New Jersey

We’re used to reading (and panicking) about the record number of young kids in the city and the competition for spots at both nursery and ongoing schools. And you’re probably aware of the waiting lists for public school kindergarten classes in Manhattan this year. So it’s refreshing to hear about a new school that’s opening.

Bilingual Buds, a Mandarin Chinese immersion preschool (and primary school), is coming to the UWS. The program is for kids from Mandarin-speaking as well as non-Mandarin-speaking households. Classes will be taught by native speakers, and preschoolers will spend most of the day learning math, science, language arts, art and music in Mandarin. They’ll also study many of these subjects in English. Bilingual Buds’ NY outpost opens this fall for preschool and Mommy & Me classes. The school will eventually expand to include kindergarten through third grade. Hey, there are benefits to learning to speak the most common language in the world.

These Buds are for you.

Bilingual Buds, 180 Riverside Blvd. (at 68th St.), 212-787-8088.

For more information on the school and upcoming events Bilingual Buds is hosting this summer, visit bilingualbudsnyc.com.

The Fourth of July brings out the kid in all of us — the ice cream, the hot dogs, not to mention the fireworks. Catch some the biggest shows in the country right here in the area. Below are some top picks for Saturday:

NYC
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
This year, the nation’s largest celebration is moving across town to the Hudson River. Get there early to snag a spot to view the 26-minute festivities and hear patriotic tunes from the New York Pops.
When: Fireworks start around 9pm; Free.
Where: Hudson River bet. 24th & 50th St., 212-494-4495, macys.com/fireworks.

Long Island
Fireworks Spectacular at Jones Beach
Long Island’s biggest and best display includes vibrant colors and awesome sounds simulcast to a musical array of patriotic songs.
When: Fireworks start around 9:30pm; Free.
Where: Jones Beach State Park, Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, 631-321-3510, nysparks.com.

New Jersey
Oceanfest
The biggest seasonal event on the Jersey Shore happens every year in Long Branch. The annual family-friendly festival starts with crafts, carnival acts, sand sculpture, live music and food vendors, and ends with a thrilling fireworks display.
When: Fireworks start around 8pm.
Where: The Promenade, Long Branch, New Jersey, 732-222-0400, longbranchchamber.org.

This weekend: Remind them to wash their hands.

See
Wild Thing
The Children’s Aid Society presents this play about stay-at-home dad who refuses to grow up and is taken away to a land of monster, mischief and magic.
When: Sat. 3pm & 7pm, Sun. 1pm & 5pm; Ages 4+; $20.
Where: The Philip Coltoff Center, 219 Sullivan St., 212-868-4444, smarttix.com.

Go
Family Fiesta Friday
Travel south of the border for arts and crafts with magnets, sand and stickers.
When: Fri. 5/1, 6:30-8:30pm; All ages; Free.
Where: West Side YMCA, 5 West 63rd St. (bet. Broadway & Central Park West), 212-875-4101, ymcanyc.org.

Visit
The Pregnant New Yorker
Learn about child safety, lactation, birthing techniques and physical therapy at this alternative health event.
When: Fri. 5/1, 6:30-9pm; $10.
Where: Real Pilates, 177 Duane St., thepregnantnewyorker.com.

Do
Hoboken Spring Arts & Music Festival
Travel across the Hudson for live performances and more than 300 artists. Special activities for kids include a Kidz Stage, magic show, petting zoo, rides and games.
When: Sun. 5/3, 11am-6pm; Free.
Where: Washington St. bet. Observer Hwy. & 7th St. (children’s area on 3rd St.), Hoboken, hobokennj.org.

Hear
The Suzi Shelton Band
This Brooklyn-based songstress performs a family concert at The Bell House.
When: Sun. 5/3, 2pm; All ages; $10.
Where: 149 7th St. (bet. 2nd & 3rd Ave.), Brooklyn, 718-643-6510, suzishelton.com.

When the sun goes down, the city parks become urban drive-in (or rather stroll-in) theaters. Below is a roundup of this year’s outdoor family films. So forget cozying up in the back seat of a car — those days are behind you anyway. Just bring a blanket, a killer picnic and of course, the kids.

