Indoor Gyms and Playgrounds with Open Play on Long Island

The following is a comprehensive listing of facilities on Long Island that offer Open Play Time. Membership is not required in order to participate in these Open Play sessions.

Walk-in’s are usually welcome, but do call in advance to verify availability.

Whitney Biennial 2010: Highlights and Programs for Kids and Families

We recently took our son to The Whitney to experience The 2010 Biennial, the premiere contemporary art exhibition that sets the trends and tone in American modern art.  Not something you would expect to be kid friendly, right? Well think again.  

It is totally kid friendly, first of all, the museum is full of exciting, large scale installations, not just room after room of paintings hanging on the walls.  There is art you can walk through, around and even into, not to mention, video and film exhibits, giant sculptures and even cars in the displays!  Plus, there is a tremendous amount of programming available for families with the fantastic Whitney Museum Educators.

Don't Miss: Deedle Deedle Dees Family Variety Shows

Assuming you don’t already know the awesome NYC kids’ band, The Deedle Deedle Dees, you should, and seeing one of their new Family Variety Shows at The Knitting Factory in Williamsburg is a great way for you and your kids, small and tall, to get your dance on and learn a thing or two about American History besides.  

While seeing a regular Deedle Deedle Dees concert is always mighty fine entertainment, because these are bona fide Variety Shows, not only do you get the show’s eponymous stars but you’ll also get down with some righteous musical guest artists, lend a listen to a sparkling story, and delight in the onstage diversions of some truly talented kid-performers.

NYC Easter Parades 2010: Fancy Easter Bonnets and Greek Orthodox Celebrations

What the Village Halloween Parade is to Downtown, the Easter Fancy Hat parade is to Uptown; a chance to get dressed up and take to the streets in your quirkiest, home-made Easter bonnet. Not so much a parade, people mill about looking for the best bonnets, occasionally breaking into a waltz, swing dance or even song. It's as close as you're going to get to stepping into a classic movie.

Find out about this and other Easter Parades:

Long Island Events for March 26-28th

What a weekend for great family bonding! Whether it’s storytime mixed with song or bedtime stories under the stars, you’ll find it locally! There are also opportunities to put all of those imaginations to work in writing poetry or designing puppets. And for those who would prefer to spend the days outside, check out the event at THE END.
 

Free Fun Weekend Family Events for New York City Kids, March 27-March 28, 2010

A parent in my son’s class recently said to me “We might as well be living in Little Rock Arkansas for all we do in the city.”  Although she is a really nice person with two adorable little boys - I am really glad that is not me.  Me and my family take full advantage of the city and thrive on all there is to do here.  This weekend is no different, we can choose from children’s music and theater performances, interactive story telling, scavenger hunts and live animals presentations.  Not to mention all the funegg hunts, Passover activities and events happening in the parks.  And most of it is FREE so why not take a bite out of the big apple this weekend.    

Did you miss our Spring Break post?  Click here for camps, events and fun ideas for the week ahead. and if you are traveling this weekend, kids can learn all about the amazing owl on Long Island or beekeeping, trout fishing and mineral collecting for families in New Jersey.

Have a great weekend.  

NJ Weekend Events March 27-28: Lots of FREE Fun: Farm Animals, Fishing, Treasure Island and Telescopes!

Rain? Snow? Sun? Who cares?  Whatever the weather this weekend,  New Jersey’s got somethin’ goin on!  Head outdoors to see newly-born farm animals; break out the fishing poles to kick off fishing season at the Trout Hatchery; or collect glow-in-the-dark rocks from a world-famous mineral deposit.  If the weather goes South, head indoors: kids can learn all about Treasure Island and pirates at the Cotsen Children's Library; enjoy African art and crafts at Montclair Arts Museum's free family day; or hunker down in the Liberty Science Center to learn about oceans, chemistry, and the HUBBLE telescope.  Mother Nature, bring it ON!

New at the New Vic: 46 Circus Acts in 45 Minutes

If you think 46 Circus Acts in 45 Minutes is just what it sounds like, you're only half right. Yes, the ticking of an onstage clock makes for a whirlwind of impressive tricks and tumbles. But precision is hardly the name of the game here, and the time piece is forgotten almost as soon as it is introduced. All eyes are on the Australian ensemble, Darcy, Louie and the Emmas—yes, there are two of them— who infuse the show with cheeky charm and slapstick antics that appeal to all ages.

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