One way to celebrate National Reading Month is to visit the Town School on the Upper East Side to watch a performance of The Velveteen Rabbit. Afterward, families can stop by their nearest bookstore to read the children’s classic. In honor of National Reading Month, numerous events are taking place in and out of the city to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday.
Dr. Seuss’s Truffula Trees: Beginning on Friday, March 3rd and lasting until Sunday, March 5th, 2017, Dr. Seuss’s Truffula Trees is a fun and creative way to wish Dr. Seuss a happy birthday. Participants will read The Lorax as well as learn about environmental conservation. Using supplies such as coffee filters, liquid watercolors and pipe cleaners, visitors will get to build their own Truffula Tree.
The Velveteen Rabbit: The Town School on the Upper East Side is performing a contemporary take on the well-renowned tale The Velveteen Rabbit on Saturday, March 4th, 2017. In this light overhaul, the Velveteen Rabbit is tossed aside for more high-tech toys like iPads. Once his companion, the Boy, returns to him, the two travel on a number of imaginative adventures. Combining dance, shadow play, and puppetry, this engaging show has something for everyone. If you’re unable to attend the 2:30pm performance, there is a second showing at 4:30pm.
Dinosaurs at Talcott Mountain Science Center: This Saturday program in March is geared to help children better understand the world of dinosaurs. Here, children will be able to explore more about how dinosaurs lived, discover “fossils,” and participate in arts and crafts projects related to Jurassic Park. Pre-registration is required.
Read Across America: Read Across America is an annual program celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss. This year’s schedule begins on Saturday, March 4th, 2017 at 11:00am at the Elmwood Park Zoo in Pennsylvania. In addition to a book fair at the venue, Jerry Spinelli, beloved children’s author of Stargirl and other works, will be making an appearance. Others scheduled to stop by include Berenstain Bears and Curious George.
Sefarin Saturday: Seafarin’ Saturdays take place every Saturday inside the Independence Seaport Museum located in Philadelphia. Programs and craft activities vary from week to week. This week’s schedule features learning about the Delaware River and the chance for children to create their own moving fish based on the Channel Catfish.
Eagle Cruises: Families that are willing to brave the cold can board the RiverQuest, the CT River Expedition’s 64-foot boat. Parents and children can obtain a unique view of bald eagles traveling along the Connecticut River. A naturalist will also provide narration of the sights and further explain their migration patterns. Boat departures take place Friday through Sunday until March 19th, 2017.
Pajama Glow-in-the-Dark Yoga: Karma Kids Yoga Studio in Chelsea is hosting an evening yoga class on Saturday, March 4th, 2017 for children ages 4 to 8-years-old. Your children have likely attended a yoga class in the past but this one has a fun twist for little ones to enjoy: it’s glow-in-the-dark! At the end of the session, milk and cookies will be provided to all participants.
The Little People Party: The Little People Party takes place every Monday from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Children can have some fun open play on the field at Berry Park while families can mingle and make friends.
The Amazing Max: The Amazing Max has two performances in March, one on Sunday, March 5th, 2017 and the second takes place on Saturday, March 11th, 2017. His shows feature a combination of magic and comedy designed to entertain crowds of all ages.
Robotics Workshop: On Sunday, March 5th, 2017, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is offering a Family Tour and Robotics Workshop. Inspired by the exhibition Tales of Our Time, this unique presentation allows participants to learn basic circuitry and programming skills in order to be able to create their own robotic sculptures.
Brooklyn Boogie Brunch: The 4th annual benefit concert for PS 295 begins at noon on Sunday, March 5th, 2017. The concert features musical performances, including one by Capt’n Kirk Douglas of the Roots, face-painting, and arts and crafts projects. There are also a number of pursuits for adults to partake in, including a silent auction and brunch fare from local favorites in the Park Slope area. All proceeds go to PS 295’s music and arts programs.
Babies and Books: Babies and Books takes place on Tuesday, March 7th at the Park Slope Library. Children will hear stories, sing songs, play with toys, and have the opportunity to make new friends. The age group is birth to five-years-old.