Macaroni Kid
Manhattan East Side
  Theraplay
Editions

Win a 7 A.M. Enfant Pookie Poncho Light!


Now that Spring has finally made its debut (though with the steamy weather of the past few days one could argue we've moved straight into summer), I've been gleefully packing up our winter gear, including the down-filled stroller liner that kept my 13-month-old son Ben warm and cozy all winter long.  In its place, I've swapped in the handy dandy Pookie Poncho Light that I received from one of my favorite brands, 7 A.M. Enfant.  You're likely familiar with 7 A.M. Enfant's seemingly ...

Movie Review: Green Carpet Premiere of "EPIC"


My daughter & I had a blast attending the green carpet premiere of this visually stunning adventure!

Ever since I moved to New York City, I've dreamed of seeing a movie at the Ziegfeld.  The legendary theater has a mystique and aura about it that's unmatched by few New York City venues and, quite frankly, I really don't know why it took me a dozen years to finally step inside its gilded doors.  Fortunately, last weekend I was able to rectify the situation in spades, as my daughter Sadie and I were lucky enough to be invited to the Ziegfeld to attend the "green ...

Brother Jimmy’s Introduces New Homemade Desserts!


Kids and grownups alike will love these yummy new treats from everyone’s favorite BBQ spot!

I've long been a fan of Brother Jimmy's BBQ (you check out my review from a few years back by clicking here), and now I have even more reasons to love this mini-chain of lively, kid-friendly restaurants, as the company has added an awesome new lineup of homemade desserts to its already stellar repertoire.  My family lives right around the corner from our local Brother Jimmy's, and we are there at least once a week, taking full advantage of their amazing "kids eat free" policy and very ...

A Conversation with the Cast of "Epic"


My 5-year-old daughter Sadie has quite the glamorous life, to say the least.  One day she's in the VIP section at Merida's coronation ceremony at Walt Disney World, the next she's up on stage cooking with Giada De Laurentiis, and on yet another she's accompanying me on a summer wardrobe shopping spree at The Children's Place.  Through it all, she's been a fabulous companion on many a Macaroni Kid adventure, and I've loved sharing every minute of this journey with her.  Last weekend ...

Introducing "Elmo the Musical" on DVD!


Elmo fans rejoice! If your kids can't get enough of everyone's favorite furry red monster, you'll be pleased to know that Sesame Workshop and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment recently released "Elmo the Musical," a DVD starring - you guessed it - Elmo!  The 82-minute "Elmo the Musical" DVD not only contains Elmo's newest imaginative and math skill-enhancing lessons, it also features the debut of the brand-new "Elmo the Musical" segment, and includes the home video classic, "Let's Make Music."

"Elmo the Musical" is an extension of the ...

This Week's Picks:


May 24th through May 30th

Friday, May 24 - Family Friday Workshop at the National Museum of Mathematics: Piano Puzzler Proofs

Find the value of partially derivative musical puzzles with Public Radio's prime puzzler, Bruce Adolphe. If x is Beethoven, and y is the Beatles, what's more fun?
Where: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St.
When: 7:00 PM
Who: Ages 7 and up
How: Pre-registration required.  Register online at https://in.momath.org/civicrm/event/register?id=115&reset=1
Cost: $12 per person

Saturday, May 25 - 9th Annual Governors Island Family Festival

Where can you jive to live music, blow gigantic bubbles, laugh with crazy clowns, and literally tumble across the New York New Jersey harbor? At the Governors Island Alliance's 9th Annual Family Festival, of course. A celebration of the summer season on Governors Island, GIA's Family Festival is a free and creative arts and harbor education-focused jamboree.
Where: Governors Island, accessible via a free 7-minute ferry ride departing from the Battery Maritime Building (10 South Street, adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal).  Ferries run to Governors Island at 10am, 11 am and then every half hour until 5:30 pm.  Ferries return from Governors Island every half hour beginning at 10:30am, with the last ferry leaving at 7pm.
When: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free

