This weekend in New York: Uglydolls, hearts and swords. Plus half a million firecrackers for Chinese New Year. The sparks should be flying this Valentine’s Day/Presidents’ Day weekend in the city.

Go
Valentine’s Day Uglydoll Signing at FAO Schwarz
Check out the newest Uglydoll - Mynus - and meet Uglydoll creator David Horvath. Horvath will be signing Mynus UDs as well as Coldy Holdy Ice Bats and limited-edition “Love Story” Wages. This special Wage doll has a tag that tells the romantic tale of the creation of the UD line. (Horvath used to send letters to his wife-to-be with drawings of Wage.)
When: Valentine’s Day, Sun. 2/14, noon-1:30pm; free. (All ages)
Where: FAO Schwarz, 767 Fifth Ave. @ 58th St., 212-644-9400

See
25th Annual NY Sword Dance Festival
It’s an ancient winter celebration featuring fast-paced rapper swords and long-sword dancing. Adapted from English and European customs, “linked” or “hilt and point” sword dancing is characterized by dancers connecting via their “swords” to form a circle and then other more complex figures.
When: Sat. 2/13 @ 1:30pm and 3pm; free with museum admission. (Ages 3 and up)
Where: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave. @ 103rd St., 212-534-1672, x3395, mcny.org.

Do
Baby Loves Disco
5th Annual Valentine’s Day Disco Ball
Bust the move with the whole brood at BLD’s annual heart-day disco ball at the West Village’s Le Poisson Rouge. Contests, healthy snacks, giveaways and daddy-daughter dancing are all part of the afternoon festivities.
When: Sun. 2/14, noon-3pm; Tickets available at babylovesdisco.com, $15 per ticket in advance, $18 at the door. Non-walking babies are free. (Ages 0-7)
Where: Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker St.

Celebrate
Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival
Ward off evil spirits for the Year of the Tiger with firecrackers - 500,000 of them (detonated by professionals)! The day’s events also include cultural performances by traditional and contemporary Asian-American singers and dancers plus a dozen lion, unicorn and dragon dance troupes parading through Chinatown.
When: Sun. 2/14, 11am-3pm; free. (All ages)
Where: Columbus Park (boxed in by Baxter, Mulberry, Bayard and Worth Sts.)

Parading through Little Italy and Chinatown with opera singers. Singing on the High Line … because New Yorkers just can’t seem to get enough of the High Line. Taking in Babes in Toyland (nothing to do with Tiger Woods!). “Belly” dancing plus monsters haunting a classic holiday poem. Just a typical holiday weekend in New York …

Check out
3rd Annual East Meets West Christmas Parade
One of the largest parades in Lower Manhattan, East Meets West reflects the culture and heritage of two major, neighboring ethnic communities - Little Italy and Chinatown, both recently designated as National Historic Neighborhoods. This parade will feature 10-12 floats, Chinese lion and dragon dance troupes, Chinese opera performers and pop singers and marching bands representing the U.S. Marine Corps and the NYPD.
When: Sat., 12/19 @ 2pm; free. (All ages)
Where: Parade route: North on Mulberry St. through Little Italy to Houston St, turning right for one block to Mott St., going South on Mott St. through Chinatown to Worth St. then E. Broadway, ending at Chatham (Kimlau) Sq.

Hear
Holiday Songs on the High Line
As part of the High Line Winter Programming Series, The NYC Lab School’s high school chorus will perform seasonal and Broadway selections. Hot cocoa and gingerbread by Tom Colicchio’s Craft Sweets will be available for purchase ($3).
When: Tonight, Thur., 12/17, 5:30 & 6pm; free. (All ages)
Where: Chelsea Market Passage near 15th St.,on the High Line
(Closest entrances are at 14th Street and 10th Ave. and 16th Street and 10th Ave.)

