Queens

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

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.

See
The Beauty of Ballet
The world-famous School of American Ballet comes to Queens Theatre in the Park to introduce kids to the art of ballet, and show how talented students can develop into classical dancers. See class exercises plus performance excerpts from ballets like The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty. Reservations are required, so call ahead to confirm your spot.
When: Sun. 2/27, 1 & 3pm; Free.
Where: Queens Theatre in the Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 718-760-0064, queenstheatre.org.

Go
Circus Incognitus
Find hidden magic everywhere in this new circus-comedy from Jamie Adkins. The circus artist’s feats of strength and imagination, like balancing on a wire or attempting a daring display, will draw oohs and aahs from little audience members. In addition to the show, sign up for the Circus 101 family workshop on Sunday, where kids ages 4 and up can develop their own act.
When: Through Sun. 2/27, $14-$38.
Where: The New Victory Theater, 229 West 42nd St., 10th floor, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org.

Do
Brush Your Teeth
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month: Visit the website for tips on how to help kids develop good habits and start on the path to healthy teeth and gums.
Where: ada.org.

See
Sleeping Beauty
Watch as the evil Trollarina exacts her revenge on the royal family by sending the beautiful princess into an everlasting sleep — but little does she know, the spell is about to be broken by an enchanted kiss.
When: Sat. 2/26, 1pm; All ages; Free.
Where: Central Library Dweck, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, 718-230-2100, brookylnpubliclibrary.org.

Hear
Recess Monkey
Seattle’s hottest kiddie band comes to the big apple, as this trio of elementary school teachers sings songs that grew out of their days in the classroom.
When: Sat. 2/26, 11am & 2pm; $14/Kids, $20/Adults.
Where: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th St., symphonyspace.org.

See
Madeline and the Bad Hat
Enjoy an original musical production starring the happy-go-lucky Parisian heroine of Ludwig Bemelmans’ famous books. In this adventure by ArtsPower, Madeline sets off to save her new neighbor, and learns that first impressions are often misleading.
When: Sun. 2/13, 1pm & 3pm; $12.
Where: Queens Theatre in the Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 718-760-0064, queenstheatre.org.

Hear
The Itty Biddies
CarnegieKids presents this energetic, interactive show of storytelling and song by the NYC all-female trio that takes kids on a journey through America and beyond.
When: Sat. 2/12, 1pm; Free.
Where: Dweck Center for Contemporary Culture, BPL Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, 718-230-2100, brooklynpubliclibrary.org.

Go
Manhattan Youth Ballet Dance Invitational
Budding ballerinas will love this performance by MYB dancers and students, joined by Off Center Dance Theatre, The Ballet School of Stamford and Dorothy’s School of Dance.
When: Sat. 2/12, 7pm; $30.
Where: Manhattan Movement & Arts Center, 248 West 60th St. (bet. Amsterdam & West End), manhattanyouthballet.org.

Visit
February Book Bonanza
Books of Wonder hosts author/artists Alex Beard, Brett Helquist and Vincent X. Kirsch, who will present their new picture books and sign copies.
When: Sat. 2/12, 12-2pm; Ages 4-8; Free.
Where: 18 West 18th St., 212-989-3270, booksofwonder.com.

Do
Eat for Kids 2011
To improve wellness and healthy eating in NYC public schools, Wellness in the Schools (WITS) has teamed up with 40 local restaurants like Babbo, Porter House, Esca, Magnolia Bakery and Tribeca Grill. Treat yourself to a delicious meal, and look for a card for select an amount to donate to the non-profit org devoted to serving students healthy food.
When: Through Sun., 2/20.
Where: See the website for participating restaurants; wellnessintheschools.org.

Think you’ve run out of museums to visit this winter? Expand your horizons: The Museum of the Moving Image reopened in Astoria this weekend, after a 3-year, $67 million renovation that’s nearly doubled its size and capacity. Kids who have ever wandered past a movie set in the neighborhood or wondered exactly where their favorite NYC-based movie was filmed will get a kick out of the behind-the-scenes action.

If you’re looking for an MLK Day activity, swing by today for free admission. Otherwise, weekends are a great time to visit, with family-friendly film screenings of flicks like Coraline, and special workshops for little viewers. Most of the revamped exhibits are great for ages 8 and up: Kids will dig a demo of the first video game or viewing a replica of the first public movie-viewing machine (check the schedule for times), plus seeing more than 1,200 TV artifacts like fave dad Cliff Huxtable’s famous 1980s sweater and a real Yoda from Star Wars in the Behind the Screen hands-on core exhibition (you’ll feel a bit nostalgic, too).

That’s a wrap.

Visit movingimage.us.

Go
Frosty, Santa and More
The holiday’s favorite characters, including Frosty the Snowman, the Nutcracker and St. Nick himself are stopping by Limelight Marketplace this weekend. Catch them on guard near the entrance, and pose for photos — don’t forget to bring your wish list.
When: Fri.-Sun., 12/3-12/5, 12-6pm.Where: Limelight Marketplace, 6th Ave. & 20th St., limelightmarketplace.com.

