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BigApple Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM DECEMBER 2017

Family Vacation Guide • Washington, D.C., with kids • Cruises that leave from NYC • Why teens will love Niagara Falls

Holiday Fun! Tree and menorah lightings, Nutcracker performances, & Hanukkah recipes

The Big Apple Circus Is Back

A behind-the-scenes look at why it’s ‘better than ever’

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

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NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Contents

December 2017 ››

Features

14 The Big Top is Back After filing for bankruptcy, the Big Apple Circus returns—under new ownership—to Lincoln Center.

18 How to Choose the Perfect Family Cruise for Your Crew Find the right cruise for your family with these tips and a roundup of cruise lines departing from the New York area. 22 A Capital Adventure As it turns out, Washington, D.C., is a great place to take young kids. 24 I Took a 14-Year-Old YouTube Addict to Niagara Falls Seven surprises of taking a mother-daughter weekend trip to the falls 40 Celebrate the Festival of Lights Three international dishes to enjoy for Hanukkah

Connections

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 9 Independent School Spotlight: Success Academy 10 Quotables 11 NYMP Q&A: Blogger Emma Johnson discusses raising kids as a single mom. 50 Voices: Reflections of a [Not So] ‘Very Cool Dad’

Fun & Activities

Family Activities CALENDAR ››

12 DIY Corner: Crafty Gift Guide 13 Media Matters: Apps That Keep Families Close 26 Outing: Pleasantville, Westchester County 27 Family Activities Calendar 38 Where-To Guide: Cut Your Own Christmas Tree 39 Where-To Guide: Kid-Friendly Museums

Directories

42 46 47 47 49 49

#SnapShot2017 Party Central Open Houses Professional Services Party Planner Advertisers’ Index

Original photo by PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com)

››

ON THE COVER ›› 14 The Big Apple Circus is Back Holiday Fun: 27 Lightings and Nutcracker performances 40 Hanukkah recipes Family Vacation Guide: 18 Cruises that leave from NYC 22 Washington, D.C., with kids 24 Why teens will love Niagara Falls facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!

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Parent/Child Classesŏđ Pre-K Gymnastics Grade School Gymnastics đ Dance Karate đ Sports Skills đ Awesome Birthday Bashes Parents’ Survival Nights đ Camps BigAppleParent

DECEMBER 2017 • Vol.32 • No.12

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Deborah Skolnik

EDITOR’S NOTE

MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling DEPUTY EDITOR: Caitlin Berens SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf

A Season of Cheer, and Changes

REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Whitney C. Harris (Manhattan); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Jamie McGillian (Westchester); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERN: Jordan Laird

appy holidays! As 2017 dwindles and 2018 dawns, it’s a time for changes everywhere, including here at NYMetroParents. I’m Deborah Skolnik, the brand’s new editorial director. Though you and I don’t know each other well—yet—we already have plenty in common, because I’m in the trenches right alongside you, raising children. I know what it’s like to hold a laughing baby up over my head and have her drool right into my open mouth (a mistake I made only once); to spend an afternoon scrubbing my living-room walls because my toddler decorated them with a red china marker; to lie awake at night with an aching heart after preschool graduation, and elementary and middle school graduation, as well. My daughters are 13 and 17 now, which means I’ve also figured out the best way to embarrass adolescents (by dancing/ pointing/breathing in public). I bet you’re familiar with some of these things, too. But I also know that every mom and dad’s journey is unique. That’s why I’m so excited to work for a brand with such a great motto: “Helping parents make better decisions.” We understand that your time, money, and energy are precious commodities, and we’re here to show you how to make the most of all three. Leaf through this issue, and you’ll see exactly what I mean. Planning a holiday trip over your long-awaited winter break? Cruising with kids is more popular than ever, but the children’s programs on ships can vary widely. To help you figure it all out, we’ve got the ultimate guide to family-friendly cruises that leave from the NYC area, by Emma Steven (p. 18). If you’re more of a landlubber, you’ll want to check out Judy Koutsky’s report on touring Washington, D.C., with her elementary-school-aged sons (p. 22), as well the surprising discoveries that Christina Vercelletto made while visiting Niagara Falls with her teenage daughter (p. 24). Of course, there’s plenty of fun to be had right around here. Katelin Walling treats us to a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the Big Apple Circus (p. 14), which is back at Lincoln Center and better than ever…we’re talking seven-people-making-a-pyramidon-a-high-wire better. (And you thought your life is a balancing act!) If you’ve ever thought about cutting your own Christmas tree, we’ll show you the best places to do it (p. 38). In addition, our roundup of kid-friendly museums (p. 39) will help you inject a little culture into this month’s stretch of delightfully school-free days. We at NYMetroParents are here to help you do your best, in the way that’s best for you. But no matter what, I hope everyone reading this letter has a holiday season that’s exactly the same—filled with joy, peace, laughter, and love. Deborah Skolnik Editorial Director

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MARKETING

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Keep in Touch: 7 @nymetroparents nymetroparents.com December 2017 | nymetroparents.com 6editor@nymetroparents.com

To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents

BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN •ROCKLAND PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2017, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. Subscription rates per year, per publication: $39

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NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS

Galli Theater New York Moves to Midtown Who: Galli Theater New York What’s New: A move to a Midtown location, which opened in October, as well as a travel performance program. The theater’s travel performance program brings live shows into children’s homes and other locations for birthday parties and special events. Upcoming shows at the theater’s new location include Snow Queen (through Dec. 23) and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (early 2018). All shows are held on weekends at 2pm. Galli Theater New York offers classes, workshops, and camps year-round that help children gain self-confidence and improve their acting skills. Registration is now open for holiday camps held Dec. 26-29; Feb. 19-23, 2018; and April 2-6, 2018. Want More Info: 357 W. 36th St., Suite 202, Midtown; 212-731-0668; galliny@gmail.com; gallitheaternyc.com

December 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Gregg Richards

Petra Richterova

New York City-based musicians Ilusha Tsinadze, Imani Uzuri, and Emeline Michel will perform at Carnegie Hall as part of My City My Song.

Courtesy Galli Theater New York

Who: Carnegie Hall What’s New: My City My Song, a family concert at Carnegie Hall on Dec. 16 at 12pm and 3pm. The performance includes three New York City-based musicians: Ilusha Tsinadze, Imani Uzuri, and Emeline Michel, who will introduce audiences to music from around the world that can also be found right in NYC. Tsinadze will perform traditional and original Georgian folk songs, Uzuri will perform Freedom Songs from the Civil Rights Movement, and Michel will perform songs from Haiti. One hour prior to each performance, guests can take part in pre-show activities in Zankel Hall. Tickets for the show are $10. Want More Info: 881 Seventh Ave., Midtown; 212-2477800; carnegiehall.org

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Carnegie Hall to Host Family Concert

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Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves will be performed at Galli Theater in early 2018.

Independent School Spotlight INDEPENDENT SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

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Success Academy scholars explore their creativity through art, music, and dance.

Emphasizing Rigor and Personal Support

With 46 schools citywide, this charter school system improves upon its curriculum constantly. ›› By Bethany Braun-Silva

Name of school: Success Academy Grades: Kindergarten to 12th grade Size of student body: 15,500 in 46 schools Educational approach or philosophy: With rigor and joy as the guiding principles, Success Academy believes schools should be inspiring houses of learning where student engagement is the top priority. To that end, its rich curriculum is constantly being refined and improved. “We believe schools should be incredibly joyful places where kids are engaged, challenged, and inspired every day. For that reason, we prioritize things like chess, science five days a week starting in kindergarten, field studies, art, soccer, and music,” says Eva Moskowitz, founder & CEO of Success Academy Charter Schools. What makes the school unique: Students have science five days a week, and a chess program is built into the curriculum. Projectbased learning, where students explore a topic across all their classes for four-six weeks, is also incorporated. Teachers spend very little time in front of the class—in fact, the school reverses the ratio of teacher talk to student talk in its classrooms to ensure active learning. Students learn scientific principles by conducting experiments and discussing evidence, and master mathematical concepts by creating and sharing problem-solving strategies. “It is so important that kids do the thinking work, which is why we limit ‘teacher talk’ and encourage ‘scholar talk.’ Our teachers are only doing 80 minutes of ‘direct instruction’ a day. The rest of the time our students are conducting experiments, debating a math strategy, or engaging in powerful book discussions,” Moskowitz says. Subjects like art, music, debate, or soccer aren’t seen as “extracurricular,” but instead integrated into the curriculum.

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UOTABLES Blogging has a way of curating our life and trying to make things always look perfect and that’s just not reality. Some days I’m isolated from the world and my only window to what’s going on is my computer and some days I’m running around the city and sweating my ass off trying to get the stroller up and down those damn subway steps. —Allison Cooper, in a post entitled “Thoughts On Quieting My Mind,” on her blog projectmotherhoodnyc.com

in an instagram This pretty much sums up the past year... “Hey Mom and Dad, you guys still can’t keep up with me? Ha!” #jdpodolsky #cashmeoutsidehowboutdat (Posted by Manhattan mom @callybabie, aka Caroline Wexler)

A SPECIAL HOLIDAY FOR SPECIAL KIDS

in an instagram

“The holidays can be fun, exciting, and filled with lots of activities, especially right here in New York City. Some of those can be loud and crowded, too. When you have a child with special needs, this time of year can be challenging. While I want my son to be part of it, not everything works for him and his needs. After lots of trial and error, I have figured out the best way to make him feel included, while hopefully having him understand what is going on. I do have to work extra hard to make this happen but I know it is worth it in the end.”

I ❤ Bay Ridge! #bayridge #bayridgebrooklyn #brooklynkids #atreegrowsinbrooklyn #brooklynliving #nycliving #scooter #microscooter #afterschool #kindergartener

In an article entitled “Spending the Holidays with a Child with Autism,” by Dana Greenburg; read the full piece at nymetroparents.com/holidays-autism.

(Posted by @usjapanfam, aka Heather Tomoyasu, who blogs at usjapanfam.com)

“Every tantrum is different, every kid is different, every situation unfolds differently. Sometimes you’re in a good mood and taking a leisurely walk in the park, sometimes you’re already frustrated and running late. Sometimes you’re at home, sometimes you’re in Target, sometimes you’re at a restaurant... Sometimes there’s an obvious reason for the tantrum (you denied the kid a toy, you took the iPad away, big brother ate a candy bar in front of little brother), and sometimes there is no reason at all.” —Mike Julianelle, in a post entitled “Expert Tips for Parents Are Great (In Theory),” on his blog dadandburied.com

December 2017 | nymetroparents.com

MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS: SEE THE WINDOWS: Find department-store holiday displays at nymetroparents.com/windows. CHOO CHOO!: See where to find holiday train shows at nymetroparents.com/holiday-trains. COLD & FLU SEASON: Learn how to avoid common childhood illnesses at nymetroparents.com/prevent. HIT THE ICE: Find ice-skating rinks near you at nymetroparents.com/ice-skating.

NYMP Q&A

All The Single Mommies

Introducing

Ciao Yoga!

››

By Bethany Braun-Silva

Emma Johnson is the founder of the blog WealthySingleMommy.com, geared toward successful women who are raising kids solo, and recently wrote the book The Kickass Single Mom. What does it mean to be a “kickass single mom”? The goal is for women to live life fully on their own terms. We are living in a time of unprecedented opportunity, rights, and freedom for women. How do we make the most of these, while also honoring our own needs and dreams? This means each woman must think and act outside of any preconceived boxes. However, there are some tenets of “kickassiness”: Having or striving for financial independence, prioritizing our romantic needs, giving back, and focusing on being the kind of women we want our daughters to grow up to be, and our sons to embrace as their peers in every regard. What are your tips for successful co-parenting? Start from a position of 50-50. Except in cases of abuse, each parent should be presumed equal and competent, with the same rights and responsibilities for the children. This means equal time with the kids; equal say in matters like education, health, and religion; and equal priority for each parent’s extended family, including new romantic partners. Not long ago my work travel schedule suddenly became incredibly busy, and both my boyfriend and my ex’s girlfriend offered to help with the kids. A few years ago my ex and I wouldn’t have been able to negotiate that without a brawl, but I am here to tell you this kind of cooperation is an incredible gift to the kids and their adults, both logistically and emotionally. Also, whenever possible, eliminate or minimize money tension between your kids’ dad and yourself. If you are constantly fighting over money, or one person is angry with the other over sums paid or not paid, find ways to automate any payments, make transparent out-of-pocket expenses for the kids (for things like health care, extracurricular activities, child care), or bring in a mediator to smooth things over. What are the advantages for kids being raised by a single mom? Many women find that single motherhood suits them far better than parenting inside of a traditional partnership. The kids benefit from mothers who are living their best lives. Also, single moms tend to take on tasks that have traditionally been assigned to men, such as breadwinning, home repairs, and yard work. Kids in these families are graced with an enlightened view of what men and women can and should do. All children in single-mom families have the advantage of knowing that family can mean different things to different people. Chances are, kids of single moms will have less time with their mother, because she works more and/or because they spend more time with their other parent. Lots of research has found that children benefit from the closer relationships they form with the other caregivers in their lives, such as grandparents and babysitters.

