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Summer is upon us, the kids will soon be out of school, and families will be looking for fun things to do in NYC with their kids. Obviously, the city that never sleeps has so many great experiences for little ones of all ages, but for the 10 and under set, you must add a visit to Pip’s Island on your NYC to-do list!
Momma To Go received complimentary tickets to Pip’s Island for purpose of this review. As always, all opinions are my own.
A Visit to Pip’s Island: Interactive Theatre in NYC
You are probably thinking – what is this magical Pip’s Island and how can I get there?
Pip’s Island: The Lighthouse Rescue, is an interactive show, aimed at kids age four to ten. It’s a little hard to describe the show in that it’s an experience like none other (which is why you all need to check it out!). The production combines theatre, storytelling, acting, puppetry, costumes, song, and animation with a scavenger hunt/escape room type experience that is engaging, fun, and one that your kids will love!
Since this is a show, you buy tickets for a designated time just like you would any theatre performance. I recommend arriving about 15 minutes before show time to get settled and look around the Pip’s Island lobby, decorated to get you intrigued and excited for the show.
Once the “audience” arrives, you head upstairs to get ready to start the adventure. The groups are kept small, providing an intimate experience for the guests.
The children start off by getting their adventure vest, and they wear a little plaque with their name. I love that, because the actors could really engage with the children, I mean explorers, by getting to know their names!
Once everyone is dressed, the story begins. Their mission is given (to defeat the villain Joules Volter) and the explorers make their way through various scenes in search of their “sparks” which are essentially their badges. The “sparks” are based on team work, creativity, and finding each child’s inner spark! As a parent, I loved the positive messages put forth in this show!
Some of the scenes felt like an escape room (kid-friendly of course) or a scavenger hunt where the group had to find objects, complete tasks, or solve puzzles to find the sparks and be able to move on. And of course the sparks they accumulate throughout their mission end up coming in handy for the final rescue!
This is not a seated show, it is a walking adventure. Parents go through the performance with the kids, but have to stay on the side, as assistant-explorers! Kids really are the heart of this production and as a parent, it was so delightful to watch my kids engage with the performance!
Pip’s Island lasts about an hour and my kids, age 7 and 10 really enjoyed it. Again, we have never done anything like this, Pip’s Island was such a unique, and cool experience!
Planning Your Visit to Pip’s Island
Pip’s Island is recommended for kids age 4 -10, although we definitely saw some toddler-age siblings getting in on the fun. Little man is ten and he really liked the experience and the kinesthetic nature of Pip’s Island was right up his ally!
Pip’s Island is located in the Times Square area at 400 West 42nd Street, right at the corner of Ninth Avenue. We walked over to the theatre after spending the morning at the National Geographic Ocean Encounter, but you can easily access Pip’s Island off of the ACE subway at Port Authority or the 1237SRNQ from 42nd Street.
Pip’s Island performs Wednesday through Sunday, with shows starting every half hour. You can purchase your Pip’s Island tickets here.
Pip’s Island: Know Before You Go
- Children must be accompanied by an adult and each person must have a ticket to enter the performance.
- Late arrivals will not be admitted – plan to come 15 minutes before showtime.
- Special effects, such as water-based haze, strobes and other multimedia-oriented music and lights, will be used during the show.
- This is not a seated show, so wear comfortable shoes!
- Photography and videos are not permitted in the show – which is why I don’t have pictures of my own kids participating.
- Birthday Party Shows are offered (how cool is that??) For more info on birthday parties, click here.
CHECK OUT THE PIP’S ISLAND TRAILER ON YOU TUBE!
So on your next NYC visit, take a break from sightseeing to give your kids a truly inspiring, and unique experience – come join Expedition 12 with a stop at Pip’s Island!
Have you visited Pip’s Island?
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Great tips, as always! Thank you!
so much to do! Thanks
I had no idea this existed! What a neat experience for the kids. I think mine would enjoy it. Pinning for later!!
This article is full of some well-researched information. This explorer got a spark of creativity after your adventure at Pip’s Island! Thanks for inspiring us with your note.
I never heard of Pip’s Island but this looks so fun! Would love to do it on our next trip to New York if my son is old enough.
Wow, like you said, this really is unique! I think my daughter would love it!
yeah – made it hard to do the article and explain what it is!
This sounds awesome! I’m just going to have to head back to NYC so we can try it out!
This looks like so much fun! I can’t wait until my babies are old enough to do this kind of stuff!
This is great! Thanks for all the fun tips