Weekend Planner: May 10-12

nybg-mothers-day-garden-party — Mother's Day Garden Party at NYBG

There’s so much going on this month that we’re going to kick off our Weekend Planner with a few special announcements:

First, today is the deadline to submit your nominations for the Blackboard Awards For Teachers, which celebrates excellence in local education. And 3pm is the end of an amazing promotion that for our upcoming New York Baby Show: 75% off the regular ticket price with the discount code NYFAMILY13. Don’t miss these opportunities to first give back and then to save!

As far fun family affairs this weekend, we have a whole host of family-friendly Mother’s Day celebrations around the city, including a Central Park Zoo party, other garden tea times, a brunch cruise, and more. That’s not to mention a historic train parade and a day where scientists will identify all those cool mystery rocks you might have lying around the house. Have a blast.

STARTING FRIDAY

Even tiny tots can enjoy the theater, thanks to “Hatched,” the interactive farm story of a newborn chick at The Ailey Citigroup Studio Theater. Hop in! (Friday & Sunday)

Join the Wayside School gang at the Celebration of Whimsy Theater, where a play based on the “Sideways Stories” books brings nutty characters and great life lessons to the stage. Wacky! (Friday-Sunday)

Amas Musical Theater’s Teen Academy, a training program for underserved teens, enacts a humorous soul mate search at the 14th St. Y this weekend. Love it. (Friday-Sunday)

STARTING SATURDAY

Calling comic junkies: Kids Comic Con 7 at Bronx Community College means readings, plays, films, and more–plus a special appearance from an artist from Africa. Get your geek on. (Saturday)

The Annual Kite Flight returns to Socrates Sculpture Park with the chance to construct, decorate, and fly your own kite! Here’s the soaring scoop. (Saturday)

Go fishing, enjoy a giant puppet show, and dance along to Brady Rymer and The Little Band That Could at Robert F. Wagner, Jr Park’s festival. What’s not to love? (Saturday)

Have mysterious rocks, shells, feathers, or other artifacts at home? Scientists will help you figure out what they are or once were at the American Museum of Natural History. Neat! (Saturday)

Grand Central’s Parade of Trains weekend brings historic trains, Legoland Discovery, train-themed musicals, and much more locomotive fun to Midtown. Choo choo! (Saturday & Sunday)

SUNDAY ONLY

Central Park’s A Clearing in the Forest kicks off this season with a storytelling session about mother and child alongside flower potting fun. Don’t forget your picnic! (Sunday)

Relive the magic of Jack and the Beanstalk with a concert at the New York Botanical Garden, where kids can learn about featured instruments and get involved. Sign us up! (Sunday)

A meaningful way to show appreciation for mom: Milagros Day Worldwide’s walk, benefiting the survivors of domestic violence, starts at Brooklyn Bridge and ends with a multicultural concert fest. Get movin’. (Sunday)

Start Mother’s Day Sunday right with a cheery TasteBuds Kitchen event that helps you transform a cupcake into a mum for mom. Too cute. (Sunday)

Launching Sunday, NYC Wildflower Week celebrates the city’s 778 native plants with scavenger hunts, bug box making, flora walks, and much more. Here’s the buzz. (Sunday)

BONUS TIPS

This Friday, help a mama up! In honor of Mother’s Day, give back by helping moms carry their strollers up and down the subway stairs–and get breakfast and a cute T courtesy of Birth Day Presence. The breakfast and info session starts at 9am; volunteer hours are 10:30am to 12pm. More here.

Learn the secrets of college admissions at a free seminar tonight at the Grand Hyatt in Midtown East. From 6:30pm to 8pm, Julie Raynor Gross, private college counselor and President of Collegiate Gateway, hosts this event for 8th through 10th graders and parents, which will include a panel of experts explaining how to make the most of high school to succeed in college prep. Please RSVP: julie.cgateway@gmail.com

On Sunday, mothers can band together at Symphony Space for a hilarious “Listen To Your Mother” reading, by performers and moms like BlogHer editor Stacey Morrison, Sandy Rustin, Amy Wilson, and more. It’s a great place to come together all celebrate everything parenting.

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.

Steps on Broadway Youth Programs

<p class="m_6201101365486487057m_1751229968981391907gmail-m-6447730382188674378msonospacing" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">For 40 years, the Youth Programs at the internationally celebrated Steps on Broadway have nurtured young dancers, ages 18 months to 18 years.&nbsp; Whether seeking a fun dance experience or comprehensive pre-professional training, there is a program suited for everyone.&nbsp; Classes include ballet, tap, jazz, theater dance, hip hop, contemporary, modern, pointe and more.&nbsp; Taught by a faculty of internationally-recognized concert, ballet, Broadway and celebrated guest artists, every student is encouraged to discover their artistic uniqueness, deepen their passion for the art form, while growing as dancers and individuals.&nbsp; Classes are offered throughout the academic year and summer. First Steps (ages 18 mos &ndash; 5 yrs) Kids &amp; Teens (ages 6-18 yrs) Pre-Professional Program (ages 7-18 yrs, by audition only)