NYC Weekend Planner: January 4-6 – New York Family Magazine

Monarchs - FOB - SK Films — Flight of the Butterflies IMAX at AMNH

Brr! It’s tempting to stay inside for what weather experts are forecasting as the coldest week of the season, but with so much going on, that might be one decision you regret. If you’re brave enough to venture outdoors this weekend, you’ll be rewarded with delights like a feisty family country dance, a new IMAX film about butterflies, opera for kids, and much more family fun.

STARTING FRIDAY

Three Kings Day honors the end of the holiday season, and El Museo del Barrio’s annual parade of camels, puppets, and dancing is where it’s at. Hop in! (Friday)

Warm up at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum with hot chocolate and a lesson in how people and animals alike survive super cold winter months. Cool. (Friday)

The New York Boat Show means boats of all kinds, scuba diving in a heated pool, and a sailing simulator at the Javits Center. Dive in! (Friday-Sunday)

STARTING SATURDAY

Need a laugh? Join Alastair Moock and his spunky roots band at Symphony Space for funny, thoughtful folk tunes. Rock on! (Saturday)

Introduce the family to the magic of silent films and see Buster Keaton in “Steamboat Bill Jr.” with the Film Society of Lincoln Center. An oldie but a goodie. (Saturday)

Amore Opera’s “Boheme in Brief” makes Puccini’s famed story about Parisian life perfectly kid-friendly at 90 minutes long. Get cultured. (Saturday)

For some good old American fun, head over to 92Y’s Family Country Dance for circle, line, square, and reel dancing. Ready to move? (Saturday)

Calling all animal lovers: Seal Exploration will guide you in spotting seals, falcons, deer, and salamanders in Pelham Bay Park. Wild! (Saturday)

“Circus in a Trunk” is back at Canal Park Playhouse with a three-clown act using only the contents of a single trunk. Creative! (Saturday-Sunday)

Learn all about the 3,000-mile Monarch migration at the American Museum of Natural History’s newest IMAX film, Flight of the Butterflies. Impressed yet? (Saturday-Sunday)

SUNDAY ONLY

What better way to help young children appreciate woodwind ensembles than through an adorable penguin named Philippe? A part of the Very Young People’s Concerts at the New York Philharmonic. (Sunday)

“How I Became A Pirate,” based on Melinda Long’s children’s book, brings a swashbuckling good time to the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts for only $7. Ahoy, matey! (Sunday)

BONUS TIP

To help make the most of January in NYC, we’ve gathered ten great family-friendly events for all kinds of indoor fun. From a dinosaur zoo to KamiKaze Fireflies to retro science, there are performances, shows, and exhibits for children of all ages and interests.

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!

Super Soccer Stars

Soccer Stars is New York&rsquo;s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps. At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace. Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent &amp; Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week: Connecticut: <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> &nbsp; Westchester: <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> &nbsp; New York City: <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> &nbsp; Can&rsquo;t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available!&nbsp;

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.