February might be the shortest month, but it is jam-packed with things to do with the family in the New York area. You can bake challah in Manhattan, Queens, or Long Island, celebrate the Jewish environmental holiday of Tu Bishvat in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Westchester, Long Island, and Staten Island, and choose from oodles of PJ Library programs all over the NY area. Looking for something to do with the kids during February break? We’ve got that too.
Brought to you in partnership with PJ Library in New York.
Brooklyn | Long Island | Manhattan | Staten Island | Queens | | Westchester
Brooklyn
Bialy Rock Music Class
A weekly music class, sing-a-long and puppet show led by Ora Fruchter. For babies and toddlers ages 8 – 30 months accompanied by a caregiver. RSVP requested. $25 drop-in, 6 & 12 class passes available
Kane Street Synagogue, 236 Kane St
Fridays, February. 3,10,17 & 24, 11:15 a.m. – Noon
Fridays @ 4
A musical Tot Shabbat led by guitarist and singer Ora Fruchter. For babies, toddlers, and preschoolers and their favorite grown-ups. Free
Union Temple of Brooklyn, 17 Eastern Parkway
Fridays, February 3 & 10, 4 – 5 p.m.
Family Shabbat Service & Dinner
Welcome Shabbat with singing, stories, and dancing followed by Shabbat dinner. All ages, RSVP requested. $35/family
Bay Ridge Jewish Center, Fourth Ave & 81st St
Friday, February 3, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Shabbat Songs & Stories
A bi-weekly tot Shabbat with music, stories, and games for ages 0 – 3 and a grown-up, organized by the Kings Bay Y in Fort Greene & Clinton Hill. Free
Clinton Hill Co-Op School, 87 Irving Pl
Fridays, February 3 &17, 3 – 3:45 p.m.
Out of the Shabbox
A cross-cultural, interfaith drop-in program using music, movement, and storytelling to explore Shabbat. Best for ages 5 and under. Free
Union Temple of Brooklyn, 17 Eastern Parkway
Saturdays, February 4 & 11, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Tu Bishvat Workshop with PJ Library
Celebrate the birthday of the trees with an earth-friendly workshop including stories, songs, movement, and a fruit tasting, and make your own bird feeders to take home. RSVP requested. Free
Clinton Hill Library, 380 Washington Ave
Sunday, February 4, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Kane Street Sundays
Open play for infants through preschoolers, schmoozing for parents, singing, PJ Library story time, bagels, fruit, and coffee too. $10 drop-in, multi-session passes available
Kane Street Synagogue, 236 Kane St
Sundays, February 5, 12, 19 & 26, 9 a.m. – Noon, Storytime @ 10:30 a.m.
PJ Library: It’s Time for Shabbat
A Shabbat experience for children ages 4 – 6 years and their families with an introduction to Shabbat and holiday rituals, a craft project, and pizza lunch. RSVP requested. Free
Union Temple of Brooklyn, 17 Eastern Parkway, 4th fl
Saturday, February 11, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
PJ Library Tu Bishvat Party
Celebrate the birthday of the trees with family yoga, a PJ Library story, crafts, and snacks. Best for ages 6 and under, RSVP requested. Free
Union Temple of Brooklyn, 17 Eastern Parkway, 4th fl
Sunday, February 12, 3 – 5 p.m.
Repair the World Family Friendly Service Day
Make snack packages to hand out to the homeless and learn about advocacy efforts to help alleviate the causes of hunger in the New York area. Advance registration requested. Free
Repair the World, 808 Nostrand Ave
Sunday, February 12, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
February Break Mini Camp
Keep the kids busy with dance, trips, swimming, science, arts & crafts, and other activities, hot kosher lunch and snack provided. For more information, call 718-646-1444 ext. 326.
Shorefront YM-YWHA, 3300 Coney Island Ave
Monday, February 20 – Friday, February 24, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Mid-Winter Recess Mini Camp
School may be closed, but camp is in session with daily trips and swimming on Wednesday and Friday. Advance registration required.
