Have
your Mardi Gras beads at the ready, because Carnaval hits the city with
celebrations (totally PG, totally for the family) from Bryant Park’s Carousel to El Barrio this weekend. And with a
long weekend for some moms and dads (thanks, Mr. Presidents), mid-winter break
is lingering in the (very) near future for public school students. Here’s a
hodgepodge of ways to celebrate! —
SATURDAY-MONDAY
It’s a President’s Day weekend chock
full of storytimes. Learn why Abe Lincoln was so honest (Monday),
celebrate the birthday of George Washington (Sunday) and find out exactly who
is on the $2 bill (Saturday).
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
The Intrepid’s Kids Week 2012 kicks
off with a weekend of circus-themed fun. Learn how to juggle and spin plates—just
like a clown!
It’s the opening weekend
of Mo
Willem’s Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary
Musical at the Manhattan Children’s Theatre. Don’t miss the events on
opening night, like cake, crafts and a meet-and-greet with the cast.
SATURDAY
Get a little bit of gospel, jazz, hip-hop and soul at the American Museum of Natural History’s African-American
Musical Mosaic. And don’t miss a special performance from legendary member of Run
DMC, Darryl McDaniel!
Wear your purple, gold
and green to Le Carrousel in Bryant Park for a free Mardi Gras bash for families
with chocolate coins, warm apple cider and magic tricks.
At El Museo Del Barrio’s celebration of Carnaval, kiddos can take a dance
class, make their own jaguar mask or sample the sounds of Latin Grammy winner
Lila Downs.
SUNDAY
Do as the Cajun do and celebrate Mardi Gras with the Arty Gras Festival & Parade at the
Children’s Museum of the Arts. This bash will also celebrate the 25th
anniversary of Two Boots Pizzeria complete with masks, noisemakers and of
course, slices.
Don your best party duds and head to Signature
Theater’s Peter Norton Space for opening day of The Hundred Dresses by The Atlantic Theater Company. Based on the
novel by Eleanor Estes, this musical teaches the meaning of acceptance and
tolerance to kids ages 6-13.
Singing kid-friendly
covers of
all your favorite Beatles songs, the indie pop band Bubble Do Beatles will
perform at 92Y Tribeca.
Find out what happens when lightning strikes
a greenhouse and ordinary vegetables obtain superpowers at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s Super Sprowtz Puppet
Show.
The Doktor is in at the Queens Theatre.
By combining wacky humor with his love of science, Doktor Kaboom teaches
children all about the modern scientific method.
12 English folk dance
troupes from
across the country will perform at the Brooklyn Museum. Bonus: their hybrid
Irish jigs will include double-handed swords.
Be a guest at George Washington’s
Birthday Ball at The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum. Costumed performers will teach
traditional country dances. Light refreshments and a museum tour are included.
MONDAY
Bring your little builder to the New York Hall of Science’s Engineering Day.
Construct a dome with gumdrop candies or erect a high-rise from JENGA blocks.
Fall into a fit of laughter with the Phoenix
Theatre Ensemble’s Songs in the Key of
Giggles. Sing along to favorites from Little
Red, Puss in Boots and The Three Little Pigs.
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.
