Brooklyn

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.

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
Santa’s Winter Garden
Head downtown to take a holiday photo with Santa, and meet his reindeer and Elves. Proceeds benefit the Brooke Jackman Foundation.
When: Fri. & Sat. 12/9-12/10 10am-7pm, Sun. 12/11 10am-5pm (Santa breaks from 1-2pm); All ages; $20 and up.
Where: WFC Winter Garden, 200 Vesey St. at West St., artsworldfinancialcenter.com.

Go
New York Family Camp Fair
Start making camp memories now: Check out more than 60 summer programs for ages 3 to 17. Experts from the American Camp Association will be on hand to answer questions and help direct families to the right choice.
When: Sun. 12/11, 12-3pm; Free.
Where: Ethical Culture Fieldston School, 33 Central Park West (bet. 63rd & 64th St.), newyorkfamilycamps.com.

Do
Holiday Extravaganza
Meet in front of the Greenpoint Y for a parade, followed by pancakes, kiddie crafts, and of course, Santa. Stay for an afternoon performance by PS 34 Children’s Choir.
When: Sat. 12/10, 11:30 parade, 12-2 brunch, 2pm chorus; Free.
Where: Greenpoint Y, 99 Messerole Ave. (Manhattan Ave./Lorimer St.), townsquareinc.com.

Hear
Suzi Shelton Band’s Rockin’ Holiday Party
This third annual event features holiday cheer and fun tunes from Suzi and kiddie-rocker friends like Kira Wiley, the Gumdrops and Baze and His Silly Friends. Plus catch the debut of Suzi’s new music video, Tomboy in a Dress.
When: Sun. 12/11, 11:30am; $12 (under 2 free).
Where: The Bell House, 149 7th St., Brooklyn, 718-643-6510, suzishelton.com.

Shop
Love and Care
Holiday gift alert: Stock up on gorgeous art and coffee-table books from publishers PQ Blackwell, Abrams and Chronicle Books at these temporary pop-up book shops with Meatpacking District and South Street Seaport locations. Add themes like interior design, travel, beauty, music and nature to your family’s library — at a discount.
When: Through 12/30, Mon.-Sun. 11am-8pm.
Where: 334 West 14th St. (corner of Ninth Ave. & Hudson) and 12 Fulton St., pqblackwell.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.

Hear
Happily Ever Moey
Dress up in your sparkly finest and rock out to kid-power musical versions of beloved fairy tales with Moey’s Music Party’s new CD/DVD, Happily Ever Moey! A Fairy Tale Lark in Central Park. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative fairy tale dress-up attire, and crowns and pompoms are provided for all.
When: Sun. 10/23, 10am; $16.
Where: The JCC, 334 Amsterdam Ave. near West 76th St., 646-505-5708, jccmanhattan.org.

See
Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade
Dress up your pooch and join this 21st annual “Howl-O-Ween” celebration for costumed canines. In the country’s largest parade for dogs, pups can compete for prizes and help raise funds for the famous dog run.
When: Sat. 10/22, 12pm.
Where: East 9th St. bet. Ave. A & B, firstrunfriends.org.

Do
Baby Loves Disco
Come dressed to impress and ready to dance in a favorite Halloween costume. Beyond the groovy tunes, this disco will have snack and juice samples, sock-puppet making, soccer stars and other activities.
When: Sun. 10/23, 12-3pm; Ages 6 months to 7 years; $20 or 4 for $60.
Where: Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker St., babylovesdisco.com.

Go
Family Pumpkin Party at Moomah
Carve a pumpkin (they’ll clean up the mess!) and listen to spooky tunes, enjoy some snacks and catch kid-friendly Halloween movies at this fun family fete.
When: Fri. 10/21, 6-8pm; $25 (reservations required).
Where: Moomah, 161 Hudson St., 212-226-0345, moomah.com.

Visit
Cobble Hill Harvest Festival
Celebrate fall with a Halloween parade, face painting, storytelling, art activities, mask making and pumpkin decorating. Catch favorite not-so-scary songs from Erin Lee and the Up Past Bedtime Band (10:30-11:30am) and the Pop Ups’ educational and comic musical adventure through the magical land of Brooklyn (12-1pm).
When: Sat. 10/22, 10:30am-1pm; Free.
Where: Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park, brooklynbridgeparknyc.org.

