Hi everyone,
Hope everyone had fun in the snow!
So looks like life is settling down after all the busy days of the holidays! There are a few holiday events left like the Three Kings Day Parade tomorrow and events that are ending on the 12th are the Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History, the Gingerbread Lane at New York Hall of Science and Holiday Train Show at The New York Botanical Garden so be sure to check them out this week if you haven’t!
So this time of year we all want to be indoors so I have been updating the 2014 calendar with the drop in music, art, story times, yoga classes here in Brooklyn and NYC. A variety of drop ins are listed below like Stomp, Clap and Sing with Brian Barrentine at Brooklyn Public Central Library, a Singalong with Hopalong Andrew at Five Spot Soul Food and Banjo Sing Along with Spencer at Two Moon Art House & Cafe.
This week there are also a variety of free demos going on like Capoeira and Mini-Kickers Soccer at Sacred Studio, Naomi’s Music Together is also doing demos and it is Demo Week at Jugumos a Cantar
To see all fun events make sure to check out the calendar for all events this week in Brooklyn and NYC! If you have an event you can submit it to our calendar via this link. Also remember A Child Grows is on Facebook so like us for last minute events and news!
Stay warm & have a great week!
Deirdre (mom to O & C)
Monday January 6th
City Harvest Gingerbread Extravaganza at Le Parker Meridien (Midtown West)
Last day of view is Monday January 6th.
Marshmallows, Gum Drops and more! Check out the Gingerbread wonderland located in the 56th Street atrium of the lobby from now until January 6th all created by local bakeries and restaurants. This year’s theme is “Quintessential New York”. Purchase one ticket for $1 through the concierge desk to vote for your favorite. Drop it in the box to be entered for a chance to win a 5 night stay at the luxurious Parker Palm Springs. All proceeds benefit City Harvest, the world’s first food rescue organization, dedicated to feeding the city’s hungry men, women and children. To learn more, visit www.cityharvest.org.
Free Demo Mini-Kickers Soccer For Tots at Sacred Studio (Bedford Stuyvesant)
Mon Jan 6th 1015a free demo for 2 year olds, 1050a free demo for 3 year olds, 1125a for 4 year olds.
Park Slope United’s Mini Kickers classes are not only designed to introduce and build the elementary skills used in soccer, but also to enhance the child’s creativity, critical thinking skills, and confidence. Research has shown that movement which improves coordination and balance helps develop the cerebellum, which is later also used for higher-level thinking skills. Through fantasy based games—such as feeding the “hippos” (goals) “lettuce” (cones)—children are able to experience the confidence that comes from a feeling of autonomy and mastery. “Look mommy, I did it!” is the common refrain. To register for demo please click here.
37th Annual Three Kings Day Parade in El Barrio
Mon Jan 6th 11a-1230p. Free.
The parade route begins at 106th Street and Lexington Avenue and ends at 115th Street and Park Avenue. Come and experience the live camels, colorful puppets, parrandas, and dancing on this magical day. School groups, community members, local businesses, and families are encouraged to participate.
For more Monday events please click here!
Tuesday January 7th
Storytime Yoga at Pipsqueak Children’s Shoppe (Bedford Stuyvesant)
Tuesdays 1030a. $5.
We are happy to have all ages in the class. Those who are mobile can move on their own and those who are not can listen and move with the adult who brings them. There will be some reading, moving, singing and bubbles.
Stomp, Clap and Sing with Brian Barrentine at Brooklyn Public Central Library (Prospect Heights)
Tue Jan 7th 11a. Free. At Dweck Center. For birth to 5 yr old.
This musical program may cause clapping, dancing, laughing! Barrentine plays original music to encourage little ones to learn about other lands, people and cultures.
Sensory Room Family Hours at Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Crown Heights)
Tuesdays at 2p (also Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 2p) For all ages. Included in the price of admission.
Over, under, swing, and rock as you explore our newest space at BCM. Unlock doors on our Sensory Snake or relax and read on our fluff chair mountain This is an inclusive space that engages children of all abilities. This room provides a welcoming environment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Space is limited; availability on first come, first served basis.
For more fun Tuesday events click here!
Wednesday January 8th
Singalong with Hopalong Andrew at Five Spot Soul Food (Clinton Hill)
Wednesdays 1130a. Every day at 11:30am there is something for kids at Five Spot. It’s $10 a family and it includes a free buffet of light refreshments that includes fresh baked goods, fruit, and drinks.
Drop-In Sunshine Babies Music & Sign Language at Color BKLYN (Prospect Heights)
Wednesdays 315-4p. Drop-in classes are $20 each. For ages 3 months to 13 months.
Interactive Music and Developmental Play, plus real ASL for babies. Sign language is fun, great for babies language development and can reduce babies frustration as they learn to communicate their needs.
Free Capoeira Demo with Pena Verde at Sacred Studio (Bedford Stuyvesant)
Wed Jan 8th 4-5p free demo for ages 5-10y. To register for demo sign up here.
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines dance, gymnastics, and music. Kids who play Capoeira develop their coordinatice; flexibility; strength; and rhythm. They improve their creative thinking; self-confidence; and ability to work with others. They also develop a beginning Portuguese vocabulary by learning the movements and the music of Capoeira. Capoeira is extremely active and gives the kids the opportunity to express themselves in a fun and positive way!
For more fun Wednesday events click here!
Thursday January 9th
Transit Tots at New York Transit Museum (Dowtown Brooklyn)
Thursdays 1015a (except Feb 20 2014). Free with admission. For ages 2-5y with adult comapnions.
Stories, games and surprises for our youngest transportation fans.
YOGA For Toddlers at Brooklyn Public Leonard Library (Williamsburg)
Thursdays 1030a-1130a. Free. For 18 to 36 months.
YOGA For Toddlers at Brooklyn Public Leonard Library
Banjo Sing Along with Spencer at Two Moon Art House & Cafe (Park Slope)
Thursdays at 3p. $7/family, all ages welcome! Led by songwriter and performer Spencer Chandler, the weekly banjo singalong is a perfect place to sing some old songs, learn some new ones, and make friends in a warm, welcoming environment.
For more fun Thursday events click here!
Ongoing
All Aboard with Thomas & Friends™ at The New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Now until January 26th at various times. See website for schedule. Included with All-Garden Pass admission.
Join Thomas and Driver Sam on a new fun-filled, sing-along, mini performance adventure by helping them decorate the station in time for the big Sodor surprise party before the guest of honor arrives! Bring your camera to have a photo-op with Thomas and capture the special day!
Free Demo Week at Jugumos a Cantar (South Slope)
Free Demo Week: Jan 6-10, 2014. Visit our website for class details, days, and times.
Jugumos a Cantar serves the community with day school programs, music, playgroups, workshops, camps and special events. Our Spanish Immersion Programs and Classes are designed to provide an environment for children 6 months to 12 years old to learn Spanish through play, socialization, music and academics. All programs and classes are conducted by qualified Bilingual Teachers and Instructors.
Come and participate of our Free Demo Week! Classes range from music, art, food, movement, Capoira, and more. Visit our website for class details, days, and times.
Music Together Mixed Ages 0-5 Naomi’s Music (Brooklyn Heights)
Our first week of classes is Jan 6-10th. Join us for the session or sample a class in session for free. See website for schedule.
31st Annual Wreath Exhibition at the Arsenal Gallery in Central Park
Monday-Friday, 9a-5p, until January 9th except for city holidays, at 830 Fifth Ave at 64th Street. Free.
Wreath Interpretations – NYC Parks celebrates the holiday season with its 31st annual exhibition of unique, unconventional wreaths. A diverse selection of 47 fine artists, horticulturalists, designers, and other spirited contributors enliven this ageless holiday symbol. Neck ties, rat traps, acorns, recycled plastic bags and forged steel are among the many and varied materials used to examine themes as diverse as zombie apocalypses and water conservation. This exhibition is sure to be an imaginative and enjoyable experience this year’s holiday season.
Origami Holiday Tree 2013-2014 at the American Museum of Natural History (UWS)
Now until January 12th. Grand Gallery, near the 77th Street exit on the Museum’s first floor.
An annual tradition, the delightfully decorated Origami Holiday Tree has marked the start of the holiday season at the Museum for 40 years. The theme of this year’s tree is Wicked, Wild, and Wonderful, honoring the Museum’s new exhibition The Power of Poison. Volunteers begin folding in July to complete hundreds of creations that will be displayed on the tree. During the holiday season, volunteers will be on hand to teach visitors of all ages the art of paper folding.
Gingerbread Lane at New York Hall of Science (Flushing Meadows)
Now until January 12, 2014. Tuesday – Friday 9:30 am – 5 pm & Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
Marvel at homemade gingerbread houses that are drafted, designed, baked, planned, built and decorated by chef Jon Lovitch over the course of an entire year. GingerBread Lane, a 1.5 ton, 300-square-foot village made entirely of edible gingerbread, royal icing and candy, is a contender for the Guinness World Record for the largest gingerbread exhibit. The village includes an estimated 1,900 lbs. of icing, 400 lbs. of candy, and 500 lbs. of gingerbread dough. It is comprised of 152 gingerbread houses, 65 trees, four gingerbread cable cars, five gingerbread train cars, an underground candy subway station, candy trees and sugar signage. A behind-the-scenes window gives a peek into the makings of GingerBread Lane with ovens, models and ingredients made entirely from royal icing. Five two-foot-high nutcrackers, also made of royal icing, stand guard over the exhibit. Free with NYSCI admission.
Holiday Train Show at The New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Now until Janury 12, 2014. Weekdays: Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Weekends: 10 a.m.–7 p.m., including Friday, November 29 (day after Thanksgiving) (see website for all details on times during the holiday week) All-Garden Pass tickets start at $20 for Adults and $10 for Kids 2-12. See prices by date. Advance reservations are strongly recommended as tickets do sell out. Tickets are timed and sold in 15 minute increments.
Marvel at model trains zipping around New York landmark replicas made of plant parts such as nuts, bark, and leaves, and get an insider’s look at how the building replicas are constructed in The Artist’s Studio. Explore the exhibition in the warmth of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, enjoy hands-on holiday fun for the entire family, and get your holiday shopping done too—it’s a whole day of fun! View the full list of programs and activities
12th Annual Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal (Midtown East)
Now until February 23rd. M–F: 8a–8p, Saturday and Sunday: 10a–6p. (Closed for Christmas and New Year’s Day)
Trains are trips. Trips are adventures. This year memorable characters from Maira Kalman’s Next Stop Grand Central will be watching our Lionel trains as they zip, zap and whizz through their journey from Grand Central to the North Pole!
FREE THURSDAY HOURS at Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Crown Heights)
Thursdays 3p-5p for all ages.
Come join us for our FREE afternoon hours at the Museum, EVERY Thursday of the month! Free hours start at 3:00pm, and the Museum stays open until 5:00pm for all your fun exploring!
Free Admission Winter Weekdays at Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Crown Heights/Prospect Heights)
November–February Tuesday–Friday: 8a to 430p. Closed Mondays (but open Veterans Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and
Washington’s Birthday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Free admission to the Botanic Garden during the week November – February
To see all the events click here for the calendar!