Free Fun Friday: weekend activities for NYC kids

2/1/08 - By Anna Fader
We didn't even compile this list looking for free activities. These are our picks for the best activities for this weekend (that we haven't already written about), but they also happen to all be FREE. Bonus!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Groundhog Day Saturday is Groundhog Day. Yes, a momentous occasion. If you've been drifting through your life without truly celebrating Groundhog Day, it's time you stopped and fully embraced this holiday. The first stop, The Staten Island Zoo to watch and see if Staten Island Chuck will declare a second winter or not. If the 7:30 am trek to Staten Island is too much of a commitment, maybe just stop by the Scholastic Store for a storybook reading of How Groundhog's Garden Grew. Both events are free. Valentine's Party My friend Karen over at A Child Grows in Brooklyn and NYC Explorers are throwing a Valentine's Party geared toward wholesome fun. While kids decorate cookies, a nutritionist will be on hand to teach about health and baking, there will be organic ice cream from new Blue Marble, acai juice will be served and a scavenger hunt will let one lucky kid win a free membership to NYC Explorers the new Brooklyn play spot. Saturday, Feb 2, 2-5pm NYC Explorers 388 Atlantic Ave. (Boerum Hill) 718-625-6923 FREE! Robofun Grand Opening Workshops Robofun is opening a new, bigger space and they are having a grand opening to show off their programs. Children can take free, short workshops in video game design and robotics. They offer classes for children from preschool up through teens and there will be free workshops for everyone on Saturday from 12-4pm. Robofun 38 E.23rd St., Suite 3A Saturday, February 2, 12-4pm FREE! Lunar New Year at Queens Library, Flushing Branch Celebrate Lunar New Year, the Auspicious Year of the Rat, with a full day of Chinese and Korean treats including calligraphy classes (for adults), culinary arts (read, food tastings), live music and dance with costumed performers. Queens Library, Flushing Branch Saturday, February 2, 10:30-4pm 718-661-1200 for more information FREE! Asia Society Lunar New Year I've always wanted to attend the Lunar New Year festivities at the Asia Society. i'm sure they are incredible as this is an organization that specializes in bringing amazing Asian artists and culture to the US. This is a family program and all activities are geared toward the entire family. There will be three performances including a Lion Dance and a Chinese Opera version of Little Red Riding Hood as well as ongoing activities like Chinese knot making,games and children can learn hot to make Chinese knots and do the Lion dance themselves. Asia Society and Museum Saturday, February 2 12-3pm 725 Park Avenue 212 517-ASIA Children under 16 are free. Adults $10 admission. "I Have a Dream" Mural The staff of Belvedere Castle invite you to join them for a thoughtful Black History Month craft. Discuss your dreams and aspirations, then create an artful representation of your dream to display as part of a collaborative Black History Month mural that will be hung at the Castle for all visitors to see. FREE. ALL AGES. Pre-registration not required. For more information, please call 212-772-0210. Central Park's Belvedere Castle (Mid-park at 79th Street) Sunday, February 3, 2008 11:00 am - 2:00 pm