06/30/09

better for little kids...

by mabstb

hands-on activities like kids art, sandbox table, oversized litebrite (clever!) and things to build made this fun for our almost 3-yr old. but our 7 year old got bored quick as most of these were geared for younger crowd. the one exhibit that was more "sophisticated" couldn't hold his attention either as exhibit was a bit wordy and not hands on enough. outdoor play area was closed (rain). entry was crowded but there was lots of stroller parking. 5-10 mins to subway.

• Pros: multiple floors with difft activities, lots of stuff
• Cons: many many kids there, hard to keep it all clean

Some say, "Hands-on learning experience." Others say, "Playpen with a cover charge." Both are right.

by Contributor

Jungle Gym Fever
There's something to be said for a museum that proudly puts an all-too-real-looking lump of poop on display as part of a scientific presentation on bodily functions. But hey, so what if the Children's Museum of Manhattan has to resort to gross-out humor to keep the tots entertained? Indeed, many of CMOM's exhibits are so interactive, they've got more in common with your local playground than the Met. That said, these physically engaging exhibits will tire little ones out enough to lessen the chances of temper tantrums when it's time to go home.

Strollers Down Memory Lane
While the splashily colored first and second floors routinely house hyperactive set-ups, the upstairs floors feature traditionally styled retrospectives of cartoon favorites like Curious George and Charlie Brown that are sure to make parents nostalgic.