Things to do in NYC with Kids Archives - Globetrotting Mommy

Spotlight on NYC: Big Apple …

December 23, 2014 By admin

Going to the circus is a rite of passage for little kids. I finally got a chance to take my five-year old to her first circus (along with my sister) and I’m still not sure which one of us had the most fun. Read on for my Big Apple Circus Review…

Big Apple Circus, NYC, Circus, Acrobats, Metamorposis

Spotlight on NYC: Big Apple Circus Review

The Big Apple Circus is a small, one ring circus in Lincoln Center thats perfect for families with small kids. When I was growing up, I remember never knowing where to look at the circus because there was always so much going on but with just one ring, its so easy to focus on the acts. The audience is seated in a tent around the ring and because of the intimate size, no seat is more than 50 feet from the ring. Plus, there is a live band playing above the circus which really adds to the grown-up circus feel.

Big Apple Circus, NYC, Circus, Acrobats, Metamorposis

Spotlight on NYC: Big Apple Circus Review

This is not the circus my sister and I grew up with where we saw a million clowns climbing out of a tiny car. Instead of the usual clown antics, the Big Apple Circus features a European vibe with sophisticated acrobats, trapeze artists, a Ringmaster who charms the audience, Francesco the Clown who gets everyone laughing, animal acts, magical moments that unfold in front of your eyes and more.

This year’s Big Apple Circus is named Metamorphosis and the acts highlight a variety of amazing transformations.

Take a peek at some of the talented acrobats and performers…

Big Apple Circus, NYC, Circus, Acrobats, Metamorposis

Spotlight on NYC: Big Apple Circus Review

Look closely to see the contortionist all folded up into this box. Can you believe that this woman wiggled her way into the box too? So amazing!

Big Apple Circus, NYC, Circus, Acrobats, Metamorposis

Spotlight on NYC: Big Apple Circus Review

Animals and clowns always steal the show…

Big Apple Circus, NYC, Circus, Acrobats, Metamorposis

Spotlight on NYC: Big Apple Circus Review

These Russian quick change artists were my absolute favorites. I thought seeing Cinderella go from rags to ball gown on Broadway was amazing but this woman who changed into eight costumes in a matter of minutes just blew my mind.

Big Apple Circus, NYC, Circus, Acrobats, Metamorposis

Spotlight on NYC: Big Apple Circus Review

This is Big Apple Circus’ 37th season which says a lot. Metamorphosis really amazed all three of us and my daughter is still asking me how they did all the tricks. I love that some of the animal performers were rescued from local shelters and I also love that Big Apple Circus has several community outreach programs like Clown Care. If you have a chance to see Metamorphosis before it closes on January 11th in NYC, I highly recommend it. The show continues this winter/spring in Bridgewater, NJ, Boston, MA and Queens, NY.

Things to know:

The show is approximately two hours (with a 15 minute intermission) and appropriate for kids of all ages. Children under 3 can sit on a parent’s lap for free. Stroller parking and changing tables are available.

A variety of typical circus food is available (hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, etc.) at reasonable prices.

The circus takes place in a heated tent and the bathrooms are on the primitive side.

Enjoy!

Thanks to Big Apple Circus for providing our tickets. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Spotlight on NYC: Sail Away on …

June 25, 2014 By admin

Summer is here and there’s no better way to see New York City’s sights than by sea. Circle Line cruises have always been a favorite for tourists and locals alike but if you’ve got kids, you’ll want to check out Circle Line’s Kids Cruises.

I took my husband, my daughter and my broken foot on the Summer Sizzling Radio Disney Dance Party cruise last weekend and we had a fabulous time. These Circle Line Kids Cruises, available on select Saturday mornings now through October, offer a kid-friendly version of the classic sightseeing cruise with special guests and fun kids activities.

Circle Line, Kids Cruise, New York City, Globetrotting Mommy, NYC with Kids, Visiting NYC, What to do in NYC with kids

Spotlight on NYC: Sail Away on Circle Line Kids Cruises

The 75-minute cruise departs from Circle Line’s Pier 83 at 42nd street. Depending on the cruise theme, there are entertainers on the main floor and activities like face painting, magic shows and balloon twisters upstairs. On our cruise, the Radio Disney team led dance contests (think freeze dance, etc.) and giveaways. You’ll want to be upstairs to get the best views but don’t rush to take photos of the Statue of Liberty when you first see her, you’ll get a better view with fewer crowds as the boat circles back around. You’re welcome.

Circle Line, Kids Cruise, New York City, Globetrotting Mommy, NYC with Kids, Visiting NYC, What to do in NYC with kids

Spotlight on NYC: Sail Away on Circle Line Kids Cruises

The weather was spectacular, the sights were gorgeous, the sky was blue and the Annie soundtrack was playing in the background. It was a classic NYC moment and it was great being able to share an experience from my childhood with my little daughter. Here’s what you missed:

Circle Line, Kids Cruise, New York City, Globetrotting Mommy, NYC with Kids, Visiting NYC, What to do in NYC with kids

Spotlight on NYC: Sail Away on Circle Line Kids Cruises

Circle Line, Kids Cruise, New York City, Globetrotting Mommy, NYC with Kids, Visiting NYC, What to do in NYC with kids

Spotlight on NYC: Sail Away on Circle Line Kids Cruises

Circle Line, Kids Cruise, New York City, Globetrotting Mommy, NYC with Kids, Visiting NYC, What to do in NYC with kids

Spotlight on NYC: Sail Away on Circle Line Kids Cruises

Circle Line, Kids Cruise, New York City, Globetrotting Mommy, NYC with Kids, Visiting NYC, What to do in NYC with kids

Spotlight on NYC: Sail Away on Circle Line Kids Cruises

It was so much fun. Here are the themes and dates for upcoming Kid Cruises:

July 12 – Liberty Day with Maddie from the WNBA team New York & Baze and His Silly Friends

July 26 – Star Wars Rebels Party

August 9 – Pirate and Princess Party: The Power of Doing Good

August 23 – Baze and His Silly Friends & the Berenstain Bears

October 25 – Halloween Ball Kids Costume Cruise

Here’s what you need to know:

Tickets cost $29 for adults and $20 for kids ages 3-12.

Boarding starts at 9:15 am and the cruise departs at 10 am. Food and drinks are available for purchase and there is a dedicated stroller parking area. The main deck is completely handicapped accessible and the crew were helpful with boarding. If you’re wondering how I got upstairs, I hopped up and down on my good foot.

If you’re driving, there is a parking lot right at the terminal ($35 for the day) which is worth it if you’re going to explore the nearby kid-friendly attractions, parks and restaurants like the Intrepid Museum, North River Lobster Company, and Lucky Strike Bowling.

To see the entire schedule of Circle Line Cruises visit http://www.circleline42.com/.

We headed over to a nearby pier afterwards which had a cute interactive water playground, grassy spots and scenic views. I’m always amazed to discover these hidden spots.

Circle Line, Kids Cruise, New York City, Globetrotting Mommy, NYC with Kids, Visiting NYC, What to do in NYC with kids

Spotlight on NYC: Sail Away on Circle Line Kids Cruises

Bon voyage…

I received complimentary tickets for review purposes but all opinions are my own.

If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Spotlight on NYC: Tours for …

March 19, 2014 By admin

New York City kids are exposed to a lot of amazing cultural experiences and its great how many of the top NYC museums cater to their tiniest visitors. If you’ve got a 4-year old, you’ve got to check out the Museum of Modern Art’s (MOMA) complimentary Tours for 4’s weekend family gallery talks.

MOMA, NYC, Art Museum, Tours for 4s, Globetrotting Mommy

Globetrotting Mommy: Spotlight on NYC: Tours for 4s at MOMA

Tickets are distributed at 10 am on a first-come, first-served basis so arrive on time. Participants are given tokens to check coats in lockers which is a nice touch. We visited in February for the Breaking the Mold: Materials and Techniques gallery talk and our group had about 10 kids and their parents. Our tour guide Shannon reviewed the rules for visiting the museum and we were on our way. We stopped at a few exhibits and the kids were asked for their thoughts along the way as the guide explained about the artwork and artists like Isa Genzken. My daughter’s favorite part was the age appropriate art projects they got to do on the floor involving designs and textures. The tour lasts about an hour and then you are free to explore on your own. Be sure to check out the Moma Art Lab where you can play, read, experiment and create your own stop-animation movies.

MOMA, NYC, Art Museum, Tours for 4s, Globetrotting Mommy

Globetrotting Mommy: Spotlight on NYC: Tours for 4s at MOMA

Upcoming weekend themes for the Tours for 4s program include:

March – Shape Shifting

April – Faces and Figures: People and Portraits

May – From Furry to Feathered: Animals in Art

If your kids are older, check out the MOMA’s A Closer Look for Kids and Tours for Tweens programs.

If you’ll be visiting NYC with kids this spring or summer, these programs would be a nice addition to your itinerary. The MOMA is centrally located near a lot of family friendly attractions and kid-friendly stores including Central Park, Rockefeller Center, FAO Schwartz, LEGO Store, American Girl Store and the Eloise Shop at the Plaza.