Manhattan

Two weeks until Black Friday and the start of the holiday shopping season. And this year, despite all of the empty storefronts throughout the city, we’ve got a number of new children’s boutiques helping to prop up the local real estate market. Here are some of our faves to keep in mind after turkey day:

Lemonade
Former preschool teacher Maggie Eigen brings us a store that will quench your thirst for kids’ duds that are stylish without being too trendy. Chase ‘N’ Sky Hawaii, L.A. Made, Hiho Batik, Kule and Oeuf are some of the lines this cozy, little Lexington Avenue store carries. Lemonade’s well-edited collection is perfect for everything from playdates to preschool interviews. Eigen also stocks a nice selection of accessories for newborns on up (note to self: check out the burp cloths). For the zip code, Lemonade’s prices are pretty sweet.
Lemonade, 1038 Lex. Ave. (at 74th St.) 212-585-4371

Crewcuts
With clothes featuring a modern, preppy aesthetic, J. Crew Junior should feel right at home on the UES. The 2200-square foot Madison Avenue store has all the understated, polished staples we’ve come to expect from Crewcuts plus a whole lot more. The Dressed-Up corner is a treasure trove of formal party dresses for those getting ready to hit the holiday party circuit.
Crewcuts on Madison, 1200 Madison Ave. (at 87th St.) 212-348-9803, jcrew.com.

Baby CZ
Carolina Zapf recently launched her first brick-and-mortar store to showcase her classic lines for babies and kids, including the luxury two-ply cashmere pieces for which she is known. Now you, too, can get in on the act; Zapf has just started a line of cashmere sweaters for women.
Baby CZ, 820 Madison Ave. (bet. 68th & 69th) 212-288-8030, babycz.com.

Bundle
A Soho boutique where the clothes won’t cost you a bundle. Boutique owner and former Wall Streeter Allison McCullough stocks chic brands, including Acoustic, Neige and Velvet & Tweed, that don’t give off that been-there-done-that vibe. Be sure to ask about Bundle’s concierge service.
Bundle, 128 Thompson (bet. Prince & Houston), 212-982-9465, bundlenyc.com.

A little Ailey, an early Nutcracker, a pre-Thanksgiving feast, a pop-up celebration and an Elmo library card. Hey, his show did just turn 40.

Do
CMOM’s Ailey Day of Dance
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is hosting an Ailey Day of Dance. Members of Ailey II (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s second company) will lead workshops teaching kids basic movements and exercises. Ailey II dancers will also perform an excerpt from Isba (choreographed by the great Alvin Ailey) a ritualistic celebration of courtship and marriage with African tribal influences.
When: Sat., 11/14. Dance workshops at 2 & 3:15pm. Isba duet performances at 2:35 & 3:50pm. Free with the price of admission, which is $10. Sign up for workshops one hour before start time at the Visitor Info. Desk. Tickets for performances are distributed one hour before showtimes at the Visitor Info. Desk.
(Ages 5 and up)
Where: CMOM, 212 W. 83rd St. cmom.org.

See
Dances Patrelle’s The Yorkville Nutcracker
Get your Nutcracker fix a little early. Check out an excerpt from Dances Patrelle’s The Yorkville Nutcracker at the Barnes & Noble on 86th and Lex. The beloved holiday classic is set in 1895 NYC. Dancers will be in full costume and available to meet and greet store visitors.
When: Sun., 11/15, 4pm; free. (All ages)
Where: Barnes & Noble, 150 E. 86th St. at Lex.

Go
Pop-up Celebration
Books of Wonder is hosting its fourth annual Pop-up Celebration honoring pop-ups and other books created through the art of paper engineering. Front and center will be seven authors, illustrators and paper engineers. The book line-up includes The Sound of Music, the three buggy pop-ups (Snow Bugs, School bugs, The Big Bug Book), Christmas Tree in a Box and A Pop-up Book of Nursery Rhymes. Unfortunately, the king of pop-up, Robert Sabuda, had to bow out of this year’s event, but Books of Wonder is selling signed copies of his books.
When: Sat., 11/14, noon-2pm; free.
Where: Books of Wonder, 18 W. 18th St., (212) 989-3270, booksofwonder.com.

Eat
Susie’s Supper Club
The online meal delivery service for busy NY families (and those of us too lazy to cook!) is having a tasting party on the UES. Sample some of Susie’s fall favorites: butternut squash pizzas, sweet potato fritters, apple pie bars and veggie soup shots plus cocktails and more. Nutritional counseling available. Kids can decorate cupcakes and learn some healthy eating basics with fun props.
When: Sat., 11/4, 2-5pm; free. RSVP to rsvp@susiessupperclub.com. Free.
Where: 103 E. 75th St.

