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by Catherine Schmitt

Little Manhattanites can really get down to their roots at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s newest exhibition Superpowered Metropolis: Early Learning City—an exhibit designed for kids growing up in New York City. The experience, open now, is a series of adventures that takes kids ages birth to six on a journey through a comic-book inspired New York City alongside three pigeon friends Zip, Zap and Zoom. Not only will kids recognize familiar city settings along the way (from a pint-sized subway train system to miniature taxis!), but they’ll develop their mental flexibility, working memory and self-control, too.

“The exhibit is a really cool way to look at New York as a place to learn together,” says Leslie Bushara, deputy director of education and guest services at CMOM. “We’ve taken the latest brain research to incorporate important foundational skills that kids need to learn into a really fun exhibit.”

The 1,500-square-foot exhibit boasts a two-story treehouse where kids can peek through a telescope and look at a map of the exhibit; a multi-level Supercharged NYC Train Table that mimics the subway system; a Musical Subway Car where kiddos can make music of their own; a Superpowered Phone Booth where kids can make very important phone calls; and a Whimsical Wind Blowing Fountain that blows out colorful scarves. At the exhibit’s baby-only area (a learning hub inspired by Grand Central Station!), little ones ages zero to two can climb on a train, pop a squat in a reading nook and even hail a miniature yellow cab. 

“We want families to remember that they are surrounded by learning moments when they’re exploring the city,” says Ellen Bari, senior exhibit developer at the museum. “New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and as adults, we know that—it’s important to remind kids of that!”

The fun doesn’t stop there! While you’re visiting the museum, be sure to stop by the newly-opened Inside Art exhibit for daily art programs and the opportunity to interact with real art by real artists.