Weekend Planner: January 10-12

"Mysteries of the Unseen World" at AMNH; photo courtesy of National Geographic 2013 — “Mysteries of the Unseen World” at AMNH; photo courtesy of National Geographic 2013

It’s officially ski season. Here’s a look at the slickest slopes in the northeast! And for the scoop on the best winter fun to be had inside and outside the city, check out our complete guide to the best skating rinks, tea and cocoa spots, cultural oases, and more. Plus, enjoy the weekend’s many happenings below. And don’t miss a special giveaway at the New York Hall of Science: the world’s largest gingerbread village is being gifted in bits and pieces to the public. For the delicious details, click here.

STARTING FRIDAY

Catch the American Museum of Natural History’s IMAX film “Mysteries of the Unseen World,” which uses time-lapse photography, nanotechnology, and electron microscopy to allow audiences to get up close and personal with creatures like aphids and cat fleas. Prepare to be awed! (Friday through June)

Venture to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to explore texture and line using metal and wire, as inspired by sculptors Calder, David Smith, and John Chamberlain. Learn from the greats! (Friday)

Pick up a copy of Deborah Wiles’ Each Little Bird That Sings at the New York Public Library’s Children’s Center and enjoy a colorful discussion of the tale with fellow little ones. Get ready to read! (Friday)

I’m Bilingual!, a Spanish language program for New York City children, is hosting an open house complete with trial classes and a piñata celebration for the New Year. Fiesta time! (Friday)

STARTING SATURDAY

HelpUsAdopt.org, a financial grant program founded to help couples and individuals overcome the financial hurdles of the adoption process, is hosting their 2^nd MeetUp for all people touched by adoption. Share the love! (Saturday)

IckyFest 2014 kicks off this weekend at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Among the fun activities: a bug petting zoo and a carnivorous plants demo. Get ready to be grossed out! (Saturday-Sunday)

Dinosaurs will once again roam the earth during DiNO-Light, a Corbain Visual Arts & Dance and Lightwire Theater production at Symphony Space featuring 3D, glow-in-the-dark puppets and props. Watch out! (Saturday)

Little ones can learn the basics of using a digital camera in order to create their own photo to take home at a Sony Wonder Technology Lab event. Say cheese! (Saturday)

A special screening of “Tickety Toc” at the Scholastic Store in SoHo ends with a meet-and-greet of the main characters, Tommy and Tallulah. Reserve your seat! (Saturday)

Host Sarah Lohman leads kids on a scavenger hunt through the New York Historical Society to find kitchen items from long ago. Then everyone cooks together like they did 200 years ago. Churn that butter! (Saturday)

Take part in a culturally infused afternoon as the popular non-profit, the National Dance Institute, continues its tradition of introducing public school kids to the arts. At this open house, little ones can enjoy live music, free classes, and multiple performances by the talented kids of NDI. Dance to the beat! (Saturday)

After reading The Inside-Outside Book of New York City, kids can create their own picture books inspired by subway travel at the New York Transit Museum. Get creative! (Saturday and Sunday)

STARTING SUNDAY

Celebrate the Jewish New Year of Trees with a Tu B’Shvat seder and sanctuary tour of the Eldridge Street Synagogue. Party down! (Sunday)

Watch a lovely tribute at Merkin Concert Hall to the talented duo Betty Comden and Adolph Green. The pair wrote the screenplay to the famed musical comedy “Singin’ in the Rain,” among other talented accomplishments. Enjoy the show! (Sunday)

Anyone who has experienced a bad day can relate to “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” showing at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts. From a dessert-less lunch to a lima-bean-filled dinner, Alexander suffers through a miserable 24 hours. Sulking allowed! (Sunday)

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;

British Swim School - Manhattan

The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.&nbsp; British Swim School uses gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School&rsquo;s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come see the British Swim School difference!

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.