10/30/09, 10/31/09 + 11/1/09 Disney’s A Christmas Carol - Train Tour @ Grand Central Terminal

Friday, October 30 from 9am-7pm

Saturday, October 31 from 9am-6pm

Sunday, November 1 from 9am-4pm

Grand Central Terminal 
Track 37 & Vanderbilt Hall

New York, NY

Cost: Free

For all ages

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime attraction where guests of all ages will get a behind the scenes look at the magic, the spectacle and cutting edge technology of the all-new motion picture “Disney’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL” directed by Robert Zemeckis.

* See a sneak peak of the film in a state of the art Digital 3-D Theater!

* Experience a Behind the Scenes look at the making of the movie!

* See original artifacts from the Charles Dickens Museum in London, England.

* Morph your face into characters from the movie using HP TouchSmart PC’s!

* See concept art, models, costumes, and maquettes!

* Plus Carolers, Snow and Much More!

The best part about this event is that it is FREE!

For more details visit:

http://www.christmascaroltraintour.com/

Be sure to take Metro-North to Grand Central Terminal for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Happy Halloween from nycfamilyfun!

10/31/09 El Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead @ National Museum of the American Indian

Saturday, October 31, 2009 from 1–5 pm

The National Museum of the American Indian 

at The George Gustav Heye Center
Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House
One Bowling Green (adjacent to the northeast corner of Battery Park), New York, NY 10004
(212) 514-3700
Subway: 4, 5 to Bowling Green; 1 to South Ferry, R, W to Whitehall Street; M, J, Z to Broad Street

Bus: M1 - South Ferry; M6, M15 - South Ferry.

Cost: Free

For all ages

Honor the memory of ancestors, family, and friends in this celebration that has roots in the indigenous cultures of Mexico. Activities include dance performances by Danza Mexica Cetiliztli Nauhcampa, storytelling with Elvira and Hortensia Colorado, and an art installation and sugar skulls by artists Tlisza Jaurique (Mexica/Yaqui/Basque/Xicana) and Marcus Xilliox. Also featured are hands-on workshops featuring papel picado, paper flowers, and plaster skull figures.

http://www.americanindian.si.edu/subpage.cfm?subpage=events&second=ny

10/30–11/2/09 Día de Los Muertos - Day of the Dead Celebration @ St Mark’s Church in the Bowery

St. Mark’s Church In-The-Bowery

131 E. 10th Street (at Second Avenue)

New York, NY 10003

Cost: Free

For all ages

The Day of the Dead has been one of Mexico’s most important celebrations since pre-Hispanic times. It is a time for families to gather and welcome the souls of the dead on their annual visit home. Cempasúchil (marigold) flowers, burning copal incense, fresh pan de muertos bread, candles, sugar skulls, photographs and mementos of the departed adorn special altars. In Mexico, Day of the Dead, is celebrated over an entire week with the preparation of altars, foods, dance, music and special offerings for people who have died. Mano a Mano recreates the magical space of a village churchyard during the celebration and has organized a series of events including altar-building, workshops, dance, poetry and music. This is a great opportunity for New Yorkers to remember their own departed loved-ones by bringing photographs, candles and flowers to adorn the altar throughout the 4-day celebration. is celebrated over an entire week with the preparation of altars, foods, dance, music and special offerings for people who have died.

This year’s special activities include a celebration of the life and music of Michael Jackson (October 31) and a weekend Altar-Building Marketplace where visitors can buy the components for their own home altars, such as sugar skulls, bread, copal incense and papel picado.

Schedule of Events: 

Friday, October 30
2-6 pm Altar building, theme: Women of Juarez, in cooperation with Amnesty International
6:30 pm Traditional Dance Procession Assembles at Union Square with Cetiliztli 
Nauhcampa Quetzalcoatlin Ixachilan and Mesa de la Virgen de Guadalupe Atl Tlatinolli
7-8 pm Traditional Dancers arrive at St. Mark’s for A Ceremony at the Altar with the Consul General of Mexico in New York, Ambassador Rubén Beltrán
8-9 pm Performance of Mujeres de Arena, ACES Collective. Theater honoring the Women of Juarez

Saturday, October 31
12-7 pm Altar-Building Marketplace
12-3 pm Altar Building, theme: Michael Jackson and other recently deceased artists
3-5 pm Four Workshops: Paper Skeletons and Papel Picado for Day of the Dead, Sugar Skulls, Day of the Dead Bread, Poetry for Day of the Dead
5-7 pm Michael Jackson Dance Party with DJ José Higuera with Sammy Shecter and Ricardo Villa

