MAY FAMILY EVENTS IN BROOKLYN

written by Jen #supermom

It’s May and summer is just around the corner (woohoo)!!!   The weather is finally going to stay warm, mangos and pineapples are in season, trees and flowers are in full bloom and there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for our families to enjoy in Brooklyn. Here are a few of the local events for both the teeniest and the biggest “kids”, aka the parents!

* Mini-Matisse Bring Your Own Art Weekend (Private Picasso’s Art Studio, 237 5th Ave): Ground Floor Gallery has teamed up with the dynamic art studio for kids, Private Picassos, for this year’s Mini Matisse Weekend! Drop by Private Picassos to have your child make their one-of-a-kind masterpiece and then BYOA (Bring Your Own Artwork) to Ground Floor Gallery, a few blocks away, to hang it on the gallery wall, snap a photo and leave with a mini-Matisse goodie bag! May 7th and 8th, 10am-6pm. From $5 – $20, depending on the medium.   http://www.privatepicassos.com/public-classes-events/2016/5/7/mini-matisse-bring-your-own-art-weekend


* Book Event: The Secret Subway (NY Transit Museum, Brooklyn Heights): Science meets art meets New York City History in The Secret Subway! Step back in time and discover the amazing, true story of NYC’s very first subway with creators Shana Corey and Red Nose Studio. Participate in interactive, hands-on pneumatic power demonstrations, see how the book’s three dimensional art was made, and more! May 13th, 1:30-2:15pm. Ages 5+. http://web.mta.info/mta/museum/pdf/Children_Family_Programs.pdf


* “Tree/ Boom/ Umthi” (BAM, Fisher Hillman Studio): South African physical theater company Magnet Theatre uses image, song, and the body to tell the story of a human relationship with a tree – and the changing of the seasons. intended especially for young viewers, this delicate, inventive work is performed in three different languages. May 14th – 22nd, tickets $12. Ages 2-5. http://www.bam.org/kids/2016/tree-boom-umthi


* Touch-a-Truck at PS 295 (18th St between 6th and 7th Ave): Touch-a-Truck, NYC’s favorite family street fair, is returning to PS 295! At this unique street fair, NYC kids and their families will get up close and personal with a wide variety of emergency vehicles, construction equipment, vintage vehicles, and other cool rigs. Food trucks, bouncy houses, music, crafts, free activities, and more round out the day – including a South Slope Pediatrics Babyspace!!! Touch-a-Truck Brooklyn is a fundraiser to support academic, arts, and enrichment programs at PS 295. May 14th from 12-5pm. $8 per person. http://www.ps295.org/pta/touch-a-truck-2016./


* The Fabulous 5th Avenue Fair (5th Ave between Sterling and 12th St): Music, local food and drink from your favorite 5th Ave restaurants and bars, art, local shopping, rides, vintage cards and more. May 15th from 12-6pm. http://allaboutfifth.blogspot.com/


* Spring Into Stories: Brooklyn Public Library Children’s Author and Illustrator Festival (Central Library, Dweck Center): Meet an all-star line-up of Brooklyn children’s book authors and illustrators, and enjoy hands-on art, lively presentations, music from BPL house band Lost in the Stacks, and more. May 21st from 11am-4pm. http://www.bklynlibrary.org/central/spring-into-stories


* The Wizard of Oz (Puppetworks): L. Frank Baum’s American classic with an original song score. Adapted for marionettes by Nicolas Coppola. Suggested for ages 3+. May 7th – Aug. 21st on Saturdays & Sundays @ 12:30 and 2:30pm. $9 per child, $10 per adult. http://www.puppetworks.org/


* Family Bowl (Brooklyn Bowl, Williamsburgh): Looking for something to do with the family on a rainy day? Whether you’re a pro or your ball tends to spend most of its time in the gutter, all skills and ages are welcome! Enjoy delicious food by Blue Ribbon and some local brews while you’re there. Every Saturday and Sunday 11am-5pm.   $25/lane for 1/2 hour. http://www.brooklynbowl.com/event/1079923-saturday-family-bowl-brooklyn/


* Fleece Festival (Prospect Park Zoo): At the zoo, a master sheep shearer will help their sheep lose their winter coats in preparation for summer. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on 5/21 and 5/22 they’ll have wool working demonstrations, crafts, music and, of course, sheep! And it’s all free with zoo admission. http://prospectparkzoo.com/events/14


* Families First Annual Spring Carnival for Kids and Tots (Baltic St. between Court and Clinton): Sponsored by Families First, the day is a celebration of family and community for families of toddlers to kindergarten-aged children. The Carnival features the kids’ favorites: pony rides, two bouncy houses, face painting, tattoos, mini-carousel, carnival games, arts & crafts, a bake sale and balloons. There will also be a book sale. May 21st from 10am – 2pm. http://mommypoppins.com/event/families-firsts-annual-spring-carnival-for-kids-and-tots