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Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, isn’t likely to replace Cape Canaveral as a permanent launching site for spacecraft. But on Monday it will serve as a blastoff point for several extraterrestrial adventures. They make up “To the Moon: Short Films About Space Travel,” the latest program in the Brooklyn series Big Movies for Little Kids.
The idea “was to get kids out of their living room and into a real theater,” said Allison Prete, one of three mothers who founded the series five years ago. “It was also to help them see films they probably wouldn’t see on their DVD player.”
That’s true of all the titles in Monday’s program, whose theme derives from an aeronautical project that really did originate in Brooklyn: “Space Balloon,” a seven-minute film by Luke Geissbuhler, a father in Park Slope. Mr. Geissbuhler, a director and cinematographer, couldn’t have devised a less commercial work. With help from his 7-year-old, Max, he attached a small digital video camera to a weather balloon and sent it into the stratosphere from Newburgh, N.Y. The homemade craft, using low-tech elements like a specially treated Thai-food takeout container, succeeded in filming the curvature of the Earth. (A parachute helped it land.) Mr. Geissbuhler posted his film on the Internet, where it became a viral hit and attracted the attention of one of the film series’s board members.
Two other selections go back more than a century: “A Trip to the Moon” (1902) and “Impossible Voyage” (1904), both by Georges Melies, the French cinematic pioneer. “He uses a lot of vaudeville techniques that kids really respond to,” Ms. Prete said. The playful “Trip to the Moon” features a space capsule shot out of a cannon and Moon creatures called Selenites. In “Impossible Voyage,” a train filled with scientists travels into the sky, where the yawning Sun temporarily swallows it.
Ms. Prete will also show Max Fleischer’s “Dancing on the Moon,” a 1935 animated piece in which pairs of cartoon animals board a spaceship, Noah’s Ark style, to boogie on the lunar surface. (Weightlessness isn’t an issue.)
The program’s other contemporary film also has local roots. Last summer many young Brooklynites attended Beam Camp in Strafford, N.H. The campers filmed “A Trip to the Sun” (above are Maeve McNamara, left, and India Kotis), a short homage to Melies that probably would have fascinated him: it’s shot almost entirely with solar power.
(Monday, 4 p.m., Cobble Hill Cinemas, 265 Court Street, at Butler Street, bigmoviesforlittlekids.blogspot.com; $7.) LAUREL GRAEBER
For Children
‘Archaeology Zone: Discovering Treasures From Playgrounds to Palaces’ (Friday, Sunday through Tuesday, and Thursday) Children will step into the shoes of an explorer like Indiana Jones in this permanent exhibition at the Jewish Museum, but the adventures will be purely scholarly. Still, there is plenty of excitement in analyzing artifacts like a jar handle, a clay jug and a bangle and figuring out the purpose behind ancient pieces like a Greek helmet and a bull-shaped vessel. This interactive show also includes a recreated room from the Ottoman period (about 1900), where young archaeologists can dress in costume. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., except for Thursdays, open until 8 p.m.; 1109 Fifth Avenue, at 92nd Street , (212) 423-3200, thejewishmuseum.org; free with admission: $12; $10 for 65+; $7.50 for students; free for under 12 and members.20110324
‘Artists’ Eyes: Children’s Art From Studio in a School’ (Friday, and Monday through Thursday) For more than 30 years Studio in a School, an educational organization, has been bringing professional artists into New York schools and community centers to work with children. And once a year it also brings the art resulting from that collaboration to the public. This exhibition comprises more than 200 works by students from preschool through high school, depicting both their everyday universes and the wilder worlds of their imaginations. From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., 1285 Avenue of the Americas Art Gallery, between 51st and 52nd Streets , studioinaschool.org; free.20110324
‘As You Like It’ (Sunday through Tuesday, and Thursday) Expect a somewhat abbreviated tour of the Forest of Arden. The aptly named Young Company, a division of Classic Stage Company, presents abridged versions of the classics for family and student audiences. This “As You Like It” tells Shakespeare’s gender-bending tale of love and deception in a neat 90 minutes. (Through April 1.) Sunday at 8 p.m.; Monday at 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.; Tuesday at 10 a.m..; Thursday at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Classic Stage Company, 136 East 13th Street, East Village , (212) 352-3101, classicstage.org; $25; $15 for students and 65+.20110324
