The Three Kings Parade at El Museo

New Years Eve- as a parent this is probably not your night out anymore. Sitters can charge you twice as much and you are darn tired by 10 pm anyway! There are 2 easy ways to celebrate your homebodiness in Brooklyn.  If you have a partner, one of you can stay home while the other does a late-night fun run through Prospect Park and still make it home in time to watch the fireworks over the park together at midnight.  Then again, there is always next year when you might have caught up on your sleep….
As for outings with your kids: for the train enthusiast- there are still holiday train shows up and a new Thomas the Tank event where your tot can meet some of her favorite trains.  There are some fun shows ending this weekend (Wintuk, The Three Bears puppet show and Crystal Winter.)  If you are considering or are raising a biligual child in Brooklyn, there are 2 events for you and one includes free babysitting so you don’t have to do Toddler and Grownup Language at the same time.   Don’t forget this is prime ice skating season- take advantage of it before the bitter months come.  More events are below.

Thursday, Dec. 31st: 11:15 pm: New Year Eve’s Fun Run in Prospect Park
If you want a healthy way to ring in the New Year- and a chance to run at night in Prospect Park, then this is your event!  Whether you are a runner, walker or costume-wearing party-lover, you can join in the New Year’s Eve Fun Run with the Brooklyn Road Runners Club and Slope Sports.  It is a 3 mile fun run that begins at 11:15 pm. You might end it with viewing the fireworks over Prospect Park at midnight!
Details: Start/Finish line is at the 9th Street, inside the Park. For more details including entry fee and course info go to:  http://www.slopesports.com/fun-run08.html

Thursday, Dec. 31st: 11 pm: Brooklyn’s Fireworks for New Year’s Eve
I have seen these fireworks from the Brooklyn Bridge (where you can see the fireworks from Brooklyn and Manattan), 11th Street and 7th Ave (great view) and from Fort Greene. I hear the best place to see them is at Grand Army Plaza  and anywhere along Prospect Park West. Anyone else want to chime in? The fireworks start at midnight, hot chocolate and music start at 11 pm.
Details: Prospect Park, http://www.prospectpark.org

Saturday, Jan. 2nd: 10 am: Miss Nina Sing-Alongs
A singalong for toddlers and preschools with Miss Nina. You can stay for kids brunch special of Green Eggs and Ham for $5.
Details: MELT at 440 Bergen Street btw Flatbush & 5th Avenue. $5 at the door $1 Apple Ciders at Melt! 440 Bergen Street.  More info on Miss Nina can be found at www.MyMissNina.com.

Through Sunday, Jan.3rd: The Three Bears Holiday Bash
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** please call (212) 988-9093. Tickets are $5/children and $8/adults. The Cottage is located in Central Park at 81th Street and Central Park West, just south of the Delacorte Theater.

Through Sunday, January 3rd: Wintuk from Cirque du Soleil
Wintuk is from the famous Cirque du Soleil, so you know you can expect incredible acrobatics, comedic moments, spectacular costumes and a light plot. That is all true with Wintuk which is geared towards families. The plot is about a boy looking for snow. The storyline gives the troupe plenty of opportunities to create a top-notch winter wonderland. Birch (aged 3.5 years) was blown away by the production and the stage setup with rollerbladers, skaters and a full town. The show was 2 hours with a 20 minute intermission. The length turned out to be fine actually as Birch was engaged for the full 2 hours. Wintuk is less jam-packed than other Cirque du Soleils productions I have seen, and with good reason. Kids can only take so much. What went over well with them: the huge floppy dog, the cyclists, the explosions of snow, the acrobatics and thrilling choreography. It was definitely a great show. If you want to go, we have a 30% discount for childrens’ tickets for you. Just click here. There are also several Wintuk videos on their You Tube channel. The production is at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden. Tickets start at $40.

