10 Great Events For May

Children's Museum of Manhattan (The Play's The Thing); photo by Alexis Buatti-Ramos

Through May 12
Puppet Tales
[Ages 4 And Up]
“Fragile,” one of the newest productions to hit the New Victory Theater stage, is a magical display of masterful puppetry, wordlessly chronicling the travels and travails of the vaudevillian compagnon as he navigates tricky terrain with only the use of his optimism and a suitcase. Don’t miss this heartwarming testament to the power of resilience and character for all ages. $20 (members $14); 10:30am, 12:30pm & 2:30pm, Thursdays-Sundays. 646-223-3010, 5 West 28th Street, newvictory.org

Through May 19
A 2-In-1 Show
[Ages 5 And Up]
Presented as two one-act musicals at TADA! Youth Theater, “Adventures from Ezra Jack Keats” is based on the original works of the award-winning children’s author. “Apt.3” tells the story of two brothers driven to search their tenement for a mysterious harmonica player. “Maggie and the Pirate” chronicles the encounter between a buccaneer and a young girl with her pet cricket in tow. $20 ($8 for children); various dates and times. 212-252-1619, 209 West42nd Street, tadatheater.com

American Museum of Natural History (Frogs); photo by AMNHD. Finnin

May 5
The Play’s The Thing
[Ages 5 And Up]
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan, one of the premier spots in NYC for toddler-friendly programming, is teaming up with the New Victory Teaching Artists to help little ones see what it’s like to be a part of a unified dance crew. At the Play’s The Thing workshop, led by urban dance guru Rennie Harris, families will learn to pop and lock, bugaloo, and perform other moves to give the MC something to talk about. Free with admission (children and adults $11, seniors $7); 1:30pm, 2:30pm & 3:30pm. 212-721-1223, 212 West 83rd Street, cmom.org

May 12
In Honor Of Moms
[Ages 5 And Up]
Looking for an exciting and meaningful way to show your appreciation for Mom? Join Milagros Day Worldwide and spend Mother’s Day walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoying a multi-cultural concert at Cadman Plaza Park. Established to benefit the survivors of domestic violence, the walk departs from Park Row and Centre Street and concludes with a three-hour celebration of live music and festivities. $10; 10am-3pm. 249 Broadway, City Hall Park, milagrosday.org

May 12-20
Get Wild!
[All Ages]
Fun fact: Our city has a whopping 53,000 acres of open space that boasts over 778 plants native to the five boroughs! That’s why NYC Wildflower Week is celebrating with tons of nature-y fun for all ages all over the city. Special children’s events include a lesson in wildlife scavenger hunting and “bug box” making, flora walks in Prospect Park and throughout Queens, and a Deedle Deedle Dees show about NYC’s birds, bugs, and flowers—just to name a few. Mostly free; various locations and times. nycwildflowerweek@gmail.com, nycwildflowerweek.org

The New Victory Theater (Fragile); photo by Jean-Louis Sagot

May 18
Best Of Ballet
[Ages 5 And Up]
Featuring excerpted performances from the New York City Ballet’s 2013 American Music Festival, Family Saturday is a special kid-adapted program that offers a glimpse into NYCB’s vibrant and diverse repertoire, all set to modern or classic American standards. Hosted by NYCB soloist and choreographer Justin Peck, this one-hour program is a perfectly succinct introduction to the world of dance for performing arts lovers as young as 5. $20 per participant, 11am, David H. Koch Theater, 212-870-5636, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, nycballet.com

May 18
Madison Square Park Fest
[All Ages]
Madison Square Park Conservancy’s Spring Kids Fest 2013 is back! On this day of free outdoor fun, children can enjoy live performances, yoga lessons, face painting, and arts and crafts from fave groups like Karma Kids Yoga, apple seeds, MoMath, and more. Plus, tasty and healthy snacks like Pop Chips and Treats Truck will keep you fueled. Free, 10:30am-1:30pm, 23rd Street & Broadway, 212-325-2101 madisonsquarepark.org

May 18 To January 5, 2014
Ribbit, Ribbit
[All Ages]
Amphibian lovers, get excited—the American Museum of Natural History’s newest exhibit, Frogs: A Chorus of Colors, features more than 150 live creatures, from the spectral poison-dart frog to the corpulent African bullfrog. The exhibit will showcase over 25 species from around the globe in recreated habitats, complete with live regional fauna, rock ledges, and waterfalls. Come explore the evolution and biology of these fascinating amphibians and learn about the threats they face in a changing world. Free with admission (children $10.50, adults $19); 10am to 5:45pm. 212-769-5100, 200 Central Park West, amnh.org

Liberty Science Center (Block Party); photo by Tom Moore

May 24 To January 2015
For All Lego Lovers
[All Ages]
With more than 1,600 oversized blocks, cubes, cogs, cylinders, and arches, Block Party is one exhibit in which children can let their imaginations run wild. At the Liberty Science Center, kids can create whimsical architecture, ocean-going vessels, space-bound rockets, futuristic cities, and fabulous forts in this engineering free-for-all. Builders under 5 will have their own designated playspace with hundreds of blocks. Free with admission (children $12.50, adults $16.75); 201-200-1000, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, lsc.org

May 29 To June 3
Week Of The Geek
[All Ages]
Returning to New York City for its fifth anniversary season, the World Science Festival features a fantastic selection of more than 50 events all over the city, many of them geared toward families. From a staged production of the Icarus myth to astronomer-guided stargazing astride the Brooklyn Bridge to a park-wide botanical safari along the historic East River, there’s an outlet for every scientific interest. Mostly free; various locations and times. 212-352-3101, worldsciencefestival.com

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Color Me Mine

<p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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!</p>

USC Gymnastics & Baseball Training Facility

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">We offer sports activities, after school programs, birthday parties & private lessons for kids ages 3–13 years! Our gymnastics classes are a great way to keep your child active and healthy. We strive to empower and challenge children through the sport of gymnastics.</span></p>

Dedimus Potestatem

<p>Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today!</p> <p>Sessions</p> <p>We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow </a>or email us at <a href="mailto:info@potestatem.co?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">info@potestatem.co</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a></p> <p>This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a></p> <p>Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech & Debate</a> (competitive and non-competitive programs available)</p> <p>This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a></p> <p>Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a></p> <p>Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently.</p> <p>Mock Trial (<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>)</p> <p>Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students’ civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a></p> <p>The focus of the Philosophy class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular philosophies embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these philosophies and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to <a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a></p> <p>The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics: (Ages 10-18)</a></p> <p>Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette (Ages 5 and up)</a></p> <p>Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a></p> <p>Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world.</p> <p>College application course </p> <p>Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a> </p> <p>These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a></p> <p>These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed.</p> <p>Computer Programming: Coding for Kids</p> <p>In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>