Weekend Planner: December 28-January 1

Ice Carving at the Bronx Zoo — Ice carving at the Bronx Zoo; photo by Julie Larsen Maher, courtesy of WCS

It might be getting chillier, but with so much fun going on in the city, it’s difficult to stay holed up all weekend. Super cool science projects, wildlife-themed ice carvings, and a bevvy of performances and festivals are all worth bundling up for this weekend. Enjoy!

Bored of break? Head over to New York Hall of Science to make ice sculptures, LED grow light systems, origami, and more. Oh my! (Friday-Sunday)

Transport yourselves to the Middle Ages at The Cloisters Museum’s evening of feasts, games, art hunts, and other festivities. Dive in! (Friday and Sunday)

Nothing says winter like Ice Carving Week at the Bronx Zoo, made magical by an ice playground, “Cake Boss” display, and more. So cool. (Friday-Sunday)

Who says you can’t enjoy a little learning while school’s out? At the Dimenna Children’s Museum, play games and learn dances related to the days of World War II. Get schooled. (Friday-Sunday)

A great incentive to visit the Museum of the City of New York: complimentary Blue Marble Ice Cream not to mention a dreamy exhibit of iconic NYC winter scenes. Sweet! (Friday-Sunday)

A penny for a 50-minute workshop? See what kids 7 and up can learn at Pixel Academy’s “digital media lab” at ArtsCetera right here. (Saturday)

The American Museum of Natural History’s annual Kwanzaa festival is back with hands-on activities, an international marketplace, and performances galore. Let’s celebrate! (Saturday)

Feel all grown up at Uncle Rock’s Symphony Space concert, where his folksy jams make real-life issues like endangered animals fun and accessible. Rock on! (Saturday)

Calling all hotel lovers: Kids can learn what daily life in a hotel is like with a hotel proprietor at Mt. Vernon Hotel Museum, then enjoy a delicious tea with their fave teddy bears. Neat. (Sunday)

For a Nutcracker-less dance performance, try Tap City Youth Ensemble’s energetic holiday show at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Hello, happy feet! (Sunday)

And click here for a full list of can’t-miss holiday family fun like trees, department store windows, gingerbread workshops, pop-up markets, “Nutcrackers,” and festive celebrations this winter.

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.

The Wild Center

The Wild Center, nestled within the breathtaking landscape of New York's Adirondack Park, offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. As visitors approach the Center, they are greeted by the Adirondack Mountains towering in the distance, setting the stage for an immersive adventure. Upon entering the 34,000-square-foot exhibit hall, guests are enveloped in a world of wonder and discovery. Interactive exhibits like Planet Adirondack and Climate Solutions invite exploration, allowing visitors to delve into the rich biodiversity of the Adirondack region. The indoor experience also includes an opportunity to soar on Birdly--a one-of-a-kind VR experience. Also, get up close with an animal ambassador during one of many live animal encounters throughout the day. In addition to its indoor exhibits and programs, the Wild Center also boasts 115-acres of extensive outdoor amenities. One of the highlights in the award-winning Wild Walk. Visitors walk up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest, 40 feet off the ground. Along the way, interactive exhibits provide insights into the flora and fauna that call the Adirondacks home, from songbirds to black bears. The rest of the campus features more ways to explore. Check out Patrick Dougherty&rsquo;s Stickwork sculpture, an all natural installation of woven sticks that will spark your imagination and nostalgia. Immerse yourself in Forest Music, take a naturalist-lead canoe trip, or get your roll on with Raquette River Roll, a brand-new, oversized, all-natural ball run experience opening in June 2024.

Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens

With more than 35 years of experience, Broadway Dance Center Children &amp; Teens provides young movers ages 3-18 with exceptional training. BDC delivers the finest all-around dance experience for students by offering a wide variety of styles and levels, performance opportunities, and the highest caliber dance instruction that only New York City and BDC Children &amp; Teens can provide. This studio is so much more than a training course for young dancers; it is a diverse, family-friendly community for budding creatives. It has an exemplary faculty who follow the vision to not only develop a dancer&rsquo;s love and ability in dance, but to do so in a nurturing and supportive way.