Public Programs

At the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, there’s always something new to explore! Designed for children ages 0 – 6, our hands-on programs encourage creativity, learning, and play through art, music, science, and storytelling, all rooted in research-backed methods that support early brain development. From ever-changing themed activities to PlayWorks, our dedicated space for our youngest visitors, every experience is designed to engage children at the right developmental stage. With a rotating schedule of interactive programs, there’s always a reason to visit and discover something exciting!

PlayWorks Schedule:

Daily programs for our youngest learners 0 – 4, with activities changing regularly on weekdays and weekends.

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Circle Time
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM: Mural Wall or Program of the Week
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM: Early Engineers or Mural Wall
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM: Mural Wall or Program of the Week
4:00 PM: Alphie’s Goodbye Storytime

Check out our latest schedule and book your tickets today. Be sure to sign-up for our newsletter and check back often—to stay up-to-date as new programs are added regularly! Each program is drop-in unless marked with an asterisk after.

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New Experiences Every Month:

May Programming

Holding Home in Our Hands

Create textured art that feels like a warm embrace, using plush materials, soft pastels, and layering techniques to bring cozy feelings to life.
Tuesday – Sunday, May 20 – 25

Family Pattern Printmaking
Inspired by Japanese artist Mayumi Oda, families will create textile prints using foam sheets. Give your loved one a special artwork to hang up at home!
Tuesday – Sunday, May 20 – 25 | 10:30 am – 12:30 pm & 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Makerspace

My House and Me
Use pieces of fabric and other art materials to transform a small box into your house. Claim your house with pride by adding a small model of yourself to the home.
Tuesday – Friday, May 20 – 23 | 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks
Saturday & Sunday, May 24 – 25 | 11:15 am – 12:15 pm & 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Memorial Day Weekend Celebration!

Monday, May 26

Commemorate Memorial Day with the comfort of community art and shared spaces at CMOM.

Learn More about Programs

A Seat at the Table

Food brings people together! Create art inspired by shared meals, cherished recipes, and the traditions that turn a table into a gathering place.
Tuesday – Sunday, May 27 – June 1

My Favorite Food Magnets
Realistic versions of foods out of ceramic and other non-edible materials are often put on display in Japan to invite people into restaurants! Find inspiration from artists such as Urata Takako and other artists and sculpt your own favorite snack as a magnet for your fridge. It’s good enough [not to] eat!
Tuesday – Sunday, May 27 – June 1 | 10:30 am – 12:30 pm & 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Feast for the Eyes 3D Collage
Have you eaten sushi? What about ramen noodles? Families will learn about foods in Japan and create a playful dish inspired by how these dishes are made. Have fun shaping pretend food from soft materials such as tissue paper, cotton balls, and paper!
Tuesday – Friday, May 27 – 30 | 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks
Saturday & Sunday, May 31 – June 1 | 11:15 am –12:15 pm & 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

June Programming

We Are the Rainbow: A Rainbow of Possibility

Families are invited to soak up the fun as we open Dynamic H20 and celebrate water all summer long! This month, we’ll focus on rainbows, silver linings, and celebrating Pride month through artmaking, special guest artists, and fun science experiments! We’ll also celebrate Parents’ Day, Eid al-Adha, and Juneteenth with special activities and art projects.

Rainbows can represent hope and promise — especially after stormy weather. Kick off June with colorful artworks made by our favorite artists: you!
Tuesday & Wednesday, June 3 – 4; Tuesday – Friday, June 10 – 13

