In the month of August, Brooklyn is an especially quiet and sleepy place, with many folks out of town. Although the amount of special events happening is less than usual, there are definitely fun things going on…you just might have to look a bit harder and get more creative! Let’s explore some of them here, in this month’s roundup of fun family events in and around Brooklyn!
* World Elephant Day (Prospect Park Zoo): On August 12th (World Elephant Day), let’s trample the current Guinness World Records title and create 35,000 origami elephants to honor those lost each year for their ivory. http://prospectparkzoo.com/events/95 * North Slope Summer Strolls (Between Dean and Bergen on 5th Ave): On August 13th and 20th from 5-9pm, come out and play in the North Slope. There will be a rock wall, bouncy house, jugglers, face painting, music, hula hoops, vintage cars and more! http://parkslopefifthavenuebid.com/events/nsss1 * PJ Party at NY Kids Club (125 5th Ave): August is a great time to get out for that special dinner (maybe you’ll actually get a seat at your favorite restaurant)! And NY Kids Club has PJ Parties for our kids every Friday from 6-8pm so you can do just that. For kids 2.5 – 8YO, these parties feature gym exploration, art, story, games, relays and more. All parties include a disco dance party and dinner is provided! $36 per child. http://achildgrows.com/thecalendar/pj-party-ny-kids-club-park-slope-3/2016-08-06/ * Kids to the Rescue (Jewish Children’s Museum, 792 Eastern Parkway, Crown Heights): Mon-Thurs 10am-5pm and Sundays 10am-5:30pm until September 1st. Free with Museum admission. This is your child’s opportunity to engage with an age-appropriate emergency scene and discover the dynamic police, ambulance and fire departments. Climb aboard life size emergency vehicles for imaginative play. Children will also learn to be prepared for emergencies with things like interactive dispatcher phones and “stop, drop and roll” drills. Real life NYPD police & FDNY firefighters will be there to talk to and take photos with. http://www.jcm.museum/page.asp?dept=2005&Article=500 * BK Block Party: Mario the Magician (Corner of Fulton & Bond): On August 13th let the kids party it up while you shop for fresh foods and hand-made gifts from Brooklyn vendors. From 10am-12pm, this features Mario “the magician” Marchese, an artist and inventor who creates his own props with a clever and refreshing integration of DIY electronics and robotics in to his performance. http://downtownbrooklyn.com/events/family-community * Family Fun with Suzi Shelton (Jalopy Theatre, 315 Columbia Street in Carroll Gardens): On August 28th from 11am-12pm, join award winning NYC family performer Suzi Shelton and various guests as she returns to her favorite venue in Brooklyn for a family show! Sip on a coffee or Bloody Mary while your little one delights in the music, then head next door to Jalopy Tavern for lunch. Kids: $5, Adults: $10, Family: $25. http://www.suzishelton.com/shows/ * Seaglass Carousel (Battery Park, Manhattan): Ready for an adventure and want to do something awesome and unique with your kids? Take the R just a few stops over the river to the new Sea Glass Carousel. Open 7 days a week from 10am-10pm, in this “underwater carousel” the rider sits within iridescent fish that glide around on 4 turntables. With color-changing LED light fixtures and integrated audio systems, “each fish is designed to recall the bioluminescence found deep in the ocean”. $5 per ticket. http://seaglasscarousel.nyc/ And for those super hot days, when you want to be INDOORS….SkipKid put together this great list of playspaces: http://skipkid.com/beat-the-heat-5-indoor-playspaces-that-will-keep-you-cool/#disqus_thread
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written by Jen #supermom
Here is a list of FUN things to enjoy with your families this summer, from a SUPER fundraiser party to a Hindu lamp ceremony, to a Coney Island sand sculpting contest. There is something (SUPER) for everyone!!! * Jonah’s Just Begun “Heroes Among Us” Fundraiser (LeFrak Center at Lakeside, Prospect Park): Want to be a true superhero??? Come out and support the event that South Slope Pediatrics is helping host for our little friend, Jonah, on July 23rd from 12-2pm. Your kids will have a blast having their face painted, talking to a costume superhero character and playing in the splash pad while you bid on must-have auction items….all while supporting a truly SUPER cause. Oh, and a full lunch is included! http://bit.ly/JJBHeroes * Pier Kids Performance Series (Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy): The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy’s