Dancing with the pessimists
Preschool Programs
Toddlers are introduced to a variety of projects that help build and reinforce formative skills through art, play, stories, songs, and gardening. Days, materials fees, and park locations vary
Kids Programs
Fun ways to put children’s energy to good use. Kids are exposed to art, basketball, chess, cycling, exploration, gardening, and music among other activities. Days, materials fees, and park locations vary
Teen Programs
Save teenagers from the boredom blues through classes on art, babysitter training, CPR, and environmental activism. Days, materials fees, and park locations vary
BATTERY PARK CITY
PARKS CONSERVANCY, Two South End Ave. 212-262-9700, bcparks.org
CMA Workshops
The 20-year-old Children’s Museum of Art—one of the oldest children’s art museums in the world—also offers group workshops 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.
Especially for Kids
Daily viewings of films that highlight the experiences of indigenous cultures around the world. June 2–June 29, 10:30-11:45 a.m., in the second-floor screening room at the State St. Corridor. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN, Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, One Bowling Green. 212-514-3700, nmai.si.edu.
Manhattan Youth
Offers a number of after-school programs and classes, including a Downtown basketball league and day camp. 212-766-1104, manhattanyouth.org.
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.
River to River
Swedish Midsummer Festival The Swedish Folkdancers of New York usher in the summer solstice. They also teach their native family dances by performing jigs from their homeland while fiddler Paul Dahlin shares classic Nordic folksongs. June 20,, 5 p.m. Free. WAGNER PARK, West St. and First Pl.
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.
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.
Washington Market
Park’s Summer Concert Series Families are invited to bring a blanket and a picnic supper and enjoy the concerts under the summer evening sky. The Dream Jam Band on June 19th with regular concerts through July. All concerts begin at 6:30pm. Free. Washington Market Park. Rain location Church Street School for Music & Art at 74 Warren St. washingtonmarketpark.org.
Weekly Family
Tour Every Sunday at 2 p.m., families will be able to explore the National Historic Landmark Eldridge Street Synagogue through a hands-on tour, guided play on our interactive history tables, and an art activity. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 children MUSEUM OF ELDRIDGE STREET, 12 Eldridge St. 212-219-0888, eldridgestreet.org.
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.
