FREE Discovery Walks for Families: Beginning Birders
WHEN: Through May 20: Saturdays, 10am
WHERE: Central Park, see website for locations,
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Explore Central Park’s woodlands, and learn the basics of bird identification along the way. The event takes place at the Chess and Checkers House on May 6 and Belvedere Castle on May 20.
WANT TO GO? 212-860-1370. centralparknyc.org.
FREE 10th Annual Dance Parade and Festival
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 1-7pm
WHERE: Broadway, University Place, East 8th Street, St. Marks Place, and Tompkins Square Park, see website for parade route, East Village
AGES: All
WHAT: This parade and festival celebrates the power of dance as an art form as well as the dance culture of NYC.
WANT TO GO? 267-350-9213. danceparade.org.
FREE Birding Bonanza
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 10am-1pm
WHERE: Randall's Island Park, Little Hell Gate Salt Marsh, Randall's Island
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Learn about the 152 species of birds that inhabit the Park’s nearly 20 acres of wetlands and natural areas. Binoculars and bird guides are provided.
WANT TO GO? 212-860-1899. randallsisland.org.
Meet the Fledglings with the Wild Bird Fund
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 2-3:30pm
WHERE: The New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: The Wild Bird Fund will teach children about our feathered friends and learn about wild bird rehabilitation. This program has an age restriction for the safety of the birds that will be handled and fed by the children.
WANT TO GO? $5 with admission: $20; $15 seniors, educators, and active military; $12 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 4. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.
American Ballet Theatre: ABTKids
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 9:30am-12:30pm
WHERE: Metropolitan Opera House, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: A rare chance to get behind the scenes with the very special American Ballet Theatre. There is a special, one-hour performance, a pre-performance workshop, and ballet lesson.
WANT TO GO? $25 performance; $20 pre-show workshop. 212-362-6000. abt.org.
The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge Concert
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 11am
WHERE: The New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Celebrate the 75th anniversary of The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge's original publication with this new musical based on the children's classic.
WANT TO GO? $15. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.
FREE Discovery Walks for Families: Woodland Wonderland
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 1pm
WHERE: Belvedere Castle, Mid-park at 79th Street, Central Park
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Learn about the architecture, landscapes, and ecosystems of the park through hands-on exploration using Discovery Kits: rugged backpacks filled with kid-friendly binoculars, field guides, and hand lenses.
WANT TO GO? 212-772-0288. centralparknyc.org.
FREE New York Multicultural Festival
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 11am-6pm
WHERE: St. Nicholas Avenue, Between 141st and 142nd Streets, Harlem
AGES: All
WHAT: Annual multicultural festival featuring live masks and masquerades from around the world, kids arts and crafts, free health screenings, massages, acupuncture, meditation and yoga, global retail and food.
WANT TO GO? multiculturalfestival.nyc.
Tenth Avenue International Food Festival
WHEN: May 20-21, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm
WHERE: Ninth Avenue, between 42nd and 57th streets, Midtown
AGES: All
WHAT: For one weekend only, 15 blocks of Ninth Avenue will be closed off for this culinary festival. Experience various cuisines from different countries like Poland, Italy, Spain, Greece, Japan, Thailand, and many others. There will also be games and fun activities for kids and live stage performances.
WANT TO GO? Food prices vary by restaurant. 9thave.org.
FREE CMA Kids Fair 2017
WHEN: Sunday, May 21, 11am-4pm
WHERE: Children's Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village
AGES: All
WHAT: Create art and memories alongside friends and family with the guidance of CMA Teaching Artists. Enjoy a fun shopping experience filled with unique artisanal products and services from local, family-friendly vendors and artists.
WANT TO GO? 212-274-0986. cmany.org.
All of a Kind Family Walking Tour
WHEN: Sunday, May 21, 11am
WHERE: Eldridge Street Synagogue, 12 Eldridge St., Lower Manhattan
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: A walking tour that brings to life the novel about growing up on the Lower East Side: All of a Kind by Sydney Taylor.
WANT TO GO? $20. 212-219-0888. eldridgestreet.org.
'Grug and the Rainbow'
WHEN: Through May 21: Saturday-Sunday, 10am, 1pm, and 4pm
WHERE: The New Victory Theater, 229 W. 42nd St., Theater District
AGES: 3-5
WHAT: Grug enlists the help of his friends Cara the carpet snake and Snoot the echidna on a quest to capture a rainbow that he can call his very own.
WANT TO GO? $20. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.
'Old Turtle and the Broken Truth'
WHEN: Through May 21: Friday-Saturday, 6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 2:30pm
WHERE: Dorothy Strelsin Theatre, 312 W. 36th St., Midtown West
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: A truth falls like a star from the sky and breaks into two pieces. When the villagers discover only half of the truth, it causes so many problems that Little One, a brave young girl, decides to search for the missing half.
WANT TO GO? $35; $25 children. 866-811-4111. rebelplayhouse.org.
'Pinkalicious The Musical'
WHEN: Through May 28: Saturday-Sunday, 1pm
WHERE: Theater at Blessed Sacrament, 152 W. 71st St., Upper West Side
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: This musical of the best-selling children's book is now celebrating its 10th anniversary. Find out what happens when Pinkalicious gets Pinkititis.
WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 212-579-0528. vitaltheatre.org.
'Flight School The Musical'
WHEN: Through May 28: Saturday-Sunday, 11am
WHERE: Theater at Blessed Sacrament, 152 W. 71st St., Upper West Side
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Will penguin realize his dreams of flying like an eagle? The Vital Theatre company works its magic on this production, based on the book by Lita Judge.
WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 212-579-0528. vitaltheatre.org.
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Brooklyn Weekend Activities
The StepCrew
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 8pm
WHERE: On Stage at Kingsborough, 2001 Oriental Blvd., Manhattan Beach
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: The StepCrew is an extravaganza of Celtic music, song, and three styles of percussive dance: traditional Irish step, tap, and Ottawa Valley, a form known for fast, high-stepping jigs and reels.
WANT TO GO? $30-$32. 718-368-5596. onstageatkingsborough.org.
FREE Dance with MMDG
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 3-4pm
WHERE: Mark Morris Dance Center, 3 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene
AGES: All
WHAT: This free dance is taught by MMDG dancers and accompanied by live music. You’ll learn choreography in conjunction with the dance group’s performances.
WANT TO GO? 718-624-8400. markmorrisdancegroup.org.
FREE Tap Dance Performance
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 12-1:30pm.
WHERE: The Evergreens Cemetery, 1629 Bushwick Ave., Cypress Hills
AGES: All
WHAT: Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a tap dance performance by Reggie Myers at this family-friendly celebration of National Tap Dance Day (which is on May 25). The event will also honor tap legend Bill “Bojangles” Robinson with a wreath-laying ceremony at his grave.
WANT TO GO? 718-455-5300. eventbrite.com/e/tap-dance-performance-tickets-33878360087.
FREE Annual Open School Days
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 11am
WHERE: Williamsburg Charter High School, 198 Varet St., Williamsburg
AGES: 13 and older
WHAT: Come see one of the charter world's oldest successful high schools with individualized instruction, clubs, activities, and more.
WANT TO GO? 347-217-6995. thewcs.org.
Sunfest
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 11am-2pm
WHERE: The Dillon Child Study Center at St. Joseph's College, 239 Vanderbilt Avenue, Fort Greene
AGES: 3-5
WHAT: Join this family-friendly event featuring pony rides, carousel, raffle, arts and crafts, face painting, games, music, and the Sunfest Café and Boutique.
WANT TO GO? $20 per family. 718-940-5678. dillon.sjcny.edu.
FREE Events for Youth & Families: Shine and the Moonbeams
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 1-2pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights
AGES: All
WHAT: Shine and the Moonbeams create a soulful musical extravaganza that captures the sweetness, uncertainty, and simplicity of youth.
WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.
The Good Ms. Padgett
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 4pm
WHERE: Jalopy Theatre, 315 Columbia St., Red Hook
AGES: 3-5, 5-8, Adult
WHAT: The Good Ms. Padgett sings wise, wild, wonderfully absurd songs for children and their grownups. She accomplishes all this with the help of her partner Miggy Littleton, 7-year-old daughter Penelope Littleton, and many special guests.
WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children; $25 per family. 718-395-3214. jalopy.biz.
FREE NYRR Kids' Boardwalk Run at the Airbnb Brooklyn Half
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 11:30am
WHERE: Coney Island Boardwalk, Boardwalk and West 10th Street, Coney Island
AGES: 5-17
WHAT: Hundreds of boys and girls will run one mile on the Coney Island Boardwalk, one of Brooklyn’s most iconic landmarks.
WANT TO GO? nyrr.org.
Bike the Branches
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 10am-7pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights
AGES: All
WHAT: Join the Brooklyn Public Library and the Prospect Park Alliance for Bike the Branches. Explore Brooklyn's cultural hubs, diverse neighborhoods, local eateries, and breathtaking views, and discover your network of 60 neighborhood libraries through bike tours. Bike to as many library branches as you can from 10am-5pm, and get your Bike the Branches passport stamped at each branch.
WANT TO GO? Ride Registration: $20; $10 for children 6 and younger; $40 per family of 4. Block Party after ride is free. 718-230-2100.
Fleece Festival
WHEN: May 20-21, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm
WHERE: Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Ave., Flatbush
AGES: All
WHAT: After a long winter, the sheep are ready to get their thick, wooly coats sheared. Join the parade on Sunday from 1-4pm from the zoo's barn to Prospect Park's Lefferts Historic House as the newly shorn fleece is transported to the farmhouse, where visitors can learn the old-fashioned way that wool is processed into yarn.
WANT TO GO? $8; $6 seniors; $5 children ages 3-12, free for members and children younger than 2. 718-399-7339. prospectparkzoo.com.
Stick Painitng: Wilderness Camp
WHEN: May 20-21, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-2pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Children's Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights
AGES: Newborn-5
WHAT: Nature offers opportunities for creativity! Dress up walking sticks by adding a little paint, yarn and other decorations made from everyday materials.
WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-224-5863. brooklynkids.org.
FREE Fun on the Farm
WHEN: Sunday, May 21, 1-4pm
WHERE: Lefferts Historic House, Flatbush Avenue and Empire Boulevard, Flatbush
AGES: All
WHAT: Learn how to make yarn and felt using wool. Join a parade to the Prospect Park Zoo’s Fleece Festival and help bring shorn fleece back to the Lefferts farm to wash. After the parade, learn wool carding and how to spin with a drop spindle, enjoy spinning demonstrations, and meet resident spinner Catherine Conrad to see how she turns wool fibers into thread.
WANT TO GO? 718-789-2822. nycgovparks.org.
Holding History
WHEN: Through May 29: Sundays, 11am
WHERE: Brooklyn Children's Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: What makes an object “historical?” Why do museums keep objects behind glass? Children will ponder these questions holding, touching, and feeling historical artifacts from the museum's collection. They will learn about the history of those objects through this tactical investigation and by relating these historical artifacts to their own lives.
WANT TO GO? $11. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.
Sylvia's Story Time
WHEN: Through May 31: Wednesday-Thursday, Saturday-Sunday; see website for schedule
WHERE: Brooklyn Children's Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights
AGES: All
WHAT: Join a BCM Educator for this interactive story time.
WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-224-5863. brooklynkids.org.
Songs For Extraordinary People
WHEN: Through June 3: Saturdays, 4pm
WHERE: Barbes, 376 9th St., Park Slope
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: Author and composer Michael Hearst, along with his five-piece band, presents this highly-geeky A/V presentation of some of the most fascinating individuals in the world every first Saturday of the month.