See
The Knickerbocker Suite
NYC landmarks like The Statue of Liberty, the Met and local sports teams are weaved into the classic holiday tale, The Nutcracker. Enjoy as favorite scenes are turned into a frenzy of dancing shoppers and street vendors.
When: Sat. & Sun., 12/4 & 12/5, 2pm & 7pm; $35/Adults, $20/Students.
Where: Manhattan Movement & Arts Center, 248 West 60th St. (bet. 10th & 11th Ave.), manhattanmovement.com.

Do
Gingerbread Houses by Little Hands
Start something sweet: Create the cutest gingerbread house with your kids, featuring graham crackers for walls and healthy decorations.
When: Sun. 12/5, 3-4pm; Ages 2.5 -6; $20 (adult supervision required; call for reservations).
Where: City Treehouse, 129A West 20th St., 888-209-5271; citytreehouse.com.

Hear
The Deedle Deedle Dees
Catch a live concert in Queens from this Brooklyn-based educational rock band that gets little audiences grooving to songs inspired by history and science.
When: Sat. 12/4, 12pm; All ages; Free.
Where: Sky View Center, 40-24 College Point Blvd., Flushing, svcnyc.com.

10/10/10 is your lucky day!

Visit
The Rose Center
AMNH is celebrating the 10^th anniversary of the Rose Center for Earth and Space with performances including Native American Sky Stories, songs about the universe by The Chromatics, hands-on activities like moon rock viewings, and an appearance by a NASA astronaut.
When: Sun. 10/10, 10am-5:45pm; All ages: $13.50/students, $15/adults.
Where: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West & 79^th St., amnh.org.

See
Starmite Puppets
A troupe of 20 unique characters entertains through songs, surprises, audience participation and a magical story by Tony nominee Barry Keating.
When: Sun. 10/10, 4-5pm; Ages 3-8; $20.
Where: City Treehouse, 129A West 20^th St., 212-255-2050, citytreehouse.com.

Go
Rumplestiltskin
Queens Theatre in the Park travels back to a magical time when people believed in sorcery, with an enchanted musical comedy kids will love.
When: Sat. 10/9, 11am & 1pm; $12.
Where: Queens Theatre in the Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 718-760-0064, queenstheatre.org.

Hear
Funkey Monkeys
Described as “Seinfeld meets the Wiggles,” this six-member band does funny sketches and improvised bits alongside their funky kiddie tunes.
When: Sun. 10/10, 11:30am & 2pm; Ages 2-6; $11/Kids, $16/Adults.
Where: The Jewish Museum, 109 Fifth Ave. at 92nd St., 212-423-3200, thejewishmuseum.org.

Ever noticed that your kid is dressed even better than you are? The local stroller and preschool sets really step up when it comes to cutting a figure, and this fall is no exception.

To get a better handle on some of this season’s biggest back-to-school kiddie trends, we consulted the experts. Stylesight is an NYC-based firm that forecasts worldwide trends before most of us even see them. Here’s what the children’s editors, Khalym Schell and Nicole Yee, report will be big for little ones across the city:

Geek Chic
With one eye on the Ivy League, even the tiniest tots are into collegiate looks with a hipster edge. Tailored, preppy pieces like blazers, crewneck sweaters, layered jumper dresses and cuffed pants (similar to a school uniform) are popular everyday clothes. For important play dates, retro-inspired athletic tees, anoraks and varsity hoodies are big hits.

A Little Bit Country
Country prints like plaids, gingham checks and liberty florals are showing up on pint-sized barn jackets, embroidered knit tops, cotton tunics and oversized sweaters. These looks are best worn layered — let kids have fun and be playful with this trend.

World Explorers
Young jetsetters with a hippie spirit are digging bright hues and a medley of Fair Isle patterns, ethnic and animal prints, and lots of faux fur for girls. For the urban jungle, safari-inspired khaki jackets and pants rule. Or simply throw on a graphic tee emblazoned with wild animals like lions and tigers.

Glam Rockers
Little punks are getting a bit more dressed up in bow ties, tuxedo blouses and ruffled skirts mixed with skinny jeans, jeggings and leggings. Distressed denim with wear-and-tear details means they can still be rough on their clothes and look cool, too.

For more information, visit Stylesight’s blog Small Talk.

Back in 2000, we had the Big Apple CowParade. Five years later, the fluttering, orange fabric panels of The Gates took over Central Park. This summer, we’ve got pianos …

Make Music
Play Me, I’m Yours
Sixty pianos are stationed around NYC for your fingertips. British artist Luke Jerram and the non-profit arts group Sing for Hope comprise the team responsible for bringing the installation “Play Me, I’m Yours” to the city. (It’s being presented simultaneously in London.) On his Web site, Jerram writes that the purpose of this public art project is “to provoke people into engaging, activating and claiming ownership of their urban landscape” and to serve as a “catalyst for conversation.” The street pianos can be played by anyone who happens upon them. And you will notice them. With their bold colors and whimsical designs, the embellished pianos are the works of established as well as up-and-coming artists. The one pictured above was painted by Sophie Matisse, Henri’s grand-daughter.
When: Now through 7/5, 9am-10pm daily. (All ages)
Where: Check the maps at streetpianos.com. The pianos are located in all five boroughs. Some of the places you’ll find street pianos are: Lincoln Center (4 pianos), Madison Square Park, Central Park, Times Square, Chelsea, Prospect Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Coney Island boardwalk.

