The benefit of putting this Picks list together every week is that I get a sneak peek at upcoming events and it gets me thinking about what we are going to do this weekend (other than lying around in PJs- which is always my favorite). This weekend, I plan on seeing Nursery University, a new film out this Friday. It’s about the ridiculousness NY parents have to go through to apply to a nursery school. It isn’t listed below, but I tweeted about it here. I would go to the Randy Kaplan concert because I really like his music, but it is right at the 2 pm naptime. I most definitely will go to the Flea, Brooklyn Museum Earth Day Weekend, and maybe pop by the Gowanus Grind to watch the skaters surf it up. There are some great opportunities to get some baby gear cheaply with the Manhattan Twins Club sale and the Brooklyn Clothing Swap too. There are some wonderful exhibits too…..BOCOCA: BI-LINGUAL CREATIVE MOVMENT

Friday, April 24th
If you don’t know about BAX Family Fridays, you should tune into it. They have a playspace (tunnels, tents, playhouses, a parachute, big and small balls, scarves, hoops and more) from 9:30am – 11:00am and then usually a live event at the same time. This Friday, it is Bi-Lingual Creative Movement with Marion Ramirez. It is best for children ages 1-4 with their parents or caregiver= 9:30am-11:30am. There will also be a storyteller, singer or dance teacher from 10:30am-11:00am. Admission: $20 per family. Brooklyn Arts Exchange 421 5th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11215 For more information: www.bax.org

PROSPECT-LEFFERTS: EARTH DAY WEEKEND FAMILY FESTIVAL

Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26: 10am – 5 pm
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum will debut a new tradition, an Earth Day Weekend family festival called Celebrate Earth! www.brooklynkids.org for more info. Admission:$7.50 per person. Museum members and children under 1 free. All programs free with Museum admission.

FORT GREENE: FLEA MARKET

Saturday, April 25: 10am to 5pm—rain or shine
From April to December, Brooklyn Flea takes place every Saturday from 10am to 5pm—rain or shine—at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, on Lafayette Ave. between Clermont and Vanderbilt Ave. We go to this every weekend and love it. This year, Blue Marble Ice Cream will be there every weekend along with all the other delicious food vendors. The Flea Market has great vendors- from local artists to vintage jewelry and clothing. We love bringing the children, checking out some used books, new art for walls and the fabrics. This is a must for everyone. For full information, visit the Brooklyn Flea website.

GOWANUS: THE GOWANUS GRIND

Saturday, April 25: 12 pm~ 4 pm (rain date Sunday, April 26)
Come help raise funds for Thomas Greene park. There will be skating, food, art, tai chi (at 12:30 pm) and music. There will be a skate contest and clinic and free skate time. In addition there will be basketball and baseball arcade games. At Thomas Greene park. Directions: enter at 3rd and Nevins (park extends from 3rd and Nevins to Douglass and DeGraw. Performance by Lady Liberty of Amica, Intl. (Automated Musical Instrument Collectors Organization/street organ. Sponsored by the Friends of Douglass/Greene Park, Inc.

FORT GREENE: BAM KOODS BOOK BRUNCH

Saturday, April 25: 11:30am—2pm
The author behind the Newbery Honor Award-winning Ella Enchanted, The Wish, and the Princess Tales series, Gail Carson Levine, comes to BAM for the annual BAMfamily Book Brunch. Levine’s spellbinding children’s and ‘tween fiction has enraptured young readers. After a buffet of kid-friendly foods and drinks accompanied by live music, Gail Carson Levine will read from and discuss Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly—the hit how-to for young writers—and the adventure novella Dave at Night, which has been recognized as an ALA Notable Children’s Book and ALA Best Book for Young Adults. The event will conclude with an audience Q&A and a book signing. Recommended age level: 8 to 12 years. At BAMcafé

PARK SLOPE: RANDY KAPLAN CONCERT

Sunday, April 26: 2 pm
Park Slope Parents is putting on a concert this weekend that features Randy Kaplan. Randy is kindof a bluesy, folksy singer that has a fun repetoire of songs. My personal favorite is “Grape Juice Hesitation Blues”. See it at Southpaw at 125 Fifth Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11217 718.230.0236 $12 each. Get tickets here. Door opens at 1 pm.