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BigAppleParent 11

DIY CORNER Crafty Gift Guide

By Katelin Walling

From subscription boxes to one-off kits, these crafty gifts give your DIY-lover the satisfaction of creating his or her own gift. Bonus: All materials needed to complete each project are included in the kit, or are common household items, so you won’t have to go to the store for a last-minute supply run.

Court esy K iwiCo

7 DIY Kits for the Crafter in Your Life

Creative Crates at Your Door

The subscription-based KiwiCo offers boxes for ages newborn to 2, 3-4, 5-8, and 9 and older that include creative materials or a full project and more, depending on the age range. Created to celebrate kids’ natural creativity and curiosity while helping parents bring enriching experiences to their children, boxes can be gifted in one-, three-, six-, or 12-month subscriptions. ($16.95-$19.95 per month; kiwico.com)

Court esy

Inspired by Netﬂix’s Project MC2, the Project MC2 Perfume Science Kit encourages girls to use STEAM skills to make their own signature scent. The set comes with a mini science lab and two scents; common kitchen ingredients such as lemon juice and vanilla also can be used to create fragrances. Other kits in the line include Crayon Makeup and H2O Nail. ($19.99-$29.99; toysrus.com)

ent

Founded in 2012 by designer Todd Oldham to inspire kids’ creativity and inventiveness, Kid Made Modern has kits for all the crafters in your life. You’ll find a wide range of appealing projects, from drawing comic books to designing jewelry and customizing musical instruments. ($14.99-$39.99; kidmademodern.com)

rtainm

Innovative Beauty

MGA Ente

ern

Courtesy Kid Made Mod

Kid Made Crafty

Mini Wonkas Courtesy Handcrafted HoneyBee

If your little crafter is into beauty products, but you’re worried about what’s in said products, you’ll love Handcrafted HoneyBee. These kits— created by a husbandand-wife team with backgrounds in education, math, and engineering—utilize STEAM education and Whole Brain Learning, while enabling girls to create skin care products such as lip balms and clay masks. ($28; handcraftedhoneybee.com)

Aspiring artists will appreciate the Art Making with MoMA kits, designed by Museum of Modern Art educators. They’re an easy way to create original artwork, while exploring the materials and techniques favored by such artists as Jacob Lawrence, Jackson Pollock, and Vincent van Gogh. Selections include Storytelling Art, Action Painting, and Brushstroke and Color-Mixing. ($16-$25; store.moma.org)

December 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Knit 1, Purl 1 Whether your crafter is an experienced knitter or picking up the needles for the first time, We Are Knitters offers a project kit that’s right at his or her skill level. Using sustainable, natural, and sometimes recycled fibers, the (aspiring) knitter in your life can make anything from a clutch or hat to a blanket or sweater. ($29-$250; weareknitters.com)

Courtesy We Are Knitters

A Design tesy MoM Coure, .moma.org Stor store

Inspired by Fine Art

Little candy lovers can DIY their own sweet treats with Glee Gum’s Make Your Own candy kits, which are designed to connect kids to the global community. Made from natural ingredients, the easy-to-use kits teach kids why seaweed is the secret to gummies, how rainforest rubber gives gum its bounce, and why the story of chocolate begins in the tropics. ($13.95; gleegum.com)

Courtesy Glee Gum

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Media Matters: APPS

Recommended age: 4+

Apps That Keep Families Close

with in-app purchases)

★★★★

This great app makes lon

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Heads Up! ($0.99)

Recommended age: 7+

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THE GAME OF LIFE: 2016

Recommended age: 8+

The classic game takes kid

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s on a speedy 3-D adven ture. iPad, Android

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Virtual Geocaching—Xnote

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Send personalized, virtua

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Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch,

In Theaters Dec. 15: Ferdinand Parents need to know that Ferdinand is an animated, modernized take on the classic picture book The Story of Ferdinand. Ferdinand (voiced by John Cena) is a gentle bull who prefers sniffing flowers to fighting in an arena. But when villains see how big and scary-looking he is, they kidnap him to make him fight. He must rely on new friends (Kate McKinnon, Gina Rodriguez, David Tennant, and more) to escape and stay true to himself. The bright, colorful animation goes far beyond the book’s ink illustrations, and it’s safe to expect lots more slapstick and some rude humor. But overall this looks like a sweet, funny movie that kids and families will enjoy.

Our Partner: Common Sense Media An independent nonprof it that helps families make smart media choices. Check out thousands of ratings and reviews at commonsensemedia.org

See more at NYMetroParents.com/media

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BigAppleParent 13

Katelin Walling

“As long as you need to love, laugh, and wonder, the Big Apple Circus is here for you,” Ringmaster Ty McFarlan said at the end of the show.

The Big Top is Back

››

After filing for bankruptcy, the Big Apple Circus returns—under new ownership—to Lincoln Center, with Nik Wallenda and Grandma the Clown as headliners. By Katelin Walling

“

ood…good…good…good…good…good.” Grandma the Clown and I stopped talking mid-conversation—and I held my breath—as we gazed at the high wire in the Big Apple Circus tent. Nik Wallenda and his troupe were practicing the Wallenda Seven Person Pyramid during the last week of rehearsals before the circus officially opened, and I had a front-row seat. Other than the hum of the fans running to inﬂate the safety air mattress in the ring, all I could hear was the mid-walk check-in from the high-wire walkers—and it’s no different in performances. When I saw the full show during opening weekend, even the babies and toddlers in the audience seemed to realize that something dangerous and awesome was going on 40 feet in the air and didn’t make a sound. If the Wallenda name isn’t familiar to you, it will be once you see the Big Apple Circus this winter. Nik Wallenda, a seventh-generation member of the legendary Wallenda family, is headlining the 40th anniversary season of the Big Apple Circus with Barry Lubin, aka Grandma the Clown, who is appearing in her 26th season with the Circus.

‘The Big Apple Circus is Bigger and Better Than Ever’

I know what you’re thinking: Didn’t the Big Apple Circus ﬁle for bankruptcy last year? You’re right; it did. And that’s when Neil Kahanovitz, its chairman, stepped in. “I put together a group of people who wanted to keep the Big Apple Circus alive and in New York City,” he says. That group, Big Top Works, acquired the circus nearly a year ago. Kahanovitz—a spinal surgeon who took a five-year leave of absence from medical school in his 20s to be a circus performer—had compelling reasons to save the Big Apple Circus. “It’s one of the shining stars of the unique culture in New York City. You have Lincoln Center, which is the premier performing arts center in the United States, and right there for almost three months during the holiday season, you have what is now the pre-eminent circus in America,” he says. “And for decades and generations, people have grown used to bringing their kids and now grandchildren to see the Big Apple Circus, so it’s really part of New York’s cultural history.”

Typically the creative team (including the director, choreographer, lighting designer, set designer, and musical supervisor) starts to plan the season almost two years in advance. “This year, because we didn’t know if we were going to be able to buy the circus, we jammed almost two years of activity from a production standpoint into six months,” Kahanovitz says. “It’s been very hectic and…it’s certainly paid off.” Once the performers were confirmed—this year’s show has high-wire walkers, acrobats, clowns, contortionists, and puppies and ponies, among others—the team figured out the run of show with the aim of keeping audience members of all ages captivated. “Pardon the pun, but it’s really a juggling act of putting the acts in the right order so that it ﬂows and continues to build throughout the first act and into the second act,” Kahanovitz says. After the circus completes its almost three-month run in Manhattan, it will travel to Atlanta, GA; Washington, D.C.; Boston, MA; Baltimore, MD; and possibly a few more cities, taking the tour through July. Kahanovitz’s goal? “That people realize that the Big Apple Circus is bigger and better than ever, that the acts are bar none the best in the world and are all gathered in an incredible production setting that has been developed by New York and Broadway’s finest production teams.”

The Ultimate Balancing Act

Clowning Full Circle

Barry Lubin (Grandma the Clown), on the other hand, “never intended to go into the circus,” he says. While he’d been a bit of a clown growing up, he discovered a passion for professional clowning during his college years. At the time, he was a student at Emerson College in Boston, MA, and thought he was going to become a television director. “The stress level was so unbelievable that I changed majors and changed majors and after three years, I wanted to take a year off to figure it out,” he says. “Well, I never went back because during that year off, I auditioned for [Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey] Clown College and just got drawn to this. I ended up going to Clown College instead of finishing my senior year, and was offered contracts with the now-defunct Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and it just kept snowballing.”

continued on next page ››

ing Katelin Wall

With circus performing in his blood, Wallenda first began walking on the wire as a toddler. “I was about 18 months old…we were in California on a show called Circus Vargas, which is still running to this day, and I was walking up the tent line as my mom was helping me,” he recalls. By age 2, he was performing in the ring as a clown. As a young teen, the high wire beckoned again—“13 years old was my first performance up on a wire,” he says. Growing up in the circus was “an amazing life,” Wallenda says. His mother home-schooled him while they were on the road, and his field trips were to cultural meccas such as the Smithsonian and Gettysburg. “Wherever we were, we got to see history face to face,” he recalls. When the family was not touring, Wallenda attended private school. “It was a pretty awesome life for sure, to have a close family like that and to be able to see the world,” he says. “It’s an experience that most children don’t get.” Balancing his family life with performing is challenging for Wallenda, especially when walking on a wire across Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon—huge TV productions that came with a lot of media, a lot of training, and a lot of focus, he says. “The truth is, I went out and did those things because my passion was always performing under a big top,” he adds. “The idea was to go out and do these giant productions to raise attention and raise awareness of what happens [in the tent].” Though Wallenda completed these and other amazing feats (he holds six Guinness World Records for tightrope walking), he says the accomplishment he’s most proud of is raising his three children. While none of Wallenda’s kids have expressed interest in becoming the eighth generation of circus performers, his 15-yearold daughter is following in his footsteps as a home-schooler traveling with her parents and the Big Apple Circus. Wallenda also has two sons, a 19-year-old who enlisted in the Marines, and a 16-year-old who is back home in Sarasota, FL, playing high school football.

As for why Wallenda and his wife, Erendira, who also performs in the show, decided to join the Big Apple Circus this season? “We saw it as a great opportunity. …We saw it as ‘hey, our industry needs a shot in the arm and this is a great opportunity with new leaders, new owners, to go out there and show the United States that the circus industry is still strong and going strong and will continue on,’ ” he says. “This is the premier circus, without question, in the U.S., so we saw it as a great opportunity to come back to the industry that we love and be a part of reinvigorating it. I think as a whole this team can do great wonders for our industry and for our passion.”

Grandma the Clown, performed by Barry Lubin, is back for a 26th season with the Big Apple Circus.

Grandma the Clown was created at the beginning of Lubin’s career, when he was just 22 years old. “Grandma is a compilation of my two grandmothers, who I love very much, and my observation of senior citizens through the years. It’s one of many characters that I started off with, and it’s the one that audience members identified as the one they wanted to see more of,” he says. Lubin has now been performing for 43 years, and this year kicked off Grandma the Clown’s 26th season with the Big Apple Circus. He’d left back in 2012 to pursue other opportunities, one of which was to be the first professional clown to perform on all seven continents, which he completed in January with a show for penguins in Antarctica. “The great thing about Grandma is, in a person’s life a grandmother is a beloved figure...I pay tribute to senior citizens, I don’t make fun of senior citizens. And now, in fact, I am a senior citizen. I’ve come full circle. I was a 22-year-old little old lady and now I’m a 65-year-old little old lady.” His bio on the Big Apple Circus’ website says his daughters “have gracefully navigated the world having to explain that their father is also a Grandma.” Though his children are adults now, Lubin says balancing clowning with raising children was difficult. “Years and years and years ago, the family did travel together, but my wife and I decided we wanted our kids to have the opportunities to take swim classes and dance classes and have a social life that was more like a ‘normal’ child’s,” he says. “Over the years I have missed a lot of important moments in their lives, but I try to minimize that as much as I possibly can. They’re adult children now, so they tolerate it pretty well, and they did back then as well. [But] it made me ache when I had to miss a dance recital or something extremely important in their lives because they only got to do it once.” The chance to have more time with his daughters, who live locally, was part of the equation when deciding to be part of the

A Show for the Young and Young-at-Heart

Back in the arena, the tightrope walkers have finished practicing the Wallenda Seven Person Pyramid and are back on the ground. The staging team works quickly to break down and fold up the safety air mattress and set up for the next act to rehearse, just like they do during full performances. In addition to Wallenda and Grandma the Clown headlining the Big Apple Circus, this year’s show also includes Ty McFarlan as ringmaster; the Anastasini Brothers performing their icarian act (one brother does ﬂips and does tricks while balancing on the other’s feet); Dandino, a roller-skating act; Elayne Kramer, a contortionist and seventh-generation circus performer; Jan Damm performing a ‘rola bola’ balancing act; Gamal Garcia Tuniziani, a juggler and third-generation circus performer; the Flying Tunizianis on trapeze; clown Joel Jeske, “who is a phenomenal partner” to Grandma the Clown, Lubin says; and Jenny Vidbel, who performs with her horses, ponies, and dogs. For those who are concerned about the welfare of the animals performing in the show, rest assured they are treated well. (When I visited the horses and ponies, who are rescue animals, in their clean stables during rehearsals, they were enjoying fresh hay.) “They are part of Jenny’s family. When she rescues these animals, she doesn’t really look at them as performers first. If they do work out to be performers and it’s something they like to do, then good. But if not, they spend the rest of their lives out in the pasture at the farm, which is in a gorgeous setting in upstate New York,” Kahanovitz says. “Those horses and ponies are just as happy as any horse or pony I’ve ever seen, and they’re immaculately taken care of. Jenny, first and foremost, is completely in love with every one of those animals.” And you can see that affection in the show. The Wallenda Seven Person Pyramid is the show’s finale—an act “that has never been done in New York City, and it’s something that people recognize as the most difficult aerial feat, particularly on the high line,” Kahanovitz says. The pyramid was first conceptualized in 1946, when Wallenda’s great grandfather sat “at his dining room table with a bunch of wine glasses, and said, this would be cool, and started stacking them up and created the seven-person pyramid. He started training for it on the wire in 1947 and performed it all the way through 1962,” Wallenda says. The family stopped performing the stunt that year when two of Wallenda’s uncles died and one Kateli n Wa lling

The Wallenda Seven Person Pyramid is “the most dangerous feat you can do in the circus world,” Nik Wallenda says.

