It's great to be a kid!

It's great to be a kid!

photographs: photographs: this page; bernard family hall of north american mammals at the american museum of natural history: top; courtesy Jonathan Wallen: bottom; courtesy Queens hall of science

from awe-inspiring toy stores to techy robot classes, here are the absolute best venues and experiences new york has to offer its pint-size residents.

by Kirby Stirland, Hannah Doolin and Allie Early photographs by Dale May

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Museums

BEST FOR BUDDING BIOLOGISTS AND PALEONTOLOGISTS

photographs:

American Museum of Natural History you can spend hours exploring, and you still won’t have scratched the surface of the collections at the american museum of natural history. from re-creations of ancient creatures in the fossil halls to jaw-dropping shows at the hayden planetarium, there’s always something new to discover, thanks to engaging exhibits and kid-oriented programming. families can also check out the discovery room, where they’ll grab a magnifying glass and seek out insects, birds and mammals in a giant african baobab tree, try on cultural masks or piece together dino bones. the time-honored favorites never get old either—no trip is complete without visiting t. rex in the hall of saurischian dinosaurs or the 100-foot-long blue whale in the hall of ocean life. American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St (212-769-5100, amnh.org). $22, children 2–12 $12.50.

BEST FOR ARTY TOTS

BEST FOR HISTORY BUFFS

Children’s Museum of the Arts kids can explore the art world at a museum designed just for them. they’ll view works by emerging and established artists, and explore their creativity through classes and workshops that are free with museum admission. cma’s Wee arts program ($395 per semester) fosters artistic expression in kids as young as 10 months old, while the art colony day camps ($595 per week) engage kids ages 6 to 15 in disciplines like drawing and sculpture. check out Drawn to Language, featuring visual interpretations of the written and spoken word, before it closes January 11. Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St between Greenwich and Hudson Sts (212-274-0986, cmany.org). $11, children under one free.

DiMenna Children’s History Museum exhibits and programs at this kid-focused arm of the new-york historical society transport children back through 350 years of u.s. history. galleries highlight the lives of kids who grew up to become famous doctors (James mccune smith), athletes and political figures (alexander hamilton), and little newyorkers classes invite kids to get in on sing-alongs and crafts. other family programs include cooking classes and scavenger hunts. DiMenna Children's History Museum, 170 Central Park West at Richard Gilder Way (212-873-3400, nyhistory.org/childrensmuseum). $19, students $12, children 5–13 $6, children 4 and under free.

BEST FOR MINI SCIENTISTS

BEST FOR EARLY LEARNERS

New York Hall of Science here, kids can get hands-on with hundreds of interactive exhibits and activities that bring science, technology, engineering and math to life. nysci is home to a revolving lineup of displays about light, 3-d printing, outer space and robots, plus the new design lab, where kids can tackle activities at five stations: backstage, sandbox, studio, maker space and treehouse. kids can also climb on a rope web and play minigolf ($6, kids $5) at the 60,000-square-foot science playground and rocket park. New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St at 47th Ave, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens (718-6990005, nysci.org). $11, children 5–17 $8.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan this nearly 40,000-squarefoot institution houses exhibits that make learning about culture, history and science a blast. explore the benefits of good nutrition from “eatsleepplay,” or get immersed in the history of jazz music in “Jazzed! the changing beat of 125th street” (through december 31). cmom also hosts classes and workshops— from gross biology, for kids who love burps and germs, to the music in me!, a toddlers’ program by laurie berkner— all designed with the latest child-development research in mind. Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W 83rd St between Amsterdam Ave and Broadway (212-721-1234, cmom.org). $11, children under 12 months free.

