1/19/13 BAMfamily Launch Party: Down the Rabbit Hole @ BAM Fisher (Fisher Hillman Studio)

Saturday, January 19, 2013 from 11:00am to 4:00pm
Wristbands for admission to the Fishman Space and Hillman Studio are available in the lobby 30mins prior to start of event

BAM Fisher, Fisher Hillman Studio
321 Ashland Place
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 636-4100
Cost: Free. Wristbands for admission to the Fishman Space and Hillman Studio are available in the lobby 30mins prior to start of event.
For ages 2 to 10 yrs

Follow Alice down the rabbit hole for this marvelous adventure to launch BAM’s very special season of family and educational programs. The whole family can enjoy the celebration at 321 Ashland Place—the new BAM Fisher building. Festivities include Story Pirates’ hilarious sketch comedy musicals—based on stories written by kids—and Urban Stages’ Blown Away by Poetry—an interactive performance and workshop with puppets and poetry—plus face-painting and many other activities.

As part of this festive day of storytelling, children are encouraged to dress up as and bring a drawing of their favorite storybook character. Those who submit a drawing will be entered to win BAMfamily season tickets!

About BAMfamily. BAMfamily offers smart, stimulating, and unconventional arts programming to inspire every member of your family. This year marks the first-ever BAMfamily season—a diverse lineup of performances, workshops, and participatory events.

Event Schedule
11am: Button Making & Facepainting (All Day) @ Stutz Garden, 7th Floor
11:30am: Storytelling: Betsy Lewin & Chris Raschka @ Hillman, 4th, Floor
12pm: Story Pirates Performance @ Fishman, 1st Floor
12:45pm: Storytelling: Paul O. Zelinzky & Peter Brown @ Hillman, 4th Floor
2pm: Music: ¡Acopladitos!/The Good Ms. Padgett @ Hillman 4th Floor
3pm: Blown Away by Poetry @ Fishman, 1st Floor
3:15pm: Music: ¡Acopladitos!/The Good Ms. Padgett @ Hillman, 4th Floor

Sponsored by Target.

http://www.bam.org/family/2013/bamfamily-launch-party-down-the-rabbit-hole

12/29/12 Global Weekends -- KWANZAA 2012: First Fruits of the Harvest @ The American Museum of Natural History

Saturday, December 29, 2012 from 12:00 noon to 5:00pm

American Museum of Natural History

Multiple Museum Halls (Enter at 77th Street)

79th Street and Central Park West
New York, NY 

(212) 769-5100
Cost: Free with Museum admission (which is pay-what-you-wish)
For all ages

Join the Museum’s 34th annual Kwanzaa celebration to experience the rich traditions of Kwanzaa and honor the holiday’s seven guiding principles. The festival, hosted by storyteller Linda Humes, will include a special interview about Karamu (African Feast) with pioneering restaurateur B. Smith, family-friendly hands-on activities, and an international marketplace. Restoration Dance Theatre Company and Balance Dance Theatre, led by acclaimed choreographer Obediah Wright, will perform in an exciting program that also includes newcomers Soul Steps and Underground System Afrobeat.

Click here to learn how B. Smith cooks delicious Southern-Style grits.

Click here to watch Soul Steps dancers teach Bronx Students to be active and follow their dreams on CBS NY.

Click here to check out Underground Afrobeat System at the congahead.com studio.

The Presenting Sponsor of the Museum’s cultural programming is MetLife Foundation.

Support for Kwanzaa 2012! is made possible, in part, by the May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation, Inc., and the family of Frederick H. Leonhardt.

Kwanzaa 2012! is co-presented with Community Works and New Heritage Theatre Works.

The Kwanzaa Marketplace is organized by the Harlem Arts Alliance.

http://www.amnh.org/calendar/kwanzaa-2012-first-fruits-of-the-harvest

2/26/12 A Florianthology: Exhibition + Reading + Book Signing for the Art and Poetry of Douglas Florian @ Poets House

Sunday, February 26, 2012
Exhibition Opening Reception from 10:00am to 2:00pm
Reading & Book Signing at 11:00am

Poets House
10 River Terrace
New York, NY 10282
(212) 431-7920
Cost: Free

For all ages

The unique collage-work, witty wordplay and educational rhymes of Douglas Florian, an award-winning children’s book author have inspired and entertained countless children. This exhibit features original art work and poetry from the illustrator and author's career as well as insight into his artistic process. Featuring original artwork and poetry from his award-winning books Mammalabilia, Insectlopedia, Dinothesaurus, Poetrees and more.

