Picks of the Week: July 8-14

It’s back to work after a scorcher of a long weekend. Luckily, the end of this week is jam-packed with family fests and days that we can all look forward to

Friday, July 12

MLB All-Star Fanfest: Kids Day
The Javits Center
9am-8pm
On Kids Day at the MLB All-Star Fanfest, kids can try to hit one out of the “ballpark” in a special home run derby and get autographs from league mascots and MLB All-Star Ambassador John Franco. The first 1,000 kid ticket holders to arrive at the Javits Center will also receive a Mr. Met Mini Bobblehead. Other Fanfest attractions include a video game zone, Family Field, where kids can make their own trading cards and participate in baseball training drills, and a pitcher’s mound for fans to practice throwing fastballs. Bonus: If you can’t make it to Fanfest on Friday, buy tickets for Family Day (Sunday, July 14). Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for kids ages 12 and under, and free for children under 2.

Saturday, July 13

Come Out & Play Family Day
Governors Island
11am-4pm
The Come Out & Play Festival, which is dedicated to the playing of street games, is hosting a free Family Day on Governors Island. All games revolve around this year’s theme, time travel. Play games from the past, present, and future during this afternoon of outdoor family fun and competition! Recommended for families with kids between the ages of 6 and 11. Games will run multiple times throughout the day.

Brooklyn Hip-Hop Fest Family Day
Pier 5 Uplands in Brooklyn Bridge Park
12pm-3pm
Bring the whole family out to Brooklyn Bridge Park for a (parent-approved) Hip-Hop Fest. Before the more mature performers take the stage later in the day, the fest will host three hours of activities for the younger set. There will be live music, demos, workshops, and more. Tickets start at $20.

Sunday, July 14

Bastille Day
60th Street (between Lexington and Fifth Avenues)
12pm-5pm
Presented by the French Institute Alliance Française, Bastille Day celebrates all things French on the streets of NYC. Sample French treats like crepes and eclairs, hear live music, and shop for gifts at the many vendor stalls. At the Kids’ Corner, little ones can get their face painted, make crafts, play games, and more. Admission is free.

Joe's Music & Dance Academy

Private and group music lessons &amp; dance classes for Guitar, Bass, Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass, Drums, Piano, all woodwind &amp; brass instruments, Choir, Preschool Dance, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Step, African and Modern Dance and more. Helping thousands of students begin and continue on their musical journey since 1998!

Young Actors at Strasberg

Young Actors at Strasberg&nbsp;offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 &ndash;&nbsp;12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry &ndash;&nbsp;all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson! Young Actors&nbsp;Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in&nbsp;July and August. About The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute: Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.

Speakitaly NYC

SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp; Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge. Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts? Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"