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BEST FOR MARIONETTE NUTS

BEST FOR THEATER NERDS

New Victory Theater it just so happpens that new york’s oldest operating theater is home to the city’s most innovative and exciting new productions for children. families eagerly await each season’s offerings, which include everything from reworkings of classic plays to dance, puppetry, performance art and even break-dancing bmX bandits. expert-led workshops after select shows ($17) educate kids on fun topics like puppetry, juggling, and songwriting in the intimate and beautifully restored space. the new Victory often collaborates with autism friendly spaces on special adaptations of its shows for children with asd and sensory issues, ensuring all kids can enjoy the experience of live theater. become a member of the new Victory theater for discounts on tickets and workshops. New Victory Theater, 209 W 42nd St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (646-2233010, newvictory.org).

All ages.

Puppetworks at this low-tech playhouse, kids will gladly cast phones and gadgets aside to see amazing handmade puppets in action. founder nicolas coppola adapts classic tales for his marionettes to perform in the cozy theater (kids sit on rugs at the front, parents are on benches at the back). this season’s offerings include hans christian andersen’s The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Snow Queen and The Steadfast Tin Soldier. families will be swept away by the artful scenery, lively music and intricate puppets as they take on a life of their own, moving across the stage as if by magic. Puppetworks, 338 Sixth Ave at 4th St, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-965-3391, puppetworks.org). Through Dec 21; 12:30, 2:30pm.

Advance reservation required. $9, children $8. All ages.

BEST FOR TEENY BALLERINAS

New York Theatre Ballet if your dance enthusiasts are ready for some onstage inspiration, new york theatre ballet’s colorful productions will not disappoint. this innovative dance troupe makes ballet accessible to audiences of all ages with its kid-friendly, hour-long performances. the current production, “dance on a shoestring,” features emerging choreographers and young dancers from ballet school ny. New York Theatre Ballet, 131 E 10th St between Second and Third Aves (212679-0401, nytb.org). $20, children $30. All ages.

Little Orchestra Society get the kids into something other than ariana grande with a show at the little orchestra society. the happy concerts for young people series suits kids 6 to 12 and features orchestra works intermingled with the likes of acrobats, giant puppets and modern dancers. the current happy series includes Four Seasons: A Spinning Planet, Peter and the Wolf and Cinderella & the Prince Who Slays the Magic Dragon and should appeal to pretty much everyone ($51–$240 for the full series). the lolli-pops series—starring bang the lion, buzz the bee, toot the bird and bow the panda— features stories that get kids three to five singing, clapping and stomping along to the beat. Various locations (212971-9500, littleorchestra .org). $17–$53, subscriptions $34–$188. All ages.

BEST FOR KIDS WHO LOVE A GOOD MUSICAL

Aladdin this adaptation of the disney classic tops the rest with its kiddie-crowd–pleasing laughs and upbeat music. beloved songs like “a Whole new World” and “friend like me,” plus several new tunes, come to life onstage. kids will be dazzled by the color-drenched production and awe-inspiring special effects, like a confetti cannon and fireworks. New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 W 42nd St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (866-870-2717, aladdinthemusical.com).

Through July 5; various times, check website for showtimes. $77–$212. All ages.

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photographs: neW york theatre ballet; courtesy richard termine: neW Victory; elliott kaufman: ALADDIN; cylla Von tiedemann

Performances

BEST FOR MINI MOZARTS

Green spaces BEST FOR TIME TRAVELERS

BEST FOR WATERSIDE FUN

Prospect Park Wander the woodsy trails of the ravine and it’s easy to imagine you’re back in primordial brooklyn. explore behind the zoo, and you’ll find stone memorials marking battle pass, the exact location of the revolutionary War’s largest battle in 1776. nearby lefferts historic house, built circa 1783, uses activities like candle making, butter churning and needlework as more peaceful reminders of the past. Prospect Park, Flatbush Ave at Empire Blvd, Brooklyn (prospectpark.org)

Brooklyn Bridge Park stretching 1.3 miles along the east river, this beautiful revamped waterfront with views of manhattan and new york harbor is proof that an idyllic slice of nature can exist right in the city. pier 2 is tricked out with recreation facilities for basketball, handball, bocce, shuffleboard and roller-skating (open daily 6am–11pm). bring your bikes (or rent them at pier 1’s entrance) for a spin on the greenway, then stop at pier 6 to explore a playground featuring new york’s largest sandbox. at pier 3, post up with a blanket and book, or take a peaceful stroll minus traffic noise thanks to sound attenuating hill. Main St at Fulton Ferry Landing, Dumbo, Brooklyn (brooklynbridgepark.org). Mon–Fri 6am–1am.

