Weekend Events: Free Kids Yoga, Jam on DUMBO, MLK Celebrations, and Much More!

Happy Friday, folks! And Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend! Are you excited for the long weekend? We surely are. We hope you had a great week and are ready to unwind and dive into fun activities this long weekend. There are only a couple more weekends to enjoy the Math Midway exhibit at Liberty Science Center so be sure to plan your weekends accordingly. We’ve been raving about it for weeks (see below) and we know you’ll love it. On Friday, be sure to check out the FREE Kids Yoga Class that Yoga Stars is offering in preparation for their Winter Season. On Saturday, we’ve got three reasons for you to leave our delightful borough: lion, witch, and wardrobe. You’ll really enjoy this creative adaptation of the play, but, of course you can always stay in beautiful Brooklyn and enjoy Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations… or lots of other fun/educational/family-friendly activities. But save some of your energy because on Sunday it’ll be time to JAM on! Be sure to visit the music listings and calendar for even more events. Have a great weekend!

ONGOING

Friday, January 13th — Sunday, January 22th
Math Midway at Liberty Science Center
This fabulous exhibit makes math fun for all ages from babies all the way up to adults. Try a square-wheeled bicycle, hang out with magnetic monkeys, or check out mind-bending mirrors. This show debuted at the World Science Festival Fair in Washington Square in 2009, and even in its smaller capacity there, it dazzled visitors. This interactive exhibit is fabulous fun worth a trip to New Jersey for – stay for an Imax show or one of the other permanent exhibits. The exhibit runs through January 22, 2012. It’s highly recommended.
Details: Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard. Jersey City, NJ 07305

Friday, January 13th – Saturday March 31st from 10am – 5pm
Secrets of Circles Exhibit at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
There’s no doubt about it, circles are everywhere! The “Secrets of Circles” exhibit at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum features 18 different interactive activities that explore the nature of this simple, but amazing shape. From building mechanical contraptions to using a compass to draw awesome glow-in-the-dark circles, this fun exhibit provides a great way for math and science to come to life. This is going to be a crowd-pleaser, for sure, and will definitely give new meaning to “the wheels on the bus go round and round.”
Details: Brooklyn Children’s Museum   45 Brooklyn Avenue  Brooklyn, NY 11213  718-735-4400 www.brooklynkids.org

Friday, January 13th – Sunday, February 26th: various times
The Berenstain Bears LIVE!
We are so excited about the “beary” good show that will be held at the Marjorie S. Dean Little Theatre! In The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, our favorite Bear Country citizens come to life on the Off-Broadway stage. In addition to teaching life lessons during the show, there will be a mini dance party and face painting afterwards. It’s going to be “bear”mazing! We have all seen it a couple of times and it’s super cute for the kids.
Details: Marjorie S. Dean Little Theatre. 10 West 64th Street and Central Park West. Tickets start at $34.95. 866.811.4111.

Friday, January 13th – Tuesday, January 31st: various times
Polar Express 4D at Central Park Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, and New York Aquarium
The amazing Polar Express is making stops this Holiday Season at the Central Park Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, and the New York Aquarium. It is sure to be a great time and will play at the Central Park Zoo through January 31, 2012.
Details: 718.220.5100

Friday, January 13th — Tuesday, January 31st: various times
ElectriCity: Powering New York’s Rails Exhibit
Your kids will love this highly interactive exhibit at The New York Transit Museum. Who are we kidding?! You’ll love the exhibit too! Originally designed by the Liberty Science Museum, this exhibit allows kids to touch, feel, and see for themselves how the subways and buses work. Hands-on activities will have the little ones capturing light with a solar panel and operating a model train with a hand-cranked motor.
Details: Boerum Place and Schermerhorn St. Phone: 718.694.1600. Click here to visit the website.

Friday, January 13th — March 10: various times
Magic! The Amazing Max and The Box of Interesting Things
Magician Max Darwin makes objects appear out of thin air, as the laws of physics are defied, and miracles are performed inches from spectators’ faces. This isn’t a show that you ask, “How did he do that?” It’s not that Max doesn’t do great tricks, he does. It’s that the show is so focused on the hijinks of Hamlet the mind-reading pig and the silliness of coins appearing out of every bodily orifice, that the audience doesn’t have time to focus on the head-scratching things Max performs. The magic is just the sideshow to a very entertaining and engaging performance. Our full review is here.
Details: The Amazing Max and The Box of Interesting Things, in an open-ended Off-Broadway run.  Manhattan Movement & Arts Center  248 W. 60th Street, NYC (between Amsterdam and West End Avenues)
Performances: Saturdays and Sundays at 4:30pm.  
Tickets: The Amazing Max is performed at the MMAC Theater located in the  Magic Carpet Rides (VIP seating) $49.50, regular general admission tickets $29.50. Tickets are available at  www.telecharge.com or by phone at 212-239-6200 or 800-432-7250.

