Weekend Fun for NYC Kids, Brooklyn Kids Rock, The Pop Ups, Interactive ArtPark, Arthur Author Marc Brown March 29-30

3/26/14 - By Stephanie Ogozalek

It's an exceptional weekend for cool kids' culture with an interactive indoor ArtPark, the final weekend of the New York International Children's Film Festival and a slew of family rock concerts heading our way, including one of our top picks for March: Brooklyn Kids Rock.

Although it doesn't quite feel like spring, you can still enjoy seasonal fun like the opening of two popular carousels. You can also enter the lottery for the NYC Parks Department's FREE spring swimming lessons for kids this weekend. And who knows, if the rain holds off it may be nice enough to hit one of our fabulous parks and playgrounds—they've been dormant way too long.

These are just a few of the great things going on this weekend. All of our best bets are below. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar. Before heading out on your adventures, be sure to download our FREE Mommy Poppins Kids on the Go app so you can find the best family destinations wherever you happen to be in NYC.

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All Weekend

New York International Children's Film Festival – Manhattan
The final weekend of the month-long fest has arrived! Although tickets to most screenings are sold out, you can still catch a few cool flicks like the North American premiere of House of Magic in 3D from France. $16 but you can save $2 per ticket on most screenings with the discount code MOMPOP14

Live Bunny and Chick Photo Shoots – Upper West Side
Our friends at Big Apple Portraits kick off their adorable spring-themed photo sessions this weekend. Kids can pose with real live bunnies and baby chicks at this intimate Manhattan studio. A lovely alternative to traditional Easter Bunny pics. Worried about what happens to the animals after the holiday? Don't be. They go back to their home upstate where they are well cared for. Packages start at $99.

Carousel Openings – Brooklyn and Queens
Another sign that spring is indeed here: The Prospect Park Carousel and the Forest Park Carousel start turning for the season this weekend. $2-$3 per ride

Charlie's Kid – Fort Greene
If you missed this charming Charlie Chaplin-inspired show at BAM last weekend you have a few more chances to catch it. Swedish mime troupe Pantomimteatern translates his classic 1921 silent film The Kid to the stage. In this live theater production, three actors use mime and half-masks to play all 14 characters in this tale of the Tramp and his loving relationship with an abandoned child. $12

Knee Deep – Midtown West
Two Mommy Poppins bloggers and their kids saw this neo-circus show last weekend and all of them were absolutely mesmerized. No flashy costumes or sets here. Instead, the four amazing performers captivate with their enviable balancing, aerial and physical comedy skills in this hour-long revue. Since it's quiet and intentionally slow paced, it's best for older children (the suggested age range is 7 and up). But we definitely recommend it, especially if you have a kid who's into gymnastics or acrobatics. $14-$38
 

Saturday, March 29

Brooklyn Kids Rock – Fort Greene
One of our March Go List picks: Catch four Brooklyn-based family bands at this Maple Street School benefit: Jeremy Plays Guitar, Captain Kirk Douglas (best known for his work with The Roots), Rolie Polie Guacamole and Carol's Band. In addition to rocking out, kids can play carnival games, get their faces painted, and do arts and crafts. In advance: $15, $50 for a family four-pack; at the door: $18; there are additional fees for certain activities

FamilyDay@theCenter: Build A Geodesic Dome – Greenwich Village
Learn about geodesic domes, made famous by engineer and inventor Buckminster Fuller, and then collaborate on a 14-foot one at the Center for Architecture. Afterward, families will craft their own smaller geodesic domes to take home. Preregistration required. $20 per family of four

National Girls and Women in Sports Day in the Bronx – the Bronx
Celebrate female athletes with sports clinics and pro meet and greets at the West Bronx Recreation Center. Enjoy basketball clinics, hula-hooping, double dutch, street hockey demos, a performance by St. Mary's hip-hop squad, giveaways, and appearances by WNBA New York Liberty players Kym Hampton and Essence Carson. FREE

Kidrockers: Adam Green and San Fermin – Greenwich Village
Spike up your hair and get ready to rock out at this family concert hosted by late-night comedians Seth Herzog and Craig Baldo, and featuring Adam Green of Moldy Peaches fame and the eight-member San Fermin band. Arrive an hour early for preshow music programming in the lobby. $28 but click here to save 25% on tickets

Chelsea Art For Kids Day – Chelsea
Go on a self-guided art treasure hunt throughout the gallery-filled streets of Chelsea. Pick up your map from Porter Contemporary and then head off on your art-filled adventure, which will include stops at local galleries and the High Line. FREE

Astrograss for Kids – Carroll Gardens
Catch this family bluegrass band at the Jalopy Theater where kids can also enjoy a dance contest and sing-alongs. $10 for adults, $5 for children, $25 for a family four-pack

See all Saturday events.
 

Sunday, March 30

Arts Festival at PS 3 ArtPark – Soho
Reach out and touch the art at this interactive installation, curated by Laurie De Chiara of ArtPod and benefiting PS 3 elementary school in the West Village. Cool hands-on fun includes climbing a graffiti art wall, throwing balls at a sound mobile and mixing your own color spectrum drinks. Although the display will be up all weekend, Sunday's fest features a variety of cool workshops for kids like puppet making, building fairy homes and dancing in a flash mob. $5 suggested admission to enter; $10 per workshop, online preregistration required

The Pop Ups – Upper East Side
This Grammy-nominated, Brooklyn-based duo isn't just a band, they're a full entertainment experience. Their concerts are really mini musicals, with a plot, puppets and songs. Catch them at The Jewish Museum where they'll be playing tunes from their upcoming album Pop Up City! that will get kids dancing, singing and even drawing in their seats. $18 for adults, $13 for children ages 2-12

Meet the Author: Marc Brown – Upper West Side
What are the best places to visit with kids in NYC? Brown, author/illustrator of the popular Arthur series, shares his local picks in his new picture book In New York at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. Afterward, kids can create a map of their favorite NYC landmark. Free with admission of $11

See all Sunday events.


Don’t forget: There are lots of other options in our Event Calendar.