CLOWNING AROUND
APRIL 4- 20
[All Ages]
Named “America’s Best Clown” by TIME magazine and nominated for a 2013 Drama Desk award, Demetrius Alexandro Claudio Amadeus Bello Nock is back by popular demand at the New Victory Theater! Be prepared to laugh your socks off and gasp in amazement at “Bello Mania,” filled with crazy antics, gravity-defying tricks, and wacky humor (complete with 1-ft -high hair).
From $14; various times. 209 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org
FAIRYTALE FUN
APRIL 5-27
[Ages 4-10]
Fantasy fans will find themselves enchanted at Galli Theater’s production of “Sleeping Beauty.” When an evil fairy isn’t invited to a princess’ birthday party, she exacts revenge by placing a sleeping curse on the entire kingdom. Will a charming prince show up and save the day? Don’t miss a children’s workshop every Saturday after the show, where budding actors will perform a version of the play they’ve just seen!
Children $15, Adults $20; 2pm, Saturdays and Sundays. 347 West 36th Street, 212-731-0668, gallitheaterny.com
PREHISTORIC FLIGHT
APRIL 5 TO JANUARY 5
[All Ages]
Long ago, extraordinary reptiles took to the skies for roughly 150 million years. These creatures, called pterosaurs, are the subject of the American Museum of Natural History’s new exhibit, “Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs.” Videos, lifelike models, hands-on activities, and cast models will illuminate these prehistoric beings, whose wingspans could reach up to 40 feet!
Children $16, Adults $27; various times between 10:30am and 4:30pm. Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5100, amnh.org
MEET THE MAKERS
APRIL 12-22
[All Ages]
Your kiddos can meet scientists, engineers, and artists at the Makers’ Festival, an event all about celebrating STEM education. Presented by the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, the 11-day occasion occurs over spring break and includes special hands-on workshops and demonstrations like paintball portraits, hybrid musical instruments, recycled fashion, alchemical tech, and more!
Free with museum admission; various times. 212 West 83rd Street, 212-721-1223, cmom.org
PERFECT FOR PARENTS
APRIL 23-25
[Adults Only]
Parents, educators, pediatricians, and anyone working with small children, are invited to check out the Young Child Expo at the New Yorker Hotel. For adults only, the conference focuses on development from birth to age 6 with keynote speakers, workshops, and a mini film festival. Important discussion topics include bullying, early literacy, behavior management, and technology innovations.
From $125; 8am to 4:30pm. 481 8th Avenue, 212-787-9700, youngchildexpo.com
THE LAND OF NOD
APRIL 26|
[Ages 5-10]
Natalie Merchant is performing sweet, melodic songs from her concept album “Leave Your Sleep,” which translates nursery rhymes and lullabies from 19th- and 20th-century poets into beautiful refrains for children. Based off her daughter’s early childhood, Merchant’s concert presents a chamber orchestra and projected illustrations at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium.
From $10; 3pm. 881 7th Avenue, 212-247-7800, carnegiehall.org
FAMILY & FILM FEST
APRIL 26
[All Ages]
Mini media buffs get the chance to enjoy live Broadway performances, arts and crafts, videogames, film screenings, and more for free at this year’s Tribeca Family Festival and Street Fair! Other kid-friendly highlights include storytelling, animation, and sports, but be sure not to miss the family drive-in movie for all ages!
Free; 10am to 4pm. Greenwich Street (from Chambers Street to Hubert Street) and various locations in Tribeca, 212-941-2400, tribecafilm.com
BLOOMING IN SPRING
APRIL 26-27
[All Ages]
Enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms and learn about Japanese culture at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden this month. Their annual Sakura Matsuri (cherry blossom festival) is a weekend-long celebration featuring traditional and contemporary events and performances. Taiko drumming, samurai sword-fighting demonstrations, and origami workshops are just a few kid-friendly highlights from over 60 offerings. Children under 12, free; Adults $20; 10am to 6pm. 150 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, 718-623-7200, bbg.org
CRAZY CUBES!
APRIL 26 THROUGH DECEMBER
[All Ages]
Puzzle lovers rejoice! At the Liberty Science Center’s “Beyond Rubik’s Cube” exhibit, guests will take an in-depth peek at one of the world’s most popular toys. From seeing what makes Rubik’s Cube pieces twist without breaking, to studying original models from designer Ernö Rubik, to examining the largest ever assembled version of the puzzle, little ones will love what they’re learning!
Free with admission;various times. 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City, 201-200-1000, lsc.org
THEY’VE GOT THE BEAT
APRIL 27-28
[Ages 3-6]
The New York Philharmonic is presenting its third show in the Very Young People’s Concerts series, where children can learn about the basics of instruments from Philharmonic musicians at the Merkin Concert Hall. This show focuses on percussion: the colors and textures of drums, gongs, shakers, and other beat-worthy equipment.
From $22, various times. 129 West 67th Street, 212-501-3330, nyphil.org
