We’re always surprised that there aren’t more special events planned on the random days that public schools are closed. Election Day is a holiday and yet there don’t seem to be any special kids’ matinees or festivals (perhaps we’ll throw one next year!). It’s supposed to be mild weather-wise, so you can hit the parks after you vote (make sure you read our take on the candidates first). But if your brood tires of playing, here are a number of free activities to keep them busy and you on budget.
The folks at Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park are holding a mock mayoral election aimed squarely at minors. Citizens of all ages can mark their ballots for the candidate of their choice, then celebrate democracy with a slice of cake. The results will be announced at 4 p.m.
The preschool set can listen (and feel!) as Amy Guglielmo and Julie Appel read from their latest Touch the Art book, Catch Picasso’s Rooster at the Tribeca Barnes & Noble. An age appropriate art workshop follows.
If your kids are still going at dusk, check out Astronomy on the High Line. The Amateur Astronomers Association (AAA) of New York sets up high-powered telescopes at Manhattan’s newest green space every Tuesday night, and gives free lessons on celestial wonders.
Our other suggestions aren’t events, per se, but free venues that are worth checking out, even if you’ve been before.
If you’ve got a tween, the Sony Wonder Technology Lab has plenty of interactive exhibits to keep them busy. Our favorites: Dance Motion Capture (although you really have to move a lot in order to jump-start your animated alter ego) and the Wonder of Music jam session.
The National Museum of the American Indian offers accessible and culturally educational exhibits seven days a week for free.
The Metropolitan’s recently opened “Art of the Samurai” exhibit features a wealth of armor and arms to fascinate warriors of all ages. Kids are always free and adults can pay what they can.
And while winter’s not officially here, ice-skating season has already started! Some spots are already open and although they cost a few bucks, an early glide around the ice is priceless, no?
Know of any free (or we’ll take cheap!) family-friendly events happening on November 3? Share the info in the comments.
This is great info. Thanks!