Art for Kids' Rooms Gets Real

With all the rocket ship riding and magic spell casting happening in your house, you wonder if Captain Imagination appreciates the real world.

Show him what a colorful place it can be with Numsi nursery art. Made by a British installation artist living in Minnesota, the square wall panels depict everyday things (trucks, cars, animals) in stylized, eye-catching ways.

Each pic is digitally enhanced, juxtaposed against bold colors and patterns, and printed on canvas. The results: wall art that’s sophisticated enough for mom and dad, but cartoony enough for a kiddo. What we really appreciate, though, is the subtle combination of things girly and boyish (think an orange digger against a bright pink background).

A birch plywood frame holds each piece, so it can stand upright on a dresser or desk. Alternately, mount one (or several) on the wall to inspire dreams — for real.

Available online at numsi.com, $38-$118.

OCCUPY
School Vacation Week
What: Old-timey activities like butter churning and sledding (fingers crossed there’s snow).
Why: Crafts and puppet shows fend off winter break boredom.
When: Thru Jan. 2. Daily, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge (800-733-1830). Adults, $20; children, $7; under 3, free.

CELEBRATE
Family New Year’s Eve
What: Ring in 2011 in style with a magician, games, and more.
Why: The confetti blast countdown is just as fun sans champagne.
When: Fri., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: The Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., North Easton (508-230-3789). Adults and children, $10.

KICK
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
What: The Rockettes perform their timeless holiday extravaganza.
Why: She’ll be high-stepping the whole way home.
When: Mon. & Tues., 2 & 5 p.m.; Wed., 11 a.m., 2 & 5 p.m.
Where: Citi Performing Arts Center, Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St. (617-482-9393). Tickets online at radiocitychristmas.com. Adults and children, $25-$130.