MommyPoppins.com
MAKE YOUR DAY
Get Listed Log In Sign Up My Profile Sign out Contact
New York City
  • Anywhere
  • New York City
  • Dallas Fort Worth
  • Atlanta
  • Boston
  • Chicago
  • Houston
  • Miami South Florida
  • Philadelphia
  • Washington DC
  • Orlando
  • Los Angeles
  • San Francisco Bay Area
  • Connecticut
  • Long Island
  • New Jersey
  • Westchester
Get Listed Log In Sign Up My Profile Sign out Contact

HOME - New York City

Activity Calendar

Providers

Calendar  
  • Events

  • Deals

  • This Week's Picks

  • Activity Providers

  • Submit an Activity

NYC Guide  
  • News & Openings

  • NYC Baby Guide

  • NYC for Preschoolers

  • Tweens & Teens

  • Neighborhood Guides

  • Parks & Playgrounds

  • Free Activities

  • Visitors' Guide to NYC

  • Restaurants

  • NYC Moving Guide

Things To Do  
  • Crafts for Kids

  • Recipes

  • Science for Kids

  • Games & Activities

  • Outdoors

  • Online & Virtual

Camps & Classes  
  • Camps Guide

  • Classes Guide

  • Preschools & Schools Guide

  • Directory

Parties & Holidays  
  • Gift Guide

  • Birthday Parties

  • Party Providers

  • Holidays

  • Spring Guide

  • Summer Guide

  • Fall Guide

  • Winter Guide

Family Travel  
  • Day Trips

  • Family Vacations

  • Theme & Water Parks

  • Resorts & Hotels

  • Adirondacks

  • Hamptons & North Fork

  • Poconos Guide

  • Jersey Shore Guide

Contact

Sign up for our free newsletters.
Kids can get to know the brass instruments during the Philharmonic Families program Saturday. Photo courtesy of the Kaufman Music Center
Mommy Poppins Winter Fest, Puzzle Day, Pac-Man, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
39 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Galactic snow tubing at Camelback offers an LED light show come nightfall.
Best Snow Tubing near NYC for Families
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Pillow Fort photo by Seamus McCauley via Flickr 2 .0
Snow Day Activities: 55 Fun Things To Do on a Snow Day Indoors
Central Park has some great hills for a fast ride. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Sledding Hills in NYC
Museo del Barrio's The Three Kings Day Parade takes over the streets of East Harlem Photo by Mommy Poppins
Top Things To Do with Kids in NYC in January 2026, from MP Editors
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Hit the ice at the scenic Mohonk Mountan House, which offers winter day passes to enjoy its spectacular resort amenities. Photo courtesy of the venue
23 Fun Winter Day Trips from NYC
Bryant Park's Bumper Cars are a mainstay of late-winter fun in the park. Photo by Janet Bloom
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 47 Best Things To Do with Kids in NYC
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Winter fun for kids in New York City: Building a snowman is just the start of fun things to do with kids in NYC during winter
GUIDE
NYC Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by  Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
39 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Best Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
Kids can see the masterpieces and get hands-on with art during a free visit to MoMA on Friday evenings. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museum Days (and Always-Free Museums) in NYC
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
FIND AND BOOK ACTIVITIES
calendar icon
This Week In
New York City
Pipes and Drums on the Fountain Terrace in Bryant Park
Bryant Park - various times Pick
Apple Blossom Children's Carnival at the Queens County Farm Museum
Queens County Farm Museum - various times Pick
Big Umbrella Festival at Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center Damrosch Park - various times Pick
Yoah at the New Victory Theater
The New Victory Theater - various times Pick
Bug Buddies at the Queens County Farm Museum
Queens County Farm Museum - 11:00 AM
The Orchid Show 2026: Flower Fantastic's Concrete Jungle at NYBG
The New York Botanical Garden - various times
The Orchid Show 2026: Flower Fantastic's Concrete Jungle at NYBG
The New York Botanical Garden - various times
The Orchid Show 2026: Flower Fantastic's Concrete Jungle at NYBG
The New York Botanical Garden - various times
Big Umbrella Festival at Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center Damrosch Park - various times Pick
The Orchid Show 2026: Flower Fantastic's Concrete Jungle at NYBG
The New York Botanical Garden - various times
Spring Family Day at Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall - 12:00 PM Pick
Lenfest Kids: Cats and Dogs
Lenfest Center For the Arts - 12:00 PM Pick
Young People’s Concert: Shall We Dance? at Geffen Hall
David Geffen Hall - 2:00 PM Pick
Big Umbrella Festival at Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center Damrosch Park - various times Pick
Yoah at the New Victory Theater
The New Victory Theater - various times Pick
SEE ALL ACTIVITIES
SUBMIT AN ACTIVITY +
Sign up for our free newsletters.
FOLLOW US FOR ACTIVITY PICKS, DEALS, AND GIVEAWAYS
FaceBook Instagram Twitter Pinterest YouTube
Activity Guides
  • Beaches & Lakes
  • Best Of Lists
  • Birthday Parties
  • Boats
  • Boredom Busters
  • Camps
  • Childcare
  • Christmas/Hanukkah
  • City Guides
  • City Hacks
  • Classes & Enrichment
  • Community
  • Crafts & Recipes
  • Earth Kids
  • Easter
  • Fairs & Festivals
  • Fall Activities
  • Family Travel
  • Farms & U-Pick
  • Free Activities
  • GoList
  • Halloween
  • Holidays
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Indoor Activities
  • Museums
  • News & Openings
  • Outdoors
  • Parent Talk
  • Parks & Playgrounds
  • Play Gyms & Sports Centers
  • Pools & Spray Parks
  • Preschools & Schools
  • Restaurants
  • Shows
  • Skiing & Winter Sports
  • Special Needs
  • Special Occasions
  • Sports
  • Spring Activities
  • STEM
  • Stores & Services
  • Summer Activities
  • Theme & Water Parks
  • Trains, Dinos & Heroes
  • TV, Film & Movies
  • Virtual
  • Visitors Guide
  • Weekend Events
  • Weekend Trips
  • Winter Activities
  • Zoos & Gardens
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pin It WhatsApp

