The Best Events For Families in New York City This May

Children's Museum of Manhattan. Photo by Vandamm Studio © Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library For The Performing Arts — Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Photo by Vandamm Studio © Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library For The Performing Arts

MR. EINSTEIN GOES TO JUNIOR HIGH
MAY 3-18
[Ages 8 and up]
Making Books Sing is putting on a heartwarming show called “Dear Albert Einstein.” Set in 1954, the production follows a middle school math student with a creative mind and an imaginary Einstein to help navigate the social struggles of junior high. Filled with rock ‘n’ roll, swing and classical music, this performance is a wonderful journey of self-acceptance!
From $25; 10:30am, 2pm, and 7pm. 311 West 43rd Street, 646-250-1178, makingbookssing.org

OH KAPLAN, MY KAPLAN!
MAY 4
[Ages 2 to 7]
The award-winning Randy Kaplan creates a mix of American roots, Delta blues, and ragtime into a one-of-a-kind concert that both kids and parents will love! This May, the talented music man will take his act to the Jewish Museum, where he’ll perform his clever and funny hits like “Mr. Diddie Wah Diddie” and “The Kids Are All Id.”
Children $13, Adults $18; 2pm. 1109 Fifth Avenue, 212-423-3200, thejewishmuseum.org

Galli Theater's "Puss in Boots" — Galli Theater’s “Puss in Boots”

MEOW!
MAY 3-25
[Ages 3 and up]
Join a cunning cat in his quest for greatness at “Puss in Boots.” One of Galli Theater’s most fun and interactive performances, the fan favorite emphasizes audience participation so your little ones can help in a journey to turn Puss’ owner, a miller’s son, into an extraordinary Prince.
Children $15, Adults $20; Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. 347 West 36th Street, 212-731-0668, gallitheaterny.com

TINY DANCERS
MAY 7-18
[Ages 4 months to 4 years]
Tots can dance the night away at the innovative Baby Rave, a club-like party designed specifically for toddlers! Hosted by New Victory Theater, the bumping boogie night will feature a kid-friendly DJ, entrancing video projections, and funky lights. Don’t miss out on fun treats like parachutes, inflatables, and other sensory objects that create an unbeatable party atmosphere!
$15; 10:30am and 1pm. 229 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org

New Victory Theater's Baby Rave. Courtesy of Young at Art. — New Victory Theater’s Baby Rave. Courtesy of Young at Art.

FOR KIDS, BY KIDS
MAY 9-JUNE 18
[All Ages]
Get a dose of art at the Guggenheim’s “A Year with Children 2014” exhibition. The showing features student work (whose creators range from second to sixth grade) from the museum’s artist-in-residence program, Learning Through Art. The highlighted pieces represent 11 of New York City’s public elementary schools and will be on display in Annex Level Three of the museum.
Free with admission; museum hours. 1071 5th Avenue, 212-423-3500, guggenheim.org

CARNIVALS AND WEDDINGS
MAY 10 & 11
[Ages 2 and up]
The New York Theatre Ballet brings the perfect pair of performances to families with “Carnival of the Animals” and “Sleeping Beauty’s Wedding.” This double whammy first focuses on Queen Diana, her shaggy lion, and other peaceful animals who encounter a pair of lost children; then shifts to the fairytale nuptials of Sleeping Beauty.
Children $35, Adults $40; 11am, 1pm, and 3:30pm. 55 East 59th Street, 212-355-6160, nytb.org

A CENTENNIAL GARDEN
MAY 10-SEPTEMBER 21
[All ages]
The BrooklynBotanic Garden is hosting “100 Years and Growing” in celebration of their Children’s Garden’s 100th anniversary! The special exhibition includes a wonderful series of events like family nature walks, kids’ discovery stations, Children’s Garden inside tours, and even an all-ages family day with musical performances, crafts, games, and gardening!
Various prices; various times. 150 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, 718-623-7241, bbg.org

