The New York Times Travel Show

Among all the great events going on this weekend and early next week, some stand out:

• Math Midway at New York Hall of Science
• New York Int’l Children’s Film Festival
• NYC Arts has a list of great winter discounts for cultural institutions throughout NYC and the other boroughs.  The discounts last only through February 28th. The deals vary, so check each listing to see what is being offered.
• NY Times Travel Show
• BAM Family Festival (unfortunately many films are sold out, so check the site)
• Puppet Performance: Folktales of Asia & Africa (45 min)
• The Children’s Cancer & Blood Foundation at American Girl Place, NYC
• Audra Rox and Tres Leche’s Haitian Benefit
• Gustafer Yellowgold ……and lots more!

Tickets to buy in advance:

March 19 through April 4: 46 Circus Acts in 45 Minutes
The cheeky Aussies of Circa push their own limits as they barrel, bolt and balance at breakneck speed across The New Victory stage in 46 Circus Acts in 45 Minutes from March 19 through April 4, 2010.  Featuring four cirque talents with expertise in such disciplines as aerial acrobatics, hand balancing, contortion and hilarious clowning, 46 Circus Acts in 45 Minutes is a zany salvo of traditional and not-so-traditional circus stunts.  Member tickets cost $24.50 (orchestra), $17.50 (mezzanine) and $8.75 (balcony).  Tickets for non-Members cost $35 (orchestra), $25 (mezzanine) and $12.50 (balcony).
Details: You can get tickets at 646-223-3010 or online at NewVictory.org. The New Victory Theater is at: 209 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10036

Saturday, March 13, 1:30-3:00pm: NYC Sleep Doctor presents: Solving Toddler Sleep IssuesWith Janet K. Kennedy, Ph.D.
In this 90-minute class, Dr. Kennedy will discuss methods for handling transition to toddlerhood and instilling healthy sleep habits that will last your child a lifetime.
Topics will include:Transitioning from crib to bed; Early wakings; Night wakings and wanderings; Bedtime routines; Ending bedtime battles; Tantrums and negotiations;
Sharing a room with a new or older sibling; …plus plenty of time for Q & A! (Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate children at this event.)+
Details: $45 single, $70 couple. Class size will be limited. Register now.  Gumbo   493 Atlantic Avenue (bet. Nevins & Third) Brooklyn  718-855-7808.

Wednesday, March 24, 7:00-8:30pm: NYC Sleep Doctor presents: Sleep Solutions for Adults With Janet K. Kennedy, Ph.D.
A good night’s sleep doesn’t have to be a dream!  This 90-minute class teaches you the fundamentals of getting good sleep, giving you the tools to make changes that will improve your nights…and days! Dr. Kennedy will provide realistic solutions to common problems, including: erratic sleep schedules, daytime and nighttime habits that interfere with sleep, bedtime routines, ruminating/racing thoughts, fears about sleep (or not sleeping), myths and misconceptions.  Issues particular to the the elderly will also be addressed.
Details: $50. Class size will be limited. Register now. Gumbo   493 Atlantic Avenue (bet. Nevins & Third) Brooklyn  718-855-7808.

“L’Étoile” Family Matinee Sat, Apr 3 at 1:30 “It’s not too late to catch New York City Opera’s divinely silly production of Chabrier’s L’Étoile, an operetta full of surreal happenings and sparkling tunes.” —The Washington Post,  Introduce your children to the musicand characters of L’Étoile, Chabrier’s hilarious opera about a madcap king, his inept astrologer, and one unlucky peddler. This special one-hour version of the opera will follow an interactive program featuring the New York City Opera Orchestra and select cast members.
Details: Family Tickets start at $6. www.nycopera.com • 212.721.6500 David H. Koch Theater 20 Lincoln Center New York, NY 10023

General Events:

