Kids Events Sept. 16-18, the New Insideschools, and a Bushwick Co-op School that Attracts Famous Authors
After 27 years of restoration, and a $9 million-plus investment--just for the jewel-box pavilion alone--Jane's Carousel will finally open in Brooklyn Bridge Park this Friday.
This weekend holds a lot of promise–gorgeous fall weather, a ton of events to choose from, and very possibly the birth of my second baby. Before he comes (and further delays the sending of these BB Kids emails) we have an inspiring story about a man in Bushwick who’s bringing star authors and quality education to underserved students; a conversation with the managing editor of Insideschools; and below, four ways to spend your weekend with the fam, plus a few date night ideas.
SEPT 16
This Friday the highly anticipated Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park finally opens to the public at 11 am. Rides on the jewel box of a merry-go-round are just $2 a pop, and kids under 3 are free. Afterward, head to the Archway at Water and Adams Streets, where from noon till 9 you can treat yourself to Brooklyn Flea fare from Mile End and Landhaus, and free pints of beer that the Dumbo Improvement District is giving away to the first 500 people starting at 3.
SEPT 17
If you (and your kids) dug this summer’s Winnie the Pooh film, BAMcinématek is presenting an hour and twenty minute-long program of 7 short “Books to Film for Children” on Saturday. Author Doreen Cronin is among the authors represented in the series, and she’ll be sticking around for a book signing of Diary of Worm; Click, Clack, Moo: Cows Who Type afterward. (10:30 am; $9-$12). It’s part of the Bookends series of events that lead up to the Brooklyn Book Festival.
SEPT 18
As tempting as it is to go to the Brooklyn Book Festival alone on Sunday, the kids programs make it family worthy (especially if you want to tag team to take in your own panels). Children’s authors like Mo Willems read before a mostly-rapt audience, within a cozy tent on Borough Hall Plaza, and for older readers, there’s the Youth Stoop, featuring award-winning authors including Cory Doctorow and Meg Wolitzer, graphic artists and illustrators, three of which will have a “quick-draw” battle based on audience suggestions. Scroll down for the kids’ lineup here.
WEEKEND LONG
If you need more action than storytelling, this weekend’s Maker Faire at the New York Hall of Science in Queens will deliver robot-making, crafting, and quirky performances like a fountain that bursts with Coke Zero and Mentos, a life-size, vaudevillian version of the board game, Mousetrap, and acts from the Circus Warehouse in Long Island City. Go on Sunday with a group of 5, and you can save money with the $50 Family Pass.
DATE NIGHTS TO PENCIL IN
On Saturday, October 1, the all-night light festival, Nuit Blanche New York, returns to Greenpoint (free art festival=a good way to stretch your babysitting dollars). October 12-22, The Creators Project teams up with playwright and director Adam Rapp, Karen O. of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and K.K. Barrett, the production designer on films by Sofia Coppola and Spike Jonze, for a show titled “Stop the Virgens.” And this Saturday, if you’ve got a night out planned but no plans, arts venue Roulette is celebrating its opening weekend in Boerum Hill with John Zorn, Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson. For more ideas, check out this week’s Tip Sheet.