Saturday, May 25 - New York City Ballet Children's Workshop

Join the artists of New York City Ballet in an exploration of the music, movement, and themes of a ballet featured in the matinee performance. NYCB Teaching Artists guide children in a ballet warm-up and movement combination, concluding in a lively performance for accompanying family and friends. No prior dance training needed.  All Children’s Workshops take place before family-friendly Matinee performances. Performance tickets must be purchased separately.
Where: New York City Ballet Rehearsal Studios, 165 W. 65th St. b/w Broadway & Amsterdam, 7th Floor
When: 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM
Who: Ages 5-8
How: Purchase tickets online at www.nycballet.com.
Cost: $12 per person (both children and adults will need a ticket in order to attend)
For more info: www.nycballet.com

Saturday, May 25 - New York Philharmonic's Young People's Concert: World's Fair

Festival music from around the globe stirs us in different ways. How do sounds particular to a certain place, inspire people of all times and places? Music of Rimsky-Korsakov, Copland, Respighi, and more.
Where: Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, Broadway & W. 65th St.
When: 2:00 PM
Who: Ages 6-12
How: Purchase tickets online by clicking here.
Cost: $12-$38
For more info: Click here for more information.

Monday, May 27 - Holiday Monday Family Programs at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

On holiday Mondays, the Met opens its doors to families for a fun day of discussions and sketching.
Where: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave. at 82nd St.
When: 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM (programs will be held throughout the day; check w/Museum staff upon arrival)
Who: Everyone (but note that guided programs are geared toward kids ages 5-12)
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free w/Museum admission
For more info: www.metmuseum.org

Thursday, May 30 - CityParks PuppetMobile Presents "Little Red's Hood"

Little Red’s Hood is a fresh retelling of the classic “Little Red Riding Hood” tale updated with a modern sensibility that will appeal to kids. The production features a dozen, hand-made marionettes crafted by the expert puppeteers from the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre.
Where: Eastern Lawns in Washington Square Park
When: 5:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free
For more info: www.nycgovparks.org

Thursday, May 30 - Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower

The Biggest Baby Shower Ever is like no other baby shower you've ever seen. With over 100 of the best companies in the baby industry, it's a one stop shop to test out, touch, feel and get educated on everything you can possibly need for your growing family. Enjoy mingling with other expectant and new parents while you enjoy sweet treats, mocktails and more in an elegant setting.  
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St. b/w 6th & 7th Aves.
When: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Who: All new and expectant parents
How: Pre-registration suggested (this event sells out, so don't delay!).  Register online at www.bigcitymoms.com.
Cost: $125 for one person; $175 for a Couple's Pass
For more info: www.bigcitymoms.com

This Week's Calendar:


May 24th through May 30th

Friday, May 24 - Story Time Yoga with Karma Kids Yoga

Story time comes alive with puppets and yoga poses!
Where: Karma Kids Yoga, 104 W. 14th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues
When: 3:00 PM
Who: Ages 0-6
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free
For more info: www.karmakidsyoga.com or (646) 638-1444

Friday, May 24 - American Girl at Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Cinderella on Broadway"

Experience the magic of Cinderella—now on Broadway for the first time ever! You and your girl will enjoy a spectacular production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, filled with show-stopping songs and breathtaking costumes inspired by the classic fairy tale. After the show, you can stay for a Q&A session with the show’s actors. You’ll also enjoy a delicious meal together in the American Girl Cafe.
Where: American Girl Place, 609 5th Ave. at 49th St.
When: 5:30 PM
Who: Ages 8 and up
How: Pre-registration required.  Call (877) 247-5223 to reserve your spot.
Cost: $135 per person
For more info: www.americangirl.com

Friday, May 24 - Historical Character Scavenger Hunt at American Girl Place

Learn about the beloved American Girl historical characters—including our newest one! Your girl will go on a scavenger hunt throughout the store, collecting fun facts about each historical character along the way. She’ll discover what it was like to grow up in America’s past, and find hidden clues she’ll need to solve a fun puzzle. And she’ll get a free American Girl poster at the end!
Where: American Girl Place, 609 5th Ave. at 49th St.
When: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: Ages 8 and up
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free
For more info: www.americangirl.com

Friday, May 24 - Marie-Grace & Cécile’s Dance Slipper Craft at American Girl Place

In the 1850s, girls dressed up to dance at fancy costume balls. Your girl can decorate a paper dance slipper, reminiscent of the ones Marie-Grace & Cécile would have worn to a special celebration.
Where: American Girl Place, 609 5th Ave. at 49th St.
When: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM (drop-in program)
Who: Ages 8 and up
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free
For more info: www.americangirl.com

Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27 - Memorial Day Weekend at the Intrepid

Join the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum for a Memorial Day weekend celebration kicking off the Museum's annual Summer Salute to Heroes.  The Museum will honor our service men and women as Intrepid’s Pier 86 will be filled with displays and hands-on activities from partners and live performances on stage.  The weekend will also include a poignant Memorial Day Ceremony featuring the unfurling of a 100-foot American flag. And it will wrap up with a panel discussion focused on African Americans in WWII.
Where: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, 12th Ave. & W. 46th St.
When: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (activities scheduled throughout the day; check website for complete listing)
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free
For more info: www.intrepidmuseum.org

Saturday, May 25 - Central Park Conservancy Youth Basketball Clinic for Girls

Join the newest addition to the basketball programs of the Conservancy: a clinic developed just for girls to improve their basketball skills in a safe and encouraging environment.
Where: Central Park's North Meadow Recreation Center, located mid-park near 97th St
When: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (repeats every week until 10/31/2013)
Who: Ages 9-17
How: Pre-registration required.  Call (212) 348-4867 to reserve your spot.
Cost: Free
For more info: www.nycgovparks.org

Saturday, May 25 - Shababa Picnics in Central Park

Dance around on picnic blankets and hear the birds sing along.

Where: Meet outside Central Park playground located near 5th Ave. & 96th St.
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free
For more info: www.92y.org

Saturday, May 25 - The Grand Central Scramble Family Scavenger Hunt

Kids and adults work together to uncover the secrets of this amazing train station. To win, you'll have to go nuts in the Whispering Gallery, learn a secret about the stars, find TV stars in the Food Court, stand on fish under an upside-down tree in the Grand Central Market, learn the arrival time of a "ghost" train, and think like Willy Wonka in the Transit Museum Gallery.
Where: Grand Central Terminal, 42nd St. at Park Ave.
When: 10:30 AM
Who: Ages 7 and up
How: Register online at www.watsonadventures.com.
Cost: $22 for adults, $18 for kids ages 7-17

Saturday, May 25 - National Tap Dance Day Free Tap Classes

Celebrate National Tap Dance Day with free Tap classes.  No tap shoes? Hard soled shoes or boots will work just fine!  Schedule is as follows:

11AM TRY TAP - Basic Tap for Kids under 12
12PM LOVE TAP - Beginner/Intermediate Tap for Kids under 12
1PM TRY TAP - Basic Tap for Kids/Adults 12+
2PM LOVE TAP - Beginner/Intermediate Tap for Kids/Adults 12+
3PM LIVE TAP - Master Tap Class for Advanced/Professional Dancers


Where: Nola Studios, 250 W. 54th St.
When: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: Ages 5 and up
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free

Saturday, May 25 - "The Backyardigans" Double Feature at the Sony Wonder Technology Lab

In "Follow the Feather," Tyrone and the Adventurer's Club set out on a feather-following expedition to find the one and only Flying Polka-Dotted Pony.  In "Dragon Express," sway to a Strauss waltz as the dragon express makes its mail deliveries in Norway.


Where: Sony Wonder Technology Lab, 550 Madison Ave. at 56th St.
When: 11:00 AM
Who: Everyone
How: Pre-registration required. RSVP beginning two weeks prior to the screening by calling (212) 833-8100 and selecting option 3.
Cost: Free

Saturday, May 25 - Central Park Conservancy Youth Basketball Clinic

Improve your game on and off the court with this interactive clinic focusing on skills, sportsmanship, and team play.
Where: Central Park's North Meadow Recreation Center, located mid-park near 97th St.
When: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (repeats every week until 10/31/2013)
Who: Ages 9-17
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free
For more info: www.nycgovparks.org

Saturday, May 25 - Tech for Tots: Learning with Digital Cameras

Join us for this special workshop where toddlers use technology as a learning tool.  Children will explore some of the basic functions of a digital camera and practice their picture-taking talent.
Where: Sony Wonder Technology Lab, 550 Madison Ave. at 56th St.
When: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Who: Best suited for kids at a pre-k to kindergarten learning level
How: Pre-registration required.  RSVP beginning 2 weeks prior to the program by calling (212) 833-8100 and selecting option 3.
Cost: Free

