Free Family Events This Weekend! (February 23-25)

The School of American Ballet will present The Beauty of Ballet this Sunday at the Queens Theatre. Photo via queenstheatre.org.

Have an amazing weekend without opening your wallet! For even more activity inspiration, check out our Weekend Planner.

Through Friday, February 23

Kids Week
1-2:30pm
Various public parks throughout NYC
All Ages
Monday through Friday (while kids are off from school), every single borough has a free daily activity for your kids to enjoy. From learning about colonial history to bugs to making crafts, there’s a little something for everyone. Check the website for specific activities taking place in each borough. Activities change daily.

Saturday, February 24

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss Storytime
11am
Barnes & Noble Tribeca
All Ages
Celebrate the birthday of one of the best storytellers of all time by hearing his work read aloud and also participating in coloring and activities related to your favorite picture book characters.

Sunday, February 25

Chinese New Year Family Festival
11am-3pm
China Institute
All Ages
The China Institute invites you out for a day of celebration to welcome the Year of the Dog! This event will feature workshops centered around the new year, including: storytelling and lantern and dumpling making. The fest will open with a traditional lion dance and a puppet show from Chinese Theatre Works. Please note: Admission is free; workshops require a fee.

Lunar New Year Parade and Festival
1pm
Chinatown, Lower Manhattan
All Ages
Welcome the Year of the Dog with this parade, sure to be full of colorful and vibrant signs and sights. Parade begins at Mott and Canal Streets and ends at Sara D. Roosevelt Park.

The Beauty of Ballet
1pm & 3pm
Queens Theatre
Ages 4 and up
Venture into the world of ballet for an afternoon and learn how and why ballerinas are able to dance, twirl, and jump the way that they do. In this intro to ballet there will be students from The School of American Ballet, as well as faculty member Katrina Killian, on site to perform. Enjoy live demonstrations from “Swan Lake,” “Sleeping Beauty,” and “The Nutcracker.” This show is recommended for ages 4 and up; please RSVP by contacting the theater’s box office.

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.

HudsonWay Immersion School

A pioneer in language immersion since 2005. After school language classes provide a fun and effective way for preschool and elementary children to learn Mandarin or Spanish language skills through project based learning and fun, engaging themes.

The Music Institute of Long Island

Established in 1990, the Music Institute of Long Island (MILI) is a classical music school staffed by exceptional instructors from many of the most prestigious conservatories and graduate music schools in the United States and Europe. Long Island&rsquo;s foremost musical academies, its instrumental programs include violin, viola, cello, piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone and voice classes. MILI has been voted # 1 BEST MUSIC SCHOOL Consistently.&nbsp; They teach the Traditional, Suzuki, and ABRSM methods. Students participate in All-National, All-Eastern, All-State, youth orchestras, and score highly in NYSSMA and Royal Academy Music Festivals. First prize winners of competitions earn solos at Carnegie Hall and with orchestras. MILI offers Fall/Spring semesters plus Summer Sessions. Semesters include 15-17 weeks of private lessons, solo recitals with a final GALA Concert featuring chamber music. About the Directors: Carol &amp; Geri Kushner: The sisters are violinists, violists, chamber coaches &amp; performers. They believe in instilling the love of music, &nbsp;fostering proficiency, success, confidence &amp; believe all MILI students achieve success. Degrees BM, MM (+), K-12 certifications, attended Manhattan School of Music, Queens College &amp; Stonybrook University.They have been adjunct professors at Syracuse University, Aaron Copland School of Music Pre-College &amp; Five Towns Colleges, Stonybrook University &amp; have taught in L.I. public schools.