Kids & The Arts - introducing your child to area visual & performing arts
Let's face it, one of the many reasons that we love to live in Rochester is that everything is easy to get to. We can generally find a parking space near our favorite restaurant or at the mall and we have some of the lowest commute times in the country. This accessibility extends to our cultural institutions which are plentiful, simple to navigate with children, and reasonably priced. For a city the size of Rochester, we are lucky to have many regionally, and even nationally known arts organizations and cultural resources. However, before you plug your destination into Mapquest, consider these tips for making the experience one that every member of your household will enjoy.Plan Appropriately to Avoid Meltdowns
CONSIDER THE AGE AND MATURITY LEVEL OF YOUR CHILD(REN) WHEN SELECTING THE ACTIVITY. Kids can and should be exposed to the arts at all ages, but not every venue or activity is the right fit. Check the organization's website first to see if they recommend an age range and if they don't, call and ask. Remember to consider both minimum and maximum ages so that every member of your family is engaged in the activity. If you bring a 12-year-old to a Dr. Seuss play, he might get bored and thus become disruptive.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING. If you are dealing with younger children, don't attempt your first trip to the art gallery when they are apt to be hungry or tired. This goes for teens as well since early morning is usually not their favorite time of the day! Always check the running time on performances before you book the tickets and make sure that you will have enough time to view exhibits before the museum closes.
SET EXPECTATIONS BUT DON'T LECTURE ABOUT THE RULES. As your child attends more performances or visits additional museums, he will become accustomed to the behavioral expectations. You can help by talking about the experience ahead of time with your child and how you expect him to act, but don't read him the rulebook. Model the right behavior yourself during the outing by turning off your cell phone and not talking during the performance.
PICK AN EXPERIENCE THAT YOUR CHILD WILL REALLY ENJOY. Start your family journey into the arts by choosing something that your child will really enjoy. Although you may be a fan of opera, you may want to start by going to a children's theater production and then graduate to other mediums.Don't feel limited by something labeled "for children," but if your child is turned off by your first outing, it will be harder to keep their ears, eyes and minds open to different experiences.ROCHESTER HAS IT ALL: The Expected and Unexpected
•THE ROCHESTER PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA has a nationally-recognized children's series called "OrKidstra" that will expose your child to a fine orchestra experience in an engaging and playful way. Performances are on child-friendly Sunday afternoons at 2:00 pm. Buy tickets to attend "Tubby the Tuba" on February 5; "April Fools'" on April 1; or "Dr. Seuss' The Sneetches" on May 6. www.rpo.org
• THE STRONG (formerly Strong Children's Museum) is one of the top tourist attractions in the entire region but locals love it too because it is fun for the whole family. It is home to the National Museum of Play and the National Toy Hall of Fame, not to mention Upstate New York's only indoor butterfly garden. Educational programs change regularly and there's even a food court. Run, don't walk, to The Strong. www.museumofplay.org
• ROCHESTER MUSEUM & SCIENCE CENTER has three floors of hands-on, interactive exhibits about science and technology, the natural sciences, and regional cultural history. The permanent collection as well as visiting exhibits are designed to be captivating and fun. Families might also want to check out the Strasenburgh Planetarium which shows largerthan- life educational films as well as more traditional star shows. www.rmsc.org
• GEORGE EASTMAN HOUSE is a great place to visit any time of the year, but it really shines during the holidays when the annual "Sweet Creations Gingerbread House Display" is on view. From November 9-December 14, you can see over 100 incredible gingerbread houses that are sure to delight everyone. The entire House/International Museum of Photography is decked out for the season, but kids will probably be most amazed by the permanent elephant head that is on display in the Conservatory. www.eastmanhouse.org
• GEVA THEATER has an entire season of memorable performances, but not all are family friendly. One show that you might consider though is the traditional run of "A Christmas Carol" from November 25-December 24. The show runs two hours with a 20-minute intermission and there is a free pre-show lecture one hour before each performance. www.geva.theatre.org
• The popularity of THEATRE YOUNG KIDS ENJOY (TYKES) continues to climb. This children's theater group that performs in the Hart Theater of the Jewish Community Center in Brighton is so kid-friendly that you can even buy a $6 "lap seat" for anyone two years and younger. Upcoming shows include “The Wiz of the West,” January 14; “Skippyjon Jones,” February 10-12; and “Go Dog Go,” April 14-22. www.tykestheatre.org• Designed specifically for youngsters, the ROCHESTER CHILDREN'S THEATRE is a professional company of adult actors that brings literature to life for children of all ages with a mission of fostering enrichment, communication and awareness of literature. Upcoming shows include "Annie," (December 10, 11, 17 and 18); "The Hobbit," (February 11, 12, 18 and 19); and "Frog and Toad," (March 10, 11, 17 and 18.) www.rochesterchildrenstheater.org
• ROCHESTER'S BROADWAY THEATER LEAGUE brings nationally renowned Broadway features to the local stage. Among the adult offerings like "Jersey Boys" in April, RBTL also offers family-friendly fare. From January 31- February 5, local families can catch "Shrek the Musical," based on the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks film that started it all. The musical features 19 all-new songs, big laughs and fabulous dance numbers. (Recommended for ogres and princesses age 6+.) In March, RBTL welcomes Sesame Street to the stage with "Sesame Street Live." www.rbtl.org
• THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF TRANSPORTATION is located on East River Road in Rush and has a huge model train display. But you won’t want to miss a ride on the old-fashioned trolley car – fun for adults and kids of all ages. On Saturdays and Sundays from November 26 - December 18 they feature the "Holly Trolley" rides with a festive flair. The Museum is open all year on Sundays but call ahead for details. www.nymtmuseum.org
• THE MEMORIAL ART GALLERY (University of Rochester) is a classic case of not judging a book by its cover. Although on the outside it may not look like a place that you can take your children, the MAG offers free Family Days with hands-on art activities, music and dance demonstrations, storytelling and more. Visit Tuesday, December 27, noon- 5 pm to celebrate Kwanzaa; Sunday, February 19 noon-5 pm for Black History Month; or Sunday March 24, noon-5 pm for Persian New Year. www.mag.rochester.edu
Karen Higman is a contributing writer to Rochester Area & Genesee Valley Parent Magazine. She is a fund-raising consultant for non-profit organizations who lives in the Rochester, NY area.
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