Free and Fun Things to Do This Weekend with NYC Kids: Children’s Carnival in Queens, Titanic 100th Anniversary, New Kids' Shows

APR 11 2012

BY RAVEN

Spring kicks into high gear this weekend with the start of festival season and the debut of a few wonderful new family shows. Enjoy kiddie rides, magic and more at the Queens Country Farm Museum'sannual Children's Carnival, or check out two kids' theater productions we're really excited about: The Butterfly by Making Books Sing and the New Acting Company's irreverent adaptation ofJack & the Beanstalk.

This weekend also marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, and we've found age-appropriate ways kids can learn about the tragedy. In other water-related news, the Parks Department holds its online lottery for free spring swimming lessonsthis weekend. We've got the scoop on how to vie for a spot for your kid.

These are just a few of the great things going on this weekend. All of our best bets are below. You can find additional suggestions in our Event Calendar and our Spring Fun Guide.

SOURCE: 

http://mommypoppins.com/nyc-kids-free-things-to-do-weekend-april-14-15

Saturday, April 14

Learn calligraphy, origami or kamishibai (picture card storytelling) at Japan Society’s spring celebration, J-cation 2012: Sakura. Free with admission.

Watch Portland’s Do Jump! company perform acrobatics and dance to music by Afro-Hebrew band Klezmocracy in Ahhh Ha! at the New Victory Theater. $14–$38.

Meet local green heroes and solve environmental puzzles at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum’s Celebrate Earth Festival. Free with museum admission.

FREE Sing along with Elizabeth Mitchell to tunes from her new album, You Are My Flower, at the Central Library in Brooklyn.

Celebrate Grandpa the Spider Monkey's 40th birthday with cake, the birthday song and other simian-themed festivities at the Staten Island Zoo. Free with zoo admission.

Hosted by John Tartaglia, the New York Pops will perform two family shows in tribute to Jim Henson and the Muppets at Carnegie Hall's Perelman Stage. $9–$20.

SOURCE: 

http://timeoutnewyorkkids.com/things-to-do/116069/saturday-april-14?package=116067

Dance to tunes on Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players’ album Jungle Gym at Symphony Space. $25, children under 13 $15.

Stroll through the South Street Seaport Museum’s exhibitions with a professional educator, or participate in seaport-themed arts and crafts while the youngest sailors play in the mini mates corner (with parental supervision). $15.

Go on amusement park rides, play midway games and take in a magic show at the Queens County Farm Museum’s Children's Carnival. $10 (carnival rides included in entry fee).

Kids learn all about their carbon footprint and sustainability at the New York Transit Museum's Sharin' a Ride stage show. Free with museum admission.

Participate in history hunts and quizzes and art-making sessions at the New-York Historical Society’s April School Vacation Week. Free with museum admission.

Meet Monique and Sevrine, two little girls who become friends during the Nazi occupation of France, in The Butterfly, playing at the Mint Theater at Theater 3. $15, children under 12 $10.

Watch a stage performance of The Lonely Phone Booth, then stay for a book signing with the story’s author, Peter Ackerman (on Sunday), at the Manhattan Children’s Theater. $20, in advance $18, kids $16.

Confessions of a Scary Mommy
Jill Smokler’s new book, a snarky, snappy collection of original essays, shares the real deal on hot topics like vacationing with kids, losing the baby weight, choosing favorites, cursing in front of little ones and other parenting gems.
Where: scarymommy.com.

Tartan Day Parade
Don your plaid and see this annual celebration of pipe bands, pipers, drummers and Scottish groups. The 10-block route means it manageable for young parade-goers.
When: Sat. 4/14, 2pm; All ages; Free.
Where: 45th St. to 55th St., 6th Ave.,tartanweek.com.

The Lonely Phone Booth
The children’s book about one of the last remaining phone booths in NYC (on West End Ave. and 100th St.) has been turned into a play. See the story of the beloved booth loved by locals from zookeepers to cellists, and how it united the neighborhood.
When: Sat.-Sun., 4/14-4/15, 12pm & 2pm; All ages; $18/Adults, $16/Kids.
Where: Access Theatre, 380 Broadway at Broadway & White St., 4th floor, mctny.com.

Elizabeth Mitchell
The children’s singer performs songs from her newest release, Sunny Day, in an interactive, family-style celebration.
When: Sat. 4/14, 1pm; All ages; Free.
Where: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, Dweck Center,brooklynpubliclibrary.org.