Getting the Kids Out&About

Today's dispatch from Sara Berman is a treasure of great things to do as a family. A category Ms. Berman leaves out is the fun family benefits organized by some of the city's most prominent cultural institutions. Here are a few with links to my photo albums covering the events in the past: The New York City Ballet party in mid December pleases all ages with the Nutcracker; after the dancers come in costume and sign autographs [photo album] At the Metropolitan Museum of Art party in early February, children explore the treasures of the first floor, and dance in the Temple of Dendur [photo album] More than 2,000 children attend the American Museum of Natural History's annual family party in early November, with activities all over the museum, from the bottom of the whale to the back of the dinosaurs. [photo album coming soon] The New York City Opera party in mid November introduces children to opera and includes a dance lesson [photo album coming soon] These parties are certainly more expensive than a regular outing at any of these institutions; but the experience is festive and creates a wonderful childhood memory.