See
The Little Orchestra Society’s “Babes in Toyland”
An updated version of the Victor Herbert classic. An eccentric toymaker whose business is struggling gets some unexpected help from mysterious investors. Includes musical faves “March of the Toys” and “Toyland.” The show is part of the Little Orchestra Society’s Happy Concerts series for young people ages 6-12.
When: Sat., 12/19, 11am & 1pm; tickets are $10-$50 and are available at littleorchestra.org. (Recommended age range is 6-12, but many younger children also attend the Happy Concerts.)
Where: Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, located at the northern end of Lincoln Center Plaza at the corner of Columbus Ave. and 65th St.

Do
Free Maternal Dance Class @AVEDA
Expectant moms can trial a Maternal Dance class with company founder Suzanne Caesar. It’s a prenatal workout for women in all stages of pregnancy. Maternal Dance was featured on Discovery Health Channel’s Runway Moms. For when you’ve got to move it, move it.
When: Sun., 12/20, 9:30-10:30am. Limited number of spots available. Call 212-645-4797 to reserve a space.
Where: AVEDA store, 140 Fifth Ave. @ 19th St.

Chat
Santa in Central Park
Take Junior to Belvedere Castle so he can take up the issue of his present list with the big bearded guy in a red suit.
When: Sat., 12/19, and Sun., 12/20, noon-3pm.
Where: Belvedere Castle, Central Park, mid-park at 79th St.

Go
‘Twas the Night Before … MONSTERS!
An evil monster sorcerer tries to wreak havoc on the classic Christmas poem and destroy the holiday spirit. Twelve-year-old Benjy Bleeglehorn and her sidekick must enter the poem to save it, the holiday season and humanity. Slow day. The show, part of the Brooklyn Lyceum’s Monster Literature series, includes original music and video elements.
When: Sat., 12/19, and Sun., 12/20, at noon and 3:30pm; tickets available at the door or online at monsterliterature.com. $5 per ticket or $15 for four. (Ages 4-12)
Where: The Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 4th Ave.

Visit a museum without spending a penny. Blast off with children’s writer Meghan McCarthy. Or check out The Selfish Giant. Oh, baby, it’s a Wilde world.

Go
Smithsonian magazine’s Annual Museum Day
You can visit hundreds of museums around the country for free on Saturday thanks to Smithsonian magazine. Just go to smithsonianmag.com and download a free admission pass for you and a guest. Local participating museums include: the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, The Jewish Museum, the New York City Fire Museum and the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Visit Smithsonian magazine’s site for a full list of participating museums in our area.
When: Sat., 9/26. Check individual museums for times; free.
Where: Participating museums.

Do
New York City Police Museum’s Family Day
The museum is hosting its 5th Annual Family Day. Little ones can pose for pics in a police uniform, meet members of New York’s Finest, sample food from local restaurants and enjoy live performances.
When: Sat., 9/26, 10am-5pm; free.
Where: The New York City Police Museum, 100 Old Slip (bet. Water and South Sts.), 212-480-3100, nycpolicemuseum.org.

Hear
Book reading & signing with Astronaut Handbook’s Meghan McCarthy
The always entertaining Meghan McCarthy will read from her Astronaut Handbook, a non-fiction book detailing the strenuous training four astronaut recruits must endure before being able to blast off. McCarthy’s earlier books include Seabiscuit the Wonder Horse and City Hawk: The Story of Pale Male.
When: Sun., 9/27, 4-5pm; free. RSVP to rsvp@powerhousearena.com.
Where: The powerHouse Arena, 37 Main St., Brooklyn, 718-666-3049.

See
Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant
Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s 1888 fairytale, as well as his life, this Literally Alive Theatre production takes us on a whimsical journey inside the mind of the great Irish playwright, poet and author as he leads us into the tale. The show’s original music has its roots in traditional Irish tunes, which will be performed live by a percussion trio. Prior to each performance is an interactive arts workshop. Families will have the chance to meet the show’s playwright, composer, choreographer and actors.
When: Starting Sat., 9/26 and running through 10/25; workshop at 10am, performance at 11am; an additional 2pm performance this Saturday and 10/3. (No performance on 10/4.) Tickets range from $25-$40 and include the workshop. Tix available at ovationtix.com or call 212-352-3101 or 1-866-811-4111. (Ages 3 and up)
Where: The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St. (bet. West 3rd and Bleecker Sts.).

