A Child Grows Events Picks
For some reason, this weekend has turned out to be one of the most event-jammed. Perhaps people are gearing up before Thanksgiving break. The holiday events are already beginning- you might want to check some of them out below so you can start to pick and choose.
My picks for this week:
- Cloth Diaper Workshop
- Children’s Book Fair
- SCORE! (swap everything you own!)
- Free Kids Sports Day
- Macys Parade and Balloon Inflating
- Peter and the Wolf at the New Victory (we adored it!)
Ongoing Daily until January 3, 2010: Extreme Mammals
With their new exhibit, Extreme Mammals, the American Museum of Natural History explores the world of extinct and living mammals. 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.
Ongoing Daily: Top Secret- Mission Toy
This exhibit appeals to the wanna-be spy in me. You can head to TOP SECRET: Mission Toy at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and use your investigative skills to check out toys from around the world and design new playthings.Brooklyn Children’s Museum at 145 Brooklyn Ave. 718-735-4400. Brooklynkids.org. Prospect-Lefferts.
***Friday, November 13-29: Peter and the Wolf (recommended to buy tix early)
We saw this production last weekend, and I would highly recommend it. It is a perfect first-time theater experience for the youngest since it has a simple plot with a narrator. There is an eight piece orchestra that enthusiastically spoke with individual kids at intermission. The dancers are excellent and their costumes are sophisticated and intriguing. The older children in the audience loved watching the dancers. There were great activities for the kids before the performance, so make sure you get there early so you can enjoy them. This should be on your “must do” list. I think it is on a lot of parents’ lists-(last weekend was sold out), so don’t wait to get your tickets for this one. This production comes via the UK and stars British film and stage actor Brian Blessed as the Narrator. This U.S. premiere has a new prequel that was interesting for the adults but confusing for the avid Peter and the Wolf kid fans. They didn’t recognize the plot initially, but I found it refreshing! To purchase tickets online visit NewVictory.org, and to purchase by phone, call 646-223-3010
Ongoing November 14, 2009 – February 21, 2010: Sesame Street Exhibit and Family Day
BPL’s Central Library hosts Sesame Street: A Celebration of 40 Years of Life on the Street, a rare, up-close look at the legendary show’s history, curated by Sesame Workshop. The exhibition features original Sesame Street book art from the 1970s to the present (Grand Lobby); the story of Sesame Street, from its inception to its present and future, told through photographs, scripts, original sheet music, celluloid animation, and show props, and a special collection of Sesame Street Muppets, built by The Jim Henson Company over the show’s 40 years ((Foyer Cases); a variety of Sesame Street stories, illustrated with photographs, show props, and Muppet materials, and photographs and books from around the world (Youth Wing). In conjunction with the new exhibit, Sesame Street: A Celebration of 40 Years of Life on the Street, visitors can enjoy Sesame Street-inspired crafts and reading activities, a screening of The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland (G), and a meet-and-greet with a walkaround Elmo costumed character (arrive early to pick up a free ticket and bring a camera for photo ops!). Activites are from 11am- 4 pm. Brooklyn Public Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, NY 11238. 718.230.2100. Brooklynpubliclibrary.org. Free. (thanks to gocitykids.com for this listing!)
November 17, 2009 – January 3, 2010: The Three Bears Holiday Bash
The City Parks Foundation has a new marionette production at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park. The Three Bears Holiday Bash is a variety show that celebrates the holiday season in song, dance, and puppetry. This production quickly becomes a comedy of errors when Baby Bear invites Santa to star in Mama and Papa Bears’ annual holiday show. Drawing from the stories of Hanukkah, the Night Before Christmas, and Kwanzaa, The Three Bears Holiday Bash includes all those celebrating the holidays. Show times for The Three Bears Holiday Bash are: Tuesday through Friday: 10:30am and 12:00pm, with an additional performance at 2:30pm each Wednesday; and Saturday and Sunday at 1:00pm. **Please call for extended holiday schedule** Tickets are $5/children and $8/adults. Group rates are available for schools and other large groups. For reservations, group rates, and information on birthday parties, please call (212) 988-9093. Subject to change, please call ahead. The Cottage is located in Central Park at 81th Street and Central Park West, just south of the Delacorte Theater.