Through Monday, January 4. Plus weekdays December 22 – January 2
Try transporting your kids into a crystal winter snow globe or racing with them down a tobaggon hill (safely!) this week and weekend.  Yes, it’s possible at the ultracool exhibit “Crystal Winter” at the New York Hall of Science.  We went to the Crystal Winter show last year and loved the special winter exhibits and the incredibly attentive staff on hand. Our readers have a special deal for the exhibit- kids are free with paid adult.  Just click on the ad banner at the top of the site to get the exclusive price.  Here are some of the highlights: (for a full list, click here). Giant Snow Globe: Step inside the Giant Snow Globe and have your picture taken with the whole family.  Photo packages start at $8; members receive 10% off.. Ice Formation – New- Create different crystal patterns at this fun new exhibit. Place your hand over the ice to melt it, then remove your hand to refreeze it and create a new pattern. Use polarizing films to change the colors of the crystal patterns. Hey Snow, Where Do You Go! Puppet Show: Susie Snowflake is afraid to fall! Ride along with her as she befriends a gust of wind and finds a new home on a lonely tree. 12:30 & 2:30 pm Glacier Run Ride at Exploration Station: Ride through the glaciers in this motion simulator ride. $6, $5 members. Crystal Winter Village Display: Centered around the Hall’s classic Steam Engine exhibit, the miniature Crystal Winter train winds its way through a whimsical winter landscape while kids play with table-top train sets.
Details: New York Hall of Science  47-01 111th Street Queens, NY 11368  718-699-0005.  Located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.  Subway: Take 7 train to 111th Street Station. Walk three blocks south.  Please Note: For the most up-to-date subway service advisories, please visit www.mta.info.

Sunday, Jan. 3rd: 4 pm: PS Children’s Storytime
PS Bookshop has moved into its new storefront at 70 Washington Street in DUMBO and I have yet to visit. That reminded me to write about their standing Children’s Storytime that they host on every Sunday at 4 pm. This is my go-to event on Sundays if we are looking for something to do. The owner does a great job of assessing what age group he has in front of him and catering to that group. He also sings a bit too with the kids. Call to reserve with ages as he does like to prepare – but drop-ins are welcome too! Storytime is from 4 pm to 5 pm.
Details: 70 Washington Street, Brooklyn, NY. www.psbookshop.com,

Tuesday, Jan. 5th- Thursday, Jan. 7th: Thomas and Friends at the Botanical Gardens
Do you have a Thomas the Tank Engine in your house? We do so we are heading to this event. Personally, I am more excited to see Sir Topham Hatt- that difficult, uppity Director of the Yards.  Your whole family can meet both Thomas, Sir Topham Hatt, Driver Daniel and do some arts and crafts and get tattoos of Thomas and his friends and become certified engineers.  Don’t forget to bring your camera to get a photo with Thomas! See event below for their holiday train show for your train enthusiast!
Details: All at the New York Botanical Gardens. This is recommended for kids aged 2-8 years.   Outside the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden. http://www.nybg.org/ for the event itself go here.

Through Sunday, January 10th: Holiday Train Show with Gingerbread Adventures
This holiday favorite at the New York Botanical Gardens is superb- if you don’t have a long line wait. The train display is the conservatory and it is wonderful to see the train dip in and out of plant beds, whizz overhead on wood tracks and speed by the Statue of Liberty. The entire display is made out of natural materials. What you should know: the gardens make you check your stroller outside the building. You walk in and wait in a long line that eventually winds it way into the conservatory. As you make your way through the building, you get progressively warmer and there is no place to put your coats- let alone your childrens’ coats, bottles, snacks etc. Last year I was weighed down by 3 coats, 2 bottles, an Ergo and an antsy kid. Be prepared. Layer, layer, layer and see if you can bring another adult with you. Tickets are available in 15-minute increments. When you purchase tickets online, you can choose your date and start time in advance. Once you enter the Conservatory you can take as much time as you want to view the show. The Gingerbread Adventures is another display at the Gardens. It is at the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden on Tuesdays – Fridays; 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; November 26 – 27; December 21 & 24; December 28 – January 1; January 4; 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Salivate at the handcrafted gingerbread houses created by some of the city’s most imaginative bakers, and take an up-close tour of the spices used to make the houses. Save room for some samples—decorating gingersnaps is part of the fun. For directions and subway stops check this page out. See event above (Thomas the Train) for your train enthusiast.

Through January 18th: Grand Central Holiday Train Show
This free train show is especially fun as it takes place in a real train station: Grand Central. You can see the train go from New York to the North Pole. It all takes place in the New York City Transit Museum Annex. (November 25th – January 18th). This is free, easy and, in general, no lines. It is totally worth it. The New York Transit Museum’s Gallery Annex is open Monday – Friday 8 AM to 8 PM and Saturday & Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. For additional information call (718) 694-1600 or log onto www.mta.info/museum.

Lionel Train Store’s Sales and Train Display: Ongoing
Okay, so this is a store’s train display, but it should be good. This is Lionel Trains first store ever. Ever. You can imagine the afficiandos that will be anxious to get in there. The store has operating trains whizzing through the store along with a Christmas tree to get you in the spirit. Don’t forget to get a Magnolia Bakery cupcake while you are nearby. They are the best! The Black Friday sale: All sets, engines and rolling stock made by Lionel will be 20% off !
Details: The Lionel Store is at 30 Rockefeller Plaza- 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue

Wednesday, Jan. 6th: 11am- 1 pm: Three Kings’ Day Parade
In its 33rd year, El Museo del Barrio will once again celebrate the Three Kings Day Parade, its renowned procession through the streets of El Barrio. This time-honored tradition will once again fill up the neighborhood’s streets with lively music, colorful dancing and parrandas.
Details: Free and for all ages. Visit their site for more info. El Museum at 1230 Fifth Ave at 104th Street. Subway: #6 train to 103rd Street station, walk one block north to 104th Street, then two blocks west to Fifth Avenue. #2 or #3 train to 110th Street and Lenox Avenue, walk one block east to Fifth Avenue, then south to 104th Street.

Thursday, Jan. 7, 1:45-3:00 pm: Raising A Bilingual Child
Are you interested in raising a bilingual child in Brooklyn? Come with your baby (under 1) to hear a panel of local experts discuss what you need to know. Reps from Lango Brooklyn, Musica Para Mi, The Language and Laughter Studio, Hands on the World, and a local linguist. There will also be raffles for fun prizes.   
Details: http://brooklyn.babybites.net/brooklyn-events/special-events/

Dear Edwina (Friday, December 11 – February 15)
I was given tickets to Dear Edwina last weekend so Birch (3.5 years) and I went.  The show is back this year after being nominated by the Drama Desk for Best Family Musical. This is the same team who created the musical “Junie B. Jones”.  So, it’s no surprise that when the 60-minute show ended, I had the songs buzzing in my brain and Birch turned to me to ask, “Can we see it again?”  Edwina, the eager protagonist, offers advice, with the support of the neighborhood kids, in intelligent, cleverly worded songs and dance numbers.  The stronger sketches not only teach the kids a lesson (how to be friendly, set the table, politely decline yucky food), but have the troupe taking on characters that are outrageously fun for the kids.  Birch learned how to set the table all based on a catchy song with oversized props and a silly trilling chef.  The character of “Frankenmonster the annoying guest” is dealt with complete sensitivity about differences but elicited huge giggles from the kids- and the adults.  The small stage and intimate theater make the experience engaging for the children. It was sad to see the theater only a quarter full when it deserves to be chock full. We downloaded the Dear Edwina album on itunes and it is in regular play at our place now.  I would recommend it for children ages 3.5 years and up, though a 4 year old might be more comfortable with the 60 minute length. Fridays: 7 PM Saturdays: 11 AM, 1 PM, 4 PM Sundays: 11 AM, 1 PM, 4 PM $39. Telecharge: 212.239.6200. DearEdwina.com the DR2 Kids Theatre (103 E. 15th St., NYC) (between Union Square E. & Irving Pl.), NYC

Origami Tree and Dinos and Extreme Mammals and Butterflies and Frog Show at the American Museum of Natural History (various times- tree up until Jan. 6th)
Upon approaching the museum, your tykes will love the two steel 19 foot dinosaurs that are decorated with pine boughs and lights. We stood in front of them and felt the magnitude of being in front of a real dinosaur.  Take your kids inside to see the real ones in the central atrium and then up to the 4th floor for more of their bones!  Inside, you can also catch a glimpse of their orgami tree. This large tree is on the bottom floor of the museum, a little bit off the beaten path. It is covered with 500 paper letters and alphabetically-corresponding objects: an A and an Apatosaurus, a B and a butterfly, etc. While you are there gazing at the 13 foot tree, take a look at the fantastic (and warm) exhibit of the live butterflies in the Butterfly Conservatory. The Extreme Mammals Exhibit is good for kids with interactive displays and discussions about tracking, sizes and fossils. The Silk Road is a new exhibit I haven’t seen yet- but might we worth a look. I just heard from a grandparent that the Frogs exhibit is the best! She said each “living environment” is an opportunity to play “I SPY” with the kids. They had a fun time trying to spot the camouflaged frogs in each exhibit. I’m headed there next week! Adults: $16 Children (2-12): $9 Central Park West at 79^th Street. http://www.amnh.org/ To see the lighting of the tree and my dear friend Jo performing there click here.

