Since so many schools are off for Presidents’ week, what better opportunity to check out some of our picks? We’ve chosen a cool mix of activities designed to appeal to foodies, science fiends, musical mavens, circus lovers and Chinese New Year revelers. Don your scarves, gloves and enjoy!
Monday, February 16-Sunday, February 22
Carla Hall’s Culinary Kids Week
New York Botanical Garden
10am-3pm
Grab your apron and take a trip to the New York Botanical Garden this week for Carla Hall’s Culinary Kids Week! “The Chew” co-host and NYBG Edible Academy Committee member Carla Hall will make a special appearance on Monday to demo her delicious Broccoli Pesto. Throughout the week, there will be live cooking demos from other celebrity chefs, activity stations, culinary workshops, a food-themed treasure hunt, a Kids Kitchen Corner, and more. Participating cooking programs include Edible Academy, Growing Chefs, HealthBarn USA, Big Apple Edibles, and others. Recommended for ages 4-12. Tickets are included in any All-Garden Pass and are $20 for adults and $10 for children between the ages of 2 and 12.
Monday, February 16-Saturday, February 21
Kids Week
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
10am-5pm
Budding scientists and engineers will love the Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum’s annual Kids Week. With six days of activities and workshops on topics like how to grow food in space, building a telescope, and live birds of prey in addition to planetarium presentations, Tour Guide Talks, live shows and visiting children’s authors, there’s something for every young explorer! Free with museum admission.
Monday, February 16-Friday, February 20
Engineering Week
New York Hall of Science
Various times
It’s all hands-on during Engineering Week at the New York Hall of Science. Monday’s Civil Engineering Day will feature activities and building workshops with the American Society of Civil Engineers during which all ages can make structures out of dowels, gumdrops, paper, tin foil, index cards, and much more. The rest of the week will include programs on nano, wearable, and motor machine engineering, plus a performance by the Gazillion Bubble Show. Free with hall admission.
Beginning Thursday, February 19
Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus: Circus Xtreme
Barclays Center
Various times
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey present “Circus Xtreme,” a circus like you’ve never seen before! Featuring freestyle BMX riders, a bungee aerial skydiving performance, and Mongolian riders who perform a series of tricks on the backs of two- hump camels, the show will be an adrenaline-pumping ride. Plus, pre-show access is included with all tickets, providing the family with an inside glimpse into the circus, as all children are invited to the show floor to try on costumes, learn circus skills, get pictures taken with clowns, meet the performers, and watch an elephant paint a picture! Tickets start at $37.95. Runs through Sunday, March 1.
Beginning Sunday, February 22
Cinderella
The Players Theatre
Various times
“Cinderella” the musical will return to the Players Theatre in Greenwich Village this month. Revisit this classic tale through this fun and fresh adaptation, and follow Cinderella to the ball on her journey to find the prince. Prior to the performance, audiences can participate in an interactive, hour-long arts workshop, where members of the Literally Alive Children’s Theatre Company will discuss the themes of the show and how the arts can bring literature to life. Kids and families can also make crowns and magic wands to bring home. Tickets start at $25. Runs Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, April 19.
Sunday, February 22
Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
Canal Street & Mott Street
1pm
Join revelers on Sunday, February 22 for Chinatown’s Lunar New Year parade and festival, a celebratory block party featuring Chinese vendors and food. Don’t miss the dancing dragons, traditional lion dances, costumes, and confetti as the parade makes its way through the main thoroughfares of Chinatown and Little Italy. This event is free.
