Battery Park City Parks Conservancy212-267-9700, www.bpcparks.org: ART PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT CLASS, Middle 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. 2 sessions: Mon. – Thurs., July 9 – Aug. 2, 16 classes, $450; also 8 Saturdays, Sept. 8 – Nov. 3, $270. All classes are from 10am-1pm. The Verdesian, 211 North End Avenue. Financial aid is available. TEEN MARINE ADVENTURE, Young people entering 6th, 7th & 8th grades explore the Hudson River Estuary from the BPC shores in this 3-week, 15-session program. Learn how human activity affects the Hudson River, play games, create art projects and more. Meets Mon- Fri., July 9 – 27 from 10am – 2pm. Rockefeller Park. $500. Pre-registration is required. AMATEUR NATURALISTS CLUB, Why 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. Nelson A. Rockefeller Park, Park House. 212-267-9700 x348. $70. Registration & pre-payment required.
Children’s Book LaunchAuthor Jane Lovascio, Casey, her Jack Russell Terrier and Bella, her Teacup Yorkie will be launching, reading and signing the book “Casey and Bella Go To New York City.” Attendees will have the chance to meet and play with the stars of the book and participate in other fun activities. Thurs., July 12 at 5pm. BOOKS OF WONDER, 18 W. 18th St. A portion of proceeds go to “Loving Paws Assistance Dogs,” a charity dedicated to training dogs to assist children with disabilities. www.CaseyandBella.com.
Children’s Museum of the Arts182 Lafayette St., 212-274-0986, www.cmany.org: SUMMER ART COLONY, Children ages 6-12 work with professional artists and learn how to truly create. One and two week classes available in a variety of themes, including Ceramics, Animation, Comics, Pinhole Photography, Claymation, Puppetry, Drawing, Textiles and more. Students will visit a museum or gallery and will exhibit their own works in an art show. July 9 – Aug. 31. Classes are Mon. – Fri.; from 10am – 4pm with supervised playtime available before and after. $500-$1000.
Downtown Day CampLocated at P.S. 234, 212-766-1104, www.DowntownDayCamp.com: SUMMER DAY CAMP, Students in grades K-6 can spend the summer learning to swim, using computers, playing ball outdoors, taking part in art activities, dancing and more. Transportation is available at various locations below 23rd St. July 23-Aug. 17.
The Downtown Parenting Center197 East Broadway, 212-780-2300: PLAYTIME DROP-IN, Continues throughout the summer. Mon. & Tues. from 10-11:30am & Thurs. from 2:30-4pm. SUMMER DAY CAMP, Preschoolers enjoy activities in the classroom, in the gymnasium and on the rooftop, including arts & crafts, music & dance, sand & water play, games and storytelling.
Kids Acting CampA Class Act NY has pulled all their industry resources to get the best actors on Broadway today to share their experiences and help nurture new talent. CAMP ACA is a weeklong Broadway summer camp for kids ages 8-15. For more information, visit www.aClassActNY.com.
Metal SculpturesAfter searching for art made from metal in the galleries, participants will work with copper to create their own sculptures. Sat., July 14 from 2-3:30pm. RUBIN MUSEUM OF ART, 150 W. 17th St. 212-620-5000 x331.
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.
Parents’ Network Speaker SeriesKIDSRX Pharmacist, Bill Brownstein, will give advice on choosing children’s medications. Tues., July 17 from 10-11:30am. CHEVYS, on Vesey St., upstairs. Free for Battery Park City Neighbors Association members & first timers. Breakfast is provided. Children & Newcomers welcome. Membership applications available at the event or at www.bpcna.org.
RiverFlicksFamily-oriented movies for all ages. Friday evenings at dusk, about 8:30pm. July 13: Charlotte’s Web. July 20: Open Season. July 27: Back to the Future. Aug. 3: Babe. Aug. 10, Wizard of Oz. Aug. 17: Happy Feet. Aug. 24: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, 1971 version. Rated G & PG. Hudson River Park’s PIER 46, Charles St. & the Hudson River. Free Popcorn. Beverages & snacks for sale.
Rubin Museum of Art150 W. 17th St., 212-620-5000 x331: WORD PLAY, A literacy-focused program for children ages 3-5. Program incorporates Himalayan themes, interactive storytelling, song, dance, puppet plays and more. Mondays from 3-5pm. THE YAK PACKERS, Children ages 2-5 will make art while listening to music from the Himalayas. Thursdays from 10am – 12pm. MOVING THROUGH ART, Children ages 2-5 learn to understand art through movement. Fridays from 11am – 12pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Programs continue thru Aug.
