These amazing kids' events, openings, performances, books and more are some of our favorite things happening in 2018. There's so much to look forward to this year—especially in terms of our favorite Broadway shows for kids.
Photograph: Joan Marcus
1. SpongeBob SquarePants (performance) BUY TICKETS
Porous is he! Visit the one and only pineapple under the sea with this brand-new musical that brings SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Sandy Cheeks and other critters on yet another epic adventure. Though it’s only been on Broadway for a hot second, this laugh-packed performance has already won the hearts of critics (including Time Out New York’s very own Theater & Dance Editor Adam Feldman). Did we mention it features stellar original songs by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Sara Bareilles, Panic! at the Disco, the Flaming Lips, John Legend and Cyndi Lauper? It does. And we’re totally pumped. Palace Theatre, 1564 Broadway (spongebobbroadway.com). Various dates and times; $49–$159. Ages 5 and up.
2. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (performance) BUY TICKETS
Harry Potter madness continues in full intergenerational force as J.K. Rowling’s magical play comes to New York. The cast has been announced and will include Jamie Parker as Harry Potter, Noma Dumezweni as Hermione Granger and Paul Thornley as Ron Weasley, just to name a few— but at press time, we’re still waiting on pins and needles for a glimpse of the sets and costumes, which are bound to be completely magical. Lyric Theatre, 214 W 43rd St (harrypottertheplay.com/us). Opens Mar 16. Ages 10 and up.
3. Frozen (performance) BUY TICKETS
The Disney blockbuster that gave us “Let It Go” and “Do You Want to Build
a Snowman?” takes the stage at St. James Theatre this year. Expect dazzling wintry sets, new original songs, emotive puppets (Sven the reindeer has blinking eyes and twitching ears operated by his puppeteer) and stellar performances from Caissie Levy (Elsa) and Patti Murin (Anna). St. James Theatre, 246 W 44th St (frozenthemusical.com). Opens Feb 22. Ages 6 and up.
4. Air Play (perfomance) BUY TICKETS
What happens when a former juggler and former ballerina create a show together? This interactive experience’s dazzling duo, Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone, takes acrobatics and props to new heights. We’re positive that their talents, combined with those of director West Hyler, who’s worked on Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour and Big Apple Circus’s Metamorphosis and Legendarium, will captivate your kiddos. The colorful yet minimalist show additionally includes an autism-friendly performance (Apr 14 at 3pm) in which production sounds are lowered, folks are welcome to move around and all guests can access an activity area and calming corner with fidget toys and comfy beanbag chairs. New Victory Theater, 209 W 42nd St (newvictory.org). Opens Mar 30. Ages 5 and up.
5. Early Man (movie)
Aardman Animations’ much-anticipated Claymation flick is set at the beginning of time, when prehistoric creatures walked the earth and a tribe of, er, “early men” did, too. Audiences follow Dug and his companion Hognob as they struggle to save their home, rallying against mortal enemy Lord Nooth and his Bronze Age city. The star- studded cast includes Tom Hiddleston as Lord Nooth, Maisie Williams (Goona) and Eddie Redmayne (Dug). Opens Feb 16. Rating TBA.
6. Incredibles 2 (movie)
Your favorite superfamily swoops in with a new exciting tale: Mr. Incredible must care for Violet, Dash and Jack- Jack while Elastigirl is out saving the world. Opens June 15. Rating TBA.
7. Paddington 2 (movie)
One of the world’s most lovable bears returns to the big screen for a second round of adventures. This time, he’s settled in with the Brown family, become a beloved member of the community and is on a mission to find Aunt Lucy a gift for her 100th birthday. But once he finally finds the perfect present and saves his pennies to purchase it, it gets stolen—and Paddington must help to find the thief. Local theaters. PG.
8. The Market Line (eating)
Three city blocks of great eats (to be known as the Market Line) arrives on the Lower East Side this year. The food lover’s dream will be home to 100 or more vendors, and it will include elevated gardens and stand as one of the largest markets in the world, even serving as the new home of the Essex Street Market. An ideal fit for picky kids? We think so. Projected completion TBA.
9. The Prospect Park Alliance Food Market (eating)
With almost 10 million visitors every year, Prospect Park Alliance steps up its amenities.
A new seasonal food market is expected to open on Sundays at Breeze Hill in Prospect Park
this year, bringing an array of food trucks and stations—even alcohol for the parents. Rejoice! Breeze Hill, Prospect Park, Brooklyn (prospectpark.org). Opening date TBA.
