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Melt With You: Teach Kids Tolerance at These NYC Spots

Explore and celebrate our differences at these Big Apple museums and landmarks!

By Michelle McIvor Cohen December 14, 2016

New York has always been one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in the world. From language immersion preschools to parades that celebrate backgrounds of all kinds, there is no shortage of opportunities to teach tiny citizens about other countries and cultures. These days, it feels more important than ever to educate our future world leaders about respect and tolerance. Need some ideas on how to get started? Here are some of our favorite NYC spots that promote understanding and appreciation of different races, ethnicities and cultures.

National Museum of the American Indian

This museum, located in the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, celebrates the diversity of the Native people of the Americas. It holds a range of free public programs that cater to ages two and up. On Wednesdays, singer-songwriter and educator Irka Mateo teaches about Taino culture through hands-on activities; Dabble in Drawing is another program for ages 10 and up that gives kids an opportunity to draw in the galleries and get inspired by new exhibits.

The museum also hosts special story time readings featuring American Indian authors. The museum’s next scheduled storytime will feature

Kamik's First Sled, a story about a child learning the responsibility of training his dog in the Arctic. The book is inspired by the life and memories of elder Matilda Sulurayok from Nunavut in northern Canada. Kids will also learn to play the Inuit yo-yo game and make one to take home

Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m; Thursdays until 8 p.m.

Admission: Free

National Museum of The American Indian
1 Bowling Green
Financial District
212-514-3700
Online: nmai.si.edu/visit/newyork

Photo: Vincent L. via Yelp

What’s your favorite NYC spot to help kids learn about other cultures?

–Michelle McIvor Cohen