Hi everyone!
Did you know July is the National Ice Cream Month and that today (the 20th) is National Ice Cream Day! Hope you enjoyed some ice cream today!
Theatreworks USA is starting Free Summer Theatre with The Lightning Thief at the Lucille Lortel Theatre this week and you can also see New York Classical Theatre: As You Like It for free in Battery Park during its last week! Also going on this week is the Fantastic Mr. Fox at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Syfy Movies with a View, SummerStage Kids Presents: Puppetmobile at Columbus Park, Red Hook Flicks at Valentino Pier showing of Hotel Transylvania and Batman Day at Midtown Comic locations!
This is just some of the fun events on the calendar so check it out for all the things going on in Brooklyn & New York City this week! Please remember to check with the venue to see if there are any cancellations or schedule changes. Don’t forget to like A Child Grows is on Facebook so like us for last minute events and news!
Happy Summer!
Deirdre (mom to O & C)
Monday July 21st
Theatreworks USA Presents: The Lightning Thief at Lucille Lortel Theatre (West Village)
Starts Monday July 21 at 1030a and is running various times until Friday August 22nd. See website for full schedule. Free. For 7y+
Let Theatreworks take you into a world with gods, monsters, and heroes! The Lightning Thief is a new musical adapted from the book, “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief”, by Rick Riordan. With the rights provided by Twentieth Century Fox, and through a special arrangement with the Lucille Lortel Theatre, Theatreworks is excited to bring this new musical adaptation to children and families in New York, with book by Joe Tracz and music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki, choreographed by Sam Pinkleton and directed by Stephen Brackett. The Lightning Thief features Percy Jackson, the 12-year-old son of Poseidon, who gets pulled into an unfamiliar, mythological world full of treacherous encounters and challenges thrust upon him by the Greek Gods. Percy struggles with dyslexia and ADHD, coming to terms with a father he has never known, and solving the mystery of Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt, alongside his two best friends Grover and Annabeth. Since this is a free performance please read the details on how to get tickets and the rules here on the website.
Art Adventure Mondays at The Jewish Museum (UES)
Mondays July 21st and ends July 28th 1130a-1230p. Free with museum admission. For ages 4y to 7y.
Explore the galleries with stories, sketching and exciting themes each week. July 21 – Picturing People – How can a person’s clothing, facial expression, and pose tell a story? Examine portraits throughout the museum including the work in Masterpieces & Curiosities: Diane Arbus’s Jewish Giant.
Hudson River Park’s River Rangers at Pier 25 (Tribeca)
Mondays 2-330p. Pier 25 at N. Moore St. Free.
Hudson River Park offers budding scientists ages 3 to 9 an opportunity to learn more about something they might not experience too often in Manhattan—the great outdoors! Hudson River Park’s environmental educators bring the opportunity to observe and explore through discovery-based science experiments and nature-inspired crafts. Hands-on learning and play activities for kids will vary from week to week and will include touch tanks, puzzles, science experiments and much more! Take advantage of this great opportunity to teach our youngest visitors about the environment and the world around them.
For more Monday events please click here!
Tuesday July 22nd
Drop-in Song Along w/ Dan Loomis- A Neighborhood at Lark (Flatbush/Prospect Park South)
Tuesdays 9-945a. $5/child.
“A Neighborhood is a Friendly Place” – Dan from the Dadbeats sings songs of our global neighborhood.
SummerStage Kids Presents: Puppetmobile at Columbus Park (Chinatown)
Tue July 22nd 1030-1130a. Free.
City Parks Foundation is excited to announce the return of its popular PuppetMobile production, Little Red’s Hood. Little Red’s Hood is a fresh retelling of the classic “Little Red Riding Hood” tale updated with a modern sensibility that will appeal to kids. The production features a dozen, hand-made marionettes crafted by the expert puppeteers from the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre. Like many of today’s children, Little Red is a smart, young city slicker who is to focused on her smartphone to notice her surroundings. Wulfric is a misunderstood wolf with a sweet tooth. When Little Red travels from New York City to the country to deliver some cupcakes to her Grandma, she encounters a colorful cast of characters as Wulfric the Wolf tries to head her off at the pass. Little Red’s Hood is directed by Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre’s Artistic Director Bruce Cannon and written by Liam Hurley.