Go
CBS Radio Expo
Junior can grab free autographs from Darryl Strawberry, John Starks, Harry Carson and other local celeb athletes. The expo will feature performances by Kat DeLuna, Macy Gray, Kris Allen and Eddie Money. Also on the itinerary: face painting, balloons, a US Army football toss, Speed Pitch, DJ Hero, Dance Dance Revolution plus more.
When: Sat., 6/26, 9am-5pm. $5 per ticket (free for kids under 4). Purchase tickets at cbsradioexpo.com or on Saturday at the stadium.
Where: Yankee Stadium, One E. 161st. St, the Bronx.

Do
Clifford’s Annual Beach Festival
Join the big red dog at The Scholastic Store for conga lines, the limbo and craft-making with sand.
When: Sat., 6/26 at 3pm. (All ages)
Where: The Scholastic Store, 557 B’way (bet. Prince and Spring Sts.). Stroller entrance is at 130 Mercer St.

Try
Learn to Ride - Kids
Bike New York
Bike New York, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and encouraging bike riding and bike safety, is offering free lessons in Prospect Heights this weekend. (check bikenewyork.com for a full schedule of lessons throughout the city through September) Junior can learn the cycling basics, and you don’t have to run behind the bike! (This is the group that organizes the TD Bank 5 Boro Bike Tour.)
When: Sun., 6/27, noon-3pm. Free. Pre-register at bikenewyork.com. (Ages 5 and up).
You’ll need to bring a bike and helmet. If rain’s in the forecast, call Bike New York’s weather hotline at 212 932 2453 x115 for class status updates.
Where: Vanderbilt and St. Marks Aves.

Photo credit: Luke Jerram

A Mars day trip, shadow dancing (unrelated to Andy Gibbs), tap dancing, MLK Day activities and Jerry Stiller. Serenity now!

Go
“Mission to Mars” on the Intrepid
Saturday an exhibit spotlighting the red planet opens at the Intrepid. Front and center: a full-scale model of a Mars Rover. On weekends, museum educators will hold interactive, multimedia demos where you get to touch Rover artifacts, a piece of solar panel and parachute material. FYI … the USS Intrepid acted as a space capsule recovery ship for Mercury 7 and Gemini 3 NASA missions.
When: Runs 1/16-6/30. Hours: M-F, 10am-5pm, Sat. & Sun. 10am-6pm. Free with admission.
Where: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, (46th St and 12th Ave.) intrepidmuseum.org.

Do
ShadowPLAY
New York Hall of Science
Experiment with colorful lights, crystal-themed shadow puppets, colored gels and tubes in this new interactive exhibition. Dancing encouraged.
When: Sat. 1/16 and Sun. 1/17, 10am-5:45pm. Free with admission. Check nysci.org for additional dates.
Where: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 718-699-0005.

Create
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Diversity Craft
Head to Central Park to partake in a community art project led by the staff of Belvedere Castle.
When: Sat. 1/16 (rain or shine), noon-3pm; free.
Where: Belvedere Castle, Central Park, mid-Park at 79th St. 212-772-0210, centralparknyc.org.

Make-a-Wish Balloons for MLK Day
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Kids can decorate make-a-wish birthday balloons to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. The projects will then be displayed in the museum’s lobby window.
When: Sat. 1/16 and Sun. 1/17 at 1:30pm; free with museum admission. (All ages)
Where: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Brooklyn, 718-735-4400, brooklynkids.org.

Dance
American Tap Dance Foundation’s Open House
Tap dancing. Gregory Hines, Gene Kelly and Savion Glover made/make it look so easy. Saturday kids can sample a class to see if they’re able to master the fancy footwork that provides such an aural and visual feast for audiences.
When: Sat. 1/16, noon-1pm; free. (Ages 3.5-18)
Where: American Tap Dance Ctr., 154 Christopher St. (bet. Greenwich and Washington Sts.)#2B, atdf.org.

Heads-up
Jerry Stiller Book Reading
Next Wednesday, funnyman Jerry Stiller reads from two selections from The PJ Library Collection to launch the PJ Library program in NYC. PJ sends out Jewish-themed books and CDs to children free of charge if the kids live in a PJ region. A fee-based subscription is available for families living outside PJ regions.
When: Wed. 1/20, 3pm; free. (All ages)
Where: JCC in Manhattan, 344 Amsterdam Ave. at 76th St., 646-505-5708.