Did everyone enjoy Mid-Winter Recess with the kids? As we gear up for back-to-school, here’s how you can end this mid-winter break with a bang…. are you ready? We’ve been raving about “Princess and the Pea” at the Galli Theater and “Brazil! Brazil!” for weeks. “Brazil! Brazil!” is honestly one of the most spectacular shows we have seen and if tickets aren’t sold out- you MUST get in. This is your last weekend to catch both “Princess and the Pea” and “Brazil! Brazil!” so plan accordingly. Cirque Le Jazz is here for the entire weekend and it’s the perfect blend of circus acts and musical theater. Neat! For families with special needs children, boy do we have a treat for you! There will be a pretty cool tour of the ever-beautiful Grand Central Terminal that’ll be sure to have your children raving. To end the weekend, there will be a Hip Tot Musical Concert at Littlefield. So much to do! What’s at the top of your list? Don’t forget to check out our music listings and calendar for more events. Have a fun weekend!
ONGOING
Friday, February 24th — February 26th: various times
“Brazil! Brazil!” at The New Victory Theater
If you’ve never been to Brazil, the new show “Brazil! Brazil!” at The New Victory Theater, is the next best thing. With a blend of music, capoeira, acrobatics, live samba and soccer-inspired street dance, the show combines the musical elements of Rio Carnaval with the culture of Brazil. Brazil’s National Freestyle Football Champion, Arturo, is a featured performer and shows off his sweet soccer moves with a team of singers, dancers and musicians. Between the soccer footwork, gymnast’s flips and dancers’ sizzling steps, the energy of the show will even get your feet moving! This music is fabulous- the band is tight and authentic. The dancing and capoeira is truly spectacular and the soccer moves- we’ve never seen anything like it! You MUST go!
Details: Brazil! Brazil! The New Victory Theater 209 West 42nd Street February 10 through February 26, 2012
Ticket Information: Tickets for Brazil! Brazil! cost $25, $18, $12 and $9 for Members and $38, $28, $18 and $14 for Non-members based on seat locations. Theater-goers who buy tickets for three or more New Vic shows qualify for free Membership benefits, including up to 35-percent savings. ONLINE at NewVictory.org BY PHONE at 646-223-3010; Sunday – Wednesday, 11 am-5 pm; Thursday – Saturday, 11 am-7 pm IN PERSON at The New Victory Theater Box Office (209 West 42nd Street); Sunday & Monday 11 am-5 pm; Tuesday-Saturday 12 pm-7 pm*indicates Talk-back following the performance.
Friday, February 24th — Sunday, February 26th: various times
Cirque Le Jazz at The Theater for The New City
Cirque Le Jazz is the perfect fusion of circus arts and musical theater. Set to the vibrant rhythms of numerous Big Band anthems and celebrated Great American Songbook standards, “Cirque Le Jazz” radiates heat and brings back the bygone days of swing with a fresh and contemporary style. The dynamic company of 4 diverse and accomplished artists take to the stage and the air in an intimate spectacle of aerial artistry, Broadway-style dance, traditional circus arts and unflappable charm. The dashing Ringmaster croons and beckons to you…… The agile acrobatic clown clambers up a tangle of tissue…… The gallant dancer twirls while balancing his cane on his nose…… The dainty leading lady belts out a classic tune while never touching the ground…… All this and much more await you during this energetic, fast-paced & fun-filled trek under the Big Top that will captivate the young and the young at heart! Cirque Le Jazz provides an evening of high-flying enjoyment accompanied by music from the most prolific composers of the 20th Century and performed by an adept and elegant quartet of bona fide professional artists. This is a show that is guaranteed to please both audiences searching for a great circus extravaganza and a sophisticated evening in the theatre. In a concise and snappy 1-act format, this is a perfect show for young audiences and families.
Details: 155 First Avenue, NYC. All ages welcomed. Tickets: $15/adults; $10/children. Contact Ben Franklin at lambenfranklin@me.com or visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 25th — Sunday, February 26th at 2pm
Princess and the Pea at the Galli Theater
I hope you have your metro cards ready because you’ll want to head into the city for this. Trust me! This cheerful remake of the Grimm tale tells the story of a prince who treks across the land in search of his princess. But since so many of his suitors are dishonest impostors, he develops a system called the Royal Princess Pea Test to find a true princess.Throughout the show young audience members will be invited to engage with the performers, and an acting workshop follows Saturday performances.
Details: Ages 3 and up. 347 West 36th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. Tickets: $20/adults, $15/children, seniors. Telephone: 212.731.0668. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, February 24th – open ended
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.
Saturday, February 25th — Monday, March 26th: various times
“Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical” at Manhattan’s Children Theatre
Who doesn’t LOVE Mo Willems’ Trixie and her beloved Knuffle Bunny?! I know my son and I can’t get enough of that series! the musical adaptation features Trixie, Daddy and Knuffle Bunny. The trio takes a trip to the neighborhood Laundromat, but the adventure takes a dramatic turn when Trixie realizes “somebunny” got left behind…
NOTE: Please see below for specific details on the special Gala Opening that will take place on Saturday, February 18th!
Details: 380 Broadway, 4th Floor, NYC. All ages welcomed. Tickets: $40. Contact 212.226.4085 or visit the website for more information.
Friday, February 24th – 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, February 24th — June 30th: 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, February 24th — Sunday, July 8th: various times
“Ship-Shape: Nautical Scale Models” at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
Get excited! This new exhibition examines the detailed process of building model ships. It consists of dozens of artifacts, including model ships, vintage toy ships, a variety of antique model kit boxes, a mock-up of a modeler’s workbench that shows the building of a model ship being made in progress, and illustrations that shows how models are constructed. Among the highlights of the exhibit are models of the Battleship New Jersey, which served during WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam, and USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned vessel afloat in the world. The model USS New Jersey measures 112” W x 25” H x 15” D and the model USS Constitution measures 57” W x 43”H x 22” D. If you’ve got a child who is fascinated with ships, it doesn’t get more thorough than this, folks.
Details: FREE with Museum admission. Pier 86 (46th Street and 12th Avenue) in NYC. Admissions: $24/adults, $12 children 3-6 years old/FREE children under 3. Visit the Museum’s website for more information.
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 24TH
Friday, February 24th from 11:00am — 12:00pm
Municipal Art Society tour of Grand Central Terminal for Families With Children on the Spectrum
Grand Central Terminal is one of the most beautiful stations in the world. Don’t you agree? This special tour is especially for families with special needs, including those on the Autism spectrum. The tour, presented in a child-friendly format, will explore the wonder of the station’s sculptural decor including its many images of Mercury and oak tree branches, and participants will discover its layout with maps, look at the trains’ itineraries and routes, check out the curving tracks, sloping ramps, whisper into the Guastavino tile vault and much more. The tour will be led by art historian Sylvia Laudien-Meo. Please Note: RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.
Details: 42nd Street at Park Avenue, NYC. All ages welcomed. Tickets: $15.00. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, February 24th from 12:00pm — 2:00pm
President’s Week Drop-In Craft Making at Mini Max Toys & Cuts
If you’re looking for something to do pre-nap, stop by Mini Max Toys & Cuts for a Presidential Craft Event! There will also be Presidential coloring sheets that the kids will enjoy.
Details: 152 Atlantic Avenue at Clinton Street. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact 718.222.TOYS or visit the website for more information.
Friday, February 24th from 12:00pm — 3:30pm
LIFE: Kids Nature Film Series at The Prospect Park Audubon Center at the Boathouse
LIFE is the newest landmark natural history series from Discovery Channel and the BBC that explores the adaptability and diversity of life on earth, revealing the most spectacular, bizarre, and fascinating behaviors that living things have devised in order to thrive. Sounds fascinating, right?
Details: Enter the park through Lincoln Road/Ocean Avenue Entrance. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Groups of 10 or more must call for reservations. Contact 718.287.3400 or visit the website for more information.
Friday, February 24th from 2:00pm — 3:00pm
Baby Boogie at the Prospect Park YMCA
Are you a new parent?! Then this class may just be perfect for you. Listen closely and you’ll hear the class calling your name. Not only will you have time to meet other parents here, but the class also includes games for babies, singing, and dancing. Jackpot!
Details: 357 Ninth Street. Ideal for parents with babies up to 13 months. $12/visit. Telephone: 718.768.7100.Visit the website for more information.
Friday, February 24th from 4:30pm — 5:30pm
Animal Haven’s Caring Kids Program
Where are our animal lovers? Or parents of animal-loving children? You’ll want to check out this FREE event that introduces children and young teens to basic animal care and teaches them about existing issues in animal welfare. Through exciting lesson plans and interactive activities with cats and dogs at the shelter, participants learn the importance of treating animals humanely. They will not only make an impact on the lives of the animals they encounter, but it can certainly be a significant experience for them as well.
Details: 251 Centre Street. Ages 5-12. FREE for all, but RSVP is required. Contact KendraM@ah-nyc.org or visit the website for more information.
Friday, February 24th 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 FEBRUARY 25TH
Saturday, February 25th from 9:00am — 11:00am
Read Across America with Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax” at Target
Not only will there be reading nooks throughout your local Target stores that’s inspired by Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax,” but there will also be a live reading of “The Lorax.” PLUS every child who attends the event will receive a reusable Target bag filled with Dr. Seuss’ reading activities, a bookmark, and crayons. What a perfect reason to head to your local Target early in the morning.
