The Beatles- "Yellow Submarine" will be playing at Big Movies for Little Kids

Would you like to introduce your child your child to opera? The Chocolate Chip Chamber Music Group is doing just that with abbreviated arias from famous operas. If show tunes are more your speed, try a spin on the ice during “Show Tune Day” at Wollman rink in Prospect Park.  Let’s not forget the great tunes in “Yellow Submarine”…ahhh, the Beatles! The animated classic is screening at Big Movies for Little Kids. One of my childhood favorite films is showing this weekend at the Tribeca Cinema Kids Club: Lambchop. If your child is 3 years and older, this is a nice introduction to a film experience on a big screen. If you have a 7 year old or older, they can catch E.T. later that afternoon at Tribeca. If you are looking for a camp this summer there are two camp fairs this weekend. Last, but not least, is crazy-fun Audra Rox performing at The Bell House. Of course, there is plenty more to discover below.

Have a healthy, happy weekend!

Saturday, January 22nd and Sunday, January 23rd : 10 am- 5 pm: Brooklyn Flea moves indoors to Ft. Greene
We miss going to the Brooklyn Flea in the winter time- so do a lot of people in Fort Greene and elsewhere.  So, it was good news to me that The Brooklyn Flea is moving to a winter location in the spectacular former Williamsburg Savings Bank at One Hanson Place in Fort Greene. We went last week and it was fun, but cold.  The poor vendors were in full coat and mittens.  The location is stunning with mosaic tiles lining the floor, mosaic murals with gold leafing and a vaulted ceiling. There are 100 vendors, including the beloved Red Hook food vendors.  It’s fun to visit the vault downstairs were the majority of the food vendors are and then wander into the former executive offices, now occupied by craft makers.  Though the aisles are wide enough for strollers, the stairs (up and down) are not stroller-friendly, though everyone helped me bring my stroller up and down the stairs. The Brooklyn Flea will be in its new location until March 28th.  For a photo of the incredible location and our original post about the story, go here.
Details: 1 Hanson Pl. (at Flatbush Ave.)  B/D/M/N/Q/R/2/3/4/5 to Atlantic Ave./Pacific St.  LIRR to Flatbush Ave.  B41/B45/B63/B67 to Atlantic + Flatbush

Through April 26: Tim Burton Exhibit at MOMA
You remember the films Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985), Beetlejuice (1988), Batman (1989), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Batman Returns (1992), The Nightmare Before Christmas, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), right? Well, film director Tim Burton has an exhibit at MOMA that explores the full range of his creative work, tracing the current of his visual imagination from early childhood drawings through his mature work in film. It brings together over seven hundred examples of rarely or never-before-seen drawings, paintings, photographs, moving image works, concept art, storyboards, puppets, maquettes, costumes, and cinematic ephemera.  The gallery exhibition is accompanied by a complete retrospective of Burton’s theatrical features and shorts, as well as a lavishly illustrated publication.
Details: If you plan to see the exhibition Tim Burton (November 22, 2009–April 26, 2010), please be aware that gallery occupancy is limited. Timed tickets to enter Tim Burton are suggested on weekdays and required on all weekends and holidays. Timed tickets guarantee entrance to the exhibition at the time designated on the ticket, and carry no extra charge. This ticket also permits you to all other Museum galleries, exhibitions, and films. To purchase timed tickets for Tim Burton, simply select a specific date and time when you purchase your admission ticket online. Adults $20 Seniors  (65 and over with ID) $16 Students (full-time with current ID) $12 Children (16 and under) Free.  http://www.moma.org/

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.
Details: 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

Butterflies and Journey to the Stars at the American Museum of Natural History
Enter the lovely (and warm) exhibit of the live butterflies in the Butterfly Conservatory for an escape from winter. See the all-new Space Show “Journey to the Stars”, narrated by Whoopi Goldberg and travel 13 billion years into the past, when the first stars were born.  The Silk Road is a new exhibit I haven’t seen yet- but might be worth a look.
Details: 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.

Through June 30th: Mission to Mars – Full-Scale Mars Rover Exhibition
The USS Intrepid at it’s midtown pier has a new exhibit on view, “Mission to Mars” . The Exhibit presents a timeline of the American space program from President John F. Kennedy’s race to the moon speech to the current Rovers on Mars, and even introduces the next Mars probe, Curiosity,which will launch in March 2011.  Special emphasis will be placed on the role that the USS Intrepid played while acting as a space capsule recovery ship for the Mercury 7 and Gemini 3 NASA missions.
Details: Tickets are available for purchase on the Intrepid’s website, www.intrepidmuseum.org. Located at Pier 86 (46^th Street and 12^th Avenue), Manhattan.  Monday – Friday, 10 AM – 5 PM  and Saturday – Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM.  Cost of Admission: Adult: $22.00 Seniors and College Students: $18.00 Youth 3-17 and Veterans: $17.00.  Active Military, Retired Military and Children Under 3: Free.  All tickets are subject to a $2.00 facility fee.