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS: BREASTFEEDING 101

Monday, April 27th, 6:30-8:00 PM
I went to a La Leche League meeting when I was pregnant so that I could learn about nursing. I soon realized that it wasn’t necessarily going to be a piece of cake. For some women it is super easy, for me it wasn’t. What’s good about this seminar is that you can get a sneak peek into what it’s all about. Two breastfeeding experts: (1) lactation consultant Andrea Syms-Brown, IBCLC, RLC, CIMI, of baby in the family, who has over 20 years experience supporting breastfeeding mothers and their babies, and (2) Andi Silverman, author of “Mama Knows Breast: A Beginner’s Guide to Breastfeeding,” a practical and light-hearted handbook for new moms, and The Mama Knows Breast blog will be there for you.
At NY Kids Club, 182 Henry Street, Brooklyn Heights. $25 in advance; $30 at the door (cash or check only at the door). Raffle prizes too of a Mico Cosi infant carseat, Quinny Buzz stroller, Family Portrait Session with Wink Photography. rsvp to [email protected]

MANHATTAN: TWINS CLUB TAG SALE

Tuesday, April 28 at 6 pm
I have heard this tag sale is FIERCE (as Tyra Banks would say). Don’t be late or you may only get seconds (oh, I couldn’t resist the pun!). Pick up such great items as double strollers, matching outfits (no, not really) and lots and lots of clothes. Go to Saint Bartholomew’s Community House. For more details go to their Facebook event.

EASTSIDE; FROM INFERTILITY TO ADOPTION

Tuesday April 28: 6:00 –8:00 pm
This seminar is about adopting a child and the process of going from infertility to adoption. Becky Fawcett, former infertility patient, adoptive mother and co-founder of Helpusaodpt.org and Dr. Laura Fechter, a clinical psychologist who specializes in infertility and adoption, will lead an informational discussion. Meet at the office of Dr. Laura Fechter at 137 East 36th Street suite 1L (entrance on Lexington). REGISTER HERE

UPPER WEST SIDE: BUTTERFLY EXHIBIT

ongoing
AMNH’s wonderful Butterfly exhibit features up to 500 live, free-flying tropical beauties from Central, South, and North America in a 1,200-square-foot vivarium, a freestanding structure aflutter with activity. Wear layers – it gets hot in there! In the Hall of Oceanic Birds. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. 212.769.5200 http://www.amnh.org. Ongoing Daily 10/11/08 – 5/25/09; check with location for exceptions. Adults $22; Seniors & Students $16:50; Children $13

(listing is courtesy of www.gocitykids.com- thank you!)

LONG ISLAND CITY: SWIMMING POOL

From now until May 2009
A swimming pool…in winter? Well, yes. Artist Leandro Erlich is showing this cool installation at PS 1 Contemporary Arts Center. I can’t fully explain it here without sounding confused- but suffice it to say- he created the illusion of people walking under water. Kids will think it is so cool. I always find that getting to the museum is super easy- and a great fun day. Not easy to find food around there though, so plan on eating in their cafe or brown bagging it. There are 2 other exhibitions there too: one on reduction art and the other by a video artist.

QUEENS: AIR FUN

ongoing through May 10
The New York Hall of Science has a cool interactive exhibition called AirPlay comes to New York. You can play with “Air Cannon”, watch air through the world’s longest vacuum cleaner hose, float model boats across a table and more. The exhibition closes May 10

PROSPECT HEIGHTS: LESBIAN PARENTING

Wednesday, April 29: 7 pm- 9 pm
Babeland is continuing their “Sexy Moms Series: Lesbian Parenting”. The lecture takes place at Babeland in Brooklyn and sponsored the Center for New Women’s Health. To see more details and RSVP, click here.