‘Assembly Line Design’ (Saturday) In this program children 7 and older will be invited to create their own factory assembly line — not to build a car, but to make a model skyscraper. Following the same techniques that Henry Ford brought to the automobile industry, they will learn about construction materials and what makes a successful urban building. From 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, Lower Manhattan , (212) 945-6324, skyscraper.org; $5 a child; free for members. Registration required by 5 p.m. on Friday via phone or an e-mail to education@skyscraper.org.20110324
‘Awesome Allie, First Kid Astronaut’ (Saturday and Sunday) Following in the footsteps of Sally Ride — but with much smaller feet — young Allie becomes a child astronaut in this new musical from Vital Theater Company. But she’s not so unusual when you compare her with her companions: a talking dog and a dancing Martian robot, which are ready to help her save Earth. (Through April 26.) At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., McGinn/Cazale Theater, 2162 Broadway, at 76th Street (above the Promenade Theater), fourth floor , (212) 579-0528, vitaltheatre.org; $25.20110324
‘Bird Brain’ (Saturday and Sunday) The woodsman in Vern Theissen’s play, for ages 4 through 9, really knows how to keep something under his hat: in this case, a cluster of baby birds. But his desire to protect the fledglings he’s rescued conflicts with the stern laws of Hat Street, which require all citizens to remove any head covering when greeting others, particularly the queen. The Drilling Company explores his problem in this production, playing an open-ended run. Saturdays at 2 p.m.; Sundays at noon, 236 West 78th Street, Manhattan , (212) 868-4444, smarttix.com; $15; $12 for children.20110324
‘Brooklyn Mutt Show’ (Saturday and Sunday) Some dog shows are all about pedigrees and perfection; others are about silly fun and stupid tricks. This one definitely falls into the silly category, with contests like Best Ears, Best Kisser, Best Tail and Snook-A-Like, for the dog that most resembles Snooki from “Jersey Shore.” On Sunday at noon it also features a short-essay contest for children on “Why My Dog IS Brooklyn.” Full schedule on the Web site; all proceeds benefit the Toby Project, a spay/neuter initiative. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 Fourth Avenue, at Union Street, Park Slope , brooklynmuttshow.com; brooklynlyceum.com; $25 to enter; free for spectators.20110324
‘Fat Horse and Slim’ (Friday) An old-fashioned cowboy probably wouldn’t eat Chinese vegetables, but Slim is a new-fashioned kind of guy. He’s the hero of this musical, written and directed by Theodore Mann, artistic director and founder of Circle in the Square Theater, with music and lyrics by Joziah Longo. Slim’s adventures with his talking horse are more than culinary — they include rescuing circus animals and traveling to snowy peaks. At 10:30 a.m., Circle in the Square, 254 West 50th Street, Manhattan , (212) 307-0388, circlesquare.org; $5.20110324
‘Ferdinand the Bull’ (Sunday) Ferdinand doesn’t need to be told to stop and smell the flowers — it’s his favorite activity. But how can he explain that to people who want him to face down a matador? In this concert the Bronx Arts Ensemble and the Children’s Theater Company at Lehman College tell Ferdinand’s story, written by Dante Albertie and arranged for oboe, clarinet and bassoon by William Scribner. At 1 and 3 p.m., Whitehall Club, 3333 Henry Hudson Parkway, near 232nd Street, Riverdale, the Bronx , (718) 601-7399, bronxartsensemble.org; $6.20110324
‘Freckleface Strawberry’ (Friday through Sunday, and Wednesday and Thursday) Based on the actress Julianne Moore’s picture book “Freckleface Strawberry,” about a 7-year-old redhead who earns that nickname from her teasing friends, this show transcends the usual themes about celebrating the differences that make us special. It does so with a winning score, talented actors and inventive comedy, as well as an acknowledgment of the unfunny aspects of its young heroine’s situation. And speaking of teasing, Sanjaya Malakar, of “American Idol” fame, recently joined the cast. Friday at 2 p.m.; Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 and 4:30 p.m.; Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday at 2 p.m., New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street, Clinton , (212) 239-6200, frecklefacethemusical.com; $68.50 to $95.20110324
‘Galli’s Rapunzel’ (Saturday and Sunday) That imprisoned princess with the long tresses is letting down her hair again in this production from Galli’s Fairytale Theater. The witch doesn’t want Rapunzel to escape, but young audience members will help her get together with her prince. On Saturday only, the show is followed by a one-hour theater workshop in which children dress in costume and put together a short play with the help of the theater’s staff. At 2 p.m.; workshop at 3; National Comedy Theater, 347 West 36th Street, Manhattan , (212) 352-3101, gallitheaterny.com; $20; $15 for ages 2 through 17; workshop is $15, or $10 when more than one child from a family attends.20110324
