Happy Memorial Day Weekend! The unofficial start of summer is here and we’ve rounded up the best events to help you celebrate. Fleet Week is here and there will be loads to do at the Intrepid, Sea, Air, and Space Museum, The New York Aquarium, and Brooklyn Navy Yard so plan your long weekend accordingly. If you like a good magic show (and I mean a good magic show), then you’ve got to check out Mario the Magician’s Family Magic Show. My son loved it and is still raving about it even though we saw it months ago. Also, don’t forget to check out our music listings and events calendar for more fun! Have a great weekend folks!
ALL WEEKEND
Friday, May 25th — Monday, May 28th: various times
Kings County Fair at Aviator Sports and Events Center
The 3rd Annual Kings County Fair will include a variety of rides and games for kids of all ages, tasty treats including corn dogs, cotton candy, funnel cakes and much more. The years’ Fair will also feature a new super spectacular ride from Italy and the only one in America – The Stinger, the World Famous High Flying Pages aerial trapeze show, Miss Vicenta and her Royal White Bengal Tigers and eqestrian Artistry performed by The Riding Donnerts with Miss Mercedes Ballerina on Horseback.
Details: 3159 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. Cost: $5 General Admission with various prices for activities and rides. Kids under 36″ get free admission. Contact: 718.758.7500. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, May 25th — May 29th: various times
Fleet Week NYC 2012 at Intrepid, Sea, Air, and Space Museum
This year’s Fleet Week marks the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and will welcome Tall Ships from around the globe. Enjoy special performances, watch the military battle it out in the tug of war competition, get hands-on with interactive displays, and help kick off our annual free summer movie series on the Flight Deck! We will also pay tribute to the Nation’s service men and women during our annual Memorial Day Ceremony. Get a complete list of activities by visiting the website.
Details: Pier 86, W. 46th St. and 12th Ave., NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: Most events free with general museum admission. Some events have additional fees. Contact: 212.245.0072. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, May 25th — Sunday, May 27th: various times
The 17th Annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts at Theater for the New City
The theme of this year’s festival is Legalize Freedom: Art As Activism, and the event will feature theater, music, dance, poetry, comedy, performance art, film, video, painting, and sculpture. Here’s a brief rundown of the activities:
May 25th:
Johnson Theater: Performances 6pm-1am
Cabaret Theater: Performances 7pm-12am
May 26th:
Johnson Theater: Youth Program 2pm-5pm;
Performances 6pm-1am
Cabaret Theater: Film Program 12pm-12am
May 27th:
Johnson Theater: Performances 6pm-12am
Cabaret Theater: Performances 7pm-12am
Community Space Theater: Poetry Readings 4pm-7:30pm
Details: 155 First Avenue, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 212.254.1109 or info@theaterforthenewcity.net. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, May 26th — Sunday, June 3rd: various times
The Red Balloon at Canal Park Playhouse
Enjoy screenings of Albert Lamorisse’s film The Red Balloon (Le Ballon Rouge) — the tale of a boy named Pascal and his adventures with the balloon that follows him though the streets of Paris. Cartoons from Popeye and Casper the Friendly Ghost will precede the screening. The screenings runs from Saturday, May 19 through Sunday, June 3, Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. Brunch and dinner is available before or after the screenings at the Playhouse’s Waffle Iron Cafe.
Details: 508 Canal Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: $7/person. Contact: 866-811-4111 or info@canalparkplayhouse.com. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, May 25th – 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.
Friday, May 25th – Sunday, June 10th: various times
Love From Mt. Pom Pom at The Children’s Museum of the Arts
Any art show that includes both the words “pom pom” and “love” in the show title will entice me anytime. That “Love from Mt. Pom Pom” is an art installation done by renowned Japanese artist Misaki Kawai is the clincher. This young artist has made has made a splash with her multi-media whimsical work all over the world including her wildly imaginative space stations and airplanes for Deitch Projects in 2004. In her first solo presentation in the U.S. since 2007, Kawai’s exhibition takes place during her 3-Month Museum Residency at The Children’s Museum of the Arts (CMA).
Details: The Children’s Museum of the Arts (CMA). 103 Charlton Street New York, NY 10014 (212) 274-0986
Admission and Hours: The museum is open to the public: Monday and Wednesday, 12PM to 5PM; Thursday and Friday 12 PM to 6PM; Saturday and Sunday, 10AM to 5PM. Closed Tuesday. Admission: Adults $10; Children $10; Seniors, Infants (0-12mos) Free. Thursdays 4-6 PM, pay-as-you-wish.
Friday, May 25th — 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, May 26th — 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.p
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, May 26th — July 8th: various times
Keith Haring Exhibit at The Brooklyn Museum
Head to the Morris A. and Meyer Schapiro Wing, 5th Floor to visit this exhibit. The exhibition chronicles the period in Haring’s career from his arrival in New York City through the years when he started his studio practice and began making public and political art on the city streets. Pieces on view include a number of very early works never before seen in public; seven video pieces, including Painting Myself into a Corner (his first video piece) and Tribute to Gloria Vanderbilt; and collages created from cut-up fragments of his own writing, history textbooks, and newspapers. One mother, Gretchen, cautioned that, “It features a lot of his angry work including beastiality and I found it inappropriate for young kids. The tiny partition has two great videos of him painting a canvas on the floor, but the rest of the room is peppered with older content kind of stuff and there’s only one way in and out. Ended up with a nice reason to see the collection at BMA though.” Perhaps 10 years and up is best for this one.
Details: 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn. Telephone: 718.638.5000. Visit the website for more information.
All Summer
Food’s up
One of the best changes to Brooklyn Bridge Park last year was the addition of great food vendors. What is still missing: shade! A lot of the vendors will be opening this weekend so it’s a perfect time to head to the park, or hop on the ferry or just chill and score a great lunch. I will be heading to my favorites Bark Hot Dogs and Ditch Plains and summer wouldn’t be complete without an ice cream from Uncle Louie G or Blue Marble. The full list of park vendors and their operating hours is here.
FRIDAY MAY 25TH
Friday, May 25th from 11:30am — 12:00pm
Story Time with Jordan at powerHouse Arena
Join in the fun on Fridays as powerHouse Children’s Book Specialist Jordan Nielsen reads from some of our favorite kids books. It’s a perfect pre-nap activity, if you ask me. Please note: RSVP is highly recommended.
Details: 37 Main Street, Brooklyn. Recommended for ages 2-6. FREE for all. Contact:718.666.3049oremailkids@powerHouseArena.com. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, May 25th 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, May 25th 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, May 25th 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 MAY 26TH
Saturday, May 26th 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,contactfriendscglibrary@gmail.com or visit their website.
Saturday, May 26th from 11:00am — 4:00pm
Animal Tales Extravaganza at The Bronx Zoo
This event is SO. MUCH. FUN! Join us for an extravaganza of animal-themed entertainment featuring your favorite children’s entertainers during weekends this spring. From Broadway’s Avenue Q, come see the family-friendly puppet show Avenue Zoo. March in a fantastical Rainforest Creature Parade, stop by for a meet-and-greet with characters from beloved children’s books and shows, and enjoy animal yoga stretches and crafts activities. Please note: This weekend, visitors can meet Buddy, The T-Rex on Astor Court! Woohoo!
Details: 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. All ages welcomed. Cost: FREE with zoo admissions. Contact: 718.367.1010. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, May 26th at 11:00am
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, May 26th at 11:30am
Meet Illustrator Kris Di Giacomo at McNally Jackson Books
Meet award-winning artist Kris Di Giacomo as she celebrates her newest collaboration, My Dad is Big and Strong But . . . (author Coralie Saudo, illustrator Kris Di Giacomo; translated from the French by Claudia Zoe Bedrick). Kris will lead a dynamic art workshop, share the secrets of her inventive style, and help kids incorporate humor into their art. Sounds like fun, no?
Details: 52 Prince Street, NYC. Ages 3 –8. FREE for all. Contact: 212.274.1160. Visit the website for more information.
Sturday, May 26th from 12:00pm — 4:00pm
8th Opening Weekend Family Festival on Governor’s Island
Take the ferry from Pier 6 Brooklyn Bridge Park starting at 11am (it will run continuously every 20 minutes) and enjoy music, theater, dance, arts & crafts, face painting, maritime activities and more! There will be a free bike helmet fitting and giveaway with NYC DOT! (while supplies last). There will also be performances throughout the day! So be sure to arrive ready for some fun!
Details: Governor’s Island, Nolan Park, NYC. All are welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 646.820.7556 or governorsisland@rpa.org. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, May 26th from 12:00pm — 6:00pm
Celebrate Fleet Week and the Centenial of War of 1812 at Building 92, Brooklyn Navy Yard
Enjoy Memorial Day Weekend at BLDG 92 as they commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812. Activities include:
12:30 – 1:00 Boat Christening: Shipbuilding is back at the Navy Yard. Community Boathouse Boat Building Project and Benjamin Banneker Academy christen Yard-built 14’ rowboat. Enjoy Star-Spangled Celebration with special performances by students from the Benjamin Banneker Academy. FREE
1:00 – 2:00 “Yard Inspectors” Tour. Guides take visitors on a Yard-wide adventure. Follow clues throughout to uncover the Yard’s hidden treasures. Perfect for children ages 6 to 14. Limited capacity, special Memorial Day weekend prices: $18/adult, $9/children.
2:30 – 4:30 Brooklyn Navy Yard Bus Tour. Take the tour that New York Magazine just voted BEST TOUR in New York, 2012. $30/person, 10% member discount.
3:00 – 3:45 Factory Tour and Blacksmith Demo: Celebrate the history and future of craftsmanship on a behind-the-scenes Tour of Ferra Design studios and a blacksmithing demonstration. Sign-up at the front desk-space is limited. Free.
4:30 – 5:00 Author Talk: Join renowned historian and author, Steve Jaffe, as he discusses the dynamic role of the Brooklyn Navy Yard during the War of 1812. Signed copies of his book, New York at War: Four Centuries of Combat, Fear and Intrigue in Gotham will be available for purchase. $10/person, 50% member discount.
Details: 63 Flushing Avenue, Unit 300, Brooklyn. Ages 5 and up. FREE admissions with some fees for special events. Contact: info@bldg92.org. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, May 26th from 1pm — 3pm
Fleet Week Navy Diving Demonstrations at the New York Aquarium
Celebrate Fleet Week with expert Navy Divers. Members of the Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) will hold exciting and educational diving exhibitions. All demonstrations will be narrated, and Navy officials will be available to answer questions from the public. Note: 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. near Explore the Shore Plaza.
Details: Surf Avenue & West 8th Street, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE with admissions. Contact: 718.265.3474. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, May 26th from 1pm — 4pm
Potato Planting Days at Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park
Help spread manure, till soil, and plant potatoes. Once the planting is done, wash up, and churn some fresh butter and spread it on freshly baked cornbread made on-site over an open fire. Yum!
Details: Willink entrance (Ocean/Flatbush Aves. & Empire Blvd.), Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 718.789.2822 or lefferts@prospectpark.org. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, May 26th 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, May 26th from 2:30pm — 3:30pm
Race Around the Farmyard at Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park
The whole family can participate in potato sack races, stilts, and other old fashioned games. Talk about a fun Sunday afternoon!
Details: Willink Entrance at Flatbush and Ocean Avenue, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Telephone: 718.789.2822. Visit the website for more information.
SUNDAY MAY 27TH
Sunday, May 27th beginning at 11am
DanceAfrica: African Dance Workshops at BAM Cafe
Get ready to move because you’re in for a treat! Members of the DanceAfrica 2012 visiting company Ammamere Mma Dance Theater (from Ghana) and Chuck Davis will lead two workshops on dance and music. The event will be held in Lepercq Space at BAM Café. Note: Space is limited and pre-payment is required. Tickets are not available at the box office so call (718) 636-4130 x1 Mon-Fri 10 am—5 pm to purchase tickets.
Details: 30 Lafayette Avenue (between St. Feliz Street and Ashland Place), Brooklyn. Ages 5 and up. Cost: $10/adults; $5/children 15 and under. Contact: 718.636.4100. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, May 27th from 11:00am — 4:00pm
Animal Tales Extravaganza at The Bronx Zoo
This event is SO. MUCH. FUN! Join us for an extravaganza of animal-themed entertainment featuring your favorite children’s entertainers during weekends this spring. From Broadway’s Avenue Q, come see the family-friendly puppet show Avenue Zoo. March in a fantastical Rainforest Creature Parade, stop by for a meet-and-greet with characters from beloved children’s books and shows, and enjoy animal yoga stretches and crafts activities. Please note: This weekend, visitors can meet Buddy, the T-Rex on Astor Court! Woohoo!
Details: 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. All ages welcomed. Cost: FREE with zoo admissions. Contact: 718.367.1010. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, May 27th at 11:00am
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, May 27th at 12:00pm — 1:00pm
Story Time at Books of Wonder
Each week, they choose several books (based on the age of the children attending) and sit down with children and their parents.
Details: 18 West 18th Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 212.989.3270oremailstore@booksofwonder.com. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, May 27 – Sunday, June 24, 2012: 10 am – 12 pm Weekly on Sunday
Bike New York
I love the Learn to Ride program for kids- it’s the best method I have ever seen for a kid to learn riding a 2 wheeler. My kid got up on his bike right away with absolutely no crashes. Seems like a pretty easy way to get on your 2 wheeler compared to the way we all used to learn! Every Sunday the Learn to Ride program will be available through the end of June. This is a free group class and is limited to 15 children. You don’t have to have a bike to participate as bikes are provided by Bike and Roll for free! Attendees must use bikes provided, cannot bring their own.
Details: Pre-registration required at Bike NY’s website. All classes are held on the Pier 1 Uplands, accessed by the greenway and adjacent to the restrooms.
Sunday, May 27th from 1:00pm — 3:00pm
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, May 27th from 1pm — 4pm
Potato Planting Days at Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park
Help spread manure, till soil, and plant potatoes. Once the planting is done, wash up, and churn some fresh butter and spread it on freshly baked cornbread made on-site over an open fire. Yum!
Details: Willink entrance (Ocean/Flatbush Aves. & Empire Blvd.), Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 718.789.2822 or lefferts@prospectpark.org. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, May 27th from 2:00pm — 3:00pm
Nature’s Helpers at Prospect Park Audubon Center
Since it’s so nice out, spend time outside enjoying nature while helping to keep the Park clean. Gloves, garbage bags, and trash grabbers will be provided.
Details: Lincoln Road/Ocean Avenue entrance. All are welcomed. FREE for all. Telephone: 718.287.3400. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, May 27th at 2:30pm and 4:30pm
Mario the Magician’s Family Magic Show at Space on White
Abracadabra! Join Mario the Magician for an uplifting, inventive, and highly interactive magical performance for the young and young-at-heart! Part retro, part rock and roll, Mario is an artist and inventor who creates his own props. Mario’s old world looks and physical comedy style are reminiscent of his heroes, Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, but he puts a thoroughly modern spin on everything he does. Note: advance ticket purchase highly recommended.
Details: 81 White Street, NYC. Ages 3 — 11. Cost: $10/children; $20/adults. Contact: 917.605.0662 or katie@mariothemagician.com. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, May 27th from 2:30pm — 3:30pm
Race Around the Farmyard at Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park
The whole family can participate in potato sack races, stilts, and other old fashioned games. Talk about a fun Sunday afternoon!
Details: Willink Entrance at Flatbush and Ocean Avenue, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Telephone: 718.789.2822. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, May 27th 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, May 27th 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.