CMOM gives its first floor to master circus artist and juggler Book Kennison for two rounds of performance-plus-playtime, and the second half is the point: after a short show, kids get thirty minutes to actually try bucket stilts, spinning plates, devil sticks and hula hooping with a professional coaching them. Aimed at ages five and up, and it runs twice, so a slow start doesn't cost you the chance.
What to expect
Each session opens with a short performance on the first floor, then the space converts to open practice with equipment spread out and Kennison circulating between kids. Children try bucket stilts, plate spinning, devil sticks and hoops at their own pace, with caregivers alongside rather than dropping off. The museum's other floors, including the month's Glow Where You Go! art stations, stay open before and after.
Good to know
- Aimed at ages five and up; younger siblings do better in the third-floor PlayWorks area.
- Included with museum admission, so there's no separate workshop ticket.
- Two sessions run back to back, so arriving for the later one still works.
- The 1 train to 79th Street and the B and C to 81st Street are both a short walk.
- CMOM is compact and busy in summer, so timed entry helps a lot.
- Dress kids in clothes they can move in; stilts and hoops need room.
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
Who is Book Kennison?
A professional circus artist and juggler who leads the workshop, performing first and then coaching kids through the equipment.
Does the workshop cost extra?
No. It's included with admission to the Children's Museum of Manhattan.
What will kids actually get to try?
Bucket stilts, spinning plates, devil sticks and hula hooping, with about thirty minutes of hands-on time after each short performance.
More this weekend
