Classes

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.

Happy holidays!<

Visit
Wreath Interpretations
In this 29th annual holiday tradition, an exhibition of more than 30 wreaths features designs from classic to contemporary. See traditional wreaths made from birch bark and harvested rice stalks, and eclectic examples with paintbrushes, chopsticks and piano keys.
When: Every Mon.-Fri. through 1/12, 9am-5pm; Free.
Where: Arsenal Gallery in Central Park, 830 Fifth Ave. (at 64th St.), 3rd floor, 212-360-8163, nycgovparks.org.

Go
The Three Bears Holiday Bash
Celebrate the season with song, dance and puppetry as Baby Bear invites Santa to star in the family’s holiday show. This comedy of errors includes stories from Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa.
When: Thurs.-Fri., 12/22-12/23, 10:30am & 12pm, $8/Adults, $5/Kids (reservations required, see website for additional dates).
Where: Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, Central Park at 79th St. & West Drive, 212-988-9093, cityparksfoundation.org.

See
Holiday Screenings
Head to the SONY Wonder Technology Lab for fun holiday showings of flicks like A Sesame Christmas Carol, Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure and Elmo’s World: Happy Holidays. Check the website for times, and stay for special post-movie workshops to make a cookie jar, picture frame or snow globe.
When: Thurs.-Fri., 12/22-12/23, times vary; Free.
Where: SONY Wonder Technology Lab, SONY Plaza, 56th St. & Madison Ave., 212-833-8100, sonywondertechlab.com.

Hear
The Macaroons
Catchy pop-rock tunes, big harmonies and irresistible melodies get everyone in the Hanukkah spirit at this family concert.
When: Sun. 12/25, 11am, 1pm, 3pm; Ages 5+; $20/Adults, $15/Kids.
Where: The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave. at 92nd St., 212-423-3337, thejewishmuseum.org.

Go
Alexander Doll Company Holiday Tree Trimming
Help decorate the doll factory’s tree at this annual event. Take a free tour of the historic workshop, enjoy snacks and get a discount on dolls and create-a-doll classes.
When: Sat. 12/17, 9am-5pm.
Where: Alexander Doll Company, 615 West 131st St., 6th floor, madamealexander.com.

Hear
Moey’s Family Concert
Get into the holiday spirit with festive tunes from Moey’s Music Party. Get ready for a bubble bonanza, pompons and interactive songs, plus all kids get a free copy of Moey’s new CD.
When: Sun. 12/18, 11am; $15 (kids under age 1 free).
Where: Museum of Motherhood, 401 East 84th St. bet. 1st Ave. & York, 877-711-6667, moeymusicparty.com.

See
Amahl and the Night Visitors
The Little Orchestra Society celebrates the 100th anniversary of composer Gian Carlo Menotti and the 60th anniversary of the beloved opera with a special holiday performance. Celebrate the color and excitement of Three Kings Day, with themes of hope, joy, kindness, love and generosity.
When: Sat. 12/17, 11am & 1pm; Ages 6-12; $15-$45.
Where: Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, 212-971-9500, littleorchestra.org.

ReadNew Pregnancy Workout Guidelines
A recent review of studies in Obstetrics and Gynecology gives pregnant women the green light to do vigorous cardio. Equinox weighs in on what it all means, and how much is too much.
Where: equinox.com.

Shop
Brooklyn Lyceum Holiday Marketplace
Start crossing off your shopping list with more than 50 vendors, from holistic vegan soaps and colorful cartoons to vintage linens, whimsical French jewelry and Belgian waffles. Kids can get their picture taken with Santa and enjoy other holiday activities.
When: Sat.-Sun., 12/17-12/18, 11am-7pm.
Where: 227 4th Ave. at President St., Brooklyn, lyceummarkets.com.

Visit
School of Rockwell
Get a glimpse of various numbers from past TADA! Youth Theater collaborations with composer Eric Rockwell and a sneak peak of the upcoming season.
When: Sat.-Sun., 11/19-11/20, 2pm & 4pm; $25/Adults, $15/Kids.
Where: 15 West 28th St. (between Broadway & 5th Ave.), 212-252-1619, tadatheater.com.

See
Horton Hears a Who
Catch the funny Dr. Seuss flick at this family movie night.
When: Fri. 11/18, 6:15pm; Free.
Where: The Moxie Spot, 81 Atlantic Ave. (at Hicks), Brooklyn, 718-923-9710, themoxiespot.com.

Go
Moey’s Thanksgiving Party
Rock out this your kids at this pre-holiday fete filled with fun fall music.
When: Thurs.-Fri., 11/17-11/18, 10am & 11am; $45.
Where: New York Junior League, 130 East 80th St. (bet. Lexington & Park Ave.), moeysmusicparty.com.

Do
Baby Loves Disco
Shimmy and shake to groovy tunes at this family-friendly disco where kids can show off their best dance moves.
When: Sun. 11/20, 12-3pm; Ages 6 months to 7 years; $20 or 4 for $60.
Where: Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker St., babylovesdisco.com.

