9 Events To Enjoy Over Presidents’ Day Weekend

The JCC Manhattan offers a winter break camp just for the Presidents’ Day holiday weekend, packed full with swimming, sports, cooking, and more for ages 3 to 8. Kids are arranged in their appropriate age groups for three days of exciting games and adventures in this drop-off program.  Pre-registration is required. $125 for the public, $110 for members, February 19, 9am-2:45pm, JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Avenue at 76th Street, 646-505-4444, jccmanhattan.org.

Presidents’ Day Weekend kicks off Kids Week at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. On Sunday and Monday, Kids Week focuses on the science behind our favorite sports and games. Sporty kids will have the chance to improve their pitches and throws (all while learning about the physics behind the moves). They’ll also get to meet Mr. Met! It’s a must-do for any science or sports fan. Free with museum admission, times TBA, February 18-19, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, 212-245-0072, intrepidmuseum.org.

Celebrate the Himalayan New Year, Losar, at the Rubin Museum of Art – this year is the year of the Earth Dog. Through food, music, and art, your kids will learn about Losar celebrations, from a tour of the Rubin’s galleries to a hands-on activities and crafts that incorporate an understanding of the culture’s traditions. Don’t miss the scavenger hunt!  Free, 12-4pm, February 18, Rubin Museum of Art, 150 West 17^th Street, 212-620-5000, rubinmuseum.org.

TADA! Youth Theater runs several short-duration camps, including a one-day camp on Presidents’ Day. Kids from 6-11 can take part in “Inspire to Be,” a full-day program that culminates in a 20 minute performance families are invited to watch. They’ll spend the day steeped in theater games, comedic improv, and singing and dancing. $125, 9am-5:30pm, February 19, TADA! Youth Theater, 15 West 28th Street, tadatheater.com.

Lest we forget what Presidents’ Day is really about, Fraunces Tavern is opening its doors on Saturday and Sunday with the compelling offer of $1 admission. Plus, if you stop by at 1pm or 2pm on either day, you can get a free tour! Take your kids to learn about America’s history and celebrate George Washington’s birthday, all in one fun afternoon. $1, 11am-5pm, February 17-18, Fraunces Tavern Museum, 54 Pearl Street, 212-425-1778, frauncestavernmuseum.org. 

Let’s face it: Most kids love swords. For a (safe!) way to enjoy swordplay, take the family to the 33rd annual New York Sword Dance Festival at the Museum of the City of New York. An ancient winter celebration, the dancers are linked by swords and engage in complex movements. The event even includes a snack! Registration is encouraged but not required. Free with museum admission, 3:30pm, February 17, Museum of the City of New York, 1220 5th Avenue at 103rd Street, 212-534-1672, mcny.org.

Have a budding poet in the family? Take them to see Bryan Collier—six-time Coretta Scott King Award winner and four-time Caldecott Honor recipient—perform Useni Eugene Perkins’ classic poem “Hey Black Child” at the Lincoln Center’s Atrium. Ages 2 to 5 will be inspired by the power of dreams and celebrate the beauty of black children. Seating is first-come, first-served. Free, 11am, February 17, David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, 212-875-5456, lincolncenter.org.

Is your resident artist tired of being idle? Needs inspiration? HiArt! is holding a special holiday art camp. Kids will create with Marlena Kongalau and Hyeondo Park. Manga fans will be especially excited to take part in this program. Check their site for more information. February 19-23, HiArt!, 227 West 29th Street #4R, 917-318-9499, hiartkids.com

This month, the Paley Center for Media celebrates the civil rights movement’s most crucial moments through the lens of television, also taking into consideration African-American consideration in all creative fields, with African-American Achievements in Television: A Black History Spotlight Presented by Citi. The exhibit features interactive activities, crafts, and screenings. These activities are free and open to the public through the end of February. February, 12-6pm on Wednesday and Friday-Sunday, 12-8pm on Thursday. The Paley Center for Media, 25 West 52nd Street, 212-621-660, media.paleycenter.org