Weekend Planner: January 10-12

"Mysteries of the Unseen World" at AMNH; photo courtesy of National Geographic 2013
“Mysteries of the Unseen World” at AMNH; photo courtesy of National Geographic 2013

It’s officially ski season. Here’s a look at the slickest slopes in the northeast! And for the scoop on the best winter fun to be had inside and outside the city, check out our complete guide to the best skating rinkstea and cocoa spotscultural oases, and more.  Plus, enjoy the weekend’s many happenings below. And don’t miss a special giveaway at the New York Hall of Science: the world’s largest gingerbread village is being gifted in bits and pieces to the public. For the delicious details, click here.

STARTING FRIDAY 

Catch the American Museum of Natural History’s IMAX film “Mysteries of the Unseen World,” which uses time-lapse photography, nanotechnology, and electron microscopy to allow audiences to get up close and personal with creatures like aphids and cat fleas. Prepare to be awed! (Friday through June)

Venture to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to explore texture and line using metal and wire, as inspired by sculptors Calder, David Smith, and John Chamberlain. Learn from the greats! (Friday)

Pick up a copy of Deborah Wiles’ Each Little Bird That Sings at the New York Public Library’s Children’s Center and enjoy a colorful discussion of the tale with fellow little ones. Get ready to read! (Friday)

I’m Bilingual!, a Spanish language program for New York City children, is hosting an open house complete with trial classes and a piñata celebration for the New Year. Fiesta time! (Friday)

STARTING SATURDAY

HelpUsAdopt.org, a financial grant program founded to help couples and individuals overcome the financial hurdles of the adoption process, is hosting their 2nd MeetUp for all people touched by adoption. Share the love! (Saturday)

IckyFest 2014 kicks off this weekend at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Among the fun activities: a bug petting zoo and a carnivorous plants demo. Get ready to be grossed out! (Saturday-Sunday)

Dinosaurs will once again roam the earth during DiNO-Light, a Corbain Visual Arts & Dance and Lightwire Theater production at Symphony Space featuring 3D, glow-in-the-dark puppets and props. Watch out! (Saturday)

Little ones can learn the basics of using a digital camera in order to create their own photo to take home at a Sony Wonder Technology Lab event. Say cheese! (Saturday)

A special screening of “Tickety Toc” at the Scholastic Store in SoHo ends with a meet-and-greet of the main characters, Tommy and Tallulah. Reserve your seat! (Saturday)

Host Sarah Lohman leads kids on a scavenger hunt through the New York Historical Society to find kitchen items from long ago. Then everyone cooks together like they did 200 years ago. Churn that butter! (Saturday)

Take part in a culturally infused afternoon as the popular non-profit, the National Dance Institute, continues its tradition of introducing public school kids to the arts. At this open house, little ones can enjoy live music, free classes, and multiple performances by the talented kids of NDI. Dance to the beat! (Saturday)

After reading The Inside-Outside Book of New York City, kids can create their own picture books inspired by subway travel at the New York Transit Museum. Get creative! (Saturday and Sunday)

STARTING SUNDAY 

Celebrate the Jewish New Year of Trees with a Tu B’Shvat seder and sanctuary tour of the Eldridge Street Synagogue. Party down!  (Sunday)

Watch a lovely tribute at Merkin Concert Hall to the talented duo Betty Comden and Adolph Green. The pair wrote the screenplay to the famed musical comedy “Singin’ in the Rain,” among other talented accomplishments. Enjoy the show! (Sunday)

Anyone who has experienced a bad day can relate to “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” showing at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts. From a dessert-less lunch to a lima-bean-filled dinner, Alexander suffers through a miserable 24 hours. Sulking allowed!  (Sunday)

Relevant Directory Listings

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The Little Gym of Bay Ridge- Bensonhurst

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">At The Little Gym of Bay Ridge-Bensonhurt, we specialize in unique, educational classes that revolve around active play. We give children a safe and inspiring space to direct their energy, build confidence, and develop key skills. Explore the range of classes we offer at The Little Gym of Bay Ridge-Bensonhurst to find the one that’s just right for your child. </span></p>

Chickenshed NYC

<p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed’s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.</p>

CK Kids

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">CK Kids offers various classes and programs, including Afterschool Program, Lil Chefs, Boys Hip-Hop, Ninja Starz, Lil Artists, CK Kids Athletic Programs, Acrobatics, Dance and Drama, and Karate. </span></p>