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Interpid Sea, Air & Space Museum.

A big homecoming of sorts on the art scene. Yogis go big in the name of peace. Plus livestock in NYC. Just a typical weekend here.

See
Kandinsky
Few artists are more closely associated with the Guggenheim than the Russian-born Vasily Kandinsky; his art has been collected by the museum since its inception. So it’s fitting that the Guggenheim is mounting an exhibition of the works of this abstract art pioneer to coincide with its 50th anniversary. This exhibit represents the first full-scale retrospective of Kandinsky’s oeuvre in the U.S. since 1985.
When: Opens 9/18 and runs through 1/13/10; museum admission is $18/adults, $15/seniors and students with valid ID and free for kids under 12. The museum has pay-as-you-wish admission set-up on Saturday evenings from 5:45-7:45pm.
Where: Solomon R.Gugenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave. at 89th St., guggenheim.org.

Do
Global Mala - Yoga for Peace
Om Shanti! Karma Kids Yoga is organizing a special children’s area for this event in Battery Park. Participants complete 108 Sun Salutations, or “mala” in Sanskrit. Yogis around the world - think Croatia, Italy and Argentina - will also be doing their 108 SSs. The purpose of the event is to demonstrate how a group can bring peace in unison through yoga.
When: Sun. 9/20, noon-3pm; suggested donation of $20 in advance, $25 the day of. Register at yoga-for-peace.org. (All ages)
When: Battery Park, Center Lawn.

Visit
27th Annual Queens County Farm
Farm in the city. Check out this traditional county fair at the Queens County Farm Museum, which boasts the “largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland” (47 acres) in NYC and is the “only working historical farm in the city.” Carnival rides, hayrides, a petting zoo, Big Apple Circus Variety acts and the Amazing Maize Maze are all part of the festivities. Other activities include competitions in livestock, produce and home crafts.
When: Sat. 9/19 and Sun. 9/20, 10am - 6pm; $7/adults and $4/kids under 12. Additional charges apply for some activities.
Where: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, 718-347-3276, queensfarm.org.
Accessible by subway and bus.

Watch
Peter Pan & Adventures in Never Land
A fresh re-telling of J.M. Barrie’s classic about the boy in green tights and his BFFs at the Swedish Marionette Theatre in Central Park. This version is set in NYC.
When: Through 9/27, Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm (plus performances from 10/6 - 11/8); $8/adults, $5/children, reservations required. Call 212-988-9093.
cityparksfoundation.org.
Where: The Swedish Cottage, Central Park at 79th St. and West Drive just South of the Delacorte Theater.

Photo credit: Vasily Kandinsky, Improvisation 28 (second version) (Improvisation 28 [zweite Fassung]), 1912
Oil on Canvas, 43 7/8 x 63 7/8 inches (111.4 x 162.1 cm)
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York
Solomon R. Guggenheim Founding Collection, By gift. 37.239

The city will be even more alive than usual tonight. Many stores, including those below, will be open until 11pm with special events and activities to celebrate Fashion’s Night Out (FNO). After doing your part to stimulate the local economy, you can spend the weekend learning about the guy who basically put NYC on the map, or check out some of the city’s many Arts offerings for kids.

