BY VICTORIA GRANTHAM | The harsh weather continues. We’ll just have to stay indoors and entertain ourselves with a little escapism in the form of a movie. There’s ample opportunity for that given the International Children’s Film Festival, which kicks off Feb. 27 and runs through March 22. The fest will be held at various locations throughout Manhattan, including Tribeca Cinemas, P.S. 89, and the Scholastic Theater. The Film Forum Jr. Sunday matinee series is also continuing with “The Princess Bride” and there’s a family movie night at St. Paul’s Chapel.
Other entertainment options include live shows. There’s “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” at B.M.C.C Tribeca Performing Arts Center. (I took my kids to this troupe’s show last year at another venue. I highly recommend it.) There’s also a show called “The Magic Garden, or, the Princess Who Grew Antlers,” at Theater for the New City based on Czech fairy tales.
If you’re saving up for a flight out of dodge (like me) there are also free entertainment choices, like Brookfield’s Saturday Morning show at Hudson Eats. It’s an Ed Sullivan-esque variety show with magicians, musicians and other assorted performers. We went recently and participated in a dance party with a great DJ. There was also a hilarious magician who was mostly about being silly, which the kids loved. Another variety show, Kiddie Kabaret, is at the Metropolitan Room. That show is not free but at $22.50 per person it won’t break the bank.
For dramatic international fun, consider the Lunar New Year Family Festival at the Museum of Chinese in America on Centre St. The show includes a lion dance, traditional folk arts, zodiac-themed arts and crafts, and a performance by Chinatown’s Red Silk Dancers.
If all else fails, there’s the old standby of the library. In addition to the usual story times there’s also some teen programming including a college admissions essay workshop.
Finally, for those of us fantasizing about warmer weather (are you picking up on a theme?) there’s a New York Family Camp Fair at B.M.C.C., which will introduce families to camp options and undoubtedly feature pictures of summer fun. I’m thinking of going to bask in the photos of sun and fun even though I’m not sending my kids to camp yet!
Stay warm!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BATTERY PARK CITY BRANCH
175 North End Ave, 212-790-3499, nypl.org/locations/battery-park-city
Baby Laptime for Pre-Walkers: Enjoy simple stories, lively songs and rhymes, and meet other babies in the neighborhood. Limited to 50 babies and their caregivers; first-come first-served.
Ages 0-18 months | Free | 11:30 a.m.
Crafternoon: Listen to Peanut Butter and Jellyfish by Jarrett Krosoczka and create a fishy craft.
All ages | Free | 4:00 p.m.
Teen Volunteer Time: Teens can meet new friends and earn community service credit by volunteering at the library.
Ages 14-18 | Free | 4:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27
COMMUNITY CUBE
South Street Seaport, 14 Fulton Street, southstreetseaport.com/events
Language Beans: Language Beans is an art- and play-based Mandarin program.
All ages | Free | 10:00 a.m.
WINTER AFTERSCHOOL SPORTS AND GAMES
Battery Park City Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren, Kids can come play soccer, flag-football, hockey, and more at the Battery Park City Ball Fields. Find winter activities organized by parks programming leaders or play independently. Equipment will be provided.
Ages 7+ | Free | 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL 2015
Various Theaters throughout Manhattan including Tribeca Cinemas, PS 89, Scholastic Theater and other venues
gkids.com/fest2015/, (212) 349-0330
This festival includes a wide variety of children’s films from around the globe at theaters throughout Manhattan. New screenings are continually being added to the roster. See the website for further details and the up-to-date schedule.
Ages 3+ | $13-$16 per screening | various times, runs from 2/27 to 3/22
NEIGHBORHOOD MOVIE NIGHTS AT ST. PAUL’S
St. Paul’s Chapel, Broadway and Fulton St., trinitywallstreet.org/movies, Liz Stonehill lstonehill@lakpr.com; 212-575-4545
Give Netflix, Hulu and Amazon a break and head to St. Paul’s Chapel for Neighborhood Movie Nights on the fourth Friday of each month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, the movie begins at 7 pm. Most films are PG13. February 27: West Side Story.