Saturday, January 14th — Sunday, January 29th: 2pm and 4pm
The Piccolini Trio in Circus In A Trunk
A trio of clowns arrive Canal Park Playhouse excited to see a circus show… that never happens. Bummer, right? Not quite. The trio then decide to perform the show themselves, pulling together a funny performance out of an antique trunk. The Piccolini Trio combine contemporary and classic European style clowning for a performance replete with music, acrobatics, physical comedy, juggling, pantomine, and poetic whimsy. 
Details: Canal Park Playhouse. 508 Canal Street between Greenwich and West Street. Tickets: $20 (a pre or post-show Pre Fixe brunch is available for an additional $8 in advance and $10 at the door). For tickets or more information, call OvationTix at 1-866-811-4111 or visit their website.

Saturday, January 14th — Sunday, January 29th: 11am
The Little Rascals
Head over to the Canal Park Playhouse to see Our Gang, also known as The Little Rascals! This was a hit this fall and we’re sure that it’ll be just as good, if not better. Enjoy the exuberant shenanigans of Spanky, Alfalfa, Buckwheat, Darla, Froggie and the rest of the gang screened in the Canal Park Playhouse theater.
Details: Canal Park Playhouse. 508 Canal Street between Greenwich and West Street. Tickets: $9. (a Pre Fixe brunch is available before or after the screenings for an additional $8 in advance or $10 at the door. For tickets or more information, call OvationTix at  1-866-811-4111 or visit www.canalparkplayhouse.com.

ALL WEEKEND

FRIDAY JANUARY 13TH

Friday, January 13th beginning at 2pm
FREE Kids Yoga Demo Class
Yep, you read that right! Now’s your chance to take advantage of this FREE Yoga Stars class in preparation for the Winter Season. The class was created by the experts behind Super Soccer Stars (and we all love them!) so there’s no doubt that this will be one of the loveliest children’s yoga program to hit The Big Apple.
Ages 1-2 years old: 4pm — 4:45pm
Ages 2-3 years old: 2pm — 2:45pm
Ages 5-7 years old: 3pm — 3:55pm
Details: 8th Avenue Church. 216 Eighth Avenue at Second Street. For more information, visit the website, contact info@yogastars.com, or call 212.787.9642.

Friday, January 13th at 7:30pm
Burning Gums Concert
The Brooklyn-Queens Conservatory of Music Concert Hall is celebrating musical creativity with a special recital celebrating the first year anniversary of Burning Gums. Loved their first album? Then you’re in for a treat! They’ll perform songs from their first album as well as exciting new material from their sophomore album, which is scheduled for release this Spring.
Details: All ages welcomed. 58 Seventh Avenue. Tickets: $12 advanced; $10 students; $15 at the door. Telephone: 718.622.3300 For more info, visit the website.

Friday, January 13th at 6:15pm
Family Movie Night at The Moxie Spot
Still stumped on how to enjoy Family Friday Nights after a long week? Head on over to The Moxie Spot, a family-friendly restaurant and play space for a fun Friday night film screening. Kids will eat for free when you purchase an entrée from the dinner special after 5:30pm. Now that what we call “family friendly.”
Details: The short feature begins at 6:15pm. The longer feature begins at 6:45pm. 81-83 Atlantic Avenue (at Hicks Street). 718.923.9710

SATURDAY JANUARY 14TH

 

Saturday, January 14th from 1pm — 4pm
Greencycle Swap
The wonderful neighbors of Greenpoint and Williamsburg have partnered up with Town Square Inc. in order to bring us Greencycle Swap! Now’s your chance to reduce, reuse, and recycle gently used and working clothes, shoes, toys, books, and cell phones! Have working and non-working computers? You can recycle those too! Have working electronics? Have working bicycles? Well, you can recycle those too!
Details: MS 126 is located at 424 Leonard Street (entrance on Bayard Street). For more information, contact Agnes at agnes@townsquareinc.com or 917.392.8450. You can also visit the website here.