PROSPECT HEIGHTS: SAKURA MATSURI

Saturday, May 2 and Sunday May 3: 10am-6 pm (rain or shine)* if rain, the events will be moved inside.

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Sakura Matsuri, New York City’s “rite of spring,” marks its 28th year with over 50 events and performances celebrating Japanese culture and the blossoming of BBG’s 220 cherry trees. Visitors to the weekend-long Cherry Blossom Festival can enjoy a range of performances from traditional Japanese music and dance to concerts by some of Japan’s hottest J-pop stars, plus taiko drumming, an anime voice actor panel, bonsai pruning workshops, J-pop DJs, a traditional kimono show, and demonstrations and workshops for all ages. Bring your camera and join anime comedian Uncle Yo and the World Cosplay Summit Team USA in a giant Sakura Matsuri cosplay photo shoot! For more info and specific times for events, check out this page.

COBBLE HILL: PLAYGROUP SPRING FAIR

Saturday, May 2 10am – 4pm (raindate Sunday, May 3)
Come to the Louis Valentino, Jr. Ballfield in Carroll Park to bump around in a bouncy castle, ride a pony, and check out: face painting, Mothers Day present crafts, games, races, book sale, flea market, bake sale, plus more games and food. The Ballfield is in Carroll Park at Court Street between President St & Carroll St. Free admission with $1/ticket for activities. Telephone number and Website: (718) 243-0440; www.cobblehillplaygroup.com

PROSPECT-LEFFERTS: BROOKLYN BOTANICAL GARDENS

April 4 to May 10
The cherry blossoms are blooming. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden’s 220 plus trees bloom in stages- so you are sure to catch a gorgeous display through May 10th. Save the dates of May 2 and 3 for the weekend-long Sakura Matsuri cherry blossom festival, which celebrates Japanese culture and arts with over 60 performances.

PROSPECT HEIGHTS: EATING HEALTHY FOR PREGNANCY

Friday, May 1: 6:30 pm
Come here some advice and meet the author of “Feed The Belly: The Pregnant Mom’s Healthy Eating Guide .” Frances Largeman-Roth, RD, the author, has been the Senior Food & Nutrition Editor at Health magazine for over four years. Admission is free. All at maternity store Bump http://www.bumpbrooklyn.com/ at 464 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217 718-638-1960

TRIBECA: FAMILY FILM FESTIVAL

Saturday, May 2: 10 am- 6 pm
Catch premieres of family friendly films, free performances, activities along with surprise appearances by characters from movies, books, and television. The Festival Main Stage will feature professional acts of Broadway performers along with emerging talent from Tribeca. Local restaurants and merchants will offer food, refreshments, and merchandise. Local schools will sponsor a variety of fundraising activities, from hairspray painting to graffiti hats. Fly a kite, create life-size bubbles in the Bubble Garden, get creative in the Arts & Crafts tent.

TRIBECA: TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL ESPN SPORTS DAY

Saturday, May 2: 10 am- 6 pm
In addition to the Street Fair (see above) is the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day event on North Moore Street ( between Greenwich and West Streets) featuring a variety of interactive sports-related games, demonstrations and activities. There will be special appearances by your local professional teams, athletes, dance teams, mascots and sports personalities, along with a live broadcast by 1050 ESPN Radio. Visit tribecafilm.com/espn for updates.