Sunday, November 1 - All Saints’ Day
1-8 pm Altar-Building Marketplace
1-4 pm Altar building, theme: Los angelitos - Children who have died from gun violence. In cooperation with New Yorkers Against Gun Violence Education Fund
4-6 pm Four Workshops: Paper Wreathes and Papel Picado Crafts for Day of the Dead, Sugar Skulls, Day of the Dead Bread, Poetry for Day of the Dead
7-8 pm Performance by La Carpa. Street theater based on traditional stories, performed in Spanish with English translation
8pm-7am Candlelight Vigil (Velación) with Concheros Citlaltonac de la Mesa del Santo Niño de Atocha and the Mesa de la Virgen de Guadalupe Atl Tlachinolli

Monday, November 2 - All Souls Day
5-7 pm Altar building, theme: Los grandes - Adults who have died
7-8 pm Musical Performance by Mariachi Tapatio de Alvaro Paulino
8-9 pm Taking Down the Altar by the Public

http://www.manoamano.us/

10/30/09, 10/31/09 + 11/1/09 12th Annual Chocolate Show @ Metropolitan Pavilion

Friday, October 30, 12n–8pm

Saturday, October 31, 10am–8pm

Sunday, November 1, 10am–5pm

Metropolitan Pavilion

125 W 18th Street

New York, NY 10011

(212) 307-7171

Cost: Adults $28 in advance, $30 at the door; Children (5–12) free with paying adult (two child maximum), (under 5) free, each additional child (ages 5–12) $8

For all ages

The 12th annual Chocolate Show, a three-day festival devoted entirely to chocolate, is rich with demonstrations by top pastry chefs and chocolate makers; appearances by chocolate cookbook authors; and chocolate tastings. A special KidZone features fun, creative, and educational activities for kids and families. Visit the website for a complete schedule of events. Order tickets in advance online, by phone, or in person at the door (cash and checks only).

Note from BigAppleMommy: This event is better suited for older kids and those who don’t mind the large crowds. The chocolate fashions are a must-see. Chocolate tastings are advertised, but you really only get teeny samples to try. One thing to keep in mind—dark chocolate has been in vogue the last few years and those are the majority of samples given out, but most kids enjoy milk chocolate, so they don’t enjoy the tastings very much. Kids were mesmorized by the very tall chocolate fountain where you can order freshly-dipped fruits or snacks. Don’t depend on the KidZone to occupy the tykes! It used to be just a spot with a few chairs, not really child-friendly and not much fun activities. If you’re taking kids, bring along some activities of your own.

http://www.chocolateshow.com

10/31/09 Great Pumpkin Party @ World Financial Center

October 31 from 12 noon to 3pm

World Financial Center 

in Battery Park City

New York, NY 10041

(212) 417-7000

Cost: Free

For all ages

Discover spooky sights at candy stops around the World Financial Center, including a story-telling witch at the Haunted House, a captain aboard a Pirate Ship, and a scary Ghoul in a Cave. Your guide is The Mettawee River Theatre Company for a parade of devils, tap-dancing skeletons, demons and ghouls! Presented by Brookfield Properties.

Kids can trick or treat at participating stores and restaurants. Candy usually runs out quickly, so get there early. Get a free trick or treat bag and candy at stations set up at main WFC entrances. There are many Halloween settings and actors in cool costumes to take pictures with, so bring your camera!

For maps, store and restaurant listings, go to:

http://www.artsworldfinancialcenter.com/cgi-bin/Go.cgi

10/31/09 Downtown Children’s Halloween Parade @ Washington Square Park

Saturday, October 31sts from 3pm to 6pm

Line-up starts at 3pm, Parade at 3:30pm

Washington Square Park, at the Arch

(West 4th Street & MacDougal Street), NYC

New York, NY 10012

(212) 979-2272

Cost: Free

Good for ages 3–12

If the Village Halloween event strikes you as a bit raucous, the 18th annual children’s parade, presented by NYU and CB2, is right up your alley. Free treat bags, games, and rides await kids on LaGuardia Place between West 3rd Street and Washington Square South after the parade. Adults must be accompanied by kids, and vice versa. Gather in costume at the Arch.

Ongoing Tuesdays, 10/28/09, 11/3/09, 11/10/09, 11/17/09, 11/27/09 Astronomy on the High Line

The High Line

entrance at 835 Washington St (at Little W 12th St) 
New York, NY

(212) 243-3339

Subway: A, C, E to 14th St; L to Eighth Ave

Cost: Free

For all ages

This fall, join Friends of the High Line and the Amateur Astronomers Association (AAA) of New York for Astronomy on the High Line, each Tuesday at dusk, on the High Line. Come view the night sky using the AAA’s high-powered telescopes, and get a lesson from the experts on the celestial wonders of New York’s night sky. 

Telescopes will be set up from dusk to 9:30pm under the Standard Hotel on the High Line, located between Gansevoort and 14th Streets. This event will occur every Tuesday evening through the end of November. You do not need to RSVP for this event. 

