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PRESS RELEASE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan Announces Opening of “Frolic!” Rock ‘n’ Roll-themed Pop-up Play Space Focused on Early Chilhood Learning

05/11/2015

Rockin’ New Interactive Tot Spot Designed Exclusively for Children Five and Under and Their Parents Features Daily Programs, Live Performances and Hands-on Music Education Workshops

New York, NY – May 11, 2015

Rock on, kids! The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) today announced the opening of Frolic! a new interactive rock ‘n’ roll-themed pop-up play space that offers children ages 0-5 a unique set of music, movement and imaginative play experiences that support social, emotional and physical development. The rockin’ fun learning environment at CMOM (212 West 83rd Street), featuring daily programs, workshops and live performances, will run from June 5 through Dec. 31, 2015.

The innovative, 1,500-square-foot play space – a pint-sized rockers’ dream – features a replica of a paint-splattered 1970’s Volkswagen minivan, a Rolling Stones-inspired tongue slide, a mini-performance stage and ticket booth, and an interactive video music wall. Little rockers can also mix it up at a baby sensory music mixer, crawl around the soft foam butterfly and whimsical mushrooms, and dance and frolic to a rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack.

Frolic! is the latest iteration of CMOM’s ongoing commitment to “Arts and Creativity,” designed to bring original art and live performances to families as well as its long standing dedication to early childhood development and education, and builds on the success of its groundbreaking PlayWorks™ exhibit, which combines play and learning to help children enter school ready to learn and grow.

Recognizing the vital role music plays in the development and education of young children – extensive research has confirmed its effectiveness – Frolic! will feature live performances by professional and student musicians as well as daily and weekly programs and workshops that provide parents with creative and fun ways to engage children in music, language and movement games that stimulate brain development and strengthen the child-adult bond.

“Frolic! is a natural sequel to last summer’s exhibition and program series focused on jazz,” said CMOM’s executive director, Andy Ackerman. “This new pop-up experience – dedicated to our youngest visitors – will provide a unique opportunity for families to develop music literacy skills and interact with local musicians, artists and dancers as they bond over this popular and kinetic art form.”

Additionally, CMOM is offering birthday parties and new baby classes in the rock ‘n’ roll-themed play space, and also a special new “Under 5” membership deal for a limited time only.

Frolic! at CMOM

Programming Series
Daily workshops: Music, Movement and Story Times (free with admission)
Drop in and take part in rotating programs including musical Jam Band, Ribbon Dancing and Parachute Games, My Five Senses Yoga, Move to the Beat Drum Circle, Beach Ball Balance, Puppet Play, and more!

Saturday Summer Concert Series (free with admission)
Cool off with the hottest kiddie musicians throughout the summer!

• Joanie Leeds
• Tim Kubart of the Space Cadets
• Vanessa Trein & The Jumping Monkeys

• Suzi Shelton
• Co-Creative Music
• Alastair Moock
• Sweetbeatz

New Birthday Parties (ages birth to 5)
Rock ‘n’ Roll Frolic! Party
Does your child love to bounce to the beat and wiggle to the rhythm? Then celebrate their big day in rock ‘n’ roll style at CMOM’s Frolic! CMOM’s professional party musicians will make your child’s special day even more memorable with live music, puppets, parachutes, instruments and more! Special increased weekend hours!

New Baby Classes (ages 6 to 24 months)
Rock ‘n’ Roll Around the World
Babies and their grownups rock out to music from around the world as they sing, dance and play instruments with CMOM’s professional musicians. Classes take place at CMOM’s Frolic! Additional music classes for children up to five are also available

New Membership Level! Frolic! Under 5
To celebrate the opening of Frolic!, take advantage of CMOM’s new membership, available for a limited time only. Unlimited admission to Frolic! and all five floors of museum exhibits for one listed adult and one listed child under 5. For first-time members only.

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About Children’s Museum of Manhattan
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) is the vibrant home to 350,000 visitors a year from all segments of the NYC community and tourists from around the world. The museum’s educational mission in early childhood education, creativity, health and culture thrives within our home on 83rd Street and in dozens of communities across the city as well as through national initiatives with leading authorities and government agencies. Child development is at the core of CMOM’s values and mission and our vision is to be the bridge that connects children and adults in the community, school and home in order to prepare our children for the global world in which they live. For details regarding all of CMOM’s programs and initiatives, please visit www.cmom.org.