‘Gazillion Bubble Show: The Next Generation’ (Friday through Sunday, and Wednesday) Children love bubbles, and this interactive show promises not just a gazillion but also some of the largest ever blown, along with light effects and lasers. The stars are the members of the Yang family: Fan and Ana Yang, and their sons Deni and Jano, who rotate as M.C.’s for the production. Audience members may even find themselves in bubbles of their own. Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 and 4:30 p.m.; Sunday at noon and 3 p.m.; Wednesday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street, Clinton , (212) 239-6200, gazillionbubbleshow.com; $44.50 to $89.50; lap seats for ages 2 and under are $20.20110324
‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ (Saturday and Sunday) The story may feature three bears and one blonde, but this new production from Manhattan Children’s Theater stars only two actors. They play all the parts and provide their own musical accompaniment in this adaptation, which isn’t your usual walk in the woods. (Through April 17.) At noon and 2 p.m., 52 White Street, near Church Street, TriBeCa , (212) 352-3101, mctny.org; $20; $50 for priority tickets, which include front-row seats and a meeting with the cast.20110324
‘Gustafer Yellowgold’s Infinity Sock’ (Saturday) The friendliest of space aliens is back in town. Hailing from the Sun and looking like an animated drop of butter, Gustafer Yellowgold is the creation of the illustrator and award-winning composer Morgan Taylor, who has returned for another multimedia show about his hero. This one has a continuing narrative, following Gustafer as he looks for the toe end of the longest sock in the universe. (Through April 2.) At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., DR2 Theater, 103 East 15th Street, Manhattan , (212) 239-6200, gustaferyellowgold.com; $25; $20 for under 12.20110324
‘Jazz for Kids’ (Sunday) Every Sunday through May 15 the Jazz Standard presents not just jazz for kids, but also jazz by kids: the featured players at its Sunday brunches are the members of the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra, a group of talented children. They play new arrangements of big-band classics while listeners enjoy barbecue offerings that include a children’s menu. Doors open at 1 p.m.; shows from 2 to 3 p.m.; 116 East 27th Street, Manhattan , (212) 576-2232, jazzstandard.com; $5 donation, which benefits the Jazz Standard Discovery Program, an initiative that brings musical performances to city schools.20110324
Jazz for Young People: ‘What Is the Big Band Era?’ (Saturday) Lincoln Center’s Jazz for Young People series, intended for children 6 and older, always asks a question, and at this season’s final concert, it has to do with big bands. This time the answer will include learning that big band doesn’t mean the Strokes or U2. Ted Nash, the host, and his father, the trombonist Dick Nash, will lead an exploration of big-band classics with the help of a couple of swing dancers and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. At 1 and 3 p.m., with preconcert activities — including a workshop for musicians 8 and older — from noon to 2 p.m. Rose Theater, Frederick P. Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, 60th Street and Broadway , (212) 721-6500, jalc.org/jfyp; $12 to $28.20110324
‘Kids ’n Comedy’ (Sunday) The class clown gets applause, not detention, at this series, in which comics 12 to 20 perform stand-up. It’s recommended for children 9 and older, but there’s no need to worry about appropriateness (profanity is banned) or knock-knock jokes (these dudes are sophisticated). As with all these shows, some audience members will have a chance to tell a joke too. Reservations are required. At 1 p.m., Gotham Comedy Club, 208 West 23rd Street, Chelsea , (212) 877-6115, kidsncomedy.com; $15, with a one-item (soda or food) minimum.20110324
‘The Little Mermaid’ (Saturday and Sunday) This musical adaptation, from Literally Alive Children’s Theater, draws on Hans Christian Andersen’s distinctly bittersweet tale. But it’s not exactly “The Little Mermaid” the theater company has presented in the past: Brenda Bell has rewritten the book and lyrics, and Michael Sgouros has composed a new score. Like all the troupe’s productions, this one features a preshow crafts workshop. (Through May 22.) Workshop at 10 a.m.; show at 11; Players Theater, 115 Macdougal Street, near Bleecker Street, Greenwich Village , (212) 352-3101, mermaidsinthevillage.com; $25 to $40 (including workshop).20110324
Material Lab at the Museum of Modern Art (Saturday through Monday, and Wednesday through Friday) No matter how much talent artists have, they need the right materials to create their work. This new interactive space at MoMA invites families to explore a wide range of mediums that are reflected in the museum’s collection. The stations in the Material Lab include a drawing table; a collage table; Discovery Boxes, with surprise materials within; Cornell Boxes, filled with found objects, in the spirit of the work of Joseph Cornell; and a digital painting experience using new technology from Microsoft. Material Lab is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; until 6:30 p.m. on Friday (through Aug. 29); Lewis B. and Dorothy Cullman Education and Research Building, 4 West 54th Street, Manhattan , (212) 708-9400, moma.org; free with museum admission: $20; $16 for 65+; $12 for students; free for ages 16 and under.20110324
‘Milledgeville Memoirs’ (Friday and Saturday) Milledgeville, Ga., may be most famous as the town where Flannery O’Connor grew up, but this production, from the Georgia College theater department and Washington Women in Theater, chronicles its past from the perspective of more ordinary citizens. Based on an oral history project and recommended for ages 10 and older, the show uses theater, dance, music and multimedia to illustrate the life of the town from the Civil War to the civil rights era and beyond. At 8 p.m., American Theater of Actors Chernuchin Theater, 314 West 54th Street, Clinton , gcsutickets.com; $13; $9 for 65+ and students; $5 for Georgia College students.20110324
New York Road Runners Youth Jamboree (Saturday) All young runners, jumpers and shot-put throwers, no matter what their ability, are invited to show their stuff in this competition, which promises a ribbon and a T-shirt to each participant. Events for ages 4 to 10 are in the morning; those for ages 11 to 15 are in the afternoon, with a 12:30 p.m. start for a short race for 4-year-olds. Participants can preregister online; on-site registration begins at 7:45 a.m. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., New Balance Track and Field Center, the Armory, 168th Street and Fort Washington Avenue, Washington Heights , nyrrf.org; free.20110324
New York International Children’s Film Festival (Saturday and Sunday) Foreign features, movie workshops, short films for different ages — it’s all back as the festival, now a year-round film presenter, holds its annual competition and showcase. Highlights this final weekend include the debut of the English-language version of the animated feature “Mia & the Migoo,” which follows a girl’s quest to save her father, and programs of special interest to older filmgoers: “Flicker Lounge,” short films for ages 12 and older, and “Heebie-Jeebies,” strange and scary shorts for ages 10 and older. (Schedules are on the Web site.) (212) 349-0330, gkids.com; $12 a screening.20110324
‘The Paper Bag Players Whoop-Dee-Doo!’ (Sunday) Everything in the Paper Bag Players’ show this year is fresh out of the bag: they’re presenting all new material, written by the actors and the artistic director, Ted Brackett. They’re still making magic out of cardboard and brown wrapping paper in these 10 musically enhanced skits for ages 4 to 9. Among the highlights is the title piece, set at a game show at which the audience is a contestant. (Through April 17 at various theaters.) At 2 p.m., Kingsborough Community College, Performing Arts Center, 2001 Oriental Boulevard, near Decatur Avenue, Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn , (718) 368-5596, thepaperbagplayers.org; $12.20110324
‘Pasta!: A Pop Ups Puppet Musical’ (Saturday) The rock duo Jacob Stein and Jason Rabinowitz are cooking once again in this show, which concerns a quest through Brooklyn to find the best ingredients for pasta sauce. The culinary adventures involve more than vegetables; mermaids and animals are to be part of the action, along with puppets created by the shops of Julianna Parr and Ingrid Crepeaux. (Through April 2.) At 11 a.m., SoHo Playhouse, 15 Van Dam Street, South Village , (212) 691-1555, sohoplayhouse.com; $30, $25.20110324
‘Point of View’ (Friday, and Monday through Thursday) See the world of New York through a young artist’s lens. This exhibition features more than 30 photographs, as well as documentary videos and animations, by students from elementary through high school. Working with the nonprofit Magic Box Productions, which brings arts programs to schools, the young creators have dealt with both portraiture and the urban landscape. (Through June.) From 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; group tours available; the Gallery at 180 Maiden Lane, between Front and South Streets, Lower Manhattan , (914) 630-0256, magicboxproductions.org; free.20110324
