Archive for February, 2012

You swore you’d never join the ranks of the almost-a-grand stroller set — then you tried to actually go somewhere with that dinky umbrella design that fell apart after the first pothole.

Call it another pricey pram, but Bloom’s new all-terrain Zen stroller shines for its design. Ideal for cramped NYC spaces, it folds up teeny-tiny (slim enough to stash in your entryway) and is freestanding when folded flat. A supercool solar lighting system lets you flash oncoming evening delivery bikes (you know how crazy they can get) — and if you still feel like baby isn’t safe enough, check on him through the viewing window. Sure, it comes in monochrome, citified basic black, but it’s oh-so-peppier in colorful CMYK. Pre-order it through giggle, where you can also stock up on soon-to-come stroller accessories like the coordinating rain shield, footmuff and cup holder — or pair it with the sleep-inducing Yoga newborn nest, a portable three-in-one baby lounger, travel bed and cradle.

Available at giggle (ships in early March), giggle.com.

See
Cirque Le Jazz
This fresh, high-flying fusion of traditional circus arts, Broadway-style musical theatre and vaudeville is set to the tunes of Big Band anthems and other 20th century American standards.
When: Thurs.-Sun., 2/23-2/26, Sat.-Sun. 3pm & Thurs.-Sat. 8pm; $15/Adults, $10/Kids.
Where: Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave. (bet. 9th & 10th St.), 212-254-1109, theaterforthenewcity.net.

Do
Himalayan New Year
Celebrate Losar with a family day of arts, crafts and music. Kids can make colorful butter sculptures, taste Himalayan butter tea, explore the galleries and see traditional performances.
When: Sat. 2/25, 12-5pm; $10.
Where: Rubin Museum of Art, 150 West 17th St. (bet. 6th & 7th Ave.), 212-620-5000, rmanyc.org.

Go
The Hundred Dresses
This musical adaptation of Eleanor Estes’ book tells the tale of a young girl who struggles to fit in as she wears the same dress to school every day. While the story explores imagination and courage to stand up to others, this version includes lively music, wacky characters, humor and of course, fashion.
When: Sat.-Sun. 2/25-2/26, 10:30am; Ages 6-13; $20/Adults, $10/Kids.
Where: Peter Norton Space, 555 West 42nd St. at 11th Ave., 212-279-4200, atlantictheater.org.

Visit
All Aboard for Electricity
Little ones obsessed with Thomas the Tank will dig this exhibit where they’ll get to learn about electric trains, experiment with a model railroad and meet the museum’s newest Derby car.
When: Sat.-Sun., 2/25-2/26, 1:30pm; Ages 4+; Free with museum admission.
Where: New York Transit Museum, 130 Livingston St. at Boerum Place, Brooklyn, 718-694-1600, mta.info.

In only your pediatrician had a 24/7 hotline for all of your non-emergency, mommy freakout moments. Is that hiccup, cry, crawl, poop, smile normal?

To answer your ongoing litany of questions, the doctors Sears, authors of bestselling parenting guides, have launched their first app (for iPhone/iPad) that puts a childcare encyclopedia at your fingertips. The Portable Pediatrician, based on their book, is a must for your mobile — get answers and advice like what to stock in your medicine cabinet, what to expect at the next doctor appointment, how to track your kid’s height and weight, and searchable concerns and conditions from A to Z.

Is there a doctor in the house?

Visit itunes.apple.com.

Do
Mardi Gras at Le Carousel
Join the bash with masks, zydeco music, magic tricks and other treats.
When: Sat. 2/18, 1-2pm; All ages; Free.
Where: Bryant Park, bryantpark.org.

Visit
Washington’s Birthday Celebration
Celebrate George Washington’s bday with crafts, colonial costumes and a scavenger hunt at the historic Morris-Jumel Mansion in Washington Heights.
When: Sat. 2/18, 11am-4pm; All ages; Free.
Where: 65 Jumel Terrace, 212-923-8008, morrisjumel.org.

See
27th Annual Sword Dance Festival
Catch 12 teams perform the winter celebration of English-style sword dancing in public spaces throughout the city. Check the website for the schedule of performances in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
When: Sat.-Sun., 2/18-2/19; Free.
Where: Various locations, halfmoonsword.org.

Go
Women of the Web
Mom’s night out: Popular bloggers like The Pioneer Woman and The Budget Fashionista talk self-expression, challenging one’s self and passing along wisdom.
When: Thurs. 2/16, 8pm; $29 and up.
Where: 92nd St. Y, Kaufmann Concert Hall, Lexington Ave. & 92nd St., 92y.org.

Eat
Brooklyn Wok Shop
Chinese food 2.0: Innovative, fresh twists on Shiu Mai, Salt and Pepper Squid and Orange Beef are upgraded with top-notch ingredients and hormone-free meat that still honor favorite family takeout dishes.
Where: 182 North 10th St., Brooklyn, brooklynwokshop.com.

