Think the Brooklyn Baby Expo isn’t for you just because you don’t have a baby any longer? Wrong! There will be lots of activities for older children and information, products and raffles for parents of toddlers and pre-schoolers!

 Top 10 reasons you should attend event if your children aren’t babies any longer or you have older children as well:

FAIRWAY MARKET’S PATIO GRILL ON THE WATERFRONT IN RED HOOK NOW OPEN EVERY  SATURDAY AND SUNDAY THROUGH THE SUMMER

Choose BBQ Chicken, Burgers, Baby Back Ribs, Fried Shrimp, Lobster, Lamb Sausage, Chicken Sandwich and more to enjoy on the weekend on the terrace by the harbor only at Fairway Market in Brooklyn (480 -500 Van Brunt Street). The Fairway Patio Grill is now open on the waterfront overlooking the Statue of Liberty in Red Hook. Chef Mitchel London has created a delicious menu of classic BBQ fare including homemade strawberry shortcake, ice cold watermelon, fresh cupcakes and thirst quenching freshly squeezed lemonade and iced tea. Fairway has added the option of buying any type of meat in the store and at retail price, and having Mitchel and other Fairway employees cook it on the grill for no additional cost. Come for lunch, late afternoon bites or dinner every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 8 pm. For more information  go to www.fairwaymarket.com or call 718 694 6868.

WHAT:  THE FAIRWAY PATIO GRILL NOW OPEN

WHEN: SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS THRU SEPTEMBER - NOON TO  8 PM

WHERE: 450-500 VAN BRUNT STREET - BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11232

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

The unofficial start of Summer is here and there are lots of great events to welcome it! This is the final weekend for the Kings County Fair as well as Rennie Harris RHAW at New Victory Theater so be sure to schedule some time in to check them out if you haven’t done so. Celebrate the holidays by heading to NYC’s biggest backyard (Central Park, of course) for the Victorian Gardens Opening. It’s Manhattan’s only amusement park so grab the family and enjoy the ride. (No pun intended.) If you’re feeling adventurous, head to the Bronx Zoo for the Opening Weekend of Dinosaur Safari. Governor’s Island is opening this weekend so you can also enjoy the Family Festival there. It promises to be spectacular. Per usual.

Also, be sure to visit our events calendar for more fun activities! Have a great long weekend!

FRIDAY MAY 24TH

Friday, May 24th — May 27th: various times
Kings County Fair at Aviator Sports (FLOYD BENNET FIELD)
The FUN is coming to Brooklyn! The 4th Annual Kings County Fair will include a variety of rides and games for kids of all ages, yummy treats including cotton candy and funnel cakes, and so much more!
Details: 3159 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. Cost: $5/General Admission with various prices for activities and rides. FREE/kids under 36″. Contact: 718-758-7500. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, May 24th from 10am — 11am
J Yum and Hum at Kings Bay Y at Windsor Terrace (WINDSOR TERRACE)
Join Tehilah and Gilad in a journey through Jewish communities around the world with music and food! J-Yum & Hum provides engaging, dynamic and interactive program for parents and their infants (up to crawlers), exploring culture and tradition through stories, music, foods, storytelling of the Jewish Diaspora. Learn about the cultures and lifestyles of their Jewish counterparts around the world.
Details: 1224 Prospect Avenue, Brooklyn. Ages  and under. FREE for all. Contact: Nadira at 718.407.6377. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, May 24th from 10am — 5pm
Summer Salute to Heroes at INTREPID Sea, Air, and Space Museum (MIDTOWN)
What a great way to celebrate Memorial Day! The Intrepid will honor our service men and women. Pier 86 will be filled with displays, hands-on activities, and live performances. There will also be a free screening of Top Gun on the Flight Deck, a Memorial Day Ceremony featuring the unfurling of a 100-foot American flag, a panel discussion focused on African Americans in WWII, and more.
Details: Pier 86, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all, but some activities require admissions. Contact: 212-245-0072. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, May 24th from 10am — 9pm
Opening Weekend: Shipwreck! at Discovery Times Square (TIMES SQUARE)
SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure will capture your imagination and take you on an incredible journey through thousands of years of maritime history. Experience hurricane-force winds, pick up treasure with a robotic arm, and explore the mysteries of the deep. This exhibit features over 500 authentic artifacts, including gold and silver treasures, as well as the incredible science and technology used to work thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface.
Details: 226 West 44th Street, NYC. Ages 5 and up. Cost: $20.50/adults; $15.50/children 4 to 12 years. Contact: 866.987.9692. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, May 24th at 11am
Drop-in Story Time with Spellbound Theater (CROWN HEIGHTS)
Visit It Takes A Village on Fridays for drop-in story times with music, stories, puppets and more. Hear songs, books and fables, and classic nursery rhymes with a special twist into an interactive and stimulating story time specially crafted for babies and toddlers.
Details: 500 Prospect Place, Brooklyn. Ages 5 and up. Cost: $5/suggested donation. Contact: spellboundtheater@gmail.com. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, May 24th from 2pm — 2:30pm
Animal Encounter at Audubon Center (PROSPECT PARK)
Curious as to how “Snappy” the turtle got her name? Want to watch the snake gobble up a mouse? Join one our trained staff in learning more about the animals in the Audubon Center’s collection. Learn what it takes to care for these amazing creatures and even assist in an actual feeding. There will also be opportunities to get up close and personal with our box turtle!
Details: Lincoln Road/Ocean Avenue entrance, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 287-3400. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, May 24th at 2:30pm
Sing-A-Long with Jarrod at Greenlight Bookstore (FORT GREENE)
Join in for the kids section for 40 minutes of favorite songs and stories for the littlest booklovers, led by Greenlight bookseller Jarrod and his trusty guitar.
Details: 686 Fulton Street, Brooklyn. Ages 3 and under. Contact: (718) 246-0200. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, May 24th at 3pm
Yoga Story Time at Karma Kids Yoga (CHELSEA)
Story time comes alive with puppets, songs, and yoga poses. Babies through 6 year olds (and their grownups) are invited to help lift stories off the page as they read and play yoga together, building literacy skills and healthy bodies in this action-packed class.
Details: 104 West 14th Street, NYC. Ages 6 and under. FREE for all. Contact: (646) 638-1444. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, May 24th from 3pm — 6pm
Fa-La-La Fridys at Klub4Kidz (WILLIAMSBURG)
It’s an all-you-can play buffet! Rock climbing, face painting, tattoos galore! And… access to all Klub4Kidz, including painting and drawing in the art studio, board games, video games, and dancing! Fun!
Details: 159 North 4th Street, Brooklyn. All are welcomed. Cost: $15 per kid; $12 for 3 years and under; $10 for each additional kid; additional $5 if doing the holiday craft. Contact: 718.599.5900. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, May 24th from 4:30pm — 5:30pm
Animal Haven’s Caring Kids Program (LITTLE ITALY)
Where are our animal lovers? Or parents of animal-loving children? You’ll want to check out this FREE event that introduces children and young teens to basic animal care and teaches them about existing issues in animal welfare. Through exciting lesson plans and interactive activities with cats and dogs at the shelter, participants learn the importance of treating animals humanely. They will not only make an impact on the lives of the animals they encounter, but it can certainly be a significant experience for them as well.
Details: 251 Centre Street. Ages 5-12. FREE for all, but RSVP is required. Contact: KendraM@ah-nyc.org or visit the website for more information.

Friday, May 24th from 6:30pm — 9:30pm
Family Movie Night at The Moxie Spot (BROOKLYN HEIGHTS)
Still stumped on how to enjoy Family Friday Nights after a long week? Head on over to The Moxie Spot, a family-friendly restaurant and play space for a fun Friday night film screening. Kids will eat for free when you purchase an entrée from the dinner special after 5:30pm. Now that what we call “family friendly.”
Details: The short feature begins at 6:15pm. The longer feature begins at 6:45pm. 81-83 Atlantic Avenue (at Hicks Street). 718.923.9710. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, May 24th from 7pm — 9pm
Family Fridays at The Museum of Mathematics (FLATIRON DISTRICT)
From the organizers: “The Museum of Mathematics is pleased to announce a special Family Friday workshop for parents and kids on Friday, April 26, at 7 pm. Dr. Daina Taimina, mathematical artist, author, and mother of two, will present “Crackers, Oranges, and Pringles” – a creative, hands-on exploration of surfaces with different curvature. Dr. Taimina, known for creating “hyperbolic crochet,” will start by transforming flat sheets of paper into surfaces with different curvature and then exploring what happens on those surfaces.  For those familiar with two basic crochet stitches – chain and single crochet – she will go on to demonstrate how to crochet various hyperbolic surfaces.”
Details: 11 East 26th Street, NYC. Ages 7 and up. Cost: $10.00. Contact: (212) 542-0566. Visit the website for more information.

