Weekend Planner: Fun Family Activities in NYC (April 4-6)

Astrograss land at Symphony Space to entertain the kids

HOT OFF THE BLOG

*If you’re looking for a “last minute” day camp or sleepaway camp for the summer, or want to do some long-term research to find the right camp for your child,New York Family’s last two Camp Fairs of the season are this Saturday and Sunday, April 5-6.

Our Camp Fairs are free, child-friendly, and just a very helpful and convenient way for parents and children to connect with more than 40 directors from day camps and sleepaway camps in one setting.

*SATURDAY (4/5), 12-3PM: St. Jean Baptiste High School on the Upper East Side at 173 E. 75th Street (between Third Avenue and Lexington Avenue). Register HERE!

*SUNDAY (4/6), 12-3PM: Congregation Rodeph Sholom on the Upper West Side at 7 West 83rd Street (between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue). Register HERE!

*Brooklyn Baby & Family Expo On Sunday (Don’t Miss Discount Code): For more info about all the goods, services, speakers, and entertainment for Brooklyn families at this Sunday’s expo, CLICK HERE and don’t forget to use the discount code: NYFAM15OFF to get 15 percent off tickets of all prices/levels!

Please note: VIP passes with free Beco Baby Carrier are almost sold out, so buy your tickets now.

*For kids who love movies and the small screen, we’ve unearthed the five coolest things you need to know about the Museum of the Moving Image right now! CLICK HERE!

*Check out the Parents League Independent School Kindergarten Fair. The fair takes place on Tuesday, April 8, at the Grace Church School, from 4:30 to 6:15pm followed by a panel talk at 6:30pm. Registration is free, so register today!

WEEKEND PLANNER

STARTING FRIDAY

*See Tony-award-winning Brian Stokes Mitchell perform favorites from shows like “Kiss Me Kate” and “Man of La Mancha” at a benefit concert for the Hunter College Elementary School. Sing on! (Friday)

*Demetrius Alexandro Claudio Amadeus Bello Nock the clown is back by popular demand at the New Victory Theater! Be prepared to laugh your socks off and gasp in amazement at “Bello Mania,” filled with crazy antics, gravity-defying tricks, and wacky humor. Be dazzled! (Friday through April 20)

*Enjoy a mega sci-tech celebration that’s actually a 3-day regional robotics competition at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. See who will advance to the global round! (Friday through Sunday)

*The Five Angels Theatre is playing host to ten short plays written by kids and performed by adults. It’s showtime! (Friday through Sunday)

STARTING SATURDAY

*The Astrograss combine bluegrass, old-time, and folk music to create a dancing beat for kids and parents alike at Symphony Space. Dance along! (Saturday)

*The Little Orchestra Society’s new production of Hansel and Gretel takes over Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall this weekend with music by Engelbert Humperdinck. Enjoy the show! (Saturday)

*It’s time for the Biennial Family Party at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Opening its doors an hour early exclusively for families, the museum is hosting a myriad of interactive tours, gallery activities, and even an artist workshop. Get creative! (Saturday)

*The Queens County Farm Museum is throwing a carnival at their apple orchard. Expect rides, games, prizes, and children’s entertainment. Have a ball! (Saturday)

*The Galli Theater will perform the beloved story of a wicked witch who casts a sleeping curse on the entire kingdom in “Sleeping Beauty.” Stay awake! (Saturday through April 27)

*Prospect Park celebrates opening day with a host of activities from a parade to the first bat of the Brooklyn Little Leaguers. Head outdoors! (Saturday)

*Learn about pterosaurs, who took to the skies for roughly 150 million years during the age of the dinosaurs, in a new show at the American Museum of Natural History. Learn something wild! (Saturday through January 4, 2015)

*Celebrate spring at the Museum of Chinese in America with their Qing Ming Family Festival: make kites, plant seeds, play traditional Chinese games and more. Have a blast! (Saturday)

*Peppa Pig, star of the hit animated television series of the same name, will stop by the Scholastic Store to take pictures and screen her new DVD, “My Birthday Party.” Say hi! (Saturday)

*Artist and bestselling children’s author Maira Kalman is coming to the MoMA Design Store to sign her new book, Girls Standing On Lawns. Meet and greet! (Saturday)

STARTING SUNDAY

*Based on the popular PBS Kids TV series, “Sid the Science Kid: Live!” lands at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts. The show is guaranteed to appeal to the curious scientist in every child. Think science! (Sunday)

*Sweeten your Passover with milk chocolate frogs and white chocolate hail at the Museum at Eldridge Street! Follow a trail of clue crumbles and uncover Eldridge Street’s own Passover story of freedom. Honor the holiday! (Sunday)

*Elizabeth Mitchell brings her band, her daughter Storey, and the M Shanghai String Band together to play an incredible night of music at the Jewish Museum. Listen up! (Sunday)

*Penny Jones & Co. Puppets perform an enchanting tale in which a bevy of silly and peculiar things unfold when a ghost, fox, goat, litterbug witch, two kids, and an assortment of magicians mingle and frolic in the Magic Forest. Take your seat! (Sunday)

*The Poppy Seed Players present a tale based on the children’s books “Shlemiel Crooks” and “Chicken Bone Man,” in which a boy and his canine best friend keep the ghost of Pharaoh from ruining Passover. Watch the adventure! (Sunday)

Click here for our full calendar of events!

Chickenshed NYC

Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed&rsquo;s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change. Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen. Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.

Color Me Mine

Color Me Mine Upper West Side proudly stands as a minority woman-owned studio, and we've been an integral part of the Color Me Mine franchise system since 2018! Pottery painting isn't just an activity; it's a captivating and inclusive experience that transcends age and skill levels. At Color Me Mine Upper West Side, we extend a warm invitation to dive into a realm of creativity, self-expression, and connection. Families, friends and teams grow stronger bonds when they create memories together, and at Color Me Mine, we're here to help facilitate those moments. Whether you're seeking a delightful family outing, a unique date night, or a solo adventure, our paint-your-own-pottery studio offers boundless possibilities. Step into our welcoming space in the heart of Lincoln Center and unleash your inner artist. Create unforgettable memories as you craft beautiful ceramic masterpieces to cherish for many years to come. Color Me Mine Upper West Side is also the preferred venue for celebrations of all kinds. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a baby or bridal shower, a team-building event, a gathering for college groups, an enriching field trip, or an adventure with scouts, we've got you covered. Our versatile space and passionate team provides the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories and fostering creativity in every guest. Join us at Color Me Mine Upper West Side, at 177 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City where every visit promises a fun journey of color, joy, and artistic exploration!

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)