February is chock-full of interactive and educational activities and events to partake in as a family. Read on below for ways you can keep your children entertained this month!
February 1st-February 4th:
Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection: The Holiday Express features hundreds of toy trains, figurines, and miniature models from the well-known Jerni Collection. It is on display until February 25th, and can be found at The New York Historical Society, located at 170 Central Park West at Richard Gilder Way (77th Street).
Groundhog Day at Staten Island Zoo: Groundhog Day is a popular tradition observed in the United States and Canada, and is a fun way to predict whether we’ll have six more weeks of winter or if sunnier weather will arrive early. This year, visit the Staten Island Zoo on Friday, February 2nd and celebrate it with Chuck the Groundhog. Gates open at 7am, and he will come out at 7:30am. The zoo is located at 614 Broadway (across the street from the Broadway YMCA) in Staten Island.
6th Annual Green Bean Bash: The Horticultural Society of New York’s 6th Annual Green Bean Bash takes place on Saturday, February 3rd at 583 Park Avenue, New York. This event is held from 12pm to 3pm, and will feature a make-your-own slime station, an edible bug café, and a carnivorous plant expert who will be on-hand to discuss more about unique plants.
Hoot and Howl Weekend: Curious about the owls and coyotes residing in the Bronx? Learn more about these creatures and partake in arts and crafts projects during Hoot and Howl weekend. It takes place from Saturday, February 3rd to Sunday, February 4th at the Wave Hill Center, located at West 249th Street and Independence Avenue in the Bronx.
The Winter Carnival at Bryant Park: Don’t miss your last chance to visit the Winter Carnival at Bryant Park on Sunday, February 4th. During this frosty celebration, children will enjoy access to the skating rink, puppet shows, and warm and delicious beverages when they need a break. Bryant Park is located between 5th and 6th Avenues and between 40th and 42nd Streets in Midtown Manhattan.
February 5th-February 11th:
Gateway Storytime in the Discovery Room: On Mondays during the school year, children that are between 2 to 5-years-old are welcome to visit the American Museum of Natural History for story hour. Availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The sessions also occur on February 12th and 26th. The American Museum of Natural History is located at Central Park West at 79th Street.
Neverland: Peter Returns: Based on the well-renowned children’s tales, Neverland: Peter Returns, follows the Darling children on a new adventure in Neverland. Filled with swashbuckling adventures and new lessons, this musical is a hit for young children. It is performed at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, located in Central Park at 79th Street and West Drive, on Wednesday, February 7th.
Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party: Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party is an interactive show the whole family will enjoy. The performance features new songs and visits from your child’s favorite characters, such as Oscar, Cookie Monster, Elmo and Big Bird. The musical is playing at The Theater at Madison Square Garden from Friday, February 9th to Monday, February 19th.
Read-to-Skate Storytime: Read-to-Skate helps get children involved in story time, cultivating a love of reading from a young age. On Saturday, February 3rd, visit Bryant Park to attend story time with Cali Co Cat, and then head over to skate at the rink. The session repeats the following Saturday. Bryant Park is located between 5th and 6th Avenues and between 40th and 42nd Streets in Midtown Manhattan.
Live: RJ Palacio, Author of Wonder: Even though Wonder the movie is no longer in theaters, families can still see the movie on a big screen at P.S. 10, located at 511 7th Avenue in Brooklyn. There will be a special Q&A with R.J. Palacio, the best-selling author of Wonder, and a book signing to follow afterward. Pre-registration is required for this Saturday, February 10th event. For more information on Wonder, visit the book’s page here.
February 12th-February 18th:
The Magical Creatures Scavenger Hunt: Fans of Harry Potter will enjoy this scavenger hunt as they’ll learn more about the not-so-ordinary beasts that reside in New York, and learn more about the fantastical wizarding world. The hunt takes place at The American Museum of Natural History, located at Central Park West and 79th Street in Manhattan, on Friday, February 16th.
Lego Live!: Lego live! Is the first event of its kind in New York City, and a must for all Lego fans. Here, participants will get to spend hours building, creating, and coding with well-renowned Lego characters. The event is open for a limited time over President’s Day weekend, from Friday, February 16th to Sunday, February 18th, at Pier 36. Pier 36 is located in downtown Manhattan at 299 South Street.
Family Day: Moon Over Manhattan: Celebrate the Lunar New Year on Saturday, February 17th at the Asia Society! As part of the festivities, participants will enjoy traditional craft activities, view a Lion dance and kung fu demonstration, and partake in additional musical performances. The venue is located at 725 Park Avenue. Additional Lunar New Year events are also taking place at Queens Botanical Garden and The Queens Library.
The Little little Animation Club: On Saturday, February 17th, children ages 3-5-years-old can create their own animated short films. During this one-hour program, families can engage in hands-on stop motion animation fun, while kids work on developing fine and gross motor skills. The studio is located at 150 Banker Street in the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn.
February 19th-February 25th:
Japanese Snow Festival: The Japanese Snow Festival, or the Sapporo Yuki Matsuri as it’s referred to in Japan, is considered to be one of Japan’s most popular festivals. During this week-long celebration, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan will hold its own snow festival, where families can participate in ice and snow inspired programs and learn more about the art forms and traditions of Japan. Festivities begin on Saturday, February 17th at the museum, located at The Tisch Building, 212 West 83rd Street.
Kids Week at the Intrepid: The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is hosting a week-long science festival for children. Children will learn more about how science is involved with art, sports, games and nature in a series of fun and innovative programs. Activities begin on Sunday, February 18th. The complex is located at Pier 86, which is at West 46th Street and 12th Avenue.
February Break Discovery Days: President’s Day Week kicks off on Monday, February 19th. During that time, why not visit the Brooklyn Botanical Garden to learn more about the various plant life residing in and around New York? Additional exhibits focus on tropical, desert and Mediterranean climates. The garden is located at 990 Washington Avenue in Brooklyn. Other President’s Day Week activities and events can be found at Prospect Park.
The Wondrous Brain: From Wonder is a workshop designed to give children a basic understanding of how their brains and bodies work in tandem together. There will be a variety of stations set up so children can creative their own sensory boxes, engage in the five senses, and use painting to express themselves. The three-hour session will take place on Monday, February 19th at Giocare Play Spot, located at 655 6th Avenue in Park Slope.
The Perfect Monster: The musical adaption of The Perfect Monster is based on the best-selling children’s book by Janine Nina Trevens. In the musical, Sybil sets out to create the “perfect” friend and ends up with a lab full of mischievous monsters instead. The last performance will take place on Monday, February 19th at the Tada! Theater, located at 15 West 28th Street.
New York International Children’s Film Festival: The New York International Children’s Festival runs from Friday, February 23rd through Sunday, March 18th. The festival tackles kid-friendly shorts and preview screenings, such as the first look at the new season of A Series of Unfortunate Events. The films are playing at a multitude of venues and pre-registration is required.
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss Storytime: The Barnes and Noble at Tribeca is getting a head start on the celebrations for Dr. Seuss’s birthday in March. Starting at 11am on Saturday, February 24th, there will be a special story time featuring coloring, activities, and other programs for children to engage in. The store is located at 97 Warren Street.
Contact the Nanny Authority for More Information Today!
At the Nanny Authority, our nannies are familiar with age-appropriate seasonal activities and programs, so parents can feel at ease knowing their children are engaging in a cultural, educational lifestyle when they’re not around. To learn more about how we can assist you in the search for a professional nanny, contact us via e-mail or at 973-466-2669 today!