BEST FOR ESCAPE ARTISTS

Governors Island the island is close to home, but a visit will make you feel a million miles away. While the 172-acre former military base is closed for winter, there’s much to enjoy when it re-opens in may. see art installations at liggett terrace, run wild on the 14-acre play lawn, and explore hammock grove’s 50 hammocks. look forward to slide hill, a 38-foot slope with four toboggan runs, coming in 2015. Governors Island Ferry at Battery Maritime Building, 10 South St near Staten Island Ferry (govisland.com). May through Sept; Mon–Fri 10am–6pm; Sat, Sun 10am–7pm.

BEST FOR NATURE NUTS

Wave Hill everyone needs a few hours of calm now and then—kids included—and you’d be hardpressed to find a more serene spot within city limits than Wave hill. a few stops on the metro-north hudson line brings you to the sprawling grounds perched above the hudson, boasting 28 acres of public gardens, plus woodlands and lawns to wander. Jump in on nature walks, story times and family art projects, often led by local artists and usually free with grounds admission. Wave Hill, W 249th St at Independence Ave, Bronx (718-5493200, wavehill.org). $8, children 6–12 $2, children under 6 free; Saturdays 9am–noon free.

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photographs: brooklyn bridge park; courtesy creatiVe commons/flickr/chris goldberg: prosepct park; courtesy prospect park alliance: WaVe hill; caroline Voagen nelson

BEST FOR LITTLE BOTANISTS

New York Botanical Garden give city kids a chance to get their hands dirty and explore lush landscapes on this 250-acre expanse. family programs educate kids (and adults) on our connection to nature, while the edible academy teaches children about gardening and healthy living through workshops, scavenger hunts and crafts in the ruth rea howell family garden. celebrity chef mario batali helps youngsters get acquainted with the food on their plates via cooking demos, family dinners and picnics using homegrown ingredients. from spring through the end of autumn, kids can explore nature in dig! plant! grow! gardening workshops, and though the beds are covered during winter, there’s still plenty of family fun on the grounds, including the holiday train show in the conservatory (nov 15–Jan 19) and the magnificent orchid show, come february. New York Botanical Garden, Bronx River Pkwy at Fordham Rd, Bronx (718-817-8700, nybg .org). $13–$25, children 2–12 $3–$10, children under 2 free. Wed 10am–6pm, Sat 9–10am free.

Restaurants

BEST FOR BIG EATERS

Big Daddy’s Diner leave the times square tourist traps to the out-oftowners, and grab some classic american fare at ’80s-themed big daddy’s diner. you’ll hear vintage madonna and hair-metal hits as you dig into mammoth diner classics like reubens, tuna melts and three-egg omelettes, while pint-size diners order their favorites, like hot dogs and chocolate-chunk minipancakes. if you like your griddles with a side of friendly competition, bring your team for the monthly family trivia nights. Big Daddy’s Diner 239 Park Ave South between 19th and 20th Sts (212-477-1500) 1596 Second Ave between 82nd and 83rd Sts (212-7172020) 2454 Broadway between 90th and 91st Sts (212-677-2004) bigdaddysnyc.com

BEST FOR PIZZA LOVERS

Roberta’s kids love this spectacular wood-fired pizza because it has all the right answers: no, it’s not greasy. yes, you can pick off the basil. no, it’s not too charred. yes, you can have some more. you love that the menu contains produce (like tomatoes and lettuce) grown in the restaurant’s own backyard, the mozzarella is homemade and honey comes from its very own beehives. their simple margherita ($13) is a classic. take your kids on a garden tour so they can play with their food before it arrives on their plates ($10 and up, email garden @ robertaspizza.com to make a reservation). be sure to roll in early, around 4:30 or 5pm—this place gets insanely packed.