Through April 18th: Math Midway at New York Hall of Science
First, a big thank-you to our advertiser, NY Hall of Science for buying ads and second, they are giving all of us a DEAL! You get one free child admission with one paid adult general admission. Get the deal here. Experience math in cool new ways: take a smooth ride on a square-wheeled tricycle, create one-of-a-kind drawings using the mechanical harmonograph, compose a tune with the organ function grinder or attempt to solve one of the tricky math puzzles. While there, check out their great Preschool Place. It has great interactive exhibits with plenty of space for parents and kids.
Details: New York Hall of Science 47-01 111th Street, Queens, NY 718-699-0005 www.nysci.org

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/

Through February: Lulu’s For Baby Winter and Uppa Baby Sale
All winter stuff is 25% off and save $100 or more on 2009 models of Uppa Baby Vista, Bumbleride Models, Mutsy, and Cybex Strollers. While supplies last.
Details: http://www.lulusforbaby.com/ 44 5th Ave Brooklyn NY 11217  tel 718 399-2540 fax 718 399-2580

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 April 4: Tales from the Land of Gullah
Step into the world of the Gullah people—West African slaves brought to plantations on isolated islands off the coast of Georgia and South Carolina in the 17th century—and discover how they held on to their songs, stories, and customs. Find out about common nursery rhymes and children’s songs like “Michael, Row Your Boat Ashore” the Gullah gave to American culture, catch shrimp and crabs with nets, plant okra in the garden, learn to tell Gullah time, and much more.
Details: At the Brooklyn Children’s Museum

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.

Friday, February, 26th- March 1st: New York Int’l Children’s Film Festival
The critically acclaimed New York Int’l Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) — gkids.tv/intheaters — kicks off its 13th season at six New York locations, with ground-breaking, exciting and thought-provoking new films and events for ages 3-18.  The festival will present 100 new films from around the world with: gala opening and closing events, major feature film premieres, director Q&As, NYICFF’s award-winning short films programs, children’s film production workshops, a celebrity benefit event, a 50-year French animation retrospective, audience voting, and the NYICFF Awards Ceremony.
Details: For coverage and listings and tickets go to www.gkids.com or 212-349-0330.  Advance tickets to all events are currently on sale.

Saturday, Feb. 20th, 10:30 AM: Storytime at Greenlight Bookstore
Spend a winter morning at Greenlight Bookstore in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn in the back of their store. It’s a cute way to meet other families and browse for yourself! Local author, artist and teacher Nephrii Ameni is dedicated to providing education and support to children and creative artists – she created last summer’s Totally Independent Book Fair to provide local authors with a venue for selling their books, and is committed to teaching African American students literacy and the value of their cultural heritage.  Her own children’s book Memories of the Little Elephant tells the history of African people over millennia, through voice of Abii, a little girl whose name means “elephant”. Nephrii shares her story with children at Story Time today: a fitting climax to Black History Month in the bookstore.
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, February 27th: 10 am: Free Yoga
One of my favorite yoga studios (Mala Yoga) is teaching the free Saturday morning classes at the new Lululemon store each Saturday in February at 10 am for an hour-long class.
February 27 with Steph C.
Details: Lululemon is at: 472 Bergen St Brooklyn NY 11217 tel: (718) 636-6298

Saturday, February 27th and Sunday, February 28th: NY Times Travel Show
Families can travel the world in a New York minute without having to pack a bag or leave the city! Hundreds of booths feature domestic and international destinations – resorts, hotels, spas, cruises, adventure travel programs, and family vacation spots. Kids can learn to scuba dive from certified instructors in a heated pool; test their skills on a rock climbing wall; listen to a reading of Disney: Alice in Wonderland (a hardcover companion to the upcoming Tim Burton film) and enjoy a special treat from Alice’s Tea Cup (10:30am); and see a variety of furry, feathered, and fanged exotic creatures in Worlds of Discovery’s Wild Things: Live! (2pm). A full schedule of live staged entertainment from around the world, culinary demos and tastings, book signings, seminars, giveaways, contests, travel deals, and more await. Advance ticket purchase is available online.
Details: Jacob Javits Convention Center at 655 West 34th Street  New York, NY  888.625.4359 http://www.nyttravelshow.com
(Thanks to Gocitykids.com for this listing!)

