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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.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

At this spot on the Upper West Side, young wanderlusters can travel the world in a single museum visit.. The popular "America to Zanzibar" exhibit, highlighting Muslim cultures, features hands-on experiences and exhibits from over 50 countries. Kids can explore ancient trade routes on a two-story boat traveling across the Indian ocean as well as explore a pretend global marketplace. Other activities include a 3D tour of mosque architecture from the Maldives to China, a chance to compose songs using an app featuring the rebana, tabla, kora, oud, ney and ghjak, storytime featuring tales by American Muslim families and a lesson in how to write and say your names in 21 languages.

Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; closed on Monday

Admission: $12, children under 12 months are free

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

212 West 83rd Street

Upper West Side

212-721-1223

Online: cmom.org

Photo: Amy N. via Yelp

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

–Michelle McIvor Cohen