Hi everyone!
The weeks are really flying by now! It is the last part of August already!
This week there are a lot of fun events happening at the Brooklyn Public Library branches since they are wrapping up the Summer Reading Program! You can see Captain Jam & FunikiJam at the Mapleton Branch and Rolie Polie Guacamole at the Clinton Hill branch. Check out the BPL calendar for more end of summer events. There are a couple summer sessions of CantaEspañol at Gumbo left and a couple weeks of Hudson River Park’s River Rangers at Pier 25!
Some free events happening this week is the Jazzmobile at Brooklyn Bridge Park, BK Block Party at Albee Square and SummerStage Kids Presents: B-Love’s Hip Hop Jazzy Groove at Underwood Park! That is just some of the vents so check the calendar for all the fun events happening this week! Please remember to check with the venue to see if there are any cancellations or schedule changes. Don’t forget A Child Grows is on Facebook so like us for last minute events and news!
Have a great week!
Deirdre (mom to O & C)
Monday August 18th
Hudson River Park’s River Rangers at Pier 25 (Tribeca)
Mondays 2-330p utnil August 25th. 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.
Captain Jam & FunikiJam at the Brooklyn Public Library (Mapleton Branch)
Monday Aug 18th 3-4p. Free.
Summer Reading Program Closing Party! Join Captain Jam and FunikiJam on their Magical National Tour. This fun and musical show encourages children’s participation with award-winning musical exploration.
Jazzmobile at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Mon Aug 18th 7p. Free. Harbor View Lawn.
Join us for a free performance by Arturo O’Farrill, pianist, composer, educator, and founder and Artistic Director of the nonprofit Afro Latin Jazz Alliance. Tip: Arrive early – the lawn fills up fast!
For more Monday events please click here!
Tuesday August 19th
SummerStage Kids Presents: B-Love’s Hip Hop Jazzy Groove at Underwood Park (Clinton Hill)
Tue Aug 19th 1030-1130a. Free.
As Founder and creative director of Starchild Enterprise , Oakland, California native Traci Bartlow is a woman of many talents. A phenomenal dancer, teacher, and choreographer Ms. Bartlow has worked with Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival, California Shakespeare Theater, Lorraine Hansberry Theater, Herrang Dance Camp in Sweden, as well as teaching a host of youth programs in the Bay Area. Ms. Bartlow has been a guest faculty lecturing in Hip Hop dance for UC Davis as well as UC Berkeley, and was the assistant director for the Sisyphus Syndrome; a Jazz Opera by the late Amiri Baraka.
Stomp, Clap & Sing with Dan the Melody Man at Brooklyn Public Central Library (Prospect Heights)
Tue August 19th 11a-12n at the Dweck Center. Free.
With his trusty guitar in hand, Dan the Melody Man knows how to get the kids up on their feet, singing their hearts out.
Fringe Jr: Vagabond$
Tuesday August 19th 4p. At the The Theater at the 14th Street Y. For ages 5-10y. Tickets $13. Additional shows and times. See website for schedule. Ciao! Hello! They might not fully understand what the other is talking about… but boy do they know how to put on a show! An American and Italian vagabond form a crazy musical duo. Mamma mia!
For more fun Tuesday events click here!
Wednesday August 20th
CantaEspañol at Gumbo (Boerum Hill)
Wednesdays at 10-1045a until Aug 27th. Drop ins $24. Space is limited, please call to check if there is room: 718-855-7808.
CantaEspañol is a program designed for children from 6 months to 4 years old. Through songs, musical games, and movement, your child will be totally engaged in the Spanish language. In addition, these interactive activities will serve to develop self expression and social skills. Conducted completely in Spanish, the CantaEspañol class will introduce Spanish into your child’s life in a lively and super fun way!
Reader’s Theater Presents, “THE BEAST” at the Brooklyn Public Library (Dyker Library)
Wed Aug 30th 3-4p. Free.
Don’t miss this “one-time” performance. It is a play which was written by teens for kids and based on a poem by Harve Zemach, entitled “The Judge”.
Front/Row Cinema – Who Framed Roger Rabbit at South Street Seaport
Wed Aug 20th 8p. Free.
Free outdoor summer movies on Wednesdays at South Street Seaport! Wed August 20th: Who Framed Roger Rabbit! A toon hating detective is a cartoon rabbit’s only hope to prove his innocence when he is accused of murder.
For more fun Wednesday events click here!
Thursday August 21st
BK Block Party at Albee Square (Downtown Brooklyn)
Thu 10-11a. Free. At Fulton St + Bond St.
Every third Thursday of the month, kids rule at Albee Square with special events, live music, and fun for the whole family. August 21st: Shira & Friends: Kids entertainment that really rocks! Combining original tunes and classics for a sing-along, dance-along good time.
Rolie Polie Guacamole at the Brooklyn Public Library (Clinton Hill)
Thu Aug 21st 3-4p. Free.
Frank’s musical style blend’s acoustic rock, funk and folk with catchy sing-alongs. Kids are encouraged to dance, shake and use their imaginations in this musical adventure with Rolie Polie Guacamole.
Drop-In Drawing at the Brooklyn Museum (Prospect Heights)
Thu Aug 21st 730-9p. Meet in the Rubin Lobby, 1st Floor. $8 materials fee; $7 for Museum Members. All materials are provided, and you’ll go home with an original work on paper. For more information or to R.S.V.P., email us at: drop-indrawing@brooklynmuseum.org
Join us the third Thursday of the month for Drop-In Drawing in our galleries. Explore artists’ processes, build professional drawing tools and techniques, and meet others who share your interests in a casual and fun environment. Each workshop is led by a skilled teaching artist and focuses on a different object from our collection. Open to all ages; no experience necessary.
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.
Kids’ Discovery Stations at Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Prospect Heights)
Tue-Sat 1030a-1230p now until August 29th in the Fragrance Garden. Free with garden admission.
Celebrate the Children’s Garden’s 100th anniversary with a special planting or craft every day for families. Drop by the Fragrance Garden to learn about amazing plants, meet our composting worms, and read garden stories. All programs are outdoors and canceled in rain or extreme temperatures; for day-of weather cancellation updates, call 718-623-7801.
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. Aug 19th & 20th – Rio 2
$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. Aug 19th & 20th – Turbo & Walking with Dinosaurs
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.
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
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.
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 29th 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.
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.
To see all the events click here for the calendar!