Best NYC Kids’ Theater for Spring 2015: 12 Great Family Shows

4/14/15 - By Raven Snook

Our spring culture coverage continues with a look at the most promising family shows opening this season. While Broadway's new crop of kid-friendly spectacles (Finding Neverland, Gigi, The King and I) may be getting all the press, there are lots of fantastic family shows beyond the Great White Way with much lower ticket prices.

There are options for all age groups, including a few shows that are perfect for first-time theatergoers. From page-to-stage adaptations of popular children's books like Click, Clack, Moo, Manxmouse and The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, to offbeat experimental theater, to interactive experiences where families can get in on the action, it sounds like an exciting spring season. Plus, the New York Children's Theater Festival returns for its fourth year in a new Greenwich Village venue.

The one thing all of these shows have in common? You can take the kids to see them without dipping into their college funds—most of our recommendations are $25 or less.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Click through to our listings for all the details, including address and time.

Séquence 8 – Midtown West
Thursday, April 16-Sunday, April 26
Ages 5 and up
My daughter and I already have our tickets to this new circus show by Montreal's Les 7 Doigts de la Main. Everything I've seen by these amazing acrobats is spectacular, from their Off-Broadway hit Traces to their Tony-winning Broadway revival of Pippin. No animals, flashy costumes or hokey clowns here; these performers are all about high-flying action and intense emotions set to a hip-hop soundtrack.

Short Stories – Hudson Square
Tuesday, April 21-Saturday, April 25
Ages 8 and up
Hit avant-garde theater HERE for a unique puppet performance that, from the look of the videos, is equal parts Mummenschanz and a silent Señor Wences. Peruvian duo Ines Pasic and Hugo Suarez create kooky puppet characters out of their own hands, feet, knees, elbows and a few well-chosen props. The vignettes are wordless and humorous, and riff on the oddities of everyday life. Before the Friday, April 24 show, the performers will host a workshop in which they discuss their creative process; refreshments will be provided. RSVP to barbara@here.org for the workshop.

Manxmouse: The Mouse Who Knew No Fear – Fort Greene
Saturday, April 25-Saturday, May 2
Ages 6-10
Part of BAM's series of family programming, this stage adaptation of Paul Gallico's children's novel comes from the Netherlands' Theatergroep Kwatta, which uses everyday objects and simple toys to tell adventurous tales. The odd-looking mouse (he's bright blue, tailless and has giant, rabbit-style ears), goes on a quest to find his place in the world, braving wild animals, evil pet store owners and even a mouse's mortal enemy: a cat. A tribute to imagination and low-tech storytelling.

A Band of Angels – Midtown West
Saturday, April 25-Sunday, May 17
Ages 8 and up
New York City Children’s Theater (formerly Making Books Sing) presents a revival of its musicalization of kid-lit author Deborah Hopkinson's historical fiction book about the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Founded shortly after the Civil War at one of the first schools for emancipated slaves, the choir still makes a joyful noise today. Learn about its incredible history as a typical modern-day teen is magically transported back in time to meet the original members.

Jim Henson’s Dinosaur Train Live: Buddy’s Big Adventure – Flatbush
Sunday, April 26
Ages 3 and up
Last week, we raved about the engaging and inexpensive family shows presented at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts as part of its Target Storybook Series. If you have a young fan of the PBS Kids' hit series Dinosaur Train in your home, you'll want to check out this interactive stage adaptation. The show features songs, adventures and all the beloved characters, Buddy, Tiny, Don and Mr. Conductor, many brought to life via amazing puppets from Jim Henson Studios.

The Trials of Alice in Wonderland – Chelsea
Saturday, April 25-Sunday, May 17
Ages 5 and up
Out of all the shows my daughter and I see together, the ones at TADA! Youth Theater make the biggest impression on her, because she loves watching her peers on stage. Local youngsters ages 8 to 18 perform in original musicals that are quirky and thought-provoking. The company's latest production is based on Lewis Carroll's classic books, but expect a few twists and turns as Alice goes on trial for her kooky adventures in Wonderland.

New York Spring Spectacular – Midtown West
Through Thursday, May 7
Ages 5 and up
We highlighted Radio City's new seasonal show in our March GoList but didn't get to see it until April. Now that I've been with my 9-year-old daughter, I can say that while this splashy, high-tech spectacle has "for tourists" written all over it, it's a lot of cheesy, over-the-top fun for natives, too. Forget the silly story about an angel (Derek Hough from Dancing with the Stars) who comes to Earth to help save an old NYC tour guide's business from being destroyed by a heartless new media mogul (Tony winner Laura Benanti, though we saw her understudy the night we attended). The main attractions here are the recreations of NYC landmarks, notably the Statue of Liberty, Central Park's Alice in Wonderland statue and the New York Public Library's lions, Patience and Fortitude, all re-imagined as massive puppets voiced by celebrities; and the Rockettes. In fact, the stylish precision dancers are the best special effect in the entire 95-minute show. The 3D virtual tour of NYC, the light-up bracelets (which you're handed when you walk in), the random cameos by Despicable Me's Minions and Paddington Bear, and videos from Big Apple celebs (Donald Trump, Martha Stewart)—they all look drab in comparison to the leggy ladies doing their synchronized moves, including their iconic kick line. Tickets $46-$150 but save money on tickets through our affiliate Goldstar

New York Children's Theater Festival – Greenwich Village
Back for its fourth year but housed in a new venue, the Players Theatre, this fest features four different family shows. Each production plays for just one weekend and usually there are fun pre- and post-show activities like face painting, crafts, performance workshops, and meet and greets with the casts, all free to ticket holders. Looking at the full lineup, the two that caught my eye are:

Help Save the Monkey! – Friday, May 8-Sunday, May 10
Ages 3-8
This puppet play explores the budding friendship between 8-year-old Howard and 80-year-old Lillian, who band together to rescue her space-traveling monkey. Judging from the pics, the low-tech puppets are quite inventive and eye-catching.

The Meanest Birthday Girl – Friday, May 15-Sunday, May 17
Ages 3-8
Forget bridezilla; no one's more frightening than an over-entitled birthday girl. Based on Josh Schneider's picture book of the same name, this musical features a really nasty kid named Dana who decides that for her birthday she can do whatever she wants, including pinch, steal and be just generally awful. How will she learn her lesson? (Because you just know she will.)

Paper Planet – Midtown West
Saturday, May 30-Sunday, June 7
Ages 2 and up
Don't expect to sit back and relax at this interactive installation presented by the New Victory Theater. Audiences of all ages head into an artist-made jungle full of cardboard trees and paper flowers. Families add their own creations to this immersive environment and even contribute to the soundscape by making noise when the mic comes along.

The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley – Flatbush
Sunday, May 17
Ages 5 and up
Another Target Storybook Series show based on Jeff Brown's 1964 classic, which I read when I was a kid and loved sharing with my daughter. This musical adaptation of the international adventures of a paper-thin boy comes from Dallas Children’s Theater. See the world through Stanley's eyes as he travels all over the world thanks to the mail!

Click, Clack, Moo – Corona
Sunday, May 31
Ages 4 to 10
Hit Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows Corona Park to catch this musicalization of Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin's award-winning book about a bunch of farm animals who go on strike to fight for better working conditions. Hilarious and politically educational. 

Find more fun seasonal activities in our Spring Fun Guide.

Shows Spring Activities Preschoolers Kids Tweens & teens Uptown Downtown Chelsea Brooklyn Queens Midtown West Greenwich Village Flushing SoHo Flatbush Ft Greene New York City

Featured Local Savings

Sign up for our free
newsletters.
New York City
Dallas Fort Worth
Atlanta
Boston
Chicago
Houston
Miami South Florida
Philadelphia
Washington DC
Orlando
Los Angeles
San Francisco Bay Area
Connecticut
Long Island
New Jersey
Westchester
MommyPoppins.com
Mommy Poppins is a family activity website that helps people find things to do with kids.
QUICK LINKS
Activities
Providers
Family Travel
CONTACT
Newsletter Subscribe
Contact
About
SITEMAP
Submit an Activity
List Your Business
Advertise with Us
© 2026 MommyPoppins. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms of Use.
5.342
X
Click Here to Sign Up!
Register/Login if you don't want to see this popup.