American Tap Dance Open HouseParents are invited to drop in with their children, ages 3 years to teens, to meet the teachers and try a free short beginning tap class. No experience or tap shoes required. Sat., Sept. 15 from 10:30-11:30am. CHELSEA STUDIOS, 151 W. 26th St. bet. 6th & 7th Aves. 646-230-9564. www.atdf.org. Classes start Sept. 16.
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.
Fall Family Square DanceBring a picnic and enjoy an evening of dancing with your family. Sat., Sept. 15 from 5:30-7pm. Organized by the Friends of Washington Market Park. WASHINGTON MARKET PARK, Duane & Greenwich Sts. www.washingtonmarketpark.org.
Fishing BluesHear bluesman Michael Hill perform songs relating to fishing and childhood. 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.
Harvest FestivalPaint pumpkins, parade around the straw bales, make bird feeders and other fun Fall crafts. All ages. Sat., Oct. 27 from 11am – 2pm. Rain date is Oct. 28. JEFFERSON MARKET GARDEN, Greenwich Ave. bet 6th Ave. & W. 10th St. Presented by The Jefferson Market Garden, Village Alliance BID and Jefferson Market Library. www.jeffersonmarketgarden.org. Free.
Hispanic Heritage Month CelebrationFamilies can celebrate their heritage and enjoy the music and dance of the Caribbean and Central & South America during New York City’s largest celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Pathmark Celebración de la Herencia Hispana. José Alberto, known in the world of Latin music as “El Canario,” headlines. Sun., Sept. 23 from noon – 5pm. SOUTH STREET SEAPORT, Pier 17, South St. & Fulton. Free.
International Pickle DayGet your taste buds ready for the Seventh Annual New York City International Pickle Day. This multi-cultural event features pickles from around the world, home canning tips, exhibitions, music and pickle samples. Sun., Sept. 16 from 11am – 4:30pm. Orchard St. in the Lower East Side. Free.
Jumpstart’s Read for the RecordA national campaign to encourage thousands of children and adults to read the same book. This year’s book is “The Story of Ferdinand.” A kick-off party will feature readings of the book, art activities and music. Sat., Sept. 15 from 12-1:30pm. WASHINGTON MARKET PARK, Duane & Greenwich Sts. www.washingtonmarketpark.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.
Star Hop and Moon WalkUsing binoculars and sharing telescopes, participants, guided by members of the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York, will seek out stars, planets and lunar craters visible in the early evening sky. Fri., Oct. 26 from 6:30-8pm. WAGNER PARK, The Pavilions. Presented by Battery Park City Parks Conservancy. All ages. Call to pre-register. 212-267-9700. www.bpcparks.org. Free.
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.
Would You Like to See Your Event in the Downtown Express Kids Listings?Listings requests may be e-mailed to casey@downtownexpress.com. Please provide the date, time, location, price and a description of the event. Information may also be mailed to Casey Easterling at 145 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013-1548. Requests must be received two weeks before the event is to be published. Questions, call 646-452-2505.