Saturday, November 21: 12–4 p.m: Children’s Book Fair
The Brooklyn Museum presents the third annual Children’s Book Fair, with more than 30 Brooklyn authors and illustrators. The fair features storybooks, picture books, and graphic novels and will include author readings, a game for children, and café service. For more information, visit the Brooklyn Museum’s website. Prospect Heights.
Saturday, Nov. 21: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $10: Cloth Diaper Workshop with Jennifer McBride
Curious about cloth diapering? Have you had it with the cost and environmental impact of disposable diapers? Find out just how easy it is to use cloth diapers on your little one. From All-In-One’s to pocket diapers, from organic cotton to hemp, come learn about what system could work for you. Sample diapers will be available for you to see how each system works. Babies welcome! Please call to reserve. Gumbo 493 Atlantic Ave Brooklyn, NY 11217-5102 (718) 855-7808
Saturday, November 21: 1-7 p.m: SCORE!
I wrote about this event last summer- and apparently it was a huge success- over 1400 people showed up…so be prepared for some crowds. 3rd Ward will lend its space to a massive free exchange. Bring your old Blondie records, impulse sample sale buys, penny loafers, your ex’s distortion pedal, duplicate salad spinner, etc…and score some new treasures! Find a holiday gift for your mom, a smashing scarf for your friend, or a Queen Latifah cassette tape for your own personal collection. All items are free, and all remaining goods go to charity. Each section is curated which makes it extra fun. Admission is $3. RSVP at scoredatscore.com. 3rd Ward is located at 195 Morgan Ave at STagg. Event proceeds benefit City Harvest.
Saturday, November 21: 3-5 pm: Free playspace, champagne and trunk show
Come to Artscetera at 212 Smith St (btw. Baltic and Butler) for an indoor playdate, parent happy hour and trunk show. The clothes that will be shown are Speesees- they have adorable jumpers and you will love the poppy colors. The admission to artscetera (normally $10) will be free as well as champagne and if you’re one of the first people to show up, you’ll get a free eco-hanky – an adorable printed hankerchief that you can use as a head covering or a scarf. For more info and a peek at the clothes: http://speesees.com/blog/where-child-things-are
Saturday, November 21st and Sunday, November 22nd: 10am-5pm: 2nd Annual Sticky, Slimy, Ickyfest!
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is having their ickyfest- might not be for me- but kids will love it! The fest is designed to educate children about naturally occurring events that are usually considered gross, but, are important to the cycle of life. Kids become grossologist’s —a scientific expert on all things slimy, yucky, and downright disgusting. Highlighted activities include creating your very own snotty slime, dissecting owl pellets, whipping up a special mud-mask facial mix and more. Brooklynkids.org. Prospect- Lefferts area.
Saturday, November 21: 12- 5 pm: Free Kids Sports Day
Come try out a sport in McLaughlin Park or enjoy a clinic in a sport you already like. Clinics, appropriate ages and times are listed below.
12:00 p.m. – 2 p.m.: Tennis clinic provided by the US Tennis Association (equipment provided). Kids ages 5-15 welcome. 1:00 p.m. – 3 p.m: Golf clinic provided by the Finer Life Golf Foundation (equipment provided) 3:00 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Soccer clinic provided by NY Red Bulls and Major League Soccer for kids ages 5-13
(equipment provided). The event is at McLaughlin Park, the corners of Tillary and Jay Streets in Brooklyn in Downtown Brooklyn http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/B061/ Reservations recommended. Contact dolan3000@gmail.com. Trains: A/C to High Street/Brooklyn Bridge, F to York Street or Boro Hall; 2, 3, 4, 5 to Borough Hall; Bus Services: B67, B75, B61
Saturday, November 21st: Various times: Tribeca Family Festival Favorites
There is a brand new youth screening series programmed by the Tribeca Film festival team –which means it is bound to be good! It is called the Tribeca Cinemas Kids Club. The Club will feature a lineup of classics, both feature length and short films, appropriate for all ages accompanied by an enriching activity tied to the film for kids and adults to enjoy, including question and answer sessions, arts and crafts, and live music – and only healthy snacks will be served! Morning screenings are geared towards a younger audience (3+) and afternoon screenings for slightly older children (7+). Tickets for children under the age of 14 are $7 for a single screening and $12 for the double-feature. Tickets for adults (ages 14 and over) are $10 for a single screening and $18 for the double-feature. Tix are available for purchase in advance at www.tribecafilm.com/kidsclub or on the day of event, between 9am and 2pm, at the Tribeca Cinemas Box Office, 54 Varick Street. (For day of tickets, it is advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of screening to avoid sell outs.) 10:30am & 1:30pm – CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG (1968) directed by Ken Hughes. Both programs will begin with a sing-a-long workshop so that families can learn a few of the songs featured in the film. The workshop will focus on rhythm making, harmony construction, and song deconstruction and will be hosted by the Brooklyn-based trio TRES LECHES (Havalah Collins, Renée Skuba, and Jessie White).