SATURDAY MAY 25TH

Saturday, May 25th — May 27th: various times
Kings County Fair at Aviator Sports (FLOYD BENNET FIELD)
The FUN is coming to Brooklyn! The 4th Annual Kings County Fair will include a variety of rides and games for kids of all ages, yummy treats including cotton candy and funnel cakes, and so much more!
Details: 3159 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. Cost: $5/General Admission with various prices for activities and rides. FREE/kids under 36″. Contact: 718-758-7500. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th from 8am — 4pm
Free Saturdays at Red Hook Recreation Center (RED HOOK)
Activities will include fitness activities, board games, billiards, access to the cardio and weight room, and more!
Details: Halleck St., Bush St., between Otsego St. and Court St., Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 722-3211. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th from 9am — 11:30am
Open Play Drop-Off at Brooklyn Robot Foundry (GOWANUS)
This should be fun! There will be open play drop off where kids will have the opportunity to build obstacle courses for robots, craft robots out of clay and found objects, create marble runs, giant lego creations and much more.
Details: 303 Third Avenue (between 1st and Carroll Street), Brooklyn. Ages 5-9. Cost: $15/hour. Contact: (347)762-6840. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th from 9:30am — 11am
Out of Shabbox at Union Temple (CROWN HEIGHTS)
Out of the Shabbox is Brooklyn’s newest cross-cultural, interfaith arts based program designed to explore themes such as peace and charity through movement, music and storytelling. Featuring Avodah Dance’s Julie Gayer Kris (movement), Backyardigan Live!’s Shawn Shafner (storytelling) and Ruach Rocker Jay Rapoport (minstrel). Come join an interactive, fun filled programming where families can come together to sing, dance and tell stories about the things we value and which unite us.
Details: 17 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn. Ages 6 and under. FREE for all. Contact: uniontemple@uniontemple.org. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th at 10am
ReOpening of the New York Aquarium (CONEY ISLAND)
The NY Aquarium partially reopens to the public… for the first time after suffering great damage during Hurricane Sandy. How exciting! The exhibits expected to be open are: Glover’s Reef (featuring the sea life found in Glover’s Reef, Belize); Exhibits in Conservation Hall (Coral Triangle of Fiji, Great Lakes of East Africa, and the Flooded Forests of the Amazon;) Outdoor spaces of Sea Cliffs (walrus, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters and penguins); And a fully re-modeled Aquatheater with a new sea lion demonstration.
Details: 602 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE with paid admissions. Contact: (718) 265-3474. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th from 10am — 4pm
Family Festival on Governors Island (GOVERNORS ISLAND)
The Governors Island Alliance hosts a fun family fest featuring live music by Astrograss and The Maybelles and performances by Arm of the Sea Theater. There will be other activities too, which will include arts and crafts, face painting, a free bike helmet giveaway, a giant harbor map and lots of other fun harbor themed activities. Pretty sweet, right?!
Details: Nolan Park, Governors Island. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 646-241-2670. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday through May 27th from 10am — 5:30pm
Opening Weekend: Dinosaur Safari at The Bronx Zoo (BRONX)
Participants can ride through a land of huge dinosaurs! They may seem life-like and totally real, but don’t be alarmed — it’s only pretend. There are special opening weekend activities such as:
Adaptations! A Dinosaur Musical: With the help of a friendly tortoise, future paleontologists Marsh and Cope take a trip back in time to discover the adaptations that allowed dinosaurs to survive for millions of years. When the boys stumble upon a gigantic T. Rex, they must learn to adapt quickly so they don’t become extinct! Details: Asia Theater at 12:30pm, 1:15pm, 2pm, 2:45pm, and 3:30pm.
Meet & Greet: Celebrate opening day of Dinosaur Safari with costume characters Sid and Scrat from the hit movie, Ice Age. Details: 4-D Theater on May 25–26 at 1pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm.
Please note: Ticket price includes unlimited access to Dinosaur Safari ride, 4-D Theater, Bug Carousel, Congo Gorilla Forest, Jungle World, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Zoo, Zoo Shuttle & Wild Asia Monorail.
Details: 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. All ages welcomed. Cost: Total Experience Tickets — $33.95 (Ages 13 & up), $23.95 (Ages 3-12), $28.95 (Ages 65+). Contact: (718) 220-5100. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th from 10am — 6pm
Summer Salute to Heroes at INTREPID Sea, Air, and Space Museum (MIDTOWN)
What a great way to celebrate Memorial Day! The Intrepid will honor our service men and women. Pier 86 will be filled with displays, hands-on activities, and live performances. There will also be a free screening of Top Gun on the Flight Deck, a Memorial Day Ceremony featuring the unfurling of a 100-foot American flag, a panel discussion focused on African Americans in WWII, and more.
Details: Pier 86, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all, but some activities require admissions. Contact: 212-245-0072. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th from 10am — 8pm
Victorian Gardens Amusement Park at Wollman Rink (CENTRAL PARK)
Manhattan’s only amusement park is opening its door this weekend! Grab your little ones and enjoy the ride. Literally!
Details: 59th St. and 6th Avenue, NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: $8 entrance fee; $24 unlimited wristband. Contact: (212) 982-2229. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th from 10am — 9pm
Opening Weekend: Shipwreck! at Discovery Times Square (TIMES SQUARE)
SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure will capture your imagination and take you on an incredible journey through thousands of years of maritime history. Experience hurricane-force winds, pick up treasure with a robotic arm, and explore the mysteries of the deep. This exhibit features over 500 authentic artifacts, including gold and silver treasures, as well as the incredible science and technology used to work thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface.
Details: 226 West 44th Street, NYC. Ages 5 and up. Cost: $20.50/adults; $15.50/children 4 to 12 years. Contact: 866.987.9692. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th from 10:30am — 11:45am
Body Buildings: Woolworth Workshop at The Skyscraper Museum (BPC)
Kids  start with the 100-year-old Woolworth Building, subject of our current exhibition, as they work together to make a New York City skyline with their silhouettes and learn about all different skyscraper shapes and designs by using poster paper to turn their “skeleton frame” into a drawing of their very own building.
Details: 39 Battery Place, NYC. Ages 3 to 9. Cost: $5/child. Contact: 212-945-6324. RSVP to education@skyscraper.org. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th from 10:30am — 11:45am
Music and Playgroup at Brooklyn Doodles JACK Theatre (CLINTON HILL)
Brooklyn Doodles will be hosting a Memorial Saturday Playgroup.  The toys will be out and Greg will be dropping the beats.
Details: 505 1/2 Waverly Avenue, Brooklyn. Ages 3 years and under. FREE for all. Contact: Brooklyndoodles@gmail.com. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th at 11am
Story Time at Greenlight Bookstore (FORT GREENE)
Looking for something to do on a Saturday morning that’s also the perfect pre-nap activity?! We’ve got you covered! Saturday Story Time is geared toward kids ages 3 to 8 and their families. Authors and illustrators of picture books often visit on Saturdays to present their new books, and neighborhood performers sometimes read as well. There are always great stories and sometimes activities and crafts too.
Details: 686 Fulton Street, Brooklyn. Ages 3 to 8. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 246-0200. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th from 11am — 3pm
Kids Corner at Habana Outpost (FORT GREENE)
Eat delicious food, drink, and enjoy a kid-friendly planned activity! This weekend’s activity: Plastic Bag Jelly Fish.
Details: 757 Fulton, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, March 25th from 11am — 3pm
Free Art Island Outpost at Nolan Park (GOVERNOR’S ISLAND)
The Children’s Museum of the Arts presents artist-led workshops, self-guided art stations, large collaborative projects, puppetry, animation, and performance!
Details: Building 11 and 14, Governor’s Island. Ages 12 and under. FREE for all. Contact: 212.274.0986. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th at 12pm
Ample Hills Creamery 2nd Anniversary (PROSPECT HEIGHTS)
Celebrate the 2nd anniversary and each time a flavor sells out, the price of a scoop is reduced, until the ice cream is free!
Details: 623 Vanderbilt Avenue, Brooklyn. All are welcomed. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th from 12pm — 5pm
The Prospect Park Carousel (PROSPECT PARK)
It’s a great weekend to ride the carousel! The 101 year-old carousel features 51 carved horses, a lion, a giraffe, a deer, and two dragon-pulled chariots.
Details: Ocean and Flatbush Avenues and Empire Boulevard, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. Cost: $2 per ride, $9 book of 5 tickets. Contact: (646) 393-9031. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th from 12pm — 4pm
Family Bowl at Brooklyn Bowl (WILLIAMSBURG)
Bowling. FREE admissions from noon until 4pm. Need we say more?!
Details: 61 Wythe Street, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE admissions. Contact: 718-963-3369, Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th at 1pm
Cloth Diapering Made Easy at Caribou Baby (GREENPOINT/WILLIAMSBURG)
Take the confusion out of cloth diapering, it is easier than you think! This free 45 minute seminar will teach you about the various types of cloth diapers, how many you need, how much it will cost, and what to do with the poop! Babies welcome!
Details: 272 Driggs Avenue, Brooklyn. Adults welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (347) 460-BABY (2229) or info@cariboubaby.com . Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th at 1:30pm
Junior Engineer: Clocks at New York Transit Museum (BROOKLYN HEIGHTS)
When Grand Central Terminal opened, there were 75 clocks you could see and many more behind the scenes! Discover why clocks and schedules are so important to railroads, learn the story of Grand Central’s Jake the Clockmeister, and design your own Grand Central clock face!
Details: Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brookyn. Ages 4 and up. FREE for all. Contact: 718-694-1792. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th from 2pm — 4:30pm
We Build NY at New York Transit Museum (BROOKLYN HEIGHTS)
Using SketchUp software and images from the museum’s archives, budding designers and engineers converge on the Technology Lab for an afternoon of big-city creativity and computer-assisted designs. Please note: there is a limited capacity for this event.
Details: Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn. Ages 9 and up. FREE with paid admissions. Contact: 718-694-1792. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th at 2:15pm
Babywearing for Newborns at Caribou Baby (GREENPOINT/WILLIAMSBURG)
People have used baby carriers for thousands of years for a reason. Babywearing allows parents to attend to the needs of their baby while also getting things done. In this free 45 minute seminar we will introduce the five best carriers for newborns, show you why we love them, and help you choose the best one for your family.
Details: 272 Driggs Avenue, Brooklyn. Adults welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (347) 460-BABY (2229) or info@cariboubaby.com . Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th at 3pm
America, the Beautiful at The Scholastic Store (SoHo)
Storytime featuring America the Beautiful, a picture book highlighting American values such as diversity, unity, and freedom. Then make a star-spangled flag craft and Uncle Sam hat!
Details: 557 Broadway, NYC. Ages 5 and up. FREE for all. Contact: 212-343-6166. Visit the website for more information.

SUNDAY MAY 26TH

Sunday, May 26th — May 27th: various times
Kings County Fair at Aviator Sports (FLOYD BENNET FIELD)
The FUN is coming to Brooklyn! The 4th Annual Kings County Fair will include a variety of rides and games for kids of all ages, yummy treats including cotton candy and funnel cakes, and so much more!
Details: 3159 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. Cost: $5/General Admission with various prices for activities and rides. FREE/kids under 36″. Contact: 718-758-7500. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, May 26th from 9am — 11:30am
Open Play Drop-Off at Brooklyn Robot Foundry (GOWANUS)
This should be fun! There will be open play drop off where kids will have the opportunity to build obstacle courses for robots, craft robots out of clay and found objects, create marble runs, giant lego creations and much more.
Details: 303 Third Avenue (between 1st and Carroll Street), Brooklyn. Ages 5-9. Cost: $15/hour. Contact: (347)762-6840. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, May 26th from 10am — 4pm
Family Festival on Governors Island (GOVERNORS ISLAND)
The Governors Island Alliance hosts a fun family fest featuring live music by Astrograss and The Maybelles and performances by Arm of the Sea Theater. There will be other activities too, which will include arts and crafts, face painting, a free bike helmet giveaway, a giant harbor map and lots of other fun harbor themed activities. Pretty sweet, right?!
Details: Nolan Park, Governors Island. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 646-241-2670. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday through May 27th from 10am — 5:30pm
Opening Weekend: Dinosaur Safari at The Bronx Zoo (BRONX)
Participants can ride through a land of huge dinosaurs! They may seem life-like and totally real, but don’t be alarmed — it’s only pretend. There are special opening weekend activities such as:
Adaptations! A Dinosaur Musical: With the help of a friendly tortoise, future paleontologists Marsh and Cope take a trip back in time to discover the adaptations that allowed dinosaurs to survive for millions of years. When the boys stumble upon a gigantic T. Rex, they must learn to adapt quickly so they don’t become extinct! Details: Asia Theater at 12:30pm, 1:15pm, 2pm, 2:45pm, and 3:30pm.
Meet & Greet: Celebrate opening day of Dinosaur Safari with costume characters Sid and Scrat from the hit movie, Ice Age. Details: 4-D Theater on May 25–26 at 1pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm.
Please note: Ticket price includes unlimited access to Dinosaur Safari ride, 4-D Theater, Bug Carousel, Congo Gorilla Forest, Jungle World, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Zoo, Zoo Shuttle & Wild Asia Monorail.
Details: 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. All ages welcomed. Cost: Total Experience Tickets — $33.95 (Ages 13 & up), $23.95 (Ages 3-12), $28.95 (Ages 65+). Contact: (718) 220-5100. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, May 26th from 10am — 5pm
Torah Unwrapped at Jewish Children’s Museum (CROWN HEIGHTS)
Children explore the process of making a Torah during this interactive workshop. Uncover the history of hundred-year-old scrolls, see and handle unfinished hides for parchment, mix ink, fashion goose-feather quills and watch the scribe as he practices his “scribal scribble” on a piece of parchment!
Details: 792 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn. Ages 5 to 15. FREE for all, fees for activities. Contact: info@jcm.museum. Visit the website fore more information.

Sunday, May 26th from 10am — 6pm
Summer Salute to Heroes at INTREPID Sea, Air, and Space Museum (MIDTOWN)
What a great way to celebrate Memorial Day! The Intrepid will honor our service men and women. Pier 86 will be filled with displays, hands-on activities, and live performances. There will also be a free screening of Top Gun on the Flight Deck, a Memorial Day Ceremony featuring the unfurling of a 100-foot American flag, a panel discussion focused on African Americans in WWII, and more.
Details: Pier 86, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all, but some activities require admissions. Contact: 212-245-0072. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, May 26th from 10am — 8pm
Victorian Gardens Amusement Park at Wollman Rink (CENTRAL PARK)
Manhattan’s only amusement park is opening its door this weekend! Grab your little ones and enjoy the ride. Literally!
Details: 59th St. and 6th Avenue, NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: $8 entrance fee; $24 unlimited wristband. Contact: (212) 982-2229. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, May 24th from 10am — 8pm
Opening Weekend: Shipwreck! at Discovery Times Square (TIMES SQUARE)
SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure will capture your imagination and take you on an incredible journey through thousands of years of maritime history. Experience hurricane-force winds, pick up treasure with a robotic arm, and explore the mysteries of the deep. This exhibit features over 500 authentic artifacts, including gold and silver treasures, as well as the incredible science and technology used to work thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface.
Details: 226 West 44th Street, NYC. Ages 5 and up. Cost: $20.50/adults; $15.50/children 4 to 12 years. Contact: 866.987.9692. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, May 26th at 11:00am
Baby Stories and Singalongs at Greenlight Bookstore (FORT GREENE)
On Sunday mornings, children’s performers keep babies and toddlers under 3 years old entertained with stories, songs, and interactive play. Vered’s music is all about bonding with your little one. Her album Good Morning My Love was named a 2011 favorite by Laurie Berkner, kid-music superstar and fellow mom, in USA Today, and is also a 2012 winner of a Parents’ Choice Gold Award! Through songs that encourage joyful interaction, accompany daily routine, and give melody and words to the emotional experience of the baby and parent, Vered’s music lends a warm and upbeat soundtrack to the nuances of life with a baby or small child. The songs range from playful to emotive, gentle to silly, and sweet to upbeat, mirroring the experience of the new parent
Details: Geared toward ages 3 years and under. Open to public, but on a first come, first served basis. 686 Fulton Street (at South Portland). Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, May 26th from 11am — 3pm
Kids Corner at Habana Outpost (FORT GREENE)
Eat delicious food, drink, and enjoy a kid-friendly planned activity! This weekend’s activity: Plastic Bag Jelly Fish.
Details: 757 Fulton, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, March 26th from 11am — 3pm
Free Art Island Outpost at Nolan Park (GOVERNOR’S ISLAND)
The Children’s Museum of the Arts presents artist-led workshops, self-guided art stations, large collaborative projects, puppetry, animation, and performance!
Details: Building 11 and 14, Governor’s Island. Ages 12 and under. FREE for all. Contact: 212.274.0986. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, May 26th at 12:00pm — 1:00pm
Story Time at Books of Wonder (CHELSEA)
Each week, they choose several books (based on the age of the children attending) and sit down with children and their parents.
Details: 18 West 18th Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 212.989.3270 or emailstore@booksofwonder.com. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, May 26th from 12pm — 5pm
The Prospect Park Carousel (PROSPECT PARK)
It’s a great weekend to ride the carousel! The 101 year-old carousel features 51 carved horses, a lion, a giraffe, a deer, and two dragon-pulled chariots.
Details: Ocean and Flatbush Avenues and Empire Boulevard, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. Cost: $2 per ride, $9 book of 5 tickets. Contact: (646) 393-9031. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, May 26th at 1pm
Sing-A-Long Sound of Music at Brooklyn Center for Performing Arts (BROOKLYN COLLEGE)
Get your vocal chords warmed up for this screening of the Academy Award-winning Julie Andrews movie musical, complete with subtitles so that the whole audience can sing along. Classic tunes include “Climb Every Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” and of course the soaring title song. If you’ve always wanted to be a part of a musical, this is your chance! Please note that this event runs almost four hours and is therefore not recommended for children under six years of age.
Details: 2900 Campus Road, Brooklyn. Ages 5 and up. Cost: $15. Contact: 718-951-4500. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, May 26th at 1:30pm
Junior Engineer: Clocks at New York Transit Museum (BROOKLYN HEIGHTS)
When Grand Central Terminal opened, there were 75 clocks you could see and many more behind the scenes! Discover why clocks and schedules are so important to railroads, learn the story of Grand Central’s Jake the Clockmeister, and design your own Grand Central clock face!
Details: Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brookyn. Ages 4 and up. FREE for all. Contact: 718-694-1792. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, May 26th from 6pm — 9pm
Family Bingo Night at The Moxie Spot (BROOKLYN HEIGHTS)
Participants can eat, drink, play bingo, and win big! There will be prizes for the children, who, by the way, will get to eat for FREE with the purchase of an entree.
Details: 81 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn. Ages 9 and under. FREE for all. Contact: 718-923-9710. Visit the website with more information.