eight week children’s series encompasses culture, science, and literature. The program draws on a wealth of family musicians and cultural groups like the Central Park Zoo’s Wildlife Theater and the Puppetmobile, as well as notable Brooklyn children’s authors to create entertaining and educational events. Activities vary each week and are accompanied by arts and crafts and an outdoor pop-up reading room. Family-friendly activities with the Uni Project and Private Picassos from 11 am – noon. Performances from noon – 1 pm. Repeats Sunday every week through August 7th. For under 10 YO, FREE! http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/event-series/pier-kids-1 * First Discovery for Toddlers (Brooklyn Botanical Gardens): Calling all explorers 2–4 years old (and their caregivers)! Plant a carrot seed, touch a wriggly worm, nestle into a meadow nook to read a story, or create a unique nature craft at special Discovery Garden activity stations designed for toddlers. Activities rotate seasonally. Repeats every Tuesday through August 23rd from 9:30-10:30am (and the garden is FREE on Tuesdays this summer)!!! Ages 2-4. http://www.bbg.org/visit/event/first_discoveries_for_toddlers_summer * Environmental Education Center Open Hours (Brooklyn Bridge Park): Get to know Brooklyn Bridge Park by visiting the Environmental Education Center’s 250-gallon aquarium filled with critters from the East River, a 10’-scale model of Brooklyn Bridge Park, crafts, a reading corner, and much more! FREE. Repeating every week Tuesdays & Thursdays through November 22nd from 3-5pm. http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/activities/classroom * Coney Island Friday Night Fireworks (Coney Island Boardwalk): Can’t make the 4th of July fireworks this year? No problem! You can see them every Friday night from 9:30-10pm through September 3rd. For the best seating, locate yourself on the boardwalk or beach between West 10th Street and West 15th Street. http://www.coneyislandfunguide.com/Events/Coney-Island-Friday-Night-Fireworks_6_17_2016-4651.htm * Youth Summer Programs (BAM): For kids 6-16 years old, the youth summer programs at BAM engage kids with a passion for creativity. Includes musical drama and dance, digital art, creative writing and animation sessions. Weeklong and 2-week programs offer extraordinary opportunities to build skills in a dynamic environment while making new friends. Runs weekly from July 5th – 29th. http://www.bam.org/programs/2016/summer * Hindu Lamp Ceremony (Pebble Beach, Dumbo): Help bring peace and harmony to our shoreline. Aeilushi Mistry performs the traditional Hindu Aarti ceremony at the park and enjoy a dance performance by a guest artist. Saturday, August 6th from 4-8pm. FREE. http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/events/hindu-lamp-ceremony-1 * Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest (Coney Island Beach): On Saturday, August 20th, this FREE family event is open to amateurs and semi-professional sand sculpting artists of all ages competing prizes and bragging rights. More details forthcoming at: https://www.facebook.com/ConeyIslandSandSculpting/ Photo: Courtesy of the Artist and BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival
written by Jen #supermom People who don’t live in NYC often wonder how we city folk survive without grass, trees or a yard for our kids to play in. Prospect Park IS this for us! And there is always so much going on in the park that we can enjoy with our families. Here are a few ways we can take advantage of this gorgeous place we’re so lucky to call our backyard this summer. Nothing beats listening to great music with your family at an outdoor concert. Watching our little ones really FEEL the music, dancing so freely in the summer breeze…while picnicking in the park with friends! It’s the best. On June 11th at 4pm Dan Zanes will be performing at the Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival at the Bandshell. If you are not already familiar, this guy has been playing music for decades, including a performance on Sesame Street (YouTube “Jump Up”, it’s a favorite), and has a Grammy among many other awards to show for it. For this concert, he’ll be honoring author Ezra Jack Keats along with the Tada! Youth Theater. You won’t find more fun family music, and bonus: it’s free!http://www.bricartsmedia.org/events-performances/bric-celebrate-brooklyn-festival/dan-zanes-lead-belly-project-tada-youth-theater Looking for a fun way to spend time together and perhaps include a bit of exercise? How about a family bike