Saturday, January 23rd: 10 am- 1 pm. Show Tunes Skate at Wollman Rink in Prospect Park
Skate while listening to show tunes. If you don’t have your own ice skates, no worry. They rent skates in all sizes at the rink.  The rink is small and crowded but pretty gentle for the little ones. The lockers are free but bring your own padlock. The skate rentals were easy and the personnel were pleasant. For a full review of the rink, check our post here.
Details: 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. To find out where and how to take ice skating lessons, check our post here.

Saturday, January 23rd, 10:30 AM: Fiona Bloom reads colorful classics at Greenlight Bookstore
Fiona Bloom: music industry entrepreneur and also a first-class storyteller will read colorful classics (like Eric Carle’s The Mixed Up Chameleon and Leo Leonni’s Little Blue and Little Yellow) all the way to modern rainbow tales (like Wow! Said the Owl by Tim Hopgood to A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon). It’s a great chance for little ones to learn or practice their colors, and a bright and cheerful way to spend a winter morning at Greenlight Bookstore in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn.
Details: 686 Fulton Street  Brooklyn, NY 11217-1699  (718) 246-0200.  Seating is first come, first served. Closest subways are the C to Lafayette, G to Fulton, or any train to Atlantic/Pacific; click here for a map. Fort Greene.

Saturday, January 23rd: 10 am and 11:30 am and Sunday, January 24th: 4 pm: The Cat’s Meow
The Chocolate Chip Chamber Music performs at Old First Reformed Church in Park Slope with The Cat’s Meow (More Tails from the Opera).  The upcoming concert finds Baker Bobbie (the emcee and mascot) back in the attic. For this sequel, two cats come to life out of a portrait, and begin meowing operatically. Baker Bobbie discovers the portrait frame creates similar musical magic when placed in front of the attic’s dusty collection of statues, who bring their own ‘tails’ from such operas as Don Giovanni and La Traviata to life for the youngest listeners. Performances end with instrument demonstrations – a hands-on experience for curious preschoolers, and a chocolate chip cookie for all in attendance. Ages 2-6 years old.
Details: Old First Reformed Church, 729 Carroll St (at 7th Ave) Telphone: 347-268-2656. Tickets are $10 each, babies under 1 year are free. Buy tickets online or at the door 30 minutes before the concert.

Saturday, January 23rd: 11 am and 1 pm: Children’s Film Festival of Winter Shorts SOLD OUT
Experience all of the splendor and magnificence of winter without the chattering teeth and frostbitten fingers. Grab your friends, your family, and your hot cocoa and come curl up in front of the big screen as the New York International Children’s Film Festival presents three beautiful animated short films, Leon in Wintertime, Spot & Splodge in Snowstorm, and  Choo-Cha.
Details: Symphony Space Full Price: $11 Adults/$9 Children, Members: $

Saturday, January 23rd: 10:30 am 1:30 pm screenings: Tribeca Family Film Festival: Magical Friends Lamb Chop and E.T.
The Tribeca Cinemas Kids Club features 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+). 10:30am  – Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop (ages 3+).  1:30pm- E.T. (ages 7+)
Details: 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.)

Sunday, January 24th: 12:45-2:45  pm: Jewish Summer Overnight Camp Fair
If you are interested in having your child attend a Jewish overnight camp, this fair will have 14 camps all at the Park Slope Jewish Center.  Synagogue affiliation (or even a Jewish education) is NOT required.  Jewish Camps range from traditional camps with a little bit of everything to those with intensive sports and even one with an emphasis on environmental awareness. And, Jewish Camps may not be what you think they are – while some are more observant, others lean toward being culturally Jewish, and still others fall somewhere in the middle. For more information, contact BrooklynCampers@gmail.com
Details: Park Slope Jewish Center is located at 320 8th Avenue at 14th Street.

Sunday, January 24th: 11:30 am: Audra Rox live
Audra always puts on a good, lively show- without exception.  She performs at the Bell House. Tickets are $10.
Details: Bell House is located at 149 7th Street. Doors open at 10:30 am.

