Take advantage of this upcoming long weekend to visit these fun-filled and educational activities taking place around New York City and New Jersey.
“Our City” Pop-up Exhibit: The Brooklyn Children’s Museum has arranged an exhibition at the Gallery in Industry City for parents and children to explore Brooklyn’s vibrant community. The installation combines art with play space, presenting large-scale, innovative pieces by five New York City based artists as well as a contribution of block play activities from the Museum’s own Brooklyn Block Lab. It is open now through March 16th.
Little Makers: Paint Party: The New York Hall of Science has several “Little Makers” weekend activities scheduled during the month of January and February. This weekend’s activity allows children the chance to use everyday materials and fabric to create colorful pieces of art.
The Space Pirate Puppy Musical: Families should visit the Kraine Theater in the East Village to see this family-friendly, animal-centric musical about pirate puppies and ninja kittens joining forces to save Earth.
Puss in Boots: Puppetworks theater company has adapted a number of beloved folktales and stories to delight young fans. Currently in production is Puss in Boots, based on Charles Perrault’s 1697 French Fantasy, and is suggested for ages 3-years-old and up.
Junior Zookeeper Workshop: At the Center for Science, Teaching, and Learning in Long Island, kids can learn about the basics of animal care, including feeding, cleaning, and in certain instances, even be able to handle an animal. The center also offers a full-day program on Monday, January 16th that includes arts and crafts, a liquid nitrogen show, and science experiments and demonstrations.
Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland: Open until Sunday, January 15th, the Van Saun County Park in Paramus, New Jersey, has numerous activities and attractions to enjoy such as ice skating, train rides, and a variety of food vendors to sample from.
Breakfast with the Animals: Families should make the trip to Point Pleasant, New Jersey this Saturday, January 14th for the opportunity to gain early access to the aquarium and enjoy a continental breakfast with the animals.
Rubber Duckie Party: The Whaling Museum and Education Center is hosting two events this weekend. The first one is on Saturday, January 14th in recognition of National Rubber Duckie Day. The annual party will have a scavenger hunt and children will participate in duck-designing. The second event is on Monday, January 16th in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. During the “Dream Big” workshop, families will learn about the diversity of whaling crews. Children can also choose to design and sew a pillow that elaborates on their dreams and goals.
I Have a Dream Celebration: Children can explore more about the life and work of iconic civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. over the course of two days at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. This includes the chance to physically hold and touch historical artifacts from the museum’s collection that were made during his lifetime. Kids will also be able to make protest posters, DNA bracelets, and participate in the arts and crafts studio.