Picks of the Week: April 22-28

disney-fantasia-lincoln-center — "Disney Fantasia Live" at Lincoln Center

Happy Monday! If you live in Manhattan, this week’s events provide a great opportunity to take a trip out to another borough. With a family run in the Bronx and a Japanese cultural festival in Brooklyn, there’s fun to be had all across this exquisite city.

Friday, April 26-Saturday, April 27

“Disney’s Fantasia Live”
Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall
Various times
The mesmerizing music of Disney’s original 1940 film Fantasia as well as selections from Fantasia 2000 will come to life as never before when The Little Orchestra Society’s orchestra performs this weekend. All ages are invited to Lincoln Center to watch the iconic animated films on the big screen as guest conductor Philip Mann leads the orchestra through the score which includes, “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” “The Firebird,” “Rhapsody in Blue,” and more. On Friday evening following the concert, there will be a benefit reception for adults (tickets sold separately). Tickets start at $15.

Saturday, April 27

Family Fun Run/Walk
The Bronx Zoo
8:45 am
This year’s Run for the Wild 5k and Family Fun Run/Walk in the Bronx Zoo will benefit elephants! Families with children of all ages can also participate in pre-and post-race activities such as face painting, warm-up stretches, and sea lion feedings. Admission to the zoo is free for the day with separate race registration fee. Registration is $35 for adults and $25 for children between the ages of 3 and 15. Fundraising Requirement: All adults are required to raise at least $30 in order to participate. Strollers are permitted in the Family Run/Walk.

Saturday, April 27-Sunday, April 28

Sakura Matsuri Festival
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
10 am-6 pm
This two-day fest celebrates everything that is Japanese culture. Throughout the day, festival-goers can enjoy traditional and modern Japanese music, dance performances, samurai sword fights, and much more. Kids activities include a magic show by Rich Kameda, manga drawing, origami workshops, and arts and crafts sessions. Admission is $20 for adults and $15 for students ages 12 and up (with valid ID). Kids under the age of 12 are free.

BAMkids

BAMkids presents adventurous art and ideas for young audiences, igniting the imaginations of creative kids ages 3&mdash;11 with a fun and engaging lineup of workshops, movie matinees, and live performances from around the world. BAM Education connects learning with creativity, engaging imagination by encouraging self-expression through programs for students, teachers, and audiences of all ages. Explore the programs on their website to learn more about their opportunities for creative online engagement!

Speakitaly NYC

SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp; Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge. Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts? Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"

The Wild Center

The Wild Center, nestled within the breathtaking landscape of New York's Adirondack Park, offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. As visitors approach the Center, they are greeted by the Adirondack Mountains towering in the distance, setting the stage for an immersive adventure. Upon entering the 34,000-square-foot exhibit hall, guests are enveloped in a world of wonder and discovery. Interactive exhibits like Planet Adirondack and Climate Solutions invite exploration, allowing visitors to delve into the rich biodiversity of the Adirondack region. The indoor experience also includes an opportunity to soar on Birdly--a one-of-a-kind VR experience. Also, get up close with an animal ambassador during one of many live animal encounters throughout the day. In addition to its indoor exhibits and programs, the Wild Center also boasts 115-acres of extensive outdoor amenities. One of the highlights in the award-winning Wild Walk. Visitors walk up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest, 40 feet off the ground. Along the way, interactive exhibits provide insights into the flora and fauna that call the Adirondacks home, from songbirds to black bears. The rest of the campus features more ways to explore. Check out Patrick Dougherty&rsquo;s Stickwork sculpture, an all natural installation of woven sticks that will spark your imagination and nostalgia. Immerse yourself in Forest Music, take a naturalist-lead canoe trip, or get your roll on with Raquette River Roll, a brand-new, oversized, all-natural ball run experience opening in June 2024.