Saturday, February 27th: 2-4 pm: Mocha Moms Haiti Benefit RESCHEDULED FOR SAT MARCH 20TH DUE TO WEATHER
Mocha Moms, Inc. Brooklyn Chapter is Hosting Families for Haiti To Benefit Partners in Health and Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees at Special Invited Guest City Council Member Letitia James *Cash proceeds to benefit Partners in Health * Donated items to benefit Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees (Please bring children’s clothes, batteries, flashlights, feminine care products) Raffle Items Donated by: The National Book Foundation Musica Para Mi! Nairobi’s Knapsack Brooklyn Junior Go Green Baby Go Fantasy Fitness Double Happiness Floral Design ArtsCetera
Details: Madiba Restaurant 195 Dekalb Avenue Fort Greene, Brooklyn Music / Food / Fun / Raffle $10 per family (maximum 2 adults)

Saturday, February 27th: 1 pm: Crossfit Mamas
Challenging and way cheaper than therapy, new moms can convene at the Brooklyn Barbell club every Saturday at the Brooklyn Barbell Club, to regain and build strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. Each class is led by a CrossFit-certified coach. Parents and new babies.
Details: Brooklyn Barbell Club 221 North 8th St (between Driggs Ave and Roebling Street)  Williamsburg, Brooklyn  917-720-6551 Subway: L to Bedford Ave, G to Metropolitan Ave 
(Thanks to http://newyorkkids.timeout.com for this listing)

Feb. 27th-28th: various times: BAM Family Festival
Tickets to this event go sooo fast and they just went on sale this week. Snap them up now! The films range from shorts to feature films. There are films appropriate for children starting at age 2 years. To see the schedule and listings to to their site.
Details: Order online, call 718.777.FILM or visit the BAM Rose Cinemas Box Office (opens a half-hour before first screening of the day; opens at 9am on days of festival).  Children (13 & under): $8 per screening BAM Cinema Club Members: $8 per screening Adults: $12 per screening; $9 seniors

Saturday, Feb 27th and Sunday, Feb 28th: 10 am- 5 pm: Brooklyn Flea moves indoors to Ft. Greene
The Brooklyn Flea has moved to a winter location in the spectacular former Williamsburg Savings Bank at One Hanson Place in Fort Greene.  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

Saturday, February 27th: 10:30-11:30 am: Zoo crafts and creatures
In this hands-on program, children will meet a live animal in the classroom and work in groups to observe the physical characteristics of animal skulls and determine how these adaptations help the animals to survive in the wild. Using art, children will describe and record their observations and make their own creative creatures to take home. Ages: 3 – 6 yrs
Details: Programs are $20 non-members, $15 members which includes one child, one adult and zoo admission. To make a reservation, please call 718-399-7326 or email ppzeducation@wcs.org. Prospect Park Zoo – Open every day of the year. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for seniors 65 and older, $3 for kids 3-12, free for children under 3. Zoo hours are 10am to 5pm weekdays, and 10am – 5:30pm weekends, April through October, and 10am – 4:30pm daily, November through April.  The Prospect Park Zoo is located at 450 Flatbush Avenue in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. For further information, call 718-399-7339 or visit www.prospectparkzoo.com.

Sunday, Feb. 28th: 4 pm: PS Children’s Storytime
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

Sunday, February 28th: 1:15 pm and 3:30 pm: Audra Rox with Tres Leche
Please join Tres Leches (local Music Together teachers) & Audra Rox for two fabulous, fun family showsin support of Haiti.  We are big fans here of both groups- and hope to make a show.  All proceeds will go directly towards the relief of Haitian  children and their families.
Details: First show: 1:15 (doors open at 1:00) Second show: 3:30 (doors open at 3:00) at South Oxford Space at 138 South Oxford, Ft. Greene, Brooklyn, NY 11217.  Adults & Kids $10 under 1 year old free. BUY TICKETS HERE! go to www.myspace.com/treslechesmusic and www.audrarox.com to hear music