Go
CNET Gotham
Check out the latest tech and gadgets at this pop-up, pre-holiday showcase. Attend special workshops on photo editing, the best apps and gift advice, plus stop by on Saturday for a kids portrait session.
When: Through Sun. 11/13, 11am-7pm; Free.
Where: Openhouse Gallery, 201 Mulberry St. (at Spring St.), cnet.com/gotham.

Do
Bryant Park Family Day
Kick off the holidays a bit early at this second annual special event. Enjoy a book reading by Christmas Feet author Maureen Sullivan, a character appearance by Carlos the French Bulldog, performances from Freckleface Strawberry and face painting. The first 100 kids (ages 12 and under) will receive free skate rentals for Citi Pond.
When: Sat. 11/12, 12-4pm; Free.
Where: Citi Pond at Bryant Park, bet. West 40th & West 42nd St. and 5th Ave. & 6th Ave., citipondatbryantpark.com.

Visit
New York Family Camp Fair
It’s not too soon to think about summer for your kids. Preview more than 60 camps, and get expert guidance from the American Camp Association.
When: Sat. & Sun., 11/12-11/13, 12-3pm, Free.
Where: Sat. at St. Jean Baptiste High School, 173 East 75th St. (bet. 3rd Ave. & Lex); Sun. at Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 7 West 83rd St. (bet. CPW & Columbus Ave.), newyorkfamilycamps.com.

See
Birdie’s Big-Girl Dress
Author, illustrator, Brooklyn native and mom Sujean Rim reads from her new picture book, a lighthearted take on kids expressing their own style. Chanelling Rim’s own fashion background and love of vintage, main character Birdie searches for something special to wear for her birthday, only to find what she’s looking for right in her attic. Stay afterward for a drawing demonstration and cupcakes.
When: Sun. 11/13, 4pm; Ages 4-8.
Where: powerHouse Arena, 37 Main St., Brooklyn, powerhousearena.com.

Hear
A Happy Family
The Little Orchestra Society presents a musical world where treats and instruments meet. Get a tour of the orchestra led by the Lolli-Pops characters while listening to music led by guest conductor Jeffrey Grogran including Debussy’s Cakewalk.
When: Sat. 11/12 10am & 11:30am; Sun. 11/13 1pm & 2:30pm; $15-$40.
Where: The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, East 68th St. bet. Park & Lex, 212-971-9500, littleorchestra.org.

Go
Llama Llama Red Pajama! Storytime
Preschoolers will giggle at Anna Dewdney’s stories about everyone’s favorite llama.
When: Thurs. 10/6, 3:30pm; Ages 2-5
Where: Bank Street Bookstore, Broadway & 112thSt., 212-678-1654, bankstreetbooks.com.

Hear
The Funkey Monkeys Broadway Spectacular
Sing along with the monkeys as they rock their way through beloved songs from Broadway shows like Fiddler on the Roof, Mary Poppins, Annie and The Sound of Music and more
When: Sun. 10/9, 11:30am & 2pm; Ages 2-6; $11/Kids, $13/Adults.
Where: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd St., 212-423-3200, thejewishmuseum.org.

Visit
Elmo’s World: Let’s Play Music
Reserve a spot in today’s special screening and see Elmo learn how to play the conga drums, hold a violin and explore different types of music. Stay after the movie for a special family workshop (hint: kids will take home their own maracas).
When: Thurs. 10/6, 12pm; Free.
Where: 550 Madison Ave. at 56th St., 212-833-8100, sonywondertechlab.com.

Eat
Shacktoberfest
The Shake Shack is honoring Oktoberfest with specials inspired by the Bavarian festival. Think sausages done Shake Shack style, Apple-Strudel- and German-Chocolate-Cake-flavored Concretes (a super dense custard shake) plus seasonal beers. The Shack’s signature burgers and fries, plus all other items on the regular menu, are also available for your consumption.
When: 10/7-10/16.
Where: Various locations, shakeshack.com.

Do
Fashion District Kite Flight
Bring your kite to the top of Port Authority Bus Terminal for kite making, flying, crafts and music.
When: Sun. 9/18, 11am-4pm; Free.
Where: 8th Ave. at 40th St., fashioncenter.com.

See
The Lion King 3D
Even if you’ve heard the songs a thousand times, kids will be pumped to give it another go: The beloved Disney musical returns to the big screen in 3D.
When: Opens Fri., 9/16.
Where: Select theaters.

Go
85th Annual Feast of San Gennaro
Stop by the annual celebration for the Patron Saint of Naples and sample Little Italy treats. See the festival’s giant 2,000-pound birthday cake (and stay to sample a slice) this Saturday from 2-4pm.
When: Through 9/25.
Where: Grand St. bet. Mulberry & Mott, sangennaro.org.

Visit
Brooklyn Book Festival
See favorite children’s authors like David Ezra Stein and Mo Willems read, draw and discuss their books in Brooklyn Heights.
When: Sun. 9/18, 10am-6pm; Free.
Where: Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St., Brooklyn, brooklynbookfestival.org.

