The Staten Island Children's Museum spends the afternoon getting kids off their seats, with movement workshops on the hour that swing between dancing games and kids' yoga. The closer is the draw: Music Video Mania hands kids trending choreography, then puts them on stage inside a production setup, walking through lighting, sound design and camera angles. If your kid films dances at home, this takes that seriously.
What to expect
Workshops run on the hour, each a self-contained movement session that all ages can join without prior experience. The final block is Music Video Mania, where kids learn a trending routine and perform it as a filmed piece, with staff explaining the lighting, sound and camera choices behind it. It's all included with admission, and the museum's regular galleries stay open around it.
Good to know
- Sessions run on the hour, so arriving partway through still gets you a full workshop.
- Included with museum admission; no separate booking is needed.
- All ages are welcome, but the choreography block suits school-age kids best.
- Take the Staten Island Ferry to St. George and the S40 bus to Snug Harbor.
- Dress kids for movement, in sneakers rather than sandals.
- It's an indoor program, which makes it reliable regardless of weather.
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Common questions
Is Museum Movers and Shakers included with admission?
Yes. All workshops, including the Music Video Mania session, are included with regular museum admission.
What happens in Music Video Mania?
Kids learn choreography from trending dances and perform it on stage as a filmed piece, with staff walking through lighting, sound design, camera angles and creative direction.
Do the workshops repeat?
Yes. Movement workshops run on the hour through the program, so you can catch one even with a late start.
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