Baby CZ (FNO)
Carolina Zapf has just opened her first brick and mortar store to showcase her classic clothing lines for babies and children, including the luxury two-ply cashmere apparel for which she’s known. Now you can get in on the act; Zapf has launched a line of cashmere sweaters for women. Tonight, shop the fall collections and register to win a $500 shopping spree. The designer will also be on hand.
820 Madison Ave. (bet. 68th and 69th), 212-288-8030, babycz.com. (6-11pm)

Blue Tree (FNO)
Phoebe Cates’ charming UES boutique will be serving champagne and macaroons as shoppers peruse her eclectic mix of home goods, gifts, toys and kids’ clothing from around the world.
1283 Madison Ave., (bet. 91st and 92nd Sts.) 212-369-2583, bluetreenyc.com. (Open until 11pm)

Destination Maternity (FNO)
Massages, reps from 7 for All Mankind, “Mama Glow” prenatal yoga sessions (6:30pm & 7:30pm) and supermodel Veronica Webb are all part of Fashion’s Night Out at Destination Maternity’s flagship store on Madison. Webb, along with yoga instructor Latham Thomas and DM’s head designer, will take part in a panel on health, beauty and fashion that will be run by Vogue Senior Editor Abigail Walch (8-9pm).
28 E. 57th St. at Madison, 212-588-0220, destinationmaternity.com.(Open until 11pm)

The Upper Breast Side (FNO)
New York’s go-to breastfeeding resource center will have a special sale for one day only. Dessert snacks will be on offer as well as goodie bags, until supplies last. Throughout the evening, lactation consultants and doulas will be mingling with guests.
135 W. 70th St., (bet. B’way and Columbus Aves.), 212-873-2653, upperbreastside.com. (Open until 11pm)

For the weekend, when you’re done giving your plastic a workout or have had it with window shopping …

See
Jemima Puddle Duck
Hudson Vagabond Puppets presents its production of Beatrix Potter’s tale of an absent-minded duck who ventures out to find a place to lay her eggs. What she finds is trouble.
When: Sat. 9/12 at 1pm & 3pm, Sun. 9/13 at 1pm; adults $15, kids $10. Tickets available at theatermania.com.
Where: The West Side YMCA’s Marjorie S. Dean Little Theater at 5 W. 63rd St. Enter on 64th St.

Visit
New Amsterdam Village
See Bowling Green Park done up like a Dutch village. It’s all in the name of celebrating the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Henry Hudson when he was working for the Dutch East India Company. Wooden shoe making, glass blowing and a floral workshop are some of the craft activities set up in the village. Sample Dutch cheese, herrring and sirup waffles and check out live performances throughout the week.
When: 11am-7pm daily through 9/14; free. (All ages) Download a schedule of events at ny400.org.
Where: Bowling Green Park.

Do
New Island Festival on Governors Island
Also part of the NY400 events, the New Island Festival celebrates Dutch theater, dance and music. Events include a waterwalk, an archaeological dig,”Flying Piano” performances and a show featuring a cow that jumps through a hoop.
When: Fri. 9/11-Sun. 9/13, 11am-11pm; many of the events are free, but for others you’ll need a pass - $35 for an all-access, one-day “Passport.” For specific event times and directions, visit newislandfestival.com.
Where: Governors Island (free ferry available).

Try
WeBop! Jazz at Lincoln Center
Trial these classes which allow kids to explore jazz through movement, song, storytelling and play.
When: Sat. 9/12 11:30am (4-5 yrs) and 12:30pm (3-5 yrs); free. (Trial classes for younger children are already full.)RSVP to Xenia Rubinos at 212-258-9835.
Where: Louis Armstrong Classroom at the Irene Diamond Education Ctr. in Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, at B’way and 60th.

Create
The Jewish Museum’s Sculptural Honey Vessels Workshop
Craft a one-of-a-kind honey container in preparation for Rosh Hashanah.
When: Sun. 9/13, 12-4pm; free with museum admission. (Ages 4 and up)
Where: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave. at 92nd St., 212.423.3200, thejewishmuseum.org.

It may be Labor Day weekend, but there are still a few things to do around the city.