In the event of a cancellation due to weather, a notice will be posted on the AAA website by 12:00pm that day. 

http://www.thehighline.org

10/26/09–10/31/09 Michaels Arts & Crafts Store in NYC: Opening Week Free Events

Michaels Stores 
808 Columbus Ave
(between 97th St & 100th St) 
Manhattan, NY 10025
(212) 865-0813

Subway: B, C to 96th St;  1, 2, 3 to 96th St

Cost: Free

For all ages

Today was the the official grand opening of Michaels’ first Manhattan location, so my daughter and I ran over to check it out and were very impressed with it’s 14,700 square feet of arts and crafts treasures. Prices were reasonable and there were percent off specials on brand-name items. For frugal shoppers, there may be coupons in-store, in the Sunday papers or online. The merchandise selection seems to be on par with Michaels’ fabulous Long Island location. The selection in the Manhattan store is definitely better than their two Queens locations, probably because it has more space. The only comment I’d have to say is this: if you are looking for professional fine art materials, like paints or portfolio cases, Pearl Paint or Utrecht has better prices and more choices.

Michaels was very crowded because of the grand opening, but the check-out line was very quick. We hesitantly got on a long, winding line that seemed to go on forever and were surprised that only took about 7 minutes to get up to the cashier.

There were many demonstrations throughout the day—most free and that kids could do themselves or with some help. We did cookie decorating, colored and constructed a bat/dragon creature and a made a velvet ribbon bookmark with charms. We watched a Halloween t-shirt demo and saw greeting cards created with scrapbooking materials and ink stamps. All the instructors were very cheerful, friendly and helpful.

After a full afternoon of creativity, we had a snack at the neighboring Whole Foods and walked a block east to Central Park to see the fall foliage. It was a perfect autumn day!

This week’s free events at Michaels’ Manhattan store:

Monday, 10/26 at 5pm

Martha Stewart will sign copies of her new book, Martha Stewart’s Dinner at Home, and best selling book Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Crafts.

Tuesday, 10/27

Beading Event with Jo Pearson & Susan Ray:

5pm Susan Ray Book Signing

5pm–6pm Jo Pearon Make-It Take-It & Demo

6pm–7pm Horizon® Make-It Take-It

Wednesday, 10/28 from 5pm–7pm

Duck-tivities with Jo Pearson: From Duck Tape flower pens to last minute Halloween costumes, learn to create with Duck Tape

Thursday, 10/29 from 5pm–7pm

Free Yudu Silk-Screening Demo hosted by Jinger Adam powered by Provo Craft

Friday, 10/30 from 5pm–7pm

Scrapbook Discovery Days: Cricut & Gypsy Demos and Make-It Take-Its

Saturday, 10/31

10am–Noon Halloween Event: Free Trick-or Treat Pail, Balloon & Candy; Make-It Take-It Halloween Frame (While supplies last.)

Noon–4pm Wilton Cake Decorating Demo

www.michaels.com/art/online/home

10/28/09 Marvelfest @ Union Square + Forbidden Planet

Wednesday, October 28: 4pm–6pm at Forbidden Planet; 6pm to 8pm at Union Square

Union Square, Center Lawn

New York, NY
Subway: L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Sq

Cost: Free

For all ages

Don’t miss the Premiere of the Astonishing X-Men Motion Comic. Come dressed as your favorite Marvel character to enter the costume contest. If you win, you could be in a Marvel Comic or receive other great prizes!

Event Schedule:

Only this event is located at Forbidden Planet (840 Broadway, at 13th Street and Broadway). 

4:00pm–6:00pm  Creator Signings: Neal Adams, Chris Claremont, Dan Slott

At Union Square:

6:00pm–6:30pm Marvel Giveaways

Marvel Costume Contest Sign-Up

6:30pm–7:15pm Marvel Costume Contest

7:00pm Astonishing X-Men Motion Comic Book Premiere

http://marvel.com/fest09

10/28/09 Ice Theatre of New York @ Rockefeller Center

Wednesday, October 28th at 1pm

The Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center

30 Rockefeller Plaza (between 49th and 50th Sts)

New York, NY
(212) 332-7654

Subway: B, D, F, V to 47–50th Sts–Rockefeller Ctr

Cost: Free

For all ages

Enjoy the first concert (of three) in the 24th edition of Ice Theatre’s CitySkate Concert Series at The Rink at Rockefeller Center. Ice Theatre will reprise some of the repertory premiered at the annual Ice Theatre Benefit Gala and Performance: “Skater’s Swing Time Waltz,” “Appalachia Waltz Duet,” and “Low Duet.”

http://www.icetheatre.org

10/30/09 + 10/31/09 Monster Mash Party Nights @ Brooklyn Children’s Museum

Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31 from 5pm to 8pm

Brooklyn Children’s Museum

145 Brooklyn Ave.

Brooklyn, NY 11213

(718) 735-4400

Cost: Museum members: $5 per person; Nonmembers: $10 per person (To guarantee admission, buy tickets in advance!)

