Weekend Planner: April 12-14

Editor’s Note: Thanks for checking out this week’s Weekend Planner. First of all, we’d like to apologize for our website being down the past two days. Our digital team has worked hard to restore the system so that www.newyorkfamily.com now is back up and running.

Second, for those of you who receive our Weekly Scoop e-newsletters, we regret that this week’s links were broken as a result of the website issues. If you were unable to view the featured stories, you can view the newsletter again in our archive right here.

We hope you’ll continue visiting our website regularly as we continue to post new content each day. Thanks again for being such an important part of the New York Family community.

STARTING FRIDAY

UniverSoul Circus is no ordinary troupe, thanks to live tiger illusions, break-dancing clowns, a cappella numbers, and other funky acts at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens. Wowza. (Friday-Sunday)

What happens when Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack all wind up in the same fairytale? Find out at “Into the Woods, Jr.” at the West Side YMCA. Magical! (Friday-Sunday)

STARTING SATURDAY

Get on the inside track at the American Museum of Natural History’s sleepover, filled with after-hours live animal tours, themed quests, and more educational fun. Stay awake, now! (Saturday)

It’s a whole world of music at Hot Peas ‘N Butter’s Symphony Space concert, where Latin, Afro-Carribean, jazz, folk, and rock music come together. Dive in! (Saturday)

Cuddle up to a heartwarming adaptation of E.B. White’s beloved Charlotte’s Web at The Calhoun School, where post-show milk and brownies complete the fun. Classic. (Saturday)

The Prospect Heights Crafts Fair means handmade goods shopping galore, not to mention yoga demos, science workshops, arts projects, and more just for kids. Feeling creative? (Saturday)

Travel the plains of the African desert to the subway tunnels of NYC via Itty Biddies’ exhilarating concert at the Brooklyn Library, part of the McGraw-Hill CarnegieKids series. What an adventure! (Saturday)

Like that cool babysitter you’ve always wanted, Joanna Leeds & The Nightlights makes life lessons fun in catchy tunes that elicits lots of giggles. Ready to laugh? (Saturday)

Fullfill all your carnival dreams right here in the city at Queens County Farm’s Children’s Carnival, complete with classic rides, midway games, hayrides, and all that wholesome fun.
Hop on! (Saturday & Sunday)

Love LEGOs? Don’t miss the MoMA Design Store’s littleBits demos, where budding engineers can easily explore the possibilities of these electric-enabled building blocks. Get busy! (Saturday & Sunday)

For a fun way to exercise little brains, NYChessKids is hosting an intro to chess workshop for ages 3-6 at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Thinking caps: on. (Saturday & Sunday)

SUNDAY ONLY

Celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s national day, with dancing, carnival games, delicious foods, and all ages concert at The JCC in Manhattan. Happy Independence Day! (Sunday)

BONUS TIPS

If you’re considering a private school for your child next school year, it’s not too early to get started. Educational consultant Robin Aronow is holding a workshop next Wednesday, 4/17, to give you an overview of the admission process and help you make your decision. More Here

Join child development experts at the 2013 Young Child Expo & Conference at the Hotel Pennsylvania for everything you need to know about youth development. From Wednesday, 4/17 through Friday, 4/19, panels of leaders and professionals will give parents advice on topics like education, behavior, play, and special needs. More Here