Roberta’s, 261 Moore St between Bogart and White Sts, Bushwick, Brooklyn (718-417-1118, robertaspizza.com) 14 timeout.com/newyorkk ds best of new york 2014

photographs: top; courtesy big daddy’s: paul WagtouicZ: roberta’s; courtesy deidre schoo

BEST FOR CONEHEADS

Ample Hills Creamery this ice-cream paradise brings your kids’ favorite treat to the next level with an ever-rotating menu of outrageous flavors crafted on-site from the freshest ingredients. figuring out what to order is the hard part—we suggest the munchies, with pretzels, potato chips, ritz crackers and mini m&ms. you could order your ice cream in a plain ol’ cup, but why would you when you can get it on a warm brownie? the new location in gowanus has booths and counter seating, but take your treats up to the outdoor roof deck where the kids can pedal an ice cream–churning bike and take in stunning views of the manhattan skyline framed by the gowanus canal below. the shop is also home to a huge production facility; little ones (and their parents) will love watching the ice cream being made.

Ample Hills Creamery, 305 Nevins St between President and Union Sts, Gowanus, Brooklyn (347-725-4061, amplehills.com)

BEST FOR PICKY EATERS

BEST FOR COMFORT FOODIES

Dizzy’s on Fifth its dad’s favorite meatloaf ($15), wrapped in bacon and served with mashed potatoes and green beans, is pretty much the definition of comfort food. if the kids are also in the mood for something reassuringly hearty, try southern-fried chicken ($15), with grits and buttered peas. little eaters get their very own menu, with simple dishes like mac and cheese ($7) and chicken tenders ($7). on Wednesday nights from 6 to 6:30pm you can enjoy live family-friendly music from local act city stomp (reservations required, email citystompdizzys@gmail.com).

Dizzy’s, 230 Fifth Ave at President St, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-230-5551, dizzys.com) BEST FOR SWEET TOOTHS

Sockerbit here the selection of scandinavian treats is dizzying—more than 140 different kinds fill the bins lining the walls. kids will delight at filling their own bag of brightly colored candies, from sour octopi (sura blackfiskar) to salty licorice tigers (salta tiger huvud). and you can feel good about the fact that all of sockerbit’s sweets are free of trans fats and artificial colorings. fyi: sockerbit means “sugar cube” in swedish. Sockerbit, 89 Christopher St at Bleecker St (212-206-8170, sockerbit.com)

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BEST FOR SNACK PURISTS

Melt Shop this family staple has 11 kinds of grilled cheese, including the classic (american cheese on white bread, $5.05) and substantial sammies like the big skinny with grilled veggies ($8.96). add sides like cheesy tots ($3.90) or tomato soup ($2.99) and promise the kids a nutellafluff shake ($5.51), and they’ll have no trouble cleaning their plates.

Melt Shop 111 Fulton St between Dutch and William Sts (646-741-7910) 135 W 50th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-9743423) 601 Lexington Ave between 53rd and 54th Sts (212-759-6358) 55 W 26th St between Sixth Ave and Broadway (212-4476358) meltshop.com

BEST FOR BIG IMAGINATIONS

Alice’s Tea Cup Jump down the rabbit hole, and immerse your kids in the ethereal atmosphere at these Alice in Wonderland–themed spots. the mad hatter murals, cheshire cat tchotchkes and Queen of hearts quotes will keep your kids busy until the food arrives. alice’s Wee tea offers a three-tiered tea service with a small pot of tea, a scone, any kids’-menu item and chocolate mousse ($23).