A Florianthology exhibit is on view through Saturday, April 21, 2012

http://poetshouse.org/programs-and-events/exhibitions/florianthology-opening

http://poetshouse.org/programs-and-events/exhibitions/florianthology-book-signing

1/21/12 Saturday Family Programs: Celebrate Chinese New Year @ Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch

Saturday, January 21, 2012 from 1:00 to 2:00pm

Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch - Dweck Center

Grand Army Plaza (at Flatbush Ave)

Brooklyn, NY

(718) 230-2100
Subway: B, Q to Seventh Ave; 2, 3 to Grand Army Plaza
Cost: Free

For all ages

Welcome the year of the dragon. Grace Chang and her dragon, Jin Jin, once again will light up the stage in celebration of Chinese New Year, the year of the dragon! An incredible celebration with puppets, magical illusions, acrobats, miming and storytelling. This amazing show will touch the hearts of all children, and the inner-child within all of us. This event is supported by the Hearst Foundation, Inc.

http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/events/lunar-new-year-brooklyn-public-library

11/4/11-12/24/11 Holiday Recordable Storybooks: Special Price* @ Hallmark

Hallmark Holiday recordable storybooks are only $19.95 with any purchase*. Save $10 (regularly $29.95).

Select from 6 holiday titles. Add your voice to every page, and you'll always be home for the holidays--even if you're miles away.

* Offer valid 11/4/11-12/24/11 at participating Hallmark Gold Crown retailers in the U.S.A. only. While supplies last. Offer valid on A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Night Before Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, The Very First Christmas, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town and La Primera Navidad—The Very First Christmas. Not valid on past purchases. Tax not included.


http://www.hallmark.com/online/offers/in-store-offers/holiday/holiday-rsbs.aspx

10/29/11 Meet Mo Willems @ Apple Store

Saturday October 29th at 10:00am

Apple Store

1981 Broadway

New York City, NY 10023

(212) 209-3400

Cost: Free

For all ages

Bring your kids to meet children’s artist and author Mo Willems and let them explore the mind of this award-winning creative genius.

http://www.apple.com/retail/upperwestside/
http://mowillemsdoodles.blogspot.com/search/label/Appearances

Download an awesome Happy Pig Day Event Kit, a 24-page activity book. It's absolutely free and full of fun! Some activities: pig party ideas, coloring pig mask, maze, word scramble, connect the dots, writing and coloring pages.

http://www.pigeonpresents.com/teachersguides/EandP-pigday-eventkit.pdf

10/27/11 Ezra Jack Keats Story Time and Take-a-Book @ Brooklyn Public Library (Central Library)

Thursday,October 27, 2011 from 7:30 to 8:00pm

Brooklyn Central Library

Youth Wing

Grand Army Plaza (at Flatbush Ave)

Brooklyn, NY

(718) 230-2117

Cost: Free

For ages 3 to 8 yrs old

Listen to bedtime stories and get a free Keats book (may not be book pictured). Pajamas and teddy bears are optional. Call (718) 230-2117 for more information. This program is possible because of the generous support of the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation.

http://catalog.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/iii/calendar/month

Check Out Keats' Website
More about Ezra Keats and read his bio:

http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/

There's an online "Snowy Day" game where you help Peter slide down a mountain of snow as well as 3 animated books.
http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/news/fun-games/

10/22/11 + 10/23/11 Enchanted Weekend + Free Admission @ Wave Hill

Saturday, October 22, 2011 and Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 10am to 4:30pm

Wave Hill

West 249th St. and Independence Ave.

Bronx NY 10471

(718) 549-3200

Cost: Free

For all ages

There’s magic in the Bronx! Bring your little fairies and gnomes to Enchanted Wave Hill to construct a tiny house in the woods, fashioned from sticks and leaves (and a bit of pixie dust). Then take a break from building to hear about Wave Hill’s fabled woodland fairies, with guest storyteller Rama Mandel. Sing along to live mandolin and accordion music with Jim Keyes (aka Jim the Gentle Giant), as he entertains you with tales of faraway lands where make-believe creatures come to life. On Sunday, grown-ups can learn the mystical properties of witch hazel, snakeroot and wolfsbane and hear other horticultural myths on a folklore walk.

Regularly scheduled programs continue, including Hatha Yoga, Tai Chi Chuan and a gallery tour. Admission to the grounds is free all weekend, thanks to the generous support of Target.

http://www.wavehill.org/calendar/event_3189.html
http://www.wavehill.org/calendar/event_3190.html

10/22/11 VH1 Save The Music Foundation Presents Family Day @ The Anderson School

Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 10:00am to 4:00pm

Anderson School

100 West 77th Street

New York, NY

Cost: Free

For all ages

The VH1 Save The Music Foundation will host a family fun-day open to the public at the Anderson School. The free daylong festival will feature performances by Mat Kearney, Hanson, Hot Peas ‘N Butter, SafetySuit, The American Secrets a.k.a. the freecreditscore.com band and Brianna Kahane. The VH1 Save The Music Family Day aims to give children of all ages a stage to express their love of music, culture and creativity through an exciting interactive musical expo for families. Proceeds from the event will help ensure that music is firmly a part of the core curriculum in public schools.

Throughout the day, friends and families will have the opportunity to play, learn, share and celebrate music in ways that will delight both your children and your inner child. As you enter the school parking lot you will be met by a street vendor food showcase, presented by the NY Food Truck Association, where you can grab a bite from the CupcakeStop, Eddie’s Pizza Truck, Frying Dutchman and Milk Truck. Continuing through the musical expo, you will find colorful Arts & Crafts stations by Bash the Trash and Chalkboard Tees and live performances from some of today’s most recognizable artists. The event will also feature a number of interactive activities including: a “Welcome to the Jungle” instrument discovery zone where kids get to try out band, keyboard, guitar and string instruments, Story Time presented by Simon + Schuster Children’s Publishing, a “Getting To Know…” Broadway experience dedicated to introducing the next generation of fans to the classic, beloved musicals of Rodgers & Hammerstein, a “The Whole World is Singing My Song” workshop, presented by the Mizzy Jonas Family Foundation, designed to provide kids with an engaging way to express themselves through songwriting and to teach them the fundamentals of a good musical performance, a “We Got the Beat” drum circle, presented by NAMM, where families can learn the history of drumming along with simple techniques to participate in a drum circle, a “Pleased to Meet You” meet-and-greet with most famous animated character, SpongeBob SquarePants, presented by Nickelodeon’s The Big Help, a “Music-Themed Puppet Show,” presented by Plum Organics, a “Don’t Forget the Lyrics” karaoke station where you can select a song, step into the spotlight and sing along as the lyrics are projected on a screen, a student performance celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the West Side Story, a “Tattoo You” airbrush and glitter tattoo station, provided by We Adorn You, a “Rolling on the River” stroller valet where you can check your stroller and opportunities for kids to scratch, beat box, rhyme and much more!

http://www.vh1savethemusic.com/node/5711

9/28/11 TeenLIVE Presents Ellen Hopkins @ Grand Central Library

Wednesday, September 28, 2011 from 4:30 to 5:30pm

Grand Central Library

Teen Central

135 East 46th Street (betw Lexington & Third Aves.)

New York, NY 10017
(212) 621-0670
Cost: Free

For ages 13 to 18 years

Mistakes--choices and actions. Truth and consequences. Join award-winning author Ellen Hopkins as she discusses the darker side of decisions, the pressure of perfection, and search for identity in the world of fiction.

TeenLIVE reaches teens culturally, artistically, inspirationally, technologically, and more with the biggest, best, and the brightest stars. The programs will spotlight current cultural trends and important mainstays that inform the lives of today’s teens.

All KidsLIVE and TeenLIVE programs are sponsored by the Katerina and Andreas C. Dracopoulos Family Endowment for Young Audiences.

http://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2011/09/28/teenlive-presents-ellen-hopkins?utm_source=eNewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=NYPLFamilyPrograms20110926&utm_campaign=NYPLFamilyPrograms

9/17/11 Author Program: Eileen and Marc Rosenthal Read I Must Have Bobo! @ Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 3:00pm

Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Children’s Center at 42nd Street

Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street
New York, NY 10018-2788
(917) 275-6975
Cost: Free

For ages 5 to 12

Meet Eileen and Marc Rosenthal, author and illustrator of the acclaimed picture book, I Must Have Bobo!, at the Library. Join the creative married pair as they show kids what it takes to make a picture book.

http://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2011/09/17/author-program-eileen-and-marc-rosenthal?utm_source=eNewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=NYPLFamilyPrograms20110912&utm_campaign=NYPLFamilyPrograms

8/28/11 Holding Pattern: LIC Neighborhood Expo @ Sara D Roosevelt Park

Sunday, August 28, 2011 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm

MoMA PS1
22-25 Jackson Ave. at the intersection of 46th Ave.
Long Island City, NY 11101
(718) 784-2084
Cost: Free. Open to the public!

For all ages

5Pointz Aerosol Art Center, Build it Green, Green Shores NYC, New York Restoration Project, Queens Library, Recycle-A-Bicycle, and Holding Pattern present a day of free educational workshops!

* * * * * * * *

B-Boy Workshop with 5Pointz Aerosol Art Center
1:00pm–4:00pm
Learn essential B-Boy skills with Long Island City's 5Pointz Aerosol Art Center! 5Pointz staff and special guest Lady Pink will teach you everything you need to know!

The Waterfront Comes to the Courtyard with Green Shores NYC and the Long Island City Community Boathouse (LICCB)!
1:00pm–4:00pm
Learn basic water safety and paddling skills and get your photo taken with a LICCB kayak! Green Shores NYC presents the Waterfront Vision Plan for Western Queens and wants to know what your hopes and dreams are for the future of our waterfront with the RIVER OF WISHES arts and crafts project and WATERFRONT DREAMS video project.

Tree Care 201 with New York Restoration Project, Build it Green! NYC, and Brooklyn Shade
1:00pm–4:00pm
New York Restoration Project teams up with Build it Green! NYC and Brooklyn Shade to build tree guards from salvaged materials. You will learn how easy and effective these tree guards are! Also, join NYRP in the courtyard for seed giveaways, raffle prizes, and to learn how you can do your part to help green your neighborhood in NYC.

MoMA PS1 Artists Read to Kids with The Queens Library
1:00pm–2:30pm
Come listen to artists and curators from MoMA PS1 read their favorite childrens' books, and hear how these books influenced their work. Come to the event and you can also sign up for a library card, sign up to be a summer reader, and learn about free programs and services offered at Queens Library.

Fix-A-Flat with Recycle-A-Bicycle
1:00pm–4:00pm
In this fun and interactive workshop, teens and adults will learn how to fix a flat tire on their bicycle. The session will be led by a bike tech from Recycle-A-Bicycle. All necessary tools and supplies for the program will be provided. All are welcome; no previous experience necessary.

http://ps1.org/calendar/view/315

8/16/11 Super Sundaes and Stories @ Ottendorfer Library

Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 4:00pm

Ottendorfer Library
135 Second Avenue (near E. 8th St. - St. Marks Place)
New York, NY 10003-8304
(212) 674-0947

Cost: Free

For all ages

 Come and listen to some new stoies. Create your own ice cream sundae!

http://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2011/08/16/super-sundaes-and-stories

8/6/11, 8/13/11 + 8/20/11 Summer Streets: Dance, Bike or Stroll NYC’s Streets

3 Saturdays: August 6, 13 & 20, 2011, from 7:00am to 1:00pm

Park Ave. from Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park

Manhattan, NY

Cost: Free

For all ages

For three Saturdays in August, the sounds of honking horns and idling engines will be replaced with contented sighs and the cling-cling of bicycle bells on select streets throughout the City. From 7am to 1pm, and from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, Park Avenue and connecting streets will be closed to traffic and open to the public for anything from biking to strolling to dancing. Summer Streets events are great for your health (and the Earth's), so check them out.

Activities
* Sand boxes for everyone to enjoy and live sand sculpting by Matt Long of Sand Masters in Foley Square, plus sand sculpting lessons.
* Learn how to build the perfect sand castle: Sand sculpting workshops each day at 9am, 10:30am, and 12pm
* Free bicycle and rollerblade rentals.
* Rock climbing wall at the REI Adventure Zone at Spring Street.
* Bike helmet giveaways and an interactive truck safety activity.
* Storytelling activities hosted by StoryCorps at Foley Square.
* Guacamole making demonstrations hosted by Chipotle at 52nd Street.
* Whole Foods Family Picnic Area at 24th Street.
* Summer Streets Cook-Off on August 6.
* Learn to Ride bicycle classes offered by Bike New York.
* Free Bike Valet parking.
* Free performances from the Fringe Jr. Festival in Foley Square.

Go to website for more activities on specific dates.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/summerstreets/html/home/home.shtml

Get the map:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/summerstreets/images/misc/routemap11.jpg

8/1/11 Knicks Read to Achieve with John Starks @ Kingsbridge Library

Monday, August 1, 2011 at 2:00pm

Kingsbridge Library

291 West 231st Street

Bronx, NY 10463
(718) 548-5656

Cost: Free

For all ages

John Starks, former NBA star and New York Knick, will read to children, speak on the importance of reading, and sign autographs. The Knicks Groove Truck will be here as well with games, prizes, and giveaways for children.

http://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2011/08/01/knicks-read-achieve-john-starks?utm_source=eNewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=NYPLFamilyPrograms20110801&utm_campaign=NYPLFamilyPrograms

7/26/11 Old Fashioned Root Beer Social @ Ottendorfer Library

Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 4:00pm

Ottendorfer Library
135 Second Avenue (near E. 8th St. - St. Marks Place)
New York, NY 10003-8304
(212) 674-0947

Cost: Free
For ages 3 to 12 years

Join your friends at the library for some cool stories and ice cream floats. Yum!

http://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2011/07/26/old-fashioned-root-beer-social

7/1/11-7/4/11 International African Arts Festival @ Commodore Barry Park

Friday, July 1 through Monday, July 4, from 10am to 9pm

Commodore Barry Park
Navy St (between Flushing and Park Aves)

(718) 638-6700
Subway: B, Q, R to DeKalb Ave

Cost: Free

For all ages

The International African Arts Festival (IAAF) is dedicated to the preservation of art forms, traditions, and cultures of Africa and its diaspora. See various musical and dance performances, the marketplace and activities for kids like face painting and craft activities. The IAAF perpetuates all the artistic traditions that stem from African cultural practices throughout the world. As a celebration of our fortieth anniversary the festivals theme this year is AROBAINI (Swahili for “forty”).

The mission of the IAAF is to bring together traditional and contemporary arts of African Diaspora by creating a venue that provides programs for artistic expression, entrepreneurial economic opportunities, and shares cultural experiences with a diverse audience of patrons.

http://www.iaafestival.org/framesetfestibal.htm

Info on the park:

nycgovparks.org/parks/commodorebarrypark

6/25/11 Children's Day @ South Street Seaport

Saturday, June 25, 2011 from 12:00 noon to 4:00pm

South Street Seaport

Fulton & South Streets, Pier 17
New York, New York 10038
(212) SEA-PORT
Cost: Free

For all ages

Entering its 19th year, Children’s Day at the South Street Seaport transforms the historic Seaport district into New York’s largest free family festival on Saturday, June 26, 2011. Children’s Day is a multi-faceted event that draws 30,000+ parents and children from across the Tri-State area. Musical performances, walk-around characters, hands-on art projects, storytime events and vibrant theater entertain the stroller set from noon to 4pm.

Join Gordon of Sesame Street as he hosts an afternoon of family entertainment featuring:
* Sesame Street’s Gordon and Elmo
* The Bilingual Birdies Band
* Puppetry Arts
* Super Sprowtz
* Sing alongs and more!

Visit the Storytime Stage featuring readings of kid's favorites all day long.

All performances are FREE and open to the public. Event is rain or shine.

http://www.southstreetseaport.com/main.cfm?actionId=globalShowStaticContent&screenKey=cmpContent&htmlKey=Calendarevent023&s=sss

6/4/11 Spring Kids Fest @ Madison Square Park

Saturday, June 4, 2011 from 10:30am to 1:30pm

Madison Square Park

23rd Street & Madison Avenue

New York, NY
Cost: Free

For all ages

Spring Kids Fest is in just a few days! Kick off the summer right by bringing your favorite kids to the Park on June 4 from 10:30am to 1:30pm for live music, snacks, arts & crafts, face painting, storytime yoga, raffles, cooking demos, and more.

http://madisonsquarepark.org/things-to-do/calendar/kids/come-to-spring-kids-fest

4/21/11 Earth Day Reading @ Tribeca Barnes and Noble

Thursday, April 21, 2011 from 7:00 to 8:00pm

Tribeca Barnes & Noble

97 Warren Street

New York, NY 10007
(212) 587-5389

Cost: Free

For all ages

Scientist Richard Pearson sheds new light on the worldwide challenge of climate change in his book Driven to Extinction: The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity.

Could more than a million species disappear in the 21st century? Driven to Extinction provides balanced, well-reasoned insight into the potential impacts of climate change on the diversity of life. Richard Pearson focuses on what has happened-and what is likely to happen-to some of the world's weirdest and most wonderful species as global temperatures continue to rise.

Richard Pearson is a scientist at the American Museum of Natural History with a Ph.D. from Oxford University. His research has been funded by grants from NASA and the National Science Foundation, and his findings have been published in several scientific journals, including Nature.

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest and most respected museums in the world, with millions of visitors each year.

http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/71123