Pumpkin and Apple picking at the Y tomorrow.

Here's another Fall activity to add the the list.  The Dodge YMCA on Atlantic Avenue is having a pumpkin patch and apple picking celebration tomorrow, Saturday, October 27th 12pm-3pm.  No it's not a field trip, they'll be doing it in their gymnasium (pictured above).  It's $7 per child and they'll have tons of activities, such as bouncy house, musical games, face painting, cotton candy, balloon animals, and arts and crafts.  Each child can also pick out one pumpkin and four apples.  There is always a nice turnout for these YMCA events.  Should be fun.

There's a Snake in the Library!

Here's a great free event for children that you should put on your calendar!  It's called "Erik's Reptile Edventures", (not sure if the misspelling of that last word is supposed to mean something or is simply a typo?)  At 1:30pm on August 20th, which falls on a Tuesday, the Carroll Gardens Library will be full of reptiles and amphibians.  Children will learn about these creatures and be able to handle them also.  Some of the animals on the list are Snakes, Lizards, Turtles, Frogs and Salamanders.  Pretty cool!

Pirate School at Waterfront!

This isn't actually a school for pirates, although hopefully for the kids in the audience of this one man show it will feel like it.  This Sunday, August 4th, at 1pm Waterfront Museum presents this vaudville show for kids of all ages. There's a little description below.  It sounds like a lot of fun. Click here for tickets.

During Pirate School! the bumbling professor Billy Bones teaches youngsters how to be good pirates with lessons on how to stand, talk, sing and laugh like Buccaneers; cannons boom, skulls talk, cutlasses drop and pets run amok. Ultimately Pirate School! aims to satisfy children’s universal curiosity about the briny Buccaneers of yore while subtly boosting their self-esteem and citizenship skills by prompting them to be more empathetic, responsible, courageous Corsairs.

Carroll Gardens Library Upcoming Events.

Here are a couple of cool events we spotted that are coming up at the Carroll Gardens Library.  This first one below is actually Brooklyn Public Library but we spotted this sign at CGL. 

It's on May 11th and it's a bike ride, where you get to choose your route and ride from branch to branch, and raise funds for Brooklyn Public Library.  Great idea! Click here for more info.
  
This event below is coming up very soon, next Tuesday April 23rd 6:30-7:30pm.  It's a family night geared towards younger children (it says they have Kindergarten kits for kids to learn math and science).  This event is on the main floor of CGL.

Kids Classes at the YMCA

We recently visited the Dodge YMCA for their Little Lions Festival to celebrate the Chinese New Year with children under 4. It was open to the public and they had a great showing. There was music, arts and crafts, an obstacle course set up, snacks, and lots and lots of toddlers enjoying themsleves. While we were there we checked out some of their literature on their programs. They have wonderful classes for babies and children of all ages. Some include tumbling, water or swimming, and ballet but they have many more to choose from at really modest prices, $110 for members for most once a week classes for the 8 week session or $170 if you aren't a member. Compared to similar classes in the area and that's a really good deal. We're letting you know now because registration is almost over. The sessions begin at the end of February. You can see more on their website.

Story Time at Sweet Melissa's

A restaurant/bakery seems like an unlikely place for a story time but also sounds like a good idea. Today at 3pm (and every Thursday in case this is too short notice) is story time with Anne at Sweet Melissa's on Court Street. It's not only a good idea for them to get customers into the shop but also sounds really nice for the patrons to sit down with tea and cake and listen to some storytelling. The best part is they encourage you to bring your own books so it's a story time that takes requests. They also mention that you can and should bring toys so it's just like a playgroup as well. For moms, dads, and caregivers looking for daytime activities that will get you out of the cold, this is perfect. It's right when school gets out so it might be a madhouse. If anyone has been we'd love to hear how it is. Please share your comments with us!

Summer fun for kids!

Schools are letting out for summer vacation this week and kids will be running the streets wild, bored out of their minds. Good thing for summer school and other community programs to keep the kids at bay. One program worth mentioning, (because it's fun, educational, and free!) is the Carroll Gardens Library summer reading program. They have great activities every week between Tuesdays and Saturdays (they're closed Mondays and Sundays). They show movies, teach arts and crafts, and have storytelling (of course). A complete schedule is listed below.

Tuesdays Knitting $ Crocheting Circle 4pm-4:45 Ages 9 & Up

Wednesdays Chess Club 6pm-7:30pm All ages & Movie and play 3:30-4:30 Ages 0-5

Thursdays Drawing Time 4-5pm All ages

Fridays Babies and books 10:30-11 am 0-18 months
Toddler time 11:15 am-12pm 18 months-3
Arts and Crafts 4-5pm All ages

Saturdays Board games for kids 10am-12pm ages 4 and Up