‘Preservation Detectives’ (Sunday) The Eldridge Street Synagogue, the landmark 1887 building where many Jewish immigrants worshiped, offers its “Preservation Detectives” tours every Sunday, when children 5 to 10 can view artifacts, investigate neighborhood lore and sleuth their way into history. This month the theme is “Heroes and Villains,” when young participants will learn about some famous showdowns from Jewish history, like David versus Goliath and Queen Esther versus Haman. The fun will include making a mask. From 1 to 2:30 p.m., 12 Eldridge Street, between Canal and Division Streets, Lower East Side , (212) 219-0302, eldridgestreet.org; $15 a family.20110324
‘Project Brooklyn’ (Sunday) Classical music doesn’t have to be played classically. At this family concert at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Project Trio, a group from Brooklyn, will add rock, pop and hip-hop twists to familiar works like “The Nutcracker” and “Peter and the Wolf.” The trio will also salute the borough with its own original composition, “Project Brooklyn.” At 2 p.m., Bamcafe, 30 Lafayette Avenue, at Ashland Place, Fort Greene, (718) 636-4100, bam.org; $15; $10 for 13 and underBamcafe, 30 Lafayette Avenue, at Ashland Place, Fort Greene cally. At this family concert at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Project Trio, a group from Brooklyn, will add rock, pop and hip-hop twists to familiar works like “The Nutcracker” and “Peter and the Wolf.” The trio will also salute the borough with its own original composition, “Project Brooklyn.” At 2 p.m., Bamcafe, 30 Lafayette Avenue, at Ashland Place, Fort Greene, (718) 636-4100, bam.org; $15; $10 for 13 and under.20110324
Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players (Saturday) Mr. Roberts, once the leader of the indie-rock band Pimentos for Gus, as well as a former Montessori preschool teacher, is now putting his professional talents to use by performing music for the youngest rockers. At these concerts, part of the Just Kidding series at Symphony Space, he and his band will play tunes from his latest album, “Jungle Gym,” which celebrates a host of childhood experiences. At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Peter Jay Sharp Theater, 2537 Broadway, at 95th Street , (212) 864-5400, symphonyspace.org/justkidding; $13 to $27.20110324
‘The Secret History of the Swedish Cottage’ (Friday through Thursday) Gnomes, sea creatures and various magical beings help to tell this tale, but the history it explores is real: how the Swedish Cottage was built in Sweden and came to be transported to its current location — Central Park — in 1877. Created and directed by the puppeteers Tom Lee and Matthew Acheson, this commissioned new piece unfolds, of course, at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater, the heart of the site it celebrates. (Through June 30.) Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. and noon, with an additional performance on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.; 79th Street and the West Drive, Central Park , (212) 988-9093, cityparksfoundation.org/swedish_cottage.html; $8; $5 for under 12. Reservations required.20110324
‘Three by the Sea’ (Saturday and Sunday) This triple bill of short plays by Donna Latham, presented by the Looking Glass Theater, concerns life in and around the water. “Paddy and the Mermaid,” inspired by an Irish folk tale, focuses on an unusual marriage; “Coyote’s Moon” adapts American Indian mythology; and “Foghorn Franny” celebrates a woman with a very big voice. (Through April 10.) Saturdays at noon and 2 p.m.; Sundays at 2 and 4 p.m.; Looking Glass Theater, 422 West 57th Street, Clinton , (212) 352-3101, lookingglasstheatrenyc.com; $15; $12 for ages 12 and under.20110324
W.O.R.D. Up! Words of Real Distinction (Saturday) This series at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum brings young readers together with authors who can inspire them. The guest at this event is Dr. Yvonne Thornton, an obstetrician and gynecologist who has published two memoirs — “The Ditchdigger’s Daughters” and “Something to Prove” — about her experiences as a black woman rising from an impoverished background to a career in medicine. At 2 p.m., 145 Brooklyn Avenue, at St. Marks Avenue, Crown Heights , (718) 735-4400, brooklynkids.org; free with admission: $7.50; free for members. (Admission to the museum is free after 2 p.m., but visitors are advised to arrive early to secure seats.)20110324
‘The Wizard of Oz’ (Friday through Sunday, and Tuesday through Thursday) The latest tornado to hit New York poses no danger, as the Children’s Museum of Manhattan celebrates “The Wizard of Oz” with this interactive exhibition. In addition to recreating scenes from the 1939 movie, the show teaches about science (including how a tornado forms and experiments with light) and offers challenges like capturing the witch’s broom from the winged monkeys. (Through May 8.) From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; open until 7 p.m. on Saturday; Tisch Building, 212 West 83rd Street, Manhattan , (212) 721-1223, cmom.org; free with museum admission: $10; $7 for 65+; free for under 1 and members.20110324
LAUREL GRAEBER
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