Kings Bay Y @ Windsor Terrace, 1224 Prospect Ave
Tuesday, February 21 – Friday, February 24, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tot Shabbat
A musical introduction to Shabbat with stories, songs, instruments and dancing followed by challah and grape juice. For families with children ages 5 and under, siblings and caregivers welcome too. Free
Bay Ridge Jewish Center, Fourth Ave & 81st St
Friday, February 24, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Long Island
Annual Super Bowl Sunday Blood Drive
Do a mitzvah and help save up to three lives by donating blood. Ages 16 and up.
The Community Synagogue, 160 Middle Neck Rd, Port Washington
Sunday, February 5, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
JWOW Kids Co-Op: Maple Syrup Tree Tapping for Tu Bishvat
Celebrate Tu Bishvat, the Jewish new year for the trees by making maple syrup and having a maple syrup taste test. For ages 3 – 6 years and their families, advance registration required, limited space available. $10/family
Manor Farm, 210 Manor Rd, Huntington
Sunday, February 5, 10 – 11:15 a.m.
Mother Goose On The Loose!
Stories, songs, music and movement for ages 12 – 24 months, RSVP requested. $15/class
HANC Plainview, 25 Country Dr, Plainview
Sundays, February 5, 12, 19 & 26, 10 – 11 a.m.
Tu Bishvat Celebration
A short, Tot Shabbat with songs, stories, a celebration of February birthdays, and light dinner. For ages 4 and under and their families. RSVP requested.
Woodbury Jewish Center, 200 South Woods Rd, Woodbury
Friday, February 10, 5:30 p.m.
Tu Bishvat Shabbat!
PJ Library Bim Bam Shabbat morning services for ages 6 mos. – 8 years. Free
Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave, Huntington
Saturday, February 11, 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Sundaes at Sundown
Say farewell to Shabbat with pizza, ice cream sundaes, crafts, songs, and a PJ Library storytime. For families with children ages 8 and under, RSVP requested.
Central Synagogue – Beth Emeth, 430 DeMott Ave, Rockville Centre
Saturday, February 11, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Kidstock PJ Library Music Fest
DJ music, stories, and carnival games, best for ages 6 and under. Free admission, tickets for games available for purchase.
Hewlett East Rockaway Jewish Center Nursery School Gym, 295 Main St, East Rockaway
Sunday, February 12, 12 – 2:30 p.m.
Bagels & Blox
Celebrate the Jewish holiday for the trees with crafts, music, free play and a PJ Library story. Best for ages 5 and under, siblings welcome, RSVP requested. Free
Temple Judea, 333 Searingtown Rd, Manhasset
Sunday, February 12, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Stay, Play and Pray
A monthly workshop series for children ages 2 – 4 years and their families exploring Shabbat and holidays through crafts, stories, food, and activities. RSVP requested. Free.
Temple Chaverim, 1050 Washington Ave, Plainview
Sunday, February 12, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Kid’s Challah Bake
Join other kids and bake your own challah with Chabad of Hewlett, kids ages 4 – 12 must be accompanied by an adult, RSVP requested. $10/child
Long Beach Hotel, 405 West Broadway, Long Beach
Sunday, February 12, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Music & Movement Pajama Party
Dinner along with a little pre-bedtime music and movement. Best for ages 2 – 6 years, RSVP requested, but not required, walk-ins welcome. Free
HANC Plainview, 25 Country Dr, Plainview
Monday, February 13, 6 – 7:15 p.m.
Celebrate Tu Bishvat
Celebrate the Jewish new year for the trees with crafts, stories, songs, and pizza. Free
Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore, 1001 Plandome Rd, Plandome
Wednesday, February 15, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Casual Shabbat Morning Services
Shabbat services, bagels, coffee and nosh. All ages. Free
Bethpage Multi-Cultural Canter, 600 Broadway, Bethpage
Saturday, February 18, 11 a.m. – Noon
Dad’s Group Poker Night
Meet other local Jewish dads, no prior experience necessary, organized by Jewish Without Walls. RSVP required. $5 buy-in
Private home, Address given upon RSVP, E. Setauket
Wednesday, February 22, 8 p.m.
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Manhattan
Downtown
Grownups Cracking Up!