Saturday, May 25 - "America the Beautiful" at The Scholastic Store

Celebrate this Memorial Day weekend with a special storytime featuring 'America the Beautiful,' a picturebook highlighting American values such as diversity, unity, and freedom. The red, white and blue fun continues with a star-spangled flag craft and Uncle Sam hat!
Where: The Scholastic Store, 557 Broadway b/w Prince & Spring Sts. Stroller entrance at 130 Mercer St.
When: 3:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free

Sunday, May 26 - Sunday Fun Day at Barnes & Noble Upper East Side

Stop by our event space for a grab-bag of stories, songs and crafts for kids of all ages!
Where: Barnes & Noble, 150 E. 86th St. at Lexington Ave.
When: 11:00 AM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free
For more info: www.bn.com or (212) 369-2180

Sunday, May 26 - A Clearing in the Forest: Dancing Bird Tales

Fly like a bird and move to the beat of Leaf Arrow Storytellers Native American inspired musical tales of migratory birds and all feathered beings!
Where: Central Park's Peter Jay Sharp Children's Glade, located near 105th St. & Central Park West
When: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free
For more info: www.nycgovparks.org

Sunday, May 26 - The Secrets of Central Park Family Scavenger Hunt

Kids and adults work together to explore the park below 72nd Street. To score points, you’ll have to find Stuart Little, stick your tongue out at a rude animal, learn the motto of a hidden eagle, decipher a secret code by the pond seen in Home Alone 2, spot Cupid at the carousel, unscramble a message in the sky, and find a witch turned to stone.
Where: Meet at Central Park's Arsenal, located at 5th Ave. & 64th St.
When: 1:00 PM
Who: Ages 7 and up
How: Purchase tickets online at www.watsonadventures.com.
Cost: $22 for adults, $18 for kids ages 7-17

Sunday, May 26 - Family Drop-In Art Workshop at The Jewish Museum

Paint, draw, sculpt or craft a work of art inspired by exhibitions on view with different themes each week.
Where: The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave. at 92nd St.
When: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: Ages 3 and up
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free w/Museum admission

Sunday, May 26 - Storybooks & Art Family Art Program at The Jewish Museum

Listen to a story from our library of children's book favorites, then participate in an art activity in the Museum's galleries.
Where: The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave. at 92nd St.
When: 1:15 PM
Who: Ages 3-7
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free w/Museum admission

Sunday, May 26 - Jazz Kids! with Amy Cervini & Friends

Enjoy an interactive family jazz show with Amy Cervini and friends.  Play percussion instruments, listen to kid-friendly jazz songs, munch on free snacks and learn a little bit about jazz!  Beverages available for purchase.
Where: The 55 Bar, 55 Christopher Street at 7th Ave.
When: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: Ages 2-6
How: Just show up!
Cost: $5 per person
For more info: www.amycervini.com

Sunday, May 26 - Art Trek Plus at the Met: The Sound of Bamboo

Discover the natural world of Japan through art, then hear the shakuhachi flute imitate the sounds of deer, wind in the trees, cranes, and… silence. Shakuhachi player Karl Spicer creates the music.
Where: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave. at 82nd St.
When: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Who: Ages 5-12
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free w/museum admission
For more info: www.metmuseum.org

Monday, May 27 - Memorial Day Camp at Taste Buds

When the kids are out of school, we're in session! Join us as we whip up Patriotic dishes like "American Fries" and Fresh Berry Tarts.
Where: Taste Buds, 109 W. 27th St. b/w 6th & 7th Aves.
When: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: Ages 4-8 (drop-off)
How: Pre-registration required.  Register online at www.tastebudskitchen.com.
Cost: $100

Monday, May 27 - Memorial Day Patriotic Pies at Taste Buds

For the advanced chefs out of school today we have a delicious pie workshop where we'll be baking classic desserts like Apple and Chocolate Pudding Pie.
Where: Taste Buds, 109 W. 27th St.
When: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Who: Ages 9-13
How: Pre-registration required.  Register online at www.tastebudskitchen.com.
Cost: $55

Tuesday, May 28 - Stargazing on the High Line

Gaze at the stars, planets, and Moon through the high-powered telescopes of the Amateur Astronomers Association, and chat with the experts about the sights you see. Stargazing at the High Line takes place every Tuesday, beginning at dusk, between Tuesday, April 2 and Tuesday, October 29.
Where: On the High Line between W. 13th & W. 14th Sts.
When: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free
For more info: www.thehighline.org

