New York City Kids Weekend Events January 8-10: Winterfest, Free Movies, Music & Magic Shows, Design Workshops and More

1/7/10 - By charlotte

The holidays already seem like a distant memory. Luckily, the end of the season doesn’t mean there’s nothing going on; in fact, there is plenty to do to fill these freezing days with fun without going broke. Get your dance and music on (Baby Loves Salsa, Jazz for Kids and a Junior Jam are all happening this weekend), catch a STREB show, enjoy Eskimo-inspired activities and crafts, go seal watching, or just snuggle up with a movie (free Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs screening). And this weekend there are tons (and we mean tons) of free demo classes and fun open houses, so you can check out lots of the unique and cool kids' classes in the City--you won't want to miss out on them!

If you’re less likely to venture out due to the weekend’s very wintry forecast, have no fear: our Indoor Activity Guide has got you (literally) covered.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS


Friday, January 8
Arts, Culture and Fun: The Three Kings—Westchester, Bronx
Enjoy one last yuletide blast at this Three Kings Day event, hosting a reenactment of the nativity scene, and live music and dance performances. See more Epiphany events this weekend. FREE

STREB Rehearsal ShowWilliamsburg, Brooklyn
Catch a gratis STREB show where these extreme folks demo their trapeze, flip, tuck and aerial yoga-filled program.  FREE

Sat, Jan 9 & Sun, Jan 10
Winterfest
Midtown West, Manhattan
The Time Warner Center’s WINTERFEST has kid events like stomping along with WeBob! jazz event, healthy living tips for families, makeovers for the parents, The Magic Hockey Stick book reading and complimentary refreshments from Porter House NY. FREE


Saturday, January 9
Arctic BlastBattery Park City, Manhattan
The National Museum of the American Indian is an MP favorite because it is never too crowded, plus this event sounds really neat (and is very aptly titled for this weekend!). Listen to “Wally the Lost Baby Walrus” an Inupiat tale, then have some inside Arctic fun with Eskimo yo-yo making, Eskimo Olympic games and more. FREE

Abracadabra Magic ShowMidtown West, Manhattan
Children’s magician Evan Paquette (he even has a MA in Educational Theater—woah) amazes little ones with his hand tricks and comedy, all while entertaining and promoting learning. After the 40-minute interactive show, Evan leads a hands-on workshop for kids to try their own hands at magic. FREE

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs/Go Diego Go/Dora the Explorer ScreeningsMidtown East, Manhattan
SONY Wonder Technology Lab has had really cool free screenings lately, and this weekend is no exception. At Noon, Dora The Explorer: Rojo, The Fire Truck is being screened, followed by Go, Diego, Go: Diego The Hero.Then at 2pm, you can catch Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. All on their giant screen and all for FREE. 

Design KidsUES, Manhattan
Kids can turn their unadorned bags and T’s into something uniquely theirs, using a wide range of techniques, some inspired by  R/GA Interactive’s work with customized Nike Shoes. For kids 5-13 years old. $20/family  

Baby Loves SalsaMeatpacking District, Manhattan
Baby Loves Salsa, the dance and music celebration geared towards Spanish and English speakers alike, presents the story of a band of cats and dogs (gatitos y perritos) from the streets of NYC, who go on to become the best salsa band in the land. $10 or $30/family four pack


Sunday, January 10
Seal Safari--Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
No, these seals aren't part of a new exhibit at the Bronx Zoo. Seals hang out by Orchard Beach from December-March, and this Sunday you can hang out with them, too (during low-tide, that is). Wear warm and comfy clothes, and enjoy seal watching with the experts at the Parks Department. FREE  

Junior JamUWS, Manhattan
Jam the afternoon away with Junior Jam, the award-winning musical group for kids. They are bringing their interactive and educational show (filled with family-friendly and way catchy tunes) to the Barnes & Noble at Lincoln Triangle. FREE

Alexander Hamilton’s Birthday CelebrationWashington Heights, Manhattan
The Morris-Jumel Mansion has teamed up with the U.S. Parks Service to celebrate Alexander Hamilton’s Birthday this weekend. It looks like it is going to be pretty sweet—activities include costumed interpreters, a presentation on Hamilton Grange and a birthday cake. FREE

Great Backyard Bird CountMid-Island, Staten Island
Become a citizen scientist by learning how to identify common backyard feeder birds, and record data to prep for the big Cornell Institute of Ornithology’s Great Backyard Bird Count! FREE 

Jazz for KidsWest Village, Manhattan
Jazz up your afternoon (with a Sunday-sized dose of learning) by playing percussion instruments and listening to kid-friendly beats. $5 cover/child 



More Cool Stuff:

--Dr. Nebula’s Super Cold Adventure at the AMNH

--Snow White at Company XIV

--Stam-Pede at Symphony Space
--Free Saturdays at the Manhattan JCC
--Recycle your Christmas trees at Mulchfest


--Want more? There are even more event ideas in our calendar!

Did you know you can get this round-up in your inbox every week? Sign up for our free newsletters.