Your little Valentine already has tons of TLC, so why not share a love of reading — something that will last beyond the heart-shaped cards and candy. Tonight, along with plenty of hugs and kisses (and maybe some pre-bedtime chocolate), read a lovingly cute kids’ book. The Brooke Jackman Foundation, a local non-profit that promotes children’s literacy throughout NYC, recommends these tomes as the top 10 Valentine’s Day books for young readers:

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
I Love You Through and Through by Bernadette Rossetti Shustak
How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You? by Jane Yolen
Porcupining A Prickly Love Story by Lisa Wheeler
Love, Ruby Valentine by Laurie B Friedman
Where’s My Valentine? (Yo Gabba Gabba! Series) by Tina Gallo
A Giant Crush by Gennifer Choldenko
The Ballad of Valentine by Alison Jackson
Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink by Diane deGroat
Olive You!: And Other Valentine Knock-Knock Jokes You’ll A-Door by Katy Hall and Lisa Eisenberg

Go
Clifftord’s Heart-y Party
Cuddle up and listen to the Big Red Dog’s favorite Valentine’s Day books, make holiday cards and take a picture with the lovable pup.
When: Sat. 2/11, 3pm; Ages 3+; Free.
Where: The Scholastic Store, 557 Broadway (bet. Prince & Spring), 212-343-6166, scholastic.com.

Visit
J&R Jr.
To celebrate the opening of the kid-centric branch of the electronics mecca (baby gear, toys, classes and other goodies), the store indulges in a two-day extravaganza with live music, magicians, balloon twisters and photo booths. Check the schedule for performances by Laurie Berkner, Dan Zanes, Kidz Bop and others.
When: Sat.-Sun., 2/11-2/12, Free.
Where: 1 Park Row, 2nd floor, jr.com.

See
The Red Balloon
Kids will be mesmerized by a screening of the classic children’s film. Afterward, they’ll make their own valentines in the form of hot-air balloon mobiles.
When: Sat. 2/11, 11am; Ages 4-10; Free.
Where: Poets House, 10 River Terrace, 212-431-7920, poetshouse.org.

Shop
LRD (Little Red Dress)
A Valentine’s date with a baby bump can still be sexy — in time for Tuesday, pick up a festive red wrap dress with zigzag print or a pretty pink sleeveless belted sheath.
Where: Destination Maternity, 575 Madison Ave., destinationmaternity.com.

What’s cuter than a homemade valentine? Your little sweetie is already excited about giving out cards to everyone in class, but she’d like to make a few extra-special goodies for her most loved.

Kids can craft custom gifts for a crush, bestie or doting grandparent in time for the 14th at at Make Meaning’s special holiday sessions. Today and tomorrow, start with picture frame-making using painted hands and fingers, then move on to crafting a sweetheart candle for an eternal flame. Next week, create the perfect cupcake soap and decorate it to your heart’s content. Call to make a reservation, and start debating the merits of “love” vs. “luv.”

When: Tues. & Wed 2/7 & 2/8, Mon. & Tues. 2/13 & 2/14; $40 (RSVP required, no walk-ins, time and location varies).
Where: 329 Columbus Ave. bet. 75th & 76th St., 1501 Third Ave. bet. 84th & 85th St., makemeaning.com.

See
BAMkids Film Festival
The 14th annual fest brings 73 kid-friendly flicks from 26 countries — plus Q&As with filmmakers, music performances, puppet shows and snacks for little cinephiles. Check the schedule for times and age-appropriate picks.
When: Sat.-Sun., 2/4-2/5, $9/Kids, $12/Adults.
Where: BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, 718-636-4100, bam.org.

Go
Groundhog Day Celebration
It’s been a mild winter, but when will it end? Staten Island Chuck, the city’s weather-forecasting groundhog, makes his prediction this morning.
When: Thurs. 2/2, 6:30-9am (ceremony 7am); Free.
Where: Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, statenislandzoo.org.

Hear
Shine and the Moonbeams
Local kid-lovin’ NYC musicians infuse sweet songs with soul, R&B and rock.
When: Sat. 2/4, 11am; $20/Adults, $13/Kids.
Where: Leonard Nimoy Thalia at Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th St., symphonyspace.org.

Shop
Show Your Lovey
For the month of February, book a one-hour family portrait session at PhotoOp for $100 (regularly $200) — they’ll donate 100-percent of the sitting fee to Baby Buggy, a nonprofit org dedicated to providing baby essentials to families in need. Kids are encouraged to bring their favorite “lovey” to the photo shoot.
When: Through 2/29; $100 sitting fee (additional cost for photos).
Where: PhotoOp, 442 Columbus Ave. at 81st St., 212-362-1911, photoopnyc.com.