Weekend Events: Muppet Movie Sing-A-Long, Polar Opposites Puppet Show, Spiders Alive!, and Loads More!

Yayoi Kusama at her Whitney show. Try to see the Fireflies piece if you go there. Your kids will be stunned and you will too!

Happy Friday everyone! This weekend we’ve rounded up a great deal of fun activities for the entire family to enjoy. If you’re a museum lover, then this weekend, get ready to go gaga! There’s a new exhibit at The American Museum of Natural History AND at the MOMA plus the ongoing exhibit at the Whitney that we hear children are going gaga over.  On Friday, head to the Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6 for the Polar Opposites Puppet Show. On Saturday, gather the family and get your singing voices ready for the Muppet Movie Sing-A-Long at Prospect Park. On Sunday, take the little ones on a Kiddie Cruise: A Princess and Pirate Adventure or to Weeksville for Family Day with tons of activities to keep you all entertained and learning.   Don’t forget to visit our events calendar and music listings for more things to do. Have a great weekend!

ONGOING

Saturday, July 28th – September 15: 10:30am — 4:30 pm
Boating Opens for the Season
Starting this Saturday, you can get out on the water for kayaking with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse at the Pier 1 Boat Basin. Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present. Last sign-up is an hour before closing time. Boating will recur every Saturday until September 1, 2012.
Details: Saturdays, June through September 15 (except for September) FREE More info.

All Summer
Williamsburg Flea
The Williamsburg Flea is a Sunday ritual for our family: with super finds and delicious food vendors, you can spend a whole day just noshing and looking. Located between North 6th and North 7th Streets just south of East River State Park, the Flea is a must-see destination when you get off the ferry. Take a moment to take in the fabulous skyline as well.
Details: Sunday, 10am-5pm, Rain or Shine East River Waterfront (btw. North 6 + 7 St.)

All Summer
Smorgasburg
For gourmands everywhere, Smorgasburg in Williamsburg has become a destination to taste artisan foods and snatch up unique housewares.  Every Saturday at the East River, thousands come to see and taste the vendors’ wares and chow with their friends.
Details: Saturday, 11am-6pm, Rain or Shine  East River Waterfront (btw. North 6 + 7 St.)

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.

All Summer 10am — 6pm
Field Station: Dinosaurs
9 minutes from Manhattan and 90 million years back in time… That’s what Field Station: Dinosaurs is! My son and I had the opportunity to visit this outdoor attraction a few weeks ago and we absolutely loved it! Field Station: Dinosaurs is a world-class family attraction that combines cutting-edge science with the creative minds of great artists and teachers to create a one-of-kind experience that’s thrilling, educational and fun. There are over thirty life-sized, realistic dinosaurs (including the ninety foot long Argentinosaurus, the largest animatronic dinosaur ever made) that come to life. It’s like a museum, outdoors. And it’s totally cool!
Details: Secaucus, NJ. Cost: $20/adults; $17.50/children 3-12; FREE/children 2 and under. Visit the websitefor more information.

Saturdays in July and August at 1pm & 3pm
Sundays in July and August at 2pm
Macy’s Fishing Clinics at Prospect Park!
The decades-old Macy’s Fishing Contest has become the new and improved Macy’s Fishing Clinics! This exciting program offers kids quality fishing instruction. Children 15 and under will learn about the recreational sport of fishing, fishing safety, and fish-friendly techniques, all while casting their lines on a spectacular summer day in the Park! Kids must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Details: Prospect Park. Call (718) 287-3400 x303 for details.

