Picks Of The Week: May 14-20

In honor of this week’s upcoming New York Baby Show, the picks feature great chances for new and expectant parents to bond over their new and exciting journey. But, like always, we snuck in some rockin’ events for the kids, too! —

Monday, May 14

String
Art at the Children’s Museum of the Art

103 Charlton Street

12pm

Inspired by artist Sheila Hicks, kiddos ages five and up will learn all about
string art and then have the opportunity to weave and wrap rope to make their
own project.

Tuesday, May 15

Tia
Mowry Book Signing at Yummy Mummy

1201 Lexington Avenue

6:30pm

Remember Tia Mowry from the ABC sitcom Sister, Sister? Now she’s all grown up with a husband, a baby and…a
book! Tia will read from Oh
Baby!—her hysterical account of all-things pregnancy. Mums and
mommies-to-be are welcome. Tasty sweets will be served, and everyone will leave
with a signed copy of the book. Call
212-879-8669 to reserve your spot.

Wednesday, May 16

New
Parent Get-Together at the 92Y

1395 Lexington Avenue

10:30am-12pm

All new parents and their babies
are welcome at this weekly get-together. Share stories, learn valuable
parenting tips and make new friends (your babies will, too!). This week’s topic
is “Grandparents — Good Advice/Bad Advice.” Discuss what happens when Grandma
or Grandpa gives the kids too much candy—but also spoils them with love.

Thursday, May 17

Ice
Theatre of New York’s Celebrity Skate 2012

Pier 61, Chelsea Piers

7pm

This glamorous evening of skating, celebs and cocktails
raises money to cover the rehearsal costs for the Ice Theatre of New York’s
2012-2013 season. Celebs include Robert Engle, Pat Kiernan, Nicole Miller, Dick
Button and more. Enjoy a night of entertaining ice dancing while supporting a
great NYC institution.

Friday, May 18

The
Laurie Berkner Band’s Animal Party Concert at The Concert Hall

64th Street and Central Park West

5pm

Come one, come all to The Concert Hall for an Animal Party
thrown by musician Laurie Berkner! Laurie and her band will perform some of
their tunes, and don’t forget to bring along your favorite stuffed animal (to
wear on your head, silly!) to join in on the fun.

Saturday, May 19

Family
Volunteer Day at Central Park

East 97th Street off 5th Avenue

10am-12pm

It’s that time of year again—spring cleaning!
Bring your helpful hands to Central Park’s Family Volunteer Day, part of “It’s
My Park Day.” Projects include mulching planting beds, raking and sweeping
paths. But it’s not all work and no play: You’ll also get to paint, take nature
walks, do arts & crafts and boat.

Spring Kids Fest 2012 At Madison Square Park

Madison Avenue & 23rd Street

10:30am-1:30pm

An overwhelming spring favorite promises move-your-feet
performances by The Fuzzy Lemons, The Rockdoves and songs for seeds. Plus,
magic tricks by The Amazing Max, storytime yoga with Karma Kids Yoga and a
pie-throwing contest fill the afternoon. Tip: Get there early to snag yummies
from The Treat Truck, Popchips and Pirate’s Booty.

Sunday, May 20

New York Family Presents
The New York Baby Show

Pier 92

10am-4pm

It’s finally here! For expectant and new parents, The New
York Baby Show is a mecca of infant and toddler wonder. Test the newest
strollers on an original 200-foot testing track, meet Clifford, take a photo
with Pinkalicious, visit with over 100 top brands and hear keynote speakers
like Dr. Harvey Karp, America’s #1 pediatrician and creator of the best-selling
DVDs/books The Happiest Baby on the Block
and The Happiest Toddler on the Block.
Plus, celebrity mom Ali Landry will give you the scoop on her new company,
Spokesmoms.com. And so much more! This event also takes place on Saturday, May
19.

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.

Instituto Cervantes

Children and teenagers learn to understand and express themselves in Spanish, while improving their communication skills through a dynamic immersion program taught by NATIVE TEACHERS that combines CLASSES, ARTISTIC WORKSHOPS and FUN ACTIVITIES! All of our high-qualified teachers are native Spanish speakers who adapt the structure of the class to the needs and levels of each group while conducting the classes entirely in Spanish. We offer both Spanish Summer Camps and Regular Courses for children along the year to foster language learning and multicultural understanding.

Dance Workshop - NY

Nestled in the heart of the UES, Dance Workshop is a community-focused studio committed to dance education in a loving and safe environment. Dance Workshop offers Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre and Acro for ages 2+. They also offer a Pre-Professional Company track for dancers interested in taking their technique to the next level. Trial classes may be scheduled with the studio at the start of the season. Dance with Dance Workshop! MaryAnn Grasso founded Dance Workshop in 1979. Her daughter Nanci later joined her at the helm and in 2016 established Dance Workshop on the Upper East Side of NYC. MaryAnn and Nanci have devoted their lives to dance education, community and the development of children; raising dancers and sound human beings alike. Dance Workshop has seen thousands of dancers pass through the doors. They believe dance has the power to elevate and change lives!