There’s no shortage of kid-centric activities and events taking place around New York City this January. The next time everyone is antsy and you’re not sure where to go, why not bundle up and visit one of these fun and engaging winter programs?
January 1st to January 4th:
Winter Recess Family Workshop: The Museum of the Moving Image is hosting The Lego Batman movie in conjunction with its “Superhero” workshop all through Winter Recess for New York City public schools. The last program will take place on Monday, January 1st. It kicks off with a showing of the movie, followed by the opportunity for children to construct their own LEGO animations, superhero masks and costumes. The venue is located at 36-01 35th Avenue, Astoria.
New Year’s Day Family Bowl: On Monday, January 1st, join the crowd at Brooklyn Bowl for a day of non-stop bowling. The event is perfect for family members of all ages, and will have a brunch and kids’ menu. The venue is located in Williamsburg at 61 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn.
Sing!: On Wednesdays in January, join Rebecca Schoffer and the Parenting Center at the 92nd Street Y for interactive, musical entertainment featuring an array of old favorites, folk songs, and childhood classics. The first program takes place on Wednesday, January 3rd, and the Y is located at 1395 Lexington Avenue, New York.
January 5th to January 11th:
Rise and Ride the Holiday Express: Rise and Ride the Holiday Express is an early morning program taking place at the New York Historical Society every Friday through February. The 90-minute session kicks off at 7:30am on Friday, January 5th. Families can read fun train tales together, and adults can enjoy coffee and breakfast treats. The museum is located at 170 Central Park West at 77th Street in New York.
Pause/Play: Family Fit Day: Family Fit Day takes place on Saturday, January 6th, and has something for every age group. In addition to family swim and yoga, participants can enjoy the bounce house set up in the gym. The health and fitness program will then wrap up in a Disco Dance Party. The 14th Street Y is located at 344 East 14th Street, New York.
Teddy Bear Tea: Children can bring their teddy bear or doll and meet Mrs. Woodhull, the hotel’s owner, for tea time on Sunday, January 7th. Visitors will enjoy fruit tea and cookies as they go back in time to learn more about what a typical day in the 1830’s was like. The Mount Vernon Hotel is located at 421 East 61st Street, New York.
Big Apple Circus: Don’t miss your chance to see the Big Apple Circus’s last performance on Sunday, January 7th at The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The only animals included in the 40th Anniversary celebration are the circus’s beloved rescue dogs and horses/ponies that are cared for by certified trainer, Jenny Vidbel. Entertainment at the show includes contortionists, aerial acrobats, and the world-renowned Grandma the Clown coming out of retirement. The Big Apple Circus has set up its tent at Damrosch Park, the Lincoln Center outdoor bandshell, located at 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York.
January 12th to January 18th:
Mindfulness for Families: On Sunday, January 14th, join mindfulness teacher and neuroscience researcher Ayman Mukerji Househam as she discusses the benefits of mindfulness for families. During this particular session, participants can learn more about how to apply this practice during everyday family interactions, and how to respond versus react to a child’s particular behavior. This program is geared toward children ages three to seven-years-old, as accompanied by an adult, and takes place at The Rubin Museum of Art, located at 150 West 17th Street, New York. For more information about how mindfulness can impact your child, read our blog post here.
Breakfast with the Animals: The New York Aquarium hosts a Breakfast with the Animals every month. January’s program focuses on the coral reef exhibits. During the 90-minute workshop, your family can enjoy a light breakfast, make their own camouflage suit and participate in other interactive activities, and take a trip to the coral reef exhibits. Advance registration is required for this Saturday, January 13th event.
Start with Art at The Met: During Start with Art at The Met, participants can enjoy stories, sketching, and other gallery activities that can help your child spark an interest in art. This month’s theme is Innovative Ideas, and is designed for families with children ages 3-6-years-old. It is a recurring event so if you’re unable to make the Thursday, January 18th session, there are additional ones on the calendar. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located at 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York.