Wednesday, May 29 - 92nd Street Y New Parent Get-Together

Led by the 92nd Street Y's Parenting Director and NYC's top child psychologists and pediatricians, this weekly discussion group is a great way for new parents to share experiences, learn from one another and make friends.  This week's topic is "Gender Expectations."
Where: 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street
When: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: All new parents and their babies
How: Just show up!
Cost: $10
For more info: www.92y.org or (212) 415-5500

Wednesday, May 29 - Story Time Yoga with Karma Kids Yoga

Story time comes alive with puppets and yoga poses!
Where: Karma Kids Yoga, 104 W. 14th St. b/w 6th & 7th Aves.
When: 11:30 AM
Who: Ages 0-6
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free
For more info: www.karmakidsyoga.com or (646) 638-1444

Thursday, May 30 - Indoor Playground Drop-In at the 14th Street Y

Make a playdate at the Y for Thursday afternoons.  Children run, climb, slide and jump in our padded playroom. Bring a friend and enjoy the relaxed environment where little ones explore and play together.  Strollers must be left on the first floor stroller racks.
Where: 14th Street Y, 344 E. 14th St. b/w 1st & 2nd Aves.
When: 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: Ages 6 months to 3 years
How: Just show up!
Cost: $15
For more info: www.14streety.org

Thursday, May 30 - The Comic Book Project at Barnes & Noble Upper East Side

The Comic Book Project, an art and literacy initiative that engages youth in writing, designing and publishing original comic books, celebrates its 10-year anniversary with an exhibit of student work.
Where: Barnes & Noble, 150 E. 86th St. at Lexington Ave.
When: 5:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free
For more info: www.bn.com

Plan Ahead:


May 31st through June 22nd

Friday, May 31 - Music Together Demo Class

Join Eastside Westside Music Together for a free demonstration class to experience the joy of family music. Bring your child to these mixed age classes where children and adults make music together!
Where: Manhattan Church of Christ, 48 E. 80th St.
When: 9:30 AM
Who: Ages 0-4
How: Pre-registration required. Call (212) 496-1242 or email [email protected] to reserve your spot.
Cost: Free

Friday, May 31 - Saige's Horse Collage Craft at American Girl Place

Your girl’s creativity can shine, just like Saige — our newest Girl of the Year! During this free event, your girl can create a paper collage inspired by Saige’s love of horses and art.
Where: American Girl Place, 609 5th Ave. at 49th St.
When: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: Ages 8 and up
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free
For more info: www.americangirl.com

Friday, May 31 - Yoga Game Night at Karma Kids Yoga

A fun-filled evening of creative Yoga Games that help build focus, balance and concentration, as well as enhance teamwork and an overall sense of friendship and community.  We'll play favorites including Yoga Yoga Pose, Tall Tree Small Tree, Toe-Ga, Big Booty, Obstacle Course, Peacock-Tail Tag, Drumbeat Hands, What Are You Doing, Wrong Room, the Yes Game, Family Snapshot and more.  We'll stretch, hoop, dance and sing all night!  Milk and cookies will be served.
Where: Karma Kids Yoga, 104 W. 14th St. b/w 6th & 7th Aves.
When: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Who: Ages 8 and up
How: Call (646) 638-1444 to reserve your spot.
Cost: $35 per child
For more info: www.karmakidsyoga.com

Friday, May 31 - Saige's Celebration at American Girl Place

Join us to celebrate Saige, our newest Girl of the Year! She loves to paint and ride horses, and uses her imagination to create art and inspire change. Girls will learn about this new contemporary character, make fun crafts, and enjoy a delicious meal. Includes an American Girl book to take home.
Where: American Girl Place, 609 5th Ave. at 49th St.
When: 7:30 PM
Who: Ages 8 and up
How: Pre-registration required. Call (877) 247-5223 to reserve your spot.
Cost: $33 per person
For more info: www.americangirl.com

Saturday, June 1 - Family Bird Walk at AMNH

Families, join a Museum naturalist for a bird walk in Central Park. Young explorers and their parents will learn how to find and identify the many bird species and habitats found in our own “backyard.” Binoculars and bird guides included.
Where: American Museum of Natural History, enter at W. 81st St. b/w Columbus & Central Park West
When: 9:00 AM (program will repeat at 11am & 1pm)
Who: Ages 4-10
How: Purchase tickets online at www.amnh.org.
Cost: $12
For more info: www.amnh.org

