Favorite Spring Culture Picks

"The Carnival of the Animals" at the New York Theatre Ballet; photo by Richard Termine — “The Carnival of the Animals” at the New York Theatre Ballet; photo by Richard Termine

MARCH

Knee Deep
March 21-30
[Ages 7 & Up]
Head over to the New Victory Theatre to witness feats of strength and finesse from Casus, Australia’s popular contemporary circus company. The talented foursome will execute an exciting combination of acrobatics and aerial stunts. Starting at $14; various times and dates; 209 W 42nd Street; 646-223 -3010, newvictory.org

Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights
March 29
[All ages]
Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights are hitting up Symphony Space with a collection of catchy rock tunes that will have the whole family humming along. Embraced by music lovers of all ages, the band is known for its witty, whimsical lyrics, with songs about topics like UFO discoveries, eating tofurky on Thanksgiving, and watching a caterpillar transform into a butterfly. Adults $20, kids $13; 11am & 2pm. 2537 Broadway, 212-864-1414, symphonyspace.org

Family Concert: Regina Carter’s Reverse Thread

March 8

[Ages 5-10]
Bring the kids over to Carnegie Hall for an exotic blend of African folk music that’s infectiously joyful. Regina Carter is an award-winning jazz vocalist who gives traditional African music a contemporary flair with her new album “Reverse Thread.” With the help of added melodies from the accordion and kora, a West African harp, she creates instrumentals that are stunning and soulful. From $12; 1pm. 881 7th Avenue, 212-247-7800, carnegiehall.org

APRIL

Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs
April 5 to January 5, 2015
[All ages]
For about 150 million years, pterosaurs virtually ruled the skies. The first vertebrates to develop the ability for powered flight, they ranged in size from as small as a common sparrow to as big as a fighter jet. Now, get a chance to learn all about these ancient creatures with the American Museum of Natural History’s new exhibit. Adults $27, children ages 2-12 $16; various start times between 10:30am & 4:30pm. Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5100, amnh.org

Sakura Matsuri
April 26-27
[All ages]
Visit the enchanting Brooklyn Botanical Garden to celebrate the long-awaited arrival of spring with the annual cherry blossom festival. This cheerful event commemorates the end of Hanami, a Japanese tradition that involves taking time to cherish every moment of the season’s beautiful flowers as they come into bloom. Adults $20, students & seniors $15, children under 12 free; 10am-6pm. 1000 Washington Avenue, 718-623-7200, bbg.org

MAY

Carnival of the Animals
May 3, 4, 10, & 11
[Ages 2 & Up]
New York Theatre Ballet has the perfect treat for the family just in time for Mother’s Day. Set in a magical forest, Queen Diana and her lion companion have reign over a menagerie of gentle animals that all live together in harmony—at least, until two lost children come along and change everything! Adults $40, children $35; various start times between 11am and 3:30pm. Florence Gould Hall, 55 East 59th Street, 212-355-6160, nytb.org

Dear Albert Einstein
May 3-18
[Ages 8 & Up]
Making Books Sing will be charming families with a musical that’s all about girl power! Set to rock n’ roll, swing, and classical music, the show takes its audience back to 1954 to meet 12-year-old Susan, a math enthusiast just entering junior high. When Susan finds herself torn between following her passion and fitting in with the rest of the girls in her class, visions of her role model Albert Einstein help her find the courage to listen to her heart. Premium seating $45; General seating $25; various times and dates; 340 East 46th Street, 212-573-8791, makingbookssing.org

Instituto Cervantes

Children and teenagers learn to understand and express themselves in Spanish, while improving their communication skills through a dynamic immersion program taught by NATIVE TEACHERS that combines CLASSES, ARTISTIC WORKSHOPS and FUN ACTIVITIES! All of our high-qualified teachers are native Spanish speakers who adapt the structure of the class to the needs and levels of each group while conducting the classes entirely in Spanish. We offer both Spanish Summer Camps and Regular Courses for children along the year to foster language learning and multicultural understanding.

Saf-T-Swim

For over 35 years, Saf-T-Swim Swim School has been teaching lifesaving swimming skills throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and now Little Neck. The school is proud to be Long Island's #1 swim school and a leader in water safety education. With swim programs for infants as young as 4 months, beginners, and advanced swimmers, Saf-T-Swim offers swimming programs for every age and skill level. Discover why generations of Long Islanders have trusted Saf-T-Swim time and time again with equipping their little ones the essential skill of swimming. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

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!