FAMILY FUN FOR MAY
The daily short animated films at the Museum of the American Indian, 1 Bowling Green, are simple productions, but many of their themes—bravery, boasting, good vs. evil—hold powerful lessons for youngsters. The tales are from Canada, Bolivia and Hawaii (such as “Why Maui Snared the Sun,” shown above). Entrance to the museum and movies is free. For a schedule, go to nmai.si.edu.
CRAFTS & PLAY
Modern Masters Kids learn about artists Marc Chagall (5/7), René Magritte (5/14) and Louise Nevelson (5/21), then practice using the mediums and techniques employed by them. Ages 6 and up. Wednesdays, 4 pm. Free. Battery Park City Library, 175 N. End Ave., nypl.org.
Building Blocks A hands-on exploration of the various materials architects use to construct buildings. Kids then design their own skyscraper using what they’ve learned. Ages 4–8. Sat, 5/3, 10:30 am. $5. Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Pl., skyscraper.org.
Ink Experiments A Chinese calligraphy workshop that allows kids to explore various media, practice basic skills and create their own works of art. All materials are provided. Sat, 5/3, 11 am. $10. Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., mocanyc.org.
Geodesic Domes A workshop about a variety of domes from igloos to Buckminster Fuller’s designs. Learn about how their geometry helps them stand up, then build their own domed structure using craft materials. Ages 8–15. Sat, 5/17, 10:30 am. $5. Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Pl., skyscraper.org.
Sky High Scavenger Hunt Tour the exhibit “Sky High and the Logic of Luxury,” about highrise apartment buildings, then go on a scavenger hunt throughout the museum to find facts about skyscrapers, using photographs, videos and other materials for clues. Then make a postcard with illustrations of skyscrapers. Sat, 5/31, 10:30 am. $5. Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Pl., skyscraper.org.
DANCE
Dance with Miss Rachel Children perform fairy tales such as “Thumbelina,” “Little Red Riding Hood” and “The Princess and the Pea” in a recital, which caps off their year studying dance under Miss Rachel. Sat, 5/31, 10:30 & 2:30 pm. $20. Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., tribecapac.org.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Spy-beca! A scavenger hunt in Tribeca with prizes for kids, teens and families. Learn about the neighborhood’s past, present and future while looking for clues. Meet at Hudson and Reade streets. Sat, 5/3, 12:30 pm. Free. tribecatrust.org.
Slumber Party at the Library An evening storytime program, including readings of popular bedtime stories. Kids are encouraged to wear pajamas and bring a toy or stuffed animal to share for show-and-tell. Thu, 5/15, 6 pm. Free. Battery Park City Library, 175 N. End Ave., nypl.org.
Aloha Days A celebration of the culture and traditions of Native Hawaii, including interactive dance performances and workshops for kapa (bark cloth) printing, lei making and creating a kuikui nut bracelet. Sat, 5/17 & Sun, 5/18, 11 am–4 pm. Free. National Museum of the American Indian, 1 Bowling Green, nmai.si.edu.
Family Yoga Class Kids learn yoga, play games, do art projects and sing songs. A healthy snack will be served. Yoga mats available. Fri, 5/23, 6 pm. Free. Charlotte’s Place, 109 Greenwich St., trinitywallstreet.org.
Put Down Roots A celebration of trees that includes live music, tree facts, a workshop on how to identify tree species and more. Kids will also be able to request a tree for their street from the city and will write “poetree” on plantable paper. Sat, 5/24, 11 am. Free. Poets House, 10 River Terrace, poetshouse.org.
STORIES & POETRY
Toddler Storytime Picture books, finger-puppet plays and songs for ages 12–36 months. Free. Mondays, 10:30 am. Battery Park City Library, 175 N. End Ave.; Thursdays, 10:30 & 11:30 am. New Amsterdam Library, 9 Murray St., nypl.org.
Picture Book Stories Librarian reads classic and new picture books. Tuesdays, 4 pm. Free. Battery Park City Library, 175 N. End Ave., nypl.org.
Tiny Poets Time Poetry readings and related activities for toddlers. Thursdays, 10 am. Free. Poets House, 10 River Terrace, poetshouse.org.
Children’s Storytime Children with a parent or caregiver can hear readings of new and classic children’s books. Saturdays, 11 am. Free. Barnes & Noble, 97 Warren St., bn.com.
Mother’s Day Reading Hear the story “Oh, the Things My Mom Will Do” by Marianne Richmond, then make a Mother’s Day card. Sat, 5/10, 11 am. Free. Barnes & Noble, 97 Warren St., bn.com.
Asian Pacific Stories Celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month by listening to stories such as “Mohala Mai ‘O Hau: How Hau Became Hau’ula” by Robert Lono Ikuwa, then learn about kapa (bark cloth) and make a bookmark using stamps. Sat, 5/10, 1 pm. Free. National Museum of the American Indian, 1 Bowling Green, nmai.si.edu.
Dr. Seuss Reading Kids hear the classic, wacky children’s book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss. Sat, 5/17, 11 am. Free. Barnes & Noble, 97 Warren St., bn.com.
THEATER
Yellow Sneaker A musical puppet theater piece about caring for the environment, family, friendship and Jewish traditions. Up to age 3. Sun, 5/4, 10:30 am. Free. Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Pl., mjhnyc.org.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Michael Rosen’s children’s book is brought to life in an interactive musical. The story follows adventurers on their quest to find a bear. Sun, 5/11, 1:30 pm. $25. Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., tribecapac.org.
Circus Incognitus Jamie Adkins, clown, juggler, balancing artist and more, performs circus stunts and comedy. Sun, 5/18, 1:30 pm. $25. Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., tribecapac.org.