Big Apple Circus’ 40th anniversary season. “Getting to spend the holidays with my kids…when I’m all over the globe is very difficult to do, obviously,” Lubin says. “I have a tradition with my kids where on Christmas Eve, we drive around and look at the lights in New Jersey and have dinner together. It’s a very small thing, but a very important thing.” Family time, and the fact that Big Apple Circus is the “best circus in the world,” he adds, made the decision relatively easy. “I’ve crossed almost everything off my bucket list and being back in New York is a big moment for me. When I stepped out of my trailer in makeup just now, to me it was like, this is pretty fantastic. It feels like coming home.”

Maike Schulz

S M A E R E E DR T H

R A G T I B S

Nik Wallenda rides a bike across the high wire, while his wife, Erendira, hangs by her mouth 40 feet in the air.

WINTER 2018 SKATING SCHOOL BEGINS JANUARY 2! was paralyzed from the waist down during a performance in Detroit, MI. The catastrophe occurred because one of the performers “was under the weather, slipped, and fell,” Wallenda says. The family brought the pyramid back to the high wire in 1998, and now New Yorkers young and young-at-heart can see “the most dangerous feat you can do in the circus world,” according to Wallenda. Producing a show that appeals to all ages is something Kahanovitz says is important to Big Top Works. “What really excites me is to talk to people as they leave the show, and they realize that this is not just a circus for children. It’s a circus for everyone. And we have put together a show that really has something for everyone. Clearly children love it, but what we’re really excited about is the fact that people in their 20s and 30s and parents and grandparents love it just as much, if not more.” The Big Apple Circus is at Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center with performances through Jan. 7, 2018. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bigapplecircus.com.

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How to Choose the Perfect Family Cruise for Your Crew ›› Find the right cruise for your family with these tips and a roundup of cruise lines departing the New York area. By Emma Steven

ruises are the fastest-growing category in the leisure travel market—it’s estimated that more than 25 million people will set sail this year. But with so many cruise lines competing to woo families, how do you decide which one is perfect for you? To help, we have gathered tips on how to pick a cruise that fits your crew, along with a list of the best family cruise lines departing from the New York area. All aboard!

Things to Consider When Planning a Cruise What does your family need? Almost all cruises now offer some type of family programming, but the services and facilities vary between cruise lines and even individual ships. Some are better for babies and young kids, some for tweens and teens, and others are best for intergenerational parties. A ship that suits teens who want to entertain themselves may not be great for a sports-enthused tween, or a toddler obsessed with Disney princesses. Do you want drop-off activities for the 18

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kids or to play together as a family? Scheduled or freestyle fun? Investigate what’s offered and consider what each member of the family needs. How old are your kids? Each cruise line splits its kids’ activities by different age ranges. Check that these work for your family, especially if you want siblings to play together. If you have really young kids, double-check that your chosen ship offers drop-off activities. Some will only allow potty-trained kids or children ages 3 and older in their programs. Most ships do not allow children who are not potty trained into the water areas and pools, so if you have a toddler, check first. What size ship suits your party? Larger and newer ships are more likely to have bigger cabins and family suites, as well as exciting-sounding facilities such as bowling alleys and ice-skating rinks. They can also have a party atmosphere and crowds. Smaller ships may have fewer activities, but some fam-

ilies prefer the more sedate atmosphere and shorter lines. If you have teens who like to wander, you’ll want to bring cellphones to keep track of them on a larger ship.

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How many days do you want the cruise to last? Most lines offer cruises ranging from three to 14 days. Up to seven days can be a good starting point for families and cruise newbies. After all, you don’t want to book a 14-day cruise and discover you hate it on day two! Consider how many days it will take your family to relax and settle in so you can come back from your vacation well rested. What lodgings suit your family’s needs? Each ship has a variety of accommodations, from basic cabins with dividing curtains, to suites with sea views and balconies. Some lines have better basic cabins, some better suites. If you have small kids and won’t be out every night, it’s worth making sure your cabin won’t be above a bar or nightclub. Do you want ﬂexible or set dining times? Each cruise line has a multitude of restaurants and dining choices. Some offer flexible, casual dining where you can pick and choose from whatever cuisine you want. Others are more formal, giving you set times to dine each night. Almost all cruises will offer buffets as well as dining rooms, room service, and often at least one formal meal per trip.

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What type of entertainment interests you? Many cruise lines offer big-name performers and Broadway-worthy productions. Others have acrobatic shows, character meet-and-greets, or activity zones so the family can entertain themselves at a water park, ice-skating rink, or bowling alley.

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What atmosphere do you want? Do you prefer a traditional, more formal ship or something more casual? A themed cruise or a trip with unrelated but exciting activities? Do you want to pick activities as you go, or to be scheduled? Some ships have a party atmosphere, while others are more laid-back. Figure out the ambience you desire overall as well as in the mornings and evenings.

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What is your perfect itinerary? From the New York area, the Caribbean is a popular choice for families. Other destinations include city stops in New England and Canada or beach-focused trips to the Bahamas and Bermuda. Some cruise lines stop in Orlando, FL, which is perfect if you want to hit the theme parks or other nearby attractions. Just keep in mind many of the organized activities on land can be expensive, so you may want to plan ahead and book your own entertainment.

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Read the ﬁne print While some cruises are truly all-inclusive, others may charge more for certain things on board, excursions, or for activities during stops on land. Know what is—and isn’t—included in your ticket price, so you don’t have any surprises when it’s time to disembark.

Family-Friendly Cruise Lines Departing the New York Area More and more families are taking to the high seas for vacation, and New York is a popular place to set sail. Now that you have the tools to plan your cruise, evaluate each cruise line to find the best fit before looking at the specific ships’ offerings. continued on next page ››

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Disney Cruise Line Disney offers some of the most popular cruises for families, particularly families with young children. With just one ship sailing from New York, the Disney Magic, you’ll have to book early. Where to? Itineraries to the Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean, Bermuda, and Canada. Bahamian cruises stop off at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. Families on this trip also get the chance to visit the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida as one of their stops. Highlights: The big draw is the opportunity to make your kid’s dreams come true as they meet their favorite characters. Options include tea with a princess, character breakfasts (select cruises of seven nights or more only), and character meet-and-greets. Other highlights include Disney movies on the big screen, dinner shows, and splashing in Goofy’s Pool. Disney cruises are famous for their Broadway-quality family entertainment and original shows. Exclusive to Disney Magic is Tangled: The Musical, the first-ever stage adaptation of the animated film. The Pirate Night deck party is also a big hit. Kids clubs: The ships have kids clubs for children ages 6 months and older, including a drop-off nursery (extra fee applies) for babies. Another bonus for families with young children: Disney is one of the only cruise lines with splash areas for kids still in diapers. Dining: Guests are given set dining times; eating at the same time each night with the same people, but rotating through different restaurants. There are also casual options, buffets, in-room, and, of course, character dining. Best for: Families with children ages 12 and younger, but Disney cruises attract fans of all ages. Old and young love the classic, Golden Age styling; famous customer service; and smaller size. To book: disneycruise.disney.go.com Carnival Cruise Line Families enjoy Carnival cruises in part because the ships have lots to do and offer good value for the money, along with a laid-back, social atmosphere. The brand-new Carnival Horizon is scheduled to set sail from New York starting May 2018. Where to? From New York, the Carnival Horizon will depart directly to Bermuda. An itinerary for an Eastern Caribbean cruise includes stops in Grand Turk, San Juan, and Amber Cove. Highlights: There’s a Seuss character breakfast (green eggs and ham, of course!), a parade, and themed activities. The new Carnival Horizon will also feature a Dr. Seuss-themed water park. The whole family can enjoy exciting water slides; two theaters, including an IMAX; and SportSquare, a large outdoor recreation area including mini golf, a ropes course, and foosball tables, to name a few of its many attractions. Carnival is also famous for its nightlife for grown-ups, including comedy clubs and big-name performers. Kids clubs: On offer for ages 2-17, including a special teen-only lounge with a DJ. Younger children do not have to be potty trained to attend, but children older than 3 will have their parents contacted if they need to be changed. Dining: Standout options include Bonsai Teppanyaki and Guy’s Burger Joint from Food Network personality Guy Fieri. Best for: Families with children ages 2 and older. Laid-back cruisers who like to be entertained all the time, even by the pool. Dr. Seuss fans and burger lovers. To book: carnival.com Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line offers a relaxed atmosphere and a huge fleet. The Norwegian Escape, Breakaway, and Gem all sail from New York. 20

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Where to? The ships embarking from New York have itineraries to the Bahamas and Florida, Bermuda, Canada and New England, Eastern Canada and Quebec, and transatlantic (one-way) cruises to London, England. Cruises are also available to the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean. Norwegian Cruise Line is a specialist in the Caribbean and has its own island, Great Stirrup Cay, a stop on the Western Caribbean as well as Bahamas and Florida trips. Highlights: Norwegian Cruise Line introduced ‘Freestyle Cruising,’ which means you can follow your own schedule for activities and eating. This cruise line is famous for its nighttime performances and meal entertainment such as Cirque Dreams, an acrobatic and dance show. Kids clubs: The Guppies Nursery (exclusively on the Norwegian Escape), offers care for children ages 6 months to 3 years. Norwegian Cruise Line offers youth programs divided by age groups for children ages 6 months to 17 years. Activities might vary from ship to ship and depending on the age of your child, but some offerings include circus school, theme nights, parades, treasure hunts, and painting. Dining: Options include specialty dining, buffets, room service, and dining rooms. There are no set dining times, but reservations are available. Best for: Families who want to make their own schedule during the day and love shows. To book: ncl.com Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean cruises are a popular choice for families, with nonstop action for every age. Anthem of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas sail from Cape Liberty, NJ. Where to? Cruises departing Cape Liberty head to Bermuda, Bahamas, Eastern and Southern Caribbean, and also have itineraries to Bermuda and Boston, Canada and New England, and Bermuda and Caribbean. Cruises to the Bahamas will enjoy a stop at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean International’s private island, and passengers can also spend a day in Orlando exploring theme parks, the Kennedy Space Center, or Cocoa Beach. Royal Caribbean International also has Fall Foliage Northbound Cruises to experience peak fall, scheduled for September 2018. Highlights: Royal Caribbean is famous for its never-ending list of innovative play zones and activities, including a rock climbing wall, surfing simulator, trapeze school, and skydiving simulator. A partnership with DreamWorks brings character visits and parades on board from movies such as Shrek and Kung Fu Panda (available on Anthem of the Seas). Entertainment varies per ship but can include Broadway musicals such as CATS or Grease as well as original productions. Kids clubs: Fun and educational programs are offered by age group for children ages 6 months to 17 years. A drop-off nursery is offered on select ships including Anthem of the Seas. Royal Caribbean has great teen entertainment including parties and nightclubs, and offers group and in-cabin babysitting for children ages 1 and older. Select cruises have a Baby Splash Zone for children who are not completely potty trained. Dining: Choices range from casual to elegant, such as Johnny Rockets diner, Chef Jamie Oliver’s Jamie’s Italian (Anthem of the Seas), and Chef’s Table for five-course gourmet meals. Best for: Active families with teens or tweens. Cruisers who are always on the go and want to try everything. Musical lovers. Screenagers who will appreciate the high-speed Wi-Fi. To book: royalcaribbean.com

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Judy Koutsky

Clockwise from left: The author’s sons pose with the Washington Monument in the background during their trip to Washington, D.C., last spring; the author’s sons at the National Air and Space Museum; the author’s sons at the FDR Monument. Opposite page: The author’s sons enjoy ice cream treats at the National Mall.

A Capital Adventure

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With many historical venues and lots of walking required, a trip to Washington, D.C., seemed risky. Turns out, it’s a great place to take young kids. By Judy Koutsky

ost people think of Washington, D.C., as the quintessential eighth-grade graduation trip. The kids are old enough to understand (some, if not all) of the history, and with all the walking involved, they have the stamina for truly exploring the region. But last spring, when my boys were 6 and 8, in kindergarten and second grades, we thought perhaps a trip to our nation’s capital wasn’t a bad idea, especially given the tumultuous political election we’d just lived through. Could a trip there be educational and fun for two high-energy, short-attention-span kids? We decided to find out. We stayed at the River Inn, in large part because it’s affordable and centrally located: It’s near Georgetown, the Metro, and a mile away from the National Mall. Plus, the property has kitchens in all rooms and there’s a giant Whole Foods five minutes away (where we went daily). The staff at the hotel was extremely friendly and super knowledgeable; I was constantly asking their opinion on where to go and when. It’s not a fancy property, but for my family of four, it was a good fit. Turns out many people from the Northeast (and from our town) were in D.C. for spring break. Each family we talked to toured our

December 2017 | nymetroparents.com

nation’s capital in a different way. Some did only one activity each day or focused on one area during their stay. We are a full-speedahead family, and so we make the most of every visit, which often means packing in as much as possible. Here’s what we did during our four-day trip to our nation’s capital.