Visit
BPL’s Sesame Street Family Day
A three-month long exhibit honoring Sesame Street’s big 4-0 kicks off this Saturday with Family Fun Day at Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library. Festivities include Sesame Street arts ‘n’ crafts, reading activities and a screening of The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland. The library will be offering limited-edition, Elmo-themed library cards. America’s favorite red fuzzy guy will also put in appearances throughout the day. The special exhibit, Sesame Street: A Celebration of 40 Years of Life on the Street, features show scripts, sheet music, animal cels, behind-the-scenes photos and much more.
When: Sat., 11/4, 11am-4pm. Elmo will make appearances for 30 minutes, every hour on the hour. Free.
Where: Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn. brooklynpubliclibrary.org.

Lipstick (as well as the Lipstick Index “economic indicator”) is getting some tough competition this recession. Apparently our retail therapy these days is all about expensive perfumes and shoes, a hell of a lot of shoes according to a recent New York Times article. Since we’re widening the playing field when it comes to pick-me-up purchases, we may as well look at other options.

Enter Pip-squeak Chapeau Etc. The Brooklyn-based apparel collection - think chunky knit hats, scarves and baby booties - now has its first stand-alone store. Not only can you snatch up these pieces at Barney’s and ABC Carpet and Home but also on Franklin Street in Greenpoint. For Pip-squeak Chapeau designer Sveta Dresher, folk chic is not an oxymoron. Dresher hails from Moscow (and was trained as a geologist and veterinary nurse!). She’s got a knack for achieving an ethnically-infused, effortless aesthetic in her line. Her warm weather headgear for both kids and women is some of the most stylish around. (You won’t even mind getting hat head.) Dresher’s collection, crafted from 100% natural materials, including cotton, alpaca and bamboo, also features wrap tops, loose-fitting tunics and a must-have tie skirt.

In addition to clothing, the Brooklyn store offers home textiles plus jewelry, ceramics (check out the waffles set) and paintings from local designers. Everything is handmade in Brooklyn by local artisans.

Support the local economy.

Pip-squeak Chapeau Etc., 99 Franklin St., Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 718-302-2302, pip-squeakchapeau.com.

A junior version of Robert De Niro’s Tribeca Film Festival. Climbing aboard NY’s namesake. An early start for S’mores season and a disco milestone in Brooklyn.

See
Tribeca Cinemas Kids Club
From the company that brings us the Tribeca Film Festival comes Tribeca Cinemas Kids Club, a family film series of feature and short films. Saturday the Club will be screening eight shorts in the morning and then Mad Hot Ballroom in the afternoon. Emmy-Award-winning director Jennifer Oxley, of Little Bill and Sesame Street fame, helmed three of the shorts. Following each screening is a Q&A session with filmmakers plus other activities, including arts ‘n’ crafts and live music. (The Kids Club will take place on the first and third Saturday of each month through March 27, 2010.)
When: Sat., 11/7, 10:30- shorts (ages 3 and up); 1:30 Mad Hot Ballroom (ages 7 and up). Kids under 14 - $7 /single screening and $12/double-feature. Adults and older kids - $10/single screening and $18/double-feature. Purchase tickets at tribecafilm.com.
Where: Tribeca Cinemas, 54 Varick St.

Do
USS New York
The USS New York, which includes seven and a half tons of steel from the World Trade Center’s twin towers, will be commissioned on Saturday. Sunday morning, the ship is open to the public. Climb aboard and remember the ship’s motto: “Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget.”
When: Sun., 11/8, 9am-noon. Long lines are expected so arrive early. Adults should bring a photo ID. No large packages or backpacks permitted aboard ship.
Where: Pier 88, 12th Ave. at W. 48th St. ussnewyork.org.

Go
New York Family/ACA-NY Camp Fairs
The Yankees just won the World Series, and yet it’s already time to start thinking about planning for next summer. New York Family magazine and the American Camp Association are co-hosting a series of free camp fairs. Meet directors from sleepaway camps and local day camps. (Summer programs are for kids ages 3-13.)
When: Sat., 11/7, 12-3pm and Sun., 11/8, 12-3pm; free.
Where: Sat., 11/7 - (UES) Lycee Francais de New York, 505 E. 75th St. (and York Ave.).
Sun., 11/8- (UWS) Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 7 W. 83rd St. (bet. CPW and Columbus Ave.)
(Also, Sat., 11/14, downtown at Friends Seminary School, 222 E. 16th St. bet. 3rd Ave. and Rutherford Pl.)

