Hi everyone! No school this week for NYC public schools and there are so many fun events to check out with the kids if you are in the city.
This week head out and enjoy Discovery Days at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Fort Greene History and Colonial Games in Fort Greene Park, Black Future Festival at Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Kids Camp: Curious George at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, MOCAKIDS Dumpling Fold-Off at Museum of Chinese in America, Alice in Wonderland at Puppetworks, Power Pigeon Puppet Pals at Children’s Museum of Manhattan, Find My Way: Maps and Compasses in Marine Park, Fantastic Flowers at Queens Botanical Garden, Black History Month Movie & Event at Ulmer Park Brooklyn Public Library, Urban Indian: Native New York Now at Museum of the City of New York, Family Program: Moving Image Studio at Museum of the Moving Image, Junior Makers Staycation: Foraging, Fibers & Food at Queens County Farm Museum, Winter Wildlife Crafts in Forest Park, Vacation Week: Found Object Puppetry at The Jewish Museum, School’s Out Week: Engineering Week at NY Hall of Science and The Little Match Girl at St. Lukes Theatre.
Also check out the long running events like the Family Programming: Celebrating Elizabeth Jennings Graham at NY Transit Museum, Riddle of the Trilobites at New Victory Theater, Yeti, Set, Snow! at Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, Survival: The Exhibition at NY Hall of Science, T. rex: The Ultimate Predator exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History and the last few days of 18th Annual Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal and Holiday Express: All Aboard to Richard Scarry’s Busytown at New-York Historical Society.
This is just some of the events for the midwinter recess so check the calendar to see everything going on. Also follow us on our Facebook page for last minute news and event reminders.
Enjoy the days off from school & have a blast this week!
~Deirdre (mom to O & C)
Monday February 17th
Kids Camp: Curious George at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (Downtown Brooklyn)
Monday February 17th 10a, Tuesday February 18th 1p & Wednesday-Thursday February 19th-20th 1230p. Rated G. 86 min. All Kids Camp screenings are Pick Your Price – $1, $3 or $5 with 100% of ticket sales donated to IMPACCT Brooklyn. Based on the cherished book series by H.A. and Margret Rey, CURIOUS GEORGE follows the adventures of Ted, the Man in the Yellow Hat (Will Ferrell) as he attempts to save the Bloomsberry Museum by sailing to Africa in search of the “Lost Shrine of Zagawa.” While traveling, he meets George, a mischievous little monkey who decides to follow Ted back to his home, consequently changing his life forever. Bubbling with hijinks, this colorful film truly captures the enduring spirit of Curious George.
February Break Discovery Days at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Monday-Thursday February 17th-20th 1030a-1230p. Admission is free on winter weekdays. Explore habitats from around the world and have some hands-on science fun during the midwinter school break. Families can learn together at stations inside BBG’s Steinhardt Conservatory. Kids use their senses to investigate plants and objects firsthand and find out how plants survive in environments ranging from deserts to rainforests alongside volunteer Discovery Docents. Explore the lush conservatories on a scavenger hunt and pot up a plant to take home. Note: Activities are the same each day, but feel free to come for a repeat visit.
Kids Week: Find My Way: Maps and Compasses in Marine Park
Monday February 17th 1-230p. Free. Location: Salt Marsh Nature Center. The kids are out of school, now get them out of the house. Head to the park and join the Urban Park Rangers’ free Kids Week programs. Immerse your kids, and yourself, in the natural world. All are welcome, but programs are geared for ages 12 and younger. Navigate your way through Marine Park. Learn how to use a map and compass for safe hiking, then try out your skills on an orienteering trail! See the website for all the Kids Week events.
See all the Monday events here.
Tuesday February 18th
Kids Week Brooklyn: Fort Greene History and Colonial Games in Fort Greene Park
Tuesday February 18th 11a-1230p. Free. Step back in time and play some colonial games. The history of Fort Greene Park provides the perfect backdrop as we experience what Colonial-era kids played during their free time.