This Lil’ Piggy Went to the Market: On Saturday, January 13th, meet the newest addition to Alley Pond Environmental Center: Kotey the guinea pig! Children will have fun learning more about Kotey and his behavior, and then prepare him a delicious snack. The venue is located at 228-06 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston, New York.
West Rock Indoor 2018 Martin Luther King Jr. Day All Sports Day Camp: In observance of Martin Luther King Jr., Day, all New York City public schools are closed. Why not engage your child in some health and fitness related activities? West Rock Indoor Sports and Entertainment Complex has packed in a day of inflatables, arts and crafts, and various sports such as relay races, soccer, dodgeball, and more. It is located at 21 Pralle Lane, Nanuet, New York.
January 19th to January 25th:
APEC Adventure Time: Animal Homes: At the Alley Pond Environmental Center, visitors can learn about the various homes of local wildlife including birds, rabbits and squirrels. There will also be live animal guests, arts and crafts projects, and trail walks. This session takes place on Saturday, January 20th. Additional events at the Alley Pond Environmental Center this weekend include Nutella-Stuffed Pancakes, Astronomy Night, and a re-telling of Eric Carle’s classic book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? The venue is located at 228-06 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston, New York.
All Aboard with Thomas the Train!: Don’t miss your last chance to see Thomas and Friends at the New York Botanical Gardens on Sunday, January 21st. Children will join the gang on an interactive, sing-along performance, and help Thomas discover how to grow his own garden. The New York Botanical Garden is located at 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx.
Pluto is Missing!: Pluto is Missing! is a delight for the entire family. This space-comedy combines music, puppets and fantasy with real-life science exploration and history. The musical is held at Pit Striker, located at 123 East 24th Street, between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue, in New York. It is held on Sunday, January 21st and Sunday, January 28th.
Countdown to Summer: The 92nd Street Y is getting a head start on summer planning! Join their staff and other families for an afternoon of face-painting, arts and crafts, and sports-related activities, on Sunday, January 21st, as they look ahead to the warm weather months. The 92nd Street Y is located at 1395 Lexington Avenue, New York.
Jewelry Making with Jen Stock: On Sunday, January 21st, visit the popular yoga studio for an afternoon jewelry making session with mindful designer, Jen Stock. Children ages 10-years and older will be able to design a bracelet or necklace using semi-precious, wood beads. Karma Kids Yoga is located in Chelsea, at 25 West 23rd Street, New York. The studio is also hosting American Girl Doll Yoga on Saturday, January 27th.
January 26th to January 31st:
Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny: On Friday, January 26th, Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center is bringing two beloved classics to life: Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny. Using large-scale puppets, a beautiful musical score, and scenic effects, the worlds of these treasured books are re-created. The WHBCPAC is located at 76 Main Street, Westhampton Beach, New York.
Family Travel Pavilion: The inaugural launch of the 2017 Family Travel Pavilion at the New York Times Travel Show was such a success, it’s coming back again in 2018. This year’s dates are Friday, January 26th through Sunday, January 28th. Workshops and events are not yet listed but last year’s area included culinary classes for children, arts and crafts projects, and travel-related activities. The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center is located at 655 West 34th Street, on 11th Avenue.
Winter Jam: Winter Jam takes place on Saturday, January 27th in the Manhattan Bandshell area of Central Park. It’s a free winter sports festival for New Yorkers of all ages. Featured activities include sledding, arctic golf, live ice-sculpting, and a warming hut for when you need to warm up your fingers!
Monster Metropolis: Spooktacular: Monster Metropolis is the annual family fundraiser at the Queens Museum, located at the New York City Building in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens. It takes place on Sunday, January 28th. The program will feature musical performances, face-painting, scavenger hunts, raffle prizes, and other additional exciting activities.
Contact the Nanny Authority Today!
At the Nanny Authority, our nannies are familiar with age-appropriate seasonal activities and programs, so parents can feel at ease knowing that their children are engaging in a cultural, educational lifestyle when they’re not around. To learn more about how we can assist you in your search for a professional nanny, contact us via e-mail or at 973-466-2669 today!