Alice’s Tea Cup 102 W 73rd St at Columbus Ave (212-7996361) 156 E 64th St between Madison and Park Aves (212-486-9200) 220 E 81st St between Second and Third Aves (212-734-4832) alicesteacup.com

photographs: diZZy’s; laura gallant: gotham West; paul WagtouicZ: melt shop; courtesy melt shop

Gotham West With eight different food purveyors to choose from, there’s something to please an entire family of varying tastes and appetites at gotham West. the bustling hell’s kitchen market spans 15,000 square feet, and the foodcourt–style seating means you can all eat together once your kids have chosen from ivan ramen slurp shop, genuine roadside, Jeni’s splendid ice creams, choza taqueria and four other premier artisanal eateries. in addition to the communal tables at each of the busy food stalls, garage doors open up to sidewalk seating for alfresco dining. try a tasty, kid-friendly lunch of grilled cheese ($8) from court street grocers sandwich shop followed by two scoops of Jeni’s to-diefor chocolate ice cream ($6) for dessert. after you eat, rent a bike at Velo, gotham market’s full-service bicycle shop (or just browse the killer selection of bikes and gear). Gotham West, 600 Eleventh Ave between 44th and 45th Sts (212-582 7940, gothamwestmarket.com)

Stores

BEST FOR VINTAGE FASHIONISTAS

BEST FOR PICKY PARENTS

Giggle all the kidware, including clothing, strollers and furniture, have been vetted to meet parent-minded criteria such as space-saveability, washability and durability. corral toys with a zig-zag-striped storage bin from petit pehr ($40), or create a soft lounging space with the sleepsheep snug rug ($55), which plays soothing sounds. the $550 nurseryWorks sleepytime rocker is pricey, but it might make those 2am feedings easier with its cozy cushions and washable fabric. Giggle 120 Wooster St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-334-5817) 1033 Lexington Ave between 74th and 75th Sts (212-249-4249) 352 Amsterdam Ave between 76th and 77th Sts (212-3628680) giggle.com

Greenlight Bookstore if your bedtime-story routine is getting dull, head to brooklyn’s independent greenlight bookstore to refresh your repertoire. you’ll come for the stocked shelves of books and stay for the full calendar of kiddie programming, like sing-alongs on friday afternoons (2:30pm) and story time on sunday mornings (11am). kids 8 to 14 can also join the young readers book group, meeting every fourth tuesday at 6:30pm, to discuss the coolest chapter books over pizza. most events are free, but some require an r.s.V.p., so check the store’s website.

Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton St between S Elliott Pl and S Portland Ave, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-246-0200, greenlightbookstore.com)

BEST FOR TRINKET LOVERS

Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store at this mom-and-pop shop, families will see retro playthings like silly putty ($2.50) and etch a sketches ($18). an eraser in the shape of a giant ring ($5) or a set of blinding neon-colored pencils ($8) will make homework a little more fun, and it’s easy to bring bring back family game night when you’ got retro faves like candyland ($16) or clue ($24). Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store, 232 Fifth Ave between Carroll and President Sts, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-522-9848, blueribbongeneralstore.net)

BEST FOR STYLISH SMALL ONES

Babesta new york city is home to some of the most stylish people on earth—and its kids are no exception. at tribeca boutique babesta, the fashionable duds echo trends seen in adult apparel. from a graphic chevron-patterned dress by a.bird ($64) to a leopard-print mohair cardigan by bobo choses ($139) and an array of band t-shirts featuring the likes of the clash and blondie ($37), you’ll wish this stuff came in your size. Babesta, 66 West Broadway between Murray and Warren Sts (212608-4522, babesta.com)

BEST FOR THE POLISHED TODDLER AND BABY

Pink Olive simple and sophisticated, pink olive offers beautifully made basics for kids. they’ll love rocking clothing and accessories like liberty of london hair bows ($16), bear-claw booties ($52) and brooklyn-repping onesies ($32) at play group. Pink Olive 439 E 9th St between First Ave and Ave A (212-780-0036) 167 Fifth Ave between Berkeley and Lincoln Pls, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-398-2016) 370 Bedford Ave between South 4th and 5th Sts, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-576-3915) pinkolive.com

