Picks of the Week: February 19-24

Everybody’s working for the weekend! This Saturday, Grammy nominated children’s music bands are popping up all over the city. Check out where they’ll be as well as a tail-wagging ballet and a sweet party.

Saturday, February 23

Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players
Symphony Space
Various times
Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players are returning to Symphony Space! This award-winning band is the kids’ music equivalent of Elvis Costello and Green Day. Children of all ages can rock out to tunes like “Polar Bear”, “Never Getting Lost”, “Big Field Trip”, and “Sign My Cast”. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids.

The Pop Ups
NYPL’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
2 pm
The Pop Ups, a Grammy nominated indie rock band for kids, will be performing at the New York Public Library on 5th Avenue and 42nd Street in Manhattan. Before the Brooklyn-based group goes on tour with Yo Gabba Gabba Live, kids ages 2 through 8 will have the opportunity to see them in this intimate concert. They’ll sing fan favorites and hits from their newest album, “Radio Jungle.” Concert is free; first come, first served.

Saturday, February 23-Sunday, February 24

“Bark! In The Park”
Florence Gould Hall
Various times
What happens when two children lose their dog in Central Park? Find out during “Bark! In The Park,” a new ballet for kids performed by the New York Theatre Ballet. This production will be followed by “The Firebird,” Stravinsky’s ballet adapted from a Russian folk tale. Tickets are $41 for adults and $36 for children.

Sunday, February 24

Family FroYo Fun Day
16 Handles (Upper East Side store)
2 pm-4 pm
Head over to 16 Handles on the Upper East Side for Family FroYo Fun Day. The day’s activities will include balloon twisting, face painting, and a Moey’s Music Party concert to celebrate the launch of the store’s Moey’s Music Party classes. Plus, buy one frozen yogurt and get one free! Admission is free.

British Swim School - Long Island

The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.&nbsp; British Swim School uses gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School&rsquo;s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come see the British Swim School difference!

Speakitaly NYC

SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp; Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge. Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts? Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"

Young Actors at Strasberg

Young Actors at Strasberg&nbsp;offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 &ndash;&nbsp;12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry &ndash;&nbsp;all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson! Young Actors&nbsp;Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in&nbsp;July and August. About The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute: Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.