We’ve already got Memorial Day on
the mind (three-day weekend, where are you?). But before you skip to the
seashore and pack that perfect picnic, take a look at these fabulous family
events that are sure turn this busy week into a bearable one. —
Monday, May 21
Explorers’ Club at Battery Park City
6 River Terrace
4-5:30pm
Let your little
explorers do what they do best during a summer hosted by The Batter Park City
Parks Conservancy. First, second and third graders are given magnifying lenses,
binoculars and field guides to discover nature throughout the park. They’ll
learn about plants, animals and the environment. Pre-registration is required; check the website for details.
Tuesday, May 22
251 West 100th Street
6:10-8:45pm
The transition
to kindergarten is a big step, but this workshop will help make it less
intimidating for your family. Robin Aronow will lead discussions about
application procedures, what to look for when touring a school, gifted vs.
general education, lottery & charter schools, child visits and more. For an
extra $15, you can receive a 40-page public schools packet. Registration begins at 6:10pm, workshop at
6:30pm.
Wednesday, May 23
Opening Day of the 25th Annual Fleet Week at the Intrepid
West 46th Street and 12th Avenue
10am-5pm
Celebrate a
great NYC tradition by touring the military ships that will be in port and
watching members of the military duke it out in their famous tug-of-war
contest. The celebration begins at 10am with the Parade of Sail, as Navy, Coast
Guard and Tall Ships travel up the Hudson River. Today, the summer movie series
will also kick off with a viewing of Men
in Black 3 on the Flight Deck. Fleet
Week takes place through Tuesday, May 29.
Thursday, May 24
161 Hudson Street
10am and 3:30pm
Moomah is back!
At this workshop, all participants will receive a figurine, gooey model magic,
paint and all the necessary tools to create a unique sculpture. The workshop
finishes up with playtime in the Funky Forest. Kids younger than four must be accompanied by an adult.
Friday, May 25
55 Washington Square South
11am and 3pm
Celebrate the
birthday of a dance legend and “the mother of modern dance”. The Isadora Duncan
Dance Company’s junior company The
Beliloveables, comprised of dancers ages 11-18, will showcase Schubert
Waltzes choreographed by Duncan. After the show, children are invited and
encouraged to join The
Beliloveables onstage to
dance with them. Call 212.691.5040 or
email info@isadoraduncan.org for
tickets.
Saturday, May 26
Botanical Arts
and Stop Motion Explosion On Governor’s Island
Nolan Park
11am-3pm
In celebration of Governor’s
Island’s opening weekend, The Free Arts Island Outpost will host workshops in
Botanical Arts and Stop Motion for kids. Learn how to create a pretty, natural
assortment and then use clay, paper and other found objects to understand
animation.
The Canal Park Playhouse’s Weekend Movie/Brunch Series
Presents The Red Balloon
508 Canal Street
10:30am, 1pm and 4pm
This beloved
wordless film by Albert Lamorisse, follows a young boy as he comes across a
stray balloon with a mind of its own. The two discover the streets of Paris
together. The screening also includes Casper the Friendly Ghost and Popeye
cartoons. Come early or stay after for
brunch in the Playhouse’s Waffle Iron Café. This
screening also takes place Sunday, May 27.
Sunday, May 27
Mario the Magician’s Family Magic Show at Space on White
81 White Street
2:30pm and 4:30pm
Join Mario the
Magician for an inventive and interactive magical performance. He’s part retro,
part rock ‘n’ roll, and he creates his own props. Mario’s style is inspired by
his heroes Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin—but he puts a modern spin on his
tricks. Recommended for ages 3-11;
performance is 50 minutes.
Animal Tales
Extravaganza at The Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern
Boulevard
11am
This weekend at Animal Tales, families can meet Buddy the T-Rex from Dinosaur Train on PBS plus practice
their downward dog in Astor Court with Lil Yogi’s NYC. On the main stage, Sid
The Science Kid performs.
