The following is a highly selective roundup of miscellaneous activities, particularly cultural ones that might be of interest to young children.

National Museum of the American Indian (Smithsonian Institution) 1 Bowling Green (at Battery Park). Daily 10am-5pm, Thurs until 8pm; free; phone 212/514-3700, www.si.edu/nmai .
Kids will enjoy looking at the ancient dolls and feathered headdresses and the replicas of a reservation home and schoolroom. Programs often include theater troupes, performance artists, dancers and films.

Barnum & Bailey Circus Madison Square Garden phone 212/465-6741.
This large touring circus is usually in New York between the end of March and the beginning of May.

Big Apple Circus Lincoln Center phone 212/546-2656.
Small circus that performs in a tent in Damrosch Park next to the Met, from late Oct to early Jan. Tickets $10-45.

American Museum of Natural History and the Rose Center for Earth and Space Central Park W at 79th St. Sun-Thurs 10am-5.45pm, Fri & Sat 10am-8.45pm; $10, students $7.50, children $6; IMAX films, the Hayden Planetarium and certain special exhibits cost extra; phone 212/769-5100, www.amnh.org
The planetarium is sure to sate most kids intergalactic desires, and the dinosaurs are also a sure-fire attraction.

Children's Museum of the Arts 182 Lafayette St (between Broome and Grand sts). Wed noon-7pm, Thurs-Sun noon-5pm; $5, under 1 free; phone 212/274-0986.
Art gallery of works by or for children. Children are encouraged to look at different types of art and then create their own, with paints, clay, plaster of Paris and any other simple medium.

Children's Museum of Manhattan 212 W 83rd St (between Broadway and Amsterdam Ave). Tues-Sun 10am-5pm; $6, under 1 free; phone 212/721-1234, www.cmom.org.
A terrific participatory museum, with exhibit space over five floors; not to be missed is "Seuss!" - a whimsical area with decor inspired by the Dr. Seuss books, where kids can (literally) cook up some green eggs and ham. For ages 1-12, and highly recommended.

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