BY VICTORIA GRANTHAM | My 4-year-old keeps asking me what there is to do in the winter. I’m tempted to answer “hibernation,” but since I can’t really do that I’ve dug up some mostly indoor activities to keep us all entertained until the thaw.
Thankfully the Seaport is still offering their free event series this month at the “community cube.” Movies, music, exercise and art are all on the agenda.
Storytimes are always a good fall back plan. Battery Park Library offers their regular line up and McNally Jackson has a great option for the youngest kids. Additionally there’s a unique one this month at The Skyscraper Museum. After listening to Susan L. Roth’s picture book Hard Hat Area, young architects will design their own skyscraper. The event is $5 and requires advance R.S.V.P.
It’s also a good time of year for live theater. I’m taking my kids to “Wild Kratts Live” at Skirball. My boys love animals and they’re entranced by the Kratt brothers’ adventures and antics, so it should be fun. A musical called “Can Do Duck”, based on the children’s book series, also sounds like one that my kids would both enjoy and benefit from!
Another event I’m excited about is the MakerBot Young Explorers series in Chinatown. I’ve been wanting to get my hands on a 3D printer for a while now, so this is the perfect excuse. It’s for 8 and up though, so I guess I’ll have to ditch my own children and wrangle a nephew/niece or two.
If you and your kids have a tolerance for outdoor activities, options this month include the B.P.C. afterschool sports program as well as Seaport ice rink skate with characters events. The Berenstain Bears will appear one Sunday and Digit will be there the next.
Finally, there are also a couple fun winter festivals in January. The Children’s Museum of the Arts is teaming up with the Irish Arts Center to offer an immersive Irish Festival with music, dance, theater and performances, and crafts. And P.S./I.S. 276 the Battery Park School is hosting their annual winter carnival with games, a bouncy castle, arts and crafts, sweet treats and more.
Have fun and stay warm!
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15
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 am
FILM SCREENING: ‘LITTLE FUGITIVE’
southstreetseaport.com/events
14 Fulton Street
“Little Fugitive” stars young Richie Andrusco as Joey Norton, a seven-year-old Brooklynite left in the care of his 12-year-old brother Lennie.
Not rated | Free | 7-9 pm
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16
BABY STORYTIME
McNally Jackson Book Store, 52 Prince Street,
mcnallyjackson.com/kids-holiday
Head to McNally Jackson every Friday for Baby Storytime. Their storyteller, Michael Fentin, sings interactive songs with kids and reads entertaining stories to the youngest book lovers.
Ages: 0-2 | Free | 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
WINTER AFTERSCHOOL SPORTS AND GAMES
Battery Park City Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren,
Kids ages 7 and up 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 pm – 5:00 pm
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17
YOUNG EXPLORERS — KIDS SERIES
MakerBot, 298 Mulberry Street, makerbot.com/retail-store/events-newyork/,
MakerBot is bringing 3D printing to kids. This class lets kids play while learning and designing in 3D thanks to easy-to-use software. A MakerBot instructor will help children make individual 3D prints on their very own MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printer
Ages: 8+ | $10 per child | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BATTERY PARK CITY BRANCH
175 North End Ave, 212-790-3499, nypl.org/locations/battery-park-city
Open focus group on children’s services: All are welcome to attend a focus group to share feedback with a librarian on the topic of children’s services in the neighborhood. The library especially wants to hear from parents and educators of 0-5 year olds. What do you love? What does Battery Park need that it doesn’t have? How does the library play a role? Stop by and share your thoughts from 11am-11:30am in the children’s room.
Adults | Free | 11:00 am
HARD HAT AREA: INTRODUCTION TO CONSTRUCTION
The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Pl. Young learners will be introduced to the basics of skyscraper construction through a group reading of Susan L. Roth’s picture book Hard Hat Area. After the story, the young architects will design their own skyscraper. R.S.V.P. to rsvp@skyscraper.org
Age: 2+ | $5/child | 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
‘WILD KRATTS LIVE’
NYU Skirball Center, 566 LaGuardia Place,
nyuskirball.org/calendar/wildkratts
Martin and Chris Kratt, the real-life stars of PBS’s Emmy-nominated “Wild Kratts”, come to NYU Skirball in an all new theatrical stage show based on the hit animated television series.
Ages: 4+ | $32-$60 | 11:00 am and 3:00 pm
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18
SKATE WITH THE BERENSTAIN BEARS
Seaport ice rink,
southstreetseaport.com/events
Skate with the Berenstain Bears.
All ages | Free | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
WOMEN’S AND GIRLS’ SOCCER
Battery City Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren Street, fbelliard@bpcparks.org, bpcparks.org/event/womens-girls-soccer/all/
Women’s and Girls’ Soccer at the Battery Park City Ball Fields is good for aspiring athletes or simply those wanting to try a new sport.
Ages 12+ | Free | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EVERY SUNDAY UNTIL 2.22
FILM FORUM JR. SUNDAY MATINEE SERIES
Film Forum, 209 West Houston St.
A weekly Sunday matinee series for kids and families through 3/29. January 11:” THE MUPPET MOVIE”
Age 5+ | $7.50 | 11:00 am
IRISH FESTIVAL
Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton S.