ride? You can rent from an array of bikes, from traditional 2-wheels to a 4-wheeled, 6-person Double Surrey at LeFrak. You can rent them hourly or for the day. What an amazing way to spend the day with your family…exploring the park on bike paths – perhaps see something in the park you have never noticed before (that STILL happens to me after 8 years living in Park Slope)! http://lakesidebrooklyn.com/activities/biking/ Also at LeFrak Center at Lakeside, one cannot forget the splash pad. Over 20 water jets pumping at once while you groove to fun pop music. Another bonus to the splash pad is that there is a great cafe on site to replenish all the energy you burned chasing your little one around in the water. The Bluestone Cafe has very decent food and picnic benches to enjoy it on. Stuffed Avocado salad, Mediterranean tuna wraps and chicken tenders are a few of the popular menu options. Cannot think of a better way to cool off and have fun on a hot summer day! http://lakesidebrooklyn.com/activities/splash-pad/ And last but absolutely not least, there’s the ridiculously tasty array of food available every Sunday at the Smorgasburg!!! Through October 23rd from 11am to 6pm, enjoy food from over 100 different vendors: http://brooklynflea.com/markets/prospect-park-smorgasburg/ Few of the favorites include: a homemade Nutella “Ring-Ding” from Duane Park Patisserie, a pile of sticky rice from Bamboo Bites in mango, chicken satay or coconut ….to maple bacon on a stick. Buzzfeed compiled a list of must-eats here, so you can plan out your next pig-out session (helpful when surrounded by so many choices)! https://www.buzzfeed.com/juliareinstein/smorg-2016?utm_term=.apY3jdX10#.pcOqNeGXd In addition, we cannot forget the ever-fun carousel, the Prospect Park Zoo…and of course those wide open fields and hills for Sunday picnics and playing ball with our children. Happy Summer Everyone!!! by Jen #supermom
When I became a first time parent I distinctly remember being so confused by all of the different playground names. Mom friends would talk casually about Harmony, JJ Byrne or Vanderbilt Playgrounds, and I had absolutely no idea where these places were, although had been living here in Park Slope over 4 years (without child)! I had of course seen these playgrounds, walked by them countless times…but had never had any interest in them or what their names were until I had a baby. Now with a 3.5 year old (and a 4 month old), I’ve become quite the “playground hopper”! As weather is warming up, I thought it might be helpful to new parents or parents new to the neighborhood to share my favorite spots in Park Slope! * JJ BYRNE: Just renovated a few years ago, this park on 5th Ave between 3rd and 4th St is pretty fantastic. I like the fact that it’s segmented into different play areas for different age groups, including a gated toddler area. Slides and swings galore, standing farm animals for kids to climb on, and my daughter’s favorite – the spinning chairs that go way too fast. Best feature of this park is surely the water play, from sprinklers and water pump to shoot and spray water cannons! Definitely a popular spot on those hot summer days. Downside: not crazy about the rock features in the middle of the park, be careful to watch your small child as they run on them (have seen some nasty spills)! * VANDERBILT PLAYGROUND: Located in Prospect Park (just down the hill when walking from the 15th St entrance) lies this gem of a playground. Tunnels, a great twisty slide, lots of things for kids to spin on, water feature, bridges and ladders – this playground will not disappoint. I love that it’s just across from the lake, so you can pair up a trip to say hello to the swans and ducks with a visit to this play area. Downside: no bathroom. * ZUCKER NATIONAL EXPLORATION AREA: Just down the hill in Prospect Park from Grand Army Plaza is Zucker Natural Exploration Area, truly my favorite of all of the playgrounds. New York Magazine must agree, as they recently voted this as one of the best of NY! Made by trees damaged by storms and other materials from within Prospect Park, this space encourages open, unstructured play. Uprooted trees for kids to climb on, a massive sand play area and a pump that pours water onto a log are some of the elements that make this space stand out. I love getting here really early, when the park is hushed and the morning sun has just rose – it’s truly a beautiful spot. Downside: no bathroom. * GARFIELD TOT LOT : Located just inside the Garfield Place entrance, this playground caters exclusively to toddlers. There’s a mini-jungle gym and slide, and the lot is lined with