Rainbow Joy Jars
Decorate a jar and fill it with drawings, affirmations, or tiny objects that represent what brings you joy, pride, and personal power!
Tuesday & Wednesday, June 3 – 4; Tuesday – Friday, June 10 – 13 | 10:30 am – 12:15 pm & 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Loose Parts Rainbow Sensory Bin
Sort, arrange, and play with different textured and colored objects. No matter how the objects are arranged, you are sure to create a rainbow of colors!
Tuesday & Wednesday, June 3 – 4; Tuesday – Friday, June 10 – 13 | 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Alphie’s Storytime: Little Cloud by Eric Carle
Little Cloud likes to stand out from the crowd. When all the other clouds drift up, he goes his own way, changing shapes to become a sheep, an airplane, a shark and a funny clown. It’s all fun for little cloud but so is making it rain! Join us for an interactive read-aloud followed by a collage activity.
Thursday, June 12 | 4:00 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha is the second of two important festivals in Islam, alongside Eid al-Fitr. Join us as we learn more about this holiday and create special art projects that focus on giving back to our community.
Thursday – Sunday, June 5 – 8

Eid al-Adha Watercolor Postcards
Kind messages are often sent to neighbors and friends for Eid al-Adha. Create your own watercolor cards to give to your community and learn how to wish people a happy holiday in Arabic!
Thursday – Sunday, June 5 – 8 | 10:30 am – 12:15 pm & 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Eid al-Adha Charity Boxes
This holiday is celebrated with family, meals, and acts of kindness to remind us of sharing and caring for others. Decorate a charity box with gifts or kind words to give to someone in need.
Thursday – Sunday, June 5 – 8 | 11:15 am – 12:15 pm & 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Parents’ Day

Celebrate Parents’ Day at CMOM all weekend long! Join us as we create thoughtful gifts and think about the special grown-ups in our lives.
Saturday & Sunday, June 14 – 15

Love Vases
Create a beautiful vase for someone you love!
Saturday & Sunday, June 14 – 15 | 10:30 am – 12:15 pm & 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm | All ages | 1st Floor | Makerspace

“You Rock!” Painting
Paint on a rock to make a gift for a special grown-up in your life. Let them know how much they rock!
Saturday & Sunday, June 14 – 15 | 11:15 am – 12:15 pm & 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

We Are the Rainbow: Somewhere Under(water) the Rainbow

Express yourself and create your own colorful and exciting underwater creature. Join us for a weekend dance or dress-up party!
Tuesday & Wednesday, June 17 – 18; Friday – Sunday, June 20 – 22

Alphie’s Storytime: The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
Listen to a story about a small rainbowfish with shiny, multi-colored scales. He learns about sharing and humility in this heartfelt picture book with beautiful artwork.
Tuesday, June 17 | 4:00 pm | Ages 5 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Rainbow Glow Dance Party
Join us for a Family Dance Party! Grab your underwater creature and a glow stick and dance along to family-friendly hits.
Saturday, June 21 | 4:15 pm – 4:35 pm | All ages | 1st Floor | Inside Art

Be Yourself with Miss Jae!
Join Drag Artist Miss Jae as we celebrate ourselves and how special we are! Sing songs, learn some dance moves, play dress up, and be our fabulous selves alongside Miss Jae.
Sunday, June 22 | 11:00 am – 11:30 am & 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm | All ages | 1st Floor | Inside Art

woman with a child on either side playing the drums

Juneteenth

Thursday, June 19

Celebrate Juneteenth as we learn about this special holiday through interactive art making projects in celebration of Black liberation, resilience, and joy!

Learn More about Programs

We Are the Rainbow: Proud to Color Our World

Rainbows are an international symbol for LGBTQ+ Pride. Join us as we color our world to honor community and our individual expression!
Tuesday – Sunday, June 24 – 29

3D Pride Flag!
Create a giant 3D Pride banner to honor Pride Month!
Tuesday – Sunday, June 24 – 29 | 10:30 am – 12:15 pm & 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm | All ages | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Pride Parade Floats
Decorate your own mini pride boat! Test if your boat floats by joining the mini–Pride Parade in our water sensory bin. Hold onto that boat and bring it with you to our special Alphie’s Storytime: Everyone Loves a Parade! By Andrea Denish
Tuesday – Friday, June 24 – 27 | 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks
Saturday & Sunday, June 28 – 29 | 11:15 am – 12:15 pm & 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Alphie’s Storytime: Everyone Loves a Parade! By Andrea Denish
What is your favorite part about going to a parade? The bright colors? The fun music? The crowds of people celebrating? Join us for a special storytime exploring the many ways people celebrate in parades around the country. Stick around after the reading to march in a pride parade around PlayWorks and express what makes you feel proud! Wave a ribbon wand or show off your Pride Parade Float creation as we celebrate NYC Pride.
Sunday, June 29 | 4:00 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

