2014 Winter Classes: Museum Classes

From fine art to cultural heritage, NYC’s world-class museums are a great resource for families. While no one should miss a visit to the biggies (Met, MoMA, and AMNH), don’t skip some of these lesser-known gems.

NEW MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
Manhattan’s only all-contemporary art museum, the New Museum offers First Saturdays for Families with special hands-on programs designed for families with children ages 3-10. newmuseum.org

MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
At the Museum of the City of New York, Sunday family programs (for kids 6-12, free with museum admission) offer children and their caregivers a fun way to learn about NYC’s history through hands-on activities. Explore the museum through scavenger hunts designed for families to experience the museum together. mcny.org

THE JEWISH MUSEUM
Housed in the former Warburg Mansion, the Jewish Museum offers Sunday family programs free with museum admission. Drop-in art workshops, family audio guides, kids’ concerts, and even special programs during vacation weeks to keep the kids busy during school breaks are all offered. thejewishmuseum.org

EL MUSEO DEL BARRIO
Specializing in Latin American and Caribbean art, El Museo offers “Super Sabado” (third Saturday of every month). Latino art lovers of all ages enjoy free concerts, exhibitions, gallery tours, art workshops, and film screenings. elmuseo.org

NEW YORK TRANSIT MUSEUM
Explore the cultural, social and technological history of one of the world’s biggest public transportation systems. Every Saturday and Sunday, programs for young transit fans are offered free with museum admission. There are Grand Central Scavenger Hunts, and children and family programs—including “Fantastic Tunnels,” “Miles of Tiles,” and “Travelin’ Treats.” mta.info/mta/museum

To read our 2014 Winter Classes Guide, click here.

INTER

INTER is your portal to the unknown&mdash;an intergalactic adventure filled with immersive environments and interactive art. In the midst of NYC&rsquo;s non-stop energy, our intergalactic adventure offers a refreshing escape from the ordinary. Tourists come to the city for unique, once-in-a-lifetime adventures, and this is exactly what we provide&mdash;a break from the hustle and bustle, where they can step out of the concrete jungle and into otherworldly planets. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Collina Italiana - Italian Language and Cultural Center

Italian Fun for Kids and Teens! Learning a new language isn&rsquo;t just fun&mdash;it&rsquo;s also great for the brain! Did you know that it can help develop essential skills for life? Studies show that learning a second language at a young age can improve problem-solving, critical thinking, and listening abilities, while boosting memory, focus, and multitasking skills. Children who are fluent in multiple languages also demonstrate increased creativity and mental flexibility. At Collina Italiana, we make learning fun with stories, games, activities, and conversation. Each class blends art, storytelling, singing, and dancing to keep kids engaged. For older children, our classes focus on grammar and vocabulary, providing the tools they need to learn and practice Italian in a small group setting, all while having fun with a variety of resources. Kids love exploring the stories behind our cultural traditions, adding a rich, hands-on experience to their language learning journey. &nbsp; &nbsp;

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;