Dance
Baby Loves Disco Pajama Party
Celebrate Baby Loves Disco’s fifth birthday. Jump into your jammies and get ready to channel your inner Dancing Queen.
When: Sat., 11/7, 2-5pm; “$12 in advance per walking human/$15 at the door” and crawlers get in free. (Ages 6 mths -7 yrs). Tickets available at babylovesdisco.com.
Where: Southpaw, 125 Fifth Ave., Brooklyn.

A haunted ship, a monster mash, a lot of pumpkin beautification and some arias for a famous story about chocolate. Happy Halloween!

Climb Aboard
Spooktacular at the Intrepid
The newly renovated Intrepid will feature a haunted house, pumpkin painting, magic shows, stilt walkers and scarecrows. Free admission for visitors in costume.
When: Sat., 10/31 and Sun., 11/1, 11am-4pm; magic shows at noon and 2pm; free with admission. (Ages 3-12)
Where: The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, 46th St. and 12th Ave., intrepidmuseum.org.

Go
American Museum of Natural History
Curious George, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Miffy are just a few of the characters that will be on hand to greet costumed kids as they arrive for the museum’s 14th annual Halloween celebration. Children can wander the halls and go trick-or-treating. The festivities will include live performances, stilt walkers and a master pumpkin carver.
When: Sat., 10/31 from 2pm-5pm; $10. Tickets can be purchased at amnh.org.
Where: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th St.

Do
Monster Mash Fest at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
A Mad Scientist’s Lab, Creepy Crawly Creatures plus Wee Little Monsters (fun, scary stories for the five-and-under set). A costume parade closes down the party each night.
When: Fri., 10/30 and Sat., 10/31 from 5pm-8pm; $10 per person. Recommended - purchase tickets ahead of time at the museum’s admissions desk. (All ages)
Where: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Mark’s Ave. 718-735-4400, brooklynkids.org.

March
The Scholastic Store’s Halloween Costume Parade
Head down to Soho to accompany your little goblin in a parade “around Soho” (about a 1/2 a block). Kids can make goodie bags in preparation for evening trick-or-treating. Storytime features a reading of There was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Bat.
When: Sat., 10/31, 3pm; free. (All ages)
Where: The Scholastic Store, 557 B’way (bet. Prince and Spring St.).

Taste
Chocolate Show
For when the trick-or-treating haul simply doesn’t suffice. The KidZone at the 12th Annual Chocolate Show will host the Chocolate Club @ UCF. Members of the University of Central Florida’s club will teach Chocolate 101. Kids can learn how chocolate is made and what the difference is between white, dark and milk chocolate. (Entry to the Chocolate Club requires a small donation to Share Our Strength, a national organization dedicated to ending child hunger.) Also in the zone, check out edible arts ‘n’ crafts and catch a sneak peak of The Golden Ticket, a new opera based on Roald Dahl’s beloved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Oompa Loompa.
When: Fri., 10/30, noon-8pm; Sat., 10/31, 10am-8pm; Sun., 11/1, 10am-5pm. Advance tix, $28 per adult, available online at ticketmaster.com. Adults, $30 at door, kids under 5 are free, kids 5-12 are free with adult (2 kids per adult with each additional child costing $8).
Where: The Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St. chocolateshow.com.

The butterflies are back in town as is Harold and a certain-colored crayon. The Shake Shack goes Bavarian while an African folktale goes hip-hop. Plus Boo at the Zoo for you.

Go
The Butterfly Conservatory:
Butterflies Alive in Winter
Twelve years ago, The American Museum of Natural History held what was supposed to be a one-time event featuring fluttering members of the Order Lepidoptera. The exhibit proved to be so popular that AMNH has hosted an annual exhibition of live butterflies ever since, explains Hazel Davies, Manager of Living Exhibits at the museum. The Conservatory’s butterflies hail from farms in Florida, Costa Rica, Kenya, Malaysia, Ecuador and Thailand. Because the butterflies typically live only two-three weeks, the museum receives about 500 pupae (AKA replacement butterflies) per week, via DHL and FedEx no less, during the run of the exhibit. They’re released into the vivarium once they emerge. Note: dress (undress) appropriately. It’s 80 degrees inside the vivarium with 75% humidity.
When: Starts Sat. 10/10 and runs through 5/31/10. (Open daily 10am-5:45pm). Time-specific tix for exhibit include general admission: $24 adults, $18 seniors/students, $14 children (2-12). Available online at amnh.org.
Where: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St.