WANT TO GO? $10 suggested donation. 347 422 0248. barbesbrooklyn.com.
Family Discovery Weekends
WHEN: Through June 4: Saturdays, 10:30am-12:30pm; Sundays, 1-3pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 990 Washington Ave., Prospect Heights
AGES: All
WHAT: Experiment, learn, and play together in the Discovery Garden. Hands-on stations throughout the garden’s meadow, woodland, and marsh habitats and in the vegetable garden encourage families to explore nature together. Create a nature-based craft, artwork, or invention with Discovery Garden docents.
WANT TO GO? $15; free for children younger than 12. 718-623-7200. bbg.org.
Tim Kubart & The Space Cadets Interactive Arts Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 1pm
WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd, Flushing
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Tim Kubart will lead a family workshop in the making of paper bag puppets and then help children bring their puppets to life. A memorable shared family experience.
WANT TO GO? $7; $4 children. 718 463 7700. flushingtownhall.org.
Tim Kubart & The Space Cadets Family Show
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 2:15pm
WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Tim will weave childhood memories through textured pop tunes with lyrics that bridge the gap between innocence and wisdom in a way that listeners of all ages will appreciate and understand.
WANT TO GO? 13; $8 children. 718 463 7700. flushingtownhall.org.
FREE It's My Park at Weeping Beech Park and Daniel Carter Beard Mall
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 9am-1pm
WHERE: Weeping Beech, Margaret I Carmen Green Park, 3701 Bouwne St., Flushing
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Come volunteer with Beautify Historic Flushing this spring to help with general cleanup and planting.
WANT TO GO? 718-359-0528. nycgovparks.org.
Mets vs. Angels
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 7:15pm
WHERE: Citi Field, 126th Street and Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing
AGES: All
WHAT: Cheer on the Amazin's take on the Angels. The first 15,000 fans receive a David Wright starting lineup figurine.
WANT TO GO? $17 and up. 718-507-8499. mets.com.
FREE Spring Festival: Let’s Move Family Zumba and Education
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 1pm
WHERE: Glen Oaks Library, 256-04 Union Turnpike, Glen Oaks
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Come join the program inspired by former First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" campaign. During this program, participants will learn about healthy lifestyle options and enjoy a mini Zumba workout.
WANT TO GO? 718-831-8636. queenslibrary.org.
FREE Spring Festival: Multicultural Dance and Games
WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 11:30am
WHERE: Glen Oaks Library, 256-04 Union Turnpike, Glen Oaks
AGES: 5-12, Adult
WHAT: Explore dance, songs, and games from around the world. This program explores the rich and diverse heritage through songs in many languages.
WANT TO GO? 718-831-8636. queenslibrary.org.
Art for Tots: Action Art That Moves You
WHEN: Through May 20: Saturdays, 10:30am
WHERE: The Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Road, Long Island City
AGES: 3-5
WHAT: Parents will learn strategies for engaging their children during museum visits while exploring art materials and The Noguchi Museum galleries as a family. Reservations required.
WANT TO GO? $10 families with up to four members. 718-204-7088. noguchi.org.
FREE Traditions Festival
WHEN: May 20-21, Saturday-Sunday, 12-4pm
WHERE: King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica
AGES: All
WHAT: Showcasing artists, artisans, and performers demonstrating crafts from many different cultures from the 19th century and modern times, including plenty of fun hands-on activities.
WANT TO GO? 718-206-0545. kingmanor.org.
Little Makers: Glider Planes
WHEN: Sunday, May 21, 10:30am-12:30pm
WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona
AGES: Newborn-5
WHAT: Discover the fun of aerodynamics as you learn about the four forces of flight. Design and build your own glider plane with everyday materials. Reservations required.
WANT TO GO? $8 with admission: $16; $13 children ages 2-17. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.