July Programming

Floats and Fun Boats

Monday – Thursday, June 30 – July 3

3D Boat Pop Art
Set sail into creativity! Decorate a wooden boat with vibrant pop-art colors while learning about how boats are designed to move through water.
Monday – Thursday, June 30 – July 3 | 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Makerspace

“Sink or Float” Science
Explore different types of materials and see how they react to water. Which objects will sink, and which objects will float? Test your theories in this water sensory bin experiment!
Monday – Thursday, June 30 – July 3 | 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

little boy in a blue office talking on a red pretend phone

Independence Day Bar-B-COOL

Families are invited to our fun-filled pretend Independence Day cookout at CMOM! Come over and let’s share delicious memories and creative meals made from mixed-media materials!
Friday – Sunday, July 4 – 6

Mini Barbecue Sculptures
Shape clay, paper and wax sticks into the tasty ingredients of your favorite cookout meal and create a playful barbecue grill display with us!
Friday – Sunday, July 4 – 6 | 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Oil Pastel Firework Art
Fireworks have been part of Independence Day Celebrations since the first one (in 1777!) Create bright fireworks with oil pastels that POP on black paper.
Friday – Sunday, July 4 – 6 | 10:30 am -12:15 pm | All ages | 1st Floor | Inside Art

My 4th of July Picnic Collage
Make happy Independence Day memories! Collage a small box using recycled storybook materials and pack a Fourth of July picnic by filling it with foods made of colorful tissue paper.
Friday – Sunday, July 4 – 6 | 11:15 am – 12:15 pm & 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

two male children wearing smocks and playing at a table with water features

Splish, Splash, Water's a Blast!

Monday – Sunday, July 7 – 13

Pool Party Art
Use special water textured tissue paper to create a dreamy pool. Make your pool party a splash! Use pipe cleaners and art materials to fill the pool with fun floats and pool noodles.
Monday – Friday, July 7 – 11 | 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks
Saturday & Sunday, July 12 – 13 | 11:15 am – 12:15 pm & 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Performance: Michael of Michael & the Rockness Monsters
An electrifying, laugh-out-loud musical adventure for all ages! Michael’s high-energy, interactive show blends humor, heart, and infectious rhythms, celebrating love, unity, and self-respect. With his unique ability to connect, he turns every performance into a shared experience of joy, laughter, and music. Get ready to sing, dance, and be part of the magic!
Thursday, July 10 | 11:00 am – 11:25 pm & 12:00 pm – 12:25 pm | All ages | 1st Floor | Inside Art

Workshop: Boba Tea Workshop Cooking with Ye Ye
Create your own Boba Tea, also known as bubble tea, with cooking instructor, Ye Ye! Learn about the origins of the drink, roll and create your own boba, or tapioca pearls, and add them to your yummy drink!
Saturday & Sunday, July 12 – 13 | 2:00 pm – 2:50 pm & 3:00 pm – 3:50 pm | Ages 5 & up | 3rd Floor | Discovery Classroom

Wave Hello to Creativity!

Monday – Sunday, July 14 – 20

Mixed-media Wave Sculptures
Roll, fold, tear, and layer found object materials to create a 3D stormy sea or a calm ocean, experimenting with how colors and textures show motion.
Monday – Sunday, July 14 – 20 | 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Performance: DJ Willy Wow
Get ready for the ultimate summer party with DJ Willy WOW! —a high-energy, family-friendly music experience that brings the heat and keeps the vibes cool! Packed with electrifying beats, interactive dance moments, and nonstop fun, this show will turn the Museum into a full-blown summer celebration. Expect surprises, crowd participation, and a performance that will have kids, parents, and music lovers of all ages inspired to be kind, have fun, and make new friends.
Thursday, July 17 | 11:00 am – 11:25 pm & 12:00 pm – 12:25 pm | All ages | 1st Floor | Inside Art