SONGS FOR MOM
MAY 11
[Age 6 and up]
Celebrate Mother’s Day in a way that kids will love too! The Chamber Music Society is presenting a production of “Inspector Pulse’s Mother,” a fun play that follows a Private Ear in his mission to write a song fit for his mom. Explore what makes music say “I love you” and don’t miss the instrumental petting zoo in the lobby before the show!
From $10; 2pm. 1941 Broadway, 212-875-5788, chambermusicsociety.org

The Big Apple Circus. Photo by Bertrand Guay

CLOWNS, JUGGLERS, AND ACROBATS, OH MY!
MAY 18-JUNE 15
[All ages]
Come one, come all to an amazing variety of acts at the Big Apple Circus in Queens! Located in CunninghamPark, the special spring show has something for everyone. Kiddos will love clown Rob Torres and the animal acts presented by Jenny Vidbel, while parents and older ones can marvel at teenage juggler Ty Tojo, Russian acrobats, and circus legend Daniel Cyr on the free ladder, among many others!
From $20; Various times. 196-22 Union Turnpike, Queens, 212-268-2500, bigapplecircus.org

THAT’S ALL FOLK!
MAY 18
[All ages]
For a special blend of musical styling, check out Le Vent Du Nord, one of Carnegie Hall’s Neighborhood Concerts. This high-energy folk band incorporates a specific mix of French-Canadian and Celtic dance music, traditional tunes, and original songs into their show, which features vocals, guitar, fiddle, button accordion, and hurdy-gurdy.
Free; 3pm. 466 Grand Street, 212-247-7800, carnegiehall.org

Le Vent Du Nord at Carnegie Hall's Neighborhood Concerts — Le Vent Du Nord at Carnegie Hall’s Neighborhood Concerts

ALL THAT JAZZ
MAY 23-OCTOBER 19
[All ages]
Little music fans will love “Jazzed! The Changing Beat at 125th Street,” a unique exhibition at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Partnered with the NationalJazzMuseum in Harlem, the new show explores key figures and attributes of the genre’s history, including the sounds of Ella Fitzgerald, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson’s famous stair dance, and Duke Ellington and his renowned orchestra. Don’t miss weekly programs where tots can make their own tap shoes, record covers, and even learn the Lindy Hop!
Free with admission; museum hours. 212 West 83rd Street, 212-721-1223, cmom.org

This Is Cooperstown

Nicknamed America's hometown, Cooperstown has small-town charm and world-class attractions including the National Baseball Hall of Fame &amp; Museum, a must-see for fans of the game and the ultimate homage to America's Pastime. Discover fine, folk, and Native American art at Fenimore Art Museum, acclaimed and varied performances at the Glimmerglass Festival, craft beer at Brewery Ommegang and Red Shed Brewery, fresh cider from the Fly Creek Cider Mill, great restaurants, four-season events, and outdoor fun.

The Wild Center

The Wild Center, nestled within the breathtaking landscape of New York's Adirondack Park, offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. As visitors approach the Center, they are greeted by the Adirondack Mountains towering in the distance, setting the stage for an immersive adventure. Upon entering the 34,000-square-foot exhibit hall, guests are enveloped in a world of wonder and discovery. Interactive exhibits like Planet Adirondack and Climate Solutions invite exploration, allowing visitors to delve into the rich biodiversity of the Adirondack region. The indoor experience also includes an opportunity to soar on Birdly--a one-of-a-kind VR experience. Also, get up close with an animal ambassador during one of many live animal encounters throughout the day. In addition to its indoor exhibits and programs, the Wild Center also boasts 115-acres of extensive outdoor amenities. One of the highlights in the award-winning Wild Walk. Visitors walk up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest, 40 feet off the ground. Along the way, interactive exhibits provide insights into the flora and fauna that call the Adirondacks home, from songbirds to black bears. The rest of the campus features more ways to explore. Check out Patrick Dougherty&rsquo;s Stickwork sculpture, an all natural installation of woven sticks that will spark your imagination and nostalgia. Immerse yourself in Forest Music, take a naturalist-lead canoe trip, or get your roll on with Raquette River Roll, a brand-new, oversized, all-natural ball run experience opening in June 2024.

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;