MONDAY MAY 27TH

Monday, May 27th: various times
Kings County Fair at Aviator Sports (FLOYD BENNET FIELD)
The FUN is coming to Brooklyn! The 4th Annual Kings County Fair will include a variety of rides and games for kids of all ages, yummy treats including cotton candy and funnel cakes, and so much more!
Details: 3159 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. Cost: $5/General Admission with various prices for activities and rides. FREE/kids under 36″. Contact: 718-758-7500. Visit the website for more information.

Monday through May 27th from 10am — 5:30pm
Opening Weekend: Dinosaur Safari at The Bronx Zoo (BRONX)
Participants can ride through a land of huge dinosaurs! They may seem life-like and totally real, but don’t be alarmed — it’s only pretend. There are special opening weekend activities such as:
Adaptations! A Dinosaur Musical: With the help of a friendly tortoise, future paleontologists Marsh and Cope take a trip back in time to discover the adaptations that allowed dinosaurs to survive for millions of years. When the boys stumble upon a gigantic T. Rex, they must learn to adapt quickly so they don’t become extinct! Details: Asia Theater at 12:30pm, 1:15pm, 2pm, 2:45pm, and 3:30pm.
Please note: Ticket price includes unlimited access to Dinosaur Safari ride, 4-D Theater, Bug Carousel, Congo Gorilla Forest, Jungle World, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Zoo, Zoo Shuttle & Wild Asia Monorail.
Details: 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. All ages welcomed. Cost: Total Experience Tickets — $33.95 (Ages 13 & up), $23.95 (Ages 3-12), $28.95 (Ages 65+). Contact: (718) 220-5100. Visit the website for more information.

Monday, May 27th from 10am — 6pm
Summer Salute to Heroes at INTREPID Sea, Air, and Space Museum (MIDTOWN)
What a great way to celebrate Memorial Day! The Intrepid will honor our service men and women. Pier 86 will be filled with displays, hands-on activities, and live performances. There will also be a free screening of Top Gun on the Flight Deck, a Memorial Day Ceremony featuring the unfurling of a 100-foot American flag, a panel discussion focused on African Americans in WWII, and more.
Details: Pier 86, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all, but some activities require admissions. Contact: 212-245-0072. Visit the website for more information.

Monday, May 27th from 10am — 8pm
Victorian Gardens Amusement Park at Wollman Rink (CENTRAL PARK)
Manhattan’s only amusement park is opening its door this weekend! Grab your little ones and enjoy the ride. Literally!
Details: 59th St. and 6th Avenue, NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: $8 entrance fee; $24 unlimited wristband. Contact: (212) 982-2229. Visit the website for more information.

Monday, May 27th from 11am — 3pm
Summer Camp Open House at Kings Bay Y (WINDSOR TERRACE)
Take a tour and meet with the Camp Representatives from the Kings Bay Y.  Find out about the Summer Day Camp, Hebrew Dual Language Summer Day Camp and the  Inclusion Program for children with special needs. Meet the new Soccer Coach for the Y’s soccer program, Nathan Bell.  There will be 30 minute soccer trial classes for kids and parents to get a taste of the Soccer Division from 11am-2pm.
Details: 1224 Prospect Avenue, Brooklyn. Ages 4 to 13. FREE for all. Contact: Nadira at 718.407.6377. Visit the website for more information.

Monday, May 27th from 11am — 3pm
Historic Greenwood Cemetery Memorial Day Concert (Greenwood Heights)
Bring a blanket and enjoy this early summer performance. Food and refreshments will be on sale all day. Directly after the concert, enjoy a special trolley tour with Green-Wood Historian Jeff Richman. Click here for more information on the tour, and reserve your spot now – that tour fills up quickly!.
Details: 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY,11232. All Ages. FREE for all. Contact: 718-210-3080. Visit the website for more information.

ALL WEEKEND

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through May 27th: various times
Kings County Fair at Aviator Sports (FLOYD BENNET FIELD)
The FUN is coming to Brooklyn! The 4th Annual Kings County Fair will include a variety of rides and games for kids of all ages, yummy treats including cotton candy and funnel cakes, and so much more!
Details: 3159 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. Cost: $5/General Admission with various prices for activities and rides. FREE/kids under 36″. Contact: 718-758-7500. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, Sunday, and Monday through May 27th from 10am — 5:30pm
Opening Weekend: Dinosaur Safari at The Bronx Zoo (BRONX)
Participants can ride through a land of huge dinosaurs! They may seem life-like and totally real, but don’t be alarmed — it’s only pretend. There are special opening weekend activities such as:
Adaptations! A Dinosaur Musical: With the help of a friendly tortoise, future paleontologists Marsh and Cope take a trip back in time to discover the adaptations that allowed dinosaurs to survive for millions of years. When the boys stumble upon a gigantic T. Rex, they must learn to adapt quickly so they don’t become extinct! Details: Asia Theater at 12:30pm, 1:15pm, 2pm, 2:45pm, and 3:30pm.
Meet & Greet: Celebrate opening day of Dinosaur Safari with costume characters Sid and Scrat from the hit movie, Ice Age. Details: 4-D Theater on May 25–26 at 1pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm.
Please note: Ticket price includes unlimited access to Dinosaur Safari ride, 4-D Theater, Bug Carousel, Congo Gorilla Forest, Jungle World, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Zoo, Zoo Shuttle & Wild Asia Monorail.
Details: 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. All ages welcomed. Cost: Total Experience Tickets — $33.95 (Ages 13 & up), $23.95 (Ages 3-12), $28.95 (Ages 65+). Contact: (718) 220-5100. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 10am — 8pm
Victorian Gardens Amusement Park at Wollman Rink (CENTRAL PARK)
Manhattan’s only amusement park is opening its door this weekend! Grab your little ones and enjoy the ride. Literally!
Details: 59th St. and 6th Avenue, NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: $8 entrance fee; $24 unlimited wristband. Contact: (212) 982-2229. Visit the website for more information.

Saturdays and Sundays through September 29th from 11am — 3pm
Free Art Island Outpost at Nolan Park (GOVERNOR’S ISLAND)
The Children’s Museum of the Arts presents artist-led workshops, self-guided art stations, large collaborative projects, puppetry, animation, and performance!
Details: Building 11 and 14, Governor’s Island. Ages 12 and under. FREE for all. Contact: 212.274.0986. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, May 24th and Saturday, May 25th from 10am — 9pm
Sunday, May 26th from 10am –8pm
Opening Weekend: Shipwreck! at Discovery Times Square (TIMES SQUARE)
SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure will capture your imagination and take you on an incredible journey through thousands of years of maritime history. Experience hurricane-force winds, pick up treasure with a robotic arm, and explore the mysteries of the deep. This exhibit features over 500 authentic artifacts, including gold and silver treasures, as well as the incredible science and technology used to work thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface.
Details: 226 West 44th Street, NYC. Ages 5 and up. Cost: $20.50/adults; $15.50/children 4 to 12 years. Contact: 866.987.9692. Visit the website for more information.

Saturday, May 25th and Sunday, May 26th from 11am — 3pm
Kids Corner at Habana Outpost (FORT GREENE)
Eat delicious food, drink, and enjoy a kid-friendly planned activity! This weekend’s activity: Plastic Bag Jelly Fish.
Details: 757 Fulton, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.

Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm — 6pm
Art Shack at Pier 25 (DOWNTOWN NYC)
This event is such a cool way to get kids engrossed in art and painting! They can enjoy the outdoors and views of the Hudson while creating a masterpiece! From the organizers, “Our Art Shack outdoor art program at Pier 25 dates back to 1996, when artist Xavier Rivera approached our founder, Bob Townley, with the idea for a free outdoor art program. If you’ve been around long enough, you may recall the area to the right just inside the Pier 25 entrance with outdoor wooden sculptures and a shipping container that served both as our Art Shack and as a pedestal for a giant iguana sculpted by Bob “Daddy-O” Wade. Xavier persevered through the demolition and rebuilding of Pier 25 with an art space astride the Hudson River Park bike path, and now our Art Shack once again is a permanent fixture of our Pier 25 programming.”
Please note: Event will take place if the weather permits.
Details: 120 Warren Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.

Saturdays and Sundays in May from 1pm — 4pm
Pop-Up Audubon: Birds at Binnen Bridge (PROSPECT PARK)
This is a chance to get the entire family involved in outdoor fun! There will be several activities:
Nature on the Go! Bird Bonanza: 1pm & 3pm
Take an in-depth look at the largest organism within this habitat (trees) and discover the important role forests play in providing different habitats for the Park’s wildlife. This program includes hand-on activities and a nature walk through the forest.
Nature’s Helpers: 2pm
Families are encouraged to come and take a tour of the Park and help keep it clean along the way. Gloves, garbage bags, and trash grabbers will be provided.
Discovery Tour: 4pm
Learn what birds eat from trees, early spring migration, and discover the layers within the forest!
Details: Lincoln Rd./Ocean Ave. entrance, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 287-3400. Visit the website for more information.

Saturdays and Sundays through May 26th from 2pm — 4pm
History in Your Hands: Fleece Fun at Lefferts Historic House (PROSPECT PARK)
Card, spin using a drop spindle, and even make a felt ball to take home with you.
Details: Willink entrance (intersection Ocean/Flatbush Aves. and Empire Blvd.), Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. Cost: $3/person; FREE/ages 16 and under. Visit the website for more information.

Saturdays at 11am and 5pm
Sundays at 12pm
Piggy Nation, The Musical at The Snapple Theater Center (MIDTOWN)
My son and I had the pleasure of seeing this show and we thought it was glorious! It’s a show filled with love and laughter and lessons learned. The intimate theater and the fact that audience members can enjoy a meet-and-greet with the cast makes it a totally a must-see. Based on the award-winning book, Piggy Nation follows Sammy Hamhock, a little pig excited to be on vacation following his Dad to work on Piggy Patrol, issuing tickets for piggy behavior. But is his Dad being a piggy too? Will Sammy lose the girl of his dreams, the lovely Lacey Leppard, because of his Dad’s piggy behavior? Can Sammy teach his Dad not to be a piggy?
Details: 210 West 50th Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: $30-44/standard seats; $60/premium seats. Contact: 212.921.7862. Visit the website for more information.

Saturdays and Sunday from 10am — 5pm
The Big Adventure at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum (CROWN HEIGHTS)
Visit the latest exhibit at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum,  Big Adventure, where  kids will be able to choose activity adventures that identify challenges, solve problems, make decisions, set goals, enhance creativity, and help them gain confidence.
Details: 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE with museum admissions. Contact: (718) 735-4400. Visit the website for more information.

Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm — 5pm
Family Days Bowling at Brooklyn Bowl (WILLIAMSBURG)
Grab your kids and gather ’round for a day of indoor fun! Seriously, bowling is the new black and it is certainly fun for the entire family. Pack a snack or try tasty food from Blue Ribbon, which will be available for purchase.
Details: 61 Wythe Ave (Btwn N 11th St & 12th St), Brooklyn. All are welcomed. Cost: Saturday $25/lane/half hour; Sunday $20/lane/half hour; Shoes: $4.95/per person. Socks:$3/pair. Contact: (718) 963-3369. Visit the website for more information.

All Weekend from 10am — 5pm
MoMath Exhibitions at the Museum of Mathematics (FLATIRON DISTRICT)
There’s a new museum in town and it’s been getting rave reviews — the Museum of Mathematics! More than 30 exhibitions reveal the wonders of math in this 19,000-square-foot space. Interactive, hands-on, engaging and fun, the exhibitions invite participation, encourage experimentation, and spark curiosity in visitors of all ages and math skills. They bring math concepts to life in ways that amaze, astound enlighten and entertain. Many have surprising outcomes that stimulate visitors to want to understand why.
Details: 11 East 26th Street (between 5th and Madison Avenues), NYC. All are welcomed. Cost: $15/adults; $9/children. Contact: (212) 542-0566. Visit the website for more information.

ONGOING

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through May 26th: various times
Rennie Harris RHAW at New Victory Theater (TIMES SQUARE)
Rennie Harris Awe-inspiring Works features a youthful company of nine dancers who pop and lock, b-boy and boogaloo to create funky, upbeat depictions of city life, young love, and growing up.
Details: 209 West 42nd Street, NYC. Ages 6 and up. Cost: $14–$38. Contact: 646.223.3010. Visit the website for more information.

Saturdays through August 31st at 3pm
Bargemusic Family Concert at The Brooklyn Bridge Park (FULTON FERRY LANDING)
Walk across the gangplank of a renovated coffee barge into a “wonderfully intimate wood-paneled room with thrilling views of lower Manhattan and excellent acoustics.” Experience why critics call Bargemusic “the perfect chamber-music hall” and why artists say it is “unlike any other place in the world to perform.”
Details: All are welcomed. Visit the website for more information.