Go
CMA Block Party
Celebrate the Children’s Museum of the Arts’ new home with a grand opening block party. Enjoy the outdoor fest with face painting, chalk art, live music and an interactive photo booth.
When: Sat. 10/1, 10-6pm; Free.
Where: 103 Charlton St., cmany.org.

See
Enchanted Fairies & Elves
Kids can learn incantations to call these protectors of woods and streams. Make houses and wings for the little friends that protect nature.
When: Sun. 10/2, 11am; Free.
Where: Teadrop Park, Battery Park bet. Warren St. and Murray St., 212-267-9700, bpcparks.org.

Go
Atlantic Antic
This 37th annual festival is the biggest and best in the city. Kids will love pony rides, storytelling and face painting on a dedicated family-friendly block. Don’t forget the funnel cake!
When: Sun. 10/2, 12-6pm.
Where: Atlantic Ave., Hicks St. to Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, atlanticave.org.

Do
Pumpkin Day
Ready for fall? Kids can pick out, decorate and take home an autumn pumpkin. Plus enjoy arts, crafts and live music.
When: Sat. 10/1, 11am-1pm.
Where: McCarren Park, Nassua Ave., Bayard, Leonard and North 12 St., Brooklyn, nycgovparks.org.

See
There Was An Old Woman Who Swallowed A Fly And Other Heroines That Reach For The Sky!
As part of Fringe NYC’s FringeJR festival, see this original kids’ musical that pays tribute to long-lost folk and fairy tales from around the world. Heroic females are in the forefront, as three actresses portray almost 30 characters.
When: Thurs. 8/18, 5pm; Ages 5-7; $15.
Where: The Studio at Cherry Lane Theatre, Commerce St., fringenyc.org.

Go
Tangled at RiverFlicks for Kids
This retelling of the classic Rapunzel tale is good clean fun (recommended for ages 5+). Get there early for a good spot at the outdoor movie — bring your own chairs and blankets, and snack on free popcorn.
When: Fri. 8/19, dusk (usually around 8:30pm); Free.
Where: Pier 46, Hudson River Park at Charles St., riverflicks.com.

Do
Food Truck Rally
Snack your way through the day: Sample some of the city’s best food trucks, like Cupcake Stop, Rickshaw Dumpling and The Eddie’s Pizza Truck, at Grand Army Plaza. Plus catch live entertainment by the Wahoos (12-3pm).
When: Sun. 8/21, 11am-5pm.
Where: Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, brooklyn.com.

Visit
Brooklyn Heights Scavenger Hunt
Test your knowledge of the Brooklyn Heights area and its history in this fun family-friendly hunt. Participants who successfully complete the hunt before 5pm are eligible to win borough-centric prizes like hats, neighborhood guides and postcards.
When: Sun. 8/21, 12-5pm; Ages 5+; Free.
Where: Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont St., Brooklyn, brooklynhistory.org.

Visit

Lincoln Center Family Day
See four NYC dance troupes represent West African, Afro-Brazilian, salsa, and hip-hop styles in a vibrant performance.
When: Sun. 7/31, 2pm; All ages; Free.
Where: Hearst Plaza, Lincoln Center, lcoutofdoors.org.

Hear
Danna Banana
Check out what’s known as “music for kids that parents can stand” as the Bananappeal musician performs his playful hits.
When: Thurs. 7/28, 10am-11am; Free.
Where: Albee Square, Fulton St. & Bond St., Brooklyn, dbpartnership.org.

Go
Great Jazz on the Great Hill
Bring a picnic blanket and park your stroller to listen to live jazz music by The George Gee Swing Orchestra. Kids will love the interactive art project for families and treats from Spoonbread restaurant.
When: Sat. 7/30, 2-5pm; Free.
Where: Great Hill (enter at West 106th St.), Central Park, 212-860-1370, centralparknyc.org.

Do
16th Annual Sandcastle Contest
Bring your buckets and build sandcastles on the seashore together—register at 10am to be eligible for prizes (by age category) for the most fab sand creations.
When: Sun. 7/31, 12-2pm; All ages; Free.
Where: Beach 117th St. in Rockaway Beach, Queens, 718-318-4000, nycgovparks.org.

