kids -

Story Hours Just in the Nick of Time

Our Favorite Locations Around Town

top story times new york!

Once upon a time, it was warm and sunny. The children of New York City frolicked outdoors. And then one day, they stopped. Hello, November.

Here’s a list of free story times to keep them warm.

Books of Wonder
The staff of the stalwart bookstore has a gift for selecting tales that keep kids rapt. Bonus: an on-site Alice’s Tea Cup for good listening treats. Sundays at noon. 18 West 18th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues (212-989-3270).

Mini Max Toys and Cuts
You’re a master of the multitask, but this one’s a no-brainer. Get your kids’ hair cut, pick up some top-notch birthday gifts, and treat them to a rousing book reading, all in one stop. Tuesdays at 10 a.m. 152 Atlantic Avenue, at Clinton Street, Cobble Hill (718-222-8697).

Scandinavia House
Bards from the Hans Christian Andersen Storytellers delight young listeners (best for ages 5 and up) with mythical, magical Nordic tales. One Saturday per month at 11 a.m. (check website). 58 Park Avenue, at 38th Street (212-779-3587).

Book Culture
Get extra credit for hitting up story hours conducted in French or Spanish at the community bookshop. Tuesdays at 4 p.m. (French); Fridays at 3:30 p.m. (Spanish). 2915 Broadway, at 114th Street (646-403-3000).

Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden
Story sessions at the gem revolve around themes like “historical hats” or “winter weather,” and include a craft project and optional tour. Kiddos under 12 are free, but adults need to pay museum admission ($8). Third Fridays at 10:30 a.m. 421 East 61st Street, between First and York Avenues (212-838-6878).

Greenlight Bookstore
Local writers and illustrators stop by to read from their new picture books. For the under-3s, local performers entertain with stories, songs, and games. Saturdays at 11 a.m. (kids); Sundays at 11 a.m. (babies). 686 Fulton Street, at South Portland Street, Clinton Hill (718-246-0200).

Crewcuts
J.Crew Junior now sells a selection of stellar kids’ books handpicked by their staff (Jenna Lyons included). Hear highlights at a monthly in-store story hour. Then shop. First Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. 50 Hudson Street, between Thomas and Duane Streets (212-587-3139).

this week in new york!

BOO
Halloween at the American Museum of Natural History
What:
Trick-or-treat among the dino bones and specimens, then dance to live music beneath the giant whale.
Why: Curious George, Cat in the Hat, and other characters will roam the halls.
When: Today, 4-7 p.m.
Where: Central Park West, at 79th St. (212-769-5100). Tickets online at amnh.org. Adults and children, $10.

STRUM
Loog Guitar with Kidding Around
What:
Kids learn to build and play the innovative new three-string instrument.
Why: You’ve got a half-pint Hendrix on your hands.
When: Wed., 12:30 p.m.
Where: Grand Central Terminal, 42nd St. passage.

SMILE
Mini Shoots with Burton Wells
What:
A quickie photo shoot to capture all those adorable mugs — and none of your thumb.
Why: Just in time for the holidays.
When: Sun., by appt.
Where: Burton Wells Photographers, 372 Atlantic Ave., b/t Hoyt & Bond Sts., Boerum Hill. Appointments at 718-789-2646 or info@burtonwells.com. Cost is $275 for a 30-minute session and five prints (holiday cards sold separately).

Photo: John Slater / Getty Images

Location
Scandinavia House
58 Park Ave
@ 38th St
New York, NY 10016
212-847-9740
152 Atlantic Ave
@ Clinton St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-222-8697
Burton Wells Photographers
372 Atlantic Ave
bt Hoyt & Bond Sts
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718-789-2646
Book Culture
2915 Broadway
@ 114th St
New York, NY 10025
646-403-3000
50 Hudson St
bt Thomas & Duane Sts
New York, NY 10013
212-587-3139
Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden
421 E 61st St
bt 1st & York Aves
New York, NY 10065
212-838-6878
686 Fulton St
@ S Portland Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718-246-0200
Grand Central Terminal
87 E 42nd St
bt Park & Lexington Aves
New York, NY 10017
212-340-2345
212 W 83rd St
bt Amsterdam Ave & Broadway, in the Tisch bldg
New York, NY 10024
212-721-1223
18 W 18th St
bt 5th & 6th Aves
New York, NY 10011
212-989-3270
MAP IT!