Ongoing from 12pm — 4pm
Luna Park (CONEY ISLAND)
Take a thrilling ride on the famous Cyclone or one of the new rides debuting for the 2013 season.
Details: 1000 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn. Ages 3 and up. Cost: Pay-per-ride or POP packages available. Contact: 718.373.LUNA (5862). Visit the website for more information.

Through July 7th from 10:30am — 4:30pm (hourly)
IMAX Flight of the Butterflies at The American Museum of Natural History (UWS)
This is a great way for children (and adults alike!) to learn about the 3,000-mile journey traveled every fall by half a billion Monarch butterflies… at one of NYC’s favorite museums! This migration, which begins in Canada and continues through the United States to Mexico, is the longest and most amazing insect migration on Earth.
Details: Central Park West at 79th Street, NYC. All are welcomed. Cost: $25/adults; $19/students and seniors; $14.50/children ages 2-12. Price includes admission to the museum. Contact: 212-769-5200. Visit the website for more information.

Through September 15th 2013: various times
Gazillion Bubble Show at New World Stages Theater (MIDTOWN)
You’ve seen how your kids react to bubbles. Now, imagine how they would react to seeing people inside bubbles, or lasers shooting through bubbles, or bubbles within bubbles?!  They will be enthralled…and so will you. I’m been to this twice because we love it so much. Awesome show and well worth the price and trip. The Gazillion Bubble Show in Manhattan, is all about bubble magic and everyone from David Letterman to Oprah thinks the show is pretty fantastic.
Details: 340 West 50^th Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: $44.50 -$89.50 (VIP package). Purchase tickets: Telecharge at 212.239.6200 or at www.telecharge.com. Visit the website for more information.

Through January 5, 2014 from 10am — 6pm
Whales: Giants of the Deep at The American Museum of Natural History (UWS)
Get a load of this! Whales: Giants of the Deep brings you close to some of the most massive mammals on Earth. Featuring life-size models, interactive exhibits, films, as well as over 20 whale skulls and skeletons.
Details: Central Park West at 79th Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: $25 adults; $14.50 kids age 2-12; $19 seniors/students (General admission plus 1 ticket includes admission to the museum and Rose Center plus 1 special exhibition). Contact: 212-769-5100. Visit the website for more

By Dr. Stephen Turner, M.D., FAAP

The Department of Health has informed all physicians of a measles outbreak in Brooklyn, and this is something all Brooklynites should be aware of.  So far, there have been 34 confirmed cases – 27 in Borough Park, and 7 in Williamsburg.  All of the cases were in unvaccinated patients, and complications have included pneumonia, a miscarriage, and two hospitalizations.  There will almost certainly be more cases in the next few weeks.

What is measles?  It is a viral infection, transmitted through the air by someone who has measles coughing.  There have been case reports of people getting infected simply by walking past someone who has the disease, so it is highly contagious.  Symptoms include cough, red eyes, fever, and a red rash all over the body.  People with measles are notoriously miserable.  Although almost all cases of measles will resolve on their own, as many as 25% of children may need to be hospitalized for complications such as pneumonia.  The rate of death or serious brain damage is about 1 in 1,000.

Can it be prevented?  Yes!  The MMR vaccine, which has been in use in the U.S. for over 40 years, is approximately 95% effective after 1 dose of the vaccine, and 99% effective after 2 doses.  The recommended schedule is to receive the first dose after 1 year of age, and the second dose at age 4.  The vaccine is a live but weakened virus, and therefore a vaccinated person cannot transmit the illness.  Side effects of the vaccine include fever or a rash in a small percent of children approximately 1 week after receiving a dose.  If someone is exposed to measles, receiving the vaccine within 72 hours can decrease the risk of becoming ill.  If parents choose to forgo the vaccine, and their child is exposed, the Department of Health will recommend keeping the child home from school and daycare for three weeks.  There have been numerous large scale studies which have clearly demonstrated that the vaccine does not increase the risk of autism.

Any treatment?  No, you just have to ride it out, and use acetaminophen for fever and remain hydrated.  The illness can last up to a week.  If you think you have measles, notify your physician or local emergency room before you arrive, to minimize exposure to other people.

Location: Governor’s Island

Story: If you’re looking for a mini-escape from the city without actually leaving town but that involves a boat (big hit with the kids) you need to take a trip to Governor’s Island, which opens for the season this coming Sunday May 26th and stays open until September 30th.

Ferries run from both Manhattan and Brooklyn and are themselves quite a thrill for the kids (although be prepared for some waiting in line).

This photo is from a trip we did last year on Memorial Sunday with both Liam (then 3) and Jack (then 5 months old). To be honest, still in newborn sleep deprivation mode at that time, I only remember that because I just checked the date on the photos!

But I do remember this beautiful flower filled grassy area and lying on a blanket with my eyes closed for a few blissful new-mom-of-two minutes.

This week’s photo tip: as a busy parent, let’s face it, your memory is probably not as good as it used to be! Use your camera to help you by capturing the moments you know you’ll want to remember, one, five, ten, or even fifty years down the line. The act of taking photos, then editing and sharing them, will strengthen your memories… and of course you will also have the photos themselves to remind you.

Alethea Cheng Fitzpatrick is a family photographer and photography coach with Photosanity. Alethea is a former architect and interior designer and Clinton Hill mom to two boys, Liam, aged four, and Jack, aged one. She’s on a mission to help parents more fully experience the precious fleeting moments of their children’s lives through photography.

Alethea is also giving a seminar at our upcoming Brooklyn Baby Expo on June 2nd at 11am. Each attendee will receive the “Photosanity Get Out of Auto Cheat Sheet” as a beautiful postcard you can tuck into your camera bag, plus FREE access to the newly launched online self-study workshop, Stop Missing The Moment: An Introduction to Photosanity ($45 value – not yet available to the public!) Attendees will also be entered to win a 30 minute private Photosanity coaching session with Alethea.

Even before my husband was born, the first sounds in the womb were the clanking of cast iron pans and sizzling food in the restaurant his parents owned in Cartagena, Colombia. Alejandro was raised in the restaurant and long before his first taste of patacones colombianos in the ancient seaside city, a passion for food was hard-coded in his DNA. Some 2,000 miles north, my mother, with her talent for French cooking, was having me sample béarnaise sauces and confit before I could walk. I grew up as her sous-chef, hanging homemade pasta from broomsticks wedged in doorframes or testing recipes for a spice-blend company she was launching.

Fast forward 30 years and it’s no wonder when it came to introducing our six month-old daughter to solids…a massive debate ensued. As nervous first-time parents, the conversation began with the library of parenting books we’d amassed. Like most things when it comes to child-rearing, there was no shortage of conflicting opinions, philosophies, and rules. We just wanted to be excited about making and feeding our daughter delicious food—instead, our heads were reeling.

There were allergy and choking concerns and the three day period we were told we must wait between any new foods. There were stages 1, 2 and 3 to figure out. To puree or not to puree? Eggs, fish and peanuts were a no before one year until new research popped up saying perhaps they should be fed first. And there were the contents in her diaper, which we were urged to scrutinize like never before. And rice cereal was being pushed our way as the first food of choice with many promises–iron-fortified, non-allergenic, easy to digest, will help baby sleep through the night. It was around that moment that my husband and I began to scratch our heads. “What does the rest of the world do? I bet they aren’t feeding their babies processed rice cereal in India.” My husband said.

He was right.

Across the globe, babies are fed a whole range of flavorful first foods and it boils down to culture, not science. My husband was handed a mango pit to suck on as his first food in Colombia. In India, however, babies are often given dal khichdi, a mixture of rice and lentils. Indian babies are also introduced to a variety of spices early on. In Japan, it ranges from sips of miso soup to thick rice porridge topped with small dried fish, tofu or mashed veggies. First tastes are often tropical for babies in Puerto Rico in the form of mashed plantains or mangos. And then there is the mouth-watering Polynesian staple, Poi Poi, which is a pudding-like mix of coconut cream and breadfruit. For Inuit babies who reside in the extreme Arctic cold, fresh vegetables and fruits are often not available so first foods include seaweed and “nuk-tuk” (seal blubber).  In the middle east, hummus is a popular first food while in Nigeria, babies are traditionally fed a bean mixture called “Gbegiri”. Lastly, with all our concerns about peanut allergies in the U.S., it is one of the first foods given to Israeli babies in the form of a puffed snack called Bamba. Ironically or not, the incidence of peanut allergies is 10 times higher in the U.S. than in Israel.

After a couple of years of creating custom visualizations of a baby’s first year for many families, I got to see the full gamut of first foods and every baby’s preferences were like a rollercoaster ride (see photo). My own daughter spit out applesauce for three months before she suddenly decided it was the best thing she’d tasted to date.

Now that we are approaching the first food milestone with our second child, we’ve found that the U.S. recommendations have once again changed. The AAP now advises to skip rice cereal altogether and even recommends red meat as a contender for a first food. Bottom line though seems to be that at six months, provided there is no family history of allergy, feed your baby whatever healthy, flavorful and nutritious food you want…and don’t be surprised if your baby loves it one week and spits it out the next!

Chase Simmering is a mother of two, graphic designer, foodie and Owner of StrangeBirdy, a children’s company that creates personalized visualizations of a baby’s first year (including a year in food). Chase’s My First Year posters have been featured in DailyCandy, FastCo, CoolMomPicks, Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine and more. Chase lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband, Alejandro and daughters, Paloma and Isla. Her prints are available at www.strangebirdy.com

I love going to all of the NYC zoos around the city. And we love dinosaurs in our house so I’m especially excited for this! Dinosaur Safari is coming to the Bronx Zoo beginning, Saturday, May 25, Memorial Day weekend and ending September 8th. The new attraction will include a ride through the Cretaceous and Jurassic periods with more than two-dozen animatronic dinosaurs up to 40 feet long which move, snarl, roar and spit.

In anticipation of the new exhibit, the Bronx Zoo is offering New Yorkers a chance to vote for their favorite dinosaur species at www.bronxzoo.com/dino and win tickets to see the dinosaurs. Included in the vote: long-necked Brachiosaurus, the intimidating Tyrannosaurus rex, the gator-like Baryonyx, the massive Triceratops, or the flighted Quetzalcoatlus. Exclusive Bronx Zoo Dinosaur Safari stickers that can be used with a safari field guide will be given to those who vote.

Dinosaur Safari will include a ride through a two-acre area of the zoo and will highlight the physical or behavioral adaptations many share with species that are alive today.

The exhibit will be included in the Total Experience Ticket and a 20 percent discount is offered with online purchases for Monday and Tuesday visits.  Tickets can be purchased in advance atwww.bronxzoo.com/dino.

Free Spirits Music just released a lineup of summer music classes In Prospect Park and they are offering A Child Grows readers come join the fun!

At our Saturday morning “Songwriting Circles” in Prospect Park, kids 7-12 will write an entire song in our hour-long session! Any kid who loves to sing, is interested in guitar, or wants to write a song is invited to be a part of the creative journey under the sun. As a group, we’ll use different musical skills to explore the songwriting process.

Our weekday “Toddler Music In The Parks” is an artistic flow of songs, nursery rhymes, stories, and movement for 18 months – 4 years. With interactive themes like “A Day at the Beach” or “Farm Animals,” each 45-minute class evolves from the child’s world and include vocal play, animal sounds, rhythms, and lots of fun. Scarves, stickers, shaky eggs, rhythm sticks, and instruments will be explored! And of course, every child gets a chance to play the guitar at the end of class.

A little bit about us: Our goal at Free Spirits Music is to awaken artistic passion and understand the creative process while creating a community of like-minded young musicians. By using rock and pop music as our vehicle, we’ve created a community of fun, friendship, and safety that encourages personal and musical growth for everyone who enters it. Simply put, we change lives through music. And equally important, we seriously rock out and have a great time doing it.

2013 Free Spirits Music Summer In Prospect Park

Songwriting Circles in Prospect Park

Saturdays at 11am, June 8, 22, 29, July 13, 27, Aug 10

Register Here: http://freespiritsmusic.com/tween-songwriting-circles-prospect-park/

Toddler Music In The Parks

Summer Session (June 10 – July 3)

Mondays at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.

Tuesdays at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.

Thursdays at 12 p.m.

Summer Session II (July 8 – September 13)

Mondays at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.

Tuesdays at 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Wednesdays at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m.

Fridays at 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Register Here: http://freespiritsmusic.com/toddlers-in-the-park-2013/

Location

Long Meadow at Prospect Park

Just Past Grand Army Plaza

2/3 to Grand Army Plaza

Q/B to 7th Ave

B41 to Grand Army Plaza

It’s been much longer than I intended since my last post.  I was busy with a few of my creative ventures, but once those were complete, it has taken me way too long to catch up on all of life’s little everyday tasks that were pushed to the side for the duration of those projects.  One major stumbling block has been that my iPad is full.  Yes, I totally ran out of space on my 30 GB iPad2.  And I have no movies on it.  30 GB: 332 Apps, 88 photos, and 2 20-30 second animations.  That’s right, 332 Apps.  Sigh.

Over the past two months I would see a failure to sync warning every time I plugged my iPad into my laptop.  I knew what the problem was, but being so busy, I simply didn’t have time to look into fixing it.  I use my iPad to create the animations for my projects, so I was playing with fire letting it get so full.  In fact, I did have to delete a few things randomly just to have enough room to export one of my finished animations.

Time for some major spring cleaning!

