Teardrop Park Slide

I think (humbly) that this is the most extensive and far-reaching Event Picks I have ever done. Maybe it was last night’s marathon “The Bachelor” espisode that motivated me.  I even added quite a few new events to my Google calendar- so keep checking it daily.  Meanwhile, here are the highlights: a reminder to visit Teardrop park (see photo) and the Irish Hunger Memorial in Battery Park – you might do that while going to the Swedish solstice festival in nearby Wagner Park.  Other musts: this weekend’s Kids Day at Seaport, culminating in fireworks by our own Brooklyn Philharmonic, grab a free bike for an hour on Governor’s Island, Carroll Park’s free Astrograss (bluegrass concert), Shakespeare in the Park for free in Prospect Park, a potty training seminar (God, help me, we need this!), get a taste of Baby Loves Disco for free and also watch Swan Lake in peace in Central Park while your child learns what it means to dance.  Don’t forget the famous Mermaid Parade next weekend. Get out your best cheering voices for the parading mermaids, neptunes, and yes, lighthouses!

CARROLL GARDENS: BABYWEARING MEETING

Wednesday, June 10: 2-4 pm
This month’s Brooklyn Babywearing Meeting will be held on Wed, June 10 at Brooklyn Yoga from 2-4 pm. Brooklyn Yoga is located at 474 Smith St (F/G to Smith & 9th). The monthly meetings are free of charge and open to all interested in babywearing. Try on carriers, learn tips and tricks, and meet other babywearers. For more information, see www.slingsinthecity.com

UPPER EAST SIDE: COOL ART EXHIBIT

Ongoing Daily until June 14
(listing courtesy of www.gocitykids.com- thank you!)
Ernesto Neto’s anthropodino, the artist’s largest work to date, virtually fills the Armory’s expansive Wade Thompson Drill Hall with a giant canopy made of hundreds of yards of diaphanous material, from which large, colorful, and aromatic “stalactites” descend to within arm’s reach. Spices, including turmeric, clove, ginger, black pepper, and cumin, infuse the environment with scent. On the ground, a series of monumental arches covered in translucent fabric fit together like a puzzle to create a vast labyrinth of walkways and rooms that invite visitors to step inside the sculpture and participate in various activities. 212.616.3930 http://www.armoryonpark.org. Ages 5- 19 years is suggested (but I have seen his work and would suggest any age) Time: Tue-Fri 12n-8pm; Sat-Mon 12n-6pm; Mon 5/25 until 6pm Cost: Adults $10; Seniors & Students $8; Members & Children (18 and under) free Park Avenue Armory 643 Park Avenue New York, NY10065

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS: BIFF

June 5th through June 14th: various times
The Brooklyn International Film Festival (BiFF) is having its 12th annual festival themed Open Source. The festival received a record number of films this year. 2,770 films from 110 countries. The competitive event will run from June 5th through June 14th at the Brooklyn Heights Cinema where two screening rooms will operate side-by-side featuring 81 two-hour film programs. The full festival lineup includes 114 films. All films will be shown twice. Opening night film will be shown on June 5th at the Brooklyn Heights Cinema at 7:30pm. Party will follow in Dumbo at The powerHouse Arena (37 Main Street 10pm – 1am) . For all the films, times and information, check their website.
BiFF 2009 Brooklyn Heights Cinema Schedule:
Weekends (June 6, 7, 13, 14): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10pm shows
Weekdays (June 8, 9, 10, 11, 12): 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10pm shows

PROSPECT-LEFFERTS: ADVENTURES EXHIBIT

Through September 6
A new cool-sounding exhibit at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum is opening this weekend. Run! Jump! Fly! Adventures in Action™ is a new exhibit that lets kids try out activities they’ve never before encountered. Do you have a kid that wants to jump, spin, fly? They can try: snowboarding, surfing with balance boards, martial arts sessions, climbing a canyon using 4 different trails, and at the Flycycle Gallery, your child can climb on a special bike outfitted with wings and propellers and lastly, do some yoga or dance! The exhibit is bilingual, with information presented in English and Spanish, and the activities are accessible to children with varying physical abilities and developmental needs. For full information visit the exhibition information page. For time and visitor information visit www.brooklynkids.org.