Performance: Puppetsburg Mermaid Water Conservation Puppet Show
Dive along with our friends from Puppetsburg, such as an octopus, clam, and blue whale, and walk sideways with crab, as we wear our own sparkly tails and learn how to protect the beautiful waters our mermaid friends inhabit! Please join us after the show for a puppet meet and greet and puppetry demonstration.
Saturday & Sunday, July 19 – 20 | 11:00 am – 11:40 am | Ages 6 & younger | 1st Floor | Inside Art

Workshop: Puppetsburg Sea Creature Puppet*
Upcycle materials to build an original sea creature puppet, guided by Puppetsburg teaching artists. Start with artmaking time, then our performer artists will support you in finding your characters voice, so you can bring your watery wonders to life!
Saturday & Sunday, July 19 – 20 | 11:45 am – 12:15 pm | Ages 4 & up | Sign-up | 1st Floor | Inside Art

Dreams of Waterfalls and Streams

Monday – Sunday, July 21 – 27

Rush and Tumble Waterfall Dioramas
Watch your waterfall come to life with layers of flowing, iridescent colors! Explore how waterfalls are formed and how artists capture their movement.
Monday – Sunday, July 21 – 27 | 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Waterworks Play
Use tubes, pipes, cups, and other things that deliver water to create a stream of waterfalls. How can we arrange the materials to keep the water moving? It will be hard to stay dry in this splash-tastic water sensory bin.
Monday – Friday, July 21 – 25 | 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks
Saturday & Sunday, July 26 – 27 | 11:15 am– 12:15 pm & 2:45 pm- 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Performance: Flor Bromley’s Pachamama’s Water Symphony
Water gives life to everything on Earth, and in this immersive musical experience, Latin GRAMMY® nominee Flor Bromley honors its power through music. Inspired by her Pachamama album, which means “Mother Earth”, this show invites families to explore the deep connection between water, nature, and our responsibility to protect them. From the tiniest raindrop to the vast ocean, this family concert celebrates the importance of water in our world through rhythm and movement. A joyful and educational performance that inspires young minds to care for the world around them!
Thursday, July 24 | 11:00 am – 11:25 pm & 12:00 pm – 12:25 pm | All ages | 1st Floor | Inside Art

Performance: Bubble Show Plus!
Come see an amazing bubble and balloon show! This interactive show is fun for all ages and features bubbles like you’ve never seen before as well as balloon art for non-stop entertainment.
Saturday, July 26 | 11:00 am – 11:25 pm & 12:00 pm – 12:25 pm | All ages | 1st Floor | Inside Art

Ice and Snow in Summer

Monday – Sunday, July 28 – August 3

My Little Ice Cream Shop
How do you cool off on a hot summer day? Help everyone stay cool this summer at your ice cream shop. Add details to a small box to make your own little ice cream shop and take the shop home with you to continue “chilling” out.
Monday – Friday, July 28 – August 1 | 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks
Saturday & Sunday, August 2 – 3 | 11:15 am – 12:15 pm & 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Performance: Joanie Leeds
Join GRAMMY® award-winning children’s musician Joanie Leeds for a vibrant, fun- filled performance at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan! With catchy, summery songs from her 11-album catalog, Joanie will take young hearts on an exciting journey through water, earth, and nature. Get ready to sing, dance, and celebrate the beauty of the world around us in this interactive, musical adventure!
Thursday, July 31 | 11:00 am – 11:25 am & 12:00 pm – 12:25 pm | All ages | 1st Floor | Inside Art

August Programming

Seas the Play!