Sunday, February 28: 2 pm: Gustafer Yellowgold Show at Bell House
We are so excited to go see Gustafer in his old hometown. This show, which has been called, a cross between ‘Yellow Submarine’ and Dr. Seuss.” by The New York Times and named Best of New York by New York Magazine, should be a home run.  Morgan Taylor — illustrator, songwriter, and creator of the Gustafer Yellowgold multimedia “musical moving storybook” concert experience — is hailed as one of today’s most original performers on the family music scene. The show is sponsored by Park Slope Parents and popular musician and music educator Jonathan Samson will open the show.  Arts and crafts will be provided by ArtsCetera. Tickets are $10.
Details: The Bell House, 149 7th St., Brooklyn, NY (718) 643-6510   www.thebellhouseny.com

Sunday, February 28: 10:30 am: What is a doula? Do I need one?
I have heard this discussion with Jada Shapiro childbirth educator, doula and co-owner of Birthday Presence- and it is very informative. I would highly recommend it.  Wondering what a doula does?
Details: at Bump Brooklyn, RSVP to info@bumpbrooklyn.com.  Bump Brooklyn  is at  464 Bergen Street  Brooklyn, NY 11217  tel: 718-638-1960 www.bumpbrooklyn.com

Sunday, Feb 28 at 12 pm and 2 pm: Puppet Performance: Folktales of Asia & Africa (45 min)
Egg beaters hop into cloth napkins to become Japanese sisters dressed in kimonos; salt and pepper shakers are transformed into African sisters in this fascinating puppet performance based on traditional folktales. Children and adults delight in the imaginative use of everyday objects to portray the characters in three stories in this one-woman show created and performed by Jane Catherine Shaw. All ages
Details: BAMcafé at www.bam.org. General admission: $5 per person

Sunday, Feb 28: 2-5 pm: Purim Celebration
Celebrate Purim by playing in the exhibitions, participate in a treasure hunt, make costumes, noisemakers and puppets of Purim’s main characters. Visit the rest of the galleries to see 2  exhibitions for children ages 5 – 12: From Home to Home: Jewish Immigration to America and From Tent to Temple: Life in the Ancient Near East. In From Home to Home, children pack small trunks, shop in a supermarket while decoding a new language, design a neighborhood and much more. Hunting for food, grinding wheat, and weaving cloth are just some of the exciting activities in From Tent to Temple.
Details: Children’s Galleries for Jewish Culture is located between 10th and 11th Avenues, opposite the High Line entrance. Admission: $8 CGJC Members: Free http://www.cgjc.org

Monday,  March 1st: 6-8 pm: The Children’s Cancer & Blood Foundation at American Girl Place, NYC
American Girl will be closing the store for  CCBF supporters and will be offering a variety of their most popular  activities, appetizers, drinks, and a dessert bar! The evening includes: a photo with your doll at the photo studio, a special hairdo at the doll salon, your own creative tee- whew! American Girl is underwriting all of the  costs of the event, so 100% of the proceeds go to supporting children with cancer and blood diseases at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.
Details: Tickets are $75 per person. Visit their site for full information and to buy tickets.

Monday,  March 1st: 7 pm: Parents of NY Teens Meeting
If you have a teenager and would like to chat with other parents dealing with some of the same issues that you are … this is a place to go.  Bring a snack and some stories to share.
Details: Old Stone House, Washington Park at JJ Byrne Playground 5th Ave. at 3rd St. RSVP : http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/IXAPPMFBAOVBVDKKRMPU/parentsofnyteens

Saturday, March 6th and Sunday, March 7th: Lolli-pops concert
The Little Orchestra Society presents it’s latest Lolli-pops concert for 3-5 year olds, “A Musical Toy Store”/  Discover how spinning tops, rocking horses, bouncing balls, and other toys inspire musical magic. Includes music by Prokofiev, Bizet, Schumann, and Haydn.
Details: Saturday, March 6, 2010 – 10:30am & 12:00pm and Sunday, March 7, 2010 – 1:00pm & 2:30pm at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College at East 68th Street (between Park and Lexington Avenues)
*The Kaye Playhouse is located on the north side of East 68th Street, just west of Lexington Avenue. Ticket information: $12 and $40. 212-971-9500 or www.littleorchestra.org to buy single tickets or call The Kaye Playhouse Box Office at (212) 772-4448.

Related Posts:

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