All Summer Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm — 4pm
Habana Works at Habana Outpost
Habana Works is a non-profit organization that provides free, hands-on programs that celebrate urban environmentalism as a means of contributing to an educated, happy and engaged community in downtown Brooklyn. A major part of Habana Works is The Kid’s Corner. This is a weekend program that offers free, creative crafts and workshops that teach environmentalism, wellness and community to neighborhood children. All Kid’s Corner activities are held outdoors in the Habana Outpost courtyard. The Kids Corner staff creates recycled art with kids for FREE and will make your visit as a parent a much more enjoyable experience.
Details: 757 Fulton Street, Brooklyn. All are welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, July 27th – 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, July 28th — November 2012
Gazillion Bubble Show at New World Stages Theater
You’ve seen how your kids react to bubbles. Now, imagine how they would react to seeing people inside bubbles, or lasers shooting through bubbles, or bubbles within bubbles?!  They will be enthralled…and so will you. The Gazillion Bubble Show in Manhattan, is all about bubble magic and everyone from David Letterman to Oprah thinks the show is pretty fantastic.
Details: 340 West 50^th Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: $44.50 -$89.50 (VIP package). Purchase tickets: Telecharge at 212.239.6200 or at www.telecharge.com. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, July 27th — January 2013 from 10:30am — 4:30pm (every hour on the half hour)
IMAX: Flying Monsters at The American Museum of Natural History
Let Sir David Attenborough be your guide as you fly alongside reptiles with 40-foot-wing spans and find out how pterosaurs took to the skies in the Age of Dinosaurs.
Details: Central Park West at 79th Street. All are welcomed. Cost: $25/adults; $19/students, seniors; $14.50/children ages 2-12. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, July 29th — November 5th: various times
Century of the Child: Growing By Design Exhibit at The Museum of Modern Art
Taking place in The Joan and Preston Robert Tisch Exhibition Gallery, sixth floor. MoMA’s survey of 20th century design for children. The exhibition will bring together areas underrepresented in design history and often considered separately, including school architecture, clothing, playgrounds, toys and games, children’s hospitals and safety equipment, nurseries, furniture, and books.
Details: 11 West 53 Street, NYC. All are welcomed. FREE with museum admission. Contact: (212) 708-9400. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, July 28th — December 2nd: various times
Spiders Alive! at The American Museum of Natural History
Among the live spiders visitors will encounter are the goliath bird eater; the western black widow; and species from other arachnid orders, including African whip spiders. Spiders Alive! will explore spiders’ silk, venom, and little-known defensive mechanisms such as mimicry. The exhibition will include larger-than-life models, videos, interactive exhibits, and fossils.
Details: Central Park West at 79th Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: Ticket includes museum admission and Spiders Alive exhibit: $25 adults; $14.50 children; $19 seniors/students. Contact: 212-769-5100. Visit the website for more information.

ALL WEEKEND

Saturday, July 28th and Sunday, July 29th at 12pm-2pm and 4pm-6pm
Weekend Family Programs at The Brooklyn Bridge Park
Come explore Pier 6 and Main Street with the Playground Associates who lead educational based activities. There are different themes each weekend. Please note: This weekend is all about puppets! Participants can get imaginative and create their own paper puppets.
Details: Pier 6 and Main Street, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 222-9939. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, July 27th — Sunday, July 29th: various times
Ropes, Whips, and Songs About Cows at Canal Park Playhouse
Champion trick roper twirler, bull-whip master and premiere showman of the western arts Chris McDaniel brings the excitement of the Wild West to Canal Park Playhouse. Filled with rope tricking, whip cracking, gun spinning, and songs from the Wild West, McDaniel takes audiences on an action-packed adventure through the legendary frontier. Please note: The performance schedule is Fridays at 7PM, Saturdays at 1PM, 4PM & 7PM and Sundays at 1PM & 4PM.
Details: 508 Canal Street, NYC. Recommended for ages 3 –11. CoNYCst: $20. Contact: 866-811-4111. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, July 27th from 8pm — 10pm
Saturday, July 28th from 1:30pm — 3:30pm
The Joffrey Ballet School Summer Performance at Symphony Space
The Joffrey Ballet School Summer 2012 Ballet Intensive Performance will present new works from world renowned choreographers and repertoire works from master choreographers such as Gerald Arpino. The performance is a fast-paced, eclectic, music video-like spectacular with works created by Tony nominated, and award-winning choreographers, as well as the works of emerging New York City-based artists.
Details: 2537 Broadway, NYC. Ages 5 and older. Cost: $45. Contact: 212.864.5400. Visit the website for more information.