trees and benches (which come in handy for diaper changes, feeding and snack breaks). A perfect place for the little ones, and typically a very quiet and relaxing spot. Downside: I would say no bathrooms, but most of the babies/toddlers I know under 2 aren’t potty trained, so this shouldn’t be an issue! * HARMONY PLAYGROUND: This music-themed playground located near the Bandshell at 11th St in Prospect Park is AWESOME. Shaky bridge, wobbly bridge, tons of swings, slides (including a twisty slide), a toddler-friendly area, tunnels, large sandbox, and my favorite water feature of all the parks, an upside-down “U” shape mister that gently sprays water towards the ground – just gentle enough that your child can get a little spray or can hang out underneath for a full soak! Bathroom with changing table is a nice bonus as well! Downside: it’s rather large, so be prepared to do lots of chasing. * THIRD STREET PLAYGROUND: Almost a hidden gem, this playground is located off 3rd Street and Prospect Park West. Less chaotic than Harmony and offering more shade, this bench-lined circle has several play structures, tire swings, a circle sandbox and water features. This playground is a preferred spot for playdates, as parents can hang out on a bench and easily watch their children (while having adult conversation – imagine that)! Kids can run through a huge red coil water feature to cool off, or chill out in the sandbox. Bathrooms are nearby at the Picnic House. Downside: Not sure I can think of one! * IMAGINATION PLAYGROUND: This park is a bit further out, just over on the east side of Prospect Park (near Lefrak Center at Lakeside). A bit more creative in design, this park is inspired by children’s literature, featuring statues of characters from Ezra Jack Keat’s books, a bronze dragon with water flowing down it’s back, and animal masks for kids to hide behind. Three playhouses and an open stage help stimulate children’s imaginations and creativity. A nice break from the typical slides and swings! Downside: No bathrooms! * SLOPE PARK: For those of us South Slopers, this local playground is very convenient AND happens to be located across the street from a very decent coffee shop, Southside Coffee. My favorite part of this park is the water feature, which includes a little wheel that kids can turn and subsequently water flows out. There are different water spray elements – both horizontal and vertical for children to jump in. It’s a bit more intimate than the larger parks, which is also a positive. Downside: stay away in afternoons when kids get out of school – this playground gets taken over by teenagers! I know I am personally always looking for new places to explore. Hopefully there is a playground on this list that you haven’t had the chance to visit yet – so cheers to doing something new and exciting for you and your little one! written by Jen #supermom
What an exciting time of year it is for the little ones and for us parents, sharing the beauty of the colorful foliage and enjoying the refreshing cool air, so much Halloween fun… and pumpkin carving! Any excuse to eat more apple pie and have another pumpkin spiced latte. There’s so much going on here in Brooklyn over the next month, including many spooky and silly Halloween activities to enjoy with your family! Mythic Meal (JJ Byrne Playground): A pancake breakfast fundraiser for JJ Byrne Playground. Come as your favorite character, swap costumes, get your face painted and make banners for the Halloween parade! They will also be doing a winter gear drive so bring any coats, boots, sweaters, etc to this great event! $10 for adults, $5 for kids. Saturday October 17th, 10am-12pm. http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2336394?utm_source=+%40OSH%3A+Forage+Walk%3B+Pancake+Breakfast%3B+Permaculture+Fest!&utm_campaign=August+1&utm_medium=email Harvest Festival (Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park): Come and celebrate the fall season with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy at Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park! The 5th Annual Harvest Festival will have free fun activities for the whole family, including arts & crafts, storytelling, volleyball and musical performances. Saturday, October 24th from 10:30am-1pm. http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/events/harvest-festival Ghouls & Gourds (Brooklyn Botanical Gardens): Kids showcase their costumes along giant puppets in a parade with live music by Terry Dames Science Music Roadshow! Kids under 12 are free, adults $15. Saturday October 24th from 12-5:30pm. http://www.bbg.org/visit/event/ghouls_gourds_2015#schedule