Sunday, January 24th: 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

Monday, January 25th: 2-3:30 pm: Taking Care of Mommy
Momasphere is thrilled to be co-presenting this exciting event, “Taking Care of Mommy”, with babybites Brooklyn (a great social & educational community for new moms and moms-to-be).
We’ve put together a lineup of professionals on hand (all certified/licensed in their field), each at their own “station,” offering mini-consults and hands-on sessions, to cater to YOUR needs (not baby’s – though baby is invited to attend, of course):  a postnatal yoga instructor,  a physical therapist specializing in postnatal issues,  a professional Soho salon hair stylist , an acupuncturist/Chinese herb practitioner,  a postnatal fitness instructor, a health counselor specializing in postnatal nutrition,  a Babeland sex specialist,  a skin and makeup consultant,  and a massage therapist .  This will not be a typical seminar.  Rather, moms will have the opportunity to move from station to station, experiencing each mom-focused activity and learning valuable and practical tips along the way.  Of course, moms will also have the opportunity to ask questions of the professionals. And that’s not all.  Each of our professionals will be donating their services as raffles so that you can win a massage, nutrition counseling, personal training, etc.
Details: Bend & Bloom Yoga, 708 Sackett St. (between 4th and 5th Ave), Park Slope. $15 in advance online & $20 at the door (on a first-come-first-served basis). Cash only to purchase tickets at the door.

Monday, January 25th: 4 pm: Big Movies for Little Kids
Watch the Beatles’ Yellow Submarine in it’s lush and wildly creative animation and sing-a-long to songs you know! It is a 90 minute film. If you haven’t been to Big Movies for Little Kids, this is a really fun event to do. Two moms program the monthly event that happens on Mondays at 4 pm.  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).
Details: Cobble Hill Cinemas is located at 265 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 (718) 596.9113To secure a seat, tickets may also be purchased on-line: www.cobblehilltheatre.com.  For info on each movie go to: http://bigmoviesforlittlekids.blogspot.com

Monday, January 25th – Sunday, February 7th: Mini Jake’s Annual Big Winter Sale
Mini Jake’s is known for their big sales. Last year I got some pretty cool kids’ stools at 75% off! This might be your chance to get some playroom furniture, rugs or clothes or even shoes! 40-70% Off Floor Samples and New Furniture: Argington, Offi, Nursery Works 40% OFF Clothing brands: -Oeuf, Trash-a-porter 40% OFF Shoe brands: -Robeez, Bobox 40% OFF Toy brands: -Brio (all last remaining train sets!!), Spielstabil Cooking sets, Bergenguer Dolls, Mini Lab Science Kits, Plan Toys 40% OFF Diaper Bags: -O Yikes!, Ju Ju Be, Dante Beatrix Clutch Bags, Skip Hop Details Accessories, Babylicious, GR8X AS WELL AS: J.J. Cole, Avent and Angela Adams Rugs, Nest PLUS! 75% Dead stock items
Details: 178 N. 9th Street Between Bedford and Driggs Williamsburg, Brooklyn T: 718-782-2005 HOURS: Sunday + Monday 12:00 – 6:00, Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 – 7:00

Starting Monday, January 25th and Various Dates: Free sample Classes at New York Kids Club in Brooklyn Heights
Have you always wanted to try out NY Kids Club, or just try one of its classes? This week is your opportunity. There is a 2 trial limit per child and are limited to children who have not previously tried the class.
Monday : Cooking  (4-7 yrs)  3:30-4:30pm  Gym Juniors (5-8 yrs)  5:15-6:00pm  Ballet (5-8 yrs)  5:00-6:00pm
Tuesday:  Music Art & Story (12-24 mo)  1:30-2:15pm
Wednesday:  Gym Kids (12-24 mo)  1:30-2:15pm   Preschool Musical (3-5 yrs):  1:30-2:15pm
Thursday:   Cooking (2-4 yrs)  11:00am-12:00pm  Hip Hop (4-7 yrs)  3:30-4:15pm
Friday  Gym Babies (6-12 mo)  11:30am-12:15pm
Details: to RSVP: 718.228.0800 or bheights@nykidsclub.com

Starting Monday, January 25th and Various Dates: Free sample Classes at Music Together Fort Greene
Music Together of Fort Greene is offering free trial classes during the first week of the new semester, which begins Jan. 25th. Schedule options for free trial classes:
Monday, Jan. 25 @ 11:15 am
Friday, Jan. 29 @ 9:45 and 10:45 am
Friday, Jan. 29 @ 11:45 for pre-crawling babies only.
Saturday, Jan. 30 @ 9:45, 10:45, and 11:45 am.
*All classes are for mixed ages (infants to five yrs old) except Fri 11:45 am.
Details: Please email them the day and time you’ll attend, as well as your child’s name, date of birth, your name, email, and phone number. Location: 138 South Oxford St, off Hanson Place, second floor (building with ramp and elevator).