See
Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth
The Hip-Hop Theater Festival brings us a modern adaptation of classic African folklore. The plot: Zomo must perform three tasks before he can receive the ultimate power from The Sky God. Set in NYC, the story leads to the celebration of hip-hop culture.
When: Fri., 10/9 at 3pm; Sat., 10/10 at 3pm; Sun., 10/11 at 1pm. $20 per ticket, available at theatermania.com. (Ages 4 and up)
Where: Ohio Theater, 66 Wooster St., bet. Spring and Broome Sts.

Eat
Shacktoberfest
The Shake Shack is honoring Oktoberfest with specials inspired by the Bavarian festival. Think sausages done Shake Shack style, Apple-Strudel- and German-Chocolate-Cake-flavored Concretes (a super dense custard shake) plus seasonal beers. The Shack’s signature burgers and fries, plus all other items on the regular menu, are also available for your consumption.
When: Now through Sun., 10/11; 11am-11pm. shakeshack.com.
Where: Madison Square Park- SE corner of Mad. Sq. Pk, near Madison Ave & E. 23rd St.
UWS - 366 Columbus Ave. at 77th St.

Do
Boo at the Zoo
For the next four weekends, the Bronx Zoo is going all out for Halloween with the Haunted Safari, mask making from recycled materials, a hay maze, bats and cats, plus more. Kids ages 3-12 who come in a wildlife costume are admitted free with an adult who is paying a full-priced admission.
When: 10/10-10/12, 10/17-10/18, 10/24-10/25 and 10/31-11/1. Check bronxzoo.com for specific activity times.
Where: Bronx Zoo, Fordham Rd. and Bronx River Parkway.

Watch
The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon
As part of its 2009-2010 Target Family Fun series, Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts presents The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon, based on the book series by Crockett Johnson. The Enchantment Theatre Company’s production features life-size puppets, music, masks and magic.
When: Sun., 10/11 at 2pm. Runs approx. 50 minutes. $6 per ticket. Available online at brooklyncenteronline.org or by calling (718) 951-4500. (Ages 5 and up.)
Where: Brooklyn Ctr for the Performing Arts, Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College, 2900 Campus Rd. & Hillel Place (1 block west of “The Junction.”)

Photo credit (Butterfly): AMNH\D.Finnin.

We can get so caught up in daily city life that we forget to enjoy what’s in our own backyard. Sometimes you just need to play tourist for a day (while foregoing the out-of-towner’s requisite trip to Times Square to dine at some ginormous chain restaurant with picture menus).

First stops: the Statue of Liberty and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. New audio tours created specifically for kids are now available. The Statue of Liberty “guide” is a character named Frances Falcon. Marty the Muskrat helms the Ellis Island tour. These Discovery Audio presentations are geared toward kids ages 6-10. The Lady of Liberty tour is 30 minutes. It explains the statue’s history and its significance as a worldwide symbol of freedom. Meanwhile, Marty the Muskrat’s Ellis Island “dialogue” (both tours are interactive) uses first-hand immigrant accounts to enable young visitors to relive the “new arrival” experience. Tours are offered in nine languages. The rental fee is $8 for adults and slightly less for kids. Each tour includes a “quiz” with fun facts. Speaking of which, pop quiz time. How thick is Lady Liberty’s skin? The depth of a phone book or the height of two stacked pennies?

Hint: As many hard-core New Yorkers know, less is more. And Lady Liberty is no exception.

Visit ellisisland.org.

An inverse relationship appears to exist between the prices of children’s classes around the city and the state of the economy. It seems as if many of the programs are getting pricier just as your financials are getting dicier. But as New Yorkers - natives and transplants alike - we’re nothing if not resourceful. There are plenty of good-quality, free activities to keep you and Junior entertained. Seek and you shall find.

Chic downtown newcomer Bundle is hosting free monthly children’s book readings and signings. Former Wall Streeter and Bundle boutique owner Allison MacCullough is working with the Society of Illustrators to bring in well-known and talented New Yorkers to share their work. Here’s the line-up, starting with an event this Thursday:

Betsy Lewin - Thu. 9/24 at 4pm. Lewin has been on the New York Times Best-Seller List. She’s a Caldecott Honoree (for Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type) and recipient of numerous awards. Lewin will be reading from her book Thump, Quack, Moo, the latest in the Click, Clack, Moo series.

Edel Rodriguez - Thu. 10/15 at 4pm. Rodriguez will share Sergio Makes a Splash and Sergio Saves the Game. Then he’ll conduct a drawing workshop where he’ll show kids how to draw Sergio. Hey, it’s a chance for your bundle of joy to learn to draw from a guy whose work is held by the Smithsonian.

Randall and Peter de Seve - Thu. 11/12 at 4pm. Artist Peter de Seve has created covers for the New Yorker and been published in nearly every major American magazine. He has also designed characters for animated feature films, including A Bug’s Life and Ice Age. Randall de Seve is the author of the best-selling Toy Boat. The de Seves will read from The Duchess of Whimsy, which will be released later this fall. Stay tuned to see if the husband-wife team behind this book will have the Duchess of Whimsy and the Earl of Norm become an item.

A bonus - attendees will receive a 15% discount at Bundle on reading days. The clothing store carries stylish lines such as Splendid, the vintage-inspired Acoustic as well as Velvet & Tweet at recession-friendly prices.

Bundle, 128 Thompson St., bet. Prince and W. Houston Sts., 212-982-9465, bundlenyc.com.

A big homecoming of sorts on the art scene. Yogis go big in the name of peace. Plus livestock in NYC. Just a typical weekend here.

See
Kandinsky
Few artists are more closely associated with the Guggenheim than the Russian-born Vasily Kandinsky; his art has been collected by the museum since its inception. So it’s fitting that the Guggenheim is mounting an exhibition of the works of this abstract art pioneer to coincide with its 50th anniversary. This exhibit represents the first full-scale retrospective of Kandinsky’s oeuvre in the U.S. since 1985.
When: Opens 9/18 and runs through 1/13/10; museum admission is $18/adults, $15/seniors and students with valid ID and free for kids under 12. The museum has pay-as-you-wish admission set-up on Saturday evenings from 5:45-7:45pm.
Where: Solomon R.Gugenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave. at 89th St., guggenheim.org.

Do
Global Mala - Yoga for Peace
Om Shanti! Karma Kids Yoga is organizing a special children’s area for this event in Battery Park. Participants complete 108 Sun Salutations, or “mala” in Sanskrit. Yogis around the world - think Croatia, Italy and Argentina - will also be doing their 108 SSs. The purpose of the event is to demonstrate how a group can bring peace in unison through yoga.
When: Sun. 9/20, noon-3pm; suggested donation of $20 in advance, $25 the day of. Register at yoga-for-peace.org. (All ages)
When: Battery Park, Center Lawn.

Visit
27th Annual Queens County Farm
Farm in the city. Check out this traditional county fair at the Queens County Farm Museum, which boasts the “largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland” (47 acres) in NYC and is the “only working historical farm in the city.” Carnival rides, hayrides, a petting zoo, Big Apple Circus Variety acts and the Amazing Maize Maze are all part of the festivities. Other activities include competitions in livestock, produce and home crafts.
When: Sat. 9/19 and Sun. 9/20, 10am - 6pm; $7/adults and $4/kids under 12. Additional charges apply for some activities.
Where: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, 718-347-3276, queensfarm.org.
Accessible by subway and bus.

Watch
Peter Pan & Adventures in Never Land
A fresh re-telling of J.M. Barrie’s classic about the boy in green tights and his BFFs at the Swedish Marionette Theatre in Central Park. This version is set in NYC.
When: Through 9/27, Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm (plus performances from 10/6 - 11/8); $8/adults, $5/children, reservations required. Call 212-988-9093.
cityparksfoundation.org.
Where: The Swedish Cottage, Central Park at 79th St. and West Drive just South of the Delacorte Theater.

Photo credit: Vasily Kandinsky, Improvisation 28 (second version) (Improvisation 28 [zweite Fassung]), 1912
Oil on Canvas, 43 7/8 x 63 7/8 inches (111.4 x 162.1 cm)
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York
Solomon R. Guggenheim Founding Collection, By gift. 37.239

Your iPhone/BlackBerry has gone a long way in streamlining your life. Your MP3 player has helped you organize decades of music, including finding a home for all the songs from the Pretty in Pink soundtrack. But the whole pregnancy thing has thrown you for a loop, and no little piece of technology can help you navigate this strange new world. Time to go low-tech with some face-to-face interaction with live human beings … and a hula hoop.

This Wednesday, The Pregnant New Yorker is hosting an “alternative health event” featuring a panel of experts who will discuss tips for labor and delivery, breastfeeding, prenatal massage and yoga, and acupuncture. Joanna Lindenbaum, the woman behind Soulful Coaching for Busy Women, will be on hand to advise moms-to-be on managing their time and energy in the first few months of life with baby. (There’s no app for that.) And the piece de resistance - a prenatal hula hooping demo. It’s called Pre/Postnatal Hoopnotica Hoopdance and combines hula hooping with dancing. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Long live the 50s … minus the saddle shoes.

When: Wed. 9/16, 6:30-9pm; $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Register at thepregnantnewyorker.com.
Where: Yummy Mummy, 1201 Lexington Ave. (bet. 81st and 82nd Sts.)