Boo at the Zoo (Prospect Park Zoo): Don’t miss this annual Halloween event. Watch the baboons play with pumpkins, meet a Wildlife Witch, make a spider craft…and more! Join in a Halloween parade at the end of each day, and snap a photo with the costumed creatures along the way. Saturday and Sunday, October 24th and 25th. http://prospectparkzoo.com/events/71 Monster Mash (Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Crown Heights): Calling all ghosts and goblins, come dressed to impress as the museum celebrates Halloween! Join up for a spooky good time, complete with a performance by Mariachi Tapatio de Alvaro Paulino and a ghoulish glowing dance party. Saturday, October 31st from 10am-5pm. http://www.brooklynkids.org/calendar/2015/10/31/monster-mash 6th Annual Coney Island Children’s Halloween Parade (1205 Surf Ave, Coney Island): You and your family are officially invited to the 6th Annual Coney Island Children’s Halloween Parade and Costume Contest. This year’s kid-friendly event promises to be better than ever with free entertainment, giveaways, and trick-or-treating! Open to all children under 15 with great prizes for contest winners. Registration begins at 10am with the costume contest taking place at 12pm. Hand-made Coney Island themed costumes are encouraged. Saturday, October 31st at 10am. http://coneyislandfunguide.com/Events/6th-Annual-Coney-Island-Childrens-Halloween-Parade_10_24_2015-4200.htm Halloween Party (Rollerskating Rink at Lefrak Center at Lakeside, Prospect Park): Your halloween costume looks even better on skates! Listen to Halloween music, play games and win prizes and enjoy a costume contest. Saturday, October 31st from 12-6pm. http://lakesidebrooklyn.com/events/halloween-party/ BAMboo! (Peter Jay Sharp Building, BAM): Put on your devilish dancing shoes and kick off trick-or-treating right at this free outdoor Halloween block party featuring family-friendly music and mischief. Featuring Abby the DJ, candy giveaways, bouncy house, carnival games, costume contest and arts & crafts! Free. Saturday, October 31st from 2-5pm. All ages!http://www.bam.org/kids/2015/bamboo Park Slope Halloween Parade (14th St and 7th Ave): If you’re marching, join for the line up on 14th Street between 7th and 8th Avenue. The parade concludes at the Old Stone House in JJ Byrne Playground with a gathering and dancing with the parade bands! Saturday, October 31st from 6:30-8:30pm. Details forthcoming at: http://parkslopeciviccouncil.org/event/halloween-parade-2/ Sol y Canto (Peter Jay Sharp Building, BAM): This pan-Latin musical ensemble, led by artist-educators Rosi and Brian Amador, presents bilingual concurs that are as instructive as they are engaging. Geared towards families working to build kids’ Spanish proficiency as well as those that speak mostly Spanish at home, Sol y Canto’s interactive fiestas invite young audiences to dance, sing and learn to the beat! Tickets are $10 each. Saturday, November 7th at 2pm. Ages 2-5. http://www.bam.org/kids/2015/sol-y-canto 9th Annual Children’s Book Fair (Brooklyn Museum, 1st Floor): Showcasing your favorite Brooklyn authors and illustrators, this free event features storybooks, picture books, graphic novels and art activities for all ages. Saturday November 14th from 12-4pm. For a detailed schedule of readings, go to: https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/calendar/event/ninth_annual_childrens_book_fair/ Hope everyone enjoys a BOO-ti-fully safe and fun Halloween!!! Posted on October 16th, 2015 Posted by Matteo written by Jen #supermom
As summer comes to a close, our children return to school and we ease back into our “normal” routine, it’s time to think about fun family events for September. This months events include book and kite festivals, the infamous Atlantic Antic street fair and different live music events to get your groove on! * Hip Tot Family Day: Groove to the Tunes of the Trummytones (Lefrak at Lakeside, Prospect Park): On September 13th from 11am-2pm, come groove to the unique ska, zydeco and reggae sounds of The Trummytones. Includes live musical performances, craft activities, giveaways and more! For children up to 8 YO and their parents. Free! http://lakesidebrooklyn.com/events/hip-tot-family-day-groove-to-the-tunes-of-the-trummytones/ * Warmth Presents Sunday Sessions (Redwood Studios, Gowanus): On September 13th and 27th from 2-9pm, Sunday Sessions promises to be the perfect way to wind up the weekend. Park your stroller, grab some grub and get your dance moves on! With a festival-like environment, Sunday Sessions will have food and drink available