playing at Citi Field in Queens through Sunday, May 12.


All photos by OSA Images courtesy of Cirque du Soleil.

Places featured in this article:

Map All Locations
Close Map X
  List All Location Details

Citi Field
123-01 Roosevelt Avenue, Queens, NY 11368
Shows Spring Activities Kids Tweens & teens Queens Flushing New York City

Featured Local Savings

Sign up for our free
newsletters.
New York City
Dallas Fort Worth
Atlanta
Boston
Chicago
Houston
Miami South Florida
Philadelphia
Washington DC
Orlando
Los Angeles
San Francisco Bay Area
Connecticut
Long Island
New Jersey
Westchester
MommyPoppins.com
Mommy Poppins is a family activity website that helps people find things to do with kids.
QUICK LINKS
Activities
Providers
Family Travel
CONTACT
Newsletter Subscribe
Contact
About
SITEMAP
Submit an Activity
List Your Business
Advertise with Us
© 2025 MommyPoppins. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms of Use.
5.342
X
Click Here to Sign Up!
Register/Login if you don't want to see this popup.