Black Friday alternatives to dragging the kids around shopping

November 25, 12:24 PMNY Schools ExaminerKathleen Byrne

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Bolt on a cross-country trek to find his human.

I know the sales are irresistible, but use your parent super- powers to fend off the bombard- ment of advertising promising half off and lowest prices of the season. Trust me—the sales will get better closer to Christmas. Instead of paying a sitter or listening to whining all day long while shopping on Black Friday, consider these child-friendly things to do:

The Holiday Train Show: A must-see if you have a boy under 14. This display (an understatement) is nothing short of spectacular (no hyperbole). Steam engines, trolleys and modern freight trains roam around mountains, waterfalls and scaled replicas of NYC landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge, the soon-to-be demolished Yankee Stadium and the Empire State Building. It’s not cheap, and you’ll want to get advanced tickets. The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx.

Bolt: See Disney’s newest animation. Your child will love the amazing 3-D features, and you will be somewhat entertained by the Hollywood parody that flies over kids’ heads. Bolt is a sweet, charming flick that will leave you and your kid feeling good.

Meet the Jonas Brothers: Starting at 7am, the Barnes and Noble at 5th Ave between 45th and 46th streets will give out 500 wristbands for a book signing by the Jonas Brothers, which starts at 3pm. The boy band will be signing copies of their book, Burning Up: On Tour With the Jonas Brothers. Call the store for further details (212) 697-3048.

Thanksgiving Cross-Park Promenade: The free field-trip event hosted by NYC Parks Department starts at 11am. Children (ages 6-18) and their caregivers meet inside Central Park at 5th Ave. and E.72nd St., in front of the statue of Samuel F.B. Morse, to discover a secret bench that tells time, tiny boats powered by the wind and an awe-inspiring sculpture celebrating fresh water. Call for reservations (212) 772-0210.