Riverflicks for Kids
In addition to gentle river winds and a view of the New Jersey skyline, Pier 46 is also the spot for Friday night family films and free popcorn. This includes films like Bee Movie and Shrek.
When: Through 8/22, movies begin at dusk around 8:30pm; Free (beverages and snacks are available for sale; bring something to sit on).
Where: Hudson River Park at Pier 46, Charles & West Streets, hudsonriverpark.org.

Movies with a View
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s series offers a collection of films for adults and kids. Some of the films may not be child-friendly (The Shining), but you can bring the little ones along for a viewings of Wallace and Gromit: Curse Of The Were Rabbit (July 24). The fun starts at 6pm with music from some of New York City’s best DJs. Local eatery Rice offers dinners on site. All this, plus spectacular views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges and the downtown skyline.
When: Thurs., through 8/23; movies begin around 8:30pm; Free.
Where: The Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park, Brooklyn, between the Brooklyn & Manhattan Bridges, enter off of Water Street, or at Main Street in Dumbo, brooklynbridgepark.org.

Movies Under the Stars
Yes, you’ll have to leave the city for this one, but the quick and breezy ferry ride to Hoboken is all part of the adventure, not to mention a great way to beat the heat on a sticky Wednesday evening. The summer schedule is chock-full of family fare, with Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix and Surf’s Up on the schedule. Bring a blanket or low-backed beach chair, and enjoy the best of the Garden State.
When: Wed., through 8/27, around 9pm in July, 8pm in August; Free.
Where: Pier A Park, First & Frank Sinatra Drive (east end of Park on the Great Lawn), Hoboken, NJ, 201-420-2207, hobokennj.org. For NY Waterway Ferry schedule, go to nywaterway.com.

HBO Summer Film Festival
You may have to get a sitter to see the grown-ups-only flicks at Bryant Park’s Monday-night tradition. Highlights from this year’s lineup include The Apartment and Arsenic and Old Lace. The park opens at 5pm so you can stake out a spot for your blanket. Throw in a picnic and a bottle of wine, and you and hubby can enjoy a (cheap) date night. Or, have him watch the kids and meet up with friends like you used to.
When: Mon., through 8/18; movies begin at dusk (8-9pm); Free.
Where: Bryant Park, bet. 40th & 42nd St. and 5th & 6th Ave., bryantpark.org.

The Fourth of July brings out the kid in all of us — the ice cream, the hot dogs, not to mention the fireworks. Catch some the biggest shows in the country right here in the area. Below are some top picks for Friday:

NYC
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
The nation’s largest celebration kicks off with a big bang — and big crowds. Get there early to snag a spot, and tune to 1010 WINS for musical accompaniment.
When: Fireworks start around 9pm; Free.
Where: East River bet. 23rd & 42nd St. Enter the FDR Drive at 23rd, 38th and 42nd St. only. Or explore the view from South Street Seaport, Long Island City, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park or Greenpoint, macys.com.

Roosevelt Island Fireworks Festival
Skip the chaos and head to Roosevelt Island’s Southpoint Park to watch the fireworks on the East River. Kids will enjoy entertainment like face painting, balloon twisting, juggling and music.
When: Gates open at 5pm; $20 (advance purchase required).
Where: Southpoint Park, Roosevelt Island, rioc.com.

Long Island
Fireworks Spectacular at Jones Beach
Long Island’s biggest and best display includes vibrant colors and awesome sounds simulcast to a musical array of patriotic songs.
When: Fireworks start around 9:30pm; Free.
Where: Jones Beach State Park, Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, nysparks.com.

New Jersey
Oceanfest
The biggest seasonal event on the Jersey Shore happens every year in Long Branch. The annual family-friendly festival starts with crafts, carnival acts, sand sculpture, live music and food vendors, and ends with a thrilling fireworks display.
When: 10am-10pm, fireworks at 9:30pm.
Where: The Promenade, Long Branch, New Jersey, longbranchchamber.org.