Anansi, Spiderman of Africa Crabgrass
Puppet Theatre’s side-splitting selection of famous folktales from Africa starring Anansi the Spider, whose appetite always overrules his intellect. May 18 at 3 p.m. TRIBECA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 199 Chambers St. 212-220-1460, tribecapac.org. $25 general, $15 students/seniors.
Bicycle Safety Program
The Police Museum will host a Bike Safety Day in partnership with NYC Dept. of Transportation and the NY Chapter of the National Safe Kids Campaign. Activities include games and presentations on the rules of the road such as sign recognition and proper signaling. Technicians will be on hand to check the safety of children’s bicycles and to ensure their bikes and helmets fit properly. May 17, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. NYC Police Museum, 100 Old Slip. 212-480-3100, nycpolicemuseum.org. Free with admission.
Building blocks
Kids will listen to “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs” and learn about the structures of tall buildings. Using stacking blocks, kids will construct the sturdiest tower and recreate famous New York skyscrapers. Ages 4+. May 17, 10:30-11:30 a.m. SKYSCRAPER MUSEUM, 39 Battery Pl. 212-945-6324, skyscraper.org.
CMA Open Art Studios
The 20-year-old Children’s Museum of Art—one of the oldest children art museums in the world—holds an open art studio where children can explore painting, art, and collage through independent projects. The museum also offers group workshop hosted by an array of visiting artists. CMA visitors are invited to participate in the weekly mural project. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF ART, 182 Lafayette St, 212-274-0986, cmany.org. Workshops included in $9 admission.
AMAZONIA BRAZIL
South Street Seaport/Pier 17, amazoniabrasil.org.br.
Young sprouts
Gardening For children (3 – 5 years old) and accompanied by an adult, this program includes simple projects like planting seeds, watering the garden, and picking (and eating!) fresh greens and vegetables, all organically grown. Every Tuesday through Oct. 28, 3:15 – 3:45pm. Free. First come, first served.
Gardening club For children in grades one through five, this after-school club master silks like preparing soil and garden beds, planting seeds and bulbs, weeding, harvesting, and other techniques. Five theme gardens will be planted: a Plant Petting Zoo, Sun and Moon Garden, Sensory Garden (touch, taste and smell!), Pollinator Garden (to attract specific birds and butterflies), and a Believe or Not Garden (of unusual plants). Every Tuesday through Oct. 28, from 4 – 5 p.m. May/June $80. July/Aug $80. Sept./Oct. $80. $210 for the season. Pre-registration req. THE CHILDREN’S GARDEN, Nelson A. Rockefeller Park. 212-267-9700, ext. 348.
Manhattan Youth
Offers a number of after-school programs and classes, including a Downtown basketball league and day camp. 212 766-1104, manhattanyouth.org.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
When a young boy is home alone for the afternoon, he is met by a seemingly harmless little creature, but giving that mouse one cookie sets off a chain of events the boy will never forget. Suitable for ages 4 and up. Through May 18; Saturday & Sunday at noon & 2pm. $20, $15 kids 2-17 and seniors.
Summer Stars acting camp Registration is open for this two-week course featuring creative games, drama activities, music, movement, and art. Children will become their favorite storybook characters and learn how to design and create plays of their own. July 14 – 24. $250/week or $450 for two-week session. MANHATTAN CHILDREN’S THEATRE, 52 White St., 1st floor, bet Broadway & Church Sts. 212-352-3101.
K Studies
After-school enrichment programs combining academic skills with fun-filled real world experiences for second thru fifth graders. Programs include Little Greenies about the environment, Magazine Study, Culinary Adventures, Movie Making Study, Art History for Kids, Birdwatching, Garden Study and Homework Help. TRIBECA COMMUNITY SCHOOL, 22 Ericsson Pl. All programs meet once a week; pick up is at 5:30pm. For more info, email kstudies@kstudies.com. Sign up with a friend and receive a 10% discount.
Manhattan Youth Karate Program
Non-contact karate programs run at multiple locations in Lower Manhattan in conjunction with the World Tae Kwon Do Association. Great for children of all ages, increasing coordination, concentration, and confidence. Held at the SOUTHBRIDGE TOWERS COMMUNITY ROOM, 90 Beekman St., Thursdays at 6 p.m. (Ages 5 – 6); Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. (Ages 7 – 17); Karate Class at P.S. 234, 292 Greenwich St., Fridays at 4:30 p.m. (Ages 7 – 17) 212.766.1104, manhattanyouth.org.
Marine Education program for schools
The program is open to schools citywide and is appropriate for Grades 3 – 12. Sessions take place Tuesday mornings in May, June, September and October during the school year. Students learn about the Hudson and to catch fish using rod and reel in sessions led by BPCPC’s Marine Education Coordinator Bill Fink For more info, call 212-267-9700, ext. 355.
Stories for all ages
Actor and dancer Julie Pasqual tells lighthearted stories about Buggin’ Out: Tales of Critters That Play in the ‘Dirt. Kids are encouraged to guess what comes next and to sing and dance along. May 10 at 11am. RECTOR PARK, Battery Park City (access: Rector Street Bridge). 212-267-9700, bpcparks.org. Free.
Parents’ Network
Workshop Series Tracey Thibodeau Serebin, author of “101 Questions for Expectant Parents”; “Preserving Your Relationship Through the Transition”, will be leading a discussion and answering questions about the changes couples go through when a 1st, 2nd or 3rd child joins the family. May 20, 10 a.m.-noon. Verdesian community room, North End Ave. bpcna.org. Free for BPC Neighbors Association members and first timers.
TEEN VOLLEYBALL
All teens are welcome and no previous experience necessary. Referee/Scorekeeper and Ball Provided. Presented by the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy. Saturdays, 4:30 – 6:30 pm. COMMUNITY CENTER AT STUYVESANT HIGH SCHOOL, 345 Chambers St. 646.210.4292, ccshs.org. Free for members, $10 non-members. Photo ID required.
Would You Like to See Your Event in the Downtown Express Kids Listings? Listings requests may be e-mailed to listingseditor@gmail.com. Please provide the date, time, location, price and a description of the event. Information may also be mailed to 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 646-452-2507.