Step right up for a week of salty breezes, sweet treats, and the sandy textures of summer fun—from cotton candy clouds to creative coastlines!
Friday – Sunday, August 1 – 3

Beach in a Box
Bring the beach home! Fill mini tins with soft kinetic sand, seashells, and tiny paper umbrellas to build your own personal seaside escape. Shake, sculpt, and decorate your own little vacation-in-a-box.
Friday, August 1 | 10:30 am – 12:30 pm & 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Makerspace
Saturday & Sunday, August 2 – 3 | 10:30 am – 12:30 pm | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Just Add Water!

We’re embracing summer with water as our muse—from meditative brushstrokes to swirling ink and splashing sparkles!
Monday – Thursday, August 4 – 7; Saturday & Sunday, August 9 – 10

Music and Marks
Listen to live jazz and classical music and be inspired to draw along with what you hear!
Thursday, August 7 | 11:00 am – 11:30 am & 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Inside Art

Paper Bag Rain Maker
Attach reflective and sparkly materials to a paper bag. Place your hand in the bag to simulate the sound of rain. Listen to the sound of the rain, breathe, and relax.
Monday – Friday, August 4 – 8 | 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks
Saturday & Sunday, August 9 – 10 | 11:15 am – 12:15 pm & 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Workshop: Beach Installation with Amber Heaton
Create your own upcycled beach installation with returning CMOM visual artist Amber Heaton!
Saturday, August 9 | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Inside Art

Workshop: Pojagi Ocean Installation with Sam Noh
Pojagi is a historic Korean art involving patchwork with varied textiles. Come contribute to our collaborative artwork in sea shades of blue, green, and turquoise!
Sunday, August 10 | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Inside Art

Under the Sea, Just Like Me!

Dive into undersea worlds and meet cuddly sea creatures, coral critters, and bubbly best friends!
Monday – Sunday, August 11 – 17

Music and Marks
Be inspired to draw as you listen to live jazz and classical music!
Thursday, August 14 | 11:00 am – 11:30 am & 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Inside Art

Floating Ink Art (Suminagashi Marbling)*
Watch ink dance on water! Learn Suminagashi, the magical Japanese technique of marbling with floating ink. Swirl and dip to create dreamy, flowing patterns that are one-of-a-kind every time!
Saturday & Sunday, August 16 – 17 | 2:00 pm & 3:00 pm | Sign-up | Ages 5 & up | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks Classroom

Animals of the Water

Create your own coastal escape full of sea creatures, sunshine, and summery fun—no sunscreen required!
Monday – Sunday, August 18 –24

Music and Marks
Be inspired to draw as you listen to recorded jazz and classical music!
Thursday, August 21 | 11:00 am – 11:30 am & 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Inside Art

Aquatic Sensory Bin
Discover the different creatures that live under the sea and rearrange the terrain to create a fun ocean environment for the sea creatures to explore. It will be hard to stay dry in this sea themed water sensory activity.
Monday – Friday, August 18 – 22 | 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks
Saturday & Sunday, August 23 – 24 | 11:15 am – 12:15 pm & 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Big Draw Mural!
Add to our collaborative art mural as you draw ocean creatures, boats and ships, and anything you might find in the ocean!
Saturday & Sunday, August 23 – 24 | 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Inside Art

Splashy Finale!

Wrap up summer with playful textures, rhythm-inspired marks, and swirly painting!
Monday – Friday, August 25 – 29

Music and Marks
Be inspired to draw and create as you listen to recorded jazz and classical music!
Thursday, August 28 | 11:00 am – 11:30 am & 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Inside Art

My Coral Reef
Twist, pull, and mold colorful art materials to create a serene coral reef inspired by the Great Barrier Reef in Australia!
Monday – Friday, August 25 – 29 | 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Spread Your Wings for West Indian Day!

As September swoops in, let the festivities of the West Indian Day Parade take flight at CMOM!
Saturday – Monday, August 30 – September 1

West Indian Costume Design
Create a feathered winged costume inspired by West Indian day!
Saturday – Monday, August 30 – September 1 | 10:30 am – 12:30 pm & 2:00pm –4:15 pm | Ages 5 & up | 1st Floor | Makerspace

September Programming

Public Programs are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City.
Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by The Nissan Foundation and the Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation.