Our spring culture coverage continues with a look at the most promising family shows opening this season. While Broadway's new crop of kid-friendly spectacles (Finding Neverland, Gigi, The King and I) may be getting all the press, there are lots of fantastic family shows beyond the Great White Way with much lower ticket prices.

There are options for all age groups, including a few shows that are perfect for first-time theatergoers. From page-to-stage adaptations of popular children's books like Click, Clack, Moo, Manxmouse and The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, to offbeat experimental theater, to interactive experiences where families can get in on the action, it sounds like an exciting spring season. Plus, the New York Children's Theater Festival returns for its fourth year in a new Greenwich Village venue.

The one thing all of these shows have in common? You can take the kids to see them without dipping into their college funds—most of our recommendations are $25 or less.

These Earth-friendly, up-cycled wind chimes are a perfect way to welcome spring. We turned some trash into treasure by using tin cans to create this set for our backyard. Kids can use all sorts of materials: empty plastic containers, plastic cutlery, soda cans, even old keys work. Discover the different sounds you get from various items. We left our wind chimes au naturel, but you can decorate yours with patterned duct tape or paint, too.

Ever since my daughter found a group of moon jellyfish (a.k.a. a smack) at the beach last summer, she’s been fascinated by sea life and oceanography. With the push to get more children involved in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), and concern about our planet’s sustainability at an all-time high, I am happy to encourage her latest passion.

It turns out the beach isn't the only place to get your feet wet with the wonders of marine biology. We've rounded up seven places in NYC where kids can learn about and explore sea life.

My family and I have a long personal history with the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, a beautiful cultural destination in Morningside Heights. It's where I went to elementary school as a child, and where my 9-year-old daughter now attends summer camp at ACT, an early education and recreation program located under the stately building.

For those who don't live nearby, the Cathedral offers lots of enriching drop-in fun for visitors of all ages and denominations. From medieval-themed sleepovers and family art workshops, to fabulous annual festivals and art installations, to exploring amazing stained-glass windows, neo-Gothic architecture and landscaped grounds, a trip to the Cathedral makes for a transcendent and mostly FREE family daycation.