All ages | Free | 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL 2015
See 2/27 for info
THE SATURDAY MORNING SHOW
Hudson Eats at Brookfield Place, 200 Vesey Street, in the back seating area,
brookfieldplaceny.com
A six-week variety showcase in Hudson Eats that features a combination of interactive live music, games, story time, puppetry, magic and more.
Lloyd H. Miller leads the Deedle Deedle Dees educational band. At noon the WonderSpark Puppets perform.
Ages eight and under | Free | Performances at 11 a.m, and 12 p.m.
‘THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR & OTHER ERIC CARLE FAVORITES’
BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St.,
tribecapac.org/the-very-hungry-caterpillar/, info@tribecapac.org
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” by award-winning children’s book illustrator and writer, Eric Carle, is retold on stage in black light. Performed by the Mermaid Theater of Nova Scotia.
Ages 3+ | $25 | 1:30 p.m.
LUNAR NEW YEAR FAMILY FESTIVAL
Museum of Chinese in America,
215 Centre Street
At this festival families will enjoy an awe-inspiring lion dance, try their hand at traditional folk arts, participate in zodiac-themed arts and crafts, embark on storytelling journeys, and sway along with Chinatown’s Red Silk Dancers
All ages | $10, free for children under 2 | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
ULTIMATE FRISBEE
Battery Park City Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren,
bpcparks.org
Come to the BPC Ball Fields for a game of Ultimate Frisbee. The game is great fun for novices and experts alike. Newcomers are welcome. Co-ed/Pick-up. Discs are provided.
All ages | Free | 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
SUNDAY, MARCH 1
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL 2015
See 2/27 for info
FILM FORUM JR. SUNDAY MATINEE SERIES: ‘The Princess Bride’
Film Forum, 209 West Houston St.,
filmforum.org
A weekly Sunday matinee series for kids and families through 3/29
Age 5+ | $7.50 | 11:00 a.m.
NYC AUDUBON’S WINTER SEALS AND WATERBIRDS OF NEW YORK HARBOR ECOCRUISES
Pier 16 at 89 South Street nycaudubon.org
The winter ecocruises depart from South Street Seaport’s Pier 16 aboard NY Water Taxi’s eco-friendly vessels. A NYC Audubon naturalist provides a narrated tour of the surprising wildlife of the harbor: Look for harbor seals.
All ages | $35 for adults $25 for children 3-12 | 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
JAZZ FOR KIDS
Jazz Standard, 116 East 27th Street (between Park & Lexington)
jazzstandard.com
The weekly session draws family and friends grooving to music by the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra (JSYO) and eating ribs from Blue Smoke.
All ages | Free, suggested $5 donation | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (doors open at 1:00 p.m.)
MONDAY, MARCH 2
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL 2015
See 2/27 for info
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BATTERY PARK CITY BRANCH
175 North End Ave, 212-790-3499, nypl.org/locations/battery-park-city
Baby Laptime for Pre-Walkers: Enjoy simple stories, lively songs and rhymes, and meet other babies in the neighborhood. Limited to 50 babies and their caregivers; first-come first-served.
Ages 0-18 months | Free | 9:30 a.m.
Toddler Story Time:
A librarian shares lively picture books, finger plays, and action songs with toddlers and their caregivers.
For ages 12-36 months. All ages | Free 4:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, MARCH 3
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL 2015
See 2/27 for info
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BATTERY PARK CITY BRANCH
175 North End Ave, 212-790-3499, nypl.org/locations/battery-park-city
Baby Laptime for Pre-Walkers: Enjoy simple stories, lively songs and rhymes, and meet other babies in the neighborhood. Limited to 25 babies and their caregivers; first-come first-served.
Ages 0-18 months | Free | 11:30 am
College Admissions Essay: At this workshop, teens will learn how to choose a meaningful topic and write a great college essay. Presented by Laurel Haines. For ages 13 to 18 years old.
All ages | Free | 4:00 p.m.
Picture Book Time: A librarian will share classic picture books and new stories!
All ages | Free | 4:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL 2015
See 2/27 for info
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BATTERY PARK CITY BRANCH
175 North End Ave, 212-790-3499, nypl.org/locations/battery-park-city
Toddler Story Time: A librarian will share lively picture books, finger plays, and action songs with toddlers and their caregivers.