Saturday, June 1 - "Elmo's World: People in Your Neighborhood" Screening at the Sony Wonder Technology Lab

Elmo learns about some of the important people who work in neighborhoods, such as doctors, firefighters, lifeguards and nurses.  This special also includes "People in Your Neighborhood" songs, and a special song with Ben Stiller.
Where: Sony Wonder Technology Lab, 550 Madison Ave. at 56th St.
When: 11:00 AM
Who: Everyone
How: Pre-registration required.  RSVP beginning 2 weeks prior to the program by calling (212) 833-8100 and selecting option 3.
Cost: Free

Saturday, June 1 - Mario the Magician and His Suitcase Machine

Join acclaimed children's performer Mario the Magician for an uplifting, inventive, and highly interactive magical performance for the young and young-at-heart. Part retro, part rock and roll, Mario is an artist and inventor who creates his own props. Mario's old world looks and physical comedy style are reminiscent of his heroes, Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, but he puts a thoroughly modern spin on everything he does.
Where: The Metropolitan Room 34 W. 22nd St. b/w 5th & 6th Aves.
When: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Who: Ages 3 and up
How: Purchase tickets online by clicking here.
Cost: $20 per child, $30 per adult w/one food/beverage item minimum
For more info: Click here for more information.

Saturday, June 1 - Making a Friend: A Puppet-Making & Performance Workshop at TADA!

TADA! Youth Theater hosts a unique event combining TADA!'s traditional musical theater programming with a puppet-making workshop.  Professional Teaching Artists will work with kids to create their very own original puppet.  Participants will also learn the original TADA! song, "Making a Friend," in order to perform it with their newly-made puppet for their friends and family on the TADA! stage at the end of the day.  Tau Bennett, an ensemble member and young puppeteer featured in the documentary "Being Elmo," will join the professional Teaching Artists in assisting kids with their puppets.
Where: TADA! Youth Theater, 15 W. 28th St. b/w 5th Ave. & Broadway, 3rd floor
When: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: Ages 6 and up
How: Register online at www.tadatheater.com
Cost: $100 for 1 child or $120 for 2 children
For more info: www.tadatheater.com

Saturday, June 1 - The Whodunnit Family Scavenger Hunt

A crazed killer is on the loose at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and it’s up to you to stop him!  The killer has created a scavenger hunt that, when completed, reveals his name, the weapon he used and where he hid the body in the museum.  By following the trail of clues and answering tricky questions, you’ll narrow the list of suspects, weapons and places and provide the police with the evidence they need to catch and convict the killer.
Where: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave. at 82nd St.
When: 4:00 PM
Who: Ages 10 and up
How: Pre-registration required.  Register online at www.watsonadventures.com.
Cost: $40.50 for adults, $29.50 for kids (includes Museum admission)

Sunday, June 2 - "Pickles, Playgrounds, Candy Shops & More" Family Program at the Museum at Eldridge Street

What was it like to grow up on the Lower East Side back when the Eldridge Street Synagogue was new? Look closely, there are hidden clues all along these bustling blocks! Find what remains, figure out what has changed, and discover childhood in the old neighborhood. This one-hour program includes stops for candy and pickles.
Where: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St.
When: 11:00 AM
Who: Ages 4-10
How: Purchase tickets online at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5521438772/eorg#
Cost: $15 per family

Tuesday, June 4 - Big City Moms Luncheon: Sleep

Join Big City Moms for a delicious lunch and a discussion of everything you need to know to get your baby to sleep like a champ.
Where: Kidville, 163 E. 84th St.
When: 11:00 AM
Who: All moms and their babies
How: Pre-registration required.  Register online at www.bigcitymoms.com.
Cost: $35 for mom and baby in advance, $40 at the door
For more info: www.bigcitymoms.com

Tuesday, June 4 - Downward Doll Yoga

This fun and silly class is an opportunity for kids to share the yoga fun with their favorite doll, creature or stuffed animal!  We'll explore pint-sized poses, mini-mudras, bitsy balances and teensy twists - all for you and your favorite toy friend.  Bring your own doll or stuffed animal, help them into yoga poses, and they can practice alongside, on their very own yoga mat.  It's sure to be a playful afternoon!
Where: Karma Kids Yoga, 104 W. 14th St. b/w 6th & 7th Aves.
When: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Who: Ages 3-6
How: Pre-registration required.  Call (646) 638-1444 to reserve your spot.
Cost: $30 per child
For more info: www.karmakidsyoga.com