Comedy and wine for the grown-ups and PJ Library story time and crafts for the kids. Everyone comes back together for pizza and Shabbat blessings. For families with children ages 4 and under, siblings welcome. $30/family in advance, $40 at the door.
14th Street Y – Studio A & B, 344 East 14th St
Friday, February 3, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
PJ Play! at Pause Play
PJ Library story “Thank You Trees” comes to life through popular storyteller Shawn Shafner, crafts, and snack. $35/family
14th Street Y Theater, 344 East 14th St
Saturdays, February 11 & March 11, 3 – 4 p.m.
Shabbat AM
Lab/Shul’s family-friendly Shabbat morning services, kids programming, and lunch. Free.
Judson Memorial Church, 243 Thompson St
Saturday, February 11, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Pushcarts & Postcards: A Hot Cider Walking Tour
Take a walking tour of the Lower East Side and learn about the life of immigrants in the area over a century ago. Finish up with hot cider and treats, make your own postcards, and check out the exhibit of historic postcards from Lower East Side. $20/family
Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St
Sunday, February 12, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Painter’s Journey
An original play and hands-on workshop based on the PJ Library book “Anna and Solomon”, for families with children ages 3 – 7, siblings welcome. $8/person, kids attend free
Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, 36 Battery Place
Sunday, February 12, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Midtown
Shabbat Central
A free, family-friendly, musical Shabbat service for children ages 5 and under and their families, followed by a light meal. Free
Central Synagogue, 123 East 55th St
Saturday, February 4, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
The Maccabeats Super Bowl Concert
Groove to the tunes of the Jewish a cappella sensation, followed by a Super Bowl tailgate lunch, all ages. $20 in advance, $30 at the door
Park East Day School, 164 East 68th St
Sunday, February 5, 11 a.m.
Kids Mega Challah Bake
Join kids throughout the New York area to bake challah to bring home and for people in need. Best for ages K – 8, advance registration requested.
Grand Hyatt New York, 109 East 42nd St
Sunday, February 5, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Winter Family Fun Day
Sing and dance with Little Maestros, create winter-themed crafts, enjoy a pizza dinner and decorate your own cupcakes for dessert. RSVP requested but not required. $35/family, $40 @ the door
Sutton Place Synagogue, 225 East 51st St
Sunday, February 12, 4 – 6 p.m.
Bash the Trash on Tu BiShvat
An interactive performance by Bash the Trash – musicians and teaching artists who weave together science, music, and environmental awareness. RSVP requested. Free
Central Synagogue – Pavilion, 652 Lexington Ave.
Sunday, February 12, 10:15 a.m. – Noon
Uptown
New Moms Support Group
Join a supportive community of moms and babies to share stories, laugh, and learn together in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Drop-in. Free.
The YM&YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood, 54 Nagle Ave, Room 208
Thursday, February 2 & 16, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Shabbat Sing-Along!
Welcome Shabbat every first Friday of the month with singing and dancing. Best for ages 4 and under. Free
JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave
Friday, Feb. 3, 9 – 9:20 a.m.
Ukulele Shabbat
Celebrate Shabbat with songs, puppets, live ukulele music, and challah. For families with children ages 3 and under, all are welcome. Free
The YM&YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood, 54 Nagle Ave
Fridays, February 3, 10 & 17, 10 – 10:45 a.m.
Shabbat Afternoon with PJ Library
Celebrate Shabbat and Tu Bishvat – the Jewish new year for the trees, through stories, songs, movement, and other activities. Best for families with kids ages 8 and under, advance registration requested. Free
JCC Harlem, 318 W 118th St
Saturday, February 4, 3 – 5 p.m.