FRIDAY JULY 27TH

Friday, July 27th from 10am — 11:30am and 1pm — 3pm
Brooklyn Public Library: Kids Mobile at Prospect Park Kids Corner
Brooklyn Public Library’s colorful Kidsmobile, a children’s library on wheels, is busy at schools, daycare centers, Headstart and after school programs and community events.
Schedule: Prospect Park Children’s Corner at Flatbush Avenue and Empire Boulevard, Across from the Carousel.
Details: Flatbush Avenue and Empire Boulevard, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 718-253-4948. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, July 27th from 10:30am — 11:30am
Shine and The Moonbeams at Sara D. Roosevelt Park
Shine & The Moonbeams features the best of soul music revamped. They invite kids to stomp their feet, clap their hands, and sing.
Details: E. Houston St. to Canal St. between Chrystie St. and Forsyth St., NYC. Recommended for preschool children. FREE for all. Contact: (212) 360-CPSS or Arts@CityParksFoundation.org. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, July 27th from 10:30am — 12:30pm
Polar Opposites Puppet Show at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6
Antarctica and the Arctic Circle are two sides of the world that look and feel the same. Different types of animals call these icy lands home. Explore the similarities and differences! Presented by the Wildlife Theater Company.
Details: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6. All are welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 222-9939 or brooklynbridgepark@bbpnyc.org. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, July 27th from 11am — 7pm
Kids Create! at the Brooklyn Bridge Park
Join Playground Associates on Pier 6 and Main Street for creative and captivating activities that are fun for the whole family!
Details: Brooklyn Bridge Park. Pier 6 and Main Street. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 222-9939. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, July 27th 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: 718.666.3049 or email kids@powerHouseArena.com. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, July 27th 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, July 27th from 3:30pm — 5:30pm
Basketball at Nelson A. Rockefeller Park
Basketball with adjustable height hoops for kids of all sizes, plus fun drills to improve your skills. Closed-toed shoes required.
Ages 5 and 6: Fridays, June 1-Oct. 26 (except 5/25, 8/31, 10/5), 3:30-4:30pm
Ages 7 and up: Fridays, June 1-Oct. 26 (except 5/25, 8/31, 10/5), 4:30-5:30pm
Details: North end of Battery Park City, west of River Terrace, NYC. Two sessions: 5-6 or 7 and up. FREE for all. Contact: 212.267.9700. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, July 27th 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, July 27th from 5:30pm — 7:30pm
Friday Family Jam Series at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Mainstage performances are from 6:30–7:15pm, with storytelling programs at 5:30–6:00pm and themed pre-show performances from 6:00–6:30pm. Today participants can enjoy Squeaky Clean Beach Party — rock-and-roll and have fun in the sun… and jam to the summer sounds of the Beach Boys, Beatles and more, all played with live instruments!
Details: 145 Brooklyn Avenue , Brooklyn NY. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 735-4400. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, July 27th from 6:00pm — 7:30pm
Family Friday Pizza and Movie Night at Charlotte’s Place
Charlotte’s Place hosts their free monthly Family Friday Pizza & Movie Night. This month’s screening is Shrek, where an ogre finds his swamp overrun with fairytale creatures and decides to take matters into his own hands. He makes a deal with Lord Farquaad to bring Princess Fiona back to the kingdom in exchange for a peaceful home. After enlisting the help of a talkative donkey, Shrek rescues the beautiful yet difficult Princess Fiona. On their journey back, they both realize they have more in common than it first appears.
Details: 107 Greenwich Street, between Carlisle and Rector, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: info@trinitywallstreet.org. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, July 27th 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.

Friday, July 27th from 7pm –8pm
Waterfront Workouts: Belly Dance at The Brooklyn Bridge Park
Dance to Middle Eastern rhythms while learning traditional movements and combinations. Class focuses on the core muscles, emphasizing muscular isolations.
Details: Brooklyn Bridge Park. All adults welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, July 27th at 8:30pm
Hudson River Park’s River Flicks for Kids at Pier 46
This outdoor series features family oriented movies. Films are rated PG. Movies begin at dusk (generally around 8:30pm). Free popcorn. Today’s participants can enjoy Hugo!
Details: Cross at Charles Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 212-627-2020. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, July 27th through the Friday before Labor Day at 9:30pm
Coney Island Fireworks
A great summer event for older kids. Fireworks shoot off at 9:30pm every Friday night during the season.
Details: Coney Island Boardwalk at 10th St. For additional information, please visit: www.coneyisland.com/tourism.shtml.