Spring Concert and Lawn Tea
WHEN: Sunday, May 21, 2pm
WHERE: The Voelker Orth Museum, 149-19 38th Ave., Flushing
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: The musical ensemble Eart'Acte will have the flowers swaying to the music at this concert, featuring fabulous music, a garden of spring flowers with a selection of savory and sweet treats, and luscious teas. In the event of rain the program moves indoors.
WANT TO GO? $25; $20 students. 718-359-6227. vomuseum.org.
The Oratorio Society of Queens Celebrates 90th Anniversary
WHEN: Sunday, May 21, 4pm
WHERE: Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Rejoice in hearing the "Choral" Finale of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, the uplifting and celebratory "Ode to Joy" sung live by the Oratorio Society of Queens, and its own orchestra the Orchestral Arts Ensemble of Queens, conducted by Maestro David Close.
WANT TO GO? $35; $30 seniors and students; $10 for children 12 and younger. 718-631-6311. visitqpac.org.
Art for Families: Look Closely What Art Can Do
WHEN: Sunday, May 21, 10:30am
WHERE: The Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Road, Long Island City
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Parents will engage with their children in discussions about art in the galleries, and work together or individually to make their own works of art. Reservations required.
WANT TO GO? $10 families with up to four members. 718-204-7088. noguchi.org.
Family Breakfast Club
WHEN: Sunday, May 21, 9:30am
WHERE: Queens Zoo, 53-51 111th St., Corona
AGES: All
WHAT: Participants explore the zoo, meet some animals up close, and learn some ways that they can help wildlife in the city. Light breakfast will be served.
WANT TO GO? $35. 718-271-1500. queenszoo.com.
Little Naturalist Storytime: The Tiny Seed
WHEN: Sunday, May 21, 1:30pm
WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 22806 Northern Blvd., Douglaston
AGES: 5-8
WHAT: Kids will read about the travels of a tiny seed and plant some seeds of their own in this fun nature class. Class will include a story, time with the animals, a craft, and nature walk. Registration required.
WANT TO GO? $21. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.
FREE Seining
WHEN: Sunday, May 21, 11am-12:30pm
WHERE: Broad Channel American Ball Fields, Cross Bay Boulevard and West 22nd Road, Broad Channel
AGES: 9-12
WHAT: Catch-and-release fishing is a great way to get outdoors and discover nature just a few blocks from home. All equipment is provided.
WANT TO GO? 718-352-1769. nycgovparks.org.
Make It: Molding and Casting
WHEN: Through May 21: Saturday-Sunday, 1:30-5:30pm
WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: This workshop gets three thumbs up, literally! Participants will learn about the art of molding and casting while they make exact replicas of their most important digit, their thumb.
WANT TO GO? $5 with admission: $16; $13 children ages 2-17. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.
FREE Family Storytime
WHEN: Through May 27: Saturdays at 4pm
WHERE: Long Island City Library, 37-44 21st St., Long Island City
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Children will hear all kinds of fun interactive stories, and they can also make new friends.
WANT TO GO? 718-752-3700. queenslibrary.org.
'Journey to Space' 3D Movie
WHEN: Through June 30: Monday-Friday, 12pm and 3pm; Saturday-Sunday, 1pm and 4pm
WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona
AGES: All
WHAT: Moviegoers will learn about the important role of the International Space Station, uncover what NASA and the space community are working on, and the challenges they face to carry out bold missions such as capturing asteroids and landing astronauts on Mars.
WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children with admission: $15; $12 children, students, and seniors. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.
FREE Zip, Jump & Climb at Atlas Park!
WHEN: Through July 9: Thursdays, 4-10pm; Fridays, 4-10:30pm; Saturdays, 12-10:30pm; Sundays, 12-7pm
WHERE: The Shops at Atlas Park, 8000 Cooper Ave., Glendale
AGES: All
WHAT: Featuring NYC's only Zipline Attraction with 3 different challenges, Zip Lining, Rock Climbing, and Extreme Air Jump! No need for wings, a cape, or superhuman powers to fly across the mall!
WANT TO GO? 718-326-3300. shopatlaspark.com.
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