Take the challenge of the four Quests

Take the challenge to learn all about wildlife in a new program called the Quests at Queens Zoo now through Sept. 5.

The Quests are geared to children, but adults may participate as well. Visitors learn about wildlife in scavenger hunt format and embark on a nature adventure to identify local birds, discover ways to reduce pollution, learn about ocean and other aquatic habitats, and more.

The four Quest stations are:

Outdoor Exploration – Children will get their hands dirty as they play, explore, and experience nature at the zoo.

Bird Station – Visitors will identify the amazing birds at the zoo using binoculars provided by staff. You will also discover how scientists protect birds and what you can do to help.

Sea Lion Station – Visitors will learn about the amazing aquatic animals that live in New York City’s waterways while discovering simple ways to help keep the New York seascape clean for wildlife and people.

Farm Fun – The zoo is home to a wide range of domestic animals, including sheep, goats, chickens, and horses. Participants will play farm-themed games and learn about the fuzzy domestic friends who live on the zoo’s farm.

Participants recieve a Quest map brochure at the start of each adventure, then visit several stations around the park to complete science and conservation challenges

Quest Stations is offered now through Sept. 5, Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 am to 3 pm, and is free with zoo admission.

Queens Zoo [53-51 111th St. between 53rd and 54th streets in Corona, (718) 271–1500, queenszoo.com]

Belle da Costa Greene: A Librarian's Legacy

The Morgan Library &amp; Museum will present a major exhibition devoted to the life and career of its inaugural director, Belle da Costa Greene (1879&ndash;1950). Widely recognized as an authority on illuminated manuscripts and deeply respected as a cultural heritage executive, Greene was one of the most prominent librarians in American history. The exhibition will trace Greene&rsquo;s storied life, from her roots in a predominantly Black community in Washington, D.C., to her distinguished career at the helm of one of the world&rsquo;s great research libraries. Through extraordinary objects―from medieval manuscripts and rare printed books to archival records and portraits―the exhibition will demonstrate the confidence and savvy Greene brought to her roles as librarian, scholar, curator, and cultural executive, and honor her enduring legacy.

Yuletide Factory

Fill your hearts with circus cheer&mdash;the merry daredevils of Cirque Mechanics (Zephyr, 2023) are back with an industrial-strength spectacular for you and your kin. Sparkling with holiday spirit, the ever energetic ensemble of acrobats transforms a drab assembly plant into a holly jolly Yuletide Factory! From the wonder of the German wheel to festive flips from the trampoline wall, they dash and dance through a pageant of powerhouse stunts with grins and goodwill. It&rsquo;s high-flying fun, comfort and joy for the whole family!

Speakitaly NYC

SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp; Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge. Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts? Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"