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.
