Kindie goddess Laurie Berkner is likely already a staple in your kid’s music collection. Through the end of this month, you can add a new Berkner tune to that playlist. The Upper West Side mom recorded a special song for Pajama Program, a nonprofit organization that provides underprivileged children with snuggly PJs and bedtime books. The Valentine’s Day-themed “Open Your Heart” can be downloaded for free on the org’s site. Of course families are encouraged to follow the song’s advice and donate a pair of pajamas in return. Sweet musical dreams!
David Cote over at Upstaged, Time Out New York’s theater blog, just reminded us of another great ticket discount, in cases 20at20 involves too much last-minute stress for you. On the House is a two-for-one deal now on offer from NYC & Company. Purchase a ticket to any of 25 Off Broadway shows between February 8 and February 28 and snag a second ticket for free. Just use the code HOUSE when purchasing. Kid-friendly options include the ever-popular The Gazillion Bubble Show and magic show The Quantum Eye. For a complete list of shows, click here.
Seeing theater feels even sweeter when your seats come cheap. Thanks to a promotion by 20at20, tickets to family favorites such as The Gazillion Bubble Show and Dear Edwina are only $20 each for a limited time. There is a catch: You can’t buy tickets until 20 minutes prior to the performance (and if it’s sold out, you’re out of luck). However, if you don’t mind taking a chance (and frankly, most of these shows usually have last-minute seats), head to the box office 20 minutes prior to curtain, say the magic words, “20at20” and you and your kids will be in for a night of inexpensive fun. The offer only lasts until Sunday, February 7, so don’t hesitate. Visit 20at20.com for the full list of participating shows.
Nickelodeon’s made a pretty smart move with its new live stage tour Storytime Live. Instead of a show featuring just one set of animated icons, this musical extravaganza showcases a quartet of tales starring characters from four separate series: Dora the Explorer, The Backyardigans, Wonder Pets! and Ni Hao, Kai-lan. (Sorry Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! fans.) Storytime Live hits Radio City Music Hall March 31 through April 4 and you can save 25 percent on tickets to non-peak performances by clicking here and using the code NICKWEB.
Literally Alive children’s theater has been mounting its own musical versions of kid-friendly classics for 10 seasons now. The troupe’s latest production, Cinderella—the tale of a poor, put-upon girl who fatefully finds love with a prince—begins performances this Sunday. The company is offering a special discount to Time Out Kids readers. Use the code TonyKids when purchasing tickets online or over the phone (212-352-3101) and save 20 percent. That includes a pre-show arts workshop. Sounds magical.
You can love it or loathe it, but you can’t deny that posh play-space chain Kidville has cool classes for kids (not to mention lots of convenient locations). If you’re thinking of splurging on the spring/summer semester (May 10-Aug 16), now’s the time to act. Register before Sunday at midnight and you’ll receive $50 off one of your child’s classes. There are tons of fancifully-titled options to choose from, including Little Maestros, Run Wiggle Paint & Giggle, My Big Messy Art Class and the irresistible Ballet Tea Party. So haul out your calendar and start planning.
While many play spaces offer open play (a real boon in this recession), membership-only spots continue to thrive. With yearly fees averaging in the thousands, the cost can feel pretty daunting, which is why Chelsea’s Apple Seeds is offering a sweet deal. New members who sign up before March 31 will get a month free. In addition to access to the indoor playground, you receive additions perks such as discounts on camps and classes, and free passes for your first-time visitors. And if you pay in installments, the $1390 for 13 months doesn’t seem so overwhelming (a little over 100 bucks a month). To get more information or to register, visit appleseeds.com.