Red Hook Flicks at Valentino Pier
Tuesday July 22nd and until August 26th. The movies start at around 830p or when it gets dark. Free.
Free movies on the water and under the watch of Lady Liberty! In case of rain, our kind sponsors at Home/Made will be hosting us at their event space Atelier Roquette, located at 63 Commerce Street, between Van Brunt and Richards. If it is raining, assume the movie will be at Atelier Roquette. If it was raining earlier, the grounds could still be mucky. Please check website for an official “rain” call by 6 p.m. on movie nights. July 22nd: Hotel Transylvania
For more fun Tuesday events click here!
Wednesday July 23rd
Midtown Comics Celebrates Batman Day! at Midtown Comis (Various locations)
Wed July 23rd all day.
Help Midtown Comics Celebrate The 75th Anniversary of the Dark Knight! Batman Day is Wednesday, July 23, and Midtown Comics is excited to celebrate this monumental event! Batman fans of all ages can come to any of our locations and find Batman comics, toys, merchandise, apparel, and more! Best of all, we’ll have a number of free Batman goodies from DC for you to enjoy! Holy Smokes, Batman! Find more info here.
Madeline’s Tea Party at DiMenna Children’s History Museum (UWS)
Wednesdays July 23rd 3–5p. See website for other upcoming dates. $40 per child ($35 per child Member); $50 per adult ($40 per adult Member)
Includes tea party and admission to Madeline in New York: The Art of Ludwig Bemelmans. Enjoy an afternoon of teas, crumpets, and the beloved children’s book Madeline! Families will choose from a uniquely crafted menu that evokes Paris while listening to some of their favorite Madeline books read aloud. They can then visit the special exhibition Madeline in New York: The Art of Ludwig Bemelmans.
Karma Kids Yoga Presented by Lollipop Moon (South Street Seaport)
Wednesdays 430-515p at 189 Front Street until September 3rd.
Parent & Child Yoga – strong walkers/runner-3 years old. Drop ins $35 per pair or can register – see website.
For more fun Wednesday events click here!
Thursday July 24th
Sing-a-longs with Mary Jo at Norman & Jules Backyard (Park Slope)
Thursdays 4-445p. $12/family.
MJ’s background in music, theater and comedy and children’s entertainment brings out the 0-5 year old in everyone. The backyard is intended for ages 6m to 6y. Caregivers must be with their children at all times. (outdoor event–in case of rain call first 347-987-3323)
Syfy: Movies with a View at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1
Thursdays July 24th. Free. Music at 6p & movie at sunset. Movie every Thursday until August 28th.
Another season of Brooklyn Bridge Park’s movie series takes place this summer on Thursdays at Pier 1′s Harbor View lawn. Each screening consists of a movie, a short film curated by BAMcinématek, DJs to kick off the evening and bike valet parking provided by Transportation Alternatives. Lawn capacity is limited, so arrive early for the best seats. July 24: Fantastic Mr. Fox
Victory Dance: Program B at at The New Victory Theater (Times Square)
Thu July 24th 7p. 60 minutes with no intermission. For audiences 8 and older. All seats are $10.
The New Victory Theater is thrilled to present Victory Dance, a series specifically curated to introduce younger audiences to the incredible artistry and diversity of dance in New York City. Each evening will feature a unique program of up to four different companies—all the more reason to see all three! Program B includes: LAVA Heart Beat Hoops by Sarah East Johnson, Monica Bill Barnes & Company I Love Vegas and Anna’s Interview by Monica Bill Barnes, Lil Buck The Swan by Lil Buck, Ballet Hispanico Sombrerísimo by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
For more fun Thursday events click here!
