Amateur Naturalists ClubWhy does the air smell different right before a rainstorm? What are those spiky balls falling from that tree? What’s that bird with the shiny black feathers? These and many other questions will be answered for first, second & third graders as they explore their “urban backyard,” taking a closer look at plants, insects, birds and other creatures and learning about the environment. 7 Mondays; Sept. 10, 17, 24 & Oct. 1, 15, 22, 29 from 3:30 – 5pm. ROCKEFELLER PARK, Park House. Presented by Battery Park City Parks Conservancy. 212-267-9700 x348. www.bpcparks.org. $70. Registration & pre-payment required.
Art Portfolio Development ClassMiddle and high school students wanting to attend specialized art high schools and colleges work with artist/educator Miki Iwamura to develop a strong portfolio of work to present with their application. 8 Saturdays, Sept. 8 – Nov. 3 from 10am-1pm. THE VERDESIAN, 211 North End Avenue. Presented by Battery Park City Parks Conservancy. 212-267-9700. www.bpcparks.org. $270. Financial aid is available.
The Big DrawA day-long drawing event for all ages, inspired by the United Kingdom program with the same name, that demonstrates how drawing teaches us to see and how it can connect us with our environment and heritage. Part of the River to River Festival. Sat., Sept. 8 from 1-4pm. TEARDROP PARK. 212-267-9700. www.bpcparks.org. Free.
Bird WatchingBattery Park City is a great spot for autumn bird watching. Observe birds beginning their annual pilgrimage south to warmer climates. Binoculars and field guides available to borrow. Sat., Sept. 15 from 11am – 12:30pm and Thurs., Sept. 20 & 27 from 9:30-11am. WAGNER PARK, The Pavilions. Presented by Battery Park City Parks Conservancy. All ages. 212-267-9700. www.bpcparks.org. Free.
Fishing BluesHear bluesman Michael Hill perform. Part of Battery Park City Park Conservancy’s Go Fish event with catch-and-release fishing for all ages. Sat., Oct. 20 at 12:30pm. WAGNER PARK. Free.
Fix Your Own BikeTo keep your bike in good working order, learn how to tune up, clean up and lubricate your bike. Trikes and scooters welcome. Tools and cleaning supplies will be available to borrow. Sat., Sept. 15 from 10am – noon. WAGNER PARK, Battery Park City. 212-267-9700. www.bpcparks.org. Presented by Battery Park City Parks Conservancy. Free.
Go FishExperience the thrill of catch-and-release fishing. Master anglers will be on hand to assist. Rods, reels and bait provided or bring your own. Fri., Sept. 21 from 11:30am – 1:30pm. WAGNER PARK, Battery Park City. 212-267-9700. www.bpcparks.org. Presented by Battery Park City Parks Conservancy. All ages. Free.
Goodnight MoonBunny’s imagination is never at rest. Before his head hits the pillow, he must say goodnight to everything in the room, but with each goodnight, something comes to life. Adapted from “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown. Sat. & Sun., Sept. 15 – Dec. 9 at 12 & 2pm. MANHATTAN CHILDREN’S THEATRE, 52 White St., bet Broadway & Church St. 212-352-3101. www.theatermania.com. Ages 4+. $20, $15 kids & seniors. Premiere seats, $50, include front row seats, meet & greet with actors and programs signed by the cast. Tickets must be purchased by the Wednesday prior to the performance.
Greenwich House Pottery Open HouseA fun open house and fall bazaar with hand-crafted ceramics by faculty and students, interactive clay projects for children, studio tours and live demonstrations by faculty. Items available for purchase at all price ranges. Open House is Sat. & Sun., Sept. 15 &16 from 11am – 6pm. Classes begin Sept 20. GREENWICH HOUSE POTTERY, 16 Jones St., bet Bleecker & W. 4th Sts. www.greenwichhousepottery.org. 212-242-4106.
Harmony on the HudsonEnjoy a great day of musical performances and fun for the family including lawn games, street games and art activities. Food and beverages are available in Wagner Park. Bring a picnic blanket and sunblock. Sun., Sept. 9 from 1-6pm. WAGNER PARK, Battery Park City. 212-267-9700. www.bpcparks.org. Presented by Battery Park City Parks Conservancy. All ages. Free.
Keltic Kids Fall SemesterKeltic Kids offers parents of children up to 4 years of age a unique, inspired and fun way to learn with their children. Rooted in Irish music, myth, dance and humor, a class with Keltic Kids is full of giggling, wiggling, counting, bouncing, dancing, singing and lots of fun. Sept. 9 – Dec. 14. Located in the Wall St. area. 646-387-8991. www.keltickids.com. Free classes offered thru Aug. 31.
Museums of Lower ManhattanWeekends and vacations are a great time to treat your family to the Museums of Lower Manhattan. Visit the Museum of Jewish Heritage, The Skyscraper Museum, Statue of Liberty National Monument, Ellis Island Immigration Museum, Castle Clinton National Monument, National Museum of the American Indian, Museum of American Finance, Fraunces Tavern Museum, The New York City Police Museum, Federal Hall National Memorial, South Street Seaport Museum, Museum of Chinese in the Americas, Eldridge Street Project, Lower East Side Tenement Museum and The New York City Fire Museum. Enjoy hands-on exhibits, films, guided tours, arts & crafts and more. For a schedule of events and locations, visit the “Just for Kids” link at www.MuseumsOfLowerManhattan.org.
Skyscraper Sustainability SeriesThe Skyscraper Museum, The Center for Architecture Foundation, and The Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education have joined together to offer Middle School students ages 12-15 the opportunity to see how the urban environment, architecture and issues of sustainability intersect to create a green city. Every Saturday in October, students will explore these issues through a series of workshops designed to build on each other. Students are encouraged to register for the entire series. Visit the “Family Programs” section at www.skyscraper.org for more information.
Tour de ParcA bicycle touring event for children ages 3-9. Various stops along the path offer children fun activities such as bike decorating and obstacle courses. Helmets required. Sun., Sept. 30 from 10:30am – Noon. ESPLANADE PLAZA. Presented by Battery Park City Parks Conservancy. All ages. Call to pre-register. 212-267-9700. www.bpcparks.org. Free.
Turtle Island Medicine ShowGiant puppets tell a contemporary fable and cautionary tale inspired by a Lenape Indian myth and current climate studies. Sat., Sept. 15 at noon. WAGNER PARK, Battery Park City. 212-267-9700. www.bpcparks.org. Presented by Battery Park City Parks Conservancy. All ages. Free.