So, now that I have a chance, I’m sitting down and organizing the iPad.  Here’s what I’m doing:

1. First I sit down with the iPad and organize the Apps into folders.  I try to keep the Apps in categories, to make it easy to find what I’m looking for.  I’ve created a bunch of folders of kids’ apps too, sorting them by age and type of app.

2. Next I attach my iPad to my laptop and open up iTunes.   I make sure the “Automatically install new apps” checkbox is NOT checked.  This is where my problem stemmed from.  I was downloading apps on my laptop and thinking I’d install them at a later date and check them out, but they were all getting loaded onto my iPad the next time I synced because I had left this button checked!  After unchecking that, I go through the apps and select which ones to install or remove. When I decide to remove an app, “Will Remove” appears in the button next to it, and when I press “sync” this app will no longer be on the iPad.  It will remain in my iTunes library though, so I can decide to reinstall it later if I wish.

3. The next step is to finally run all of the updates to the apps.  I’ve been unable to update because my iPad has been so full.  I’m working on this now.  It turns out I didn’t delete enough apps in step 2, so I’ve got to go back and make some hard choices.

4. Don’t ever let myself become so disorganized again.  I’m shocked that I got to this place.  I’m usually incredibly organized, especially when it comes to file management, which is why I thought this might be helpful to some of you.  If this could happen to me, it could happen to anyone.

- Christine Dehne is a Brooklyn-based multimedia artist and educator and a mother of two girls.  She strives to teach her children and her students to be happy but conscious consumers of media. You can reach her at christinedehne (at) gmail (dot) com. Christine has been busy working on Wink and Under the Tree with Spellbound Theatre.

Well the weather wasn’t the best this weekend and not looking too good this coming week but don’t worry we have lots of indoor and outdoor events so everyone can still get out have a great week no matter what the weather is like!

I discovered that Juguemos a Cantar has new spring drop in playspace hours also they have a drop in sing along in Spanish and English!  Also did you know Lunchapalooza! starts this Wednesday at the Central Library!  Every Wednesday there will be storytelling & family friendly music on the Plaza and a different food truck vendor each week!  Lets hope for good weather!

Excited for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend?  There is a Memorial Day Sidewalk Art Competition at the Sheepshead Bay Library this week!  Also going on all this week is The Kings County Fair!  There are also lots of drop in yoga, music, storytime classes listed below and also don’t forget to check your local library calendar for fun events!

Enjoy the week and if you know of any fun events email me at events@achildgrows.com

Deirdre (mom to O & C)

Monday May 20th

Healthy Body, Happy Baby at Caribou Baby (Greenpoint)

Mondays 915a. $20 drop in.  This class is a beneficial playdate for you and your little one as you participate in a body-enhancing, health-improving workout while your little one plays, snoozes, observes or works out right along with us! This class is for mommies of newborns to 2 year olds.

Toddler Storyplay at BPL Central Library (Prospect Heights)

Mondays 1015a.  Play with toys and hear stories.  Ages 18-36m.  Space limited.  Pick up a ticket at the Children’s Reference Desk on the morning of the program.  Please call 718 230 2117 for more information.

Gateway Storytime In The Discovery Room at the American Museum of Natural History (UWS)

Mondays at 1015 & 1115a when public schools are open. For ages 2.5-5y. The Discovery Room invites preschoolers and their parents or caregivers to explore! Each week highlights a topic in natural science or a cultural theme. There is a period of free play followed by a story, song, and visit to a related Museum hall. Free with Museum admission. Free passes for the 10:15 and 11:15 Gateway Storytime sessions are available the day of the program at the Discovery Room entrance on a first come, first served basis. Admission: Adults: $19 Children (2-12): $10.50

Toddler Time at Park Slope BPL

Mondays 1030-1130a.  Enjoy stories and play. 18 to 36 months.  Ticket Required. See Librarian.

Preschool Storytime: From Seed to Plate Gardening Program at Windsor Terrace Public Library 

Mondays 10:30AM  Children ages 3-5 and their Parents/ Caregivers, enjoy stories, songs , fingerplays and some gardening fun!

Program will be held in the Meeting Room and in our Garden. Please register in person at the customer Service Desk on the day of. Space is limited. Maximum 15 kids ages 3-5. First come First served.

Make Music & Dance with Dara at Dean St (Prospect Heights)

Mondays 1030a. $5/family. Have fun listening to music and dancing and lunch starts at 1130a. Kids meals for just $5, Chicken fingers with fries or pasta.

Rolie Polie Guacamole sing-a-long at Kings Bay Y at Windsor Terrace

Mondays at 1030a. $5/family.  Join Rolie Polie Guacamole for a sing-a-long.

Peek-a-Boo Time @ Leonard Library (Williamsburg)

Mondays 11a at Leonard Library.  Come enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays with other pre-walkers and their caregivers!
Pre-walkers only. No toddlers. Ages 6-12 months.

Moxie Spot Storytime with Emily (Cobble Hill)

Storytime with Emily M/W/F 12n. $2.50/child 2nd Floor Play Fee EVERY Day. $5 max per family $2.50 waived for every $15 spent in food and beverage

Read and Play at Red Hook BPL

Mondays 1p.  Hear stories, make friends and play! For kids with and without disabilities.  Sponsored by the Child’s Place for Children with Special Needs

Lego Time @ Leonard BPL (Williamsburg)

Children unleash their imaginations using Lego Building blocks.  Mondays 230-330p.  5-10y.  Leonard branch of Brooklyn Public Library.

Masterpiece Mondays at The Jewish Museum (UES)

Monday May 20th 330-430p.  Family Gallery Tours. Explore the galleries with sketching, art activities and more in this fun afternoon series. Free with Museum admission. Admission: Adults $12, children under 12 free.

Childrens Basketball @ Rockerfeller Park (Battery Park City)

Mondays, now until Oct 28th, 3:30-4:30pm, Rockefeller Park. Free.  Basketball for 5-6 year olds with adjustable-height hoops or kids of all sizes, plus fun drills to improve skills. Close-toed shoes required. Location: North end of Battery Park City, west of River Terrace. No sessions 5/27, 9/2, 10/14.

Drop in SING ALONG in Spanish and English at Juguemos (South Slope)

Mondays 330-415p.  Ages: 6m to 3y.  $10 per child/siblings $2 more.  Join us for music, singing, movement and fun in Spanish and English. PLUS: PLAY TIME that day  until 5pm.  Juguemos 463 6th Ave @10th St

Spellbound Storytime at Cespella Cafe (South Slope)

Mondays 4p.  $5 drop in.  Drop-in weekly storytimes with music, stories, puppets and more. We blend songs, our favorite books and fables, and classic nursery rhymes with a special twist into an interactive and stimulating storytime specially crafted for babies and toddlers. Ages 0-5.

Rolie Polie Guacamole sing-a-long at Lark (Propsect Park South)

Mondays 415p.  Sing-a-long w/ Frank & Andrew $5/family

Parkour Kids (Ages 4-9y) @ Bklyn Beast (East Williamsburg)

Mon & Wed 430-530p.  $18/drop in.  This art, practice and discipline emphasizes efficient movement while flowing through obstacles with ease. Practitioners run, jump, vault and climb to find the best way of getting from point A to point B. Class begins with warm ups, stretching and conditioning workouts. Class continues on to strengthening the core Parkour moves ie. precisions, rolls, safety volts, strides etc. Then moves are taught in sequence to train how to overcome different obstacles.

Our Garden Club  at Red Hook BPL

Mondays 430p.  Learn about gardening, become green, listen to stories and celebrate the harvest.  Sponsored by the Child’s Place for Children with Special Needs.

Childrens Basketball Age 7+ @ Rockerfeller Park (Battery Park City)

Mondays, now until Oct 28th, 4:30-5:30pm, Rockefeller Park.  Free.  Basketball for children age 7 and up, with adjustable-height hoops or kids of all sizes, plus fun drills to improve skills. Close-toed shoes required. Location: North end of Battery Park City, west of River Terrace. No sessions 5/27, 9/2, 10/14.

Capoeira Kids (4-9y) @ Bklyn Beast (East Williamsburg)

Mon & Wed 430-530p.  $18/drop in.

Parents of Teens and Tweens @ Parents Helping Parents (Park Slope)

Monday, May 20 – 7:00 – 8:30 PM  There is a sliding scale fee of $15 – $35/family for each workshop.  To allow for a full discussion there will be no children present.  To register, receive more information or make suggestions of workshop topics that might be helpful to your family contact Sharon at: brooklynphp@gmail.com

Tuesday May 21st

Free Admission on Tuesdays at Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Crown Heights/Prospect Heights)

Tuesdays 8a-6p (March – October) FREE admission and also Free Saturdays 10a-12n.

Music Jam Session at Mini Max Toys and Cuts (Cobble Hill)

Tuesdays 10am.  Free.  Are you ready to rock? Well, then join Brittany with her ukulele, sing a song, and prepare to shake your groove thing!

Little Yogis 2-37 drop in at Take Root (Carroll Gardens)

Tuesdays at 10a. $14 per child / drop-in at Take Root our classes will cover both the physical and breathing practice of yoga and simple meditation techniques in a setting comfortable and suitable for children.

Sing Along with Lloyd Miller @ Two Moon (Park Slope)

Tuesday 10a.  $5 per family.  Come join Lloyd Miller (AKA Ulysses S. Dee of the Deedle Deedle Dees) for a sing-a-long!

Raga Kids – Indian Music for Kids at Namaskar School of Music (Prospect Heights)

Raga Kids meets Tuesdays 10a. (3m–2y). Drop-in – $20 for 1 child, $30 for 2 siblings (please call 718-483-0773 before drop-in).  Kids listen to Indian Classical instruments like Sitar and Tabla, learn about Indian music and and sing songs in English Bengali and Hindi.

Silly sing-a-along with “the Balloniac” at LARK (Flatbush/Prospect Park South)

Tuesdays 10a.  Suggested donation $10. 0-5y.  Mike Gold, balloon artist, children’s entertainer and member of the popular kid’s band Funkey Monkeys, hosts a sing-a-long. With old favorites and original tunes such as his classic hit, “Hey, Mr. Tuna”. Jump, clap, dance, sing and be as silly as you want!

Toddler Time Youth Wing @ Central BPL (Prospect Heights)

Tuesdays 1015a.  Enjoy stories, rhymes & songs.  Ages 18m to 36m.  Space is limited.  Pick up a ticket at the Children’s Reference Desk on the morning of the program.

Learn Your ABC’s @ Dean Street (Prospect Heights)

Tuesdays 1030a. $8/Child – $10 for 2 or more kids.  Arts, Books, Crafts & Stories with ROB & DARA!  Have fun and lunch starts at 1130a. Kids meals for just $5, Chicken fingers with fries or pasta.

Arts & Crafts at DO-RE-MI Play (downtown Brooklyn)

Tuesdays 1030a. $15/class.  For 1-4y.  This art class is action packed, process-oriented, fun-filled and will also promote creative development and strengthen motor skills, as well as social interaction. The class is an hour-long class with snack and smock included. Please call or email to reserve a spot. 718-690-8349 doremiplay@gmail.com. Each class we close out with story time based on our theme.

Drum-a-long with Ivan at Play Kids (Prospect Lefferts Gardens)

Tuesdays 10a.  $5/family.  Find your natural rhythm with Ivan every Tuesday at Play Kids.  A Drum-a-Long is similar to a Sing-a-Long, but based around drums and rhythm instead of a guitar.

Baby Breakfast Playdate at Habana Outpost (Fort Greene)

Tuesdays 10a-12n.  Free.  The courtyard of Habana Outpost is transformed into a toddler wonderland complete with toys, water table & supervised art projects geared for children 4 & under.  Meet your neighbors and watch your babies make new friends.

Toddler Time/Sing Along with Ms Cindy at Windsor Terrace Public Library 

Tuesdays 1030A.  Enjoy stories and play. 18 to 36 months.

Singalong with Andrew @ Moxie Spot (Cobble Hill)

Singalong with Andrew Tuesdays at 11a. $2.50/child 2nd Floor Play Fee EVERY Day. $5 max per family $2.50 waived for every $15 spent in food and beverage.

Storytime at Boulevard Books & Café (Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights)

Free storytime Tuesdays at 11am at Boulevard Books & Café

Toddler Time at Clinton Hill BPL

Tuesdays 1115a.  Enjoy stories and play.  18 to 36 months.  Clinton Hill Brooklyn Public Library branch.

Mothers’ Meetings with Ellen Chuse @ Bend & Bloom Yoga (Park Slope)

A place to share your experiences and concerns, find support in your role as a mother and socialize with other moms and babies.  Bring lunch and your babe!
Every Tuesday from 11-12:30pm for Older Babies (9-18 months).  Topic:  5/21 parenting with your partner

Every Tuesday from 12:30-2:30pm for Younger Babies (infants-9 months).  Topic:  5/21:  sexuality & intimacy after the baby comes.  $15 suggested donation.

Try It Tuesdays! at Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Crown Heights)

Tuesdays 1130a & 230p. For 5 and under. Explore, learn, and discover as you try out science, art, and language in fun and exciting ways. Free with museum admission. Admission is $9.00 per person. Admission is free for Museum members and children under 1 year of age.

Rocking Chair Music Series at Caribou Baby (Greenpoint)

Tuesdays from 1130a & 1230p.  $5.  Caribou Baby presents The Rocking Chair Music Series, a weekly music event for kids and grown-ups alike. Inspired by the beautiful rocking chair in our family lounge, the series brings the spirit of spontaneous family sing-alongs to Caribou Baby’s sunny back room. This event often sells out, so we strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance online below or in the store.

