The year 2011 was chock full
of great (and not-so-great) parenting stories. It was also a year of free festivals, hip exhibits and rockin’ displays of
kiddie tunes (that Mom & Dad liked, too.) So while you reflect on the days
gone by—here’s a few ways to enjoy what’s left (including a great round-up of how to celebrate NYE with kids in tow!). —
FRIDAY
Anchorman Elmo is ready to ring in the New Year! Head to the Sony Wonder
Technology Lab for a 60-minute screening of Sesame
Street Celebrates Around The World.
The Story Pirates are known for bringing the stories of kids to the stage. Tomorrow,
they share their magic at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan with two can’t-miss performances.
Ages 3 and up will get a kick out of Puppetworks’ two-for-one holiday show in Park
Slope, with marionette musings from The
Steadfast Tin Solider and Nutcracker
Sweets.
Inspired by the work of Ezra Jack Keats, 3’s
and up can spend the afternoon watercolor painting and layering patterned
papers to create a collage at the Jewish Museum’s final winter break workshop.
Team up, solve clues and traverse the DiMenna Children’s History Museum floor in a winter recess scavenger hunt. And don’t forget to decorate
your own election button!
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
Get ready for a weekend of astounding acrobatics! For a
spellbinding show, head to The Queens Theatre to gawk at the Golden Dragon
troupe in a two-day run. (Friday-Saturday) And in their final weekend, Cirque
Shanghai’s Bai Xi will w-o-w at the New Victory. (Friday-Sunday)
Learn about the chromatography of snowflakes and leap across a series of lily
pads in the remaining few days of Liberty Science Center’s 12 Days of Science.
SATURDAY
A Kwanzaa gala fit for the whole family! Experience African dance, spoken word, live music,
custom crafts and more at the American Museum of Natural History.
Counting down to 2012 with kids in tow? We put
together a special
list of events for the big night, so check out these family-friendly
soirees (from bowling
to the circus),
restaurant
parties (at Isabella’s
and more) and outdoor
fun (from fireworks
to an annual
bike ride)—and be sure to bring the sparkling apple juice!
SUNDAY
Watch the playful (and
silent) shorts featured in the recent cinematic hit, Hugo,
at the Film Society of Lincoln Center. All ages are welcome to this
magical world of magicians, fairies and mermaids.
Ready to get started on
those New Year’s resolutions? During a free all-day fitness fair at the JCC, fams can sign up for
programs like Family Zumba or Cardio Boot Camp. Pre-registration recommended.
MONDAY
Cherished teddy bears (and their owners, too) are invited to afternoon
tea at the Mount Vernon Hotel and Museum Garden.
Crafty kiddos 6 and up can create their own
works of art by stacking paper, cardboard, newspapers and old magazines at a
workshop hosted by the Children’s Museum of the Arts.
The holidays may be over, but the spirit of the New York Botanical Garden’s Train Show is still abuzz! 2012 kicks off with regularly
scheduled performances by Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends.
For even more events
and activities this weekend and beyond, check out our Family Calendar.
And if you haven’t already, click
here to register for our free weekly newsletter which features our favorite
events to enjoy every weekend in the city and beyond.
PHOTO CREDIT: LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER
