With just 8 more days left of February, we can kiss the shortest (and coldest) month of the year goodbye and look to March. Spring is just a few short weeks away and that means warmer weather and more fun activities for kids and families.
If you’re like me, you can’t wait for the days to get warmer so you can get outside with your brood. The end of March marks the beginning of warmer weather, but we can probably count on a few warm days before then. After all, there aren’t many things more lovely than New York City in the Spring. I’ve already started planning out my family’s list of must-do events for next month, and many of them happen in Brooklyn.
New York City is a cultural melting pot and in March we celebrate some amazing holidays from around the world. Teach your kids about Holi, the “Color Festival,” with a trip to the Brooklyn Museum at the beginning of the month. Then mark your calendars for the Luna Park opening on March 24. While Easter isn’t until April 1, many celebrations will be happening around Brooklyn leading up to the holiday. There are also shows, and book readings, and other fun and educational events happening in Brooklyn this March.
Take a look at our top picks for what to do with kids in Brooklyn this March:
Holi Hooray!
WHEN: Saturday, March 3, see website for schedule
WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights
AGES: All
WHAT: Known as the “Color Festival,” Holi originated in India and is now enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. Join in for a celebration of springtime and play for a day of art, dance, and food.
WHY WE LOVE IT: It will make you and your whole family feel like you’ve been transported to the streets of Mumbai.
WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-224-5863. brooklynkids.org.
‘Shopkins Live! Shop It Up!‘
WHEN: Saturday, March 3, 1pm
WHERE: St. George Theatre, 35 Hyatt St., Staten Island
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: The beloved Shoppies make their theatrical debut in an original new live show featuring musical performances by Jessicake, Bubbleisha, Peppa-Mint, Rainbow Kate, Cocolette, Polli Polish, along with the Shopkins: the grocery store-themed mini collectable toys.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will love seeing their favorite toys live on stage!
WANT TO GO? $38.50 and up. 718-442-2900. stgeorgetheatre.com.
FREE The School of American Ballet presents: ‘The Beauty of Ballet’
WHEN: Sunday, March 11, 2pm
WHERE: Kumble Theater, 1 University Plaza, Downtown Brooklyn
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: How do ballerinas dance on their toes? How do dancers spin and turn without getting dizzy? Those questions and more will be answered during the performance of favorite ballet moments such as The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, and Swan Lake. Faculty member Katrina Killian and advanced students from the School of American Ballet will be featured in this enchanting introduction to the art of classical ballet.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Budding ballet dancers will love this behind-the-scenes look at the art of the dance.
WANT TO GO? 718-951-4500. kumbletheater.org.
FREE Simon Critchley: ‘Philosophy for Kids’ at the Tilt Kids Festival
WHEN: Sunday, March 11, 2pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Acclaimed philosopher Simon Critchley—along with a group of guest philosophers—will lead a series of discussions at the Brooklyn Public Library where young thinkers will be invited to ponder timeless philosophical questions. In a concurrent seminar, they will be invited to discuss issues at the intersection of philosophy and parenting.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Curiosity, imagination, and reflection will run free during these workshops.
WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.
Book Launch: Junot Díaz presents ‘Islandborn’
WHEN: Tuesday, March 13, 6-8pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights
AGES: All
WHAT: Lola’s teacher asks the students to draw a picture of where their families emigrated from, and all the kids are excited, except Lola. She can’t remember The Island because she left when she was jutst a baby. But with the help of her family and friends, and their memories, Lola’s imagination takes her on an extraordinary journey back to The Island.
WHY WE LOVE IT: A relevant and timely story from bestseller and Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Díaz, who was born in the Dominican Republic.
WANT TO GO? $20-$25. 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.
Luna Park 2018 Season Opening
WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 10am-8pm
WHERE: Luna Park, 1000 Surf Ave., Coney Island
AGES: All
WHAT: Kick off the season at Coney Island’s Luna Park with games, live entertainment, and prizes.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids get to try a traditional Brooklyn Egg Cream, made by Brooklyn Seltzer Boys.
WANT TO GO? free general admission; tickets required for some activities. 718-373-5862. lunaparknyc.com.
‘Flight School The Musical‘
WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 2pm
WHERE: Kingsborough Community College, The Leon M. Goldstein Performing Arts Center, 2001 Oriental Blvd., Manhattan Beach
AGES: All
WHAT: Based on the book Flight School from best-selling author Lita Judge, Penguin has the soul of an eagle and is ready to live on the wind. However, he wasn’t built to soar, as the other birds constantly remind him. Eventually Penguin finds his wings with the help of his friends, and is able to flip, flap, fly away.
WHY WE LOVE IT: A lesson on perseverance, persistence, and friendship.
WANT TO GO? $32-$37. 718-368-5596. onstageatkingsborough.org.
EGGstravaganza Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 9:30am and 1pm lunch
WHERE: Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, Staten Island
AGES: All
WHAT: This event includes a hot breakfast or lunch buffet, an Easter egg hunt, intimate animal encounters, a carousel ride with Chuck the Groundhog, a chance to take your own pictures with the Bunny, and live music. Reservations required.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Explore the world of eggs made by frogs, turtles, bugs, and others zoo animals.
WANT TO GO? $30; free for children 2 and younger. 718-442-3101. statenislandzoo.org.
‘A Fool’s Errand‘
WHEN: March 24-25, 11am and 2pm
WHERE: BAM Fisher, Fishman Space, 321 Ashland Place, Fort Greene
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: In this physical comedy about the transformative power of friendship, an adventure unfolds from the moment clowning virtuoso Jamie Adkins falls onstage. A Fool’s Errand tests the laws of gravity, reminding us that the path to success is sometimes a wobbly rope.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will love the physical stunts in this family-friendly show as well as the engaging story line.
WANT TO GO? $16. 718-636-4100. bam.org/kids.
Green Meadows Farm Easter Egg Hunt
WHEN: March 29- April 2, Thursday-Monday, 10am-4pm
WHERE: Aviator Sports and Events Center, 3159 Flatbush Ave., Marine Park
AGES: All
WHAT: Visit Green Meadow Farms for this festive Easter Egg Hunt. Admission includes the egg hunt, photo with Whiskers the easter Bunny, a hayride, Tiny Tractors Corn Box, Giant Hay Wagon Slide, and more.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Families can also visit the farm and enjoy activities like pony rides and a petting zoo.
WANT TO GO? $9. 718-224-5863. aviatorsports.com.
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