Hi everyone
Hope everyone had a great Father’s Day! Summer is officially here and there are even more fun outdoor events happening this week in Brooklyn & NYC.
Starting this week is the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival with Ghostbusters, New York Classical Theatre’s The Taming of the Shrew in Prospect Park, a new Drop-in Playspace at Recess and Suzi Shelton at the Music In The Grove in Fort Greene Park. Also happening this week is Stomp, Clap and Sing with Alex Mitnick at the Central Brooklyn Public Library, a Free Family Arts Day with Spellbound Theatre at JJ Byrne Playground/Old Stone House, a Transportation Workshop at the Bedford Brooklyn Public Library, Night at the Museums, Summer in the Square Kid Events in Union Square Park and Baby Caravan: New Mama Happy Hour at Hill Country.
Don’t forget there are some ongoing events happening this week like Brick Fest Live at the New York Hall of Science, Backyard Playtime at Norman & Jules, Jack and the Beanstalk at Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre and Art in the Park in Madison Square Park.
That is just some of the events so check the calendar for all the Brooklyn & NYC events! Also remember to like us on Facebook for last minute news and event reminders.
Happy Summer! Enjoy the week!
~ Deirdre (mom to O & C)
Monday June 22nd
Drop-in Playspace at Recess (DUMBO)
New playspace opening June 22nd. Hours will be: Monday-Thursday 9a-6p, Friday 9a-5p & Saturday-Sunday 9a-1130a (weekend afternoons are reserved for birthday parties). Drop in $30 first child, $20 per additional child. Memberships also available for purchase. Hello! Welcome to Recess, where playtime is easy with our flexible drop-in model. Our custom-made play structures are designed for curious minds and busy bodies to explore. Learning is fun at Recess too. Our talented staff and variety of programming will help your children learn what they like and have a great time doing it.
Transportation Workshop at the Brooklyn Public Library (Bedford branch)
Monday June 22nd 330-430p. Free. Make your own 3-D train with author/illustrator Selina Alko. She will begin by reading her book, My Subway Ride and showing classic subway cars from NYC Subway trains book with 3-D traditional trains. Kids will have the opportunity to create their own trains out of cardboard boxes, recycled materials and paint.
HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival (Midtown West)
Mondays starting June 22nd until Monday August 24th. Free. HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival presented by Bank of America Classic films under the stars on the big screen. Bring a blanket and sit on the lawn to enjoy great food, friends, plus a classic Warner Brothers cartoon before each film. The lawn opens at 5p for blankets and picnicking. Film begins at sunset typically between 8 & 9p. June 22nd Ghostbusters: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis are the best paranormal exterminators in the city, trying to save NYC from all sorts of pesky spooks, specters and goblins, as well as Sigourney Weaver from Rick Moranis. Directed by Ivan Reitman and featuring Annie Potts and Ernie Hudson in supporting roles. Who ya gonna call? (1984) 105 min. (PG)
For more Monday events please click here!
Tuesday June 23rd
Stomp, Clap and Sing with Alex Mitnick at the Central Brooklyn Public Library
Tuesday June 23rd 11a-12n. Free. Alex & The Kaleidoscope is an interactive music entertainment brand that encourages and inspires kids to celebrate and learn through the power of songs, fun and adventures to interesting places around the world.
Night at the Museums (lower Manhattan)
Tuesday June 23rd 4-8p. Free admission at 15 distinctive museums and cultural institutions in Lower Manhattan. Locations vary (All museums and historical sites are within walking distance from one another!) Discover where New York City’s history and culture began through free admission at 15 distinctive museums and cultural institutions in Lower Manhattan. See the website for the list of museums. Visitors of all ages can spend a summer evening immersed in New York City’s history, explore what makes the United States unique, discover new cultures and heritages, take a walking tour of the area, or stop for refreshments, including restaurants offering special “Night at the Museums” discounts.
The Taming of the Shrew in Prospect Park
Tuesday-Wednesday June 23rd-24that 7p . Free. See website for additional dates in Prospect Park and Central Park. New York Classical Theatre us bringing FREE Off-Broadway theater to Prospect Park with The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare and directed by Sean Hagerty. No tickets required—just show up! All Performances begin at 7pm (enter at Grand Army Plaza).
For more fun Tuesday events click here!
Wednesday June 24th
Music In The Grove: Free Kids Concerts in Fort Greene Park
Wednesdays 10-11a June 24th-August 5th. Free! Our popular summer concert series returns for another season, showcasing some of the finest family-friendly entertainment the NYC area has to offer! PLEASE NOTE: the location for this year’s shows has changed due to the construction around the Willoughby Avenue entrance. Concerts will now take place on the hill immdediately across from the left (west) side of the tennis courts. This week go see Suzi Shelton perform. See the website for information on future performers.
Baby Caravan: New Mama Happy Hour at Hill Country (Downtown Brooklyn)
Wednesday June 24th 3-5p. This is a great place to meet other new mothers, talk with Baby Caravan postpartum experts and just relax and feel normal. Drinks will be on special, baby’s AND STROLLERS are welcome and mama’s will be chatting up a storm. Send us an email at info@babycaravan.com if you think you can make it. It’s going to be super awesome!! See you there.
Free Family Arts Day with Spellbound Theatre at JJ Byrne Playground/Old Stone House (Park Slope)
Wednesday June 24th 330p-5p. Free Family Art Days are opportunities to play, imagine, and explore through a variety of different art forms. Each month our storytellers present crafts, songs, stories, and creative play around a theme. These events are free for the public and presented in partnership with local businesses and community centers.This month the theme is sound exploration and music making!
For more fun Wednesday events click here!
Thursday June 25th
Summer in the Square Kid Events in Union Square Park
Thursdays until August 13th. Free. Events all day long. The Children’s Activity Pavilion is open every Thursday from 9a-4p, the Children’s Activities Pavilion is a place where kids and their caregivers can come to read, learn and play. Featuring over 200 books, crafts, games and activities it’s a great spot to spend some quality time together in Union Square Park. Every morning at 10:00 am, KarmaKids invites children to come “play” yoga and experience how their breath and body move together in a fun-filled way! (Mats will NOT be provided. Please bring your own mat/towel.) On Thursday July 25th at 11a Sweetbeatz combines music, theatre and family to create soulful melodies that reflect the hustle and bustle of daily living in New York City. Sweetbeatz is soulful songs for city kids. See the website for information on future live performances. Then at 230-3p Each week an educator from Union Square mainstay Strand Bookstore will host a children’s reading event in our Activities Pavilion. They’ll feature stories centering around a new theme each week! Then at 3p every week PopFit Kids will bring their FUNctional Fitness program to the South Plaza. This program provides tools in the short term to help kids develop life-long healthy habits they will utilize in the long term.
Cool Rainforest Connections at Greenpoint Brooklyn Public Library
Thursday June 25th 315-415p. Free. Join us for a special program by the Wildlife Conservation Society! We’ll be going on an adventure with our superhero, Captain Cocoa, who is convinced he can save the rainforest. In fact, he learns, it might be the average person who can save the day. We will learn about the rainforest habitat and simple conservation actions.
http://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/cool-rainforest-connectio-greenpoint-library-062515
Big & Little Skills Academy Basketball Clinics at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 2
Thursdays 5-7p and Sunday 12n-2p until August 23rd. Free. Big and Little Skills Academy (BALSA) will be conducting youth basketball clinics and structured 3-on-3 tournaments. Participants will learn the importance of fitness, teamwork, unity and sportsmanship. These clinics will enhance overall personal development and provide a safe and productive setting for the youth of Brooklyn Bridge Park. Recommended for ages 8-17y. See the website for more information.
For more fun Thursday events click here!
Ongoing
Brick Fest Live at the New York Hall of Science (Flushing)
Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 930a–5p, Tuesday & Thursday: 930a–8p and Weekends: 11a–7p. Join us for the ultimate LEGO fan experience! Brick Fest Live is free with NYSCI admission. Due to the expected popularity of this event, we recommend buying your tickets online in advance. Advance ticket purchase guarantees entry into the event! Get inspired, educated and entertained with LEGO bricks when Brick Fest Live comes to NYSCI June 20–28! Play with huge attractions built to set your imagination free and witness mind-blowing creations made entirely of this timeless toy at Brick Fest Live. Brick Fest Live Attractions Include: Brick Fest Derby, Inspiration Stations, Video Game Arena, Brick Fest Theater Trivia & Entertainment and Mosaics.
The Taming of the Shrew in Prospect Park
Tuesday-Wednesday June 23rd-24that 7p . Free. See website for additional dates in Prospect Park and Central Park. New York Classical Theatre us bringing FREE Off-Broadway theater to Prospect Park with The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare and directed by Sean Hagerty. No tickets required—just show up! All Performances begin at 7pm (enter at Grand Army Plaza).
Splash Pad at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park
Mon-Sat: 10a-7p & Sun: 10a-6p. Free. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting. The Splash Pad, officially known as the Matilda Raffa Cuomo Water Playground, is the LeFrak Center’s free water play area for kids 12 and under. Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the water feature welcomed over 30,000 visitors last summer. Featuring 47 water spray jets and covering 16,000 square feet, Splash Pad is largest water play area in Prospect Park. In addition, the LeFrak Center offers roller skating, the Bluestone Café, and surrounding landscapes for picnicking and relaxation.
Art in the Park in Madison Square Park (Flatiron)
Mondays & Wednesdays 10a-2p until September 30th. No sessions on the last Monday of each month (6/29, 7/27, 8/31 & 8/28). Free. The Mad. Sq. Park Teaching Artist can be found in the Moira Ann Smith Playground each Monday and Wednesday from June 1 – September 30 with free hands-on creative arts activities at 10am and 2pm. Children are encouraged to participate in free flowing art-based activities. Adult supervision is required. Monday June 1st: Kandinsky’s Kones (10am) Scoop up some facts about artist Wassily Kandinsky while using his “Circles” artwork to make ice cream cone confections! Henri’s Scissors (2pm) Learn to paint with paper like the artist Henri Matisse! We will read all about Matisse’s life and work before creating symmetrical collages using tissue paper. Wednesday June 3rd: Watercolor Wings (10am) Draw your own flying friend using shapes and learn watercolor techniques that will ruffle these bird’s feathers! Breezy Trees (2pm) Learn about warm and cool colors by making trees representing all of the seasons! Use a paint-blowing technique to make realistic branches that will bring your trees to life! See the website for future art project themes.
Jeppe Hein: Please Touch the Art at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Open daily 6a-1a until April 17, 2016. Free. Visitors entering the park at Pier 1 will encounter Hein’s iconic water sculpture, Appearing Rooms installed on the Bridge View Lawn. Vertical jets of water will gradually appear forming seven-foot-tall “walls”, which moments later will disappear, enabling visitors to move to different “rooms”, all without touching a drop of water. Systematically, these “walls” appear and disappear through a timed cycle, enticing visitors to step onto the gridded platform and move from space to space within the sculpture. The cycle of changing walls may also be observed from outside the piece as a dynamic and perceptually engaging work of art. The second major component of the exhibition is a newly conceived, large-scale Mirror Labyrinth to be installed at the Pier 3 Greenway Terrace. The third body of work, Modified Social Benches, will be on view throughout the park,surprising visitors with each chance encounter. See website fore the full descriptions of the art.
Backyard Playtime at Norman & Jules (Park Slope)
Mondays 930a-530p and Tuesday-Friday 930a-3p. $12 first child, $6 additional child. Single 10 Packs also available. See website for details. Our backyard is intended for ages 6m to 6y. Caregivers must be with their children at all times.
Play Space Spring Schedule at Juguemos a Cantar North Slope
M-F 9a-12n until June 26th. $10 per visit / sibling $2 per visit. Play passes also available. Drop in play space with activities: Mon 10a Let’s Paint, Tue 10a Arts & Crafts, Wed 1030a Sing with Tucker, Thu 1030a Sing with Ale, Fri 1030a Sing with Damian. Also Play Space hours 9a-12n M, W & F South Slope location. See website for more information.
Jack and the Beanstalk at Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre (Central Park)
Tue–Fri 1030a & 12p, Wed 1030a, 12p & 230p, Sat & Sun 1p until June 28th. See website for July & August showtimes. Tickets are $7/children and $10/adults. Based on the classic English fairytale, this fresh retelling of the Swedish Cottage original production takes Jack on an enchanting adventure up a magical beanstalk. In this starry new world, Jack encounters the notorious Giant, Milford, whose thieving ways have brought misfortune upon Jack and his mother. Determined to make life better for his family, Jack, with help from friends old and new, risks his life to take back what the Giant stole.
To see all the events click here for the calendar!