Brooklyn

A little Ailey, an early Nutcracker, a pre-Thanksgiving feast, a pop-up celebration and an Elmo library card. Hey, his show did just turn 40.

Do
CMOM’s Ailey Day of Dance
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is hosting an Ailey Day of Dance. Members of Ailey II (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s second company) will lead workshops teaching kids basic movements and exercises. Ailey II dancers will also perform an excerpt from Isba (choreographed by the great Alvin Ailey) a ritualistic celebration of courtship and marriage with African tribal influences.
When: Sat., 11/14. Dance workshops at 2 & 3:15pm. Isba duet performances at 2:35 & 3:50pm. Free with the price of admission, which is $10. Sign up for workshops one hour before start time at the Visitor Info. Desk. Tickets for performances are distributed one hour before showtimes at the Visitor Info. Desk.
(Ages 5 and up)
Where: CMOM, 212 W. 83rd St. cmom.org.

See
Dances Patrelle’s The Yorkville Nutcracker
Get your Nutcracker fix a little early. Check out an excerpt from Dances Patrelle’s The Yorkville Nutcracker at the Barnes & Noble on 86th and Lex. The beloved holiday classic is set in 1895 NYC. Dancers will be in full costume and available to meet and greet store visitors.
When: Sun., 11/15, 4pm; free. (All ages)
Where: Barnes & Noble, 150 E. 86th St. at Lex.

Go
Pop-up Celebration
Books of Wonder is hosting its fourth annual Pop-up Celebration honoring pop-ups and other books created through the art of paper engineering. Front and center will be seven authors, illustrators and paper engineers. The book line-up includes The Sound of Music, the three buggy pop-ups (Snow Bugs, School bugs, The Big Bug Book), Christmas Tree in a Box and A Pop-up Book of Nursery Rhymes. Unfortunately, the king of pop-up, Robert Sabuda, had to bow out of this year’s event, but Books of Wonder is selling signed copies of his books.
When: Sat., 11/14, noon-2pm; free.
Where: Books of Wonder, 18 W. 18th St., (212) 989-3270, booksofwonder.com.

Eat
Susie’s Supper Club
The online meal delivery service for busy NY families (and those of us too lazy to cook!) is having a tasting party on the UES. Sample some of Susie’s fall favorites: butternut squash pizzas, sweet potato fritters, apple pie bars and veggie soup shots plus cocktails and more. Nutritional counseling available. Kids can decorate cupcakes and learn some healthy eating basics with fun props.
When: Sat., 11/4, 2-5pm; free. RSVP to rsvp@susiessupperclub.com. Free.
Where: 103 E. 75th St.

Visit
BPL’s Sesame Street Family Day
A three-month long exhibit honoring Sesame Street’s big 4-0 kicks off this Saturday with Family Fun Day at Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library. Festivities include Sesame Street arts ‘n’ crafts, reading activities and a screening of The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland. The library will be offering limited-edition, Elmo-themed library cards. America’s favorite red fuzzy guy will also put in appearances throughout the day. The special exhibit, Sesame Street: A Celebration of 40 Years of Life on the Street, features show scripts, sheet music, animal cels, behind-the-scenes photos and much more.
When: Sat., 11/4, 11am-4pm. Elmo will make appearances for 30 minutes, every hour on the hour. Free.
Where: Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn. brooklynpubliclibrary.org.

Lipstick (as well as the Lipstick Index “economic indicator”) is getting some tough competition this recession. Apparently our retail therapy these days is all about expensive perfumes and shoes, a hell of a lot of shoes according to a recent New York Times article. Since we’re widening the playing field when it comes to pick-me-up purchases, we may as well look at other options.

Enter Pip-squeak Chapeau Etc. The Brooklyn-based apparel collection - think chunky knit hats, scarves and baby booties - now has its first stand-alone store. Not only can you snatch up these pieces at Barney’s and ABC Carpet and Home but also on Franklin Street in Greenpoint. For Pip-squeak Chapeau designer Sveta Dresher, folk chic is not an oxymoron. Dresher hails from Moscow (and was trained as a geologist and veterinary nurse!). She’s got a knack for achieving an ethnically-infused, effortless aesthetic in her line. Her warm weather headgear for both kids and women is some of the most stylish around. (You won’t even mind getting hat head.) Dresher’s collection, crafted from 100% natural materials, including cotton, alpaca and bamboo, also features wrap tops, loose-fitting tunics and a must-have tie skirt.

In addition to clothing, the Brooklyn store offers home textiles plus jewelry, ceramics (check out the waffles set) and paintings from local designers. Everything is handmade in Brooklyn by local artisans.

Support the local economy.

Pip-squeak Chapeau Etc., 99 Franklin St., Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 718-302-2302, pip-squeakchapeau.com.

