June 16, 2008

Road Warriors

Summer Travel Survival Guide

Summer means hitting the road, flying the skies, and riding the rails. With the right gear, the journey can be half the fun.

If they’re old enough to carry their own things, stock a Fleurville messenger bag (Giggle, 120 Wooster Street; 212-334-5817) with toys and games to pass the time. Bonus: It has an insulated lunch sack. On the road, the Rubberneckers Jr. card game keeps preschoolers busy with fun objects to spot in transit.

For in-flight entertainment, Somewhere City Figures are six animals (pig, elephant, bird, dog, cat, fish) with interchangeable parts. Hello, magical creatures on tray tables. And to keep it real while they’re away, pack Dan Zanes and Friends’s latest CD, Nueva York!, which is all Latin beats and salsa rhythms.

Whether you’re in hotels, rental cars, or your neighbor’s yurt, lightweight car seat covers and Pack-n-Play slipcovers keep germs at bay. Do the same for sunburns and bugs with Supergoop SPF 30 and Supergoop Bug Repel. Add a sweet frock by Nanoou (Dig Og Mig, 150 Seventh Avenue South; 212-675-6112) and Patagonia’s Baby Sun Bucket Hat and the kid is good to go.

Happy trails.

HEAR
The Deedle Deedle Dees
What: Educational band plays Madison Square Kids, the park’s annual summer concert series.
Why: Schoolhouse Rock redux.
When: Tues., 10:30 a.m.
Where: Madison Square Park, b/t Fifth & Madison Aves., b/t 23rd & 26th Sts. Info at 212-538-4071.

PLAY
Miracles on 104th Street Festival
What: El Museo del Barrio and the Parks Department present a festive day of art, music, and dancing.
Why: Muy bien hecho.
When: Sat., noon-4 p.m.
Where: El Museo del Barrio, 1230 Fifth Ave., at 104th St. (212-831-7272).

ACT
Cymbeline
What: New York Classical Theatre leads the public (of all ages) in an interactive version of Shakespeare’s classic.
Why: It’s moving theater.
When: Thru June 22. Thurs.-Sun., 7 p.m. Rain or shine; call to confirm (212-252-4531).
Where: Central Park, at W. 103rd St. & Central Park West.