Picks of the Week: February 3-9

Head over to the New Victory Theater to hear the music of Bob Marley in "Bob Marley's Three Little Birds"; photo by Monosnaps via flicker — Head over to the New Victory Theater to hear the music of Bob Marley in “Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds”; photo by Monosnaps via flicker

As if the excitement of the Super Bowl weren’t enough, this week marks the beginning of the Winter Olympics! If you don’t happen to be on site in Sochi, then take the kids to one of these equally entertaining events, one of which is actually Olympic-themed. Enjoy!

Beginning Friday, February 7

Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds
New Victory Theater
Various times
Starting this Friday, Maryland’s Adventure Theatre MTC will stage their production of “Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds” at the New Victory Theater. Based on the children’s book by Marley’s daughter Cedella, this musical tells the story of Ziggy, his fears of the outside world, and how Dr. Bird helps Ziggy realize that peace and understanding go a long way in solving many problems. This 55-minute show is the perfect way to introduce children ages 5 and up to the legendary reggae music of the one and only Bob Marley. Runs through Sunday, February 23. Tickets start at $14.

Saturday, February 8

Olympic Fest
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
7 am-7 pm
Calling all winter sports enthusiasts! Enjoy the excitement of the Winter Olympic Games right here in NYC during Chelsea Piers’ Olympic Fest. All ages are welcome to watch figure skating exhibitions and ice hockey games at the venue’s East and West Rinks, and ice skaters of all abilities can hit the rink during free ice skating hours (1:30 & 3 pm). Plus, visitors can warm up with complimentary hot chocolate and coffee and check out live TV coverage of the Sochi Olympic Games in the Club Lounge and the Sunset Terrace.

Family Saturday
French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF)
2 pm
FIAF’s Family Saturdays are family-friendly days during which French and non-French speakers alike are invited to the institute for activities and performances dedicated to French culture. This Saturday, the institute invites ages 6 and up to Florence Gould Hall for a musical performance of “The Story of Babar.” Based on the classic French children’s book Histoire de Babar by Jean de Brunhoff, this enchanting show brings to life everyone’s favorite elephant and his wife, Celeste. Afterwards, ages 7 and up can stay for a screening of the animated movie, “Zarafa,” about a boy’s friendship with the first giraffe to visit France. Meanwhile, ages 5 and up can participate in a culinary Valentine’s Day workshop with Sylvie Berger, where they will make and decorate heart-shaped cookies! “The Story of Babar” will be performed in French, “Zarafa” will be shown in French with English subtitles, and the cooking workshop will be conducted in French and English. Check FIAF’s website for individual event prices and start times.

Family Concert: Who Is Dave Brubeck?
Rose Theater
3 pm
A dedicated and creative father, musician Dave Brubeck once used unusual methods to teach his children, including creating a bumbling alter ego named Professor Nooseknocker. Celebrate the life of the late pianist and composer with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. Best for ages 6 through 12. Tickets start at $12.

Sunday, February 9

David Weinstone and The Music for Aardvarks Band
The Jewish Museum
11:30 am & 2 pm
Rock out with David Weinstone and the Music for Aardvarks Band at the Jewish Museum, where audience participation is encouraged. Children ages 2 through 5 might have the opportunity to sing or dance on stage to energetic music that is all about celebrating being a kid in the Big Apple, including favorites like “Taxi” and “Jackhammer Joe.” Tickets are $18 for adults and $13 for children ages 2 and up.

Super Soccer Stars

Soccer Stars is New York&rsquo;s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps. At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace. Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent &amp; Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week: Connecticut: <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> &nbsp; Westchester: <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> &nbsp; New York City: <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> &nbsp; Can&rsquo;t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available!&nbsp;

Monster Mini Golf

Upon entering Monster Mini Golf, all perceptions of traditional mini golf will be spirited away by the indoor, 18-hole, monster-theme, glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course! The locations in <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/deerpark/">Deer Park</a>, and <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/gardencity/">Garden City, NY</a> invite guests to experience a host of family-oriented fun activities. Whether visiting for the first time or the one hundredth, mini golfers feel the excitement and adventure of playing mini golf amidst spooktacular monsters and custom, glow-in-the-dark, hand-painted artwork. While testing their skill on the fairways, lively music flows over the course from the unique &ldquo;WEIRD Radio&rdquo; station&rdquo; and an interactive DJ entertains golfers with contests, awarding cool prizes for the wackiest reasons. While the course is challenging enough for adults, it is also quite playable for children. Monster Mini Golf is open year-round and frightfully fun for the entire family. In addition to miniature golf and thrilling arcade and redemption games, the locations offer additional attractions. <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/deerpark/">Monster Mini Golf in Deer Park, NY</a> offers a Laser Maze and a Virtual Reality experience. The Garden City location offers a Laser Maze, Bowling, and a Virtual Reality Experience. Two very posh, private party rooms are also available and are perfect for any event. Monster Mini Golf looks forward to making it a monstrous success. Monster Mini Golf is indoors, ensuring that the event will always take place, regardless of the weather. It is a climate-controlled, affordable source of family entertainment. For more details please visit <a href="http://monsterminigolf.com">monsterminigolf.com</a> or find them on Facebook.

Gaga Madness

Gaga is the hottest new sport in NYC. We've taken the fun of GAGA and pushed it into overdrive. Energetic coaches, pumped up music, sideline commentary, gear giveaways and more. Stay active and keep fit with this new craze that's sweeping the city.