Events: Top Kid-Friendly Activities For The Week

"The Discovery of King Tut" exhibit will open this Saturday at Premier Exhibitions at 5th Avenue. Photo via tutnyc.com. — “The Discovery of King Tut” exhibit will open this Saturday at Premier Exhibitions at 5th Avenue. Photo via tutnyc.com.

This week, we have an eclectic mix of both holiday and non-holiday themed event picks for everyone. Those specifically seeking some holiday spirit will enjoy a modernized version of “The Nutcracker”and the New York Botanical Garden’s train show. For the rest of you, there are three picks you are sure to enjoy: a Duke Ellington concert, a fairytale fest and a King Tut exhibit. Happy fall to all!

Friday, November 20-Saturday, November 21

“The Hip Hop Nutcracker”
The United Palace
Friday: 8pm; Saturday: 2pm
This weekend, the classic holiday ballet will get a modern makeover at The United Palace in Washington Heights. A DJ and an electric violinist will update Tchaikovsky’s original score while hip hop dancers take the stage during this adaptation geared for the 21st century. Plus, the “King of Rap”, Kurtis Blow, will return as the show’s opening night special guest. Saturday’s matinee proceeds will benefit the United Palace of Performing Arts’ Youth Arts Academy. Tickets start at $10.

Beginning Saturday, November 21

Holiday Train Show
New York Botanical Garden
10am-6pm
The New York Botanical Garden’s annual Holiday Train Show is back this Saturday and is bigger than ever! This year’s exhibit will cover 3,000 square feet of additional space, with room for dozens of new G-scale trains, bridges, and a quarter mile of track. These amazingly detailed mini locomotives will speed past beloved sights like the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Rockefeller Center that are recreated with natural materials like bark and leaves. Plus, check out the rest of the garden’s 250 acres, and enjoy special tours, musical performances, and holiday activities for kids throughout the season. Free with garden admission. Runs through Monday, January 18, 2016.

“The Discovery of King Tut” Exhibit
Premier Exhibitions at 5th Avenue
11am-7pm
Ever wonder what it felt like to discover Tutankhamun’s tomb? Beginning this Saturday, visitors to Premier Exhibitions on 5th Avenue can experience “The Discovery of King Tut”, a one-of-a-kind exhibit that will display more than 1,000 replica artifacts and treasures that were buried in the tomb of arguably the most famous pharaoh in Egyptian history. The exhibition recreates the site of the tomb’s excavation based on the photographs of the original dig’s photographer, Harry Burton. Tickets start at $20. Runs through Sunday, May 1, 2016.

Saturday, November 21

Jazz for Young People: “Who is Duke Ellington?”
Symphony Space
11am & 1pm
Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Jazz for Young People series kicks off with “Who is Duke Ellington?”, a tribute to one of jazz’s great composers and performers. Led by Wynton Marsalis, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will give an interactive performance following Ellington’s journey from DC to New York City, where his discovery of the blues and the development of his own innovative ideas would forever change the jazz landscape. Please note: This performance will take place at Symphony Space. Tickets start at $10.

Galli’s 2nd Fairytale Festival
The Galli Theater
3:30pm-5:30pm
Families with children of all ages can enjoy the best of what the Galli Theater has to offer during Galli’s second annual Fairytale Festival! This two-hour event will feature puppet shows of beloved fairy tales, a mini-theater workshop for kids, arts and crafts, and giveaways. The theater will also debut an exclusive fest production entitled “The Wolf and the 7 Little Goats.” Tickets start at $20.

WCS Education - Wildlife Conservation Society

Explore nature, learn about the planet, and get close to animals&mdash;all in New York City! WCS zoo and aquarium day camps are for every young adventurer, from toddlers to teens. Campers experience hands-on learning, from STEAM classrooms and animal exhibits to nature trails and the beach. Recognized as industry leaders, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Education Department was the first of its kind to offer zoo camps and continues to provide award-winning programming. Visit wcs.education/camps to explore summer camps at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium!

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;

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Looking for something to do with the kids in New York City that is fun, exciting, and educational? The Intrepid Museum offers family-friendly activities and programs all year long that keep children engaged, entertained, and curious about history and science. Fun rain or shine, the Museum offers both indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits and activities. With so many things to do and see, you&rsquo;ll never hear &ldquo;I&rsquo;m bored,&rdquo; when you climb aboard Intrepid. A non-profit, educational institution featuring the legendary aircraft carrier Intrepid, the space shuttle Enterprise, the world&rsquo;s fastest jets and a guided missile submarine.