Wollman Rink in Prospect Park (November 26 – March 14, 2010)
Last year, I finally made it to this rink on closing day. Talk about procrastination! It is a fine rink for teaching small children, but don’t expect to do any jumping or fast skating here. It is small and crowded but pretty gentle for the little ones. We even made a few friends while we were there. The lockers are free but bring your own padlock. The skate rentals were easy and the personnel were pleasant. Check hours on the site. Every Friday: ½ Price Admission! (does not include skate rental charge, holidays excluded). Adults: $5 (ages 15 and up) and Children (ages 14 and under) and Seniors: $3. Skate Rental: $6.50 (tax included). For more info like hours go to their site.
***To find out where to buy used and new skates locally- check our post here.

The  Pond and Carousel at Bryant Park (Nov. 6^th- January 24^th, 2010)
The Pond, a 170’ 100’ rink is in a beautiful locale with FREE ice skating, skating shows, snacks or a dinner. There are free lockers but bring your own padlock. If you need your skates resharpened or a pair to rent, you can do that easily in the Skating Pavillion. http://bryantpark.org/amenities/thepond.php. Take the F, V, B, or D train to 42nd Street/Bryant Park
***To find out where to buy used and new skates locally- check our post here.

Sesame Street Exhibit and Family Day: Ongoing November 14, 2009 – February 21, 2010:
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 StreetSesame 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!). Activities 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!)

Sat, January 9th and Sun, January 10: 10 am- 2 pm: Mulch Fest
The New York Parks Department is holding its annual Mulch Fest at various locations throughout the city. Bring your holiday tree to one of 80+ designated parks to be recycled into mulch that will nourish plantings across the city or your own garden. Remember to remove all lights and decorations before bringing the tree to a MulchFest site. You will have the opportunity to take home your mulch at designated chipping sites.
Details: For a list of sites in Brooklyn, visit here

Sunday, January 10: 2.30-5.00 PM: World Brooklyn- Tips To Raising A Bilingual Child
Enjoy an afternoon of class demos and a Mandarin, Spanish and French children’s book fair. From 3-4 pm a bilingual education panel will speak on raising a bilingual child in Brooklyn. Panelists include: Hands on World, El Pequena , Lango Foreign Languages for Kids, Language and Laughter Studio, Musica Para Mi and The Laurel Project.from 4-5 pm there will be free mandarin, spanish and french demos.  Free babysitting and cultural art activities provided by Lango from 2.30-4.00 pm during panel and expo.
Details: 87 Irving Place (Clinton Hill), the cost is $15 per family.  Advance registration encouraged as space is limited
http://worldbrooklynkids.eventbrite.com/

Sunday, January 10: 9:30 am- 12:30 am: Celebrations Fair
If you are trying to figure out where to have the next birthday party, Bar/Bat Mitvah or celebration then NY Family Magazine has made this easy for you. They have invited photographers, venues, entertainers and more to showcase their businesses.  Kids can get their face painted, watch balloon shapers and magicians too.
Details: The Sports Club/LA 330 East 61st Street.  Pre-register at: http://www.facebook.com/l/d2c2a;NEWYORKFAMILY.COM: Those who pre-register and attend will qualify to win a season pass for four to New York Theatre Ballet’s “Once Upon A Ballet.”

Thursdays, Jan. 21 – March 11., 7:00 – 8:15 p.m: Parents Rock!
If you want to learn guitar and specifically how to play children’s songs, this is your class.  By the end of eight weeks, students will have developed a solid set of skills that will allow them to pick up a songbook and understand how to play through the material. Appropriate for absolute beginners and those who have had a few lessons or have not played in years.
Details: Course takes place at GUMBO in BOCOCA is $200. To register please e-mail Danielle: [email protected] or call: (347) 742-5450.  Gumbo   493 Atlantic Avenue (bet. Nevins & Third) Brooklyn 11217.  718-855-7808

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