UPPER WEST SIDE: EXTREME MAMMALS

Ongoing Daily until January 3, 2010
With their new exhibit, Extreme Mammals, the American Museum of Natural History explores the world of extinct and living mammals. Featuring spectacular fossils and other specimens , reconstructions, and live animals, the exhibition examines the ancestry and evolution of numerous species, ranging from huge to tiny, from speedy to sloth-like, and displays animals with oversized claws, fangs, snouts, and horns. Through the use of dynamic media displays, animated computer interactives, hands-on activities, touchable fossils, casts, taxidermy specimens, and a colony of live sugar gliders—extreme marsupials from Australia—the exhibition will highlight distinctive mammalian qualities and illuminate the shared ancestry that unites these diverse creatures. To register for programs call 212-769-5200 or visit www.amnh.org. Online visitors can explore Extreme Mammals at www.amnh.org/extrememammals. The Museum is open daily, 10:00 a.m.–5:45 p.m.

GOVERNORS ISLAND: FREE BIKE FRIDAYS

Ongoing Fridays until October 9: 10 am – 5 pm
(thanks to www.gocitykids.com for this listing)
Governors Island invites children and adults to borrow a bike for free, for up to one hour, every Friday through October 9. More than 200 bikes are available for the program, sponsored by Bike and Roll. The ferry ride and admission to Governors Island are also free. All ages. 212.440.2202 http://www.govisland.com

WILLIAMSBURG: ARTISTS’ MARKET

Saturdays from 10am-6pm
Artists & Fleas, the 6-year old Williamsburg, Brooklyn-based artist and designer market will be setting up shop and showing their wares on opening weekend at the Market in McCarren. The Artists & Fleas Market in McCarren will be operated in partnership with the Open Space Alliance of North Brooklyn (OSA), a non-profit NYC Parks Dept affiliate. Artists & Fleas Market in McCarren will be open on Saturdays from 10am-6pm beginning May 2nd and will be located at the northern end of McCarren Park, adjacent to the McCarren Field House.Visitors to McCarren Park will also be able to enjoy a new weekend café set up outside the McCarren Field House complete with a menu of organic, locally sourced food and drinks as well as a variety of entertainment and weekend activities. Opening day will present The Hungry March Band, The Dead River Company and a live performance piece as part of Movement Research’s Spring Festival. The performance will start at 1pm and will run approximately 90 minutes. All events are free and open to the public.

FORT GREENE: FLEA MARKET

Saturdays, 10am to 5pm—rain or shine
As of June 14th, Brownstoner will have THREE Brooklyn Fleas: Fort Greene, DUMBO and Under the Brooklyn Bridge. 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

DOWNTOWN: KID’S DAY AT SEAPORT

Saturday, June 13: 12-5 pm, fireworks at 8 pm
(thanks to www.gocitykids.com for this listing)
The annual Target Children’s Day, hosted by “Gordon” from Sesame Street, features performances by Robbert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine, Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck, and more (tba), plus arts & crafts with the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Children’s Museum of the Arts, the NYPL, and more; pirate fun with the South Street Seaport Museum, appearances by costumed characters, a train ride, and at sundown, a breathtaking fireworks display accompanied by the Brooklyn Philharmonic in concert. 212.748.8786. Free.
http://www.childrensdaynyc.com South Street Seaport 12 Fulton Street   New York, NY10038

CARROLL GARDENS: POTTY TRAINING SEMINAR

Saturday, June 13: 4 -5:30 pm
Okay, so I am definitely going to this. We have been trying potty training intermittently for the last months with little success. And, since Birch is about to turn 3 years- I don’t have any more excuses. I’m just lazy. Baby Bites Brooklyn has asked parenting experts Hannah Wiltshire and Ruth Wyatt of Everyday Parenting, will be there to talk about how to: recognize the signs of potty training readiness, develop effective strategies at each stage of the potty training process, and maintain a sense of humor throughout. They will leave ample time to answer your questions. Babies are welcome, but toddlers, unfortunately, are not. (IF there is enough of a demand for childcare for the toddlers, we might be able to provide babysitting services — let us know please when you RSVP, if you would need such a service).EverydyaEveryday Athlete Studio, 136 Union St., Carroll Gardens. $25 per single/$40 per couple (prepayment required). RSVP to [email protected]. Snacks will be provided, and every family will take home “potty prizes” for your little ones. For more information go to Baby Bites Brooklyn’s website.

