Baby it’s cold (or slushy, or wintry mix-y) outside! One solution for winter weekend woes is to head to a show. New York City is a theater town, and there are lots of theaters here that cater just to kids. Plus, you’ve got Sesame Street Live rolling in to town for a giant run. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite shows for kids this winter, including big musical productions, more than a little bit of magic, puppetry, and more. Snap up some tickets today for a guaranteed weekend plan!

For an Immersive Adventure: Pip's Island

Pip's Island

Pip's Island, the interactive and immersive show that premiered back in 2016, has returned to New York City! The fantastical production, designed for kids ages 4 -10, begins previews March 11, and opens March 21. Audience members move through imaginative environments, help characters along the way, and play a part in helping save the day. (Lots of positive messaging is throughout the show as well.) Pip's Island is in a new home on 42nd Street, and while it maintains much of the original story, sets, and characters, it’s been updated and improved. Take the kids on a special date, or book the best birthday ever for up to 50 kids! Tickets are $49 online, and $59 at the box office. Read our full review from its first NYC run here! 

Starting March 11
Tickets: $49 in advance; $59 at box office
400 W. 42nd St.
Midtown West
212-609-1372
Online: pipsisland.com

For Artful Puppetry with a Green Message: Ajijaak on Turtle Island

Richard Termine

In this show from New York City company IBEX Puppetry, kites morph into soaring birds and branches transform into a gentle deer. Puppetry artist Heather Henson and Grammy Award-winner Ty Defoe bring together an ensemble of North American First Nations Peoples to tell the tale of Ajijaak, a young whooping crane who must face her first migration south. Indigenous songs performed live, languages and dance weave together in a spectacle of artistry to create an affecting fable about the dangerous effects of climate change on animals and Mother Earth. Recommended for ages seven and up. 

March 1-10
Tickets: $17 and up
New Victory Theater
209 W. 42ndSt.
Times Square
646-223-3010
Online: newvictory.org

For a Tale As Old As Time: Beauty and the Beast

Symphony Space

This classic tale is performed by one of the oldest, continually-running marionette theater companies in the country. The National Marionette Theatre presents the story of The Beast and Fiona with meticulously-crafted marionettes. Recommended for kids ages four and up, the show is 60 minutes long. 

March 9, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Tickets: $17/non-members; $14/members
Peter Jay Sharpe Theater 
2537 Broadway at 95th St. 
UpperWestSide
212-864-5400
Online: symphonyspace.org

To See Kids' Words Come Alive (Hilariously): The Story Pirates

Story Pirates Facebook page

As Lin-Manuel Miranda (allegedly, and probably) likes to say, "Have you not seen Story Pirates yet? Get on that." This troupe of comedians, performers and teaching artists takes kids' ideas, stories, and words, and acts them out to pretty much everyone's delight. These shows, which do sell out, support their work of Story Pirates Changemakers, which brings life-changing literacy programs to kids in low income schools, homeless shelters, and the foster care system. PS: Have you heard? The Story Pirates have a new book out, Digging Up Danger!

Sat., Feb. 16, Noon-1 p.m.
Tickets: $35
Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
555 W. 42nd St.
Midtown
Online: eventbrite.com

For Little Laurie Berkner Fans: Pillowland

New York City Children's Theater Facebook page

For the youngest of theatergoers (ages 2 to 5), Pillowland, produced by New York City Children's Theater, is inspired by kindie rocker Laurie Berkner's song of the same name. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas to this 30-minute interactive show that takes them on a trip to the titular destination. Kids get a primo spot in the small performance area, and parents can join them or hang back and sit in chairs. Note: shoes off before entering the theater. Hang out after the show for photos with the cast! 

Through April 14
Tickets: $27
Peter Theater at the Flea Theater 
20 Thomas St. 
Tribeca
212-226-0051
Online: nycchildrenstheater.org

Become a Jedi Master (and Laugh While Doing It): Jedi Academy

Symphony Space/Just Kidding

Calling all Star Wars fanatics who like to laugh! Young intergalactic adventurers are invited to learn the ways of the Jedi with Panniken Moonjumper, a true Master of intergalactic fun and adventure. During this comedy variety show, little Jedi Warriors, Princesses and Darth Vaders will feel empowered to discover the great Force within their hearts. The all-ages show, from the brain of kids' entertainer David Engel, involves comic antics, exciting physical challenges, magical mayhem, lightsaber lessons and a visit from our space hero’s furry alien sidekick. Bonus: audience members are invited to come in costume!