Midwinter Recess Family Programming: Celebrating Elizabeth Jennings Graham at NY Transit Museum (Downtown Brooklyn)
Tuesday-Friday February 18th-21st 11a-3p. Free with Museum admission. 100 years before Rosa Parks, Elizabeth Jennings Graham refused to give up her seat. Join us for special family programs celebrating the story and spirit of this civil rights pioneer. See the website for all the event details.
Black History Month Movie & Event at Ulmer Park Brooklyn Public Library
Tuesday February 18th 330-5p. Free. Join us for our Black History Month Movie and Event, where you will watch The Jackie Robinson Story completing a small activity packages.
See all the Tuesday events here.
Wednesday February 19th
Family Day – Urban Indian: Native New York Now at Museum of the City of New York (East Harlem)
Wednesday February 19th 11a-2p. Free with Museum admission. Registration suggested, but not required. Register here. What does it mean to be a Native person living in New York today? Join us for story time with Elise McMullen-Ciotti (a member of the Cherokee Nation) as she reads aloud from the acclaimed children’s book Indian No More. Explore the galleries to learn about the intersectional experiences of Native Americans in urban spaces and create artwork based on the exhibition Urban Indian: Native New York Now. Story time will begin promptly at 11:15 am, art-making activities will follow.
Junior Makers Staycation: Foraging, Fibers & Food Queens County Farm Museum
Wednesday-Friday February 19th-21st 12n-3p. Advance Tickets: $10/child (ages 2 & up), Door Tickets: $15/child (ages 2 & up). Accompanying parent/guardian is free. New for Winter break! This 3-day program is bushels of fun and supports STEM learning objectives giving children the opportunity to create, imagine and explore at Queens Farm. Junior Makers will churn fresh butter, create works with natural materials, learn to spin sheep’s wool into yarn and finally get a chance to play with their food! Each day of Foraging, Fibers & Food has its own unique programming! See website for all the details. While on the farm, Junior Makers and their families can meet the farm’s alpacas, sheep, goats and steer. The Farm Store will be open selling animal feed. Shoppers will also find traditional games, toys and unique Made-in-Queens items including Queens Farm herbal teas and woven scarves and yarn from the farm’s flock of heritage Cotswold sheep.
Mid-Winter Break Family Programs: Fantastic Flowers at Queens Botanical Garden
Wednesday February 19th 1-230p. Tickets: $10. Purchase tickets here. Take a trip through our Greenhouse to inspire your inner scientist and artist! Participants dissect flowers and learn about the function of each part before creating a floral-inspired suncatcher, to bring color into the home for the winter!
See all the Wednesday events here.
Thursday February 20th
Kids Week: Winter Wildlife Crafts in Forest Park
Thursday February 20th 11a-1230p. Free. Location: Forest Park Visitor Center. The kids are out of school, now get them out of the house. Head to the park and join the Urban Park Rangers’ free Kids Week programs. Immerse your kids, and yourself, in the natural world. All are welcome, but programs are geared for ages 12 and younger. Urban Park Rangers hope to inspire and lift your creativity to create works of art using natural materials.
MOCAKIDS Dumpling Fold-Off at Museum of Chinese in America (SoHo)
Thursday February 20th 2-4p. General Admission: $12 per person; $8 for children 2 & up; Free for MOCA Family Level Members and above, NYC Culture Pass holders, children under 2, and Cool Culture families. Pay-as-you-wish for Chinatown and Two Bridges families. Dumplings bring good fortune all year long! Eating them is a traditional way to celebrate the New Year! Fill your own lucky dumplings and practice several ways of folding them. Will your dumplings impress? At home, use what you’ve learned to make dumplings for the whole family.
The Little Match Girl at St. Lukes Theatre (Hell’s Kitchen) [sponsored]
Thursday February 20th 8p & Saturday-Sunday February 22nd-23rd 2p. Tickets start at $29.50. Running Time: 75 (no intermission). THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL, the iconic story by Hans Christian Anderson comes to life in this brand new musical adaptation. set to a contemporary score filled with soaring melodies. It’s New Years Eve, and the Little Match Girl is forced onto the streets to sell matches to support her family. Cold and alone, her wondrous imagination takes her away from the harsh realities and struggles of her daily life. Armed with match sticks and music, she finds the hope we all need.
See all the Thursday events here.
Ongoing Events
Alice in Wonderland at Puppetworks (Park Slope)
Monday-Friday February 17th-21st 1230p & 230p and Saturdays-Sundays 1230p & 230p until April 5th. For 3y+. Admission for a Child is $10, an Adult $11. No credit cards accepted. Reservations are suggested: 718-965-3391 (current day or advance reservations) or e-mail us: puppetworks@twcmetrobiz.com (NO same day e-mail reservations). Lewis Carroll’s English Adventure with an original song score. Adapted for Marionettes by Nicolas Coppola & Adam Kilgour.
Black Future Festival at Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Crown Heights)
Monday-Sunday February 17th-23rd events at various times. See website for schedule of events. Free with Museum admission. Join us for a week of reflection and future-forward fun inspired by the national celebration of peoples of the African Diaspora and Black History Month. We welcome you to explore TRiPTIC—an Afrofuturist galaxy created by our festival artist-in-residence, Kwame Brandt-Pierce. With Dr. Shabazz B. Spacely as your guide, create decoding goggles in ColorLab, enjoy interactive performances, meet JuB JuB and other creatures, and handle objects only found in the TRiPTIC galaxy. Journey through your imagination, dive into the past, and learn more about the Black visionaries who do amazing things to help shape a bright future for all!
Power Pigeon Puppet Pals at Children’s Museum of Manhattan (UWS)
Monday-Sunday February 17th-23rd 10a-1p. Free with Museum admission. For all ages. Drop-in. Location: 1st Floor – Inside Art. Color and design a walking finger puppet of your favorite super powered pigeon, Zip, Zap or Zoom. Bring them along to help you make your way in the Super Power Metropolis! Take them home to continue learning above and beyond! See the website for all the midwinter recess events going on this week.
Vacation Week: Found Object Puppetry at The Jewish Museum (UES)
Monday-Tuesday February 17th-18th and Thursday-Friday February 20th-21st 1-4p. For ages 3 & up. RSVP recommended. Included with Museum Admission; admission is free for children 18 and under. Create a whimsical puppet after viewing the imaginative work in the exhibition Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone. Find inspiration in Feinstein’s innovative use of materials and form a unique character using wood, cardboard, and found objects.
Family Program: Moving Image Studio at Museum of the Moving Image
Monday-Sunday February 17th-23rd 11a-4p. Free with Museum admission. Recommended for ages 4 and up and their adult companions. Moving Image Studio is the Museum’s drop-in space where visitors of all ages can create media and other projects. Families are welcome to stop by and experiment by performing in front of a green-screen or create live animation works using lego sets. Themes are inspired by the core exhibition Behind the Screen and the special exhibition Envisioning 2001: Stanley Kubrick’s Space Odyssey.
Riddle of the Trilobites at New Victory Theater
Monday February 17th 2p, Wednesday February 19th 2p, Friday February 21st 12n & Saturday-Sunday February 22nd-23rd 12n & 5p. Tickets start at $17. For everyone 6 and up. Running Time: 80 minutes with no intermission. Travel way way way way way back in time! In this live, original musical, set 500 million years ago, all life dwells in one sea and trilobites rule the ocean floor. When young Aphra discovers that the fate of the entire trilobite kingdom rests on her shelled shoulders, she and her arthropod pals must solve the RIDDLE OF THE TRILOBITES before a sea change of epic proportions destroys their home. With humor, heart and eye-popping prehistoric puppetry, this underwater adventure shows us how we can leave our mark on the world when we dare to be brave.
Yeti, Set, Snow! at Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre (Central Park)
Monday-Friday February 17th-21st 11a, 1p & 3p and Saturday-Sunday February 22nd-23rd 11a& 1p. Tickets: $12 adult, $8 child. An original story and production from the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, Yet, Set, Snow! is the story of a young girl named Widget, and her friend, Twig, who encounter a yeti named Pascetti on the first snow day of the winter season. Pascetti, who lives on a mountain top nearby, dislikes the snow. Through songs and snow day activities, Pascetti discovers not only that snow can be fun but also the value of friendship.
Survival: The Exhibition at NY Hall of Science
Daily until September 13th. Hours: Monday – Friday, 930a-5p, Saturday & Sunday, 10a-6p. $7 per person, plus NYSCI admission. Free for Members. Become the ultimate survival expert. Test your survival skills. Learn how to build shelter in the forest, find water in the desert, stay warm in the extreme cold. Plus, learn water safety and emergency preparations. Survival culminates in the Adventure Zone Ropes Course and Zip Line, where visitors’ confidence and problem-solving skills are put to the test. Course obstacles and activities teach balance, focus, coordination and concentration while building resilience and determination in the face of adversity. See the website for all the details. Also check out School’s Out Week: Engineering Week at NY Hall of Science ongoing all week until February 23rd. See website for all the details.
18th Annual Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal (Midtown East)
Ongoing until February 23rd 2020. Free. Hours: Monday–Friday 8a–8p, Saturday and Sunday: 11a–6p. Closed for special events and major holidays. Every holiday season, the New York Transit Museum’s Grand Central Gallery plays host to a city within a city with the display of a miniature electric railroad running over, through, and beneath some of New York’s most magnificent landmarks. Celebrating its 18th year of operation, this beloved annual holiday exhibit features model trains traveling along a 34’ long, two-level, “O” gauge model train layout. This year’s exhibit is set against a mural designed by cartoonist Julia Wertz. Departing from a miniature replica of Grand Central Terminal, the Transit Museum’s collection of Lionel trains including Metro-North, Polar Express, and vintage subway train sets will dazzle the eyes of children and adults alike as they make their way past New York landmarks and on to the North Pole! Note that strollers are not permitted in the Gallery & Store. Additionally, Grand Central Terminal does not permit unattended strollers. Please consider leaving your strollers at home. See website for directions to event.
T. rex: The Ultimate Predator at American Museum of Natural History (UWS)
Daily 10a-545p until August 9th 2020. Timed entry only. Gallery 3, third floor. General Admission + One tickets: Adult $28 / Child (2-12) $16.50 / Senior & Student $22.50. Free for members. How did T. rex evolve to become the most fearsome carnivore of the Mesozoic? T. rex: The Ultimate Predator will introduce you to the entire tyrannosaur superfamily and reveal the amazing story of the most iconic dinosaur in the world through stunning life-sized models, fossils and casts, engaging interactives, and an immersive multiplayer virtual reality experience developed exclusively for this exhibition. Warning: you may never think of T. rex the same way again.
Holiday Express: All Aboard to Richard Scarry’s Busytown at New-York Historical Society (UWS)
Ongoing until February 23rd 2020. Museum hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10a-6p, Friday 10a-8p, Saturday 10a-6p & Sunday 11a-5p. Free with Museum admission. Holiday Express returns to New-York Historical this holiday season, reimagined to celebrate the 100th birthday of Busytown author and illustrator Richard Scarry. The installation showcases artwork and graphics of Scarry’s characters (like Huckle Cat and Lowly Worm!) from publisher Penguin Random House alongside Jerni Collection toys. Children and adults can also experience dynamic displays exploring the workings of the railroad, the services it provides, and the jobs required to keep people and goods moving.