Ongoing
Theatreworks USA Presents: The Lightning Thief at Lucille Lortel Theatre (West Village)
Performances Monday July 21-Friday August 22nd at various times (no shows on Sat) See website for full schedule. Free. For ages 7y+
Let Theatreworks take you into a world with gods, monsters, and heroes! The Lightning Thief is a new musical adapted from the book, “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief”, by Rick Riordan. With the rights provided by Twentieth Century Fox, and through a special arrangement with the Lucille Lortel Theatre, Theatreworks is excited to bring this new musical adaptation to children and families in New York, with book by Joe Tracz and music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki, choreographed by Sam Pinkleton and directed by Stephen Brackett. The Lightning Thief features Percy Jackson, the 12-year-old son of Poseidon, who gets pulled into an unfamiliar, mythological world full of treacherous encounters and challenges thrust upon him by the Greek Gods. Percy struggles with dyslexia and ADHD, coming to terms with a father he has never known, and solving the mystery of Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt, alongside his two best friends Grover and Annabeth. Since this is a free event please read the information on the website about how to get tickets.
Free Summer Kids Film Series at Chelsea Cinema
Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10a now until August 20th. Seating starts at 9a. Free.
Absolutely Free Admission! Seating limited to theater capacity; tickets issued on a first come-first served basis. Films and schedules subject to change without notice. July 22 and 23 Ice Age 4 Continental Drift
KIDS Events for Everyone at Seward Park Volleyball Court (Lower East Side)
Tuesdays & Thursdays until July 31st 10-1130a. Free.
Tuesdays: Zumba and Capoeira for Kids. Join the Manny Cantor Fitness team for an action-packed, musical and fun drop in dance class. Thursdays: Summer Sidewalks in the Park. Dance, create chalk murals and pop bubbles with your neighbors under the sun.
$1 Movies at NYC various locations
Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10a from July 1st – August 27th.
Family fun movies playing on Tuesdays & Wednesdays for the summertime. Admission to these movies during the Summer Movie Express is only $1. Tickets must be purchased at the theater and all movies start at 10:00 am. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Will Rogers Institute. Search for a theater in your area to see where the Summer Movie Express is playing. NYC locations: Regal Atlas Park Stadium 8 in Glendale NY, UA Kaufman Astoria Cinemas 14 & RPX inAstoria NY, UA Sheepshead Bay Stadium 14 IMAX & RPX in Brooklyn NY. June 22nd & 23rd The Lego Movie & Free Birds
Bessies’s Big Shot at Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre (Central Park)
M-Sun now until August 24th M-F 1030a and 12p,Wed 1030a, 12p, & 230p Sat-Sun 1p. Tickets: $7 children under 12y & $10 all others. For all ages. Based on the famed PuppetMobile show of the same name, this popular production makes its Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre debut! Directed by Bruce Cannon and co-written by Douglas Strich, Alexander Bartenieff and Bruce Cannon, this version of the beloved show will feature several new puppets in addition to new and extended scenes. It’s a bird … it’s a plane … no … it’s Bessie the cow! CPF’s original production, Bessie’s Big Shot, follows Bessie the cow’s dream of joining the circus. Can she lift more than Ziegfried, the strongest man in the world? Fly on a trapeze high above the crowd? Train Munson the Monkey? This variety show cheers Bessie on as she attempts the impossible and searches for her special talents.
Unsung & Heroes at Tada! Youth Theater (Chelsea, Midtown West)
Tues-Sat at various times now until August 1st. Tickets $8-$25. See website for details.
Unsung (part-one) is a world-premiere dance theater piece about the most daring thing for every kid: coming of age. Part two is Heroes, a new musical based on the play by Tom Keegan and Davidson Lloyd. When the sun disappears, a group of kids learns what it means and what it takes to be brave.
Summer Hours at Jane’s Carousel (DUMBO)
Now until September 28th. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays) 11a-7p.
Tickets are $2.
Children age 3 and younger and those under 42” tall may ride free if accompanied by a paying adult. Multiple Ticket Discount: 12 Tickets – $20.00
Sandbox: Puppets at Central Park (various playgrounds)
Occurring every Mon, Tue, Wed & Thu through July 24th 2-3p. Free.
Come on a fantastic journey to the land of folk and fairy tales to meet Ant and Grasshopper, Cat and Mouse, Little Red Hen and many more characters brought to life by Wonder Spark Puppets. See website for full schedule.
Sandbox: Dance at Central Park (various playgrounds)
Occurring every Monday and Tuesday 11a-12n through August 12th. Free.
Shake it out! Take a break from the swings to learn new dance moves as musician Michael Wimberly plays live djembe beats can really move your feet to! Co-presented with the Museum for African Art. FREE! Tuesday July 8th playground location is the Diana Ross Playground (W81st). See website for full schedule.
Sandbox: Music at Central Park (various playgrounds)
Occurring every Wed, Thu & Fri through August 15th 11a-12n. Free.
March along to live music, learn about rhythms and melodies, and play percussion instruments with professional musicians from one of NYC’s premier brass quintets, Central Park Brass. See website for full schedule.
CMA: Hudson River Outpost at Pier 25 (Tribeca)
Every Tuesday & Thursday from now until August 28th 1-4p for ages 1-12y. Free. *Workshops are weather dependent. Please check the website for daily updates or give us a call at (212) 274-0986. At Pier 25 at N. Moore St. Make art along the waterfront in Hudson River Park! CMA is bringing a wide variety of free hands-on art making to Pier 25 throughout July and August in partnership with the Hudson River Park Trust. Each week will include activities for 1-12 year olds, including an individual mixed media project and a larger-scale collaborative project inspired by the unique waterfront.
New York Classical Theatre: As You Like It in Battery Park (Financial District)
Tuesday July 1st-Sun July 27th (except Mondays) 7-9p. Meet in front of Castle Clinton. Free.
Celebrating Shakespeare’s 450th Birthday and our 15th Anniversary Season. New York Classical Theatre’s production of: AS YOU LIKE IT! Directed by Stephen Burdman. The show is completely FREE! No tickets or reservations required! As You Like It tells the tale of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved female characters, Rosalind (Rin Allen), and the object of her affection, Orlando (Ian Antal). Exiled to the Forest of Arden, the two become entangled in a beguiling game of love, lust, and mistaken identity. Gender roles, nature, and politics are confused in a play that exuberantly upends the traditional rules of romance.
Summer Water Play at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside
M-Sun now until September 1 (Labor Day) 10a-7p. Free
Starting Memorial Day, the LeFrak Center at Lakeside will transform its uncovered rink into the Park’s largest water play area for children. Free to the public, the water feature includes 41 jets that form clear streams of water that dance across the surface, so children can play while keeping cool on a hot summer day. At night, the fountains will be lit up for a spectacular display.
Summer Safety Event at the Jewish Children’s Museum (Crown Heights)
Tue July 1st- Sat Aug 30th. Monday – Thursday: 10a-4p & Sundays: 10a-530p. $13 General Museum Admission (ages 2+) includes all activities. Second annual safety event for kids this summer! Featuring a number of safety themed exhibits including a sun smart challenge and hydration activities. Children will have the opportunity to meet and be photographed with “community heroes – safety personnel” including policemen, fire fighters, and others (Sundays only). Drive through “Safety City”, a mini-city road course complete with traffic lights, pedestrian crosswalks and typical high street attractions along the “road”. Children will have to practice safe street behaviors both as drivers on pedal go-carts and as pedestrians, in order to be awarded a “Safety City” license.
Playtimes at Norman & Jules (Park Slope)
M-Sun various times see website for all the details. $12/first child, additional child $6. Package 10 for $108. Our backyard is intended for ages 6m to 6y. We do not offer drop-offs. Caregivers must be with their children at all times.
Sensory Room Family Hours at Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Crown Heights)
Tue-Sun July 1st-August 31st 2p-445p. Free with museum admission. Space is limited; availability on first come, first served basis.
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).
Summer Art in the Park in Riverside Park (Morningside Heights)
M-F June 16th-August 22nd 10a-12n (excluding July 4th) 10a-12n. Free. At the Hippo Playground located at Riverside Drive & West 91st Street. For all ages. This popular summertime favorite will return to Hippo Playground this summer. Please join us each weekday for this enriching art program. The class will take place at the picnic tables in the playground. In the event of rain, the program will be held in the park house.
Victorian Garden at Wollman Rink (Central Park)
Everyday until Sun Sep 7th various times and admission & ride prices varies by day. See website. Enter park from 59th St. and 6th Avenue.
Victorian Gardens is a traditional family amusement park featuring one-of-a-kind handcrafted rides, games of chance, classic concessions, face painting and live entertainment.
Summer Meals at Brooklyn Public Library (various branches)
M-F now until August 295h 115-2p. Free. Some branches are closed on Monday See website for branches and days.
New York City’s annual Summer Meals Program, run by the New York City Department of Education and funded by the federal government, provides free meals to children and teens ages 18 and younger regardless of New York City residency. Free lunches will be served at the following 25 Brooklyn Public Library branches, Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted, from Friday, June 27 to Friday, August 29. Lunches are served from 1:15pm to 2:00pm in the libraries’ meeting rooms.
July is Harry Potter Month! at The Scholastic Store (SOHO)
Tue July 1st-Thursday July 31st 1-4p. Free. For ages 8+.
In honor of Harry Potter’s birthday (July 31), The Scholastic Store is dedicating the entire month of July to Harry Potter! Stop by between 1pm-4pm EVERY DAY to participate in events, including Creature Feature Sundays, Muggle Mondays, Trivia Tuesdays, Wizard-Craft Wednesdays, Three Broomsticks Thursdays, Fun Fact Fridays, and House Party Saturdays. Plus, for every Harry Potter book purchased at The Store in July, we’ll donate a copy to The Pajama Program.
Free Summer Kids Concerts at Madison Square Park (Flatiron)
Tue & Thu until August 7th 1030a. Free.
Madison Square Park Conservancy is thrilled to present its 12th season of Mad. Sq. Kids, a series of free outdoor performances for children and their families that takes place rain or shine in the Park. July 15 Mister G and July 17 Bari Koral. See website for full line up.
Art in the Park in Madison Square Park (Flatiron)
Tue-Sat 10a & 2p until October 17th. Free.
You can find Annie in the Police Officer Moira Ann Smith Playground, presenting fun and creative art activities. All Mad. Sq. Kids activities are free and open to the public! Drop by the playground and say hi to Annie. See the website for the art activity of the day.
Explore! in Madison Square Park (Flatiron)
Tue, Thu & Sat 10a-1230p until October 16th. Free.
The Mad. Sq. Kids: Explore! program lets you and your little ones learn about the park first hand by using fun, self-guided worksheets. Go on a scavenger hunt! Learn about local flora and fauna! Get to know our park monuments! Join our playground activities assistant in the Police Officer Moira Ann Smith playground to learn about today’s featured activities. See the website for the daily activities. *Adult supervision is required for all EXPLORE! activities.
Preschool Play at Wagner Park (Battery Park City)
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, now until Oct 29th, 2014 10am-12noon. Free.
Join other toddlers, parents and caregivers for interactive play on a grassy lawn. Toys, books, and play equipment provided. No sessions 10/14. Location just north of Historic Battery Park, off Battery Place.
Brooklyn Block Laboratory at Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Crown Heights)
Ongoing until August 31st 10a-5p. Free with museum admission.
Brooklyn Block Laboratory is a new 1,000 sq. ft. pop-up activity area that provides engaging hands-on learning experiences through block play. Children and families design and experiment with different building blocks, creating imaginative structures, stacking, sorting, and talking. Utilizing a curated selection of wood, foam, and magnetic blocks, families and teachers examine how children interact and speak during the building process.
Prospect Park Carousel Summer Hours
July 3rd-Sept 1st Thu–Sun: 12n–6p. $2 per ride, $9 for a book of 5 tickets.
Kick off spring with a ride on the Park’s beautiful 102 year-old carousel. Located in the Park’s “Children’s Corner,” the Carousel features 51 magnificently carved horses, a lion, a giraffe, a deer, and two dragon-pulled chariots. Carved in 1912 by Charles Carmel, one of the foremost carousel designers of the time, and restored by the Prospect Park Alliance in 1990, the Carousel promises that classic summertime amusement will be available for generations of fun. In addition, the Prospect Park Carousel is one of the few in the world that is wheelchair accessible.
Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History (UWS)
Now until January 4, 2015 10a-545p. Free with General Admission Plus One
In the new exhibition Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs, rare fossils, life-size models, and hands-on interactives bring these ancient animals to life. Step back in time to see pterosaurs, including giants such as Tropeognathus mesembrinus,with a wingspan of more than 25 feet, and find out how they moved on land and in the air. Get a first-hand look at the rare pterosaur fossils that have helped paleontologists learn all that we know about these animals. In a virtual flight lab, use your body to pilot a pterosaur over a prehistoric landscape. Encounter the exceptional creatures that flew in the age of dinosaurs.
Dinosaur Safari: Mysteries Revealed at the Bronx Zoo
On going until November 4th 10a-5p. Admission included in total experience ticket price.
Dinosaur Safari: Mysteries Revealed! Nine new dinosaur species have been added this year including the deinonychus, prodohadros, stegosaurus, and edmontonia. Returning for the Dinosaur Safari: Mysteries Revealed, the ever-popular 40-foot long tyrannosaurus rex will send chills up the spines of Bronx Zoo adventurers. At the end of the experience, there is a field site that includes a fossil dig for children; a Tyrannosaurus rex photo-op; a paleontologist’s tent that includes a fossil museum; and an interactive robotic dinosaur that illustrates how the animatronics work.
Le Carrousel in Bryant Park (midtown)
Now until October. M-Sun 11a-8p. One ride: $3. Parents assisting children unable to ride solo will not be charged. Discount cards: buy a discounted card and enjoy 10 rides for $15.
Le Carrousel in Bryant Park, specially created to complement the park’s French classical style, is an homage to both European and American traditions. Its fourteen delightful animals, replicas of classic carousel creatures, revolve to the sounds of French cabaret music. The rounding boards, inspired by Bryant Park’s elegant baroque-style torchères along 40th Street, blend into the leafy canopy of the park’s plane trees.
Play Space Summer Schedule at Juguemos a Cantar South Slope
Mon-Fri June 23rd-August 29th 330-5p. $10 per visit / Sibling $2 per visit. Play passes also available.
Drop in play space. Ongoing activities during playtime. Thu 4p Sing with Ale.
Play Space Summer Schedule at Juguemos a Cantar North Slope
M-F 9a-12n now until August 29th. $10 per visit / Sibling $2 per visit. Play passes also available.
Drop in play space with activities: Mon: Let’s Paint Tue: 1030a Story Time, Wed: 9a-12p Arts & Crafts, Thu: 1030a sing with Ale, Fri 1030a Drum Circle.
Free Storytime at the Scholastic Store (SOHO)
Tuesdays, Wednesday & Thursdays at 11a for all ages. Join The Scholastic Storyteller for readings of all-time favorite children’s books or new releases from Scholastic! Perfect for babies and toddlers, these stories will spark imagination and fun in your budding bookworm. Stroller Entrance: 130 Mercer Street.
Open Play at The Learning Garden (Prospect Heights)
Mondays-Fridays 11a-6p. For 0-4y. Daily pass $12. Pass packages also available.
Our popular Open Play program is a time that offers a social learning environment for your children (ages 0-4) to grow and learn through creative play. With our space changing and growing every week, your little explorer will have lots to discover. Materials and activities are provided to engage you and your child while sparking their imagination.
To see all the events click here for the calendar!