The International Spy Museum

Even before heading to D.C., I had heard of this museum. It’s one of the few for which you have to pay to get in (it’s not a Smithsonian) and the $20 ticket price (for adults; kids are cheaper) can be tough to swallow for a family. Despite the price, the lines are long, a sure tip-off that this museum is popular. While much of it was above my kids’ heads (the idea of government spies was fictional in their mind), my younger son said this was his favorite museum of all that we visited.

The Newseum

This was hands-down my favorite. Like the spy museum, you have to pay to get in, but it was not super crowded. A highlight of the six-floor Newseum was the exhibit about the Berlin Wall, featuring

The National Zoo

The star attraction here is the pandas, and they were well worth the line to see. The zoo is free since it’s part of the Smithsonian, and there’s not a line to get in, just to see the pandas, which is also free. Both of my kids loved seeing these cuddly, cute creatures, and we spent a chunk of time simply watching them. The zoo is a good way to take a break from all the history and science museums.

National Air and Space Museum

This is the most-visited museum in Washington, D.C., and for good reason. We spent several hours taking in the various aircraft and space exhibits, plus we saw an IMAX movie. The kids loved this museum (and the IMAX); it’s well worth a full afternoon or day.

National Museum of Natural History

We saw another IMAX movie here and also spent time at the must-sees: the Hope Diamond and plenty of dinosaurs and mammals from around the world. For younger kids, make sure to take them to the Butterfly Pavilion, the O. Orkin Insect Zoo, and Q?rius, the hands-on lab that has a dedicated junior section for those ages 10 and younger. Also, Objects of Wonder focuses on a bunch of weird stuff that kids find fascinating, such as a hunk of whale earwax.

Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours

Even though we walked nearly 20,000 steps a day (it was fun to watch the numbers climb on our Fitbits!), having the option to jump on the bus and rest for a while was great. Also, I really appreciated the narrative on the bus. Everyone gets a set of headphones and sets the dial to their language preference. We took the bus to the zoo, to Arlington National Cemetery, around the National Mall and Tidal Basin, and toured much of D.C. that way.

Monuments and Memorials

The weather in D.C. the week we went was beautiful and perfect for walking. We visited many memorials—Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, Martin Luther King Jr., Franklin Delano Roosevelt— and this was one of my favorite things we did. Simply being outside in such a beautiful setting and surrounded by inspirational quotes from great leaders appealed to and inspirited each of us.

Firefly Restaurant

Most of our dining while in Washington, D.C., was on-the-go. Truth be told, my kids are not great at sitting down for long periods of time, but I wanted to try Firefly since I had heard that it’s built around a large indoor tree, which sits in the middle of the room, and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and comfort food. Verdict: The pot roast is divine, definitely a favorite dish. Ingeniously, they give all children cookies to decorate as soon as they sit down. My boys took the project seriously and gave serious thought to where they were putting the sprinkles and chocolate chips. No iPads were needed to entertain them, and I was able to have adult conversation while the boys were preoccupied. Then when the food arrived, our waiter took the cookies away to be baked and brought them back for dessert. My kids thought this was the best restaurant ever! Turns out, there is plenty to do and see in Washington, D.C., for young kids. We enjoyed our visit so much, we are thinking about coming back next year. Judy Koutsky is a Westchester-based writer who writes often about travel, parenting, health, and lifestyle.

Judy Koutsky

an actual piece of the wall; my kids were fascinated by the idea that a city could be walled in and people were not free to leave. We also saw Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs, and the exhibit about Civil Rights was especially interesting to my kids. I feel like we all got an education from this museum.

Arlington National Cemetery

While some families avoid this stop, we thought it was an important one to visit. We went straight to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to watch the changing of the guard. My kids found this very fascinating: The guards change every 30 minutes. Then we slowly walked back and talked about soldiers and war at the level that was appropriate for them. Kids today know about these topics—how can they not, with what’s in the news every day?—and discussing it with them in a way they understand allowed them to ask questions and created an open dialogue.

Washington Nationals Baseball Game

My kids love sports; me, not so much. But even I got into the energy of a Nationals game. The crowd was so energetic that it was simply contagious. Plus, there are playgrounds on-site for kids who can’t sit still for hours. Before hitting the game, we stopped at a Shake Shack across the street from the park and feasted on burgers, fries, and shakes. Due to the location of the restaurant, pretty much everyone was going to the game, so the excitement started even before we entered the ball field. We went to an evening game, and it was a great way to spend a warm night, after walking all day. BigAppleParent 23

Christina Vercelletto

A view of Niagara Falls

I Took a 14-Year-Old YouTube Addict to Niagara Falls ››

A mother-daughter weekend in Niagara Falls felt like a preposterous idea. So I tried it, and here are the seven surprises I got. By Christina Vercelletto

f you have a child between the ages of 12 and 15, you’re often confused. They change friends, their taste in clothes, their favorite foods—sometimes overnight. They’re with you physically, but their minds and spirits definitely are not, as they look down at their phones for hours on end. Some days, nothing you do, or offer to do, is right. My 14-year-old daughter, Amelia, a good kid by any definition, jumps out of the car before I’ve even come to a complete stop at the home of her BFF of the week, and doesn’t look back. She stiffens a little when I hug her, remarking, “Mom, you’re like really close to my face right now.” Together time is now largely limited to mani-pedis—if she can bring a friend. That’s why a mother-daughter long weekend seemed like it might be tough to pull off without tears (on her part or mine) before the end of it. But a long weekend to Niagara Falls, that classic vacation destination where her grandma honeymooned

December 2017 | nymetroparents.com

circa 1960? And without a friend in tow? I like a challenge, so I convinced her to go. (Fine, I pointed out we’d need mani-pedis for the trip). Here are the seven discoveries we made: We can agree on something. The flight from JFK was only about an hour, less time than many of us spend commuting to work. On the other end, Buffalo Niagara International Airport is as easy to get through as my garage. Maybe easier. There was no line (not one person!) in security, and it looked unusually clean for an airport. Or, at least, if you had a toddler who put a pretzel bit found on the floor in his mouth, you wouldn’t consider calling 911, as you may at LaGuardia. Amelia marveled, “This isn’t even like an airport…” I couldn’t agree more, I said. I felt hopeful.

She’s not beyond noticing when I’m not nearby. At Sheraton at the Falls, the pool area has two tropical aquariums. If you upgrade to a club-level room, well worth the splurge, you get free breakfast, hot food and all, so there is minimal morning rushing. And then at 5pm, they have gratis beer and wine and hearty snacks laid out, conveniently in a lovely glass-enclosed space right next to the pool. So there I sat, with my pinot noir, waving to Amelia when she looked up to see where I was. Wait! Did she just look around to see where I was? I’m still allowed to help her. Yes, it’s kitschy, and been around forever, but we donned the garbage bags they hand out as ponchos and boarded Maid of the Mist. How wet could we get, I wondered? I’ll just say this: If you go to Cave of the Winds first, keep the foam sandals they give you. This boat ride gives you a perspective you really can’t get any other way. When we got off, we looked like two madwomen, our hair wet yet somehow still windblown, and black mascara streaks running down our cheeks, donned in foam sandals and bright blue trash bags. We laughed. “Can you get my face?” she asked. I wiped her cheeks with a tissue. She did not say I was too close to her face. My utensils are not necessarily contaminated. When we arrived at Hibbard’s Original Frozen Custard in nearby Lewiston, which we were told has the custard to end all custard, Amelia tried the thick soft serve in cookies and cream. I got black raspberry. We ate our treats at picnic tables. She tried mine, off of my spoon, without saying “Ew, no…” She knows better than me sometimes. I’m the one who climbs the 377 steps to the crown of the Statue of Liberty, then, frozen in fear, tells everyone I’ll meet them back down in the lobby. I didn’t share Amelia’s enthusiasm about a Rainbow Air helicopter ride over the Falls. But she cajoled me, saying it would be fine, and what could happen when they do 40 rides a day, and she would hold my hand if she “really had to.” The floor was see-through. So unless I closed my eyes the whole time, there was no way to avoid seeing that I was really, really, really high up. I resolved not to let my 14-year-old daughter, who was giddy with excitement, see me close my eyes. And it was awesome.

Christina and Amelia Vercelletto prepare for a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls.

Somehow, it didn’t bother me as much as I anticipated, though admittedly I avoided looking down at the floor. I just told myself I was on a plane, which somehow doesn’t bother me. Taking in the amazing views knowing I would only be able to see them for five minutes of my life distracted me from my distance from the Earth. She’s not too old for the Rainforest Café. Who else remembers this place? They had a few around here years ago. It’s fun, what with the indoor thunderstorms and animatronic tigers and all, but it’s definitely a place for kids. Something Amelia has been insisting she no longer is for a good two years now. But it was getting late, we were hungry, and the Rainforest Café is attached to the lobby of Sheraton at the Falls. You don’t even have to go outside. Turned out, she loved it. We shared a monstrous plate of nachos we barely put a dent in, and then she dug into pasta with veggies. I had a surprisingly good steak. Surprisingly because, well, steak at a kid’s place seemed dicey. But the gamble paid off. Seeing her sip raspberry lemonade from a plastic kid’s cup made my night. A little bit of the paranormal makes history cool. At my insistence, we hit a bounty of historic (read: educational) attractions just outside of Niagara Falls. The first was the NYPA Niagara Power Vista in Lewiston, with sophisticated, teenfriendly exhibits that made all that science information relatable to their day-to-day lives. Amelia didn’t emerge a hydropower genius, but she loved the motion simulator ride that replicates the journey of a single drop of water as it turns into energy. The ride sprays mist all over you, perchance we didn’t have enough back at the Falls. Go to Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown before or after the Power Vista, since they are only 10 minutes apart. At the fort, we explored the very same buildings that were occupied by NativeAmerican, French, British, and American soldiers in the 18th century, and got a feel for what life at the fort was like with reenactments by blacksmiths, coopers, and bakers. Our tour guide told us the story of a local newspaper reporter who wanted to stay overnight in one of the buildings that was reputed to be haunted. He barely lasted two hours. An episode of the erstwhile Syfy series Ghost Hunters had been filmed here. Amelia and I used to love that show—but when she got to be 12, she became lots less interested in watching TV with mom than staring at YouTube. The next day, we ventured underground at the Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride. As part of the 70-minute guided tour, you walk through a misty water tunnel that was blasted out of solid rock, and examine artifacts left behind by the Irish immigrants who did the work in the early days of the Erie Canal. Our tour guide, who was quite the character, informed us that if water drips on your head, it’s a year of good luck. Well, our tour group now has enough luck for our children’s children. I don’t think it’s going too far to bring an umbrella. The boat ride is a damp proposition, too. (Clearly, there is no eluding water in these parts.) A zip line across the canal is coming soon, they told us. And—what are the odds!—this tunnel was also the site of a Ghost Hunters episode. When we got back to our room that night, Amelia and I stayed up and streamed the episodes. Just like the good old days. Christina Vercelletto is a travel writer and a former editor at NYMetroParents, Parenting, Scholastic Parent & Child, and Woman’s Day. She lives on Long Island with her kids, a chiweenie, Pickles, and a 20-pound calico, Chub-Chub.

BigAppleParent 25

OUTINGS: Pleasantville, Westchester

nymetroparents.com/outings

5 Reasons We Love Pleasantville

Nature, film, and charm just a train ride from Manhattan. ›› By Kathryn Sheridan 2 Courtesy Jacob Burns Film Center

Courtesy Pleasantville Farmers Market

3 Courtesy New York State Parks

1 Jacob Burns Film Center offers a variety of indie, foreign, and documentary film screenings. 2 The Pleasantville Farmers Market often offers live music and entertainment for kids, such as Marco the Magician. 3 The Rockefeller State Park Preserve consists of more than 1,000 acres of picturesque land as well as Swan Lake.

he appropriately named village of Pleasantville in Westchester County has all the charm of a small community while boasting the benefits that come from being a train ride away from Manhattan. Pleasantville is familiar worldwide to the subscribers of Reader’s Digest, which made the village its headquarters and maintains a presence there. The village was noted in GQ ’s list of “Top Ten Best Smelling Cities in the World.” They write, “If Norman Rockwell’s paintings emitted a scent, this is what it would be.” Here are the five reasons we love Pleasantville.

A Movie-Buff’s Haven

Credited with putting Pleasantville on the cultural map, the nonprofit Jacob Burns Film Center draws moviegoers in for screenings of indie, foreign, and documentary films. Film industry powerhouses such as George Clooney, Woody Allen, Robert Redford, and Stephen King have made guest appearances and speeches at the landmark theater. Programs and classes are offered for kids and adults of all ages to learn about film, storytelling, and production.

Fresh Produce Year-Round

Since 1998, the Pleasantville Farmers Market has provided year-round access to healthy, locally grown food. Today, it is the largest farmers market in Westchester County with more than 55 vendors and it attracts upwards of 2,500 people each week. Weekly vendors are posted on its website along with an interactive map so visitors can locate and learn more about them. Through Nov. 18 the market is located next to the Metro-North station at Memorial Plaza on Saturdays from 8:30am-1pm. Most weeks May-October the outdoor market features live music and events for kids, as well as health and culinary events. During the winter, Dec. 2-March 24, 2018 the market is housed in the local middle school on Saturdays from 8:30am-1pm.

December 2017 | nymetroparents.com

The Preservation of Nature

Offering hiking trails, fishing, and panoramic views of the Hudson River, the Rockefeller State Park Preserve is a favorite outdoor destination of Pleasantville residents. The park consists of more than 1,000 acres of picturesque land donated by the Rockefeller family. The system of carriage roads created by John D. Rockefeller, a horse-lover, remain in use in the park. In the fall guests can enjoy peak fall foliage and in the spring visitors can view the Peony Monument’s 425 tree peonies in bloom next to the Rockefeller Art Gallery, which has rotating exhibits of two-dimensional arts.

Indie Literature Lovers

Located just around the corner from the Pleasantville Metro-North station, the Village Bookstore is an old-fashioned wonderland of good reads. The store also hosts author readings and poetry contests. Its most famous customers might be Bill and Hillary Clinton, who live in nearby Chappaqua and adopted the store after their local bookstore closed.

The Live Music Scene

Every year on a Saturday in July, thousands flock to the village for the Pleasantville Music Festival. The all-day event features a mix of established musicians and bands and newcomers on two stages. Families can bring blankets and chairs to enjoy a day of live rock and blues tunes during the next festival, July 14, 2018.

Want to Go?

Directions: Approximately a 1-hour Metro-North ride from Midtown For more information: nymetroparents.com/pleasantville

Ideas When You Need Them:

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Turn the page for details on ‘Elf the Musical’ (No. 6 on our list).

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EDITOR: WHITNEY C. HARRIS nyccalendar@davlermedia.com

DECEMBER CALENDAR

Editor’s Hot Tickets

Smarty Pants

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!

Crafty Kids

Special Needs, Movers & Shakers

Dance Party

Mini Musicians, Browse & Buy

Show Time!

Holiday Fun

Animal Lovers, Once Upon a Time

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the 10 events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to. Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!

Annual Santa Rescue

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 11:30am-2pm WHERE: New York City Fire Museum, 278 Spring St., Soho AGES: All WHAT: Watch in awe as FDNY firefighters rescue Santa from the roof of the museum. Once he’s safely inside the building, St. Nick will sit with children and pose for photos. WHY WE LOVE IT: Combines two kid favorites: firemen and Santa! WANT TO GO? $8; $5 children ages 2-16; free for children younger than 2. 212-691-1303. nycfiremuseum.org.

National Marionette Theatre Presents ‘Pinocchio’

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 9, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Carlo Collodi’s epic tale about a puppet that wants to become a real boy is brought to life with beautifully crafted marionettes and stunning scenery. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s an autism- and sensory sensitivityfriendly performance featuring brighter lighting in audience, lowered sound levels, and a designated quiet area. WANT TO GO? $17. 503-293-9498. symphonyspace.org.

Dreidels and Donuts: A Hanukkah Concert

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WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 10am WHERE: Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, 30 W. 68th St., Upper West Side AGES: Newborn to 5

December 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHAT: Sing and dance with Bossy Frog Band, enjoy art activities, and peruse a book fair featuring books and gifts for the whole family from Book Culture. WHY WE LOVE IT: All of the latkes and jelly doughnuts you can eat! WANT TO GO? $20 per family. 516-877-4050. swfs.org.

Hanukkah Family Day

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 12-4pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3 and older WHAT: A festive afternoon to celebrate Hanukkah with pop-rock tunes from Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights, themed workshops for kids to build a sculptural Hanukkah lamp with funky found objects, and a Hanukkah story drawing performance by Jeff Hopkins. WHY WE LOVE IT: Fun for kids of all ages, with tons of arts and music programming. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 seniors; $7.50 students; free for children younger than 18. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

Breakfast with Santa

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: daily, 8:15am WHERE: The Rink at Rockefeller Center, 600 Fifth Ave., Rockefeller Center AGES: All WHAT: Treat your family to a beloved holiday tradition by enjoying pastries and eggs with Santa at Rock Center Café or The Sea Grill.

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WHY WE LOVE IT: Tons of photo ops at one of the season’s most iconic destinations. WANT TO GO? $50 and up. 212-332-7654. therinkatrockcenter.com.

‘Elf the Musical’

WHEN: Dec. 13-29, see website for times WHERE: The Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: Young orphan Buddy crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and grows up in the North Pole only to discover he’s not an elf. He embarks on a journey to New York City to discover his true identity. WHY WE LOVE IT: If you like the movie, you’ll love the show at MSG. WANT TO GO? $39 and up. 866-858-0008. theateratmsg.com/elf.

Jason Bishop: Believe in Magic

WHEN: Dec. 1-30, see website for times WHERE: The New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This kid-friendly master of illusion will magically make it snow, perform a disappearance onstage, and execute an amazing appearance in the audience. WHY WE LOVE IT: Jason performs with an adorable canine companion, Gizmo! WANT TO GO? $20 and up. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.

New Year’s Eve Celebration

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 31, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: Visitors are invited to New Year’s themed workshops such as animating fireworks, mask making, clay relief sculptures, New Year’s Resolution drawings, and more. WHY WE LOVE IT: There’s a countdown to 2018 at 12pm to watch a handmade New Year’s Eve ball drop. WANT TO GO? $12; seniors pay as you wish; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

‘Christmas Spectacular’ Starring the Radio City Rockettes

WHEN: Through Jan. 1, 2018: daily, see website for times WHERE: Radio City, 1260 Sixth Ave., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Combining the old with the new, the Christmas Spectacular takes audiences on a gorgeously choreographed journey from Santa’s workshop at the North Pole to the streets of Manhattan. WHY WE LOVE IT: The incredible costumes, the festive music, the kick lines! WANT TO GO? $35 and up. 212-247-4777. rockettes.com/christmas.

16th Annual Holiday Train Show FREE

WHEN: Through Feb. 4, 2018: daily, 6am-8pm WHERE: Transit Museum Gallery Annex & Store, Grand Central Terminal, 89 E. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Kids can watch in awe as little Lionel trains roll along a 34-foot-long, two-level track that looks just like a mini NYC with a nearby countryside. The scenery even includes its very own North Pole. WHY WE LOVE IT: There are some really cool vintage train cars on display. WANT TO GO? 212-340-2583. nytransitmuseum.org.

WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE

Think a freebie has to be ho-hum? Don’t let the price tag (or lack of one) fool you. Here are the five no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome. Broadway Under the Stars FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 11: Mondays, 5pm WHERE: The Shops at Columbus Circle, 10 Columbus Circle, 2nd Floor, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy free performances from Broadway’s most popular shows, including Chicago, Waitress, Anastasia, SpongeBob SquarePants, Once on This Island, and A Bronx Tale. WANT TO GO? 212-823-6300. theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com.

Saturday Morning Show FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 16: Saturdays, 10am-12pm WHERE: Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St., Battery Park City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Stop by Hudson Eats on Saturday mornings for family-friendly performances. The fun includes interactive sing-alongs with Yellow Sneaker Puppets, magic demonstrations by Gary the Great, children’s book readings, and crafts. WANT TO GO? 212-978-1698. brookfieldplaceny.com.

Santaland FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: See website for store hours WHERE: Macy’s, 151 W. 34th St., 8th Floor, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Visitors will wander through a 13,000-square-foot Christmas Village filled with holiday treasures, the biggest of which is Santa Claus himself. After meeting Santa, guests can buy a photo package. Visits are by reservations only this year. WANT TO GO? 212-494-4495. macys.com/santaland.

Holiday Windows FREE

WHEN: Through Jan. 1, 2018: Window opening dates vary, check store websites for details WHERE: Midtown Manhattan, between 34th and 61st streets and Sixth and Third avenues, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: The famous (and favorite) ones are usually Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, Lord & Taylor, Tiffany & Co, and Henri Bendel. And many of the big stores along Fifth Avenue get in the spirit and deck out the windows. WANT TO GO? macys.com; bloomingdales.com; barneys.com; saksfifthavenue.com; bergdorfgoodman.com; lordandtaylor.com; tiffany. com; henribendel.com.

2017 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree FREE

WHEN: Through Jan. 7, 2018: daily, 5:30am-11:30pm WHERE: Rockefeller Center, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Bundle up and squeeze through the crowded sidewalks to see this year’s towering Christmas tree. WANT TO GO? 212-332-6868. rockefellercenter.com. ›› BigAppleParent 29

MOVERS & SHAKERS Annual Tree Lighting Skate-tacular FREE

SPECIAL NEEDS

‘Come From Away’

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 1pm WHERE: Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, 236 W. 45th St., Midtown West AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Following the 9/11 attacks, 6,579 passengers were forced to land in Gander, Newfoundland, doubling the population of the small town. This is a special performance for individuals on the autism spectrum, as well as people with other developmental or cognitive disabilities who may benefit. WANT TO GO? $42 and up. 212-912-9770. tdf.org.

Workshops for Kids with Disabilities FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 10am-12:30pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Examine art on view and create a work of your own in these programs for families with children who have developmental and learning disabilities. WANT TO GO? 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

Billy Kelly in Concert

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 16, 11am WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Audiences are taken on a wild ride filled with stories and images that defy imagination. For families with children on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities, this performance features brighter lighting in audience, lowered sound levels, and everyone is free to move about the theater. WANT TO GO? $17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

Discoveries Family Workshops

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 17, 2-3:30pm WHERE: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Children with disabilities, together with friends and family, explore the day’s theme on a gallery tour followed by an art activity in the studio. These workshops support development of social and life skills, such as communication and independent living skills. WANT TO GO? $25; $17 seniors; $12 students; free for children younger than 12. 212-535-7710. metmuseum.org.

‘Addy & Uno’

WHEN: Through Jan. 14, 2018: Saturday-Sunday, 12pm WHERE: Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: In this new musical featuring a cast of puppets and people, Uno, a boy with autism, gains the courage to enter his school’s math competition with help from friends who face challenges of their own: Addy has attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder; Melody is visually impaired; Seemore has hearing loss; and RJ uses a wheelchair. A heartfelt and hilarious journey celebrating hope, big dreams, and the beauty of differences. WANT TO GO? $42.25. 212-239-6200. addyanduno.com. 30

December 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 1, 6pm WHERE: Bank of America Winter Village in Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: An original holiday tale about a very special family on the night before Christmas, narrated by Jane Krakowski and starring acclaimed skaters with live music in partnership with (RED) on World Aid’s Day. WANT TO GO? 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.

David A. Walker Memorial Double Dutch Holiday Classic

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 1pm WHERE: Apollo Theater, 253 W. 125th St., Harlem AGES: All WHAT: A spectacle of speed, precision, rhythm, and music, the annual classic will bring together some of the best double Dutch teams in the world. WANT TO GO? $20. 212-531-5305. apollotheater.org.

Unlimited

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 6:30-8pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Gramercy AGES: 11-15 WHAT: A math-filled, parent-free night during which kids can hang out with friends, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, and move to some tunes. WANT TO GO? $15. 212-542-0566. momath.org.

Christmas Day at the Museum at Eldridge Street

WHEN: Monday, Dec. 25, 12-5pm WHERE: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., Lower East Side AGES: All WHAT: Go on a synagogue tour, enjoy scavenger hunts and art activities for children, and take in a joyous concert of Yiddish music. WANT TO GO? $14; $10 seniors and children. 212-219-0302. eldridgestreet.org.

Public Ice-Skating

WHEN: Through Feb. 28, 2018: Monday-Tuesday, 10am-2:30pm; Wednesday-Thursday, 10am-10pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-11pm; Sunday, 10am-9pm WHERE: Wollman Rink, 59th Street and Central Park South, Central Park AGES: All WHAT: This outdoor rink offers an amazing view of the skyline, plus a skating school, a hockey program, and birthday party offerings on the ice. Check out the nearby carousel for $3 a ride in between skates. WANT TO GO? Monday-Thursday: $12; $5 seniors; $6 for children 11 and younger; Friday-Sunday and holidays: $19; $9 seniors; $6 for children 11 and younger. 212-439-6900. wollmanskatingrink.com.

Ice-Skating Season

WHEN: Through April 1, 2018: daily, 8:30-12am WHERE: The Rink at Rockefeller Center, 600 Fifth Ave., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Take a skate around the outdoor rink before stopping by the shops and restaurants at Rockefeller Center. Skate lessons are available. WANT TO GO? $25; $15 seniors and for children younger than 11. 212332-7654. therinkatrockcenter.com.

StoryDance Playgroup FREE

WHEN: Through May 3, 2018: Thursdays, 9:30-10:15am WHERE: Downtown Dance Factory, 291 Broadway, 4th Floor, Tribeca AGES: 1-5 WHAT: Walking tots and preschoolers take part in story time, a craft, dance games, activities, and free play time. WANT TO GO? 212-962-1800. downtowndancefactory.com.