Details: Readings will take place at your local Target store. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 25th 10am — 6pm
pure t & friends Pop-Up Shop in Cobble Hill
We’re just loving pure t & friends right now! And now’s your chance to love it too! Don’t miss this essential sale event where maternity, children’s and women’s fashions for all seasons will be marked at 50-75% off. Umm…. count us in!
Details: 212 Smith Street, Cobble Hill. All are welcomed. Visit this website for more information.
Saturday, February 25th 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, February 25h 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. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 25th from 12:00pm — 5:00pm
Family Day: Himalayan New Year at Rubin Museum of Art
The Himalayan New Year (Losar) is upon us and there is no better way to celebrate and add a little culture than with a day of arts, crafts, and music at the Rubin Museum of Art. Guests can contribute to a giant collaborative mandala, construct colorful butter sculptures and sip on some Himalayan butter tea, make rubbings from printing woodblocks, craft a set of little prayer flags, explore the galleries on an amazing story drama tour, and enjoy traditional music performances.
Details: 150 West 17th Street, NYC. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets: $10.00. Contact 212.620.5000 or visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 25th at 12:30pm and 2:30pm
Puss in Boots at Puppetworks, Inc
If your child is a fan of the movie, then they will love this too! Now is the chance for them to find out what happens to this little kitten when he is given a pair of boots that turns out to be… wait for it… magical! This adorable tale will leave your child feeling enchanted, to asy the least.
Details: 338 6th Aevnue at 4th Street. Tickets: $7/child, $8/adult. Registration is suggested. Call 718.965.3391 or email puppetworks@verizon.net to reserve your tickets!
Saturday, February 25th at 1:00pm
Saturday Family Programs: Feraba African Rhythm Tap Duet at the Central Library
Do you have a tap dancer on your hands? Then check out this event where you can learn how American tap dance has its roots in African music and dance. African shakers and small drums will be provided for toddlers, youngsters, and their families.
Details: 10 Grand Army Plaza. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Telephone: 718.230.2100 or visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 25th from 1pm — 3pm
Arts and Recreation at the Audubon Center
Naturalists at the Prospect Park Audubon Center will lead structured, fun and engaging arts activities combined with active play that will have kids up and moving like an animal or pretending to be a bat. Cool, right. Yeah… we thought so too!
Details: Audubon Center at the Boathouse, Prospect Park. Entrance near Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue. FREE for all. Telephone: 718.287.3400. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 25th at 1:30pm
Sword Swallowing Show at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square
Are you ready for the 6th Annual World Sword Swallower’s Day?! More than 20 sword swallowers will be “dropping swords” at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditoriums worldwide at 2:25 p.m., and the ever-fabulous Times Square is no exception. In excess of 125 feet of solid steel is set to go down the hatch – hopefully without a scratch. In New York City, Keith Nelson will headline a free sword swallowing show outside Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square Odditorium, located at 234 West 42nd Street. The show will start at 1:30 p.m. local time and culminate with an official “swallow” at 2:25:12 p.m. to coincide with the 2/25/12 date.
Details: 234 West 42nd Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Telephone: 212.398.3133. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 25th from 2:00pm — 4:00pm
Celebrating Our History with Our Future at the Herbert Von King Cultural Arts Center
Black History Month is still going strong and the celebration continues. At this event, children in the community will not only celebrate great African figures, but they will also be celebrated. Show your love and support for them as they show their love for African legends.
Details: 670 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Telephone: 646.820.5802. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 25th from 2:30pm — 3:30pm
HandiWork: Tasks and Crafts from the Past at Lefferts Historic House
An afternoon of crafts? Sign me up! And if you and your children are anything like me, you’d want to check out this FREE event as well where kids will engage in arts, crafts, and games… just like they did in 19-Century Brooklyn. How’s that for a Saturday afternoon?
Details: Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park. Willink Entrance (near intersection of Ocean Avenue and Empire BLVD. FREE for children under 16 years old. $3 suggested donation for adults on the weekends. Telephone: 718.789.2822. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 25th 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.
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 26TH
Sunday, February 26th 10am — 6pm
pure t & friends Pop-Up Shop in Cobble Hill
We’re just loving pure t & friends right now! And now’s your chance to love it too! Don’t miss this essential sale event where maternity, children’s and women’s fashions for all seasons will be marked at 50-75% off. Umm…. count us in!
Details: 212 Smith Street, Cobble Hill. All are welcomed. Visit this website for more information.
Sunday, February 26th 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). Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, February 26th at 11:00am
JUMPIN’ JUNIPER Presents Lloyd Miller of The Deedle Deedle Dees at The Brooklyn Arts Exchange
Lloyd Miller, leader of the Deedle Deedle Dees, plays a show backed up by “the Brooklyn Phonebook,” an all-star group of some of his favorite people: his students, his musician friends, and YOU. Bring your favorite instrument so you can join the band. There is also a well-equipped playroom so that audience members can take a break from the performance and unwind.
