Native artists take over the nation's first children's museum for two days, teaching Haudenosaunee social dances and guiding kids through beadwork, pottery and traditional mush making. Presented with the North American Indigenous Center of New York, it treats the holiday as a living culture to join rather than a history lesson. If you are looking for a holiday Monday plan with real meaning for kids, start here.
What to expect
Expect hands-on tables where children make beadwork and pottery, a space for social dances that families can join, and a cooking demo on traditional mush. A Native artisan marketplace runs alongside, and the museum's regular exhibits stay open for play.
Good to know
- Take the 3 train to Kingston Av or the C to Kingston–Throop Avs.
- Buy museum tickets online before you go.
- The museum is best suited to kids 10 and under.
- Bring a little cash or a card if you want to shop the artisan marketplace.
- The museum is usually closed Mondays, so this is a rare Monday opening.
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Common questions
Is this on both days?
Yes. The museum lists the celebration on Sunday, October 11 and Monday, October 12.
Who is presenting it?
The museum presents it with the North American Indigenous Center of New York, with Native artists leading activities.
Do regular exhibits stay open?
The event runs during museum hours, so the usual play spaces are available alongside the celebration.
