October at CMOM is all about Rosh Hashanah, Indigenous Peoples Day, Yom Kippur, and—of course—Halloween! Spooky celebrations include magic shows, trick-or-treat tote decorating, and even a stuffed-animal costume parade.

Schedule:

Rosh Hashanah
It’s a sweet time of year! Celebrate Rosh Hashanah and learn about the traditions of this holiday with books provided by PJ Library.
Wednesday – Friday, October 2 – 4

Stained-Glass Rosh Hashanah Symbols
Design stained-glass versions of classic Rosh Hashanah symbols including apples, honey, and a Shofar (ram’s horn)!
Wednesday – Friday, October 2 – 4 | 10:30am – 4:15pm | Drop-in | All ages | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Simanim Food Puppet Play
Discover the delicious foods (simanim) and how they symbolize hopes for a prosperous New Year! Perform a puppet show at CMOM's mobile puppet theatre with symbolic puppets with playful expressions.
Wednesday – Friday, October 2 – 4 | 11:15am – 12:30pm & 2:45pm – 3:45pm | Drop-in | All ages | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Interactive Story time: It’s Shofar Time! by Latifa Berry Krop
Happy Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year! Let’s embrace the opportunity to learn new things, try out new clothes, and savor new fruits. And don’t forget to listen to the meaningful sounds of the shofar! Read It’s Shofar Time! by Latifa Berry Kropf and photographer Tod Cohen and celebrate this special holiday!
Wednesday – Friday, October 2 – 4 | 10:30am & 4pm | Drop-in | Ages 2 – 6 | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Interactive Story time: Is It Rosh Hashanah Yet? by Chris Barach
As summer ends and fall settles in, a family prepares to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. It’s time to pick apples, make cards, light the candles, and eat brisket to ring in the new year!
Wednesday – Friday, October 2 – 4 | 10:30am & 4pm | Drop-in | Ages 4 – 6 | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Community Connections
Create collaborative artworks that center on your community and those you care about!
Saturday & Sunday, October 5 – 6 and Tuesday – Thursday, October 8 – 10

Community Dream with Us Installation and Banners with artists Ebony Bolt and Tijay Mohammed
Create a textile community artwork with two Inside Art artists, Ebony Bolt (Saturday) and Tijay Mohammed (Sunday).
Saturday & Sunday, October 5 – 6 | 10:30am – 4:30pm | Drop-in | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Architectural Design
Design and build your dream museum with CMoM’s educators!
Saturday & Sunday, October 5 – 6 | 10:30am – 4:30pm | Drop-in | Ages 4 – 6 | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Community Quilt Piece
Write a sweet note on textured paper to someone or something you care about—a family member, a teacher, a friend, or pet! Use colored yarn to weave it onto a community quilt installation.
Tuesday – Thursday, October 8 – 10 | 10:30am – 4:15pm | Drop-in | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Recycled Coffee Filter Fishies
Use washable markers on recycled coffee filters and watch as the ink moves around with a splash of water! Create a fish tail and transform your design into a wonderful swimming friend!
Tuesday – Thursday, October 8 – 10 | 2:45pm – 3:45pm | Drop-in | Ages 4 – 6 | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Interactive Storytime: Harold and the Purple Crayon By Crockett Johnson
One evening Harold decides to go for a walk in the moonlight. Armed only with an oversize purple crayon, young Harold draws himself a landscape full of wonder and excitement. Full of funny twists and surprises, this charming story shows just how far your imagination can take you.
Tuesday – Thursday October 8 – 10 | 10:30am & 4pm | Drop-in | Ages 2 – 4 | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Yom Kippur
Using books provided by PJ Library, learn more about this special Jewish holiday and how it embodies the important values of giving, family, and forgiveness.
Friday & Saturday October 11 – 12

Wooden Tzedakah Box Painting
Discover the significance of Yom Kippur, a day of atonement in the Jewish calendar, while decorating a wooden box to gather donations for families in need.
Friday & Saturday October 11 – 12 | 10:30am – 4:15pm | Drop-in | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Blow Paint Shofars
Did you know that the Shofar is not just blown on Rosh Hashanah, but also at the end of Yom Kippur? The Shofar, made of a ram’s horn, makes a trumpet-like sound to end the holiday. Learn about the traditions of Yom Kippur and decorate a Shofar while exploring new painting techniques.
Friday & Saturday October 11 – 12 | 11:15am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 3:45pm | Drop-in | All ages | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Interactive Story time: Red Blue and Yellow Yarn: A Tale of Forgiveness by Miriam Kosman
Danny is very different from his grandmother, and she is not sure that she likes him. But when Danny makes a big mistake, Bubbie surprises him and shows him the love and forgiveness that is passed down generation after generation.
Friday, October 11 | 10:30am & 4pm | Drop-in | Ages 4 – 5 | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks
Saturday, October 12 | 10:30am & 4pm | Drop-in | Ages 4 – 5 | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day 
Explore ways to support Indigenous rights and health through thoughtful programming in solidarity with Indigenous communities.
Sunday & Monday, October 13 – 14