March 16, 11 a.m.
Tickets: $17/non-members; $14/members
Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre
2537 Broadway at 95th St. 
Upper West Side
Online: symphonyspace.org

—Mimi O’Connor

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Parents and their little Padawans are preparing for the seventh installment of the Star Wars franchise, The Force Awakens, with increasing excitement. But what’s a good Jedi to do with all that waiting time? Happily, from chocolate Death Stars to movie marathons to lightsaber lessons, there’s lots going on in Los Angeles to keep little Lukes and Leias occupied until December 18.

photo: courtesy of Faith and Flower Los Angeles

Force Friendly Desserts at Faith and Flower
Who knew the Dark side could be so delicious? The chefs, and Star Wars megafans, at Faith and Flower created an off the menu dessert tray full of Star Wars related treats including a chocolate Death Star bon bon, and frozen block of chocolate carbonite, a white chocolate miniature Millennium Falcon, and more. Parents take caution; the absinthe light saber lollipop is for you alone (but it almost makes the pre-quels watchable!). These treats are available dine in or to go.

Faith and Flower
705 W 9th St.
Downtown LA
Online: faithandflowerla.com

photo: Jamie B. via yelp

Lego Store at the Glendale Galleria
Of course you could drive two hours plus down to Legoland, but closer to home, The Lego Store at the Glendale Galleria is also prepping for the big day. Check out the huge display of all the Lego Star Wars sets including the new (and hard to find,ahem, Santa) Force Awakens sets. But you won’t have to buy anything to partake in the fun. Star Wars theme window displays are going up as you read this, and building demos are in the works for every weekend leading up to the premiere. A quick call to the store on a Friday afternoon will let you know what sets are being demoed and at what time.

2130 Glendale Galleria
Glendale
Online: stores.lego.com

photo: Courtesy of SwordPlay LA

SwordPlay LA Fencing Academy
Do you have a light saber obsessed kiddo on your hands? Enroll them in Sword Play LA’s Jedi Academy where they will learn the basics of fencing along with the art and science of becoming a true Jedi. Prediction: Kids are going to go gaga for new bad guy Kilo Ren’s three-pronged light saber, which should make these classes even more popular. Classes and time vary. And it’s not too soon to start thinking about winter vacation—they have a week long Jedi Camp that is sure to fill up fast.

Sword Play LA
Locations in Burbank and Granada Hills
Online: swordplayla.com

photo: Rui Pereria via flickr

Rebel, Droid and Sith Prints at Grauman’s
Harrison Ford has come a long way since his blaster toting days in the original Star Wars movies. But he’s back and better than ever, reprising his role as the one and only Han Solo. Take the kiddos to check out Han’s footprints at Grauman’s. And don’t forget C3PO and R2D2; their droid prints are there, too. Looming just a few “feet” away are Darth Vader’s boot prints– always keeping a watchful eye on those Rebels.  Keep your eyes peeled for Vader, Ren and Storm Troopers, who like to patrol the Walk of Stars, taking pictures with tourists (and local kids who can’t resist).

TCL Chinese Theaters

6925 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood
Online: tclchinesetheatres.com

 

photo: Leah Singer

Disneyland—Season of the Force
Season of the Force is the new Star Wars themed interactive experience that promises to keep young Jedi’s entertained until Disneyland’s future Star Wars land opens. Check out the Jedi Training academy show, the new HyperSpace Mountain, Star Tours and the interactive Star Wars launch bay. You can truly get your Star Wars on, right down to choosing your lunch from the Dark or Light Side menus. And don’t forget the BB8 sipper cup! We got every detail on the best ways to go with kids in our inside scoop, which you can read right here.

photo: Mooshu via flickr

Pre-Order Your Tickets at Historic El Captian Theatre
Seeing The Force Awakens is of course the big event, but combine it with a live Light Saber show and a peek at original costumes and props from the movie and you’ve got yourself an out of this galaxy experience. From storm trooper costumes to a working BB8, you’ll feel like you’ve walked right into the movie. And you can pick your seats online, so you can skip out to the potty with the little ones without having to climb over anyone. It’s totally going to happen at least once, since the movie runs for 2 hours and 16 minutes.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens at the El Captian Theater
December 18 – February 7
6838 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood
Online: ElCapitanTheatre.com

photo: Meghan Rose

A Star Wars Galactic Experience at LA Live
The weekend before the movie opens, you can use the Force to battle your opponents, build a TIE Fighter with LEGO Master Builders, journey through Star Wars history, and much more.  Get your young Jedi or mini-Sith Lord dressed up and head over to this celebration of galactic proportions.

