It's great to be a kid!

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8 timeout.com/newyorkk ds best of new york 2014

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

It's great to be a kid!

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best of new york 2014 timeout.com/newyorkk ds 9

Museums

BEST FOR BUDDING BIOLOGISTS AND PALEONTOLOGISTS

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 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.

BEST FOR HISTORY BUFFS DiMenna Children’s History Museumexhibits 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 new-

yorkers 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/childrens-museum). $19, students $12, children 5–13 $6, children 4 and under free.

BEST FOR EARLY LEARNERSChildren’s Museum of Manhattan this nearly 40,000-square-foot 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.

BEST FOR MINI SCIENTISTS New York Hall of Sciencehere, 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 (718-699-0005, nysci.org). $11, children 5–17 $8.

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BEST FOR THEATER NERDS New Victory Theaterit 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 (646-223-3010, newvictory.org). 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.

BEST FOR MARIONETTE NUTS Puppetworksat 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 MINI MOZARTS Little Orchestra

Societyget 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 (212-971-9500, littleorchestra.org). $17–$53, subscriptions $34–$188. All ages.

Performances

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 (212-679-0401, nytb.org). $20, children $30. All ages.

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BEST FOR ESCAPE ARTISTS Governors Islandthe 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 TIME TRAVELERS 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)

BEST FOR NATURE NUTS Wave Hilleveryone needs a few hours of calm now and then—kids included—and you’d be hard-pressed 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 (718-549-3200, wavehill.org). $8, children 6–12 $2, children under 6 free; Saturdays 9am–noon free.

BEST FOR LITTLE BOTANISTS New York Botanical Gardengive 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.

BEST FOR WATERSIDE FUN Brooklyn Bridge Parkstretching 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.

Green spaces

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BEST FOR CONEHEADS Ample Hills Creamerythis 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 PIZZA LOVERS Roberta’skids 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)

BEST FOR BIG EATERS Big Daddy’s Diner leave the times square tourist traps to the out-of-towners, 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 (212-717-2020) 2454 Broadway between 90th and 91st Sts (212-677-2004) bigdaddysnyc.com

Restaurants

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BEST FOR PICKY EATERS Gotham WestWith 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 food-court–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-die-for 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)

BEST FOR COMFORT FOODIES Dizzy’s on Fifthits 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 [email protected]). Dizzy’s, 230 Fifth Ave at President St, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-230-5551, dizzys.com)

BEST FOR SWEET TOOTHS Sockerbithere 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 blackfi skar) 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)

BEST FOR BIG IMAGINATIONS Alice’s Tea CupJump 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 (212-799-6361) 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

BEST FOR SNACK PURISTS Melt Shopthis 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 nutella-fluff 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 (212-974-3423) 601 Lexington Ave between 53rd and 54th Sts (212-759-6358) 55 W 26th St between Sixth Ave and Broadway (212-447-6358) meltshop.com

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BEST FOR STYLISH SMALL ONES Babestanew 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 (212-608-4522, babesta.com)

BEST FOR PICKY PARENTS Giggleall the kidware, including clothing, strollers and furniture, have been vetted to meet parent-minded criteria such as space-save-ability, 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 (212-362-8680) giggle.com

BEST FOR THE POLISHED TODDLER AND BABY Pink Olivesimple 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

BEST FOR EAGER BOOKWORMS Greenlight Bookstoreif 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 VINTAGE FASHIONISTAS 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 ever-changing 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 (718-832-3732, lulusthenandnow.com)

BEST FOR TRINKET LOVERS Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Storeat 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)

Stores


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BEST FOR FOR FUTURE OLYMPIANS Chelsea Pierschelsea 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-of-the-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)

BEST FOR MINI MOUNTAINEERS Brooklyn Boulderslearn 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 (347-834-9066, brooklynboulders.com). $25, students $19.

BEST FOR FROZEN FANATICS LeFrak Center at Lakesidethe 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)

BEST FOR BENDY BABES 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.

Keeping active

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BEST FOR LITTLE CRITICS New York International Children’s Film Festivalthis 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 short-film 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.

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, fi lmforum.org). $7.50. All ages.

BEST FOR SHORT MOVIEMAKERS Automatic Studioslittle 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.

BEST FOR FOR MINECRAFTERS Pixel Academyget kids away from playing video games long enough to create their own. this drop-in 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 Pacifi c St between Clinton and Court Sts, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn (866-771-6837, pixelacademy.org). $45, members $35. All ages.

BEST FOR FOR JUNIOR ENGINEERS Brooklyn Robot Foundrylittle 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.

classesFilm

BEST FOR MINI MULTIMEDIA ARTISTS Make Meaningtake 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 (212-744-0011) makemeaning.com Classes start at $10. All ages.


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