Picks Of The Week: July 11-13

banner_image__webopfamjazz_byelizabethleitzell_1350 — WeBop Family Jazz Party

This weekend has some particularly special events, including the annual City of Water Day, Bastille Day on 60th Street, and Manhattanhenge, a stunning view of the sunset in New York. Take a nostalgic ride to Coney Island with the New York Transit Museum or participate in a WeBop family jazz party. Finally, don’t miss the chance to learn origami and special crafts at the Japan’s Star Festival!

Friday, July 11 & Saturday, July 12

Manhattanhenge
Hayden Planetarium
7pm
All Ages
Coined by Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of Hayden Planetarium, “Manhattanhenge” refers to an annual event where the sun sets perfectly on the East- and West-numbered streets. This Friday and Saturday, the spectacular phenomenon can best be seen at 14th, 34th, 57th, and 79th Streets. Join the Hayden Planetarium for a special lecture before the sun sets! $15

Saturday, July 12

Coney Island Nostalgia Train Ride
New York Transit Museum
11am-5pm
All Ages
Head to the beach during this nostalgia-themed train ride to Coney Island! The New York Transit Museum is hosting a wonderful ride on R1/9 cars from the 1930s. The above- and below-ground journey will last 2 hours and end in an afternoon at the beloved beachside amusement park. Adults $50, Children $25

City of Water Day
Governors Island and Other Locations
All Day
All Ages
In celebration of the water that surrounds us and brings us together, the City of Water Day is a day-long, free event that the whole family will enjoy. The festival will be chock full of live music, food, and activities like on-the-water labs, a children’s activities fair, free boat tours, and much more! Free

WeBop Family Jazz Party
Jazz at Lincoln Center
1pm and 3pm
Recommended 8 months-7 years
Mr. Tim and the WeBop family band are honoring Louis Armstrong’s iconic Hot Five recordings during this family jazz party. Little music lovers will learn all about this legendary jazz and historical figure while singing, stomping, and strutting along. $20, non-walking babies are free

Sunday, July 13

Bastille Day
60th Street between Lexington and 5th Avenue
12pm-5pm
All Ages
Grab les enfants and head to Bastille Day on 60th Street this Sunday! This charming event commemorates France’s own Independence Day with a taste of culture, including live music and French cuisine. Hosted by the French Institute Alliance Française, the annual street fair also offers a famous prize drawing, artisanal crafts, and the Kid’s Corner, with arts and crafts, face painting, and more! Free

Japan’s Star Festival: Storytelling, Origami, and Tanabata Decorations
Japan Society
2pm
Recommended 3-10 years
Learn all about Japan’s famous Tanabata legends, Hikoboshi and Orihime, though storytelling and crafts. Part of the Tanabata tradition, guests will make paper ornaments, tanzaku (thin paper strips to write wishes on), and can decorate bamboo branches. $12, Children under 2 are free

CK Kids

CK Kids offers various classes and programs, including Afterschool Program, Lil Chefs, Boys Hip-Hop, Ninja Starz, Lil Artists, CK Kids Athletic Programs, Acrobatics, Dance and Drama, and Karate.&nbsp;

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.

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.