Upcycled Paper Rattles
Did you know that rattles can be found in almost every Indigenous tribe? They can be heard in personal, ceremonial, and celebratory music. Use different materials to create a rattle and learn about customs and traditions of Indigenous people.
Sunday & Monday, October 13 – 14 | 10:30am – 4:15pm | Drop-in | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Hands Tell Stories Paintings
Celebrate storytelling traditions by visiting the PlayWorks™ Mural Wall for sensory storytelling through finger painting!
Sunday & Monday, October 13 – 14 | 11:15am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 3:4 pm | Drop-in | All ages | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Interactive Story Time: My Powerful Hair by Carole Lindstrom
An inspiring story that explores family history, self-expression, and the cultural significance of hair in Indigenous communities.
Sunday, October 13 | 10:30am & 4pm | Drop-in | All ages | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks
Monday, October 14 | 10:30am & 4pm | Drop-in | All ages | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Kind Companions 
Create your own playful puppets and enjoy a singalong with an unexpected musical duo: Princess Backpack (a magical talking backpack!) and her companion, Benjamin!
Tuesday – Saturday, October 15 – 19

Found Object Friends
Create your own faithful friend using found materials! Get creative with every day, recycled, and natural materials to create your own puppet characters!
Tuesday – Friday, October 15 – 18 | 10:30am – 4:15pm | Drop-in | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Makerspace
Saturday, October 19 | 2pm – 4:15pm | Drop-in | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Paper Bag Besties
Create your own paper bag puppets using yarn, fabric, and mixed-media materials. Introduce your new bestie around the museum!
Tuesday – Friday, October 15 – 18 | 2:45pm – 3:45pm | Drop-in | All ages | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks
Saturday, October 19 | 11am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 3:45pm | Drop-in | All ages | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Performance: Princess Backpack and Benjamin: Carry On Album
Princess Backpack and Benjamin are a Brooklyn-based duo who love to rock, pop, and strum their way through life! Benjamin is a writer for kids shows on Nickelodeon, PBS, and Netflix. Princess Backpack is a magical talking backpack, and Benjamin’s best friend.
Saturday, October 19 | 11am & 12pm | Drop-in | All ages | 1st Floor | Inside Art

Interactive Storytime: Ploof by Ben Clanton
By following cues to say hello, clap, blow, shake, wave, or make a funny face, young listeners learn social-emotional skills like empathy, encouragement and kindness through Ploof’s emotional journey — and, along the way, they’ll learn how to be a fantastic friend!
Tuesday – Thursday, October 15 – 17 | 10:30am & 4pm | Drop-in | Ages 2 – 6 | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks 

Interactive Storytime: Ricky, The Rock That Couldn’t Roll by Mr. Jay
A modern-day classic following 14 lovable rocks (and one wise little ladybug) on a heartwarming and hilarious journey that is all about looking out for your friends.
Friday, October 18 | 10:30am & 4pm | Drop-in | Ages 2 – 6 | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks 
Saturday, October 19 | 10:30am & 4pm | Drop-in | Ages 2 – 6 | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks 

Get Ready for Halloween!
JA magic show with Justin the Magician, create your own magic through potion making, and create a ship for a magical Halloween friend are on the schedule.
Sunday, October 20 and Tuesday – Friday, October 22 – 25

Justin the Magician: Magical Moments and Surprises
Families and kids of all ages can participate in an enchanting Halloween celebration full of spell-binding wonder.
Sunday, October 20 | 11am & 12pm | Drop-in | All ages | 1st Floor | Inside Art

Boat Afloat
Create a mini ship for a mini black cat, ghost or other Halloween creature!
Sunday, October 20 | 2pm – 4:15pm | Drop-in | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Makerspace
Tuesday – Friday, October 22 – 25 | 10:30am – 4:15pm | Drop-in | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Potion Pouring
Mix your own magical potions and take them away in special heart- or animal-shaped bottles!
Sunday, October 20 | 11am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 3:45pm | Drop-in | All ages | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks
Tuesday – Friday, October 22 – 25 | 2:45pm – 3:45pm | Drop-in | All ages | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Interactive Storytime: Idea Jar by Adam Lehrhaupt
The idea jar is where students keep their ideas—anything from a Viking to a space robot to a giant dragon. These ideas can be combined to make new exciting stories. But watch out when the ideas escape the jar—they might get a little rowdy! Adam Lehrhaupt’s newest picture book is sure to inspire creativity, imagination, and adventure.
Sunday, October 20 & Tuesday October 22 | 10:30am & 4pm | Drop-in | Ages 4 – 8 | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Interactive Storytime: The Kindness Monster by Little Hippo Books
Kindness makes the world a better place! Encourage kids to see the power of even small acts of kindness in brightening someone’s day and follow a lovable little blue monster as he spreads cheer wherever he goes, with fun textures to touch and feel on each page!
Wednesday – Friday, October 23 – 25| 10:30am & 4pm | Drop-in | Ages 2 – 4 | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks 