For all ages

Note: The museum is having many fun Halloween events/programs starting a week before 10/31, so go to their website for info on those events!

On Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, join the expanded MONSTER MASH PARTY NIGHTS . . . we’ll be open from 5 to 8pm with great trick-or-treat alternatives, including storytelling, arts and crafts, Wee Little Monsters (for preschoolers), a costume parade, the Horror Hospital (for big kids), the Mad Scientist’s Laboratory, the DJ’d Monster Mash Dance Party, and much more!

On these two evenings, as in past years, special admission tickets are required for entry to the party (Museum Members: $5 per person; Nonmembers: $10 per person).

Due to the popularity of the event every year, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance at the Museum’s admissions desk. Advance tickets are available for purchase beginning Saturday, October 10. 

* * * * * * * *

Special MONSTER MASH PARTY—Friday, October 30

Enjoy these special spooky (but family friendly) ongoing features during the Monster Mash Party!

• Wee Little Monsters: The 5-year-old and younger crowd will have booful fun as they do the Monster Mash dance, listen to fun-scary stories, and create a Halloween art project to take home.
• Mad Scientist’s Laboratory: Enter at your own risk—try exploring the gooey, slimy, disgusting specimens before the mad scientist returns!
• Creepy Crawly Creatures: Something spooky is coming this way!  Keep an eye out for our roving animals—some spectral in appearance; some creepy, crawly creatures of the night; and some that will make you downrighthissss-terical! 

Plus all these haunted and harvest-themed programs:

Thriller Multi-media Dance Performance (5:15-5:45pm) Ages 7+
Join the youth of the Museum Team afterschool program as they perform an original dance based on the classic Michael Jackson music video.

Franken-Toy (5:30-6:30pm) Ages 6+
Pretend you’re Victor Frankenstein for the day and create your own monster! Put eyeballs on toes, glue noses on knees, make it grow eight heads—the scarier the better!

Do the Monster Mash with our DJ! (5:30-7:30pm) All ages
Join us in the Cafe for a costumed confab; you’re sure to move and groove to the beastly beats and haunting hits!

Garden Feasts to Harvest Treats (6-7:30pm) All ages
Fall is the season of harvest and warmth. Come taste the delights of this bountiful season in our Greenhouse and Garden!

Thriller Multi-media Dance Performance (6:15-7:45pm) Ages 7+
Join the youth of the Museum Team afterschool program as they perform an original dance based on the classic Michael Jackson music video.

Thriller Multi-media Dance Performance (7:15-7:45pm) Ages 7+
Join the youth of the Museum Team afterschool program as they perform an original dance based on the classic Michael Jackson music video.

Costume Parade (7:30-8pm) All ages
Join the festive line as we wind our way through the Museum, singing songs, saying hi to the animals, and showing off our Halloween costumes!

* * * * * * * *

Special MONSTER MASH PARTY—Saturday, October 31

Enjoy these special spooky (but family friendly) ongoing features during the Monster Mash Party!

• Wee Little Monsters: The 5-year-old and younger crowd will have booful fun as they do the Monster Mash dance, listen to fun-scary stories, and create a Halloween art project to take home.
• Mad Scientist’s Laboratory: Enter at your own risk—try exploring the gooey, slimy, disgusting specimens before the mad scientist returns!
• Creepy Crawly Creatures: Something spooky is coming this way!  Keep an eye out for our roving animals—some spectral in appearance; some creepy, crawly creatures of the night; and some that will make you downrighthissss-terical!

Plus all these haunted and harvest-themed programs:

Franken-Toy (5:30-6:30pm) Ages 6+
Pretend you’re Victor Frankenstein for the day and create your own monster! Put eyeballs on toes, glue noses on knees, make it grow eight heads—the scarier the better!

Do the Monster Mash with our DJ! (5:30-7:30pm) All ages
Join us in the Cafe for a costumed confab; you’re sure to move and groove to the beastly beats and haunting hits!

Horror Hospital (6-6:30pm) Ages 7+
The doctors are deranged and the nurses are nuts!  Be there as the patients get re-built in this original theatre performance of surreal, scary fun.

Garden Feasts to Harvest Treats (6-7:30pm) All ages
Fall is the season of harvest and warmth. Come taste the delights of this bountiful season in our Greenhouse and Garden!

Horror Hospital (7-7:30pm) Ages 7+
The doctors are deranged and the nurses are nuts! Be there as the patients get re-built in this original theatre performance of surreal, scary fun.

Costume Parade (7:30-8pm) All ages
Join the festive line as we wind our way through the Museum, singing songs, saying hi to the animals, and showing off our Halloween costumes!

http://www.brooklynkids.org/index.php/comingup/monstermashpartynights