Details: 421 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. Tickets: $7/person, FREE for children under 2. Telephone: 718.832.0018. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, February 26th from 11:00am — 12:30pm
Baby Got Bach at Le Poisson Rouge
This is an interactive classic music concert for kids that was named “Best Kids Concert” by New York Magazine. Curated by the pianist Orli Shaham, the event begins with BackStage Up Front, where kids have a chance to play with real musical instruments. Woot! Then they head to the stage to enjoy a listening tour of great live chamber music, featuring Orli and her friends. Whether it is your children’s first encounter with live music, or they are veteran concert-goers, they will find this program of chamber music captivating.
Details: 158 Bleeker Street, NYC. Recommended for ages 3-6, but all are welcomed. Tickets: $20/person, $60/family of 4. Contact Gail Wein at 212.505.3474 or visit the website for more information.
Sunday, February 26th from 12:00pm — 3:00pm
Youth Basketball One Day Mini Camp at Aviator Sports and Events Center
Now here’s a great way for tweens and teens to finish mid-winter recess with a bang! Aviator Basketball Camp will feature IdoBasketball.com along with other highly skilled coaches to improve participants basketball game. Camp will break down footwork, agility, ball, handling, and shooting.
Details: 3159 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. Recommended for ages 9-16. Cost: $60.00. Email Ralph@aviatorsports.com or visit the website for more information.
Sunday, February 26th at 12:30pm and 2:30pm
Puss in Boots at Puppetworks, Inc
If your child is a fan of the movie, then they will love this too! Now is the chance for them to find out what happens to this little kitten when he is given a pair of boots that turns out to be… wait for it… magical! This adorable tale will leave your child feeling enchanted, to asy the least.
Details: 338 6th Aevnue at 4th Street. Tickets: $7/child, $8/adult. Registration is suggested. Call 718.965.3391 or email puppetworks@verizon.net to reserve your tickets!
Sunday, February 26th from 12:30pm — 5:30pm
“Stuff-A-Sack” Winter Clearance Sale at The Underground Thrift Store at Plymouth Church
Are you ready to shop?! Because at this Underground Thrift Store you’ll be able to purchase as many $25 Underground Thrift Store Totes (a $5 value) as you like and then stuff them with the inventory of winter clothing for women, men and children. The more sacks you stuff, the more you’ll save! Pretty neat, huh?
Details: 65 Hicks Street, Brooklyn Heights.
Sunday, February 26th from 1pm — 3pm
Arts and Recreation at the Audubon Center
Naturalists at the Prospect Park Audubon Center will lead structured, fun and engaging arts activities combined with active play that will have kids up and moving like an animal or pretending to be a bat. Cool, right. Yeah… we thought so too!
Details: Audubon Center at the Boathouse, Prospect Park. Entrance near Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue. FREE for all. Telephone: 718.287.3400. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, February 26th at 2pm
Hip Tot Music Festival at Littlefield
Calling all families with kids who love to dance and groove! The first Hip Tot Music Festival will be this Sunday and will feature Rolie Polie Guacamole with the classic children’s performer, Lou Gallo. FUN! This will be the official release of Rolie Polie Guacamole’s third CD “Houses of the Moly”. Along with the music, there will be some amazing vendors to make this a true festival, including Ruby Rock Star (handmade little girls clothing), Brooklyn Baby (kids store that is selling handmade playdough and handmade merch), Plum Organics (organic snacks… yum!), Muny (children’s clothes & quilts in custom hand-block printed 100% cotton fabric), and face painting!
Details: 622 Degraw Street, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. Tickets: $12/adults; $8/kids; $35/family of 4; FREE for kids under 2. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, February 26th from 2:30pm — 3:30pm
HandiWork: Tasks and Crafts from the Past at Lefferts Historic House
An afternoon of crafts? Sign me up! And if you and your children are anything like me, you’d want to check out this FREE event as well where kids will engage in arts, crafts, and games… just like they did in 19-Century Brooklyn. How’s that for a Saturday afternoon?
Details: Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park. Willink Entrance (near intersection of Ocean Avenue and Empire BLVD. FREE for children under 16 years old. $3 suggested donation for adults on the weekends. Telephone: 718.789.2822. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, February 26th from 6:00pm — 9:00pm
Family Bingo Night at The Moxie Spot
What a lovely way to end the weekend! Eat, drink, play, and win big! (Well, hopefully.) There will be little prizes for the little kids, who, by the way, can eat for FREE with the purchase of any dinner entree or dinner special. Yum!
Details: 81 Atlantic Avenue. Ages 4 and up. Contact 718.923.9710 or visit the website for more information.