Picks of the Week: January 20-26

It’s time for another edition of Picks of the Week. Do your children suffer from boredom, irritability, restlessness, or just plain school burnout? We’ve got just the cure for them with this week’s installment which includes a princely new exhibit at The Morgan, an “Alice in Wonderland” ballet, a Japanese New Year party, and more.

Thursday, January 23

Hot Peas ‘N Butter
South Bronx NeON
4 pm
This Thursday South Bronx NeON will welcome Hot Peas ‘N Butter to the stage. Rockin’ the children’s music scene since 2000, Hot Peas ‘N Butter has become immensely popular among families for its brand of multicultural upbeat music. Its fusion of jazz, rock, pop, and Afro-Cuban melodies has earned them numerous Parents’ Choice Awards and the praise of the Los Angeles Times. The bilingual Latin group will perform hits such as “‘Round the World”, “Deep Down”, and “Time to Fly” during this free concert. Please arrive early as seating is limited.

Friday, January 24

The Little Prince: A New York Story
The Morgan Library & Museum
10:30 am-5 pm
Readers throughout the world have been charmed by The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s tale of a cosmic traveler who comes to Earth in search of friendship and understanding. Did you know that French-born Saint-Exupéry wrote and illustrated the famous story right here in New York City? The 1943 novella was first published in the U.S., (not France!) both in English and French. At “The Little Prince: A New York Story,” view the original manuscript and watercolor drawings. Explore the American origins of a poignant story that timelessly reminds us: what matters most can only be seen with the heart. Free with museum admission.

Saturday, January 25

Boo! The Winter Spooktacular Ball for Families
The Queens Museum
2 pm-5 pm
It doesn’t have to be Halloween in order to enjoy a chilling party! The newly re-opened Queens Museum invites families with children of all ages to its Winter Spooktacular Ball this Saturday. Come dressed in your old Halloween costume to enjoy such activities as a puppet show, bowling, a creepy scavenger hunt, shadow puppet making, a “Wiggle Dance” marathon with the Swinging from the Chandelier Singers, and much more. Tickets are $20 per person and includes one complimentary raffle ticket. Ticket pre-purchase is recommended.

Saturday, January 25-Sunday, January 26

The Alice in Wonderland Follies
Florence Gould Hall
Various times
Experience the classic Lewis Carroll novel, Alice in Wonderland like never before. The New York Theatre Ballet will present their production of “The Alice in Wonderland Follies” this weekend. This ballet whisks away children ages 3 and up to the dreamy realm of Wonderland where they will meet beloved characters like the Cheshire Cat, The Mad Hatter, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, and, of course, The Queen of Hearts. Each performance is an hour in length, perfect for young attention spans. Tickets are $39.

Sunday, January 26

Oshogatsu: Japan’s New Year’s Day Celebration
Japan Society
2 pm-4 pm
In honor of Japan’s New Year, Japan Society is hosting its annual Oshogatsu celebration this Sunday. Stop by for an afternoon filled with traditional Japanese entertainment and activities like rice-pounding workshops, calligraphy sessions, kite making, games, live taiko drumming, and a must-see lion dance. Tickets are $15 per person; children ages 2 and under are free.