A junior version of Robert De Niro’s Tribeca Film Festival. Climbing aboard NY’s namesake. An early start for S’mores season and a disco milestone in Brooklyn.

See
Tribeca Cinemas Kids Club
From the company that brings us the Tribeca Film Festival comes Tribeca Cinemas Kids Club, a family film series of feature and short films. Saturday the Club will be screening eight shorts in the morning and then Mad Hot Ballroom in the afternoon. Emmy-Award-winning director Jennifer Oxley, of Little Bill and Sesame Street fame, helmed three of the shorts. Following each screening is a Q&A session with filmmakers plus other activities, including arts ‘n’ crafts and live music. (The Kids Club will take place on the first and third Saturday of each month through March 27, 2010.)
When: Sat., 11/7, 10:30- shorts (ages 3 and up); 1:30 Mad Hot Ballroom (ages 7 and up). Kids under 14 - $7 /single screening and $12/double-feature. Adults and older kids - $10/single screening and $18/double-feature. Purchase tickets at tribecafilm.com.
Where: Tribeca Cinemas, 54 Varick St.

Do
USS New York
The USS New York, which includes seven and a half tons of steel from the World Trade Center’s twin towers, will be commissioned on Saturday. Sunday morning, the ship is open to the public. Climb aboard and remember the ship’s motto: “Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget.”
When: Sun., 11/8, 9am-noon. Long lines are expected so arrive early. Adults should bring a photo ID. No large packages or backpacks permitted aboard ship.
Where: Pier 88, 12th Ave. at W. 48th St. ussnewyork.org.

Go
New York Family/ACA-NY Camp Fairs
The Yankees just won the World Series, and yet it’s already time to start thinking about planning for next summer. New York Family magazine and the American Camp Association are co-hosting a series of free camp fairs. Meet directors from sleepaway camps and local day camps. (Summer programs are for kids ages 3-13.)
When: Sat., 11/7, 12-3pm and Sun., 11/8, 12-3pm; free.
Where: Sat., 11/7 - (UES) Lycee Francais de New York, 505 E. 75th St. (and York Ave.).
Sun., 11/8- (UWS) Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 7 W. 83rd St. (bet. CPW and Columbus Ave.)
(Also, Sat., 11/14, downtown at Friends Seminary School, 222 E. 16th St. bet. 3rd Ave. and Rutherford Pl.)

Dance
Baby Loves Disco Pajama Party
Celebrate Baby Loves Disco’s fifth birthday. Jump into your jammies and get ready to channel your inner Dancing Queen.
When: Sat., 11/7, 2-5pm; “$12 in advance per walking human/$15 at the door” and crawlers get in free. (Ages 6 mths -7 yrs). Tickets available at babylovesdisco.com.
Where: Southpaw, 125 Fifth Ave., Brooklyn.

A haunted ship, a monster mash, a lot of pumpkin beautification and some arias for a famous story about chocolate. Happy Halloween!

Climb Aboard
Spooktacular at the Intrepid
The newly renovated Intrepid will feature a haunted house, pumpkin painting, magic shows, stilt walkers and scarecrows. Free admission for visitors in costume.
When: Sat., 10/31 and Sun., 11/1, 11am-4pm; magic shows at noon and 2pm; free with admission. (Ages 3-12)
Where: The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, 46th St. and 12th Ave., intrepidmuseum.org.

Go
American Museum of Natural History
Curious George, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Miffy are just a few of the characters that will be on hand to greet costumed kids as they arrive for the museum’s 14th annual Halloween celebration. Children can wander the halls and go trick-or-treating. The festivities will include live performances, stilt walkers and a master pumpkin carver.
When: Sat., 10/31 from 2pm-5pm; $10. Tickets can be purchased at amnh.org.
Where: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th St.

Do
Monster Mash Fest at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
A Mad Scientist’s Lab, Creepy Crawly Creatures plus Wee Little Monsters (fun, scary stories for the five-and-under set). A costume parade closes down the party each night.
When: Fri., 10/30 and Sat., 10/31 from 5pm-8pm; $10 per person. Recommended - purchase tickets ahead of time at the museum’s admissions desk. (All ages)
Where: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Mark’s Ave. 718-735-4400, brooklynkids.org.

March
The Scholastic Store’s Halloween Costume Parade
Head down to Soho to accompany your little goblin in a parade “around Soho” (about a 1/2 a block). Kids can make goodie bags in preparation for evening trick-or-treating. Storytime features a reading of There was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Bat.
When: Sat., 10/31, 3pm; free. (All ages)
Where: The Scholastic Store, 557 B’way (bet. Prince and Spring St.).

