Star Wars Activities For Kids in NYC

Star Wars mania has officially hit New York City with the arrival of STAR WARS™ AND THE POWER OF COSTUME at Discovery Times Square and the new franchise installment, Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens, coming out next month.

Here’s where you can get in on the intergalactic fun!  

STAR WARS™ AND THE POWER OF COSTUME The Exhibition at Discovery Times Square 

Star Wars fans, young and old, will get a kick out of this new exhibit which features 70 hand-crafted costumes from the beloved franchise. You can get a close look at Darth Vader’s black mask and Princess Leia’s gold bikini and even get the backstory on how the costumes were created. Turns out, Darth Vader went through quite the transition to become the scary figure we are all familiar with.

The exhibit is great for kids because of its interactive elements. You can actually touch fabric samples from the costumes and a few buttons along the exhibit light up lightsabers. Add iPads and motion-capture screens where you can transform into one of the characters, to the mix, and your kids are sure to have an out-of this-world experience.

Adults will enjoy the nuggets of information that accompany the costumes. You can find out the inspiration for each character’s outfit. For instance, did you know that Hans Solo’s costume was inspired by movie westerns? And that C-3PO was inspired by the movie Metropolis? Incredible! 

The exhibit will run through Sept. 2016, so you have some time.

Discovery Times Square is located at 226 West 44th Street. The hours are Sunday–Tuesday: 10AM-7PM, Wednesday–Thursday: 10AM-8PM, Friday–Saturday: 10AM – 9PM. Final Entry is 45 minutes prior to closing. For more information call 866-987-9692 or email, [email protected]. discoverytsx.com/star-wars-exhibition

New York Jedi

If you want to learn the way of the Jedi, look no further than New York Jedi. Here a community of Star Wars enthusiast teach students the power of “the force” using lightsabers in stage combat-like classes.  Classes are taught by stage combat professionals, dancers, and cosplayers who are all lightsaber experts.  Obi-Wan would be proud.  

Lightsaber classes cost $10 and are held every Thursday from 7PM-9PM at Ripley Grier Studios, 520 Eighth Ave. Lightsabers are provided.  For more information contact [email protected]

Empire City Garrison

The Star Wars costuming organization, Empire City Garrison, is made up of volunteers and Star Wars cosplayers who take this “galaxy far, far away” business very seriously. The volunteers dress up as characters like Darth Vader and Boba Fett in order to make promotional and charitable appearances in the area. You can check out their calendar for upcoming appearances.

For more information or to request an appearance, check out their website, 501ecg.com.

Be sure to check out Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens when it hits theaters next month. 

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Main photo courtesy Discovery Times Square