Ages 12-36 months | Free | 10:30 a.m. | EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 10:30 am
Crafternoon! Family Tree Edition: Read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and then create family trees.
All ages | Free | 4:00 p.m.
THURSDAY, MARCH 5
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL 2015
See 2/27 for info
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BATTERY PARK CITY BRANCH
175 North End Ave, 212-790-3499, nypl.org/locations/battery-park-city
Baby Laptime for Pre-Walkers:
See 2.26 for info
Gross Biology: Through the Gross Biology class students discover what’s inside of them, how their body works hard to keep them healthy. Presented by Children’s Museum of Manhattan. First come, first served to the first 25 children with an adult.
Ages 5-12| Free | 4:00 p.m.
‘THE MAGIC GARDEN, OR, THE PRINCESS WHO GREW ANTLERS’
Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave. (at E. 10th Street), jsnyc.com
Chechoslovak-American Marionette Theater will perform its newest work, “The Magic Garden, or, The Princess Who Grew Antlers,” an ensemble creation that is concocted from Czech fairy tales.
Ages 5+ | $15 for adults, $8 for children Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL 2015
See 2/27 for info
‘THE MAGIC GARDEN, OR, THE PRINCESS WHO GREW ANTLERS’
See 3/5 for info
SATURDAY, MARCH 7
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL 2015
See 2/27 for info
THE SATURDAY MORNING SHOW
Hudson Eats at Brookfield Place, 200 Vesey Street, in the back seating area,
brookfieldplaceny.com
At 11:00 a.m. Vered and the Babes, brings a variety of instruments including pots and pans, french-horn and trumpet, to get the kids and parents jumping and singing along. At noon Bill Gordh, an award winning storyteller, banjoist and author, performs.
Ages eight and under | Free Performances at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
‘THE MAGIC GARDEN, OR, THE PRINCESS WHO GREW ANTLERS’
See 3/5 for info
NEW YORK FAMILY CAMP FAIRS
Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), 199 Chambers Street,
newyorkfamily.com/, eblock@manhattanmedia.com
Parents and children can discover a wide variety of day camps (in and out of NYC) and sleep-away camps from across the region. With many great options, parents learn about the kind of camp experience that would be right for your child. Sponsored by the American Camp Association-NY & NJ,.
Ages 3-13 | Free | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
SUNDAY, MARCH 8
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL 2015
See 2/27 for info
FILM FORUM JR. SUNDAY MATINEE SERIES: ‘The Music Man’
Film Forum, 209 West Houston St.,
A weekly Sunday matinee series for kids and families. March 8: The Music Man
Age 5+ | $7.50 | 11:00 a.m.
JAZZ FOR KIDS
See 3/1 for info
‘THE MAGIC GARDEN, OR, THE PRINCESS WHO GREW ANTLERS’
See 3/5 for info
MONDAY, MARCH 9
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL 2015
See 2/27 for info
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BATTERY PARK CITY BRANCH
175 North End Ave, 212-790-3499,
nypl.org/locations/battery-park-city
Baby Laptime for Pre-Walkers: Enjoy simple stories, lively songs and rhymes, and meet other babies in the neighborhood. Limited to 50 babies and their caregivers; first-come first-served.
Ages 0-18 months | Free | 9:30 a.m.
Toddler Story Time: A librarian will share lively picture books, finger plays, and action songs with toddlers and their caregivers.
Ages 12-36 months | Free | 4:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, MARCH 10
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL 2015
See 2/27 for info
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BATTERY PARK CITY BRANCH
175 North End Ave, 212-790-3499,
nypl.org/locations/battery-park-city
Baby Laptime for Pre-Walkers: Enjoy simple stories, lively songs and rhymes, and meet other babies in the neighborhood. Limited to 25 babies and their caregivers; first-come first-served.
Ages 0-18 months | Free |11:30 a.m.
Picture Book Time
A librarian will share classic picture books and new stories.
All ages | Free | 4:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL 2015
See 2/27 for info
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BATTERY PARK CITY BRANCH
175 North End Ave, 212-790-3499, nypl.org/locations/battery-park-city
Toddler Story Time
See 3/4 for info