MINI

MUSICIANS LC Kids Artists at the Atrium: Duke Otherwise FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 2, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side AGES: Newborn to 5, adult WHAT: Delight in the imaginative songs of this guitar-playing, tap-dancer. WANT TO GO? 212-875-5456. kids.lincolncenter.org.

Unsilent Night FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 17, 6pm WHERE: Washington Square Park, Fifth Avenue, Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: Composer Phil Kline leads a chorus of boomboxes. WANT TO GO? unsilentnight.com.

BROWSE & BUY Making New York: A Hands-On History & Shopping Experience FREE

The Little Orchestra Society (LOS) Presents ‘J.S. Bach! Back to Bach’

WHEN: Through Dec. 3: daily, 10:30am-7:30pm WHERE: Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave., Chelsea AGES: 3 and older WHAT: The New York Handmade Collective brings together some of the best brands in local handmade with an opportunity to see their work in action. WANT TO GO? 212-213-1525. nyhandmadecollective.org.

44th Annual Merry Tuba Christmas FREE

Columbus Circle Holiday Market FREE

WHEN: Dec. 16-17, Saturday-Sunday, 10am, 11:30am, 1pm WHERE: The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, 695 Park Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This concert will focus on works and the life of Johann Sebastian Bach. WANT TO GO? $15-$50. 212-971-9500. littleorchestra.org. WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 17, 3:30-4:15pm WHERE: The Rink at Rockefeller Center, Between 49th and 50th streets and Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Hundreds of tenor and bass tuba players will play Christmas carols. WANT TO GO? 212-843-9379. rockefellercenter.com.

Make Music Winter FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 21, see website for times WHERE: Locations across New York, see website for addresses AGES: All WHAT: A musical celebration brings together New Yorkers of all ages. WANT TO GO? 917-779-9709. makemusicny.org/winter.

Oran Etkin in Concert

WHEN: Monday, Dec. 25, 11:30am WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Renowned jazz clarinetist Oran Etkin and founder of the Timbalooloo music group performs a mix of klezmer, jazz, and African music. WANT TO GO? $16. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

Community Cowpokes with Hopalong Andrew FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 29: Fridays, 10am WHERE: Whole Foods Tribeca, 270 Greenwich St., Tribeca AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Hopalong Andrew brings his guitar, banjo, harmonica, and suitcase drum kit to get babies and tots rocking. WANT TO GO? 212-349-7680. hopalongandrew.com.

Jazz for Kids

WHEN: Through May 27, 2018: Sundays, 2-3pm WHERE: Jazz Standard, 116 E. 27th St., Kips Bay AGES: All WHAT: Talented musicians ages 11-18 dish out jazz classics as family audiences devour the goods off Blue Smoke’s barbecue lunch menu. WANT TO GO? $5 suggestion donation. 212-576-2232. jazzstandard.com.

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: Monday-Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 10am-7pm; Christmas Eve, 10am-4pm WHERE: Columbus Circle, 59th Street and Central Park West, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Stock up on holiday gifts while strolling through stalls full of original art, designer jewelry, home goods, and artisan food and drink. WANT TO GO? 212-529-9262. urbanspacenyc.com.

Grand Central Holiday Fair FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: Monday-Friday, 10am-8pm; Saturday, 10am7pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall, 89 E. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Forty artisans selling art and home goods, holiday-themed items, bath and body products, toys and clothing, with plenty of unique and local craftsmanship and a focus on American-made and handmade products. WANT TO GO? 212-576-2700. grandcentralterminal.com.

Holiday Market FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: Monday-Friday, 11am-8pm; Saturday, 10am8pm; Sunday, 11am-7pm WHERE: Union Square Park, 14th Street between Broadway and Park Avenue South, Union Square AGES: All WHAT: Full of unique gifts created by local craftsmen and artists. Expect to find exciting new sections like Little Brooklyn and Urbanspace Provisions, a warming station, a kid’s craft studio by partners at CMA, and live music. WANT TO GO? 212-529-9262.

Bank of America Winter Village

WHEN: Through March 4, 2018: daily, 8am-10pm WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: The park becomes a winter wonderland with an outdoor ice-skating rink (free entry!), a European-inspired open-air market for holiday shopping, rinkside dining, and an observation deck full of games and art supplies. WANT TO GO? $20 skate rental. 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org. ›› BigAppleParent 31

WHAT: Bring a flashlight for an extravaganza of music, glow sticks, and latkes. WANT TO GO? $36 and up. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.

Mister G Celebrates Hanukkah

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 17, 11:30am WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Scheuer Auditorium, Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Mister G will present new twists on traditional holiday favorites. WANT TO GO? $16. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

Breakfast with Santa Sing-Along and ‘Elfprov’

HOLIDAY FUN Winter Family Fair

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 2-4:30pm WHERE: The Morgan Library & Museum, 225 Madison Ave., Murray Hill AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Dickens, Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, the Ghosts of Christmas Present and Past, and street fair entertainers will sweep families into a whirlwind of fun. WANT TO GO? $20; $13 seniors and students; free for children younger than 12. 212-685-0008. themorgan.org.

Holiday on the Hudson FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 9, 4:30-6:30pm WHERE: West Harlem Piers Park, 125th and Marginal streets, Harlem AGES: All WHAT: A tree lighting full of live music, dancing, decoration-making, and hot chocolate. The schedule includes visits at the Baylander, a US Navy Helicopter Landing Trainer, craft activities with Miss New York Gabrielle Walter, and a performance by all-female a cappella group Barnard Bacchantae. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

Latkepalooza!

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 10am-12pm WHERE: Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place, Battery Park AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Make your Festival of Lights shine even brighter at Latkepalooza!, a family-oriented, interactive event featuring food, music, and activities. WANT TO GO? $10. 646-437-4202. mjhnyc.org.

Menorah Mania: Family Chanukah Celebration

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 11am WHERE: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., Lower East Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Enjoy a scavenger hunt highlighting menorahs of all shapes and sizes and learn the history behind the synagogue’s original candelabra. There will be a sing-along, edible dreidels, and a menorah craft. WANT TO GO? $12; $6 children. 212-219-0302. eldridgestreet.org.

Chanukah Festival: Bring in the Light!

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 11am WHERE: 92Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: This event is bursting with crafts, entertainment, make-your-own holiday treats, a live Hanukkah Game Show, a folk dance performance, and more. WANT TO GO? $18 and up. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.

Glow-in-the-Dark Chanukah Dinner

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 15, 6pm WHERE: 92Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All 32

December 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Through Dec. 23: Saturdays, 9:30am WHERE: Broadway Comedy Club, 318 W. 53rd St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Each family will get time with Santa, eat a continental breakfast, and enjoy a holiday sing-along and Elfprov, an interactive musical comedy. WANT TO GO? $25; free for toddlers and babies. 212-568-6560. santanyc.com.

Kwanzaa Family Celebration

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 26, 11am-2pm WHERE: Museum of the City of New York, 1120 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Make a Mkeka placemat with symbolic colors to learn about this African-American holiday. WANT TO GO? $18; $12 seniors and students; free for children younger than 19. 212-534-1672. mcny.org.

‘A Christmas Carol’

WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Thursday-Saturday, 7pm; Saturday, 3pm; Sunday, 11am and 2pm WHERE: The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St., Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: A musical adaptation of the classic Dickens tale. Before the Sunday Family Matinee, the audience takes part in an interactive arts workshop. WANT TO GO? $32-$52. 212-475-1237. scroogeinthevillage.com.

Kwanzaa 2017

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 30, 12-5pm WHERE: The American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th Street, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: A celebration of African-American heritage that is rooted in seven principles known as Nguzo Saba, plus a live musical performance and marketplace that showcases local artisans. WANT TO GO? $23; $18 seniors and students; $13 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-769-5200. amnh.org.

New Year’s Eve Extravaganza

WHEN: Dec. 30-31, Saturday-Sunday, 8am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Make party hats, glasses, and noisemakers. Don’t miss the special afternoon ball drop on New Year’s Eve. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 seniors; free for children younger than 1. 212721-1223. cmom.org.

It’s Holiday Time In PaleyLand! FREE

WHEN: Dec. 9-Jan. 7, 2018, Wednesday, Friday-Sunday 12-6pm; Thursday, 12-8pm WHERE: The Paley Center for Media, 25 W. 52nd St., Midtown AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Warm up with complimentary hot cocoa and holiday treats, enjoy screenings of beloved holiday TV classics, make crafts, and visit Santa. WANT TO GO? 212-621-6697. paleycenter.org.

SMARTY PANTS Meet the Scientist: Nisa Beceriklisoy

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 2, 2:15pm, 3pm, and 3:45pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th Street, Upper West Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn about the Ambrose Monell Cryo Collection, which houses a vast library of frozen tissues from bald eagles to humpback whales. WANT TO GO? $23; $18 seniors and students; $13 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-769-5200. amnh.org.

Dimensions 2017 Puzzle Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 2, 5-8pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Gramercy AGES: All WHAT: Gather friends to sharpen your wits for an evening of challenges at the sixth annual puzzle hunt at MoMath. This year’s game features puzzles by Wil Zambole and James Williams. WANT TO GO? $35. 212-542-0566. momath.org.

Chinatown: A Walk Through History

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 2, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: This walking tour focuses on how everyday buildings and places of historical significance reflect and shape a community from its origins as a Native American village of Werpoes Hill in 1600 to one of the fastest growing immigrant communities of present day New York City. WANT TO GO? $25; $15 seniors and students; $12 members; free for children younger than 5. 855-955-6622. mocanyc.org.

Second Sunday Family Tours

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Tours include conversation and creative, hands-on gallery activities. WANT TO GO? $20 per family. 212-423-3500. guggenheim.org/ familyprograms.

Milstein Science Series: Celebrating Cephalopods

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 11am-4pm WHERE: The American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th Street, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Learn more about these marine marvels through performances, presentations, and live animal encounters at this family-friendly festival. WANT TO GO? $23; $18 seniors and students; $13 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-769-5200. amnh.org.

Design Kids FREE

WHEN: Dec. 26-29, Tuesday-Friday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2 E. 91st St., Upper East Side AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Join family programs between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Participants can explore design activities, play gallery bingo, and listen to stories in the galleries. WANT TO GO? 212-849-8353. cooperhewitt.org.

History Detective Briefcases for Families WHEN: Dec. 2-31, Saturday-Sunday, 1-4pm

WHERE: DiMenna Children’s Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Explore the new Henry Luce III Center through games, sketching, and activities in the galleries with the help of this free briefcase full of interactive, family-centered challenges. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 teachers and seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 4. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/ childrens-museum.

Gulliver’s Gate

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: daily, 9am-10pm WHERE: Times Square, 216 W. 44th St., Times Square AGES: All WHAT: Artists from eight countries took part in building this miniature world, featuring cities from across the globe, all built to scale. You can even pay to have your body scanned and become part of the exhibit. WANT TO GO? $36; $27 seniors and for children 12 and younger. gulliversgate.com.

Millions: Migrants and Millionaires aboard the Great Liners, 1900-1914

WHEN: Through Jan. 7, 2018: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-7pm WHERE: South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton St., South Street Seaport AGES: All WHAT: Learn all about 20th-century ocean liners, such as Titanic and Lusitania, and the differences between traveling aboard as a first- or third-class passenger. Featuring original and reproduced artifacts, this thought-provoking exhibit highlights immigrant life at the turn of the century. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors and students; $6 children ages 2-17. 212748-8600. southstreetseaportmuseum.org.

Sacred Spaces: The Road To…and the Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room

WHEN: Through Oct. 15, 2018: Monday, 11am-5pm; Wednesday, 11am-9pm; Thursday, 11am-5pm; Friday, 11am-10pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17th St., Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: This thought-provoking exhibition containing the works of two international arists challenges viewers to consider the sacred and think about their own experiences with meaningful journeys. Visitors can also take a pause inside the Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, an immersive installation inspired by traditional Tibetan household shrines. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 seniors and students; free for children 12 and younger. 212-620-5000. rubinmuseum.org. ›› BigAppleParent 33

WHAT: Fold paper wonders like a pro at special sessions hosted by OrigamiUSA. If you and your child are new to folding, consider taking one of the Family Fun classes designed for beginners. WANT TO GO? $35; $20 members. 212-769-5635. origamiusa.org.

MADmakes Workshop with Anna Riley

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 7, 6pm WHERE: Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Join artist-in-residence Anna Riley to experiment with the mold and deckle papermaking process, using traditional fibers and non-traditional inclusions that are often overlooked. WANT TO GO? $16; $14 seniors; $12 students; free for children 18 and younger. 212-299-7777. madmuseum.org.

Ugly Sweaters

CRAFTY KIDS Scandinavian Christmas Children’s Workshop

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 2, 1-3pm WHERE: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave., Murray Hill AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children will learn the secrets of making traditional holiday crafts such as woven hearts and yarn tomtar. WANT TO GO? $15. 212-779-3587. scandinaviahouse.org.

Design Kids: What Makes You Tick? FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 2, 11am-12:30pm and 1:30-3pm WHERE: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2 E. 91st St., Upper East Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: The design of clocks has evolved in ingenious ways over time, and participants will assemble their own mechanical clock with the Horological Society of New York. WANT TO GO? 212-849-8353. cooperhewitt.org.

Collage Collaborations: Tai Hwa Goh

WHEN: Dec. 2-3, Saturday-Sunday, 1pm WHERE: The Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Together with Tai, children will collage a variety of colored tissue and printed papers to help her create a 3-D wall installation. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 seniors; free for children younger than 1. 212721-1223. cmom.org.

Special Folding Fun Sessions with OrigamiUSA

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 10:30am-12:30pm and 2:30-4:30pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, 15 W. 77th St., Upper West Side AGES: 5-17 34

December 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Dec. 4-10, Monday, 12-5pm; Thursday-Friday, 12-6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: Young artists will trace sweater templates onto cardstock and then decorate their “sweaters” with whimsical materials such as pompoms, fabric swatches, buttons, pipe cleaners, and more. WANT TO GO? $12; seniors pay as you wish; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Family Day: Scaffolding - Connect and Construct

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 16, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm WHERE: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, Greenwich Village AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn fun facts and explore the current exhibition. Families will then create their own scaffolding-inspired project to take home. WANT TO GO? $6; $12 children. 212-358-6133. centerforarchitecture.org.

Cross-Stitch Circle

WHEN: Dec. 14-21, Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm WHERE: DiMenna Children’s Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Beginners will learn the basic stitch and create a bookmark. More seasoned stitchers can branch into more complicated designs. WANT TO GO? $21; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13. 212-8733400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.

Open Construction Challenge

WHEN: Dec. 18-24, Monday, 12-5pm; Thursday-Friday, 12-6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: Using upcycled materials such as cardboard and cone cups, visitors will challenge themselves to build the construction of their dreams. WANT TO GO? $12; seniors pay as you wish; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Gingerbread House Workshops

WHEN: Dec. 1-27, Saturday-Sunday and Tuesday-Wednesday, see website for times WHERE: Taste Buds Kitchen, 109 W. 27th St., 10th Floor, Chelsea AGES: 3-8, adult WHAT: Parents and kids design and decorate gingerbread houses while enjoying cheerful holiday tunes and hot chocolate. WANT TO GO? $75. 212-242-2248. tastebudskitchen.com.

DANCE PARTY SOLE Defined

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 2, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Lincoln Center, Clark Studio Theater, 165 W. 65th St., 7th Floor, Upper West Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Combining tap, step, and other forms of percussive dance with acting, singing, and multimedia projections, SOLE Defined transforms their bodies into drums and adds a jolt of electricity to the traditional Broadway musical format. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-721-6500. kids.lincolncenter.org.

‘Nutcracker Winter Suite’

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 2, 5pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: This 1-hour production will star Nikita Boris as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Justin Valentine as her Cavalier. The cast includes several remarkable young dancers who have won medals in ballet competitions around the world. WANT TO GO? $40; $20 seniors and children. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

AMPL!FY: Workshop and Performance

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 10am-6pm WHERE: Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: A poster-making workshop and a dance performance, choreographed by Kyle Marshall in response to the posters in the new social justice-focused AMPL!FY exhibit, produced by Harlem Stage. WANT TO GO? $16; $14 seniors; $12 students; free for children younger than 18. 212-299-7777. madmuseum.org.

BodyStories: Teresa Fellion Dance

WHEN: Dec. 7-9, Thursday-Saturday, 8pm WHERE: Danspace Project, 131 E. 10th St., East Village AGES: All WHAT: A cumulative work that explores self-awareness, familial bonding, and identity formation. WANT TO GO? $22 and up. 866-811-4111. danspaceproject.org.

‘The Yorkville Nutcracker’

WHEN: Dec. 7-10, Thursday-Saturday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm; Sunday, 12pm and 5pm WHERE: The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, 695 Park Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Lavish sets and costumes take the audience on a tour through Gracie Mansion, the Crystal Palace in the New York Botanical Garden, and skating in Central Park. Young dancers perform alongside professional artists. WANT TO GO? $65. 212-772-4448. dancespatrelle.org.

MEGA CirKiz Holiday Extravaganza

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 1-4pm WHERE: Space Ibiza, 637 W. 50th St., Midtown West AGES: 3 and older WHAT: A cutting-edge dance party for families at which they can listen and dance to DJs, see live performances, and experience a nightclub environment in a safe, controlled daytime setting. WANT TO GO? $30. 646-650-5266. cirkiz.com.

‘The Hip Hop Nutcracker’ with Kurtis Blow

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 14, 7:30-9:30pm WHERE: United Palace, 4140 Broadway, Washington Heights AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This modern mash-up takes Tchaikovsky’s classic holiday score and reenvisions it through contemporary hip-hop choreography with the help of a dozen all-star dancers, an on-stage DJ, an electric violinist, and digital scenery. WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 212-568-1157. unitedpalace.org.

‘Keith Michael’s The Nutcracker’

WHEN: Dec. 15-17, Friday, 6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am, 1pm, and 3:30pm WHERE: Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th St., Midtown East AGES: All WHAT: From clockwork imps to a luminous owl that flies above the audience, mice dressed in polka dots and dancers dancing with huge chopsticks, this timeless, re-imagined classic performed by the New York Theatre Ballet bursts with energy and excitement. WANT TO GO? $34; $24 for children 12 and younger. 212-355-6160. nytb.org.

Hip-Hop Holidays

WHEN: Dec. 9-29, Friday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: CMOM explores the holidays through the lens of hip-hop with thematic events including hip-hop design workshops, a performance by The School at Steps, a holiday dance party with Neil Fernando, a hiphop performance with the Y-Love, the world’s first African-American Orthodox hip-hop artist, and more. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 seniors; free for children younger than 12 months. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

‘In a Nutshell: Welcome to New York Suite-y’

WHEN: Dec. 29-30, Friday-Saturday, 7pm WHERE: Theatre 80, 80 St. Marks Place, East Village AGES: All WHAT: In this special version of a Christmas classic, Clara and Fritz visit everyday New York with scenes in the subway, the coffee place on the corner, Wall Street, and ballet class at the local studio. WANT TO GO? $25; $15 children ages 4-12; free for children younger than 4. 619-655-0056. americanlibertyballet.com. ›› BigAppleParent 35

members and based on Lindsay Ward’s gorgeously illustrated children’s book. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-573-8791. nycchildrenstheater.org.

‘The Wizard of Oz’

WHEN: Through Dec. 16: Saturdays, 3pm WHERE: Harlem Rep, 240 E. 123rd St., Harlem AGES: All WHAT: The classic musical The Wizard of Oz is being performed by a multi-racial cast with a jazzy underscore and authoritative dramaturgy by representatives of the Yip Harburg Foundation. WANT TO GO? $10-$20. 212-868-4444. harlemrepertorytheatre.com.

‘Bagels from Benny – the Musical!’

WHEN: Dec. 10-17, Sundays, 2pm and 4pm WHERE: 92Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: A joyful, interactive show that explores the values of caring and sharing and building a strong sense of community. WANT TO GO? $18 and up. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.

SHOW TIME! ‘Hansel and Gretel’

WHEN: Dec. 18-Jan. 6, 2018: See website for times WHERE: Metropolitan Opera House, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: A Met English-language holiday presentation, Richard Jones’s clever production of Humperdinck’s fairy-tale opera is based on the Brothers Grimm story. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 212-362-6000. metopera.org.

‘Biscuit The Little Yellow Puppy’

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 9, 1:30pm WHERE: BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., Tribeca AGES: 3-8 WHAT: A little girl is thrilled when she receives Biscuit as a birthday present, but will this rambunctious puppy learn how to behave and accept being part of a family? WANT TO GO? $30. 212-220-1460. tribecapac.org.

‘Peter & the Wolf’ with Isaac Mizrahi

WHEN: Dec. 2-10, Saturday-Sunday, 2:30pm and 4pm; Friday, 6:30pm WHERE: Works & Process at the Guggenheim, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Isaac Mizrahi directs, designs, and narrates Sergei Prokofiev’s charming children’s classic. WANT TO GO? $40. 212-423-3575. worksandprocess.org.

New York City Children’s Theater’s ‘Please Bring Balloons’ WHEN: Through Dec. 10: Sundays, 10am and 12pm WHERE: University Settlement, 184 Eldrige St., Lower East Side AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Back by popular demand, this show is an interactive, multi-sensory theater experience created for the youngest audience 36

December 2017 | nymetroparents.com

‘Pluto Is Missing! A Not-So-Planetary Musical’

WHEN: Through Dec. 17: Sundays, 3pm WHERE: PIT Striker Mainstage, 123 E. 24th St., Flatiron AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Blast off into this family-friendly outer space comedy that uses humor, fantasy, music, puppets, and more to tell the story of Pluto, the tiniest planet in our solar system that was demoted to dwarf planet. WANT TO GO? $20. 212-563-7488. thepit-nyc.com.

‘Interstellar Cinderella’

WHEN: Through Dec. 17: Saturday-Sunday, 11am and 2pm WHERE: New York City Children’s Theater, The Beckett Theatre, 410 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Cinderella of the future is an engineer hoping to revolutionize space travel with a new invention. She’s eager to show the prince her hyper warp speed engine at the space parade, but her evil stepmother tries to get in the way. WANT TO GO? $29.25. 212-573-8791. nycchildrenstheater.org.

‘Jack & the Beanstalk’

WHEN: Dec. 6-23, Wednesday-Sunday, 2pm and 7:30pm WHERE: Abrons Arts Center, 466 Grand St., Lower East Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: An uproarious family extravaganza promoting equality in all forms, featuring a spectacular cast of 20 talented Lower East Siders along with tap-dancing animals, cross-dressing characters, puppets, pie fights, and pop music. WANT TO GO? $25-$45. 212-352-3101. abronsartscenter.org.

‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’

WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Saturdays and select weekdays, 11am WHERE: St. Luke’s Theatre, 308 W. 46th St., Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A highly theatrical adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ classic book brings audiences along as Peter, Susan, Lucy, and Edmund courageously battle the forces of evil, discovering that love is the deepest magic of all. WANT TO GO? $35. 212-239-6200. narniaoffbroadway.com.

ANIMAL LOVERS

ONCE UPON A TIME

9th Annual Blessing of the Animals FREE

Thalia Kids’ Book Club Presents Neil Patrick Harris: The Magic Misfits

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 2-4pm WHERE: Christ Church of Manhattan, 524 Park Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Hundreds of animals will be blessed by New York City Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Stephen Bauman of Christ Church and Central Synagogue Rabbi Emeritus Peter J. Rubinstein. Expect furry friends of all shapes, sizes, and species. WANT TO GO? 212-838-3036. christchurchnyc.org.

WHEN: Monday, Dec. 4, 6:30pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Emmy Award-winning actor, magician, director, and author Neil Patrick Harris celebrates his middle-grade debut novel, The Magic Misfits, a whirlwind adventure of family, friendship, and illusion sprinkled with real magic tips and tricks. WANT TO GO? $17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

Carnival of the Animals

The Grinch: Storytime and Crafts FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 16, 2pm and 5pm WHERE: Miller Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts, 2960 Broadway, Morningside Heights AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A reimagined holiday favorite, bringing new puppets and new surprises to celebrate feathers, fur, and fins. WANT TO GO? $15-$35; $9-$21 students and children. 212-854-7799. millertheatre.com.

LC Kids Presents ‘The Polar Bears Go Up’

WHEN: Dec. 9-17, Saturday-Sunday, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Clark Studio Theater, Rose Building, 165 W. 65th St., 7th Floor, Lincoln Center AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: A theater adventure where polar bears must climb trees, jump on clouds, and reach for the stars as they race each other all the way to space. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-875-5000. kidsportal.lincolncenter.org.

Earthflight

WHEN: Through March 8, 2018: daily, 10am-5:45pm WHERE: The American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th Street, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Discover the fascinating science of flight and how birds maneuver simultaneously in flocks a million strong, navigate across whole continents, and collaborate with other animals to find food. WANT TO GO? $27; $22 students and seniors; $16 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-769-5200. amnh.org.

Ocean Odyssey

WHEN: Through March 31, 2018: Sunday-Thursday, 10am-10:30pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-12am WHERE: National Geographic Encounter, 226 W. 44th St., Times Square AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This immersive entertainment experience takes families on a simulated underwater adventure to witness Pacific Ocean life firsthand. Meet sea lions, humpback whales, and great white sharks, plus a stunning coral reef. WANT TO GO? $39.50; $36.50 seniors; $32.50 children younger than 12. 646-308-1337. natgeoencounter.com.

WHEN: Dec. 2-10, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-12pm and 2-3pm WHERE: Strand Book Store, 828 Broadway, Union Square AGES: 3-8 WHAT: He’s smelly, green, and has a heart that’s two sizes too small—the Grinch has arrived to the Strand! Join in for a story and crafts. WANT TO GO? 212-473-1452. strandbooks.com.

LC Kids Storytime at the Atrium: ‘The Littlest Train’ by Chris Gall FREE WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 16, 11am WHERE: Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Dinotrux creator Chris Gall’s new book features a tiny train who sets off to explore the world and makes lots of new friends on his way. WANT TO GO? 212-875-5456. kids.lincolncenter.org.