Visit
The Snowy Day and the Art of Ezra Jack Keats
The Jewish Museum pays tribute to the award-winning author and illustrator whose beloved children’s books include Whistle for Willie, Peter’s Chair and The Snowy Day. Introduce kids to original works by the artist, from preliminary sketches to final paintings, and then gather in the reading room inspired by Keats’s art and stories.
When: Opens Fri. 9/9, through 1/29/12; $12/Adults, Kids free.
Where: 1109 5th Ave. at 92nd St., 212-423-3200, thejewishmuseum.org.

Shop
Fashion’s Night Out at Destination Maternity
Need to style your bump? Tonight, stop by the flagship shop to meet new mom Laila Ali and learn about her personal fashion, health and beauty. Plus preggos get hand and chair massages, skincare product demonstrations and tips from celebrity prenatal yoga instructor Latham Thomas on the importance of exercise during pregnancy.
When: Thurs. 9/8, 6-9pm.
Where: 28 East 57th St. at Madison Ave., destinationmaternity.com.

Go
Gramercy Park Neighborhood Festival
Stroll through the ethnic foods, art, crafts, antiques, jewelry and other exhibitors along Third Avenue.
When: Sat. 9/10, 10am-6pm.
Where: 3rd Ave. bet. 14th St. & 23rd St., 212-809-4900

See
West Side County Fair
The 9th annual festival celebrate the change of seasons with carnival rides and games, music, square dancing, sideshow performers, a petting zoo, greenmarket and more.
When: Sat. 9/10, 1-6pm.
Where: Riverside Park, 58th St. to 156th St., riversideparkfund.org.

Do
Brooke Jackman Foundation Read-a-thon
This family event observes the anniversary of 9/11 with inspirational, educational book readings (with guest readers like Reading Rainbow creator Twila Liggett and children’s author Katie Davis) as well as live musical performances by Care Bears on Fire and the Bari Koral Family Rock Band. The non-profit org promotes literacy for at-risk children in the NYC area.
When: Sat. 9/10, 12-2pm; All ages; Free.
Where: World Financial Center Winter Garden,  220 Vesey St., brookejackmanfoundation.org.

Hear
Fireboat by Maira Kalman
In a special story hour, the New-York Historical Society presents this picture book that sensitively handles a difficult subject in an age-appropriate manner, conveying the heroic role of the John J. Harvey on September 11.  Presented in conjunction with a Remembering 9/11 exhibition, with Firefighter Vin Panaro and Museum Educator Katie Fuller.
When: Sun. 9/11, 11:30am; Free.
Where: 2 West 77th St. at Central Park West, nyhistory.org.

Granted, your little one ought to be in pictures. Too bad decent ones are hard to come by – between the squirming, drooling and bouts of tears, you barely have time to whip out your iPhone.

Learn from the pros and sign up for New York Photo Safari’s Candid Kids sessions. The 90-minute classes teach the how-tos of taking great pics of your babes (under age 3) at their absolute best, anywhere.

Ready to get down to work? Consider bringing another adult with you for back-up (DH or Grandma can distract the kid while you snap away), plus a favorite toy, non-sugar snack and a drink in a spill-proof sippy cup to keep everyone happy. Also, a D-SLR camera is better than a point-and-shoot, since you’ll avoid the “shutter lag” during which little Harper is sure to miss her mark.

To move to the head of class, follow NYCPS’s two tips: Don’t be lazy and don’t get greedy. For the money shot, get down to their level, crawl around and get close. And instead of trying to capture it all in one photo (the baby, the dog, the blankie, the Tiffany rattle), just focus on your tot and forget everything else.

For some extra tutoring on your own time, book these experts for a private session at home – Jack Jr. will have all his fave toys nearby, and you’ll get practice shooting on familiar ground.

That’s a wrap.

Visit photosafarinyc.com.

Hear
Rabbit in the Moon
Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with a selection of children’s book writer Mingmei Yip’s favorite Chinese stories.
When: Sat. 8/13, 11am; Free.
Where: Rector Park, South End Avenue at Rector Place, Battery Park City, bpcparks.org.

Go
Summer Songs and Stories
Settle under the big tree at Lefferts Historic House for age-old tales from storyteller and musician Tammy Hall.
When: Sun. 8/14, 2pm & 3pm; Free.
Where: Prospect Park, Children’s Corner inside the Willink Entrance, Flatbush & Ocean Ave. & Empire Blvd., Brooklyn, prospectpark.org.

See
Lady Circus
Join this outdoor kiddie party featuring a children’s performer, arts and crafts and neighborhood fun. See Kae Burke redefine the art of stiltdance, plus remarkable glasswalking, fire dancing and belly dance.
When: Sat. 8/13, 1-4pm; Free.
Where: West Harlem Piers Park, West 125th St., nycgovparks.org.

Visit
Erik Johnson at Torly Kid
Keepsake alert: Let the renowned silhouette artist create an original likeness of your little one’s adorable profile.
When: Sun. 8/14; $25; call to reserve a spot.
Where: Torly Kid, 51 Hudson St., 212-406-7440, torlykid.com.