With the arrival of Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ weekend this week, the city is bursting with events perfect for the entire family. City-dwellers can look forward to a dance-tastic Sesame Street Live show, a surprising performance for little ones at the New 42nd Street Studios, a new Islamic culture exhibit at CMOM, and much more. Plus, don’t forget that Lunar New Year (Monday, February 8) festivities are in full-swing this month. To check out our upcoming favorites, click here.
Thursday, February 11
Insideschools Presents:”The Lowdown on Pre-K”
The New School’s Theresa Lang Community & Student Center
6-8pm
Join Clara Hemphill and the staff of Insideschools for a pre-K workshop that will take you through the admissions process. Topics covered will include:
- The difference between childcare and pre-Kindergarten
- Choosing between a public school and an early education center
- What to look for when you visit
- Where the available seats are
- How and when to apply
- What happens if there isn’t a slot for your child?
To learn more and register, click HERE.
Beginning Thursday, February 11
Sesame Street Live: “Let’s Dance!”
The Theater at Madison Square Garden
Various times
Join your family’s favorite Sesame Street characters at the Theater at Madison Square Garden for a live dance extravaganza! Sesame Street Live’s newest show “Let’s Dance!” will feature two performers who will lead the audience through dance steps while Elmo, Cookie Monster, Ernie, and others take to the theater floor to boogie down. Fans can expect to hear song favorites such as “Do the Robot” and “Shake Your Head One Time.” Tickets start at $15. Runs through Sunday, February 21.
Beginning Friday, February 12
“Handa’s Surprise”
New 42nd Street Studios
Various times
London’s Little Angel Theatre will present its production of “Handa’s Surprise” starting this Friday at the New 42nd Street Studios. Based on the picture book by Eileen Browne, “Handa’s Surprise” tells the story of Handa’s journey to a neighboring village and the schemes of seven sneaky animals who are trying to steal her basket of fruit. Perfect for ages 6 months to 4 years, this 30-minute production also features puppetry and a Swahili music soundtrack. Tickets are $20. Runs through Sunday, February 21.
Beginning Saturday, February 13
“America to Zanzibar” Exhibit
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
10am-5pm
Children of all ages can travel to the far regions of the globe–all without leaving NYC–when they visit the Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s new exhibit “America to Zanzibar.” More than 50 countries will be represented throughout this exploration of Muslim culture. Visitors can learn about ancient trade routes, Muslim architecture, open-air bazaars, and Eastern music through hands-on activities and interactive installations. Over the course of the exhibition’s run, the museum will host a variety of workshops, demos, and performances led by local American Muslims. Free with museum admission. Runs through Tuesday, January 31, 2017.
Saturday, February 13
Ice Festival
Central Park
3-7pm
Join Central Park for its 5th annual Ice Festival this Saturday! Watch as the ice-sculpting artists of Okamoto Studio recreate one of the park’s statues entirely from blocks of ice using chain saws, ice picks, and chisels. Afterwards, stick around for the Silent Disco featuring DJ Geo Vanasco and Dylan + DTR, a DIY sculpting station, and food truck goodies from Dub Pies, Wafels and Dinges, Domo Taco, and Don Cafe. Fest-goers are urged to dress warmly. This event is free. Food will be available for purchase.
Saturday, February 13-Sunday, February 14
Play Fair
Javits Center North
9:30am-7pm
This weekend, Javits Center North will host Play Fair! Sponsored by LEGO and Nickelodeon, this family-friendly event for all ages will feature demos and exhibits of toys from brands such as Hasbro, Crayola, Mattel, DC Comics, Cartoon Network, and others. There will also be a live performance from the Story Pirates, storytimes, meet-and-greets with Dora the Explorer, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and SpongeBob SquarePants, Star Wars Bladebuilders’ lightsaber training sessions, and the opportunity to buy best-selling games and toys. Tickets are $30.
Saturday, February 13-Monday, February 15
Culinary Kids Weekend
New York Botanical Garden
11am-3pm
Satisfy your hunger for farm-to-table cooking during Culinary Kids Weekend at the New York Botanical Garden. Kids of all ages are welcome to watch cooking demos led by the Family Garden staff, participate in activity stations and cooking workshops, and don a chef’s jacket in the Kids Kitchen Corner playspace. Chefs scheduled to appear include George Edwards and Alicia Walters. This event is free with an All-Garden Pass.