Scholar’s RocksFollowing in the tradition of ancient Chinese scholars, participants will mold strangely-shaped rocks out of clay that they can take home to contemplate. Sat., July 7 from 2-3:30pm. RUBIN MUSEUM OF ART, 150 W. 17th St. 212-620-5000 x331.
Single Moms Support GroupNew support group for single mothers who want to come together to share ideas, challenges and get support from their peers. Free babysitting provided. Meets every other Tuesday from 6:30-8pm. MCBURNEY YMCA, 125 W. 14th St., bet 6th & 7th Aves. For more information, contact LaKeisha Harris at 212-912-2312. Free.
The Skyscraper Museum39 Battery Place, www.skyscraper.org: FLOWER TOWER, After learning about the design inspiration behind Burj Dubai, the centerpiece of the Museum’s current exhibition, “World’s Tallest Building: Burj Dubai,” children will design and build skyscrapers inspired by everyday objects. Ages 7-12. Sat., July 7 from 10:30 – 11:30am.
Soho Playhouse15 Vandam St., bet Varick St. & 6th Ave., 212-691-1555, www.sohoplayhouse.com: PINKALICIOUS, THE MUSICAL, Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. This eventually lands her in the doctor’s office with a case of Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe. In the end, only Pinkalicious can get herself out of this predicament. Sat. & Sun. at noon. $25. Ages 3-12. Open run.
South Street Seaport Museumwww.southstseaport.org: INSPIRATION AFLOAT, Explore the decorative arts that beautify the tall ship Peking, such as wood engraving, murals and colorful stained glass. Be inspired to create your own sun catcher. Sat., July 7 from 1-4pm. Tall ship Peking, Pier 16. UNDERWATER ALPHABET, In this two-week series, step inside the Living Harbor Wet Lab aboard the tall ship Peking to learn about where the salty ocean water meets fresh river water. Discover an array of critters that call this unique ecosystem home. Sun., July 8 from 1-4pm. Animal feeding at 3pm. A IS FOR ARTIFACT, Visit the South Street Seaport Museum’s galleries and go in search of an alphabet of artifacts on display. Sun., July 15 from 1-4pm. 12 Fulton St. GONE FISHING, Use a trawl net to catch and release live animals aboard the tug boat W.O. Decker. Learn about the local ecosystem as you sail the waters of the Harbor. Sat., July 21 at 1pm. $35 adult, $30 students & seniors, $25 kids. Discount available for members. Reservations required, call. 212-748-8786. G IS FOR GALAXY, Come explore the cosmos and learn how sailors used the night stars as their guide while out at sea. Sun., July 22 from 1-4pm. Tall ship Peking, Pier 16. PIRATE SAIL ABOARD PIONEER, Dreaded pirate captain, Aaron Singh, will lead his spirited volunteer crew and passengers in a search for long lost treasure on two hour cruises in the New York Harbor. Passengers will help hoist sails, take a turn at the helm, chart a course, tie knots, and recoil in horror and excitement as the captain fires the cannon to fend off adversaries. Sun., July 22 & Aug., 19 from 1-3pm. End of Pier 16, near intersection of South St. & Fulton St. $20 kids, $30 adults. Reservations required, call 212-748-8786.
Summer Family Concert SeriesFamilies are invited to bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy music together under the summer evening sky. Thursdays at 6:30pm. July 12, Audra Rox; July 19, Louie Miranda; July 26, Lou Gallo & Friends. Presented by Friends of Washington Market Park. WASHINGTON MARKET PARK, Duane & Greenwich Sts. Rain location is Church Street School of Music & Art, 74 Warren St. www.washingtonmarketpark.org.
Young Artists ProgramAffordable art classes to youth ages 10-14 & 15-18 who want to develop their visual art skills. Courses in Cartooning, Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Photography and more. Classes meet twice a week for 6 weeks starting July 9 from 1:30-3:30 or 4-6pm. THE EDUCATIONAL ALLIANCE ART SCHOOL, 197 East Broadway bet Jefferson & Clinton Sts. $180 for 12 sessions, supplies provided. www.edalliance.org/artschool. 212-780-2300 x 428.
