Events: Top Kid-Friendly Activities For The Week

Join Icelandic singer/songwriter Elska at Symphony Space this Saturday. Photo via symphonyspace.org

Hope everyone has been enjoying the holidays! Next up on the holiday hit-list is New Year’s, and to accompany it we’ve selected a couple of smash New Year’s events that will start 2015 off right. Here’s wishing you and yours a happy and healthy New Year!

Wednesday, December 31

Ring in the New Year at CMA
Children’s Museum of the Arts
12pm-3pm
Join the Children’s Museum of the Arts for a festive New Year’s celebration! Beginning at noon, little ones can make their own party hats and pop-up cards, decorate an enormous New Year’s Eve ball, participate in a pixilation workshop, and much more. There will be refreshments and, of course, dancing! Free with museum admission.

Central Park Fireworks and NYRR Midnight Run
Central Park
10pm
New Year’s Eve wouldn’t be complete without fireworks! This year, celebrate the coming of 2015 with dancing and a fireworks show in Central Park. At midnight, the New York Road Runners will kick off their annual Midnight Run in the park at 72nd Street. The four-mile run along the park’s “inner loop” is a great way for families who enjoy running together to welcome in the new year. Fireworks as well as pre-and-post run activities are free. Midnight Runners are required to pay a registration fee.

Friday, January 2-Saturday, January 3

The Harlem Globetrotters
Madison Square Garden
Various times
All ages should experience the basketball magic of The Harlem Globetrotters at least once. For two days, MSG will host these b-ball wizards during their first holiday season shows in NYC. Watch the Globetrotters perform spectacular ball-handling tricks and gravity-defying dunks that will amaze and delight. Following the show, all ticket holders are welcome to join the team on the court for autographs and photos. Tickets start at $15.

Saturday, January 3

Elska
Symphony Space
11am
This Saturday, explore Elska’s island, a wondrous atoll off the coast of Iceland that’s bursting with curious creatures, fascinating fauna, and infectious pop beats. This award-winning combination of techno “kindie” rock, storytelling, and theater will capture the hearts of kids big and small. Favorite characters Winter Bear, The Nunni, The Goobler, and others will join Elska during this show-stopping performance at Symphony Space. Tickets are $21 for adults and $14 for children.

Family Country Dance
92nd Street Y
5pm-8pm
Do-Si-Do at the 92Y this Saturday during its Family Country Dance! All ages can learn country dances such as lines, reels, and square and circle dances. Traditional American music will be performed by the Hell’s Kitchen Cookers. Plus, don’t forget to bring a vegetarian dish to the potluck dinner beforehand. Admission is free for ages 18 and under and $15 for adults.

Color Me Mine

Color Me Mine Upper West Side proudly stands as a minority woman-owned studio, and we've been an integral part of the Color Me Mine franchise system since 2018! Pottery painting isn't just an activity; it's a captivating and inclusive experience that transcends age and skill levels. At Color Me Mine Upper West Side, we extend a warm invitation to dive into a realm of creativity, self-expression, and connection. Families, friends and teams grow stronger bonds when they create memories together, and at Color Me Mine, we're here to help facilitate those moments. Whether you're seeking a delightful family outing, a unique date night, or a solo adventure, our paint-your-own-pottery studio offers boundless possibilities. Step into our welcoming space in the heart of Lincoln Center and unleash your inner artist. Create unforgettable memories as you craft beautiful ceramic masterpieces to cherish for many years to come. Color Me Mine Upper West Side is also the preferred venue for celebrations of all kinds. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a baby or bridal shower, a team-building event, a gathering for college groups, an enriching field trip, or an adventure with scouts, we've got you covered. Our versatile space and passionate team provides the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories and fostering creativity in every guest. Join us at Color Me Mine Upper West Side, at 177 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City where every visit promises a fun journey of color, joy, and artistic exploration!

New York Society of Play Summer Camp and Classes

Summer Game Camp There are many who do not feel safe sending their children back out into the world with summer camp, this year. To serve those parents and keep the children connected and stimulated during this challenging time, we are offering NYSP Digital Summer Camp. The name of the game with NYSP Summer Camp is community. We have made a large effort to make our camp feel like a living space, with features including &ndash; - Role-Playing games familiar and new, led by our master storytellers! - Enriching electives such as Chess, World Building, Character Acting, Crafts, Drawing, and more! - Discussion and media screening rooms during lunch! - A digital campus! - Moderated chat hours! &nbsp; Join us for a summer of games, friends, and more! Mon - Fri 10am - 2:30pm &nbsp; Roleplay Expeditions: Dungeons &amp; Dragons No experience is required to join one of our Dungeons &amp; Dragons games. Our game masters have pre-made character sheets, so you'll be able to start playing the game right away! We adapt the rules of traditional Dungeons &amp; Dragons to make them more approachable to children of various ages. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons &amp; Dragons workshop!&nbsp; &nbsp; Public games meet once per week, with different groups every time. Private games meet 1 to 2 times per week with the same group of kids. Since the players and the storyteller in the group are consistent, this enables us to tell epic tales of adventure together! &nbsp; Dungeons &amp; Dragons Junior No experience is required to join one of our drop-in Dungeons &amp; Dragons games. Our Dungeons &amp; Dragons Jr. game provides a D&amp;D storytelling experience without character sheets. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons &amp; Dragons workshop! A great way to introduce young children to D&amp;D so they can eventually move onto the main game.

Dance Workshop - Long Island

Nestled in the heart of Lynbrook Village, Dance Workshop is a community-focused studio committed to dance education in a loving and safe environment. Dance Workshop offers Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre and Acro for ages 2+. They also offer a Pre-Professional Company track for dancers interested in taking their technique to the next level. Trial classes may be scheduled with the studio at the start of the season. Dance with the Dance Workshop! MaryAnn Grasso founded Dance Workshop in 1979. Her daughter Nanci later joined her at the helm and in 2016 established Dance Workshop on the Upper East Side of NYC. MaryAnn and Nanci have devoted their lives to dance education, community and the development of children; raising dancers and sound human beings alike. Dance Workshop has seen thousands of dancers pass through the doors. They believe dance has the power to elevate and change lives!