PARK SLOPE: SHAKESPEARE FOR KIDS

Saturday and Sunday, June 13 & 14: 4 pm
Want to introduce your kids to Shakespeare- or get them ready for high school? You might stop by to check out the free outdoor production of “Much Ado About Nothing” , Presented by Maura Kelley & TheatreSmarts.  Location:(map). At  5th Avenue  (btw 3rd and 4th Streets)  Brooklyn, NY 11215. Near Old Stone House.

MADISON SQUARE PARK: BBQ BLOCK PARTY

Saturday and Sunday, June 13 & 14: 11am-7 pm
(Thanks to www.gocitykids.com for this listing)
The seventh annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party features mouthwatering barbecue from 10 of the nation’s top pitmasters (including NYC’s Blue Smoke, Hill Country, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, and Rack & Soul), live jazz, blues, and bluegrass; seminars from ‘cue experts; and more. BBQ ($8/plate), sides and desserts ($4-$6/plate), beverages ($2-$6), and merchandise are available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Madison Square Park Conservancy. 646.747.0584 [email protected] http://www.bigapplebbq.org

CARROLL GARDENS: KIDS KICK-OFF CONCERT

Sunday, June 14: 3:30 pm
The well-known and well-attended Friends of Carroll Park Concert series starts this weekend. The Kids’ Series Kick-Off Concert is with Astrograss. (As a bluegrass afficiando, I can say they are pretty good!) Performance is from 4-5 pm. Games and food are from 3:30-5:30 pm.  Carroll Park is located at President Street and Smith Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.  Take the F train to the Carroll Street Station, exit at President Street and look for the welcoming park right in front of you.  By bus, the B71 and B75 will drop you right here.

DUMBO: FLEA MARKET

Sundays, 11am to 6pm—rain or shine
As of June 14th, Brownstoner will have THREE Brooklyn Fleas: Fort Greene, DUMBO and Under the Brooklyn Bridge. The DUMBO Flea takes place indoors in 2 vacant storefronts: 76 Front St. for 25 vintage/antiques vendors, and 81 Front St. (directly across the street) for 50 vintage, fashion, art/crafts, jewelry, and food vendors. The DUMBO markets are open from 11am to 6pm every Sunday. For full information, visit the Brooklyn Flea website.

PARK SLOPE: PARENT- BABY NUTURE CLASS

Tuesday, Jun 16: 12:30-1:30 pm
Have you heard about the MELT technique? I went gaga over these small balls that are a new technique for acupressure and massage. I loved them so much, I sent the website link to my parents and they bought a set of the balls. In this parent-baby nuture class, you will learn about them- including how to give yourself a foot massage and to use them to help your baby’s digestion. Class is taught by Zoe Levine, a certified personal trainer specializing in pre and post-natal fitness, and Sarah Rivkin ,a licensed acupuncturist and board-certified practitioner of Chinese medicine. Pre-crawling babies welcome! $10 per family To register, email [email protected].  Located at the Birth Day Presence Studio   291 8th St., in Park Slope
917-751-6579  www.birthdaypresence.net

PROSPECT HEIGHTS: PREGNANCY WORKSHOP

Thursday June 18, 6:30pm
Come join the 3 respected midwives/childbirth educators of BklynBirth for a free discussion about pregnancy, including: nutrition, remedies for common discomforts of pregnancy, finding a provider and choosing a birth setting (home, birth center, hospital). www.BklynBirth.com Bump at 464 Bergen Street

UNION SQUARE: BABY LOVES DISCO FREE

Thursday June 18: 12- 1 pm
(Thanks to www.gocitykids.com for this listing)
Union Square Parternership’s Summer in the Square series kicks off with Baby Loves Disco. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic, and head to the South Plaza. http://www.unionsquarenyc.org.  14th Street and Broadway  New York, NY10003

BATTERY PARK CITY: SWEDISH MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL

Friday, June 19, 5-8 pm
Wagner Park is the site of a traditional Swedish celebration of the solstice. Decorate the maypole and learn folk dances. Make midsummer wreaths and enjoy a procession, fiddle music, children’s games and Swedish delicacies.  Traditional music by Daniel Dahlin and fiddlers from the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. Folk dancing with Barnklubben Elsa Rix and
Swedish Folkdancers of New York. Swedish Family Dance: 6:30-8 pm  For more information visit www.bpcparks.org or www.nycmidsummer.com

BATTERY PARK CITY: TEARDROP PARK

Ongoing
After writing about the Swedish Festival above, I thought they I might just drop you all a reminder to visit Teardrop Park this summer. It is an awesome park in Battery Park that has an “Ice Wall”, art by Ann Hamilton (Oh, I love her art!), Michael Mercil, slide, sand boxes, water play, a reading area with rock seats, places to “rock hop,” naturalistic plantings, and just nice areas to chill. It is located between Warren Street and Murray Street, east of River Terrace. They have special  events at Teardrop too that I list on my Google Calendar on my home page. For more information visit www.bpcparks.org. (Try also stopping by the Irish Hunger Memorial below).

BATTERY PARK CITY: IRISH HUNGER MEMORIAL

Ongoing
The two listings above also reminded me to write about the Irish Hunger Memorial. I love walking up this beautiful grassy mound with unique plantings, only to discover that I am on top of a rock museum.  It is a cool place and a great way to introduce your kids to rural living, those less fortunate and how people farm. The Memorial represents a rural Irish landscape with an
abandoned stone cottage, stone walls, fallow potato fields and the flora on the north Connacht wetlands. It is both a  metaphor for the Great Irish Famine and a reminder that hunger today is often the result of lack of access to land. The 96′ x 170′ Memorial, designed by artist Brian Tolle, contains stones from each of Ireland’s 32 counties, and is elevated on a limestone plinth. Along the base are bands of texts separated by layers of imported Kilkenny limestone. The text, which combines the history of the Great Famine with contemporary reports on world hunger, is cast as shadow onto illuminated frosted glass panels. For more detailed information, please visit the Battery Park City Authority. Vesey Street and North End Avenue, near WFC 4.

CENTRAL PARK: LEARN HOW TO DANCE BALLET

Saturday, June 20- Tuesday, June 23rd: 11am- 1 pm
(thanks to www.gocitykids.com for this listing)
Teaching artists from American Ballet Theatre share the beauty of waterfowl through the magic of dance in one of the world’s most beloved ballets, Swan Lake. Bring a blanket and a picnic to the Great Hill. Rain Date: Saturday, June 27. 212.860.1370 http://www.centralparknyc.org. For all ages and free.

CONEY ISLAND: MERMAID PARADE

Saturday, June 20: 2 pm (rain or shine)
I know this is such a famous event, and I have yet (sigh) never been to it- and looks like I won”t this year either. (birthday party).  So, here is to hoping some of you can go and tell us what you think! This parade is the largest art parade in the nation.  I hear it is like Mardi Gras (which Coney Island used to have in the early 1900′s).  The Mermaid Parade celebrates the sand, the sea and the beginning of summer, and Coney Island. Parade marchers dress as Mermaids, Neptunes, sea creatures and more.  There are also antique cars, marching bands, drill teams.  The Uptown String Band from the Philadelphia Mummer Parade will be there.  For the new parade route, check out the mermaid parade site. The new routes is much longer. Afterwards is the Mermaids BAll at Dreamland Roller Rink. Can  you say Xanadu?!  If you want, you can also stop by to see Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey.

UPPER WEST SIDE: SUNDAYS UNDER THE WHALE

Sunday, June 21: 11 am and 2 pm
Dan Zanes will do a “Wet and Wild Singalong” in the Ocean Life exhibit under the whale. Doesn’t that sound wonderfully trippy? Sing along to songs that celebrate the wonders of the ocean—from familiar traditional shanties like Sloop John B, to long-lost folk songs like The Mermaid, to songs filled with Caribbean flavor like Nah Eat No Fish. Zanes and his band celebrate homemade family music that can be sung anywhere by everyone. With special guests Bomba Yo. Tickets will be available onsite on a first-come, first served basis at 10 am on the day of the event; limit 4 per family. Click here for more information on Milstein Science Series: Sundays Under The Whale.

PARK SLOPE: DRUMPER CIRCLE

Sunday, June 21st: various times
The Brooklyn Lyceum is hosting a new monthly drummer circle for children ages 4-11.  Percussionist Don Slovin will lead three drum circles one weekend day each month.  Next up is Father’s Day! Great time to beat those drums!  There times and ages are as follows:
10:30 AM – 4-5 years of age
11:30 AM – 6-8 years of age
12:30 AM – 9-11 years of age
Cost: $5 per person or $15 per famly.   For more information visit their web site. The Brooklyn Lyceum, located in Park Slope, Brooklyn on 4th Avenue at President Street, right next to the Union Street subway stop for the R train.

PARK SLOPE: HOW TO RAISE A GOOD SLEEPER

Monday, June 22, 1-3 PM
If you are interested in instilling healthy sleep habits for your baby at an early age, this is Baby Bites Brooklyn seminar is for you. Dr. Janet Kennedy of NYC Sleep Doctor will teach you the fundamentals of raising a good sleeper from birth and answer your questions about this all-important issue. If you want to read my review of Dr. Kennedy, please visit my resource page. The luncheon is at Villa Rustica, 357 3rd St. (just off Fifth Ave.), Park Slope . The cost is $35 in advance, $40 day of luncheon. RSVP to [email protected]. Please note that this luncheon is open to both moms and dads of babies 0-9 months of age (or parents of babies who are still ok with sitting in a restaurant for two hours). For more information visit Baby Bites Brooklyn.

PARK SLOPE: REAL MOMS TELL ALL ABOUT PREPPING FOR BABY

Tuesday, June 23rd: 7-8:30 pm
Expecting? There is so much to know and prepare for- but don’t panic- myself and 2 other moms (plus doula) will help you through it. We will cover:

• your delivery/birth options (what to really expect)
• baby doulas, nurses, postpartum doulas (what they do, how much they cost, how to find one)
• best brooklyn resources for new parents (lactation consultants, pediatricians, daycares etc.)
• products products products (what to buy, what not to buy, what each product is for, where to get them)
• childcare options (the lowdown on nannies & daycare)
• breastfeeding tips (including advice on buying bottles, pacis, pumps, nursing bras, etc.)

One mom will take home a mico cosi infant carseat, valued at $170. The first 5 moms to sign up will take home a miracle blanket. EVERY mom in attendance will take home a comprehensive resource list, authored by me. The list contains valuable information on Brooklyn resources for new parents. The workshop will be at Birth Day Presence, 291 8th St. (between 5th & 6th Ave), Park Slope. The cost is $25/single, $40/couple (prepayment required). Please note that while dinner will not be served, light snacks and refreshments will be provided.RSVP to [email protected] For more information on the speakers and content, go to Baby Bites Brooklyn.

PARK SLOPE: SUNDAY MOVIES FOR KIDS

All summer: Sundays @ 3PM
Kids Flicks is starting at the Brooklyn Lyceum. It’s a great way to wile away a Sunday afternoon. Hunker down with other families and experience some of the true classics with an audience. Here is the full list. The cost is $5 per person or $15 per family. For full information go to their site.
July 12th – The Muppet Movie
July 19th – The Cat In The Hat (Dr. Seuss)
July 26th – Shrek
August 2nd – The Land Before Time
August 16th -Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas
August 23rd – The Secret of Nimh
August 30th – The Wizard of Oz

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