Go
Howl! Kids
Part of the Howl! Festival, the Lower East Side’s annual cultural arts fest, Howl! Kids offers free wall painting and sculpture classes plus various performances, including Taikoza Japanese drumming, Riverdancing and the City Parks Department’s Mobile Puppet Theater Production of Sleeping Beauty. The Downtown Orchestra Chamber will be on hand to introduce kids to instruments used in classical music.
When: Sat. 9/5 and Sun. 9/6; free (all ages). Check howlfestival.com for event times.
Where: Tompkins Square Park, bet. 7th and 10th Streets and Avenues A & B.Eat (and maybe Shop)
American Girl Grandparents’ Day
DD can take her Nana or Grandpa (and AG doll) to American Girl Place and enjoy a special meal. Then browse. So many little shoes, so little time. Commemorative pic included.
When: Sun. 9/6 at 5:30pm; $54 per person (ages 6 and up). RSVP to 1-877-247-5223.
Where: American Girl Place, 609 Fifth Ave. at 49th St., americangirl.com.

Hear
Summer HD Festival: La Boheme and more
The Metropolitan Opera wraps its Summer HD Festival, a 10-night run of productions from its Emmy- and Peabody-Award winning series, Live in HD. Watch opera under the stars. Productions are presented on a gigantic screen outside the opera house. Tonight’s featured production is Peter Grimes. La Boheme will show on Friday, Orfeo ed Euridice on Saturday, Il Trittico on Sunday and Madama Butterfly on Labor Day.
When: Thu. 9/3 - Mon. 9/7, starting nightly bet. 7:45 and 8PM; free. Check metfamilyopera.org for specific times.
Where: Lincoln Center Plaza in front of The Metropolitan Opera House. 2800 seats available.

Do
Raising Citizens: My Dream Job
As part of its Raising Citizens program, The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is hosting its My Dream Job series over Labor Day weekend. Kids and their families have the opportunity to meet NYC professionals and learn about what inspired these featured workers to pursue their chosen careers. A professional clown who has performed with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus and firefighters from Station 74 are just a few of the featured guests. Check cmom.org for schedule of other professionals.
When: Fri. 9/4-Mon. 9/7; no cost on Target Free First Friday night. All other days, patrons must pay museum admission. (Ages 5 and up)
Where: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St. (bet. B’way and Amst.), 212-721-1234.

Countdown to Labor Day …

Hear
The Metropolitan Opera’s Summer HD Festival
The Met’s Summer HD FestivalStarting this Saturday for 10 consecutive nights, The Metropolitcan Opera will present award-winning productions from its popular “The Met: Live in HD” series. Each opera will be shown on a giant screen in front of the opera house at Lincoln Center. Watch the stars under the stars; the productions feature opera greats, including Renee Fleming and Juan Diego Florez. Donizetti’s comic opera La Fille du Regiment will be shown on Saturday, Romeo and Juliette on Sunday.
When: Sat. 8/29 - Mon. 9/7. Nightly performances begin between 7:30 and 8pm; free tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis (3,000 seats available). Visit metoperafamily.org for exact times and schedule.
Where: In front of the Metropolitan Opera house at Lincoln Ctr.

Go
Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day
There are few events more New York than the NYC Marathon, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the U.S. Open. Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day kicks off the Open with a day of interactive games, tennis clinics and musical entertainment.
Unfortunately, the big afternoon concert with Jordin Sparks is already sold out.
When: Sat. 8/29, 9:30am-1pm; free.
Where: USTA Billie Jean King Nat’l Tennis Center, Flushing Queens, usopen.org.

Do
NYC Adventures
The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation and Backpacker magazine turn Central Park into an urban adventure playground. Trampoline performances, kayaking, yoga clinics, rock-climbing walls, a bike helmet giveaway and obstacle courses are all on tap.
When: Sat. 8/29, noon-4pm; free.
Where: Central Park Bandshell. Enter 72nd St from either side of Park, nycgovparks.org.

