Things for Kids and Families to Do in New York City March 12 & 13: Spring Celebrations, St. Patrick's Day, Baby Expo and More

3/10/11 - By charlotte

Purim, St Patty's and more. We hope you're ready to roll, cause here's a lot going on! In addition to the always popular Family (free) Saturdays at the Manhattan JCC, this Sunday they are hosting their annual Purim Carnival. There's a ton of Purim fun going on this and next weekend, from Carnivals to space-themed events, and there are some St.Patrick's Day celebrations as well.

Since we are in mid-March, it is still Maple Sugaring season. If you are up for a day trip away from the city, many places are still tapping their trees this weekend! And if you are looking for a little culture, Gustafer Yellowgold is in town, and the New York Hall of Science has a fabulous new exhibit, 1001 Inventions. Feeling crafty? We've got the info on places for beading fun, and great cooking classes for your teen. And finally, as we strive to bring you the best of the best, Mommy Poppins has expanded and improved, bringing a redesign and cool features.

Read on for our best bets for the weekend and be sure to check out the Mommy Poppins Events Calendar for more great weekend events.  Have a great weekend.

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All Weekend:

Annie -- Bayside
My friend's family went to this last weekend and said it was a lot of fun. Theatre By The Bay and its cast of 50 are doing Annie this Saturday and Sunday (8:30pm on Sat, 3pm on Sun) at the Bay Terrace Jewish Center in Bayside. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for children 12 and under. 

Saturday March 12, 2011

Winter Nature Adventures– Washington Heights
Soak up the last bits of winter with Julia Attaway, as she takes you and your kids on a mini expedition through Fort Tryon Park. Learn about nature in winter and see how the park's animals and plants adapt. For children ages 4-6 years. FREE

Spring into Norouz -- Upper East Side
Norouz is the Persian New Year (also spelled Nowruz, and Norooz) and celebration of Spring. The Asia Society is hosting a special family day this weekend in honor of the holiday, with music, dance, crafts, and activities. $12, $5/children

The Lost Art of Tatting – Upper East Side
Celebrate Women's History month with this cool craft workshop. Kids get to travel back in time and try their hand at tatting, a common craft int he 19th century, where you create a durable lace through knots and loops. $15

Children's Garden Family Day – Flushing
See what the Children's Garden Program is like at the Queens Botanical Garden. Plant seeds, and learn about gardening and the environment. FREE

City Stomp LIVE Children's Benefit Concert– Boerum Hill

The City Stomp music program celebrates the diversity of NYC and exposes children to music from many of the different cultures. They feature NYC landmarks such as Coney Island and the 5 boroughs, and the shows are super fun and interactive. Plus, all net proceeds go to Hope for Hereos, a charity that benefits child cancer research.$8 at the door, $20/family, or $5/person in advance.

Archikids– Battery Park
Architect Yves Roger leads this workshop at the Skyscraper museum, where kids make their own structures, inspired by images,vintage films, and models of actual skyscrapers. $5/child (Agest 9-13)

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day – Midtown West

St. Patrick's Day doesn't just have to be associated with, well, not so kid-friendly things. This event at the Irish Arts Center should be way cool, for everyone. Spend the afternoon listening to Irish music, watching dance performaces and films, and participating in Gaelic and Irish step dance workshops, storytelling, and arts and crafts. FREE 

Spring Artisan Fair – Astoria
The Astoria Market always has some cool finds, but this Sunday there will a ton of new goodies, the garden will be open, and there will be kids toys and chocolate. If it is a nice day, this is a great leisure activity. FREE

The First Ever Brooklyn Baby Expo-- Downtown Brooklyn
Guys, this is going to be epic. New and expecting parents especially will dig what this event has to offer: mini demos and seminars on everything from setting good sleep habits, learning CPR, how to make baby and toddler food, how to install a car seat, school zoning, nursing, how to select a nanny or doula, cloth diapering and more. You can try out different carriers, stroller fitness, laser therapy for pre- and post-natal conditions, ways to clean your childrens’ teeth, try stylish maternity and post-baby clothes and get really fitted for a bra. Plus, you can get pampered with mini-manicures, blow-outs and savor catered food from Brooklyn Fare. If you are coming with your kids, they can enjoy baby yoga, tummy time, first lock cuts, haircuts, and can chill in the nursing lounge or take a romp in the playroom. There will be a crazy amount of exhibitors, and lots of prizes. $35/person or $60/couple

All the Way to America – DUMBO
Dan Yaccarino, author of "All the Way to America: The Story of a Big Italian Family and a Little Shovel" will read from his children's book, and sign copies for all participants. FREE

Outside NYC:

Head out to NJ for a genius celebration of Albert Einstein and Pi, the Princeton Pi Day, all for $3.14. The Historical Society of Princeton is throwing a Children's birthday celebration that will include Einstein themed fun from a pie eating contest to an interactive science fair.

And if your out on Long Island this weekend, it's a great time to check out the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center. They're hosting a St. Patrick's Scavenger Hunt that promises wagon rides and farm-friendly hospitality.

Don’t forget there is a lot more fun in the Mommy Poppins Events Calendar.

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