Silly Spooky Halloween
From jack-o-lanterns to a giant upcycled bridge for Halloween creatures, to dressing up your own dog stuffies, there’s no shortage of fun and frights to be had.
Saturday & Sunday, October 26 – 27 and Tuesday – Thursday, October 29 – 31

Bridges and Bats, and Spiders, Oh My!
Engineers are needed for this eerie project! Help construct a giant 3D bridge with recycled materials and adorn it with bats, spiders, and other Halloween creatures!
Saturday & Sunday, October 26 – 27 | 10:30am – 4:15pm | Drop-in | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Glowin’ Jack-O-Lanterns
Mix your own shade of orange and punch out holes to create a unique inspired by jack-o-lantern.
Saturday & Sunday, October 26 – 27 | 11am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 3:45pm | Drop-in | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Halloween Costume Dance Party
Show off your Halloween costumes by joining a dance party in Inside Art!
Saturday & Sunday, October 26 – 27 | 2pm – 2:30pm & 3pm – 3:30pm | Drop-in | All ages | 1st Floor | Inside Art

Interactive Storytime: The (not-so-scary) Book of Monsters by Ian James Dye
This delightful book is brimming with lovable monsters, ranging from big to small. But don’t be fooled – these monsters are quite friendly and charming! A great read for little ones who like a bit of spookiness without fear!
Saturday & Sunday, October 26 – 27 | 10:30am & 4pm | Drop-in | Ages 2 – 4 | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

CMOM’s Halloween Dog Costumes
Inspired by the Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade, dress a puppy stuffie (or small stuffed animal) in silly and spooky costumes, then take your furry friend on a stroll to meet new friends at the museum.
Tuesday & Wednesday, October 29 – 30 | 10:30am – 4:15pm | Drop-in | All ages | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Trick-or-Treat Totes
Design vibrant totes inspired by the bright lights of the city using glow in the dark paint and stencils in the shapes of your favorite Halloween creatures!
Tuesday & Wednesday, October 29 – 30 | 3pm – 4pm | Drop-in | All ages | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Interactive Storytime: A Parade of Puppies by Charles Ghigna, illustrated by Kristi Bridgeman
Calling all dog lovers! Can you guess the puppy breeds with rhyming texts? Check out an interactive board book meant to keep young listeners engaged and guessing, in celebration of puppy stuffies dressed up at CMOM!
Tuesday & Wednesday, October 29 – 30 | 10:30am & 4pm | Drop-in | Ages 2 – 8 | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Happy Halloween Festival
Unleash your Halloween spirit from the top of your head down to your toes, or tails! Create your own costume for a puppy stuffie, go on a special scavenger hunt, make a stamped trick-or-treat tote, and culminate in a musical costume human & dog stuffie parade!
Thursday, October 31

CMOM’S Trick or Treat Museum-wide Scavenger Hunt
What kind of silly spooky creatures can you find in the museum's scavenger hunt? Find them all and claim your prize: animal stickers!
Thursday, October 31 | 10:30am – 4pm | Drop-in | All ages | Museum-wide

CMOM’s Halloween Dog Costumes
Inspired by the Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade, dress a puppy stuffie in silly and spooky costumes, then take your furry friend on a stroll to meet new friends at the CMOM Halloween Dog Parade at 4pm!
Thursday, October 31 | 10:30am – 4:15pm | Drop-in | All ages | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Trick-or-Treat Totes
Use animal & Halloween themed stamps to decorate your very own tote for trick-or- treating!
Thursday, October 31 | 11am – 12:30pm & 2:45pm – 3:45pm | Drop-in | All ages | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Interactive Storytime: Skeletons ARE NOT Spooky! by Duds and Kaine
Ever think about how much skeletons do for us, despite their spooky reputation? Kaine & Duds show the lighter side of skeletons in a charming children’s book filled with delightful illustrations and some big words like phalanges!
Thursday, October 31 | 10:30am & 4pm | Drop-in | Ages 3 – 7 | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks