10 Great Events for February 2015- New York Family

Dare to Drum
February 6-22 [Ages 6+] Like a Spanish version of “STOMP,” in “CAMBUYÓN” the performers of the Enlace S.C. troupe make music on everything from wooden crates to a tiny matchbox. Hailing from Barcelona and the Canary Islands, this energetic ensemble fuses hip hop, drumming, and body percussion to create unique rhythms revealing African, Spanish, Irish, and American influences. From $15, times vary. The New Victory Theater, 209 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org
Sing the Blues
February 7 [All ages] This family concert will introduce young audiences to the distinct sound of Billie Holiday, whose unique contributions to the blues also influenced jazz and popular music in the 20th century. As part of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Billie Holiday Festival, this musical celebration of Holiday will feature acclaimed pianist Aaron Diehl and vocalist Charenee Wade, who will commemorate not only Holiday’s music, but also her status as a cultural icon. $10-25, 1 & 3pm. The Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center, 10 Columbus Circle, 212-258-9595, jazz.org
New York Family Camp Fairs
February 7-8 [Parents & children 3-teen] For families with children ages 3 to teen, the city’s biggest Camp Fairs are coming up on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8. The Camp Fairs are free, child-friendly, and feature all kinds of day camps (in and around the city) and sleepaway camps (all over the Northeast). Essentially, the Camp Fairs are a wonderful opportunity for parents and child to chat with lots of Camp Directors in one convenient local setting, and ask questions about the kinds of camps that might be right for their family.
Rockin’ Rhythms
February 7-8 [All ages] Explore the percussion family at “Things That Go Bang!” the first performance in the Little Orchestra Society’s LolliPops Spring Concert Series. Featuring the New York Percussion Group as a guest artist, conductor James Judd will guide the audience on a rhythmic journey. Clap your hands and stop your feet to pieces by composers Gershwin, Bizet, and Tchaikovsky. $17-55, times vary. The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, 68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues, 212-971-9500, littleorchestra.org
Sun Child
February 14 [All ages] Legend has it that Gustafer Yellowgold came from the sun and found himself in the Minnesota woods. See him live at Symphony Space for a quirky concert that’s equal parts pop-rock show and cartoon movie, featuring Gustafer’s popular tunes and a live band. Children $16, Adults $26; 11am, Peter Jay Sharpe Theater at Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, 212-864-5400, symphonyspace.org
Best in Show
February 14, 16 & 17 [All ages] The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is back for its 139th year! At the American Kennel Club’s Meet the Breeds on Saturday, February 14, you’ll get the chance to learn about and meet hundreds of different dog breeds, and explore booths, play with dogs and puppies, and talk to AKC representatives about dog ownership. General admission tickets to Piers 92/94 on Monday, February 16 and Tuesday, February 17 provide access to all of the benching and judging that happens before the finals at Madison Square Garden. $10 for children (12 and under) and $20-27 for adults; Saturday 10am-5pm, Monday & Tuesday 8am-4pm. Piers 92/94 at 55th Street & West Side Highway, 212-213-3165, westminsterkennelclub.org
Intrepid Explorers
February 16-21 [All ages] Budding scientists and engineers will love the Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum’s annual Kids Week. With six days of activities and workshops on topics like how to grow food in space, building a telescope, and live birds of prey in addition to planetarium presentations, Tour Guide Talks, live shows and visiting children’s authors, there’s something for every young explorer! Free with museum admission; 10am-5pm. Pier 86 at West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, 212-245-0072, intrepidmuseum.org
CIRCUS XTREME
February 19-March 1 [All ages] The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey present “Circus Xtreme,” a circus like you’ve never seen it before! Featuring freestyle BMX riders, a bungee aerial skydiving performance, and Mongolian riders who perform a series of tricks on the backs of two- hump camels, the show will be an adrenaline-pumping ride. Plus, pre-show access is included with all tickets, providing the family with an inside glimpse into the circus, as all children are invited to the show floor to try on costumes, learn circus skills, get pictures taken with clowns, meet the performers, and watch an elephant paint a picture! From $37.95, times vary. Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, 917-618-6100, barclayscenter.com
Year of the Sheep
February 19 & 22 [All ages] There’s no better place to ring in the Year of the Sheep than Chinatown! On February 19, the first official day of the Lunar New Year, celebrate with the 16th annual Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival. Join the revelers on Sunday, February 22 for Chinatown’s Lunar New Year parade and festival, a celebratory block party featuring Chinese vendors and food. Don’t miss the dancing dragons, traditional lion dances, costumes, and confetti as the parade makes its way through the main thoroughfares of Chinatown and Little Italy. Both events are free; Firecracker Ceremony at 11am on 2/19. Sara D. Roosevelt Park (Grand Street between Chrystie & Forsyth Streets). Parade at 1pm on 2/22. Begins at Canal Street & Mott Street, betterchinatown.com
A Fairy Tale Ending
February 22-April 19 [All ages] “Cinderella” the musical will return to the Players Theatre in Greenwich Village this month. Revisit this classic tale through this fun and fresh musical adaptation, and follow Cinderella to the ball and on her journey to find the prince. Prior to the performance, audiences can participate in an interactive, hour-long arts workshop, where members of the Literally Alive Children’s Theatre Company will discuss the themes of the show and how the arts can bring literature to life. Kids and families can also make crowns and magic wands to bring home. $25-45, Saturdays at 2pm (workshops at 1) and Sundays at 11 (workshops at 10). The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal Street, 212-475-1237, literallyalive.com
Family Film
February 27-March 22 [Ages 3-18] The New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) is the largest film fest for children and teens in North America, screening more than 100 animated, live action, and experimental short and feature films from around the world. In addition to the films, the festival boasts a variety of activities such as gala premiers, retrospectives, filmmaker Q&As, and workshops. Winners of the NYICFF jury prizes are Academy Award eligible. Be sure to purchase tickets early—all screenings sell out in advance. Various times and locations, 212-349-0330, gkids.com

Laurissa Jane Music

Laurissa Jane Music Studio is a dedicated institution that offers a solid foundation for students to explore the captivating world of music and arts. With experienced instructors, we offer private and group lessons in piano, voice, and guitar, for all ages and skill levels. We provide year-round training for renowned programs such as NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) and ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music). LJMS runs an annual Summer Musical Theatre Arts Program from July-August which offers a creative environment for young individuals with a passion for acting, singing, and dancing. We are proud to serve the vibrant communities of Jamaica Queens and can also provide classes virtually. At LJMS, we firmly believe in the transformative power of the arts. Call us today!

The Wild Center

The Wild Center, nestled within the breathtaking landscape of New York's Adirondack Park, offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. As visitors approach the Center, they are greeted by the Adirondack Mountains towering in the distance, setting the stage for an immersive adventure. Upon entering the 34,000-square-foot exhibit hall, guests are enveloped in a world of wonder and discovery. Interactive exhibits like Planet Adirondack and Climate Solutions invite exploration, allowing visitors to delve into the rich biodiversity of the Adirondack region. The indoor experience also includes an opportunity to soar on Birdly--a one-of-a-kind VR experience. Also, get up close with an animal ambassador during one of many live animal encounters throughout the day. In addition to its indoor exhibits and programs, the Wild Center also boasts 115-acres of extensive outdoor amenities. One of the highlights in the award-winning Wild Walk. Visitors walk up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest, 40 feet off the ground. Along the way, interactive exhibits provide insights into the flora and fauna that call the Adirondacks home, from songbirds to black bears. The rest of the campus features more ways to explore. Check out Patrick Dougherty&rsquo;s Stickwork sculpture, an all natural installation of woven sticks that will spark your imagination and nostalgia. Immerse yourself in Forest Music, take a naturalist-lead canoe trip, or get your roll on with Raquette River Roll, a brand-new, oversized, all-natural ball run experience opening in June 2024.

Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens

With more than 35 years of experience, Broadway Dance Center Children &amp; Teens provides young movers ages 3-18 with exceptional training. BDC delivers the finest all-around dance experience for students by offering a wide variety of styles and levels, performance opportunities, and the highest caliber dance instruction that only New York City and BDC Children &amp; Teens can provide. This studio is so much more than a training course for young dancers; it is a diverse, family-friendly community for budding creatives. It has an exemplary faculty who follow the vision to not only develop a dancer&rsquo;s love and ability in dance, but to do so in a nurturing and supportive way.