Dance
Let’s Dance Brooklyn!
This Fort Greene dance studio is hosting an open house on Sunday. It’s an opportunity to meet LDB instructors and for kids to trial a free dance class.
When: Sun. 8/30, Open House, 11am-2pm; Toddler & Parent Dance (ages 15 mos.-3yrs), 11:30am and 12:15pm; Creative Ballet (ages 3.5-5yrs.), 1pm; free.
Where: Let’s Dance Brooklyn, 138 S. Oxford St., Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Shop
Still Hip’s Bag Sale
The funky Clinton Hill resale boutique is getting ready to “purge” its summer and overstocked gear fall and winter inventory. Buy a bag for $15 or $18 and then go search sale bins and tables for kids’ clothing, maternity wear, toys and gear. Still Hip carries brands such as Zutano, Oilily, Hanna Andersson and Cadeau.
When: Sun. 8/30, noon-3pm (or until supplies last!
Where: Still Hip, 238 Grand Ave. (near Clifton), Brooklyn, 718-398-0008, stillhipbrooklyn.com.

We may be over this humidity kick, but Mother Nature doesn’t appear to be on board with that. A little escapism please …

Look
CMOM’s Summer Snow?
Maybe the Martha Madigan photos of snowmen will offer some much-needed relief. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is hosting Madigan’s exhibit of pictures of snowmen in various states of melting as well as “snowmen” made of sand. Madigan’s work is part of collections at the Met, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Using Madigan’s photos as inspiration, kids can make snowman dioramas and collages.
When: Opens Sat. 8/1 (and runs through Jan. 3^rd), 10am-5pm; free with museum admission.
(Diorama making at noon, 2, 3 & 4pm. Collages from 10-11:15am).
Where: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, The Tisch Bldg, 212 W. 83^rd St. (bet. Broadway and Amsterdam), 212-721-1223, cmom.org.

Hear
Yuto Miyazawa
Japanese child rock prodigy Miyazawa will be performing at the Highline Ballroom. Named last August in the Guinness Book of World Records as “The Youngest Professional Guitarist,” Miyazawa has played at NYC hotspots B.B King Blues Club & Grill and The Cutting Room.
When: Sun., 8/2, 2pm, $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
Where: The Highline Ballroom, 431 W. 16^th St., (bet. 9^th and 10^th Avenues), 212-414-5994; tickets available ticketweb.com.

See & Do
Evening Stars: Merce Cunningham Dance Company
Co-produced with The Joyce Theater and River to River Festival, the Merce Cunningham Dance Company is offering three free performances. Works were choreographed specifically for this site. The late Merce Cunningham, who passed away last Sunday, was one of the masters of contemporary dance. He will be honored after Saturday’s performance with a special tribute.
When: Sat., 8/1 at 6pm & Sun., 8/2 at 2pm and 6pm; free.
Where: Rockefeller Park, 29 River Terrace (bet. Chambers and Barclay Sts.), rivertorivernyc.com.

Dance in the Park: Family Movement Workshop with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company
Warm up before the show Saturday with dancers from the company who will assist families in creating their own dance “events.”
When: Sat., 8/1 and Sun., 8/2 at 4pm, free; age 6 and older.
Where: Rockefeller Park, 29 River Terrace, (bet. Chambers and Barclay Sts.). Reservations requested. E-mail name and number of participants in your party to mcdcfamilyday@joyce.org.

Listen
Bilingual Buds’ “The Three Bears”
Bilingual Buds sponsors an afternoon of Mandarin Chinese storytime at the Lincoln Triangle Barnes & Noble. The classic tale will be read in both Mandarin and English.
When: Sun., 8/2, noon; free.
Where: Barnes & Noble, 1972 Broadway (at 68^th St.), bilingualbudsnyc.com.

Take your mind off health care reform for a while …

Do
The High Line and Bash the Trash Environmental Arts
Finally a good excuse to check out the High Line. Kids will fashion their own instruments from recycled materials and then parade around this unique park created on an abandoned elevated railway.
When: Sat., 7/25, 11am; free.
Where: 10th Avenue Square, on the High Line at 17th St., RSVP at thehighline.org

Go
Still Hip’s 2nd Birthday Block Party
Brooklyn’s Still Hip boutique and neighbors host a block party on Grand Avenue. Free yoga, arts ‘n’ crafts and Spanish music classes. Performances by Rolie Polie Guacamole and LIG Funk Band.
When: Sat., 7/25, 10am-8pm; free.
Where: Brooklyn’s Grand Avenue between Lafayette and Clifton, stillhipbrooklyn.com.

Hear
Milkshake
On the kiddie rock circuit, this well-known band has already made the rounds on Noggin, PBS Kids and Discovery Kids. This weekend they play downtown at the Little Airplane Cafe.
When: Sun., 7/26, 1pm; tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.
Where: Little Airplane Cafe at Little Airplane Productions, 207 Front St., South Street Seaport, 212-965-8999, littleairplane.com.

Shop
Bundle
Save a bundle at Bundle, a relative newcomer on the Soho boutique scene. Take 30% off the shop’s well-edited collection of children’s clothing, including pieces from Acoustic, Neige, Splendid and Tea.
Where: Bundle, 128 Thompson St. (bet. Prince and Houston), 212-982-9465 and online at bundlenyc.com.

Plan
Hayao Miyazaki’s PONYO
Reserve tickets now for a special pre-release screening of Japanese animation master Hayao Miyazaki’s newest film, Ponyo. Academy-Award winner Miyazaki has previously brought us the acclaimed Spirited Away and Castle in the Sky. New York International Children’s Film Festival is presenting the screening in two weeks but tickets are going fast.
When: Sun., 8/9, 3pm; $15 non-members, $10 NYICFF members, all ages.
Where: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway (at 95th St.)
For tickets, visit gkids.com.

Do
The Ego and the Id
On your way to the zoo or midtown, head to the base of Central Park and check out this newly-installed sculpture from internationally acclaimed artist Franz West. No major time commitment and the trip is worth it. In bubblegum pink and other whimsical colors, the aluminum sculpture soars 20 feet high. Visitors can sit in stools that are built into the sculpture. West’s work has been featured at MoMA and other museums around the world.
When: 7/15-3/10; free.
Where: Doris C. Freedman Plaza, 60th St. and Fifth Ave., at entrance to Central Park, publicartfund.org.

Hear
Nation Beat
Give me a beat. Enjoy this concert/dance lesson combo. Nation Beat is mixture of thunderous Brazilian drumming, New Orleans rhythms, Appalachian-inspired bluegrass, funk, rock and country blues. Before the concert, Nation Beat will teach a free Brazilian dance class.
When: Sat., 7/18, 4-5pm, Brazilian dance class; 5-6pm Nation Beat concert; free.
Where: Riverwalk Commons on Roosevelt Island, (Take F train to Roosevelt Island or Roosevelt Island Tram at 59th and 2nd), rooseveltlive.com.

See
The Secret of Kells
Catch the U.S. premiere of this new animated film that just picked up an award at the Edinburgh Film Festival. Presented here by the New York International Children’s Film Festival, the Irish movie tells the story of 12-year-old Brendan who must take on Vikings and a serpent god to finish the legendary Book of Kells. A cut above typical kiddie fare on the silver screen.
When: Sat., 7/18 and Sun. 7/19, 11am. Ages 6 and up; $8.50 for children, $12.50 for adults.
Where: IFC Center, 323 W. Sixth Ave. (at W. Third), (212) 924-7771, gkids.com.

Shop
Firefly Children’s Boutique
Who doesn’t love a sample sale? Coats and vests are 10% off already reduced prices.
Where: South Street Seaport, 224 Front St., 646-416-6560; Park Slope, 240 Seventh Ave. (at Fourth St.), 718-965-3535 fireflychildrensboutique.com

Photo credit: Seong Kwon, courtesy of Public Art Fund