Saturday, November 21st: 11 am: Pelvic Health
Giggle (fav store of our readers) and Savvy Mom On Call are hosting an event for pre and postnatal moms. Isa Herrera, MSPT, CSCS of Renew Physical Therapy Center will discuss both how to prepare for birth, and how to maintain health afterwards. The event is free. Call 212-334-5817 to reserve a spot and let them know where you heard about the event.
Saturday, Nov. 21st and Sunday, Nov. 22nd: various times: City Ice Pavilion Grand Opening and Free Skating
There is a new ice skating rink in NY- and a huge one at that! City Ice Pavilion, in Long Island City, is a NHL-size ice rink that is open year-round and is sheltered from winter weather by a dome – it is the only roof-top rink in the five boroughs. The rink features an ice skating school for both ice hockey training and figure skating and open skate. The Grand Opening events will celebrate the kick-off of the rink’s first full season.
Saturday, November 21: 12pm – 4:00pm – Grand Opening Party, 2:30pm – Ice Theater of New York special performance, 7:00pm – 9:30pm – Free skating & skate rentals. All events are free.
Sunday, November 22: 12pm – 2pm – Free skating & skate rentals. All events are free.
City Ice Pavilion is at 47-32 32nd Place, Long Island City, NY 11101. Subway: Two blocks from the #7 train – 33rd Street at Queens Boulevard/Rawson. If you drive; just across the 59th Street Bridge. For more information, please visit: www.cityicepavilion.com.
Sunday, November 22nd: 11 am- 3pm: Greene Hill School’s Family Festival
Events include: Kaoru Watanabe, former member of the world acclaimed taiko group, Kodo, will be performing at 1pm and holding a hands-on demonstration for children. http://www.watanabekaoru.com/ and The NY Chess and Games shop will host giant chess and checkers and a variety of other interactive games from 11am – 3pm. Bring your own t-shirt to tie-dye with artist Stephanie Keith or support greene hill by dying a school shirt. Make puppets. 11am – 3pm. GREENE HILL SCHOOL 87 Irving Place, off Fulton. 718.230. 3608. $5 per child, children under 2 free. Fort Greene/Clinton Hill.
Sunday, November 22: Performance 11 a.m: Dance and Playspace
JUMPIN’ JUNIPER is hosting BRANDIN STEFFENSEN’S SPACE TO PLAY, a get-up-off-your-seat madcap dance adventure. A well-equiped playspace is available if your child needs to retreat from the activity. Return to the show at any time. Recommended ages: tots to elementary aged children. $15 per adult (includes one child); $8 each additional adult or child. playspace open 11 a.m. to 1 p,m. BAX | Brooklyn Arts Exchange at 421 5th Ave Brooklyn, Park Slope, NY 11215 718-832-0018 www.bax.org/performances-events/family-events/
Sunday, November 22: 2-4pm: Cupcake decorating workshop
Using butter cream frosting, learn how to make flowers, leaves, and vine decorations, as well as animal designs, like a professional. The class is run by a local mom who is a professional cake decorator, formerly of Ladybird/ two little red hens bakery.. To register e-mail thedecoratorsclub@earthlink.net Held at STill Hip- clinton hill’s funky kids resale boutique (+ maternity) at 283 Grand Avenue, Clinton Hill. 718.398.0008 $40 per child + adult. ages 7 up + adult
Sunday, November 22, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m: Home Remedies & Natural Cures: Make Your Own Winter Remedy Kit
Find out how to boost your immune system this winter without drugs with Deborah Monlux CCH RS Hom (NA). Get the latest information on how to use a holistic, pro-active approach to healing and learn how to protect your whole family this season. You will make your own home remedy kit from the top 10 homeopathic remedies and valued at $80 retail. Fee: $50, Includes cost of materials. Deborah maintains a homeopathic practice in both New York City and Park Slope. Gumbo 493 Atlantic Ave. (bet. Nevins & Third). Call to register. 718-855-7808
Thanksgiving: Macys Parade and Balloon Inflating
If you want to see the real thing close up, Mommy Poppins has the scoop on where to go and hang out for the best viewing spots. Check her post about it for details.