Taste
Chocolate Show
For when the trick-or-treating haul simply doesn’t suffice. The KidZone at the 12th Annual Chocolate Show will host the Chocolate Club @ UCF. Members of the University of Central Florida’s club will teach Chocolate 101. Kids can learn how chocolate is made and what the difference is between white, dark and milk chocolate. (Entry to the Chocolate Club requires a small donation to Share Our Strength, a national organization dedicated to ending child hunger.) Also in the zone, check out edible arts ‘n’ crafts and catch a sneak peak of The Golden Ticket, a new opera based on Roald Dahl’s beloved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Oompa Loompa.
When: Fri., 10/30, noon-8pm; Sat., 10/31, 10am-8pm; Sun., 11/1, 10am-5pm. Advance tix, $28 per adult, available online at ticketmaster.com. Adults, $30 at door, kids under 5 are free, kids 5-12 are free with adult (2 kids per adult with each additional child costing $8).
Where: The Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St. chocolateshow.com.

The butterflies are back in town as is Harold and a certain-colored crayon. The Shake Shack goes Bavarian while an African folktale goes hip-hop. Plus Boo at the Zoo for you.

Go
The Butterfly Conservatory:
Butterflies Alive in Winter
Twelve years ago, The American Museum of Natural History held what was supposed to be a one-time event featuring fluttering members of the Order Lepidoptera. The exhibit proved to be so popular that AMNH has hosted an annual exhibition of live butterflies ever since, explains Hazel Davies, Manager of Living Exhibits at the museum. The Conservatory’s butterflies hail from farms in Florida, Costa Rica, Kenya, Malaysia, Ecuador and Thailand. Because the butterflies typically live only two-three weeks, the museum receives about 500 pupae (AKA replacement butterflies) per week, via DHL and FedEx no less, during the run of the exhibit. They’re released into the vivarium once they emerge. Note: dress (undress) appropriately. It’s 80 degrees inside the vivarium with 75% humidity.
When: Starts Sat. 10/10 and runs through 5/31/10. (Open daily 10am-5:45pm). Time-specific tix for exhibit include general admission: $24 adults, $18 seniors/students, $14 children (2-12). Available online at amnh.org.
Where: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St.

See
Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth
The Hip-Hop Theater Festival brings us a modern adaptation of classic African folklore. The plot: Zomo must perform three tasks before he can receive the ultimate power from The Sky God. Set in NYC, the story leads to the celebration of hip-hop culture.
When: Fri., 10/9 at 3pm; Sat., 10/10 at 3pm; Sun., 10/11 at 1pm. $20 per ticket, available at theatermania.com. (Ages 4 and up)
Where: Ohio Theater, 66 Wooster St., bet. Spring and Broome Sts.

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: Now through Sun., 10/11; 11am-11pm. shakeshack.com.
Where: Madison Square Park- SE corner of Mad. Sq. Pk, near Madison Ave & E. 23rd St.
UWS - 366 Columbus Ave. at 77th St.

Do
Boo at the Zoo
For the next four weekends, the Bronx Zoo is going all out for Halloween with the Haunted Safari, mask making from recycled materials, a hay maze, bats and cats, plus more. Kids ages 3-12 who come in a wildlife costume are admitted free with an adult who is paying a full-priced admission.
When: 10/10-10/12, 10/17-10/18, 10/24-10/25 and 10/31-11/1. Check bronxzoo.com for specific activity times.
Where: Bronx Zoo, Fordham Rd. and Bronx River Parkway.

Watch
The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon
As part of its 2009-2010 Target Family Fun series, Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts presents The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon, based on the book series by Crockett Johnson. The Enchantment Theatre Company’s production features life-size puppets, music, masks and magic.
When: Sun., 10/11 at 2pm. Runs approx. 50 minutes. $6 per ticket. Available online at brooklyncenteronline.org or by calling (718) 951-4500. (Ages 5 and up.)
Where: Brooklyn Ctr for the Performing Arts, Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College, 2900 Campus Rd. & Hillel Place (1 block west of “The Junction.”)

Photo credit (Butterfly): AMNH\D.Finnin.

Being pregnant doesn’t mean you’ve got to give up your sense of style for drawstring pants. But in this economy, it’s hard to justify spending a lot of money on designer maternity garb that won’t be a mainstay in your wardrobe nine months down the road. Even so, vanity calls (and not in a bad way)!

Madison Rose is a new resale maternity store in Brooklyn and carries brands including Diane von Furstenberg, Cadeau and A Pea in the Pod. Ninety percent of the clothing is pre-owned, but do not confuse this boutique with a consignment shop. Husband-and-wife team Jilian and Chris DiChiaro scour the country, carefully edit potential donations and give 30%-40% of the original cost of each item to the donor upfront or a 40%-50% trade credit. MR also has a divine denim collection. Think Seven for All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity and Rock & Republic. The clothes sell for at least 50% off regular retail prices. Madison Rose also offers new nursing-wear items from Milk and Lait. Almost every piece in the store is less than $150.

That means more money for the 529.

Visit madisonrosematernity.com.

Go
19th Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in NY
A visual and aural feast to celebrate the “Year of the Ox.” Crews in colorful, custom-made teak dragon boats from Hong Kong compete in various races. The weekend festivities also include a presentation by the Dragon Dancing Team, a martial arts display, various multicultural musical performances and traditional Chinese craft-making. Plus Nick Jr.’s Kai-lan will put in an appearance.
When: Sat. 8/8 and Sun. 8/9, 9am-5pm; free.
Where: Flushing Meadows Park, Queens, hkdbf-ny.org.

Watch
Stone Soup
A musical version of the classic fable of two lost soldiers who stumble upon a village in search of food. After being rejected, the soldiers whip up a bowl of stone soup and bring the whole community together. Audience members are encouraged to bring canned goods to place in a soup pot for City Harvest. Kids can make their own clay soup bowls in a free pre-show workshop.
When: Sat. 8/8 and Sun. 8/9 at 11am. Pre-show workshop at 10am; show tickets $25-$40 (ages 3 and up).
Where: The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St., (bet. 3rd and Bleecker), tix available at ovationtix.com.

Do
Beat Street
Bring in da noise, bring in da funk at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum’s Target Free Family Jams series. Tap dancing phenom Michela Marino Lerman will lead tap dancers in a tap dance “explosion.” Start the evening with the films Strega Nona and Stone Soup (yes, more Stone Soup).
When: Fri. 8/7, movies at 5pm and tap dancing at 6:30pm; free (all ages).
Where: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn (at St. Marks Ave.), 718-735-4400, brooklynkids.org.

Hear
Putumayo Kids’ Picnic Playground Tour
Putumayo Kids’ artist Jay Mankita will share songs from the latest album, Picnic Playground, which celebrates food from around the globe.
When: Sat. 8/8 at 4pm and Sun. 8/9 at 1pm; free.
Where: 8/8 - Carroll Park, Brooklyn (bet. Smith and Court Sts. and Carroll and President Sts.). 8/9 - Central Park’s Peter Jay Sharp Children’s Glade inside the park at 106th St. Enter park at CPW and 106th St.

Shop
Nicole Richie & “A Pea in the Pod”
Style maven Nicole Richie brings her boho-chic fashion sense to a new line for “A Pea in the Pod.” Check out the collection as it is unveiled at Destination Maternity. Enter for a chance to win Nicole’s entire collection plus a $2,500 shopping spree.
When: Fri., 8/7, 10am-8pm.
Where: Destination Maternity, 28 E. 57th St. (at Mad.), 212-588-0220, destinationmaternity.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

For your “staycation.”

Go
Sportacular Family Fitness Fest
Move it, move it at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Play games from around the world, navigate an obstacle course, and watch competitive Double Dutch jumpers plus beach tennis and fencing demos.
When: Sat. 7/11 & Sun. 7/12, 11:30am-5pm (All ages); Free with the cost of admission.
Where: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue (at St. Marks Ave.),
(718) 735-4400, brooklynkids.org.

See
Central Park SumerStage Family Day
Yo Gabba Gabba! characters DJ Lance and Brobee hit SummerStage, along with The Fresh Beat Band (They’ve got a Nickelodeon show on the way.) and award-wining children’s book author and illustrator Iza Trapani. Puppeteers from the famed Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater will perform a modernized Sleeping Beauty.
When: Sun. 7/12, 3-7pm; Free.
Where: Central Park SummerStage at Rumsey Playfield, 212-360-2777,
summerstage.org.

Hear
Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra
Take it Big Easy. The only thing missing is the gumbo at this ROOSEVELT L!VE concert. Brother Joscephus et al. bring the sounds of New Orleans to Riverwalk Commons.
When: Sat. 6/11, 4-6pm; Free.
Where: Riverwalk Commons on Roosevelt Island (Take F train to Roosevelt Island or Roosevelt Island Tram at 59^th and 2^nd), rooseveltlive.com.
Shop
Giggle
The Summer 2009 Sale is in full swing. Enjoy 70% off on clothing, bedding, bags, stationery and toys from Giggle’s well-edited collection of top brands, including Cabana Life, Tea and Egg by Susan Lazar.
When: Now until supplies last.
Where: UES - 1033 Lexington Ave. (at 74^th St.), 212-249-4249.
SoHo - 120 Wooster St. (between Prince & Spring), 212-334-5817.
(Plus all other Giggle stores and online at giggle.com.)