Picks Of The Week: May 2-8

Looking for some
activity inspiration for the week ahead? Just check out our “Picks of the
Week” blog, in which our listings editor Sandy Krulwich picks her favorite
family events for each day of the week, whether it’s a workshop, special story
time for kids, or a musical performance. See this week’s picks after the jump. —

Monday, May 2
Book Talks For Kids And
Parents At Mount
Vernon Hotel Museum
421
East 61st Street
6 pm – 7 pm

Beginning
today, the museum will host a discussion series (six in all), each focused on a
young adult book related to themes of American identity. Pre-registration
required – call 212.838.6878 (ext.25)
for more information.

Tuesday, May 3
Lego Store Monthly Mini
Model Build
Rockefeller Center
5 pm (until
supplies last)

The architecturally-minded
will dig the Lego Store’s free mini model demonstration, which happens the
first Tuesday of every month. Bonus points: take the cool creation home with
you! Recommended for ages 6-14 years.

Wednesday, May 4
Preschool Play At Robert
F. Wagner Jr. Park
Just
north of Historic Battery Park, off Battery Place.
10
am – Noon

Toddlers and preschoolers can
enjoy stories and songs on the lawn. Toys, books and equipment provided.

Thursday, May 5
Meet 12 Beloved Children’s
Illustrators At The Scholastic Store
557 Broadway
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Want to celebrate Children’s
Book Week in style? Meet 12 of your kid’s favorite illustrators (okay, ours
too) at this unprecedented event! Favorites include: David Shannon (No, David), Norman Bridwell (Clifford) and Bruce Degen (Magic School Bus).

Friday, May 6
Blooming Babies: I Love
My Mommy!
145
Brooklyn Avenue (Brooklyn
Children’s Museum)
11:30
am

With Mother’s Day is right
around the corner, nothing says “I love you” like a special necklace! For ages
18 months – 2.5 years.

Saturday, May 7
Mother’s Day Tea Party
at Taste Buds Kitchen
109
West 27th Street
9:30 am (5-8
years), 11 am (2-4
years), 12:30 pm (9-13
years)

This Mother’s Day, come to
Taste Buds for a special Mother and Child Tea Party. Nosh on raspberry tea and
homemade scones with homemade jam. Be sure to choose the best session based on
child’s age.

Sunday, May 8
Animal Tales Extravaganza At The Bronx Zoo
Bronx Zoo
10 am – 5 pm

With weekend programs through
June 26, Animal Tales offers families two days of themed fun! This Sunday, don’t
miss Elisabeth Hasselbeck (a New York
Family cover mom from earlier this year) reading “Angelina’s New Partner” as
well a children’s dance workshop with the folks from Vital Theatre.

Chickenshed NYC

Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed&rsquo;s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change. Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen. Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.

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;

Adventuring Portal

<a name="m_-1473885667065203258__Hlk72147528"></a>Adventuring Portal runs Dungeons and Dragons (D&amp;D) games for kids.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have created a safe online space for tweens and teens to learn and play D&amp;D. Our D&amp;D Summer Camp session are a one-week experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;Monday &ndash; Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Each day will be 3 hours of gaming (with 2 breaks build in).&nbsp;&nbsp;15 total gaming hours for $180.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you have played with us before, you are entitled to 10% off.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Need your kids, nieces or nephews, grand kids or neighbor&rsquo;s kids to be occupied for a bit so you can get work done &amp; take care of your to-do list? Maybe your tween or teen is still a bit isolated and craves connection with their peers? Whether your teen/tween has played D&amp;D before or is brand-new to the experience, this safe space brings players together to have fun and solve problems as a team in ways few other online opportunities do. All our games focus on experiential learning.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our players leave knowing all the basic game play as well as experiencing: teamwork, bravery, compassion, generosity, negotiation, improvisation, gamer etiquette, strategy, critical thinking, problem solving, cartography and probability - all through online D&amp;D adventuring! We are an inclusive organization and welcome gamers who are LGBTQIA+ and those on any spectrum.&nbsp; All girls&rsquo; groups available.&nbsp; I am a parent, a certified elementary school and middle school math teacher and last summer in the midst of the mess started&nbsp;Adventuring Portal, an&nbsp;online Dungeons &amp; Dragons&nbsp;business&nbsp;for kids. There are so many benefits to playing D&amp;D and I hope you will consider us as a great way for your child to safely socialize, grow as people and have a great time.