Photograph: Shutterstock
10. DŌ cookie dough classes (eating)
DŌ just released even more DIY cookie dough class dates. See more details in our coverage here.
11. "David Bowie is" (exhibit)
The innovator, rock god and “Thursday’s child” David Bowie will have his personal archive— nearly 400 objects including lyric sheets, photographs and original album art—displayed at the Brooklyn Museum to tell the story of his life, creative process, reinventions and collaborations through the years. The multimedia installation also features more than 60 custom-made costumes, six of which were designed by Freddie Burretti for Ziggy Stardust’s 1980 Floor Show. Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Pkwy (718-638-5000, brooklynmuseum.org). Opens Mar 2. All ages.
12. Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium and LSC Giant Dome Theater (experience) BUY TICKETS
Liberty Science Center in Jersey
City is now home to one of the largest and most technologically advanced planetariums in existence, offering impressive speakers, a video resolution of 88 million pixels and a lighting system that delivers more than 281 trillion colors. Did we mention it also has an 89-foot dome with renderings of the night sky and other galaxies? Families looking to contemplate the meaning of life—and the vastness of space—should head here ASAP. Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Blvd, Jersey City, NJ (lsc.org). Various dates and times; free–$28.75. All ages.
13. LEGO Live NYC (experience) BUY TICKETS
Ever wanted to make snow angels in a huge tub of LEGO bricks, build your own Minecraft universe or design a Star Wars-themed spacecraft? This amazing event lets LEGO lovers big and small create great stuff to their heart’s desire while surrounded by other pint-size LEGO fans. Pier 36, 299 South St (liveevent.lego.com). Feb 16–18. All ages.
14. "Unseen Oceans" (exhibit) BUY TICKETS
Dive deeper into the ocean by experiencing the American Museum of Natural History’s newest exhibit, “Unseen Oceans,” which introduces families to amazing creatures like blue whales, giant squid and great white sharks and also helps them explore this watery universe via microscope stations and a virtual ride in a submersible. Central Park West at 79th St (212-769-5100, amnh.org). Opens Mar 12. All ages.
15. Quest for the City of Gold by James Patterson (book)
In their adventures, Bick and Beck Kidd find a pile of pirate treasure (and something even more interesting—a map with clues to a lost Incan city!). When someone steals the map, will they still be able to find the city? Ages 9–12.
16. The Terrible Two Go Wild by Mac Barnett and Jory John (book)
Pranksters Miles and Niles plan to have fun all summer long, but the local bullies have other ideas. The boys’ skills will be put to the test, but we have faith they’ll prevail! Ages 8–12.
17. What Do You Do with a Chance by Kobi Yamada (book)
If your kids loved What Do You Do with an Idea and What Do You Do with a Problem, don’t miss the next book in this series. This time, you’ll meet a boy who is presented with various chances and watch him learn the joys of being brave and taking risks. Ages 5–6.
18. Love by Matt de la Peña (book)
The Newbery Medal–winning author’s newest endeavor dives into the concept of love, and the many ways we experience it throughout our lives. Ages 4–8.
19. Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas by Dav Pilkey (book)
What’s new with Dog Man? Just the usual: saving the town from bad guys with a cute
kitty and a brainy robot at his side. The fifth installment in the Dog Man series delivers the giggles, making this a great fit for kids reluctant to pick up a book. Out Aug 28. Ages 7 and up.
20. Books of Wonder, Upper West Side (store)
Have you heard the very wonderful news? Books of Wonder recently opened (in September 2017) an Upper West Side location for kids uptown. It’ll serve as a backup since the lease on its 18th Street location will be up in 2019. Expect all the charm of the original Books of Wonder, including plenty of classic children’s books and cool toys for kids. Read more about it here. 217 W 84th St (212-989-1804, booksofwonder.com).
21. Empire Outlets (store)
While it might be awhile until we finally see that humongous New York Wheel up and running, Empire Outlets, NYC’s first retail outlet center, will open in 2018 with outlet versions of your favorite family-friendly stores, including Gap, Banana Republic Factory store, Columbia Sportswear company, U.S. Polo and Staten Island’s first artisanal food hall, MRKTPL. 55 Richmond Ter, Staten Island (718-422-9999, empireoutletsnyc.com). Opens TBA.