Theater & Dance

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.

See
Carnival of the Animals
The Little Orchestra Society presents this special performance where the Lolli-Pops characters put their own twist on the narration of this classic story, while Peter H. Reynolds (best-selling author and illustrator of the Judy Moody books) draws as the orchestra performs. Kids will get a taste of how to both see and hear how music tells a story.
When: Sat.-Sun. 1/28-1/29, Sat. 10 & 11:30am, Sun. 1 & 2:30pm; Ages 3-5; $15-$40.
Where: The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, East 68th St. bet. Park & Lexington, 212-971-9500, littleorchestra.org.

Go
Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration
Celebrate the holiday with performances by gravity-defying acrobats, festive musical ensembles, costumed folk dancers and the lion dance. Kids can learn the traditional techniques of paper cutting, face painting and calligraphy.
When: Sat. 1/28, arts & crafts 1-2:30pm, performances 2:30-4pm.
Where: World Financial Center Winter Garden, 200 Vessy St., artsworldfinancialcenter.com.

Read
Sesame Street Children’s Library
Select titles, including Elmo Says Achoo! and Elmo’s Breakfast Bingo, are now available as ebooks from Random House, focusing on early learning and reading readiness.
Where: randomhouse.com/kids.

Eat
Pampano Botaneria
Date night alert: Check out the sexy new bar and lounge on the first floor of chef Richard Sandoval’s midtown Mexican restaurant. Small plates (ceviche, huaraches, tacos and other bites) and handcrafted Latin cocktails (including an extensive sangria menu) taste even better after the kids have gone to bed.
Where: 209 East 49th St., 212-751-4545, richardsandoval.com.

See
The History Mystery
TADA! Youth Theater’s Resident Youth Ensemble presents this musical time-travel adventure. Meet Martin Luther King Jr., Eleanor Roosevelt, the Wright Brothers and other notable figures when they were children, and imagine how events from their youth may have shaped their futures. The production stars members of TADA’s Resident Youth Ensemble, ages 8 to 18.
When: Fri. 1/20 through Sun. 2/19 (weekends only); $25/adults, $15/kids.
Where: 15 West 28th St., 2nd floor, tadatheater.com.

VisitCamp Fair Tour
Get a preview of summer fun and meet dozens of camps for kids ages 3 to 17. The Director of Camper Placement of the American Camp Association will be on hand to answer questions and help guide your search.
When: Sat. 1/21, 12-3pm; Free.
Where: St. Jean Baptiste High School, 173 East 75th St. bet. Lexington & 3rd Ave.

Go
Celebrate Chinese New Year
Ring in the year of the dragon as Grace Chang and her dragon Jin Jin light up the stage with puppets, magical illusions, acrobats, miming and storytelling.
When: Sat. 1/21, 1pm; All ages; Free.
Where: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, brooklynpubliclibrary.org.

Eat
Kids Food Fest
Help teach little ones about healthy choices through fun activities like silly workouts and music performances — plus of course, family-friendly samples. Check the schedule and pick up advance tickets ($25) for special chef demos like guacamole tacos with Sam Talbot, mango-stuffed French toast with Ellie Krieger, and crepes with David Burke. Or, just bounce kiosk to kiosk through your own balanced plate scavenger hunt.
When: Sat.-Sun., 1/21-1/22, 10am-6pm; Free.
Where: Citi Pond at Bryant Park, kidsfoodfestival.com.

Go
35th Annual Three Kings Day Parade
Join El Museo del Barrio’s colorful celebration with camels, music, puppets and dancing in a procession through the streets of El Barrio in East Harlem.
When: Fri. 1/6, 10:30am-12pm; Free.
Where: 106th St. & Madison Ave. to 115th St. & Park Ave., elmuseo.org.

Do
Big Apple Circus
Catch acrobats, jugglers, trapeze flyers, animals and more in the final NYC weekend of Dream Big.
When: Through Sun., 1/8, $15-$95.
Where: Lincoln Center Plaza, bigapplecircus.org.

Hear
The Power of Eight
Hear multicultural music at Carnegie Hall, as musicians, instruments and cultures from around the globe (including Israel, Syria and Jordan) come together to promote peace.
When: Sun. 1/8, 8pm; All ages; $35-$85 (40% off for kids 12 and under).
Where: Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, 154 West 57th St. at 7th Ave., 212-247-7800, listenforlife.org.

Shop
Polarn O. Pyret
The simple Swedish kiddie brand newly launched stateside is discounting its winter wear up to 50 percent off, in stores (UWS and Tribeca) and online.
Where: 200 Chambers St., 428 Columbus Ave., polarnopyretusa.com.

Happy New Year!

Visit
Happy 2012 at CMOM
Kids can stop by on Saturday to create colorful noise makers and add their wishes to the museum’s mural.
When: Sat. 12/31, 10am-12pm & 1-4pm; All ages; Free with museum admission.
Where: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd St., 212-721-1223, cmom.org.

See
NYE Fireworks at Prospect Park
It’s not quite as balmy as July, but this special holiday fireworks display includes entertainment and toasty drinks.
When: Sat. 12/31, 11pm; All ages; Free.
Where: Prospect Park, Grand Army Plaza (check the website for best locations), prospectpark.org.

Go
Golden Dragon Acrobats
Cheer on this world-famous Chinese cirque featuring death-defying acrobats, jugglers and contortionists.
When: Through Sat. 12/31, 2pm & 7pm; $32 or 4 for $100.
Where: Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Avenue South, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, 718-760-0064, queenstheatre.org.

Eat
Family Twilight New Year’s Eve Party
Neely’s Barbecue Parlor hosts an early supper for families to ring in the new year. Toast 2012 with sparkling mocktails, a three-course kids menu, pinata ball drop, cupcake decorating and a kiddie dance floor. For the adults, executive chef Wade Burch is whipping up a menu featuring unique takes on classic Southern dishes.
When: Sat. 12/31, 4pm; $12.95/Kids, $59.95/Adults.
Where: Neely’s, 1125 First Ave., 212-832-1551, neelysbbqparlor.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

Holiday Lighting in Central Park

Families can celebrate the season at this annual event on the northern end of the park. Take a photo with Santa (bring your camera), make holiday crafts and decorate cookies before caroling and of course, the big tree-lighting ceremony at dusk.
When: Sun. 12/4, 4-5:30pm; All ages; Free.
Where: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, East 110th St. bet. Lenox & Fifth Ave., 212-860-1370, centralparknyc.org.

Go
Annual Holiday Family Day
Venture up to Pelham for storytelling, crafts, shopping, caroling and photos with Santa. Don’t miss the Christmas trees inspired by children’s holiday stories throughout the house.
When: Sat. 12/3, 10am-1pm; $20 ages 1+ (free for adults and kids under 1).
Where: Bartrow-Pell Mansion Museum, 895 Shore Road, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx, 718-885-1461, bartrowpellmansionmuseum.org.

See
The Reluctant Dragon
Catch this adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s 1898 English fantasy that tells the tale of a little girl and the poetry-reading creature she befriends.
When: Sat. & Sun. through 12/18, 12:30 & 2:30pm; Ages 3+; $8/Adults, $7/Kids.
Where: Puppetworks, 338 Sixth Ave. at 4th St., Park Slope, Brooklyn, 718-965-3391, puppetworks.org.

Shop
REI SoHo
Just in time for ski season, the outdoorsy retailer opens its first Manhattan store this weekend in the Puck Building. Bring your bike or skis for a quick diagnosis at the ground-level bike and ski stop, then check out the three floors of gear and apparel.
When: Opens Fri. 12/2, 10am.
Where: 303 Lafayette St., rei.com.

Happy Thanksgiving!

See
Angelina Ballerina, The Very Merry Holiday Musical
See the adorable little mouse twirl her way through saving a special holiday pageant.
When: Sat.-Sun., 11/26-11/27, 11am, 1pm & 3pm. Through 1/2; Ages 3-12; $29.50-$49.50.
Where: McGinn/Cazale Theatre, 2162 Broadway at 76th St., 4th floor, angelinaballerinathemusical.com.

Hear
The Mistletones
Get into the spirit with these high-energy, hipster singers and their classic holiday tunes.
When: Fri.-Sun., 11/25-11/27, 1-3pm; Free.
Where: South Street Seaport, partysingers.com.

Visit
Jim Henson & Fantasia
Catch fifteen iconic puppets from Miss Piggy to Kermit the Frog in the exhibit Jim Henson’s Fantastic World (through Jan. 16; guided tours Sat. & Sun. 2pm). Then, stay for a screening of the magical Disney animated film Fantasia.
When: Screening Fri. 1/25 7pm, Sat.-Sun. 1/26-1/27 3pm; Free with museum admission.
Where: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 Ave., Astoria, 718-777-6888, movingimage.us.

Go
The Muppets
A childhood favorite, redone in 2011 style. This latest caper is set in sunny LA, as the puppets and their pals (Jason Segal, Amy Adams and others) stage the Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever. Rated PG.
Where: Select theaters, disney.com.go/muppets.

Shop
8moms
Forget the crowds on Black Friday. Sign up for daily deals and discounts, from beauty to organic gifts, on this new mom-centric site.
Where: 8moms.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.