Monday, November 30: 4 pm: Big Movies for Little Kids
If you haven’t done this before, this is a really fun event to do. It seems to sell out a lot so either buy advance tickets that are available directly at the cinema’s box office (after 1pm daily). To secure a seat, tickets may also be purchased on-line: www.cobblehilltheatre.com Screening: (one of our family favorites!) The Way Things Go and The Solitary Life of Cranes. For info on cach movie go to: http://bigmoviesforlittlekids.blogspot.com
Tuesday December 1: 7 pm: Expectant Parents Workshop
Taught by the author of City Baby Brooklyn: The Ultimate Guide for Parents from Pregnancy through Preschool–this workshop will address all of the essentials on what to get for your new arrival and where to get it in Brooklyn. There will also be a discussion on what to expect after you bring your baby home, and will address topics such as how to find a lactation consultant, a local mommies group, and tips for surviving the first few weeks. The class also offers you a chance to bond with other expectant parents. The cost is $25 for Expectant Mom only. $40 per couple. Sign up at least a week in advance. Workshop is at Ola Baby at 315 Court Street between Sackett & Degraw www.olababy.com **Participants get 10% off purchases at Ola Baby on the day of the workshop so get there early to shop (excludes furniture and strollers). Register at Alison@Brooklynbaby.com
December 3 & 10: 7-10pm: Third Annual Snowflake Celebration – organized by The Park Slope Chamber of Commerce
Local merchants are once again organizing two nights of food, special sales, and entertainment (carolers, snow machines, and ice sculptures have all featured in years past!) to encourage holiday shoppers to make their purchases… here in their own neighborhood! Over 150 merchants participated last year, and this year… who knows?! Marty Markowitz will be visiting 7 or 8 businesses during the Celebration, and we already have a whole fleet of music groups signed up to wander the avenue singing and spreading cheer.
Fri, December 4th: Fuzzy Lemons Rock and Roll
The Fuzzy Lemons are a blend of reggae, funk, rockabilly, folk, pop, blues, surf rock, heavy metal and even ska. The Lemons play the traditional guitars, bass guitars, drums, and keyboards essential to great rock’n’roll, and season the mix with accordions, harmonicas, clarinets, saxophones, mandolins, banjos, and lots of percussion instruments, including pots and pans. Oh, and they love to harmonize. Knitting Factory Brooklyn at 361 Metropolitan Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11211. 347.529.6696. Appropriate for ages 2-10yrs. Price: $10 per child, Adults Free! Group Discounts: 10 tickets for $80 Get tickets here:
http://bk.knittingfactory.com/event-details/?tfly_event_id=1785
Friday December 4: 4pm-8pm and Saturday December 5: 10:30am-5:00pm: Brooklyn Friends Winter Festival
We went to this winter fair last year and really enjoyed it. There were nice local craft tables, variety of food and a fun floor of activities (including bouncy rides). On Friday you can shop over 40 local, hear a musical concert, and snack on wraps and baked goods. Saturday’s event will fill the school from top to bottom with 3 floors of exciting adventures for kid’s to explore: Carnival bouncy rides, games and face painting, kid’s make-your-own craft section, photo taking and frame making, a book fair with Spanish readings, a Karate demonstration and for older kids a Guitar Hero competition. The local crafters will again sell their wares, along with fresh holiday plants. Brooklyn Friends School, 375 Pearl Street, 718.852.1029, Between Willoughby Street & The Marriott Hotel Plaza. Take the F/A/C to Jay Street or 2/3/4/5 to Borough Hall. For more info: www.brooklynfriends.org
Saturday, December 5: 4–6pm: Learn how to Stencil
Artist Ed Roth (www.stencil1.com) signs books and gives a lesson on decorating with his striking, reusable stencils. DIY designers can take the portfolio home and embellish walls, furniture, and more with these cool, custom tile patterns. Featuring a hands-on table sponsored by Sharpie, refreshments, and chocolate by Chocolate Bar. The powerHouse Arena at 37 Main Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 For more information, please call 718.666.3049 RSVP: rsvp@powerhousearena.com
Saturday, December 5: 2-5 pm: Dance Party!!!