December 12 & 13 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
LA Live
800 W. Olympic Blvd.
Downtown
Online: lalive.com

AMC Theater Star Wars Marathon
AMC theaters are running a Star Wars Marathon starting with Episode 1 and ending with a screening of The Force Awakens. Now, we’re talking about 15 solid hours of movies and breaks, so it’s best for the older kids. Although it is possible with younger ones, that’s a lot of screen time and you might want to do the viewing in shifts. Mom and Padawan number 1 go to one show, Dad and Padawan 2 go to the next, and then you can compare favorite parts when you take a break to get ready for the new one. It’s definitely worth if you don’t know your light saber from your land cruiser, and need to get up to speed on all things Jedi.

Locations, showtimes and information online at amctheaters.com

Star Wars fans big and small—what did we miss? Tell us how you’ll be spending your time between now and the premiere of The Force Awakens in the comments below.

—Christina Fiedler

For your little Jedi, a big year this will be! If they (or you) can’t wait until the new movie hits in December, you can visit a convention that’s bigger than the Death Star.  Star Wars Celebration is coming to Anaheim April 16-19, and it’s bringing all kinds of beings from galaxies near and far. Use the force and the freeway to bring your whole Rebel Alliance to this once-in-a-lifetime event.

In A Galaxy Not-So-Far Away…
Star Wars Celebration is four days of intergalactic fun, where fans of all ages come together from around the world to celebrate the pop culture phenomenon that is Star Wars. The convention is a love letter from George Lucas to his fans, and it’s in a new city every year.  From Tokyo to Indianapolis, it could be anywhere, which is why we’re so lucky that this year, as our little padawans anticipate the new movie, it’s landed in our own back yard.

Get The Most Out of Your Intergalactic Voyage
There’s so much to see and do at this convention it’ll make your head spin like an astromech droid. The best way for all-knowing Jedi parents to enjoy their visit is to plan ahead.  Visit the official Star Wars Celebration website to check the schedule (guests and activities are being announced and added daily). That way you’ll know ahead of time which panels, screenings and events to hit first. Star Wars Celebration has already announced special guests like Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker themselves: Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill, as well as kid-fan favorites Freddie Prinze Jr. and Vanessa Marshall, Kanan and Hera from Star Wars Rebels. Planning out your day saves time on-site and gets you organized ahead of time, so you won’t miss your favorites.  They even have an app you can download to keep you updated at all times.

What kinds of things, aside from meeting amazing Star Wars actors (from all the movies and TV shows, and even behind the scenes) will your family want to see?  How about screenings, game debuts, a bounty hunt that the whole family can do together, cosplay contests and checking out millions (literally) of fan and commercially made Star Wars objects.

Wear a Costume, You Must
Cosplay has gone mainstream, and dressing up like your favorite characters has become a source of pride and an expression of fandom. At Star Wars Celebration you’ll find families donning the simplest of everyday cosplay to elaborate costumes that took months to make. Celebration will be filled with people dressed in Stormtrooper armor and homemade droids will be roaming the halls. It’s every kid’s dream come true: Star Wars come to life.  So be sure to wear your best costumes to get the most out of the day (and delight your kids).

“Tell Jabba I’ve Got His Money”
If you’re used to your little ones asking for things they see at the grocery store, then hold onto your wallets, because the Exhibit Hall here is the big leagues. The showroom floor has every sort of Star Wars merchandise you can imagine and it’s easy to get sucked in and spend a lot of money. You may see the same items multiple times, priced differently each time. Here’s our tip: write down or take a picture (always ask the vendor first) of the merchandise, booth number and row number so that you can find your way back to that location. Then you can save a little Imperial Currency for things like Jedi Academy, or college.

Know Before You Go
Bring plenty of snacks and water to get you through the day. Strollers are fine, especially when they look like this.

The celebration takes place April 16-19.  The hours are Thursday from 11 a.m.–8 p.m, Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Everyone over 5 will need a ticket, and all kids under 18 must be with an adult.   Tickets are $35 for kids ages 6-12 and $60-$75 for adults per day and $60/kids, $140/adults for a 4 day pass.

Star Wars Celebration
Anaheim Convention Center
800 W Katella Ave.
Anaheim

Online: starwarscelebration.com

Don’t forget, May the 4th is Star Wars Day! How are you going to celebrate? We’ve got some great ways to celebrate Star Wars right here in LA, today and every day.

—written and photos by Jenn Fujikawa