Baby & Me Yoga at Jaya Yoga East (Kensington/Flatbush)

Tuesdays: 1215–130p. $17 to drop in, or $160 for 10 classes in 6 months. Bend, twist, stretch and giggle alongside your little one in this class geared toward babies (under 2) and their caregivers. Together you will move and groove, spark growing imaginations, and find moments of soothing relaxation.

Family Yoga at Hank & JoJo’s (Fort Greene)

Tuesdays now until June 25th.  1230p-115p.  $25/drop in weekly per family (or $140 for all 7 wks).  Join Nora Stephens for Family Yoga! This means bring your baby or tot. Come if you’ve got a bun in the oven. Or, all of the above!  Bring your own mat.  Bring a blanket for young babies.  Class will be OUTDOORS in great weather!

Mom with infants meet up at the Playroom at EGG (DUMBO)

Tuesdays 130-230p.  drop-in, moms, adults and babies welcome, $15 per meeting.  Meet up, hang out, and receive support from a board- certified lactation consultant.

Share the joys and challenges of life with your newborn (and older baby) with other mothers. Group facilitator Kate Sharp is a board-certified lactation consultant and La Leche League leader, with many years of experience helping new families with breastfeeding. She can offer general help with breastfeeding and facilitate discussion on any of the issues that come up. This is a drop-in group, not a formal class. If your baby is past breastfeeding but you’d like to drop in and share with other mothers, you’re more than welcome. If you have very specific problems, come early.  For more information or to register, contact Kate Sharp, katesharpibclc@gmail.com

Yoga With Toddler at Dou Yoga (Clinton Hill)

Tuesday 330-415p.  Family drop in $30.60 (or family 10 pack for $261 – 10 child + 10 adult).  This 45 minute class is appropriate for 18 months-3 years of age accompanied by a parent or caregiver.​

Get the wiggles and giggles out while also learning how to be calm and relaxed. Children and their parents or caregivers develop stronger bonds through practicing yoga together and engaging in imaginative play, creative exploration, cooperative games, songs, and stories. In this engaging and fun environment kids begin to develop body-awareness, coordination, strength, flexibility, self-control, and compassion. Adults reap the benefits of having space to move, play, and deeply relax.​

Sensory Room Family Hours at Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Crown Heights)

Tue & Thu 2-5p.  For all ages.  Over, under, swing and rock as you explore our newest space at BCM. Unlock doors on our Sensory Snake or relax and read on our fluff chair mountain This is an inclusive space that engages children of all abilities. This room provides a welcoming environment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Space is limited; availability on first come, first served basis.  Free with museum admission. Admission is $9.00 per person. Admission is free for Museum members and children under 1 year of age.

Soccer for Preschoolers @ Rockerfeller Park (Battery Park City)

Tuesdays, now until Oct 29th, 2013, 2:30-3:15pm, Age 3-4y. Free. Rockefeller Park.  Have fun kicking, running, and learning the basics of soccer.  Close-toed shoes required. Location:  North end of Battery Park City, west of River Terrace.

Stutengarten Playgroup at Der Schwarze Kolner Biergarten (Fort Greene)

Tuesday & Thursday 230-5p.  $5 min toward beverages or pretzels (or make it a donation) parents and/or caregivers can bring their babies (infants and toddlers) to Stutengarten Playgroup located at Der Schwarze Kolner Biergarten! We have playmats, toys, ample room to play.

Young Sprouts Gardening @ Rockerfeller Park (Battery Park City)

Tuesdays, now until Oct 29th, 2013, 315-345pm, Rockefeller Park.  Free.  An introduction to simple organic gardening for children age 3-5 with accompanying adults. Space is limited; first come, first served. Location: North end of Battery Park City, west of River Terrace.

Little New Yorkers at DiMenna Children’s History Museum (UWS)

Every Tuesday and Friday from 330-415p. Free with museum admission, for ages 3-5y. Each class will include time with historic toys, a special Little New-Yorkers hello song, story readings, and a related craft project. Museum admission: $15, 5-13y $5, kids under 4 free.

Soccer Age 5-7y @ Rockerfeller Park (Battery Park City)

Tuesdays, now until Oct 29th, 2013, 3:30-4:15pm.  Rockerfeller Park.  Free.  Learn how to pass and shoot, and improve skills through drills and scrimmages. Close-toed shoes required.Location: North end of Battery Park City, west of River Terrace.

Story Play  @ Leonard Library (Williamsburg)

Tuesdays 4p.  Play with toys and hear stories. Ages 0 to 5.

Break Dancing Youth @ Bklyn Beast (East Williamsburg)

Tuesdays & Thursdays 4-5p.  Drop in $18.  Breaking is a street style of dance that started in the ‘80s with the emergence of hip hop music. The dance style consists of a mixture of movements, including beat rocking and floor acrobatics. Class starts with warmup and stretching. Class continues with learning the basic moves of break dance i.e. beat rocking, baby freeze, chair freeze, six step etc new moves are introduced as necessary and choreography is taught from beginner to advanced skill level as appropriate.

Soccer Age 8-11y @ Rockerfeller Park (Battery Park City)

Tuesdays, now until Oct 29th 4:30-5:30pm, Rockefeller Park. Free.  Soccer for young people age 8-11. Learn to pass and shoot, and improve skills through scrimmages. Close-toed shoes required. Location: North end of Battery Park City, west of River Terrace.

Sketch Time at Red Hook BPL

Tuesdays 430p.  For tweens & teens.  Practice basic techniques and enhance technical skills.

Wednesday May 22nd

babies at movies at BAMcinematek & BAM Rose Cinemas (Fort Greene)

BAMcinématek & BAM Rose Cinemas welcomes parents with infants to the first matinee screening every Wednesday (except for holidays). As always, adults pay full price and babies are free. http://www.bam.org/#Film

Babies at movies at United Artists Court Street Stadium (Brooklyn Heights)

United Artists Court Street Stadium 12 in Brooklyn Heights welcomes adults with babies under 2y to the first showing on Wednesdays. The theater is located at 106 Court Street between Schermerhorn and State Streets. Call 718 246-8170 for upcoming movies. Adults pay full price and babies are free.

Lavender Blues Music at Play Kids (Prospect Lefferts Gardens)

Wednesdays 10a. $5/family.  Come to Play Kids today to meet our newest Sing-a-Long teacher, Alex. Alex has a beautiful voice, lots of funky songs, a parachute, and everyone’s favorite BUBBLES to end each class!  for babies and toddlers aged newborn-3yrs

Storytime at Mini Max Toys & Cuts (Cobble Hill)

Wednesday at 10a.  Free.  Join Charu and her crew of readers as they read from your favorites and ours. Does your child have a favorite book? Bring it along and we’d be happy to read it. All Ages.

Yellow Sneaker Singalongs at Tea Lounge (Park Slope)

Wednesdays at 10a.  For kids age 0-5 and their families​. $5/family.  45 minutes of an interactive singalong with puppets, combining original songs, oldies, and traditional children’s music. Sing, clap, dance, and shake your sillies out!

Raga Kids – Indian Music for Kids at Namaskar School of Music (Prospect Heights)

Raga Kids meets Wednesdays 10am. (3m–2y). Kids listen to Indian Classical instruments like Sitar and Tabla, learn about Indian music and and sing songs in English Bengali and Hindi. Drop-in – $20 for 1 child, $30 for 2 siblings (please call 718-483-0773 before drop-in)

Toddler Time at Dyker Brooklyn Public Library 

Wednesdays at 1015a & 1115a.  Enjoy stories and play. 18 to 36 months.

Brooklyn Doodle drop in playgroup/music class at JACK (Clinton Hill)

Wednesdays now until June 12th.  1030-1130a.  $15 drop in.  Brooklyn Doodles playgroup and music class with circle time at the end of each class.

Shake it up baby!  at Dean Street (Prospect Heights)

Wednesdays 1030a.  $5/family.  Percussion sing a long weekly kid event.

Disco Time & Sing-a-long at BPL Cortelyou Library

Wednesdays 1030a.  Join Gilad Khalifa and Yoni the Puppet for Disco Time and Sing-a-longs! Get Ready to Dance, Shake, Rattle, and Roll! All ages. Cortelyou Library Branch.

Toddler Time @ Leonard Library (Williamsburg)

Wednesdays 1030a.  Enjoy stories and play. 18 to 36 months.

Toddler Time at Carroll Gardens BPL

Wednesdays 1030a & 1115a.  Enjoy stories and play. 18 to 36 months.

The DAD BEATS at LARK (Flatbush/Prospect Park South)

Wednesday at 11a. The Dad Beats are a power trio wrapped in a playdate with a hootenany garnish! Made up of three real live Brooklyn dads, the Dad Beats traverse surf, rock and country grooves to deliver playful reimaginings of your childhood favorites. Bring your baby/toddler/kid and dance along with the Beats! $5 suggested donation.

Story & Music Jamboree at Macon Brooklyn Public Library

Wednesdays 11a.  Get in the reading groove at this high-energy story/music hour that combines new and favorite tales with songs, rhymes, dance, movement, and instrument play

Story Play at Homecrest BPL (Coney Island)

Wednesdays at 11a.  Play with toys and hear stories. Ages 0 to 5y.

Toddler Time at Gravesend Brooklyn Public Library

Wednesdays at 11a. Enjoy stories and play.  For ages 18 to 36 months

Story Play at Red Hook BPL

Wednesdays 11a.  Play with toys and hear stories. Ages 0 to 5y.

Lunchapalooza Kids! Storytelling @ Central Library, Plaza (Prospect Heights)

Wednesday May 22nd 1130a.  Kids can enjoy stories told by professional performers. Flor Bromley tells, “In a Land of Frogs and Princesses” Join us in traveling to faraway places to discover things are not what you expect. Frogs may indeed be princesses and princesses may be frogs!

Pet a Pet at Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Crown Heights)

Wednesdays 1130a & 230p. For 5 and under. Meet and greet one of our museum animal friends! Investigate their habitat, diet, and create a unique animal artwork. Free with museum admission. Admission is $9.00 per person. Admission is free for Museum members and children under 1 year of age.

Free Yoga Storytime at Karma Kids Yoga (West Village)

Wed 1130a & Fri 3p.  Free.  StoryTime comes alive with puppets, songs, and yoga poses. Suggested for kids up to age 6.

Rattle & Reel at The Sunshine Cinema (Lower East Side)

The Sunshine Cinema welcomes caregivers and their babies on Wednesdays 12n for our special Rattle & Reel screenings. Adults pay normal admission prices but all babies are FREE! Tickets available at the box office only on the day of show.

Moxie Spot Storytime with Emily (Cobble Hill)

Storytime with Emily M/W/F 12n. $2.50/child 2nd Floor Play Fee EVERY Day. $5 max per family $2.50 waived for every $15 spent in food and beverage

Free Play Date at Hank & JoJo (Fort Greene)

Wednesdays 1215-115p.  All Ages. Need to get out of the house? Come meet the other littles at the Hank & JoJo shop. We have art supplies for older kids, and soft cushions and carpet for pre-walkers. Bring a few toys + a snack! FREE The Fine Print: PLAY AT YOUR OWN RISK. Hank & JoJo does not assume any responsibility for injury, loss or heaven forbid, death. Please be sure to be mindful of your children, your guardians or caregivers, your possessions, and any potential hazards in our beautiful space! By participating in our free PLAY DATE you agree to this waiver of responsibility.

Historic Trolley Tour at Green-Wood Cemetery

Take a trolley tour of the historic Green-Wood Cemetery every Wednesday at 1-2p. The cemetery spans a whopping 478 acres and affords visitors some of the most beautiful views of the city. Tours take three different routes, so pick your favorite or come back multiple times and experience them all. $15/person.

Sing Along with Frank of the Rollie Pollie Guacamole @ Two Moon

Wednesday 230p & 330p.  $5.  Sing-a-long Frank from the Rollie Pollie Guacamole with great songs and family fun.

Breastfeeding Support Group at Gumbo (Boerum Hill)

Wednesday May 22nd 230-430p.  $20.  Breastfeed Support Group with Certified Lactation Consultant, Andre Syms-Brown.  Group generally meets every other week.  Call to let us know you are coming.  (718) 855 7808

Drop-In Chess @ Rockerfeller Park (Battery Park City)

Wednesdays, now until Sept 25, 2013, 3:30-5pm, Free.  Rockefeller Park
Drop in to play this popular strategy game and get pointers and advice from an expert. Location:  North end of Battery Park City, west of River Terrace.

Memorial Day Sidewalk Chalk Art Competition at Sheepshead Bay Library

Wednesday May 22nd 4-5p.  What Memorial Day means to you? Join us as we explore and celebrate Memorial Day through art. Prizes will be drawn!

Spellbound Storytime at The Birth Day Prescence Studio (Park Slope)

Wednesdays 4p.  0-5y.  $5/drop in.  17 families only.  Drop-in weekly storytimes with music, stories, puppets and more at The Birth Day Prescence Studio

Meet & Greet:  Creatures of the Sea at Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Crown Heights)

Wednesdays 330p. For all ages. Free with museum admission.  Discover how diverse life really is under the sea by exploring animals up close and personal! Admission is $9.00 per person. Admission is free for Museum members and children under 1 year of age.

Wednesdays in Teardrop Park (Battery Park City)

Wednesdays, now until Oct 30, 2013, 330-530pm.  Free.  5y & older.  Join other school-age children for neighborhood games and art projects, ranging from designing cities to making animal masks. Art supplies provided.  Between Warren and Murray Streets, east of River Terrace.

Little Yogis 3-4y drop in at Take Root (Carroll Gardens)

Wednesday 430p. $14 per child / drop-in at Take Root our classes will cover both the physical and breathing practice of yoga and simple meditation techniques in a setting comfortable and suitable for children.

Knitting Circle at Bedford BPL (Crown Heights)

Wednesday 5-6p. Free. An all ages event for knitters young and not so young. Bring your own needles and yarn. Brooklyn Public Library, Bedford branch. 718-623-0012

Mini Keyboard with Leslie at Play Kids (Prospect Lefferts Gardens)

Wednesday 330p. Ages 1-4y. $5/child.  Let your little one begin to explore colors and sound with Leslie Ward and her group of Mini Keyboards.

Drop in SING ALONG in Spanish and English at Juguemos (South Slope)

Wednesdays 330-415p.  Ages: 6m to 3y.  $10 per child/siblings $2 more.  Join us for music, singing, movement and fun in Spanish and English. PLUS: PLAY TIME that day  until 5pm.  Juguemos 463 6th Ave @10th St

Free Drop-In Community Class for Kids @ LAVA (Prospect Heights)

Wednesdays 5-6p.  5-12y.  COMMUNITY CLASS FOR KIDS — DROP-IN — FREE
This drop-off class is open to kids with a desire to discover acrobatics without the full commitment of an entire session, or to practice skills they’ve already learned. Open to beginners, newcomers, and enrolled students.

Keyboard & Steelpan lessons at Play Kids (Prospect Lefferts Gardens)

every Wednesday 4-6p.  Each private lesson is 20min, $15/lesson. You can reserve a lesson spot each week, or drop-in when you’re available.  Ages 4 – Adult.Join Pianist and Pannist, Leslie Ward for private keyboard and/or steelpan lessons .

Parkour Kids (Ages 4-9y) @ Bklyn Beast (East Williamsburg)

Mon & Wed 430-530p.  $18/drop in.  This art, practice and discipline emphasizes efficient movement while flowing through obstacles with ease. Practitioners run, jump, vault and climb to find the best way of getting from point A to point B. Class begins with warm ups, stretching and conditioning workouts. Class continues on to strengthening the core Parkour moves ie. precisions, rolls, safety volts, strides etc. Then moves are taught in sequence to train how to overcome different obstacles.

Capoeira Kids (4-9y) @ Bklyn Beast (East Williamsburg)

Mon & Wed 430-530p.  $18/drop in.

PS 34 The Art Party @ From The Source Showroom (Greenpoint)

Wednesday May 22nd 7p.  $40.  A Benefit to Support Art Education at The Oliver H. Perry School, P.S. 34, Greenpoint Brooklyn.
Featuring:  Preview of the annual Art Show with 700 artworks by the children of P.S. 34.  Live performances by The Hugh Pool Band, Jack O’Neill, and avant-garde music stylist Shahla Atlas.  Silent auction of contemporary artwork by well-respected artists, concert tickets, restaurant gift certificates, spa treatments and a sailing trip!  Monies raised by this event will be used to fund the art program.  Questions? Contact: Jessica Murray (jessicamurray@mindspring.com) and Lisa Summa (summalisa@aol.com).

Parents of Tween, Teens and Young Adults with Special Needs @ Parents Helping Parents (Park Slope)

Wednesday, May 22 7-8:30 PM  There is a sliding scale fee of $15 – $35/family for each workshop.  To allow for a full discussion there will be no children present.  To register, receive more information or make suggestions of workshop topics that might be helpful to your family contact Sharon at: brooklynphp@gmail.com

Thursday May 23rd

Jitterbugs Jam with Sarah at Play Kids (Prospect Lefferts Gardens)

Thursdays 930a Drop-in Jitterbugs Jam with Sarah 9:30am $10/child, $3/sibling (cash only) 6m-5y. Come sing and dance along to your favorite Jitterbugs tunes! We’ll bring shakers and other surprises, you bring your dancin’ shoes!

French for Little Ones (Francais pour les Tout Petits) at Gumbo (Boerum Hill)

Thursday 930-1015a & 1030-11:15 a.m., now until June 6th.  Drop-ins $24.  ‘French for Little Ones’ is a French discovery class  with Magda Laliti Secula for babies and toddlers from 9 months up to 3 years. Through playful and stimulating song and movement, incorporating puppets, shakers, pictures and more, children become familiar with vocabulary (animals, colors, parts of the body, etc.) pronunciation and grammar.  A lively, entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable class for the child, parent or caregiver!   Magda Secula is a native French speaker who has been working over 8 years with children of all ages as a teacher, photographer and caregiver.  Magda also works as a translator and teaches French cooking.

Drum Along with Ivan at Two Moon Art House & Cafe (Park Slope)

Drum Along with Ivan Thursdays @ 10 am at Two Moon Art House & Cafe, 315 Fourth Avenue between 2nd and 3rd Streets in Park Slope. $5/family

Child’Space NY Crawlers drop in class at Birth Day Presence (Park Slope)

Thursdays 10a.  $30 cash or credit card on the child’space website.  Any age crawling baby – possibly beginning to stand or cruise.   Perhaps more than any other age, crawling babies like to keep in motion!  Child’Space with crawlers teaches parents touch and movement from the Child’Space and Feldenkrais methods but unlike the pre-crawlers class, almost everything is done “on the move.”  We learn new skills and make new connections as we sing, dance and play and explore!  As some babies in class begin to stand and then walk, we explore the ways that we can support development of these very busy babies. Learn to support and enrich development with movement activities, instruments to play and great songs just right for crawlers and beginning walkers.

Toddler Time with Mary Jo @ Lark Cafe (Flatbush)

Thursdays 10-1030a. $5.  Join us for Toddler Time with Mary Jo. MJ’s background in music, theater and comedy makes “Toddler Time” a weekly class full of stories, songs, instruments and silly fun for the Zero-to-Five-year-old in all of us!

Transit Tots @ New York Transit Museum (Downtown Brooklyn)

Thursdays at 1015a.  Stories, games and surprises for our youngest transportation fans!  Free with admission. Ages 2-5, and adult companions.

Sing-a-long with Lloyd @ Dean Street (Prospect Heights)

Thursdays 10:30am and are just $5/family!  Singalong with Lloyd (From The Deedle Deedle Dees!

Post Pregnancy Pilates at Caribou Baby (Greenpoint)

Thursdays 10:15-11am. $20 for drop in, $75 for 5 class cards. Pre-crawling babies are welcome! To help you get back to feeling more like yourself, you need a little time for yourself. This class will give you the opportunity to focus on you and healing your body.

Art Explorers@ The Painted Cloud (Williamsburg)

Thursdays 1030-1130a until June 21st. $20 drop in. 18m-4y. Children and their parent/caregiver will work together, learning and developing basic art skills such as painting, collage, and printmaking. Seasonal themes and nature crafts using vintage fabrics and patterned papers are emphasized. Adults will enjoy these projects as much as the kids! Children move through 3 stations at their own pace, and handmade playdough, toys, books, and puzzles will also be available. Our cozy studio is a great place for your child to get messy, have fun, and make a new best friend! (No class March 28th & June 6th)

Lavender Blues music group at Brooklyn Robot Foundry (Gowanus)

Every Thursday morning at 1030a ($15).  Lavender Blues is a Music Group for babies and toddlers up to 3yr old.  We sit in a circle, sing songs, play instruments, have movement with our fingers, arms and feet, as well as march dance and play with a ginormous parachute!!

Preschool Art @ Rockerfeller Park (Battery Park City)

Thursdays, now until Oct 31, 2013, 10:30-noon, Rockefeller Park
Very young artists are introduced to paper, clay, wood and paint with projects planned by an art educator/artist.  Location
North end of Battery Park City, west of River Terrace.

Story Time at Midwood Martials Arts & Family Fitness Center (Flatbush)

Thursdays 1115a.  A story time program for pre school children that allows kids (and caregivers) to socialize in a safe learning environment. Suggested donation of $1 per child but no one is turned away.

Dance Around with Nat @ Moxie Spot (Cobble Hill)

Dance around with Nat Thursdays 11a. $2.50/child 2nd Floor Play Fee EVERY Day. $5 max per family. $2.50 waived for every $15 spent in food and beverage

Tales of Wonder at Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Crown Heights)

Thursdays 1130a & 230p. For 5 and under. Travel to far away places in your imagination by listening to tales from around the world. Free with museum admission. Admission is $9.00 per person. Admission is free for Museum members and children under 1 year of age.

Drop-in sing along at Speedy Romeo (Clinton Hill/Bed Stuy)

Thursdays 1130a drop-in sing along at Speedy Romeo $5 at the door.

Rolie Polie Guacamole  at Gumbo (Boerum Hill)

Thursdays 1130a–1215p now until June 6th.  Drop in $24.  Call to see if there is room for drop ins.  (718) 855-7808
Rock and Roll…Sing and Dance…with local creative children’s band, Rolie Polie Guacamole.  The latest hit on the Brooklyn children’s band scene, Frank Gallo and Andrew Tuzhilin of Rolie Polie will engage you and your children with songs from their newly release CD ‘Time for Hummus’ along with all-time familiar favorites, including books like “Brown Bear.” Come shake those shakers and swing those hips!

Preschool Fun Time at BPL Kings Bay Library

Thursdays 115-3p.  Enjoy hearing stories, singing songs, and creating arts and crafts projects. Birth to five years.

Breastfeeding Support Group with Kate Sharp, IBCLC   @ Bend & Bloom Yoga (Park Slope)

Thursdays 1-230p.  $20 suggested donation.  The Breastfeeding Support Group meets every Thursday to share the joys and challenges of breastfeeding.  Kate Sharp, a certified lactation consultant, will cover a topic every week so that there is a focus for discussion.  Since babies and challenges change constantly you’ll have lots of concerns not covered by the topic and we will address those as well.

Nature’s Helpers at the Audubon Center in Prospect Park

Thursdays & Fridays, now until May 31st, 1–2p.  FREE.  all ages.  Spend time outside enjoying nature while helping to keep the Park clean.

Babies & Books at Greenpoint Brooklyn Public Library

Thursdays 130p.  Enjoy books, songs and rhymes. 0 to 18 months.  Space is limited. Pick up a ticket at the Information Desk on the morning of the program. Limit one ticket per baby. Attending children must be of the above specified age.

Animal Encounter at the Audubon Center in Prospect Park

Thursdays & Fridays, now until May 31st, 2-230p.  FREE.  all ages.  Curious as to how “Snappy” the turtle got her name? Want to watch the snake gobble up a mouse? Join one our trained staff in learning more about the animals in the Audubon Center’s collection.

Kids Yoga Drop Off Class at Dou Yoga (Clinton Hill)

Thursday 330-415p.  $17/drop in per person. (or family 10 pack for $155 10 pack)  This 45 minute class is appropriate for mature 2 year olds and 3 year olds who are able to comfortably separate from their caregivers.

Get the wiggles and giggles out while also learning how to be calm and relaxed. Children and their parents or caregivers develop stronger bonds through practicing yoga together and engaging in imaginative play, creative exploration, cooperative games, songs, and stories. In this engaging and fun environment kids begin to develop body-awareness, coordination, strength, flexibility, self-control, and compassion. Adults reap the benefits of having space to move, play, and deeply relax.

Sensory Room Family Hours at Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Crown Heights)

Tue & Thu 2-5p.  For all ages. Free with museum admission.Over, under, swing and rock as you explore our newest space at BCM. Unlock doors on our Sensory Snake or relax and read on our fluff chair mountain This is an inclusive space that engages children of all abilities. This room provides a welcoming environment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Space is limited; availability on first come, first served basis.  Admission is $9.00 per person. Admission is free for Museum members and children under 1 year of age.

Stutengarten Playgroup at Der Schwarze Kolner Biergarten (Fort Greene)

Tuesday & Thursday 230-5p.  $5 min toward beverages or pretzels (or make it a donation) parents and/or caregivers can bring their babies (infants and toddlers) to Stutengarten Playgroup located at Der Schwarze Kolner Biergarten! We have playmats, toys, ample room to play.

Nature on the Go! at the Audubon Center in Prospect Park

Thursdays & Fridays, now through May 31st, 3-4p.  FREE.  Come have fun in nature!

Art + Games @ Rockerfeller Park (Battery Park City)

Thursdays, now through Oct 31, 2013, 3:30-5:30pm, Rockefeller Park
Join other school-age children for art and lawn games. For children 5 years and older. Location:  North end of Battery Park City, west of River Terrace.

Feeding Frenzy at Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Crown Heights)

Thursdays 330p.  For all ages. Free with museum admission.  Come see what’s on the menu today for our scaly-friends. Join us as we feed the animals in our exhibit.  Admission is $9.00 per person.Admission is free for Museum members and children under 1 year of age.

Children’s Movie @ Leonard Library (Williamsburg)

Come enjoy kid friendly movies every Thursday @ 330p

Spring Free Hours at Brooklyn Children’s Musem (Crown Heights)

Admission is free every third Thursday of the month 4:00–7:00pm and the FIRST FULL WEEKEND of every month 2:00–5:00pm, except on holiday weekends. (Does not apply to school, camp, or other organized groups.)