Saturday, January 14th from 10:30am — 11:30am
Story Time with Carol and Friends
Carroll Garden folks, weekly story time has never been so good! The Friends of Carroll Garden Library present, “Story Time with Carol and Friends” so head on over to join in on the educational fun.
Details: All ages welcomed. FREE for all. 396 Clinton Street. For more information, contact: friendscglibrary@gmail.com or visit their website.

Saturday, January 14th at 2 pm
Parsons Dance at The Joyce Theatre for 2 World Premieres
This is your opportunity to expose your kids to “one of the great movers of modern dance” (The New York Times) and “one of modern dance’s great living dance-makers” (New York Magazine), as David Parsons and Parsons Dance returns to The Joyce Theater mid-month.  The program will include two World Premieres and will also present a family matinee program that features kid-friendly Parsons classics. Both programs include David Parsons’ stroboscopic masterwork Caught.
Details:
The Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Avenue (at 19th Street), NYC.
Tickets range in price from $10-$59. Ticket prices are subject to change. Tickets are available by phone at 212-242-0800 or online at Joyce.org
Performances:
PROGRAM A:
Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm (Jan 21 only) & 8pm; Sun 1pm & 5pm
World Premiere, A Stray’s Lullaby, by Guest Choreographer Kate Skarpetowska, commissioned by The Joyce Theater, Step Into My Dream (excerpt), World Premiere, Round My World by David Parsons, Caught, Swing Shift
PROGRAM B (Family Matinee):
Sat, Jan 14 2pm
Envelope, Hand Dance, Step Into My Dream (excerpt), Slow Dance, Caught, Swing Shift

Saturday, January 14th at 11am
Kids Story Time at Greenlight Bookstore
Grab the kiddies and head to Saturday Story Time, which typically features Authors and Illustrators of picture books and/or neighborhood performers reading stories. At times, there may even be crafts! A totally entertaining Saturday morning? We think so!
Details: Geared towards kids ages 3 – 8 years. Open to the public, but on a first come, first served basis. 686 Fulton Street (at South Portland). Phone: 718. 246. 0200. Website:http://greenlightbookstore.com/storytime

Saturday, January 14th at 2pm
Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration at the Brooklyn Public Library
What better way to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy than with readings and performances by young poets, young musicians from the Noel Pointer Foundation, and Emmy Award winner Adrienne Danrich? Yep, we couldn’t think of a better trifecta! AOP and the Walt Whitman Project present a  performance of Brooklyn Cinderella by Nkeiru Okoye, based on the poetry of three Brooklyn children and commissioned as part of its I Hear America Singing program, at this annual honoring of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr..  Poet Angeli Rasbury leads a discussion about MLK and how young people can dream about and contribute to a better society.   Head on over to the Brooklyn Public Library to join in on the festivities.
Details: All are welcomed. The Brooklyn Public Library’s Dweck Center. Central Library. 10 Grand Army Plaza.

Saturday, January 14th from 11am — 12pm
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Brooklyn is absolutely wonderful. But sometimes there is a reason to leave the borough. This is one of those reasons. Head over to St. Luke’s Theatre to become mesmerized by “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” the first in C.S. Lewis’s classic series, The Chronicles of Narnia. In this creative adaptation, two actors play eight characters, both human and animals, and they take the audience along as they travel to Narnia and bring mythical creatures to life.
Details: Ages 6 and up. 308 West 46th Street. Tickets: $35.00. For more information, visit the website.

Saturday, January 14th at 1:30pm
JOURNEY TO THE PAST: Willie Maeby and the BMT
What sound does the train make? Chugga-chugga-choo-choo! At the New York Transit Museum, Willie Maeby, a conductor from the 1920’s will show everyone around his favorite subway car — the BMT Standard. He will also be on-hand to share his unique experiences of working on the railroad. This will be great for little historians and train lovers to participate in.
Details: Ages 5 and up. Free with Museum admission. Corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street. Telephone: 718.694.1792. For more information, visit the website.

Saturday, January 14th at 2pm
Big Box of Distractions: Playmaking and Creative Design
Irondale Ensemble invites you to an interactive theatre adventure with Amanda Hinkle! This is a community and family-oriented “distraction” that promises to engage kids and adults of all ages. Watch, participate, learn, and share with some of NYC’s most innovative artists.
Details: 85 South Oxford Street. All ages are welcomed. Tickets: $10/adults; $5/children. Telephone: 718.488.9233. Email: info@irondale.org. For more information, visit the website.

Saturday, January 14th from 2:30pm — 4:30pm
Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Why wait until Monday when you can start your Martin Luther King festivities early?! The Brooklyn Children’s Museum will be celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King. Kids can explore the big ideas and images that surround the legacy of the great civil rights leader. They can also investigate symbols and slogans of the Civil Rights Movement and create their own living legacy collage. What fun! Details: Free with Museum admission. Ages 6 and up. 145 Brooklyn Avenue. Telephone: 718.735.4400.

Saturday, January 14th from 2:30pm — 3:30pm
Let’s Join Hands at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum
This is a great opportunity to help your little one learn about tolerance and peace while exploring the differences and similarities of various cultures. Little ones will also learn of Dr. Martin Luther King’s message of friendship and love. PLUS… the little civil citizens will be given the opportunity to make their own hand wreath to take home. I feel proud of them just writing this sentence.
Details: Free with Museum admission. Ages 5 and under. 145 Brooklyn Avenue. Telephone: 718.735.4400.

Saturday, January 14th at 2:30pm
Art Works at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Visit the Totally Tots area with your little ones to see what’s in store for that budding Picasso!
Details: 145 Brooklyn Avenue. 718. 735.4400. Ages 5 and under.

Saturday, January 14th at 10:00am – 4:00pm
E-Waste Event
Did you replace your old VCR, DVD player or perhaps a new computer this holiday? Wondering what to do with those old devices like a plug-in keyboard or that’s rat nest of cables? You can recycle all your electronic items this weekend with the The Lower East Side Ecology Center’s 9th Annual “After the Holidays” E-waste Event series. The come to all five boroughs but Brooklyn’s drives are this weekend. A list of acceptable materials can be found here.
Details: McCarren Park, Bedford Avenue just north of North 12th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211

SUNDAY JANUARY 15TH

Sunday, January 15th from 4pm — 5:30pm
JAM on DUMBO: The Rockdoves at Superfine
I hope you’re ready to rock and roll and jam on!!! Because that’s exactly what you’ll be doing at the super fun and super funky Superfine! Jam on DUMBO presents their 2012 Winter Concert Series featuring The Rockdoves, a family music group on a mission to create music with artistry, intelligence, and respect for children and their families. Music with a purpose? I love it! Superfine will be providing a special kids menu during and after the concert. Children can also enjoy FREE face painting, balloons, and giveaways.
Details: 126 Front Street. $20 per family (CASH only). All ages welcomed. For more information, contact alisha@jamondumbo.com or visit the website.

Sunday, January 15th at 1:30pm
JOURNEY TO THE PAST: Willie Maeby and the BMT
What sound does the train make? Chugga-chugga-choo-choo! At the New York Transit Museum, Willie Maeby, a conductor from the 1920’s will show everyone around his favorite subway car — the BMT Standard. He will also be on-hand to share his unique experiences of working on the railroad. This will be great for little historians and train lovers to participate in.
Details: Ages 5 and up. Free with Museum admission. Corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street. Telephone: 718.694.1792. For more information, visit the website.

Sunday, January 15th at 10:00am – 4:00pm
E-Waste Event
Did you replace your old VCR, DVD player or perhaps a new computer this holiday? Wondering what to do with those old devices like a plug-in keyboard or that’s rat nest of cables? You can recycle all your electronic items this weekend with the The Lower East Side Ecology Center’s 9th Annual “After the Holidays” E-waste Event series. The come to all five boroughs but Brooklyn’s drives are this weekend. A list of acceptable materials can be found here.
Details: Prospect Park West and 3rd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215  For more details go here.

Sunday, January 15th at 11am
Baby Stories and Singalongs at Greenlight Bookstore
Babies and toddlers under 3 years old will be highly entertained with stories, songs, and interactive play as the children’s performers Miss Nina, Jon Samson, and Vered take turns keeping them busy.
Details: Geared toward ages 3 years and under. Open to public, but on a first come, first served basis. 686 Fulton Street (at South Portland). http://greenlightbookstore.com/storytime

Sunday, January 15th from 2:30pm — 3:30pm
Let’s Join Hands at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum
This is a great opportunity to help your little one learn about tolerance and peace while exploring the differences and similarities of various cultures. Little ones will also learn of Dr. Martin Luther King’s message of friendship and love. PLUS… the little civil citizens will be given the opportunity to make their own hand wreath to take home. I feel proud of them just writing this sentence.
Details: Free with Museum admission. Ages 5 and under. 145 Brooklyn Avenue. Telephone: 718.735.4400.