Events: Top Kid-Friendly Activities For The Week

The Pop Ups will perform this Saturday at Symphony Space! Photo by Wally Gobetz via Flickr.
The Pop Ups will perform this Saturday at Symphony Space! Photo by Wally Gobetz via Flickr.

It’s the first week of 2016! Despite the jarring arrival of winter temps, make every effort to take in one or more of our picks, guaranteed to get your New Year off to a rollicking start. A poppin’ parade, a super squash tournament, a touching, teen-themed show, a toe-tapping treat for young kids, or a brilliant Broadway tribute to two magical musical collaborators: This is our multi-dimensional mix for this week.

Wednesday, January 6

39th Annual Three Kings Day Parade
El Museo Del Barrio
11am-2pm
Celebrate Three Kings Day at El Museo del Barrio during its annual Three Kings Day Parade. There will be music, dancing, live camels, magnificent puppets, and much more. The parade begins 106th Street and Lexington Avenue and ends at 115th Street and Park Avenue. Afterwards, enjoy live concerts, traditional Puerto Rican food, and free admission to the museum’s galleries. This event is free; pre-registration is required for parade marchers.

Beginning Thursday, January 7

J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions
Grand Central Terminal
Various times
The world’s best squash players will compete at the J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions at Grand Central Terminal! Beginning this Thursday, visitors can watch live matches play out within a four-walled, all-glass squash court in Vanderbilt Hall. Plus, join other NYC families on Sunday, January 10 from 11:30am to 3pm for Dunlop Kids Day. The day will feature goodie bags from Dunlop, autograph sessions, snacks, and the chance to play in a Beat-the-Pro challenge. Runs through Thursday, January 14. Reserved seats start at $8; standing room only tickets are free.

Beginning Friday, January 8

“Museum of Memories”
The Duke on 42nd Street
Various times
Starting this Friday, the New International Encounter (NIE) Theatre will present “Museum of Memories” at The New Victory Theater’s Duke on 42nd Street. Five ensemble cast members will perform this heartrending piece about teenagers who reminisce about their friend, brother, and neighbor who has committed suicide. Through the use of live music and physical theater, his story is poignantly brought to life during this 65 minute performance. After each show, audience members are invited to tour the set. Please note: This production is not recommended for kids under age 13. Runs weekends through Sunday, January 17. Tickets are $25.

Saturday, January 9

The Pop Ups
Symphony Space
11am & 2pm
Two-time GRAMMY award-nominated kindie duo, The Pop Ups, are coming to Symphony Space this Saturday! Their concerts are a blend of high-energy tunes, cardboard props, original puppetry, and hand-painted sets that is perfect for families with children of all ages. The band will perform songs from their most recent album, “Great Pretenders Club.” Show runs approximately one hour in length. Tickets are $15.

Sunday, January 10

Broadway Playhouse: Richard Adler & Jerry Ross
Merkin Concert Hall
11am
Head to Merkin Concert Hall this Sunday for a Broadway Playhouse concert featuring the music of Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. The two Broadway songwriters’ short-lived collaboration produced several hit shows including “Damn Yankees,” “The Pajama Game” and “John Murray Anderson’s Almanac.” Perfect for families with children between the ages of 4 and 11, this morning concert is an ideal way to introduce youngsters to the best of musical theater. Tickets are $20.

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Yuletide Factory

<p>Fill your hearts with circus cheer—the merry daredevils of Cirque Mechanics (Zephyr, 2023) are back with an industrial-strength spectacular for you and your kin. Sparkling with holiday spirit, the ever energetic ensemble of acrobats transforms a drab assembly plant into a holly jolly Yuletide Factory! From the wonder of the German wheel to festive flips from the trampoline wall, they dash and dance through a pageant of powerhouse stunts with grins and goodwill. It’s high-flying fun, comfort and joy for the whole family!</p>

Brooklyn Robot Foundry - Virtual Classes

<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">Brooklyn Robot Foundry offers super fun online robot-building classes for children 2-13 years old!</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">  </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">Each week, students are introduced to new engineering concepts and components while building that day’s robot in their own “workshop”.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">  </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">All classes maintain a very low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for plenty of individualized instruction and socializing. The supplies are shipped in advance and classes are led by amazing instructors, taking all the pressure off parents.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">  </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">The Foundry’s main focus however, is that kids have fun, get creative, and enjoy being part of this STEAM-loving community!</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> </span></p>

The Ailey School – First Steps and Bounding Boys

<blockquote style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <div dir="ltr"> <div class="m_-3740164643787738207m_4977048992707393770WordSection1"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0070c0;">At The Ailey School, FIRST STEPS offers a structured creative movement curriculum that allows girls (ages 3-6) and boys (age 3), to develop body awareness and control and learn the basics of dance technique. BOUNDING BOYS (ages 4-6) provides a more athletic experience, and an energetic approach to teaching dance skills.</span></p> </div> </div> </blockquote>