for purchase and kid-friendly activities like bubbles, balloons and sidewalk chalk. http://achildgrows.com/thecalendar/warmth-presents-sunday-sessions-at-redwood-studios-gowanus-2/2015-09-13/ * Kite Festival (Harbor View Lawn at Brooklyn Bridge Park): On Saturday September 19th from 11am-3pm, come bring your favorite kite and watch it soar!!! Kites will be available for purchase as well. http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/events/kite-festival * Brooklyn Book Festival (MetroTech Commons, Downtown Brooklyn): From 10am-4pm on Saturday, September 19th, as part of the 10th Anniversary of the Brooklyn Book Festival there will be a Children’s Day! Come enjoy authors and illustrators in readings, performances and workshops as they present new and beloved children’s books. Will feature costume characters, puppetry, music performances and a children’s marketplace of booksellers. Ages 2-11. http://www.brooklynbookfestival.org/2015/childrens-day * Suzi Shelton Backyard Show at Norman & Jules Backyard (158 7th Ave, Park Slope): Come celebrate back to school at Norman & Jules backyard playspace with award-winning and local favorite, Suzi Shelton, as she returns to her favorite toy shop to perform a series of solo shows from her latest release “Smile in My Heart”. From 11am-12pm on Sunday, September 20th, it is ideal for families with children 0-7 YO. $20 per child, adults are free. http://achildgrows.com/thecalendar/suzi-shelton-backyard-show-at-norman-jules-backyard-park-slope/2015-09-20/ * Chile Pepper Festival (Brooklyn Botanical Gardens): From 11am-6pm on Saturday, September 26th come enjoy one of the longest running festivals of its kind. Features a full day of fiery live music, dance performances from international musicians, unique culinary creations showcasing chile peppers, fire breathers, and of course the gardens. Advanced tickets can be purchased online ($20 for adults, Children under 12 & Members are free): http://www.bbg.org/visit/event/chile_pepper_festival_2015 * Dance with MMDG (Mark Morris Dance Center @ BAM): Starting September 26th through December 5th, come learn excerpts from Mark Morris Dance Group’s The Hard Nut in this class, set to live piano accompaniment. Open to all ages, families of all backgrounds and levels. Tickets are free but must RSVP: http://www.bam.org/classes/2015/mark-morris-dance-group-all-ages * The 41st Annual Atlantic Antic Festival (Atlantic Avenue from Hicks St to 4th Ave): The largest street festival in NYC, this festival on Sunday, September 27th from 12-6pm will showcase food from around the world, musical performances, shopping from local and international vendors AND an entire block dedicated to kid-friendly activities: pony rides, storytelling and face painting! In my opinion, hands down the best street fair in Brooklyn. http://atlanticave.org/atlantic-antic/about-the-antic/ * Tildon Krautz (Central Brooklyn Library, Dweck Center): On Saturday, October 3rd from 1pm-2pm listen to live sounds of Tildon Krautz, a songwriting string band that embodies the playful universe of an award-winning children’s book illustrator. For all ages. http://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/events-youth-families-til-central-library-dweck-cen-100315. I’m not going to lie, I am totally bummed that summer is almost over. I love the heat, I love an excuse to eat ice cream often, I love watching my almost 3 year old laugh and splash in the water, I love flip-flops, I love the smell of suntan lotion and our trips to the beach! BUT…what I seem to forget every year is that Brooklyn is a pretty special and beautiful place to be in the Fall, and these fun events are just another reason not to dread the cooler weather that is around the corner. Posted on August 30th, 2015 Posted by Matteo written by Jen #supermom
Although so many of us Brooklynites decide to leave town during these hot summer days, there is lots to see and do this August with our families. What I personally love about being in the city during the summer is that it can sometimes feel like we have it all to ourselves…the playgrounds are much less crowded, early mornings at Prospect Park are so peaceful and hushed…and you might not have to wait for a table at your favorite restaurant! Here are some of the fun happenings in our neighborhood over the next month: * Adoptapalooza (Bartel-Pritchard Square, Prospect Park): If your family is looking to adopt a new furry companion, on August 1st from 11am-5pm there will be over 150 cats and dogs from rescue organizations at this adoption fair. You’ll be able to purchase a dog license and take home free pet food samples, free photos from the fair’s photo booth, ID tags and more. http://www.animalalliancenyc.org/events/featured/adoptapalooza/index2015PP.htm * Animation for Kids (Peter Jay Sharp Building, BAM Rose Cinema): At 2pm on August 1st, BAM Cinema will be playing a collection of the year’s best family-friendly animated shorts, gathered from both festivals and the major studios. Total run time is 65 minutes and tickets are $14 ($7 for members). Recommended for ages 4-8. http://www.bam.org/film/2015/animation-for-kids * Sesame Slam: A Retrospective on Sesame Street Animations (Peter Jay Sharp Building, BAM Rose Cinema):Come enjoy Sesame classics along with cartoons from the iconic program on August 2nd at 2pm. 65 minute run time, tickets are $14 ($7 for members). Ages 1-5. For more detail, please check out:http://www.bam.org/film/2015/sesame-slam * Pattern Wizardry Exhibit (Brooklyn Children’s Museum): A hands-on object-based exhibit, this event is designed to encourage children’s curiosity about their world through patterns. They can play with special wands to play rhythmic beats, walk inside a 360 degree mirror, and more! This exhibit runs through September 6th. All ages. http://www.brooklynkids.org/exhibits * Figure 8 Playdate (Lefrak @ Lakeside, Prospect Park): Skate with your favorite storybook character and enjoy a meet & greet, story time, arts and crafts, breakfast and a favorite episode of the character’s show. August 2nd, 10am-12pm is Curious George; and on August 16th from 10am-12pm will be Where the Wild Things Are! http://lakesidebrooklyn.com/activities/lakeside-kids/ * KIDtivity Wednesday (Lefrak @ Lakeside, Prospect Park): Every Wednesday through August 25th, there is a full day of 3 separate activities for our little ones. Starting at 11am kids can partake in a 60 minute fitness party, where they will enjoy kid-friendly circuit stations, games and stretches as they help increase muscle coordination and most importantly, have fun (ages 2-5). At 1pm they can enjoy puppet shows, dancing and bubble time with Puppetsburg (ages 0-4). Creative Kitchen is at 4pm, where they can make recipes and kitchen crafts, enjoy fun food stories and sing songs (ages 2-5). Tickets for all are FREE but make sure to reserve in advance: http://lakesidebrooklyn.com/lakeside-events/event-calendar/ * Shira & Friends Concert (Albee Square Fulton Street & Bond Street, Fulton Mall): Combining original tunes and kids classics, Shira & Friends will be performing a mix of singalong, danceable, smile-inducing music for both little and big ones to enjoy. August 6th from 10-11am, FREE! http://downtownbrooklyn.com/events/family-community/bk-block-party-shira-friends * Dirty Socks Funtime Band (Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6): On Sunday August 9th from 11am-1pm, come enjoy the fun and groovy, SUPER high energy Dirty Socks Funtime Band perform. Performance is followed by activities from the Private Picassos at 12pm and an outdoor pop-up reading room from the Uni Project. Free. http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/event-series/pier-kids-1 * 25th Annual Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest (Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk, West 10th-12th Streets): On August 15th from 11am-4pm, check out this annual sculpting contest and festival, where all are eligible to compete (kids and adults) to win prizes in multiple categories. There will be live entertainment on the boardwalk, face painting, clowns and live music! Entrants can sign up on-site. Free! http://www.wearebcs.org/bcs/news_events/coneyislandsandsculpting/ * 239th Anniversary of the Battle for Brooklyn (Greenwood Cemetery): For the older kids who are interested in learning a bit about our local history, the week ofAugust 22nd-30th celebrates the first battle of the American Revolution. The annual commemoration at Green-Wood Cemetery on Sunday, August 30th from 10am-2pmis a day filled with fun events for kids and families. Features reenactments, trolley tours, horse rides, cannon fire, live period music, old-school games and a soldier-filled parade. Free but does require registration in advance: http://www.green-wood.com/event/commemoration-of-the-battle-of-brooklyn/ Hope you all enjoy this last month of summer, whether local or somewhere else, and that you are able to get out and take advantage of these unique events in our neighborhood. Reminds us once again how lucky we are to live here! Posted on August 1st, 2015 Posted by Matteo We are thrilled to invite You and Your Family to our ‘Luau @ Lakeside’ party on Saturday, July 18th from 12pm to 2pm.
Buy Tickets Here! (FREE for children under 5) All proceeds go to fund research to find a cure for the Sanfilippo Syndrome We are celebrating our 3rd birthday and we are again raising money for my little friend Jonah. in collaboration with the Jonah’s Just Begun Foundation, we are throwing this must-attend summer event at Lefrak Prospect Park. This Hawaiian themed fundraiser is jammed packed with fun for the whole family and all for a great cause. Kids will enjoy:
Some of the auction items include:
There is limited space available, so get tickets for the whole family now! More info and tickets at: http://bit.ly/Luau4JJB Posted on June 16th, 2015 Posted by Matteo By our very own Jen #supermom
The sprinklers have been turned on at the water parks (WOHOO)! Watermelon has never tasted sweeter. The school year is coming to a close. SUMMER IS HERE!!! We have several very special events going on in Brooklyn this season; here is a list of musical and fun-filled events we can enjoy as a family: * JULY 18th at 12PM – Luau at Lakeside: A Fundraiser for Jonah’s Just Begun (Lefrak Center @ Lakeside, Prospect Park): On July 18th from 12-2pm South Slope Pediatrics and Jonah’s Just Begun are hosting a very special event to raise much needed funds to support a cure for Sanfilippo Syndrome, a rare disease that our Park Slope friend and neighbor, Jonah, suffers from. The event includes a full luncheon, rollerskating, hula dancing, face painting and a silent auction. Tickets are $40 for adults and $35 for kids 5 and up (under 5 are free): http://bit.ly/Luau4JJB * Summer Kick-off Party with Hip Tot (Lefrak Center @ Lakeside, Prospect Park): Every second Sunday from June – September (starting June 14th at 11am) there will be live music performances for kids, craft activities, giveaways and other special surprises. On June 14th Grammy winner Father Goose and his dancehall boogie music will set the mood for a fun and exciting day! http://hiptot.com/hip-events/ * Pete Sinjin’s “House of Song” Album Release Party (Greenwood Park – 7th Ave, between 19th and 20th St): Presented by Hootenanny Art House, Pete Sinjin will be performing with his band on Saturday, June 20th at 10am, celebrating the release of his new album! $10 tickets in advance (free for 9 months and under), includes all food. There will also be door prizes and art activities. http://www.petesinjin.com/ * SummerStage Family Day: Laurie Berkner, Something Positive and Brooklyn Marching Band (Herbert Von King Park, Lafayette Ave and Tompkins Ave): On Sunday June 21st come be entertained by these artists, including the super popular Laurie Berkner who is known to be the power behind the “kindie rock” movement! Free. 4-7pm. http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/event/summerstage-laurie-berkner-something-positive-brooklyn-united-marching-band/ * Puppetry Arts Festival of Brooklyn (Old Stone House Park, 4th St & 5th Ave): On June 27th from 11am-3pm, there will be puppet crafts, snacks, bounce house, t-shirt designing, Star Wars characters and puppet shows all day! Free admission. http://www.puppetryarts.org/Festivals.html * Orion and the Dark Storytime (Barnes and Noble, 267 7th Ave): On June 27th at 11am, join Orion and the Dark on their mischievous fun nighttime adventure in this special storytime! http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/4853248 * They Might be Giants Concert (Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 N. 6th St): Super child-friendly and silly, They Might Be Giants will put on a family show June 28th at 12:30pm for kids and adults of all ages (the venue even has stroller parking)! Show lasts just under an hour. Tickets are $25 in advance or a family 4-pack for $90: http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com/event/850657-they-might-be-giants-brooklyn * Independence Day Events (Audobon Center, Lefferts House & Carousel in Prospect Park): On July 4th there will be plenty of family friendly events taking place at Prospect Park. From 12-5pm at the Audobon Center, learn how the bald eagle became America’s symbol of independence (with fun activities and crafts)! At Lefferts Historic House from 2-5pm, celebrate America’s birthday by making yourself a plumed hat and signing a reproduction of the Declaration of Independence! And don’t forget to celebrate afterwards on the 1912 Carousel. https://www.prospectpark.org/news-events/events/2015/7/4 * Seining the River Wild (Brooklyn Bridge Park, Empire Fulton Ferry): On July 11th from 10:30am-12pm, learn about the remarkable creatures of the East River as scientists use a 20 foot seining net to humanely catch and release these unique critters. All ages: http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/events/seining-1 Whether it’s learning about fish, jamming out to your favorite family music, learning about puppetry, celebrating the birth of America or attending a very important Luau Fundraiser, this next month is full of fun activities here in Brooklyn. Enjoy!!! Posted on June 12th, 2015 Posted by Matteo |
Jen Valu
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