BABY LOVES DISCO is partnering with the National Down Syndrome Society for three December events. Fun stuff: A full spread of healthy snacks and juice boxes, stroller parking, a changing station and chill-out area with books and kid-friendly activities, hula hoops, rhythm instruments, swirly scarves, and giveaways! Dance For a Cause: 5% of the proceeds from these events will be donated to the National Down Syndrome Society. In addition, 100% of the proceeds from raffle and other sales at the events will be donated to the NDSS. Venue: Southpaw, 125 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY Host: Heather Murphy Monteith (founder of Baby Loves Disco) Tickets are $12 in advance online at: http://www.babylovesdisco.com/locations/brooklyn/ or $15 at the door on the day of the event.
Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6: check times below: Lolli-Pops Concert
The Little Orchestra Society presents it’s latest Lolli-Pops Concert for 3-5 year olds. My friend takes her 2.5 year old and he loves it. This one is called: “Things That Go Bang!” This concert is about a friendly competition of pots, pans, and paws that show how the percussion family makes music. Hear tunes composed by Anderson, Tchaikovsky, Britten, and Gershwin. *Ticket information: $12 and $40. For tickets call The Little Orchestra Society at 212-971-9500 or www.littleorchestra.org to buy single tickets and/or subscriptions.Saturday, December 5, 2009 – 10:30am & 12:00pm and Sunday, December 6, 2009 – 1:00pm & 2:30pm
Sunday, December 6: 9 am- 12 pm: Make Room for Mom’s Voice
Momasphere is hosting a 3-hour workshop to help you engage in journaling, storytelling and writing in daily or weekly practices “to strengthen your experience of your own voice and capture the moments you don’t want to forget.” Price: $45.00 . Space is limited so please RSVP by purchasing tickets online. Tickets are NOT available for sale at the door and all tickets must be purchased in advance online for this workshop. Held at Birth Day Presence at 291 8th Street – 1st Fl (Bet. 5th & 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 917-751-6759. Take Me with You: A Journal for the Journey, a fill-in journal and writing guide, is an optional companion for this class. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase a copy at the workshop ($16).
Thursday December 10, 6:30-8:00 PM: Breastfeeding Workshop
For many women breastfeeding i easier said than done. Knowing what to expect, and getting help right from the start, are the keys to success. Recommended 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 will run this workshop. COST: $25 (prepayment required)
RSVP: brooklyn@babybites.net PLACE: New York City Explorers, 186 Underhill Ave., Prospect Heights
Saturday, December 19: 11:00am and 1:00pm: Babes in Toyland
The Little Orchestra Society is presenting Babes in Toyland for kids ages 6-12 years. Here is the familiar plotline (but they promise it is updated!): An eccentric toymaker with a struggling business receives unexpected “assistance” from mysterious investors. For tickets- $10 to $50, call 212-971-9500 or the Avery Fisher Hall Box Office at 212-721-6500 or buy tickets online at www.littleorchestra.org.
Related Posts:
- Weekend H1N1 vaccination clinics (December 2nd, 2009)
- A Child Grows Event Picks Additions (December 3rd, 2008)
- A Child Grows Event Picks (November 12th, 2008)
- A Blah Week At A Child Grows (May 14th, 2008)
- La Leche League Fall events and leaders (August 26th, 2007)