PARK SLOPE: VAUDEVILLE SHOW

Saturday, May 2 and Saturday, May 9: 4:30 PM
The Brooklyn Lyceum is hosting a modern vaudeville with The Fun and Funny Juggling Show, Will Shaw’s award-winning blend of physical comedy and verbal wit and juggling. It takes place at the Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 4th Ave (at Union St.), Park Slope, Brooklyn. Phone 718-857-4816 . Tickets are $10 but children under 2 are free. Tickets can be purchased online at brooklynlyceum.com/kids or at the door the day of the show.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS: BIKE NEW YORK

Saturday, May 2 and Saturday, May 9
This is a great program to teach kids the basics of riding in a safe setting. Classes listed below are offered in association with City of New York Parks & Recreation. This is recommended for ages 5 and up. Bikes and helmets required. Pre-register at www.BikeNewYork.org/education.
Saturday, May 2
Carroll Park, Court St. and Smith St. (basketball courts), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saturday, May 9
McCarren Park, Driggs Ave. and Lorimer St. (handball courts), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

GOWANUS: SUZI SHELTON BAND

Sunday, May 3: 2pm
I have never heard Suzi Shelton live, but I have friends who love her. She is performing at The Bell House at 149 7th Street (bet. 2nd/3rd Aves) Brooklyn, NY 11215 at (718) 643-6510 . Tickets are $10 per person (under 1 year free). Doors open at 1:30pm. Special appearance by Sebastian and The Gumdrops (with the debut of a new gumdrop)! You can buy tickets here.

PROSPECT HEIGHTS: PANEL ON WELL WOMAN CARE

Tuesday, May 5: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
There will be a panel discussion on Well-Woman Care During Pregnancy, Labor & Delivery and Postpartum. The discussion will include: homeopathy, acupuncture, natural herbs and nutrition as non-invasive and effective ways to relieve situations that range from physical ailments such as heartburn, nausea, and constipation—all the way to emotional anxiety, easing the birth process, and postpartum trauma and depression.There will be short presentations and Q&A session by panelists:
Erika Simonian, DSH – Homeopath New York Homeopathy, Laurel Axen Carroll L.Ac Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, Tioma Allison RN – Certified Midwife specializing in Home Birth, and Herbswoman , Angela Davis, HHC – Health Counselor Weston A. Price Foundation’s Brooklyn Chapter Head. Teh panel will take place at Central Library at Grand Army Plaza, 2nd Floor Mtg Room. 718-230-2100

PARK SLOPE: HEALTHY EATING FOR PREGNANCY

Wednesday, May 6 : 7 – 8:30p
Come here some advice and meet the author of “Feed The Belly: The Pregnant Mom’s Healthy Eating Guide .” Frances Largeman-Roth, RD, the author, has been the Senior Food & Nutrition Editor at Health magazine for over four years. You can also win various prizes too. Admission is free. Birth Day Presence www.birthdaypresence.net 917-751-6579 at the Pilates Garage at 291 8th Street, ground floor, between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue in Brooklyn, NY (Park Slope)

DUMBO: BROOKLYN BLOGFEST

Thursday, May 7: 7 pm
Okay, so this may not be a “real” family event, but it will be a fun night to meet your Brooklyn bloggers, talk about your own blog or be inspired to blog! Believe it or not, Brooklyn is the bloggiest place in America. The Fourth Annual Brooklyn Blogfest will be at powerHouse Arena in DUMBO. In addition to a WHY WE BLOG panel, this year Brooklyn Blogfest introduces BLOGS-OF-A-FEATHER, special small-group sessions, where you can meet with bloggers who share your interests. (I will be there on a parent bloggers panel with Melissa of HipSlopeMama.
powerHouse Arena 37 Main Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Admission: $10
Brooklyn Blogfest after-party
Galapagos Art Space 16 Main Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (right across the street from powerHouse Arena) Cash Bar

PARK SLOPE: CLOTHING SWAP

May 17th: 12- 3 pm
Oooohhh! A clothing swap ! I love love love these. Come exchange, look or buy baby/kids clothes, gear, maternity wear. It is going to be held at the Prospect Park YMCA. The event is also open to parents who do not have clothing to swap. All the proceeds go to the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign. All details, including how you can get involved, are on the website http://brooklynswap.weebly.com/

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