We frequently write about the awesome kids' musicals at TADA! Youth Theater, where all the stars are local children ages 8 to 18. If your little ham has ever wanted to jump up on stage with them, here's their chance—and it's totally free. The company is holding open auditions for its Resident Youth Ensemble on select dates this week and next. No previous experience is necessary, just talent, time and commitment. At the audition, kids will be taught a group song and dance number. All children accepted will get no-cost theatrical training and a chance to perform in TADA's main stage musicals. To schedule an audition, email auditions@tadatheater.com or call 212-252-1619 ext. 131.

Staten Island will soon have something really big to brag about—literally. The St. George waterfront will be home to the world’s tallest "observation wheel" (which we common folk usually call a Ferris wheel). Dubbed the New York Wheel, the attraction will be a part of a retail and hotel complex that is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2015. For now, our hearts still belong to Coney Island's Wonder Wheel.

More fodder for those who insist that Brooklyn is NYC's kid-friendliest borough: Not only has a new Kidville opened in Caroll Gardens, but New York Kids Club is opening outposts in Park Slope and Williamsburg in 2013. (NYKC is also opening a new Tribeca center, but Manhattan is clearly so passe.)

The American Museum of Natural History is bringing back a classic. No, we're not talking about the annual Butterfly Conservatory exhibit, although that does indeed return this Saturday. On October 27, the museum will unveil its restored Theodore Roosevelt Memorial and the Hall of North American Mammals, and kick off a year-long celebration of the naturalist President.

That other famous Roosevelt also gets his due this month with the opening of Roosevelt Island's Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park on October 24. More of a public space than playgroup (there is no play equipment), the stunning waterfront park will still be a wonderful place for families to stroll and offers lovely views of Manhattan's East Side.

We were excited to read that MyLibraryNYC—an online book catalog and lending system that links all three city library systems with public schools—is expanding. After a successful pilot program, MyLibraryNYC will now service 400 schools and encompass all city school by 2015. Students and teachers will be able to place holds, avoid fines and have even books delivered directly to their school or local library.

If you have a preschooler, you may have noticed a change on Sesame Street this season: No more Elmo's World! The long-running segment has been replaced by Elmo the Musical, which already sounds ready for its "On Ice" arena tour. The new 11-minute segments will introduce math, engineering, technology and science concepts to the toddler crowd via catchy tunes. No word yet if Mr. Noodle will suddenly find his singing voice.

Image is an artist rendering of the proposed New York Wheel in Staten Island, released by the Mayor's office.