Events: Top Kid-Friendly Activities For The Week

Bryant Park’s third annual Winter Carnival will begin this Friday! Photo by Angelito Jusay Photography via wintervillage.org.

January is wrapping up this week, and we found some fabulous events for you and yours. Check out two winter themed events: a colorful carnival and a jolly jam. If you are more in the mood for a kid-pleasing play or film festival, we’ve got you covered. There is also a joyous Japanese new year’s celebration to delight all ages. Enjoy!

Beginning Friday, January 27

Winter Carnival
Bryant Park
12-10pm
Celebrate winter during Bryant Park’s Third Annual Winter Carnival. All ages are invited to participate in an eclectic mix of outdoor seasonal activities including ice skating lessons, juggling workshops, an Ice Ball, curling lessons, a Cozy Sweater Pup Meet-Up, and more. Be sure to attend the Silent Disco on Sunday, January 29, an outdoor dance party where dancers will be provided with headphones to boogie down to DJ music. Runs through Saturday, February 4. This event is free.

Saturday, January 28

Winter Jam
Central Park
11am-3pm
Enjoy a free afternoon of winter activities this Saturday in Central Park! Winter Jam activities include arctic golf, an ice slide for ages 5 and under, live ice sculpting, shuffleboard games, the Taste of NY Winter Market, and more. This event is free and will be held rain, snow, or shine. All ages and abilities welcome.

Beginning Saturday, January 28

“Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!”
New Victory Theater
Various times
Best buddies Elephant and Piggie are complete opposites, but that doesn’t stop them from having a ton of fun together! Based on the “Elephant and Piggie” children’s book series by Mo Willems, this musical presented by the Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences on Tour answers challenging questions such as “Should you share your ice cream?” and “What do you wear to a fancy costume pool party?” Recommended for ages 4 to 7. Runs Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, February 5. Tickets start at $25.

Saturday, January 28-Sunday, January 29

BAMkids Film Festival 2017
Brooklyn Academy of Music
9:30am-4pm
The BAMkids Film Festival is back for its 19th year this weekend! This year the fest will screen shorts and feature films from 27 countries, including “Molly Monster” and “Martha & Niki,” a doc about the first female champions of the world’s largest hip hop dance competition. After the screenings children can stop by the café for face painting, animation workshops, balloon twisting, a performance by the Fire Flame Steppers, food, and much more. Recommended for ages 3 to 11. Tickets are $10 for ages 13 and under and $14 for adults.

Sunday, January 29

New Year’s Celebration: Oshogatsu
Japan Society
1-4pm
In honor of the Japanese New Year, Japan Society is hosting its annual Oshogatsu celebration this Sunday. Stop by for an afternoon filled with traditional Japanese entertainment and activities like rice-pounding workshops, calligraphy sessions, kite making, games, live taiko drumming, and storytelling. Light Japanese meals, snacks, and refreshments will be available for purchase from BentOn Cafe. Tickets are $18. Children ages 2 and under are free.

Color Me Mine

Color Me Mine Upper West Side proudly stands as a minority woman-owned studio, and we've been an integral part of the Color Me Mine franchise system since 2018! Pottery painting isn't just an activity; it's a captivating and inclusive experience that transcends age and skill levels. At Color Me Mine Upper West Side, we extend a warm invitation to dive into a realm of creativity, self-expression, and connection. Families, friends and teams grow stronger bonds when they create memories together, and at Color Me Mine, we're here to help facilitate those moments. Whether you're seeking a delightful family outing, a unique date night, or a solo adventure, our paint-your-own-pottery studio offers boundless possibilities. Step into our welcoming space in the heart of Lincoln Center and unleash your inner artist. Create unforgettable memories as you craft beautiful ceramic masterpieces to cherish for many years to come. Color Me Mine Upper West Side is also the preferred venue for celebrations of all kinds. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a baby or bridal shower, a team-building event, a gathering for college groups, an enriching field trip, or an adventure with scouts, we've got you covered. Our versatile space and passionate team provides the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories and fostering creativity in every guest. Join us at Color Me Mine Upper West Side, at 177 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City where every visit promises a fun journey of color, joy, and artistic exploration!

CK Kids

CK Kids offers various classes and programs, including Afterschool Program, Lil Chefs, Boys Hip-Hop, Ninja Starz, Lil Artists, CK Kids Athletic Programs, Acrobatics, Dance and Drama, and Karate.&nbsp;

Chickenshed NYC

Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed&rsquo;s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change. Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen. Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.