Story Pirates

WHEN: Dec. 2-16, Saturdays, 12pm WHERE: Arthur Seleen Theatre at The Drama Book Shop, 250 W. 40th St., Midtown AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Using stories submitted by children, the Story Pirates create outlandishly funny sketches and mini-musicals. Whether it’s following the adventures of a superhero baby, or reminiscing about disposable rain ponchos at a baseball game, the songs and stories explode with the creative energy that only a child could possess. WANT TO GO? $35. 347-878-6798. storypirates.com.

Radiant with Color & Art: McLoughlin Brothers and the Business of Picture Books, 1858-1920 FREE

WHEN: Dec. 6-Feb. 3, 2018: Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm WHERE: The Grolier Club, 47 E. 60th St., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Check out more than 200 vibrantly colored children’s illustrated picture books, drawings, watercolors, and ephemera on view. WANT TO GO? 212-838-6690. grolierclub.org.

The Butterfly Conservatory: Tropical Butterflies Alive in Winter

WHEN: Through May 28, 2018: daily, 10am-5:45pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, 79th Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Families can hang with as many as 500 fluttering butterflies at the museum’s warm vivarium full of tropical flowers, too. WANT TO GO? $23; $18 seniors and students; $13 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-769-5100. amnh.org.

Coming up next month: JAN. 5, 2018: 41st Annual Three Kings Day Parade from 106th Street and Lexington Avenue up to 115th Street and Park Avenue, East Harlem STARTING JAN. 19, 2018: The Perfect Monster at TADA! Youth Theater, Chelsea JAN. 20, 2018: Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show at Symphony Space, Upper West Side

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WHERE-TO GUIDE

nymetroparents.com/where-to

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

››

Research by Melissa Wickes

Bring holiday cheer and family bonding from the farm to your home by cutting your own Christmas tree this winter. Head to a local tree farm and spend a few fun hours seeking out your family’s perfect tree, then cut it yourself. You can also load up on some festive wreaths, garlands, and baked goods to make the holiday merry and bright! As always, call ahead of time to confirm hours and tree availability before planning your adventure.

Westchester County Stuart’s Farm 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs 914-245-2784 stuartsfarm.com Nov. 25-Dec. 24, Wednesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm. Handsaws and baling available. Wreaths, garland, and roping for sale. Bakery is open with hot and cold cider, fruit pies, fresh apple cider doughnuts, jams, and jellies. Leashed dogs welcome. Cash or check only.

Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm 1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights 914-245-5111 wilkensfarm.com Nov. 25 until they run out of trees, daily, 10am-4pm. Each family member gets a free cup of hot cider while you choose and cut your own tree. Douglas and Fraser Firs available to choose and cut, as well as pre-cut Fraser Fir. There is a farm market, bakery, and gift shop on-site with roping, wreaths, tree stands, and decorations for sale. 38

Putnam County

Hardwick Tree Farm 213 Wood St., Mahopac 845-528-5814 Nov. 25-Dec. 18, Saturday-Sunday and Black Friday, 9am-dusk. Saws and baling provided. Free hot cider and cookies. Cash only. Orange County Emmerich Tree Farm 101 Sleepy Valley Road, Warwick 845-986-0151; emmerichtreefarm.com Nov. 25-Dec. 20, weekends, 9am-5pm. Free trimming, drilling, shaking, and baling available. Wagon rides to the fields, hot chocolate and cookies by the bonfire. Hot dogs by Pippy’s Food Truck. Wreaths for sale.

New Jersey

Morris County Hidden Pond Tree Farm 4 W. Field Road, Mendham 973-865-6362; hiddenpondtreefarm.com

December 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Nov. 24-Dec. 20, Tuesday-Sunday, 9am5pm. Pre-cut trees also available. All trees grown at the farm are pesticide-free. Refreshments available. Free hay rides (weather permitting). Marshmallow roasting around the bonfire and free hot chocolate on weekends. Christmas shop with wreaths, greenery, centerpieces, and other decorations. After the first weekend, call for updates on availability before visiting. Rolling Green Farm 61 Hacklebarney Road, Long Valley 908-879-7457 Nov. 24-Dec. 24, Black Friday and weekends, 10am-5pm. Cut your own trees. Wreaths, tree sprays, and antiques for sale in the shop. Sussex County Country Heritage Farm 129 Plains Road, Augusta 973-875-5590; countryheritagefarm.com Nov. 24-Dec. 18, weekends, 9am-4pm. Saws provided. Christmas shop with decorations, ornaments, wreaths, holly, tree stands, and garland on-site. Hayride to haul tree back from field provided. Giordano’s Tree Farm 350 Route 94 S. (at Hilltop Drive), Newton 908-231-8847; giordanostreefarm.com Dec. 2-3, Saturday-Sunday, 8:30am-dark. Saws and tree wrapping provided. Santa visits. Ten-foot trees available. More than 1,000 trees up to 9 feet tall, dozens of trees as tall as 20 feet. All trees are $42. Assistance is available for wrapping and tying to car. Bailing available. Holiday Tree Farm 44 Augusta Hill Road, Augusta 973-948-7488; holidaytreefarmnj.com Nov. 24-Dec. 18, Friday-Sunday, 9am5pm. Saws provided. Christmas shop on premises with wreaths for sale. Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/xmastrees

WHERE-TO GUIDE

nymetroparents.com/where-to

Kid-Friendly Museums

›› Research by Barbara Russo

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Dig up dirt on extinct species, go back in time with a history lesson, and immerse yourself in another culture without leaving your own backyard—all of this is possible at local children’s museums! There’s no shortage of exciting destinations where your kids can soak up equal parts education and excitement. All of these museums have exhibits specifically geared toward the kid crowd, so no one will be disappointed when you set out on your adventure. Most destinations even have tours, so you and your kids can become experts on presidents, dinosaurs, tornados, or whatever you wish, all in a day’s admission! Hours and exhibitions are subject to change—please call ahead or check the website to confirm.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s programs for kids and families are designed to spark imagination, creativity, and lifelong connections with art.

9/11 Memorial Museum 180 Greenwich St., Financial District 212-312-8800; 911memorial.org Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 9am-8pm; Friday-Saturday, 9am-9pm. Last entry: Sunday-Thursday, 6pm; Friday, 7pm Admission: $24; $18 seniors, veterans, and college students; $15 children ages 7-17; free for members and children younger than 7 The 9/11 Memorial Museum offers ageappropriate entry points into the history of the World Trade Center, 9/11, and its aftermath. On Saturdays, children can participate in drop-in activity stations tied to artifacts and themes. All programs are free to ticketed museum visitors. American Museum of Natural History Central Park West at 79th Street, Upper West Side 212-769-5100; amnh.org Hours: daily, 10am-5:45pm Admission: Suggested donation: $23; $18

students and seniors; $13 children ages 2-12 One of the largest museums in the world, the collections are made up of more than 32 million specimens and artifacts. Currently on view: The Titanosaur, open through Jan. 19, 2020, the fossil remains of a recently discovered 122-foot-long dinosaur. Center for Architecture 536 LaGuardia Place, Soho 212-358-6133; cfafoundation.org Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm; Saturday, 11am-5pm Admission: FREE The Center for Architecture promotes understanding and appreciation of architecture and design through educational programs for K-12 schools, families, and the general public. Learn more about the buildings and streetscapes that make up our city by visiting the galleries with changing exhibitions on current topics in architecture, or by attending one of the hands-on design

workshops. Programs include 2-hour weekend family workshops, birthday parties, summer and vacation design studios, field trips for school groups, and in-school residencies. Children’s Museum of Manhattan The Tisch Building, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side 212-721-1223; cmom.org Hours: Sunday and Tuesday-Friday, 10am5pm; Saturday and Monday public school holidays, 10am-7pm. Monday closed for winter except for school groups. Admission: $14; $11 seniors; free for children younger than 1; free for all the first Friday of each month, 5-8pm CMOM inspires kids to learn about themselves and the world around them through interactive exhibits and programs such as America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far, in which children and families celebrate the diversity of Muslim cultures through art, architecture, design, and music. PlayWorks: A permanent exhibit where children ages 4 and younger feed alphabet letters to a talking dragon, drive a fire truck, and more while exploring language, art, science, and imagination. Let’s Dance!: Visitors bounce, glide, and leap in an exhibit space designed to introduce children and families to the delights of dance. Children’s Museum of the Arts 103 Charlton St., Soho 212-274-0986; cmany.org Hours: Mondays, 12-5pm; Thursday-Friday, 12-6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm Admission: $12; pay as you wish for seniors; free for children younger than 1; pay as you wish Thursdays, 4-6pm A hands-on arts museum that engages young artists with a clay bar, fine art studio, WEE space (for ages 5 and younger), and a media lab and sound booth. Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/museums

Mowie Kay

FOOD & NUTRITION

Potato dumplings and potato spinach croquettes

Celebrate the Festival of Lights ››

Three international dishes to enjoy for Hanukkah By Paola Gavin “Over their two thousand years of exile, Jews migrated across the world, taking their culinary heritage and traditions with them. Wherever they went, they adapted local and regional dishes to fit their own strict dietary laws and, as a result, Jewish food today encompasses an enormous variety of cuisines and cooking styles,” Paola Gavin writes in her recently published cookbook, Hazana: Jewish Vegetarian Cooking. This Hanukkah (Dec. 12-20), why not enjoy tasty recipes with Russian, Turkish, and Italian roots?

Potato dumplings stuffed with curd cheese and chives Pampushki from Russia

Pampushki can be fried or boiled, sweet or savory. For sweet pampushki, simply omit the chives from the filling, add a tablespoon or two of sugar and the grated rind of a lemon, then serve lightly dusted with sugar. In Russia they generally fry pampushki in vegetable oil, but as I believe cooking with vegetable oils can be bad for your health, I prefer to use olive oil instead. Serves 4 1 lb. potatoes, peeled 2½ cups mashed potato Olive oil, for shallow frying For the filling: 8 oz. curd (pot or farmer’s) cheese 1 egg yolk

December 2017 | nymetroparents.com

1-2 tablespoons finely chopped chives Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1. To make the filling, place the curd cheese, egg yolk, and chives in a bowl and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. 2. Coarsely grate the potatoes, then squeeze out as much water as possible. Place in a bowl with the mashed potato, season with salt and pepper, and mix well. Form the potato mixture into balls about the size of an egg. Punch a hole in the center with your forefinger and fill with a teaspoonful of filling, then close up to seal the filling inside. Flatten slightly and shallow-fry until golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Potato and spinach croquettes

Fritikas de spinaka kon patatas from Turkey

These delicious little croquettes may be served as a light main course or a side dish. Traditionally they are often prepared for Rosh Hashanah, or for Passover—in which case, matzo meal is used instead of flour. Serves 4-5 8 oz. spinach 2 lb. potatoes 2 eggs, separated Salt and freshly ground black pepper Flour or matzo meal, for dredging Olive oil, for deep-frying

1. Wash the spinach thoroughly, then cook in a covered saucepan over a moderate heat for 5 minutes or until wilted— the water clinging to the leaves is sufficient to prevent scorching. Drain well and squeeze dry, then chop finely. 2. Boil the potatoes in plenty of lightly salted water for 25 minutes or until tender. Drain and, when cool enough to handle, peel and then force through a sieve or mash with a potato ricer. Add the spinach and egg yolks and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Shape into balls the size of a walnut and flatten slightly, then set aside to cool. 3. Meanwhile, whisk the egg whites until frothy. Dip the croquettes into the egg white then roll in flour. Working in batches, deep-fry the croquettes in hot oil until golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Apple fritters

Fritelle di mele from Italy

These delicious apple fritters are often made for Chanukah and Tu Bi-Shevat, the Festival of the Trees. For a variation, try making them with other fruit, such as bananas, strawberries, apricots, or figs. Serves 4-6 4 tart apples 4-5 tablespoons brandy Olive oil, for deep-frying Icing (confectioners’) sugar, for dusting

Biscuit The Little Yellow Puppy Saturday, December 9th at 1:30PM ArtsPower’s popular musical features a frolicking little puppy who loves exploring, making new friends, and even stirring up some mischief. With over 17 million books in print, Biscuit is a modern classic! Based on the series of books. $30 Become a 10Club Member & Enjoy $12 tickets! The best way to enjoy our Family series is with a 2017-18 Family 10Club Membership. The membership fee is $120. Your 10Club membership includes 10 admissions, at $12 each, to any Tribeca PAC Family Series production. Call (212) 220 - 1460 or visit www.tribecapac.org for 10Club Membership information.

HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW

Insertion date: DEC 01, 2017 Size: 3.55" x 4.7" 4C MAG

For the batter: 1 cup unbleached plain (all-purpose) flour Pinch of salt 1 teaspoon sugar 1 egg, separated 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons dry white wine

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1. For the batter, combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl and make a well in the center. Add the egg yolk, olive oil, wine, and 5 tablespoons water and mix well, then gradually stir in up to another 5 tablespoons water to make a smooth batter. Leave to stand for 30 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, peel and core the apples and cut into rounds about ¼-inch thick. Place in a shallow bowl and pour over the brandy. Let the apples steep for 30 minutes. 3. To finish the batter, in another bowl, whisk the egg white until stiff and then gently fold into the batter. Working in batches, dip the apple rings into the batter and deep-fry in hot oil until golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve at once, dusted with icing sugar.

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Recipes excerpted with permission from Hazana: Jewish Vegetarian Cooking by Paola Gavin, published by Quadrille October 2017, RRP $35.00 hardcover.