Free Fun Events for New York City Kids: April 10-11, 2010

4/8/10 - By Stephanie Ogozalek

There's so much going on this weekend I could barely pick what to feature. You can try your hands at medieval artistry, learn how to use a compass, catch live music, theater or some short films.  Plus, the Center for Fiction and "Read This" are offering a great celebration of books and reading that directly benefits NYC public schools in need.

You can take in a parade, there are two this weekend: The Annual Tartan Day parade marches up Sixth Avenue and the Little Leaguers of Brooklyn will parade into Prospect Park to celebrate opening day.  This weekend is also Brooklyn's monthly Deedle Deedle Dees Family Variety Show that we reviewed last week. And if you are leaving town for the weekend, don’t forget to check out what is going on in neighboring New Jersey and Long Island.

And the best part of all, most of these events are free.  I hope your decision on what to do this weekend isn’t as hard as ours is, but check our calendar for even more family activity ideas.

Here are our event picks for this weekend:

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Saturday, April 10, 2010


Urban Wildlife Appreciation Day—Washington Heights
The Parks Department is doing something really cool, giving us the chance to show our appreciation for the wild animals that share the concrete jungle with us, and I don’t mean rats or pigeons.  This is a day to honor the squirrels, raccoons, coyotes, skunks, eagles and other animals that call the five boroughs home.  Learn all about them and discover the best places to find them in the city by attending this special event. There will also be kids activities, live music and of course live animals.  FREE

Books for NYC Schools Day
—East Midtown
Read This and The Center for Fiction are celebrating books this Saturday with a program chock full of readings, books signings, films and cool art projects for children and equally impressive events for adults, that will directly benefit specific New York City public schools that are in need.  The admission for this great event is 2 children’s books. Learn which books are requested by which schools. FREE

12th Annual Blessing of the Bicycles
– Upper West Side
Get your wheels blessed before you head out on them for the first family bike ride of the season. Bicyclists, skaters and scooter riders of any faith welcome.  FREE

Cool Rainforest Connections—Midtown East
Join the Wildlife Theater from our city’s zoo as they tell of Captain Cocoa and the adventures he has while saving the rainforest and find out what we can do to help rescue it.  FREE

Hands on History: Rufus and His Trees
—Queens
The Kings Manor Museum is home to trees that are over 200 years old. Learn about them on a special tour for families complete with arts, crafts and stories.  Plus tour the historic home of Rufus King, one of our countries founding fathers. FREE.

Yum! Films About Food – Upper East Side
Take the family to see a bunch of really short films about food. The program runs 27 minutes and shows 4 films: the award winning Canadian, Zea, the one minute long peanut butter & jelly, In the night kitchen based on the Maurice Sendak book and Bread, covering all the different kinds and how they are made. FREE with museum admission.

And also:

Medieval Arts Children’s Workshop – Upper West Side
If you are getting your bike blessed stick around and join in on this cool workshop where the kids get to try their hands at some ancient arts – weaving, illuminated letters, gargoyle designing and rock carving. $6.00.

Justin Roberts & The Not Ready For Nap Time Players
– UWS
Established indy rocker for the pre school set will be playing all the kids favorites plus some new songs from his soon to be released CD.  Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids. 2 shows.

Kids' Food Adventure with Chef Jehangir Mehta – The Bowery
Foodie-in-training kids can spend the morning with the chef, first on a Whole Foods tour and then cooking with him. Lucky kids.  $30 for a child and adult pair.

Kids Comic Con - Bronx
Children and teenagers will get free comic books, participate in art and writing workshops, and meet top professionals from the world of comics. FREE for kids, $5 for adults



Sunday, April 11, 2010

Basic Orienteering Lessons
—Brooklyn and Queens
Get out in the parks in Brooklyn and Queens and learn how to use a compass.  All equipment provided for kids aged 8 years and older.  FREE

Mount Vernon Hotel & Garden Museum--Upper East Side
Enjoy free admission to this historic hotel and their beautiful period gardens and learn about their history summer camps for kids. FREE

Native American Nature Crafts
-- Inwood
Visit the nature center at this ancient park and learn about the people who once lived here, kids can create dream catchers, wigwams and more.  FREE

And also:

Bubble Do the Beatles
– Tribeca
Adult rocker turned family rocker, Bubble is performing faithful renditions of the Fab Fours favorites – this time, unplugged. $15.00

A Wonderfully Flat Thing
– East Village
Mark Twain’s “A Fable” reinvented and told through song, dance, music and puppets.  A feast for the eyes with Lion King-esque puppetry that the will entertain the entire family. $25 for families, $10 for individuals.  2 shows.

Circus Minimus –One Man Circus in a suitcase – The Bowery
Fun to watch and even better to join in (which can happen). Kids love this intimate space because they can see everything – especially when it is a full circus coming out of a little suitcase. $10

The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
--Brooklyn
New York City’s own, zany, high energy, colorful rockers are back. The kids will be rocking out in their seats and the parents will like them, too. $6.00

Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art Festival - Gramercy
This weekend-long festival represents the more artsy comic artists. The highlight will be a free hour-long workshopon Sunday for kids of all ages to learn how to create their own cartoon characters with Rick Parker, the creator of Beavis and Butthead. $12 admission to festival.



All Weekend:

Children’s Carnival—Queens
If you haven’t been to the Queens County Farm Museum this is a great time to get out there.  It is a real working farm and this weekend they are putting on an all out carnival, with a midway, a magic show and of course, kid friendly rides.  And unlike most carnivals – the rides are included in the admission price. If you can’t get there this weekend, don’t worry, they are doing it all over again next weekend.  Admission: $9.00



Still not sure what to do this weekend? Visit our events calendar to see what else is going on around town.

If you are planning an event, don’t forget to let us know.  Enter it into our calendar.


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