Did the late-January polar vortex give you and the kids a serious case of cabin-fever? We’re here to get you and your family out of the house and back out into NYC for fun shows like Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic and Cinderella and visits to venues filled with culture and education, like the Museum of Chinese in America. And don’t worry, all of these kid-friendly activities are indoors!
Bippity Boppity Boo!
A dancing clock, two wacky stepsisters, and everyone’s favorite rags-to-riches princess are all part of this enchanting production of Cinderella. A perennial favorite of New York Theatre Ballet audiences across America, Cinderella is 1-hour in length with choreography by Donald Mahler, costumes by Sylvia Taalson Nolan, and set design by Gillian Bradshaw-Smith. Feb. 9-10, Saturday-Sunday, 11am, 1pm, and 3:30pm. Age: All. $27; $15 children. Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th St., Midtown. nytb.org.
Magic on the Street
Littlest theater-goers will be spellbound by Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic this month. Elmo is inspired to learn a magic trick when he meets magician extraordinaire Justin. But there’s just one problem: Elmo doesn’t know how to do magic! Through encouragement to practice, work hard, and never give up, Elmo learns it’s okay to make mistakes and magic can be found anywhere when you believe in yourself. Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic is an inspirational introduction to live theater and the art of illusion. Feb. 15-24, see website for showtimes. Age: All. $35 and up. The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, Midtown. msg.com/sesame.
Museum of Chinese in America
Founded in 1980, this museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history, heritage, culture, and diverse experiences of people of Chinese descent in the United States. The greatly expanded, interactive museum brings 160 years of Chinese American history to life through innovative exhibitions and programs. The collections are comprised of more than 65,000 letters and documents, clothing, photographs, precious artifacts, and more. It hosts festivals, workshops, and family-friendly events celebrating Chinese American history.
Visit it: 215 Centre St., Chinatown; 855-955-6622; mocanyc.org
Can’t-miss event: Lunar New Year Family Festival; Feb. 16; 10am-1pm and 2-5pm
Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
For decades, the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park has been bringing enjoyment to legions of people through its contemporary and innovative marionette productions based on children’s classics. A perfectly located venue for families who want to enjoy the beauty of the park in wintertime and catch a quick show, SCMT has recently produced Neverland: Peter Returns and Beppo the Clown.
Visit it: Central Park, 79th Street and West Drive, Upper West Side; 212-360-1399; cityparksfoundation.org
Can’t-miss event: Yeti, Set, Snow!; Through Feb. 24; see website for schedule