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photographs: giggle; courtesy giggle: annie’s blue ribbon general store; courtesy driely schWartZ: pink oliVe; miha mate

BEST FOR EAGER BOOKWORMS

LuLu’s Then & Now the pint-size members of brooklyn’s style set have an eye for unique vintage duds. park slope’s kiddie consignment shop lulu’s then & now, sister store to hair salon—toy emporium lulu’s cuts and toys—supplies wardrobe essentials for hip kids. browse the store’s everchanging selection of new and gently worn clothing (newborn through size eight) from brands like crewcuts and little marc Jacobs, plus new and secondhand toys, books, furniture and baby gear. and since kids have a habit of growing out of their clothes fast, you can contribute to the eco-friendly cycle by selling your lightly used items to lulu’s for cash or store credit (see website for details; call to make an appointment). LuLu’s Then & Now, 75A Fifth Ave between Prospect and St. Marks Pls, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718832-3732, lulusthenandnow. com)

BEST FOR MINI MOUNTAINEERS

Brooklyn Boulders learn the ropes of rock climbing through packages like bkb adventures, which include five full-day sessions (9am–3:30pm) with unlimited climbing, outdoor recess and snacks ($539 per week). kids 8–18 can also join the bk beasts youth team ($600 to $1,500 per season). bring the whole crew to Weekend family hours (sat, sun 9–11am) to avoid peak-hour climbing traffic. Brooklyn Boulders, 575 DeGraw St between Third and Fourth Aves, Gowanus, Brooklyn (347834-9066, brooklynboulders .com). $25, students $19.

Keeping active

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BEST FOR FROZEN FANATICS

BEST FOR BENDY BABES

LeFrak Center at Lakeside the rinks at bryant park and rockefeller center aren’t your only options for holiday skating. try the two huge, state-of-the-art rinks at lakeside, one covered and one open-air. you can skate with the kids beside scenic prospect park lake during public skate hours ($6–$8), or sign them up for classes with certified instructors. the tots class is for ages 3 to 5, snowplow sam classes are for ages 5 to 7, and youth basics for ages 8 and up (all $125 for five weeks, one half-hour lesson per week). competent skaters 6 to 15 can don their pads and join the youth hockey clinic on sundays ($162.50 for five sessions).

LeFrak Center at Lakeside, 171 East Dr at Ocean Ave, Prospect Park, Brooklyn (212-661-6640, lakesidebrooklyn.com)

Yogi Beans this ues studio teaches kids about meditation, focus and breathing techniques while moving through various yoga poses. at siblings yoga (ages 3–9), kids quit bickering and learn about cooperation and communication through asanas, games, songs and even foot massage. you can also try family yoga class, in which parents can practice with their little ones. if your baby is battling teething and thinks sleep is for losers, then you could probably use some downward-dog time yourself; new moms can take a bye-bye bump class ($45 for drop-ins), while babysitters mind the children close by. Yogi Beans, 1018 Lexington Ave #2 between 72nd and 73rd Sts (212-585-2326, yogibeans.com). Trial class $15, four-class card $140.

photographs: top; courtesy brooklyn boulders: chelsea piers: scott mcdermott: courtesy yogi beans

BEST FOR FOR FUTURE OLYMPIANS

Chelsea Piers chelsea piers offers youth athletics programs for youngsters (six months to five years) and bigger kids (5 to 16 years), as well as competitive teams and leagues. they can learn golf, basketball, hockey, gymnastics, soccer, dance and tennis in a supportive environment helmed by coaches and teachers. there’s even a stunts & skills class for kids to learn parkour, free running and other action-movie–worthy moves. all the classes and programs take place at the 28-acre, state-ofthe-art facility, which houses an ice rink, golf club, field house and health club. grab some pregame fuel at ’wichcraft, located at pier 62. kids will love choosing their own toppings for a protein-packed snack at the stonyfield organic yogurt bar. Chelsea Piers, Eleventh Ave between 17th and 23rd Sts (212-336-6666, chelseapiers.com)

Film

classes

BEST FOR LITTLE CRITICS

BEST FOR CLASSIC FILM LOVERS

Film Forum Jr. your kids may never get bored with Frozen, but you also know they’ll never tire of the classics at weekly series film forum Jr. on sundays at 11am, the downtown theater hosts a matinee screening of a bona fide family favorite ($7.50 per ticket). this season’s top-notch picks include Bugs, Daffy and Chums (nov 16), Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (dec 7) and Mary Poppins (dec 21, 28). Film Forum, 209 W Houston St between Sixth Ave and Varick St (212-727-8110, filmforum .org). $7.50. All ages.

BEST FOR FOR JUNIOR ENGINEERS

Brooklyn Robot Foundry little techies will dive into this bot-tastic program. at robot crafting, kids ages five and six make bot-themed crafts. kids ages seven to nine can try robot building, where they’ll get a new engineering lesson each week, and those ages 10 to 12 can learn about motors, leds and sensors in robot programming.

Brooklyn Robot Foundry 303 Third Ave between Carroll and 1st Sts, Gowanus, Brooklyn (347-762-6840) 528 Canal Street at Washington and West St (347-762-6840) brooklynrobotfoundry.com Classes $575–$675 per 12-week session.

BEST FOR MINI MULTIMEDIA ARTISTS

BEST FOR SHORT MOVIEMAKERS

Automatic Studios little directors will want to head to this brooklyn favorite for a hands-on filmmaking experience. after-school classes taught by seasoned industry pros give elementary- and middle-school students the chance to direct their own films in studios and classrooms fully outfitted with cameras, sound equipment, lighting, props and a green screen ($675 for 10 sessions). and at their movie-arts camps, held during school vacations, future scorseses and spielbergs can produce a short film from start to finish ($150 per day). Automatic Studios, 30 John St between Jay and Pearl Sts, Dumbo, Brooklyn (347-875-7290, theautomaticstudios.com). All ages.

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Make Meaning take the kids to an activity center that’s like pinterest come to life. at make meaning, children are encouraged to explore their crafty inclinations with a wide variety of hands-on art projects like soap making, cake decorating, glass making and ceramics painting. afterward, kids leave with their finished creations. if you’re worried about your little ones’ limited attention span, you’ll be glad to know that many projects take just 20 to 45 minutes.

Make Meaning 329 Columbus Ave between 75th and 76th Sts (212-362-0350) 1501 Third Ave between 84th and 85th Sts (212-7440011) makemeaning.com Classes start at $10. All ages.

BEST FOR FOR MINECRAFTERS

Pixel Academy get kids away from playing video games long enough to create their own. this dropin after-school facility allows beginners and gaming gurus alike (ages seven and older) to tackle everything from coding and video-game design to 3-d printing and app building. they’ll emerge with their own creation and the skills to build their own robots at home, thanks to the academy’s top-notch instructors and teaching tools. Pixel Academy, 163 Pacific St between Clinton and Court Sts, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn (866-771-6837, pixelacademy.org). $45, members $35. All ages.

photographs: automatic studios; courtesy of che chisholm/automatic studios: brooklyn robot factory; courtesy brooklyn robot foundry

New York International Children’s Film Festival this film fest for kiddos showcases 100 new features and shorts from around the globe each year, and rounds out the experience with retrospectives, interactive workshops and filmmaker Q&as for families. though a jury determines which director takes home the grand prize and other esteemed awards, young audience members (ages 3–18) can cast their votes in the shortfilm category. and mom and dad get the chance to vote for the winner of the parents award. the $60 super-8 membership buys advance notice of the programs and first dibs on tickets; otherwise, look for news of the 2015 lineup in January. Various locations (212-349-0330, gkids.com). Feb 27–Mar 22; schedule varies, check gkids .com for details. All ages.