Thursday, June 6 - TADA! Youth Theater One-Day Camp

When school's out, TADA! is in!  Explore the world of acting, singing and dancing in a special 1-day camp that focuses on core elements of Musical Theater and associated themes that includes theater games, comedic improv and dramatic play.  Come master cool dance moves and sing your heart out.  Families are invited to watch the last 20 minutes of the day.
Where: Tada! Youth Theater, 15 W. 28th St. b/w 5th & 6th Aves., 3rd floor
When: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Who: Grades 1-5
How: Pre-registration required.  Call (212) 252-1619 x4  to reserve your spot.
Cost: $100 per day
For more info: www.tadatheater.com

Thursday, June 6 - Saige's Art Event with Crayola Model Magic at American Girl Place

Let creativity take flight! In her stories, Saige loves to ride in her father’s hot-air balloon. During this free art event, your girl can create a mini hot-air balloon sculpture using Crayola® Model Magic.
Where: American Girl Place, 609 5th Ave. at 49th St.
When: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Ages 8 and up
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free
For more info: www.americangirl.com

Sunday, June 9 - Summer Sunday Family Tour at the Guggenheim

To create a work of art, artists have to make countless choices. Investigate how those choices affect the finished work and use your imagination to consider how different decisions could have yielded different outcomes.
Where: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 5th Ave. at 89th St.
When: 10:30 AM
Who: Ages 5-12
How: Pre-registration required.  Call (212) 423-3587 to reserve your family's spot.
Cost: $15 per family (includes admission and tour for 2 adults and up to 4 children)
For more info: www.guggenheim.org

Saturday, June 22 - Sleepover at the American Museum of Natural History

Take a flight with the Pterosaurs in the IMAX film Flying Monsters. Explore our live-animal exhibitions with Museum explainers and challenge yourself with one of our Museum Quests. End your night by falling asleep in the darkened halls of one of the world's most famous museums.  As the doors close and the lights dim, you and your group will head out with flashlights in search of adventure. Meet your relatives in the Anne and Bernard Spitzer Hall of Human Origins. Climb the stairs and you're in the Age of Dinosaurs, standing beneath a 65-million-year-old T. rex. As the night comes to a close, settle down beneath the 94-foot-long blue whale, next to African elephants, or at the base of a striking volcanic formation.
Where: American Museum of Natural History, 79th St. at Central Park West
When: 6:00 PM (sleepover also will take place on 6/28)
Who: Ages 6-13
How: Purchase tickets online at www.amnh.org
Cost: $129 per person
For more info: www.amnh.org

Library & Bookstore Story Times


A Listing of Story Times and Other Events at Libraries, Cafes & Bookstores Around Town

Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and no pre-registration is required.

BOOKSTORE & CAFE STORY TIMES:

Barnes & Noble Upper East Side, 150 E. 86th St. at Lexington Ave. (212) 369-2180
Story Time on Sundays at 11am and Wednesdays at 10am for all ages

Barnes & Noble Citigroup Center, 160 E. 54th St. at 3rd Ave. (212) 750-8033
Story Time on Saturdays at 11am for all ages

Barnes & Noble Union Square, 33 E. 17th St. (212) 253-0810
Story Time on Sundays at 2:30pm for all ages 

Books of Wonder, 18 W ...


Check Out the Macaroni Kid Business Directory!


As you know, I've recently added an exciting new feature to the site - the Macaroni Kid Business Directory!  This fantastic resource features the very best kid-friendly products, services, stores, restaurants and other businesses catering to New York City families.  Whether you're looking for a yoga, piano, sign language or art appreciation class for your toddler, an opportunity to brush up on your CPR skills, a professional photographer, a reliable babysitting service, a fun-filled day camp, the perfect birthday party venue or even a gorgeous mural for your child's room, you'll soon be able to find everything you need via the Macaroni Kid Business Directory.  Please support the wonderful businesses participating in the Directory, and if you or someone you know might be interested in getting listed in the directory, please email me at monicas [at] macaronikid [dot] com.  Thanks!

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