What To See & Do At The First-Ever Play Fair

On February 13 and 14, the north hall of the Javits Center will turn into a wonderland of toys and fun for kids of all ages. While Toy Fair, the big trade industry show, is typically closed to the general public, its new sister show Play Fair is all about getting kids involved in the fun. The two days are jam-packed with exclusive toys, programming, and appearances by personalities such as Peppa Pig, the cast of Nickelodeon’s Game Shakers and Make It Pop, bestselling children’s author Jon Scieszka, and more. blob145512974273

To help you navigate the plethora of activities and celebs, here’s a sampling of the weekend’s highlights:

Hasbro’s Starbuilders Light Saber Training: “Star Wars” fans can become master Jedi at these training sessions on the main Toys “R” Us Stage. Saturday at 1pm, Sunday at 3:30pm.

The Nickelodeon Booth: Nick fans will go nuts at this sponsor’s elaborate booth set-up, featuring a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle obstacle course and meet-and-greets with beloved characters such as Dora, Saban’s Power Rangers Dino Super Charge, SpongeBob Squarepants, and more. All day Saturday and Sunday.

Meet author John Scieszka: John Scieszka, the bestselling author of The Stinky Cheese Man and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, will discuss his Frank Einstein science book series for kids. His mainstage presentation will include experiments, explosions, and even robots, and afterwards Scieszka will sign copies of Frank Einstein. Saturday at 11:30pm; signing at 12:15.

Learn from a LEGO Master Builder: LEGO Master Builder Erik Varszegi will share his techniques with Toy Fair attendees during his Saturday presentation and following meet-and-greet. Plus, at the LEGO booth, young builders will be able to create the structures of their dreams at the LEGO Build Station and race cars at the LEGO race ramps. Saturday at 12:15pm

Play Fair will run from 9:30am-7pm on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $30 per morning or afternoon session (9:30am-1:30pm or 3-7pm); weekend experience passes are $145. Family four-packs for the same session are available for $110.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit playfairny.com!

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!

Manhattan Mandarin

Manhattan Mandarin runs the Mandarin after-school programs at over 40 schools nationwide, including St. Bernard's, Chapin, Allen-Stevenson, and Buckley. Whether in schools, students' homes, in the office, online, or on our beloved China trips, our teachers and tutors have helped hundreds of students of all ages master the Mandarin language on their own unique paths to fluency. Our philosophy has always been to make private lessons and classes perfectly tailored for each individual student. We look forward to working with you. - Jamie Keyte, Founder

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.