In January, C.M.A. will team up with the Irish Arts Center to explore the creative world of Irish literature and folk arts at the Irish Festival. The event will feature live music, dance, theater and storytelling performances, and craft workshops.
All ages | Free with paid admission | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
MONDAY, JANUARY 19
‘WILD KRATTS LIVE’
NYU Skirball Center, 566 LaGuardia Place, nyuskirball.org/calendar/wildkratts
See 1/17 for info
WINTER AFTERSCHOOL SPORTS AND GAMES
Battery Park City Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren
See 1/16 for info
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20
COMMUNITY CUBE: BEACH BABY FITNESS
South Street Seaport, 14 Fulton Street,
southstreetseaport.com/events
Pre and post-natal fitness program that was created to teach women how to stay in shape during pregnancy and how to get back in shape after giving birth.
Adults | Free | 10:00 am
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
Picture Book Time
A librarian will share classic picture books and new stories.
All ages | Free | 4:00 pm
CURLING TUESDAYS
Seaport ice rink,
southstreetseaport.com/events/
The Seaport ice rink is hosting a learn-to-curl program each Tuesday night in January. Participants will get their first exposure to the sport and learn the fundamentals. Each evening consists of (2) 60 minute timeslots, where participants can choose their preferred session time either by dropping in or signing up in advance.
Teenagers and adults | $50 | Session 1: 7 pm -8 pm, Session 2: 8 pm -9 pm
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21
COMMUNITY CUBE: KAREN DEKKER + FRIENDS
South Street Seaport, 14 Fulton Street,
southstreetseaport.com/events
Violinist Karen Dekker brings fun, inspired music to kids.
All ages | Free | 10:00 am
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
Budding Bookmakers (Eric Carle, Denise Fleming, Ed Emberly, Ezra Jack Keats)
Budding Bookmakers is designed to introduce students to a wide variety of books and excite them about reading. Each session begins with an interactive book reading followed by an art activity exploring the techniques used by the illustrator. Presented by Children’s Museum of Manhattan.
Ages 5+ | Free | 4:00 pm
WINTER AFTERSCHOOL SPORTS AND GAMES
Battery Park City Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren
See 1/16 for info
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22
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
Bilingual storytime
Enjoy classic stories, songs and rhymes in French and English.
All ages | Free | 4:00 pm
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23
BABY STORYTIME
McNally Jackson Book Store, 52 Prince Street,
mcnallyjackson.com/kids-holiday
Join McNally Jackson every Friday for Baby Storytime. Their storyteller, Michael Fentin, sings interactive songs with kids and reads entertaining stories to the youngest book lovers.
Ages: 0-2 | Free | 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24
ULTIMATE FRISBEE
Battery Park City Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren,
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 pm – 5:00 pm
YOUNG EXPLORERS — KIDS SERIES
MakerBot, 298 Mulberry Street,
See 1/17 for info
IRISH FESTIVAL
Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St
See 1/18 for info
2015 WINTER CARNIVAL
P.S / I.S. 276 Battery Park City School, 55 Battery Place, https://www.bpcschool.org/home, 212-266-5800
Carnival games, bouncy castle, karaoke, dance party, prizes, face-painting, dessert bar, Taste of 276, Pinkberry, hot chocolate bar, arts and crafts and much, much more.
All ages | $3 admission plus tickets for food, games activities | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25
SKATE WITH DIGIT FROM CYBERSPACE
Seaport ice rink,
southstreetseaport.com/events
Skate with Digit from Cyberspace.
All ages | Free | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
WOMEN’S AND GIRLS’ SOCCER
Battery City Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren Street
See 1/18 for info
FILM FORUM JR. SUNDAY MATINEE SERIES
Film Forum, 209 West Houston St., filmforum.org/series/film-forum-jr.-series-page
See 1/4 for info. January 25: “THE 77TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD”
IRISH FESTIVAL
Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St
See 1/18 for info
MONDAY, JANUARY 26
COMMUNITY CUBE: MUSIC BEANS
South Street Seaport Community Cube (next to the ice rink)
southstreetseaport.com/events
Providing a fun, creative, and enlightening place for kids music learning.
All Ages | Free | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
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 am
Toddler Story Time: A librarian shares lively picture books, finger plays, and action songs with toddlers and their caregivers.
Ages 12-36 months | Free | 4:00 pm
WINTER AFTERSCHOOL SPORTS AND GAMES
Battery Park City Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren
See 1/16 for info
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27
COMMUNITY CUBE: MUSIC FOR AARDVARKS
14 Fulton Street
southstreetseaport.com/events
Kids music fun with catchy tunes and interactive experience.
All Ages | Free | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
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 am
Picture Book Time: A librarian will share classic picture books and new stories.
Ages 12-36 months | Free | 4:00 pm
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28
COMMNUITY CUBE: HEROS OF THE CITY SCREENING
South Street Seaport Community Cube (next to the ice rink)
southstreetseaport.com/events
Television series for preschoolers with stories that convey the message of helping, sharing and caring. In the stories, everyone can be a hero!
Preschoolers | Free | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BATTERY PARK CITY BRANCH
175 North End Ave, 212-790-3499, nypl.org/locations/battery-park-city
Toddler Story Time and Budding Bookmakers See 1/21 for info
WINTER AFTERSCHOOL SPORTS AND GAMES
Battery Park City Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren
See 1/19 for info
