Picks of the Week: January 7-13

KamiKazi Fireflies; photo by TEngland on flickr

With the holiday season officially at an end, a lull in events for families might be expected, but we have good news for all you activity seekers out there! Upon further investigation, we discovered a few hidden gems in the world of citywide happenings. Take a look!

Friday, January 11

American Girl’s Girl of the Year Celebration
American Girl Store
7:30 pm
Girls ages 8 and up are invited to grab their favorite American Girl doll and head over to the American Girl store to celebrate the arrival of their newest doll, Saige. Her love of art and horseback riding will serve as inspiration for the evening’s crafts. Guests will also be treated to dinner in the store’s cafe. Reservations are required. Fee is $33 per person.

Saturday, January 12

KamiKaze Fireflies
Symphony Space
11am and 2pm
The KamiKaze Fireflies, an L.A. based circus duo, will be performing acrobatic stunts and death-defying feats at Symphony Space. All ages will not soon forget this one-of-a-kind show, infused with the pair’s trademark humor. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids.

Saturday, January 12-Sunday, January 13

MulchFest 2013
Various parks
10 am-2 pm
Still have your Christmas tree at home? Have it recycled into mulch for your backyard or garden! The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation invite all to participate in MulchFest 2013. Simply bring your tree to one of the many designated parks in the city, including Central Park and Riverside Park, and watch as it is transformed into wood chips that you can take home or leave for city to use to beautify the parks. Free.

Bounce! Family Entertainment Center

Bounce! Family Entertainment Center is an indoor birthday party and play space located in Syosset, NY. Perfect for birthday parties, group events, open play, and more! We have the best party packages on Long Island! Our facility has multiple AWESOME attractions: The Trampoline courts, The Adventure Zone, Bumper Cars, Laser Tag, Soft Play, Arcade, &amp; MORE! If you need a break from jumping and climbing, try out some of our delicious food from The Bounce Bites Kitchen! Come on in to any of our Open Play, Toddler Time, or Glow Night sessions!

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.

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.