SATURDAY JULY 28TH

Saturday, July 28th beginning at 9:30am
Circle Line Kids Cruises
This summer families can enjoy a 75 minute cruise to the Statue of Liberty with a kid friendly interactive live tour guide. The cruise includes: juggler, magician & balloon artist, live musician, snap a pic with Statue of Liberty, kid friendly interactive tour guide, meet and greet with The Berenstain Bears Live!, kid friendly food & drink for purchase, and prizes and giveaways! Today, attendees can meet Danna Banana!
Details: West 42nd Street & 12th Avenue, NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: Adult/$28, Ages 3-12/$20, 2 and under FREE. Contact: (212) 563-3200. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, July 28th from 10am — 12pm
High Line Kids: Arty Hours at 23rd Street Lawn
Between the rich colors and textures you’ll find in the planting beds to the unique site-specific art works curated by High Line Art, the High Line holds inspiration for creative minds of all ages. During Arty Hours, families are invited to drop-in to experiment with painting, drawing, and building materials from our Art Hub to create their own masterpieces to take home. Then, join for a hunt for High Line Art works spread throughout the park.
Details: On the High Line between West 22nd and West 23rd Streets, NYC. Ages 4 and up. FREE for all. Contact: 212.206-9922. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, July 28th from 10am — 2pm
Solar One Family Day: Eco Art at Stuyvesant Cove Park
Brace yourself for Eco-art activities for kids and families! Make cardboard animal masks, estuary puppets, leaf people, watercolor paintings and much more! RSVP to daisy@solar1.org.
Details: 24-20 FDR Service Road East, NYC. All are welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 212.505.6050.

Saturday, July 28th 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, July 28th at 11am
Moona Luna Concert at Greenwood Playground
Everyone, get ready to get your groove on and dance the morning away to bilingual beats… right before that afternoon nap!
Details: Greenwood Playground. All are welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, July 28th at 11am
Storytime at Greenlight Bookstore
Saturday Story Time is geared toward kids ages 3 to 8 and their families. Authors and illustrators of picture books often visit us on Saturdays to read from their new books, and neighborhood performers sometimes read as well. There are always great stories and sometimes activities and crafts too!
Details: 686 Fulton Street (at South Portland), Brooklyn. Ages 3 to 8. FREE for all, but seating is on a first come, first served basis. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, July 28th from 11am — 4pm
Lincoln Center Out of Doors Family Day
Head to Lincoln Center’s Josie Robertson Plaza for family day! Here is a schedule of events:
11:00, 12:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 — POLYGLOT THEATRE: TANGLE
2:00, 3:30 — CHINESE AMERICAN ARTS COUNCIL ACROBATIC GROUP: FROM CHINATOWN WITH LOVE
2:30, 4:00 — BINDLESTIFF FAMILY CIRKUS
Details: Between West 62nd and 65th Streets at Lincoln Center, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (212) 875-5456. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, July 28th from 11am — 10pm
Warren County Farmer’s Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival
Brooklynites, pack up the family and get ready to head to Jersey! The Warren County Farmers’ Fair is Celebrating 75 Years Old-Fashioned Fun at Old-Fashioned Prices. The event also includes a Hot Air Balloon Festival with a mass hot air balloon inflation each evening that is included in the admission price. Main Arena attractions also include two demolition derbies, an ATV and Truck Mud Bog, along with Truck and Tractor Pulls. The fair has a Kids Corral little ones with craft making, clown shows, contests and more included in the admission price. There is also a Hay Bale Rolling competition.
Details: County Route 519, New Jersey 08865. All are welcomed. Cost: $6/adult; $4/ages 5-12; free/4 and under. Contact: Giulia Lannitelli at 908-859-6563. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, July 28th at 12 pm
Animation Block Party at BAM
The ninth annual Animation Block Party will run July 27-29, 2012 at Rooftop Films and BAMcinématek.  Animation Block Party is the largest animation festival on the East Coast, dedicated to screening the world’s best professional, student and independent work of all genres. A special screening at noon will feature Animation for Kids (also showing 12pm on Sunday).  On Saturday, July 28th – there will be an ABP Animation and Art Trade Show at BAMcinématek. Festival movie tickets must be purchased, but the Saturday Trade Show is 100% free, open to the public and will run from 12pm-8pm. Trade show attendees will include Sakura color products, Lush Comics, Greenlight Bookstore, By Brooklyn, Maorinette, Green Mountain Energy, Stop Motion in New York (SMNY), Baked in Brooklyn, T33ZE plus numerous craft-makers and independent vendors.
Details: BAMcinématek, 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11217.

Saturday, July 28th from 2pm — 3pm
Ezra Jack Keats Story Hour at Imagination Playground in Prospect Park
Join in the fun every Saturday in July and August! Gather around Peter and Willy, the statue of two beloved Keats characters, for storytelling adventures.
Details: Ocean Avenue between Parkside Avenue and Lincoln Road, Brooklyn. All are welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 287-3400. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, July 28th from 2pm – 5pm
Books Ahoy: A Literary Celebration for Mermaids and Pirates The LILAC at Pier 25
BOOKS AHOY! will feature a three hour tour of great children’s lit, read by many of today’s most wonderful children’s book authors. Presented open-house style on the deck of THE LILAC, a historic steam tender permanently moored to Pier 25, kids 3-10 accompanied by an adult are welcome to come and go as they please, with crafts aboard ship and free face painting to anyone who arrives in nautical-themed costume! Books will be available for signings, profits to benefit the authors as well as Bluestockings, an independent bookstore. Rain date Sunday July 29th. Sponsored by Pen Parentis, an association that provides resources to authors who are also parents.
Details: Hudson River at N. Moore Street, NYC. Ages 3–10. FREE for all. Contact: info@penparentis.org. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, July 28th 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, July 28th at 3:00pm
Going for The Gold at The Scholastic Store SoHo
Celebrate the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics at the Scholastic Store with the new novel, Gold Medal Summer! Show off your skills during our limbo tournament, compete in our pass-the-torch relay race, and design your very own medal!
Details: 557 Broadway, NYC. Ages 5 and up. FREE for all. Contact: 212-343-6166. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, July 28th at 7:30pm
The Muppet Movie Sing-A-Long/ Loser’s Lounge at Prospect Park Bandshell
Before THE MUPPET MOVIE, there will be a musical salute to The Muppets by Loser’s Lounge. The whole night is a sing-along. All performances are rain or shine. In the event of dangerous weather, updates will be communicated on the website. Please note: Doors will open at 6:30pm.
Details: 9th Street & Prospect Park West, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 718-683-5600. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, July 28th at 8pm
The Hot Club of San Francisco Concert at Kingsborough
The Hot Club of San Francisco will take you away to the small, smoky jazz clubs and the refined lounges of the famous Hotel Ritz in 1930s Paris. This highly-accomplished ensemble performs across the country from Lincoln Center to the Monterey Jazz Festival, celebrating the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli’s pioneering Hot Club de France. The HCSF borrows the instrumentation of violin, bass and guitars from the original Hot Club while breathing new life into the music with innovative arrangements of classic tunes and original compositions from the group’s superb lead guitarist Paul Mehling, dubbed the “Godfather of American gypsy jazz.” Featuring the amazing violin of twice Grammy Award winner Evan Price and a swinging rhythm section. Once you hear the sometimes flamboyant, sometimes melancholy music of Postcards from Gypsyland, you can’t forget it. Please Note: A limited number of seats are available, but all are welcome to bring blankets and folding chairs for our grassy areas as well. Picnicking is welcomed!
Details: 2001 Oriental BLVD, Brooklyn. All are welcomed. FREE admissions and parking. Rain location: Leon M. Goldstein Performing Arts Center. Contact: 718.386.5596. Visit the website for more information.

SUNDAY JULY 29TH

Sunday, July 29th at 9am
Hudson River Park Wild at Pier 40
Learn about Hudson River Park’s wildlife by joining experienced Hudson River Park naturalists on guided nature walks along the park’s esplanade. Nature walks last approximately one hour. Nature guides will meet participants at the entrance to Pier 40 at 9am sharp. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Participants can expect to walk about 1 ½ – 2 miles. Loud noises and barking tend to startle wildlife and reduce viewing opportunities – please be considerate and leave your dog at home.
Details: Hudson River Park, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 212-627-2020. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, July 29th from 10am — 5pm
Nostalgia Ride: Coney Island Bound at The New York Transit Museum
Join the New York Transit Museum on their ever popular, boardwalk-bound Coney Island Nostalgia Train. Ride the R1/9 cars of the Independent Subway System above and below ground for a two-hour jaunt. Then either de-board and visit Coney Island’s beach-side amusement park, take a dip in the ocean, or stay on the train for additional rides.
Details: Corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. Cost: $50/adults; $25/children – discounts available for museum members. Contact: laura.kujo@nyct.com. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, July 29th 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, July 29th from 11am — 12:30pm
Seining the River Wild at The Brooklyn Bridge Park
Watch scientists use a 20 foot seining net to catch and release fish and other East River creatures. Please RSVP to the email address.
Details: Main Street Waterfront, Brooklyn. All are welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 222-9939 or rsvp@bbpc.net. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, July 29th at 12 pm
Animation Block Party at BAM
The ninth annual Animation Block Party will run July 27-29, 2012 at Rooftop Films and BAMcinématek.  Animation Block Party is the largest animation festival on the East Coast, dedicated to screening the world’s best professional, student and independent work of all genres. A special screening at noon will feature Animation for Kids (also showing 12pm on Sunday).  On Saturday, July 28th – there will be an ABP Animation and Art Trade Show at BAMcinématek. Festival movie tickets must be purchased, but the Saturday Trade Show is 100% free, open to the public and will run from 12pm-8pm. Trade show attendees will include Sakura color products, Lush Comics, Greenlight Bookstore, By Brooklyn, Maorinette, Green Mountain Energy, Stop Motion in New York (SMNY), Baked in Brooklyn, T33ZE plus numerous craft-makers and independent vendors.
Details: BAMcinématek, 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11217.

Sunday, July 29th 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: 212.989.3270 or emailstore@booksofwonder.com. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, July 29th from 12pm –3pm
Kiddie Cruise: A Princess and Pirate Adventure (Boards at Pier 40)
Kiddie cruise is a two hour cruise on The Queen of Hearts with spectacular views of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty. There will be face painting, arts and crafts, live music/karaoke, magic shows and more. Children are encouraged to dress up according to the theme for fun- but it’s not mandatory. Bagged lunches are provided for adults and children with a choice of turkey and cheese or jelly sandwich accompanied by chips or pretzels and fruit- very no frills. We went on this and it’s fun for the kids- not so relaxing for the adults. After 45 minutes, I was looking for a way off while the kids ran around like crazy having a blast.
Details: Houston Street and West Side Highway, NYC. Ages 2–9. Cost: $35. Contact: 212-987-9200. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, July 29th from 12pm — 5pm
Family Day at Weeksville Heritage Center
Family Day includes the following fun events:
• Aisha Cousins and the Story Skirt Project
• Open Air Art Workshops – printmaking, collage making and more
•Face painting
• Horse back rides with the Black Cowboy Federation
• Turn of the Century Toys for all to enjoy
• Live DJ’s playing family friendly music
• Delicious Foods and Treats, and giveaways!!!
Details: 1698 Bergen Street, Brooklyn. All are welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 718-756-5250  or email events@weeksvilleociety.org.

Sunday, July 29th from 4pm — 5pm
Waterfront Workouts: Zumba at The Brooklyn Bridge Park
lma Bonilla of the Dodge YMCA leads these high-energy classes on Pier 1 to get you moving. Zumba is a fusion of Latin and International music, utilizing dance themes that create a dynamic fitness program.
Details: Brooklyn Bridge Park. All adults welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, July 29th 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.