Grab and Go! Where to Take the Kids This Weekend

I've been a proud Ft. Greene resident for 10 years now, but since becoming a mom almost two years ago, I look at the neighborhood in a whole new way. And as the primary caregiver for my daughter, I am always on the hunt for new and exciting ways to get the most out of this great neighborhood and community.

Life is certainly different with a family, and yes, there are some freedoms and social activities I miss, but I feel really fortunate to be in such a vibrant place where you never have to run out of friendly people to talk to or interesting things to do.

So, here are a few fun options that I'm hoping will help keep your family (and mine) distracted and happy through another cold weekend!

OUR PICKS FOR THE WEEKEND OF FEBRUARY 11-13.

What? Barely a year old, has already become one of the Fort Greene's most popular  destinations, and the weekend story time was such a hit they recently added a second session! Saturday will feature Cheryl Willis Hudson, reading from her new book My Friend Maya Loves to Dance. Sunday is stories, songs and play with Fiona Bloom.

Where? 686 Fulton Street at the corner of South Portland Avenue

When? Saturday at 11:00 a.m. for ages 3 and over, Sunday at 11:00a.m. for 0- to 3- year-olds.

Ages? See above!

Cost? FREE!!

BIG BOX OF DISTRACTIONS: KIDS' DAY AT THE THEATER 

What? In February's edition of monthly “interactive theater adventure just for families,” Keith Burnstein leads a fun-packed Musical-Book-Improv workshop for kids.

Where? Irondale Center, 85 South Oxford Street, between Lafayette Avenue and Hanson Place.

When? Saturday, February 12th at 1:00p.m.

Ages? All ages welcome.

Cost? Adults $10, Children $5

CHRIS K. YIP MUSIC RECITAL

What? Former teacher, youth counselor and current NYPD Police Officer Ka Kit (Chris) performs a  piano recital featuring music from Bach, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Gershwin and more! The performance is based on an educational approach to the history of piano music.

Where? The , 126 Saint Felix Street, between Lafayette Avenue and Hanson Place.

When? Saturday, February 12th at 5:00p.m. and 7:30p.m.

Ages? Suitable for all ages

Cost? $15 in advance (www.iseats.net), $20 at the door -- half of the proceeds from the ticket sales go to the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) which offers educational, social service and health resources to the Chinese American community.

BROOKLYN BANDANZA TO BENEFIT PS 261

What? Fighting back against the threat of budget cuts for the arts and education, PS 261 or the Philip K. Livingston Magnet School for Integrating the Arts is sponsoring a giant family rock-fest fundraiser, featuring Brooklyn Kids Rock, the Brooklyn Music Factory, Willie Mae Rock Camp, and the Gowanus Music Club. In addition to live performances, kids can join in on the air guitar contest, dance spotlight events, and raise the roof in a closing party led by special guests Gowanus Reggae and Ska Society. With drink specials for grownups and cheap food for everyone, the Brooklyn Bandanza looks to be one of the hottest events of the coldest season.

Where? Littlefield  622 Degraw Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues

When?  Sunday, February 13th from 1:00-4:00p.m.

Ages? All ages

Cost? $10 for adults and $5 for children (sold at the door, no advance tickets).  All proceeds benefit the arts programs at PS 261.

PACIFIC LIBRARY ARTS AND CRAFTS

What? Add glue, paper plates, colored pencils and little craft store puff balls with two enthusiastic librarians and you get craft time at the Pacific Library. Simple fun with the bonus of checking out a pile of books to help survive another winter weekend!

Where? Pacific Branch Library, 25 Fourth Avenue at Pacific Street

When? Fridays at 4:00 p.m.

Ages? Officially for all ages, but we'd suggest for ages 1-8

Cost? FREE!!