Read
Hottest Baby Names of 2011
Pippa, Archer, Arlo and Flynn: The experts at Nameberry have analyzed the most popular names of the year so far. Are you on trend?
Where: nameberry.com.

Go
2011 Children’s Shakespeare Festival
Take budding bards to a production of Mini Tempest, adapted and directed by award-winning playwright Morna Martell. Little ones can even join in the ensemble scenes.
When: Sat. & Sun. 7/23-7/24, 5pm; All ages; Free.
Where: West Side Community Garden, West 89th St. bet. Amsterdam & Columbus, westsidecommunitygarden.org.

See
Free Willy
Enjoy a kid-favorite film al fresco, as SummerStarz presents its seventh annual music and movie series for local families. Head to the East River State Park for arts and crafts, games and live music.
When: Thurs. 7/21, 6-11pm (movie starts at sunset); All ages; Free
Where: East River State Park, North 8th St. &  Kent Ave., Brooklyn, 347-276-4979, nycgovparks.org.

Hear
Shine & The Moonbeams
Kids will stomp their feet, clap their hands and sing to soul music revamped for all ages.
When: Thurs. 7/21, 10:30am; All ages; Free.
Where: Morningside Park, West 110th to West 123rd St. and Manhattan Ave. to Morningside Drive, 212-360-8290, cityparksfoundation.org.

Visit
New Museum Block Party
It may not be the city’s most kid-friendly museum, but the downtown space is branching into the street for a day of events including a scavenger hunt, fortune-telling monkey, dance performances and storytelling.
When: Sat. 7/23, 12-5pm; All ages; Free.
Where: Sara D. Roosevelt Park, Chrystie St. bet. Delancey & Broome, 212-219-1222, newmuseum.org.

Swimming isn’t just for hotel guests on a sunny afternoon. Believe it or not, NYC is full of outdoor pools that offer that most surreal of summer-in-the-city experiences: the urban pool party. Even better, all city outdoor pools are free—and open through Labor Day. General hours of operation are 11am to 7pm (with a break for pool cleaning between 3pm and 4pm). Check out one of these faves below (call the individual pools for more specific information, or visit nycgovparks.org).

Asser Levy Recreation Center
East 23rd St. & FDR
212-447-2020
Pack some sandwiches and spend the day splashing around this outdoor pool in Kips Bay, which dates from the 1930s. There’s also a wading pool for toddlers. Swim lessons are available to members.

Astoria Pool
Astoria Park, 19th St. at 23rd Drive, Queens
718-626-8620
At 165 feet wide by 330 feet long, this pool — situated on the East River — is the largest in the city and has incredible views of Manhattan’s skyline. Opened by Robert Moses in 1936, the Art Deco pool features vintage details such as mushroom fountains that spray water 25 feet in the air, underwater lighting fixtures, “no water pistols” signs, and wooden changing booths.

Barretto Point Park
Tiffany St. & Viele Ave., Bronx
718-617-2373
The “Floating Pool Lady,” a seven-lane pool on a barge, has parked in Hunts Point this summer. The freshwater pool has a pool house, locker rooms, bathrooms and great views of the NYC waterfront.

Tony Dapolito Recreation Center
1 Clarkson St. (7th Ave. South & Leroy)
212-242-5228
Formerly known as the Carmine Recreation Center, this West Village 100-feet by 50-feet outdoor pool has lap lanes in the deep end and a diving board. Constructed in the 1930s, a large fish mural was added in 1987 by pop-artist Keith Haring. The locals play handball and bocce at the on site courts, and the kids can play at the playground and ball fields.

Hamilton Fish Recreation Center
127 Pitt St. (East Houston & Stanton)
212-387-7687
Built in 1936 and renovated in 1992, this pool was used by the 1952 Olympic team to prepare for the games in Helsinki, Finland. Offers two outdoor pools: a good-sized kiddie pool (2-1/2 feet deep all around) and one for older kids (3-1/2 feet deep all around).

John Jay Pool
77th St. & Cherokee Place
212-794-6566
One of two pools in Manhattan (the other being at Tony Dapolito) that allows diving. The center also houses a snack bar and a small playground with benches.

Sunset Park Recreation Center
7th Ave. at 43rd St., Brooklyn
718-965-6533
Sunset Park sits on the highest point in Brooklyn and offers great views of the Manhattan skyline along with an Olympic-size outdoor pool.