Family Tu Bishvat Festival
Celebrate the Jewish new year for the trees with a birthday bash including nature-themed birthday games, crafts, stories, balloon animals and face painting, and birthday cake. RSVP requested. $10/person, $30 family, kids under age 2 are free
B’nai Jeshurun, 257 West 88th St
Sunday, February 5, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tu Bishvat Celebration
Celebrate the birthday of the trees with planting, sensory play and crafts using natural materials. Best for ages 4 and under. Free
JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave
Thursday, February 9, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Musical Family Havdalah with Magevet
Family-friendly havdalah service followed by a performance by Magevet, Yale University’s a cappella group including a meet and greet and beatboxing lesson. RSVP requested. Free
Congregation Or Zarua, 127 East 82nd St
Saturday, February 11, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Picture This PJ
An ongoing series including interactive gallery programs, PJ Library stories, original crafts, snack, and live music. This month’s performance is by David Weinstone & The Music for Aardvarks Band. For families with children ages 4 – 10 years. $25/person, $80 for the entire series.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Sunday, February 12, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
David Weinstone & the Music for Aardvarks Band
Groove along to the Music for Aardvarks band and their original kids rock hits. All ages. $16/ticket
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Sunday, February 12, 11:30 – 12:30 p.m.
Studio Art Sessions
Create original works of art inspired by museum exhibitions. Best for ages 3 and up, drop-in. Free with museum admission.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Sunday, February 19 – Thursday, February 24, 1 – 4 p.m.
Shabbat & Me Fridays
Welcome Shabbat with songs, stories, age-appropriate prayers, and a snack. For families with children ages 6 and under, siblings welcome.
Congregation Or Zarua, 127 East 82nd St
Friday, February 24, 5:15 – 6:15 p.m.
Family Art Day – Purim
Explore Avner Moriah’s artwork in Ganze Megillah through stories and art related to the holiday of Purim. For children ages 1 – 7 years and their parents. Free
JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave
Sunday, February 26, 10 a.m. – Noon
Staten Island
Family Sports Festival
Warm ups, obstacle course, and basketball and soccer drills with JCC fitness staff. Ages 4 and up accompanied by a parent, advance registration requested. $10/child, free for JCC members
JCC of Staten Island, 1466 Manor Rd
Sunday, February 5, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tu Bishvat Fair
Buy plants and handcrafted items, planting activities for children.
JCC of Staten Island, 1466 Manor Rd
Sunday, February 12, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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Queens
Community Challah Bake
Bake challah with women and girls from Hillcrest Jewish Center, Young Israel of Jamaica Estates, and Solomon Schechter School of Queens. Ages 8 and up, advance registration requested. $15/person, $20/person @ the door.
Hillcrest Jewish Center, 183-02 Union Tpke
Wednesday, February 8, 7 – 10 p.m.
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Westchester
Beth El Day Camp Open House
Drop in and learn about Beth El’s summer camp for ages 2 – 8 years. RSVP requested but not required. Free.
Beth El Synagogue Center, 1324 North Ave, New Rochelle
Thursday & Friday, February 2 & 3, 9:15 – 10:15 p.m.
Gan Shabbat Services
A family-friendly Shabbat service for families with young children, followed by a kid-friendly kiddush. Free.
Bet Torah, 60 Smith Ave, Mt. Kisco
Saturday, February 4, 10:30 a.m. – Noon
PJ Library Storytime & Sing Along
An inter-generational story time for grandparents and parents of kids ages 4 and under. RSVP requested. Free.
Westchester Jewish Center, 175 Rockland Ave, Mamaroneck
Sunday, February 5, 11 – 11:45 a.m.
Bim Bam Shabbat
Get ready for Shabbat with songs, stories, candles, grape juice, and challah led by the staff of Ramah Day Camp in Nyack. For toddlers and preschoolers and their grown-ups. Free.
Dobbs Ferry Public Library, 55 Main St, Dobbs Ferry
Friday, February 10, 3 p.m.
Pre-K and K Tu Bishvat Program
Learn about Tu Bishvat through stories, songs, crafts, and a Tu Bishvat fruit seder. Advance registration requested. Free
2125 Westchester Ave East, Rye
Sunday, February 12, 9:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Chip Bryant Show
Keep the kids entertained with a blend of mime, clowning, juggling, magic, puppetry, and music followed by a fresh fruit snack. $5/child, $10/family, ages 2 and under are free
Beth El Synagogue Center, 1324 North Ave, New Rochelle
Monday, February 20, 10 – 11 a.m.
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