Kids New York - May 19, 2008

Tee Time

New Summer T-Shirts

For kicking back, kicking around, and kicking ass, nothing beats a comfy tee. We checked out this season’s crop and found cute slogans and frilly details that are ready-made for fun in the city sun.

Retro Rags
Kids may not get it, but everyone else will love the Monopoly moment in Junk Food’s Luxury Tax top. Any city kid worth his salt will look cool rocking Lit’l Earnie’s Tenth Avenue Cowboys tee. It’s a reference to the hired hands who used to clear traffic from the High Line in the pre-Hogs & Heifers era (Earnest Sewn, 821 Washington Street; 212-242-3414).

Au Naturel
Keep kids close to nature in organic cotton Janey Buck onesies with silk-screened animals. Instill good values early with a Green Is the New Black statement piece and Little Citizens Elbow Tee, proceeds from which support the Global Fund for Children. Petite politicos toe the party line in a Give Kids the Vote top.

Plain White
The quest for the perfect wardrobe staple starts young. Stock up on basics for newborns and moms at perennially hip Petit Bateau (1094 Madison Avenue; 212-988-8884). Puff-sleeve Old Navy tees come in a wide array of pastels. And at $5 a pop, you won’t freak out when inevitable stains appear.

Your kids are precious; their T-shirts most definitely are not.

SEE
I Want to Believe
What: Kids will marvel at Cai Guo-Qiang’s enormous gunpowder drawings and the installation made from cars that “explode” in midair.
Why: Whet your Zen palate. 
When: Thru May 21. Daily, 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m. May 23-28. Daily, 10 a.m.-7:45 p.m.
Where: Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., at 89th St. (212-423-3500). Tickets online at ticketweb.com.

PLAY
Adventures with Dora and Diego
What: The bilingual exhibit encourages children to play in Dora’s house and Diego’s Animal Rescue Center. Preschool science, Latino lessons, and animal facts add value.
Why: It’s Spanish — and fly.
When: Opens Tues. Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., b/t Amsterdam Ave. & Broadway (212-721-1223).

LEARN
To Ride a Bike
What: Bike New York offers free bike riding classes for kids age 5 and older. Helmet and bike required!
Why: You don’t have to teach this one? Nice.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Victory Field, Forest Park, Queens (Woodhaven Blvd. & Myrtle Ave.); Columbus Park, Manhattan (Mulberry & Baxter Sts.); Carroll Park, Brooklyn (Court & Smith Sts.); Crotona Park/Boxcar Playground, Bronx (Suburban & Charlotte Sts.). Register in advance online at bikenewyork.org.

MAKE
Caped Crusaders
What: Inspired by The Met’s new Superheroes exhibit, Babesta presents an afternoon of cape-making fun to benefit Ronald McDonald House.
Why: Work wonders.
When: Thurs., 4-6 p.m.
Where: Tribeca Cinemas Gallery, 54 Varick St., at Canal St. Only 75 capes available; reserve online at babesta.com.