Tuesday, January 26, 7pm, Sexy Moms Series: Talking to Your Teens About Sex
Judith Steinhart will address ways of talking to your teens about sex, even when they don’t seem to be listening. Judith is a Certified Sexuality Educator and Clinical Sexologist who has worked with and taught thousands of young people about sexuality, most recently at Columbia University. Get the info you need to help your teen develop healthy sexuality and boundaries. This event is jointly sponsored with Choices in Childbirth/The New Space for Women’s Health and Park Slope Parents. Complimentary refreshments will be served courtesy of Sip Wines and Joyce Bakery.  The event is free.
Details: Babeland Brooklyn, 462 Bergen Street in Prospect Heights.

Thursday, January 28: Free Demo Class of Montessori Playgroup
Starting in late January, Still Hip will be offering two Montessori- based playgroups – one for children 18 months to 3 years, and another for children 3 to 6 years old. These playgroups are designed to introduce parents to the ideas and techniques used in Montessori classrooms, while introducing the children to specific Montessori materials which will teach them practical life, language, and problem solving skills. The group is run on Thursdays.  18 months – 3 years:  11:30 am – 1 pm and 3 – 6 years:  1 pm – 2:30 pm.  Tuition is $250.
Details: For Information or to Register email: Serah Kaiel, Certified Montessori Teacher: skaiel@yahoo.com Winter Term:  10 weeks from February 4^th through April 8^th. Classes held at: ttp://stillhipbrooklyn.com at 283 Grand Avenue, Clinton Hill.  718.398.0008

Sunday, January 31: 12 – 3pm: The New York Family Camp Fair Series
The New York Family Camp Fair Series is the best way to help parents make informed decisions about which camp is best for their child. New York Family and the American Camp Association- NY (ACA-NY) will bring more than 40 camps straight to parents and provide previews of the summertime experience that can have a huge, positive impact on campers. For other locations and dates of the Family Camp Fair (UWS, downtown, etc), check here.
Details: Held at: Berkeley Carroll School  762 President Street, Park Slope (between 6th and 7th Aves)

Sunday, January 31: 5:30- 8 pm: Wine and Cupcakes Networking Event
Momasphere and Park Slope Parents Career Network invite moms of all ages and stages to treat yourselves to a night away from the kids and enjoy a networking evening that will engage each of your senses. Surrounded by beautiful works of art at the new Muriel Guepin Gallery, stimulating conversation and live jazz guitarist Chad Coe, sample a variety of fine Brooklyn Oenology wines and Nine Cakes’ delectable cupcakes. The evening is capped off by awesome raffle prizes and Momasphere’s customary goodie bags. Proceeds of the event will go to support Children Of The City, a local charity dedicated to changing the culture of poverty through education and outreach. We are pleased to offer a one-night 10% discount on all artwork, art classes and wine purchases! Plus, each attendee will receive a special coupon that can be redeemed at the Nine Cakes store. Free admission at the door to PSPCN members (must RSVP at lbeisen@mac.com to confirm membership) and $5 at door for Park Slope Parents members. You must rsvp to:RSVP@parkslopeparents.com t confirm membership.
Details: Muriel Guepin Gallery 47 Bergen Street, between Smith and Court, 718-858-4535 Price:   $10 in advance online & $15 at the door (on a first-come-first-served basis). Cash only to purchase tickets at the door.

Sunday, January 31: 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm: Family Yoga
Family Yoga classes are for parents and kids to practice together. All ages are welcome. Meditation, chanting and relaxation techniques are incorporated into each session. No yoga experience necessary. Adult participation is required. Classes are taught by Lauren of Bija Kids Yoga. $25 for the whole family.
Details: Classes are held at Mala Yoga in Cobble Hill.  162 Court Street (at the corner of Amity Street), 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Monday, February 1st: 7 pm: The Blessing of a Skinned Knee
My sister, whom I view as an amazing parent, quotes from the book, “The Blessing of a Skinned Knee” quite regularly.  Which makes me think I might actually benefit from hearing the author and psychologist Wendy Mogel speak.
Details: Tickets are $15 per person in advance and can be purchased at theatermania.com or $20 at the door. Talk is at Sutton Place Synagogue at 225 East 51st Street (btw. 2nd and 3rd Aves)

Related Posts:

1. A Child Grows Event Picks Additions (December 3rd, 2008)
2. A Child Grows Event Picks (November 12th, 2008)