Football Frenzy
Through March 2, 2014
[All Ages]
Are you ready for some football? In honor of the Super Bowl coming to town next year, Liberty Science Center is hosting a game-centric Gridiron Glory exhibit. Football fans of all ages can learn about the game’s history through rare artifacts like the 1917 game ball used by Jim Thorpe and the Tiffany-crafted Vince Lombardi trophy. The exhibit also includes interactive elements such as an NFL Instant Replay Booth in which visitors can referee a real NFL play, plus an area where fans can try on vintage and new uniforms as well as protective gear. Free with museum admission; 9am-4pm Tuesdays-Fridays (5:30pm weekends). 222 Jersey Boulevard, NJ, 201-200-1000, lsc.org
An Itty Biddy Bash
October 4
[All Ages]
Catch The Itty Biddies live in their Carnegie Kids concert at Hudson Guild. The band’s blend of folk and pop music make them a hit with kids and parents alike. The ladies will perform tunes from their latest children’s album, “Hello Hello Hello!” including “Safari,” “Jump Around,” and “Move Your Body.” Free; 10:30am. 441 West 26th Street, 212-760-9837, carnegiehall.org
Hooked On Peter
October 4-13
[Ages 7 And Up]
Fly over to the New Victory Theater for Belvoir’s “Pan-tastic” production of Peter Pan, based on the classic J.M. Barrie play about a boy who refuses to grow up and his adventures with the Lost Boys, the Darling children, and his sworn enemy Captain Hook. This 85-minute Australian adaptation features mermaids, the ticking crocodile, and, of course, a sprinkling of pixie dust. From $14; various start times between 12pm and 7pm. 209 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org
Back To The Drive-In
October 4-20
[All Ages]
The good ‘ole days of the drive-in movie theater experience are all but gone. Luckily, the New York Hall of Science is hosting Empire Drive-In, an installation of a concept that began in San Jose, California. The outdoor drive-in movie theater is made entirely out of recycled materials, and reclaimed cars provide vintage seating for the projected films. The screenings are grouped into themes such as “Bollywood Bash,” “Animation Flip Out,” “Youth Media Night,” and more. Prices and show times vary. 47-01 111th Street, Queens, 718-699-0005, nysci.org
Getting Hot, Hot, Hot!
October 5
[All Ages]
At Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Chile Pepper Fiesta, kids can taste chocolates and sweets from local vendors and plant their own pepper plant to take home, while older teens and adults can get a kick from various spices, salsas, and more. For more excitement, dance to the Afro-Brazilian beats from Dendê Macêdo & Band, marvel at the feats of two master flamethrowers, and admire the grace of traditional Chinese ribbon dancers. 12 and under free, students and seniors $14, adults $20; 11am-6pm. 990 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, 718-623-7200, bbg.org
Popular Pirates
October 5
[All Ages]
Shiver me timbers! The Story Pirates will take over Symphony Space for a day of music and comedy, kicking off the venue’s new Just Kidding children’s season. The Pirates will be performing two shows filled with sketches created from stories written by kids like your own—so we’re willing to bet that your youngster will leave with a smile on his or her face. Children $15, adults $20; 11am and 2pm. 2537 Broadway, 212-864-5400, symphonyspace.org
Spectacular Space Show
Opens October 5
[All Ages]
The new Space Show in the American Museum of Natural History’s Hayden Planetarium launches viewers through the galaxy like never before. Audiences will marvel at the Milky Way from the perspective of the Mt. Wilson Observatory in California and see Jupiter via NASA’s Galileo spacecraft. The show also explores phenomena such as dark energy and dark matter. Children $16, adults $27; show times vary. Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5100, amnh.org
Into The Woods
October 6-28
[Ages 4 And Up]
Watch out for the big bad wolf—“Little Red Riding Hood” is coming to the Galli Theater. The Brothers Grimm tale of a girl on her way to her grandmother’s house is given a makeover with audience participation, but most exciting is the post-show workshop on Saturdays, in which kids can take the stage to reenact all the drama from the show. Performances run approximately 45 minutes. Children $15, adults $20; 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays. 347 West 36th Street, 212-731-0668, gallitheaterny.com
New York Open House
October 12-13
[All Ages]
Open House New York Weekend provides a rare opportunity for city-dwellers to tour the sites of some of NYC’s architectural masterpieces. Kids will love touring the Little Red Lighthouse, the hydroponic greenhouse in the Manhattan School for Children, and il laboratorio del gelato, a beloved gelato factory on the Lower East Side. Of course, the weekend wouldn’t be complete without family-friendly activities such crafts at the Children’s Museum of the Arts, drawing workshops at Kentler International Drawing Space and Woodlawn Cemetery, and scavenger hunts at the Museum of the City of New York. Free; times vary. Citywide, 212-991-6470, ohny.org
A Beethoven Bonanza
October 27
[Ages 6 And Up]
The music of Beethoven will come to life during “Beethoven with Orli Shaham” at 92Y. Little music lovers will learn about the master composer’s life and hear some of his most renowned pieces performed by Shaham, a classically trained pianist. She will be joined by on-air host of WQXR, Naomi Lewin and other guests. A Q&A session will take place after the program. From $18; 3pm. 1395 Lexington Avenue, 212-415-5500, 92y.org