Break Dancing Youth @ Bklyn Beast (East Williamsburg)

Tuesdays & Thursdays 4-5p.  Drop in $18.  Breaking is a street style of dance that started in the ‘80s with the emergence of hip hop music. The dance style consists of a mixture of movements, including beat rocking and floor acrobatics. Class starts with warmup and stretching. Class continues with learning the basic moves of break dance i.e. beat rocking, baby freeze, chair freeze, six step etc new moves are introduced as necessary and choreography is taught from beginner to advanced skill level as appropriate.

Afternoon Concert & Balloon Twisting @ Moxie Spot (Cobble Hill)

Thursdays @ 4p:  Come eat, drink, clap hands, sing songs and dance with Nikos Kids.  $15 suggested donation per family.  BALLOONASAURUS REX Balloon twisting from 4:30-6:30pmFree with Entry Fee.  Play Fee waived for every $15 in food/bev

Musical Story Time with Ms. Alayna at Gumbo (Boerum Hill)

Thursdays: 4p–445p.  4 weeks, now until May 30th.  Drop-ins $18.  Ms. Alayna, teacher, performer and kid-extraordinaire, invites you into her world of storybooks, songs, movement and more.  Through reading and singing, your child’s participation helps to bring the adventure to life! Along with her magic drawing board,  DIY visuals and her motley crew of puppet pals, Ms. Alayna’s Kabaret 4 Kids is the place to be! Come along and join the fun!  Ages 0-5 are welcome.

Kids Yoga Class Ages 5–8y at Jaya Yoga East (Kensington/Flatbush)

Thursdays: 415–5p. $17 to drop in, or $160 for 10 classes in 6 months. Twist into a pretzel, hiss like a snake and walk up a wall like a spider. Though the poses may be the same as in an adult yoga class, techniques like partner yoga, yoga dancing, ball activities, and yoga songs make for a fun and engaging class. Ages 5-8y

Storytime at P.S. Bookshop (DUMBO)

Thursdays 4-5p Books reading and guitar accompanied sing along. Aimed mostly for ages 2-5, though younger babies are welcome as well. RSVP is encouraged. $5/per family.

Toddler Yoga with Nora at Play Kids (Prospect Lefferts Gardens)

Thursdays at 4p $12/drop in. 18m-4yrs. Come play, stretch, sing and find your balance in this playful intro to Yoga for toddlers. Reserve your spot today by emailing classes@norastephens.com

Banjo Singalong at Two Moon Art House & Cafe (Park Slope)

Thursdays at 3 PM $5/family. Led by songwriter and performer Spencer Chandler, the weekly banjo singalong is a perfect place to sing some old songs, learn some new ones, and make friends in a warm, welcoming environment. spencerchandler.com

Cookies & Crafts at Hiho Batik (Park Slope)

Thursdays 4-5p for ages 4 and up. $10 per family / drop-in for Cookies & Crafts and each week will focus on a different DIY craft.

Little Yogis 4-6y drop in at Take Root (Carroll Gardens)

Thursday 430p. $14 per child / drop-in at Take Root our classes will cover both the physical and breathing practice of yoga and simple meditation techniques in a setting comfortable and suitable for children.

Celebrate Brooklyn! Dance Parties at Pier 1

Thursday May 9th – Thursday, May 23, 2013 7pm.  Sweeping views, great lawn, dance lessons, beer gardens, bike valet… and it’s free! Three spring evenings feature some of the coolest dance bands on the planet, the funkiest DJs under the stars, and the greatest view in the world on Pier 1!

Ezra Jack Keats Bedtime Stories at Central BPL (Propsect Heights)

Through the Ezra Jack Keats Bedtime Stories and Take-A-Book Series, librarians read aloud to children and lead singing, rhyming, and playing activities related to the themes and images of the book. At the end of each session, every child is given a free copy of one of Mr. Keats’ books to keep. The program occurs every month at Central Library.

Ongoing

The Kings County Fair @ Aviator Sports & Events Center

Thursday May 16th – Monday May 27th.  Hours:  Monday – Thursday: 5p–11p; Friday: 5p–12a; Saturday: 12pm–12a & Sunday: 1p–11p.

General admission will be $5 per person with children under 36” of height free. Ride costs will vary per ride or unlimited ride wristbands will be available for purchase. Please visit www.TheKingsCountyFair.com to view promotional and Pay-One-Price days

The Kings County Fair, Brooklyn’s most popular family event, returns to Aviator Sports & Events Center, located at Floyd Bennett Field on Flatbush Ave, just one mile south of the Belt Parkway Exit 11S. Adults and kids alike are invited to Floyd Bennett Field, to soak in the bright sun, cotton candy and carnival rides in equal measure at this year’s fun-filled Kings County Fair.

The community event will once again include a variety of rides and games for kids of all ages, tasty treats including corn dogs, cotton candy, funnel cakes, and much more. The fair is well-stocked with your typical carnival ride offerings, including a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and a spattering of kiddy rides.

Drop in play place at Juguemos a Cantar (South Slope & North Slope)

Tuesday, Wednesdays & Thursdays 9a-12p at both Juguemos a Cantar locations.   Drop-In Playpsace offers a social learning environment that includes exploration and interaction, for kids 0 to 4y. A large, clean, well-equipped, airy indoor & outdoor play area full of fun, music, play kitchen, blocks, trains, doll houses, working bench, tools, puppets, soft play area and ball pit, books, craft table & more.

Drop-In Playspace is open for play regardless of weather conditions.
$10 per child / $2 sibling (not applicable to nanny sharing) / adults no charge

South Slope Juguemos:  463 6th Ave @ 10th Street

North Slope Juguemos:  47 Sterling Pl @ 6th Ave

Mad. Sq. Art Presents Orly Genger: Red, Yellow and Blue @ Madison Sq Park (Flatiron)

Now until – September 8th, 2013.  Madison Square Park Conservancy’s Mad. Sq. Art announces a new installation for Spring and Summer 2013 by New York-based artist Orly Genger. The monumental commission entitled Red, Yellow and Blue will feature the artist’s renowned usage of intricately hand-knotted nautical rope covered in paint, creating a work that will transform the park’s lush lawns into colorfully-lined chambers. The work will remain on view daily.

Mad. Sq. Eats at Worth Square (Flatiron)

Daily now until Friday May 31st 11a-9p. This month-long food market features 30 of the city’s best eats, including returning Mad. Sq. Eats favorites and a number of new, exciting vendors. From a late breakfast to lunch, dinner, dessert, scrumptious snacks, and everything in between, Mad. Sq. Eats’ delicious offerings have something for every craving all in one place!

Worth Square is located directly adjacent to Madison Square Park at the intersection of Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 25th Street. Sit back and relax under one of the brightly-patterned marimekko umbrellas and tablecloths, and enjoy your meal against the vibrant backdrop of the Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park. Check out the diverse range of Mad. Sq. Eats vendors here!

Summer Hours at Jane’s Carousel (DUMBO)

May 12th-Oct 14th.  Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays) 11a-7p.
Tickets are $2.  Children age 3 and younger and those under 42” tall may ride free if accompanied by a paying adult.  Multiple Ticket Discount:  12 Tickets – $20.00

Preschool Play @ Wagner Park (Battery Park City)

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, now through Oct 30, 2013, 10am-12noon.  Free.
Join other toddlers, parents and caregivers for interactive play on a grassy lawn. Toys, books, and play equipment provided.  No sessions 5/27, 9/2, 10/14.  Starts Tuesday May 1st 2013.  Location just north of Historic Battery Park, off Battery Place.

Open Play at WeeCreateBK (Bed Stuy)

M-F 1030a-230p.  $15 Drop In per day or $70 Weekly Pass.  Come in from the cold or the rain for a day of open play!  Parents or Caregivers drop in and create with your little ones!  Bring snacks, read books, and work with our fun educational materials. (18 months – 6 years)

Free Storytime at the Scholastic Store (SOHO)

Tuesdays, Wednesday & Thursdays at 11a for all ages.  Join The Scholastic Storyteller for readings of all-time favorite children’s books or new releases from Scholastic!  Perfect for babies and toddlers, these stories will spark imagination and fun in your budding bookworm.  Stroller Entrance: 130 Mercer Street.

Spring Hours for Prospect Park Carousel in Prospect Park

Thursdays–Sundays & holidays: 12 – 5p.  Now until June 30th.  Open Monday, May 27th.  $2.00 per ride, $9 for a book of 5 tickets,  for all ages. ocated in the Park’s “Children’s Corner,” the Carousel features 53 magnificently carved horses, a lion, a giraffe, a deer, and two dragon-pulled chariots. Carved in 1912 by Charles Carmel, one of the foremost carousel designers of the time, and restored by the Prospect Park Alliance in 1990, the Carousel promises that classic summertime amusement will be available for generations of fun. In addition, the Prospect Park Carousel is one of the few in the world that is wheelchair accessible.  While at the Carousel grab an ice cream, popcorn or cold beverage from the Pony Express Snack Bar.

Whales: Giants of the Deep at The American Museum of Natural History (UWS)

Now until January 5, 2014.  Open daily 10a-545p except Thanksgiving & Christmas.  Get a load of this! Whales: Giants of the Deep brings you close to some of the most massive mammals on Earth. Featuring life-size models, interactive exhibits, films, as well as over 20 whale skulls and skeletons.  All ages welcomed. Cost: $25 adults; $14.50 kids age 2-12; $19 seniors/students (General admission plus 1 ticket includes admission to the museum and Rose Center plus 1 special exhibition).

Tree House Installation @ Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Crown Heights/Prospect Heights)

Hours:  Tuesday–Friday: 8a-6p, Saturday & Sunday: 10a-6p.  Admission: Free Tuesdays and Saturdays 10a-12n.  Adults $10, Seniors $5 & Children under 12 free.

This spring, tree house architect Roderick Romero is creating a new site-specific installation using wood from trees felled by Hurricane Sandy. This whimsical, inhabitable sculpture will be part open-air classroom, part viewing point, and part artwork. Created specifically for BBG, the intriguing work will invite visitors of all ages to experience the Garden in a new way.

Open Play at Play Days & Parties (Bay Ridge)

Tu-Fri 12n-4p.  Don’t get Cabin Fever!  Enjoy our open play room, meet other parents/caregivers. Tots interact with new friends. We have a clean, climate controlled environment.  Open play costs $10.00 per child for any 2 hour session

Tuesday thru Friday starting at 12:00 pm running for any 2 hours with last session staring at 2:00pm and ending at 4:00 pm
Thursday special…….Sessions are $6.00 per child for 2 hours from 12:30 to 2:30

Afternoon Drop in play place at Juguemos a Cantar (South Slope)

Mondays Wednesdays & Fridays 330-5p.  Juguemos a Cantar Drop-In Playspace offers a social learning environment that includes exploration and interaction, for kids 0 to 4y. A large, clean, well-equipped, airy indoor & outdoor play area full of fun, music, play kitchen, blocks, trains, doll houses, working bench, tools, puppets, soft play area and ball pit, books, craft table & more.

Drop-In Playspace is open for play regardless of weather conditions.
$10 per child / $2 sibling (not applicable to nanny sharing) / adults no charge

South Slope Juguemos:  463 6th Ave @ 10th Street

drop off playtime at Juguemos A Cantar (South Slope)

Mondays and/or Wednesday 330-6p (one or both days)
Drop off Playtime is full of action, arts and crafts, games and child-teacher interaction. Children have a blast with us while mommy or daddy do errands in the hood.  Our Drop off Playtime runs bilingual.
Who: Children must be potty trained to join, up to age 8 (there is a room for homework time).
How: Pre-registration at least 48 hours in advance is a must! (space limited-first come first serve)
Where: 463 6th Ave. @ 10th Street
Cost: $ 15 per hour

Register early! To register, please use the adjacent form or simply email us at info@juguemos.org

Toddler Storytime in Nolen Library @ The Metropolitan Museum of Art (UWS)

Tue-Fri 1030-11a & 3-330p.  For children 18m–7y. Start with a book, then learn to look! Toddlers look, listen, and have fun with picture books in Nolen Library. After a story in the library’s special corner for kids, 3 to 7yrs old head to the galleries on a treasure hunt. Free with Museum admission but storytime is limited to 40 people on a first-come, first-served basis. Recommended admission: Adults $25, Seniors (65+) $17, children under 12 free (with adult).

Open Play at The Learning Garden (Prospect Heights)

M-F 11-6p. Daily Pass $12. Our popular Open Play program is a time that offers a social learning environment for your children (ages 0-4) to grow and learn through creative play. With our space changing and growing every week, your little explorer will have lots to discover. Materials and activities are provided to engage you and your child while sparking their imagination.

Arfie’s Sing Along & Open Play at ArtsCetera (Cobble Hill/Gowanus)

Monday 12n-3p, Tuesday-Thursday 1-3pm & Friday 3-5p.  Creative play for ages 0-4y with a sing along about 30 minutes into the session. $10 per family.

Open Play Spring Semester at The Gym Park (Greenpoint)

Now until June 23rd.  Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat 1030a-1230p.  $15/drop in fee (no registration fee).  Drop In for Open Play and enjoy up to 2 hours of fun, exercise & friends with a parent or caregiver. Use our 2,800 sq. ft facility to explore, discover and help increase your child’s awareness with positive play habits and a fun social environment.  Socks must be worn & strollers folded up.  Family & individual play packs available and memberships.

Pippi/NYC-ARTS at Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre (Central Park)

Tuesdays-Friday variety of times. Tickets $8 adults & $5 children. “Pippi” is a fresh retelling of the classic “Pippi Longstocking” tales by Astrid Lindgren nearly two-dozen hand-made marionettes crafted by the expert puppeteers from the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre.