It may be the shortest month, but this February is jam-packed with fun, family-friendly things to do all over the New York area. The month kicks off by celebrating trees and nature with the holiday of Tu Bishvat and finishes up with tons of Purim fun and delicious hamantaschen. In between the two holiday celebrations, there are loads of storytimes, Shabbat celebrations, sing-alongs and other ways to keep the winter blues at bay all month long.
Purim 2018 begins the evening of Wednesday, February 28 and concludes at sundown on Thursday, March 1.
Brought to you in partnership with PJ Library in New York
Brooklyn | Long Island | Manhattan | Staten Island | Westchester | Rockland County
Brooklyn
Family Shabbat Service & Dinner
Family-friendly Shabbat service with singing, storytelling, a delicious dinner and community. RSVP and advance payment required. All ages, from toddlers to seniors.
Bay Ridge Jewish Center, Fourth Ave & 81st St
Friday, February 2, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Fridays @ 4 
Tot Shabbat for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers led by guitarist and singer Ora Fruchter, with singing, dancing, and stories. Free and open to all.
Union Temple of Brooklyn, 17 Eastern Pkwy
Fridays, February 2, & 9, 4 – 5 p.m.
ShaJam Fridays
An interactive family Shabbat experience with singing, dancing, and stories. Best for ages 5 and under, drop-in. Free.
JCC Brooklyn – Windsor Terrace, 1124 Prospect Ave
Fridays February 2, 9 & 16 ,11 – 11:45 a.m.
JCC Brooklyn – Clinton Hill, 309 Grand Ave
Fridays February 2, 9, 16 & 23, 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
JCC Brooklyn – North Williamsburg, 14 Hope St
Fridays February 2, 9, 16 & 23, 8:50 – 9:20 a.m.
Out of the Shabbox
A drop-in, cross-cultural, interfaith, arts-based Shabbat experience with music, movement, storytelling, and snack. Free.
Union Temple of Brooklyn, 17 Eastern Pkwy, 4th fl
Saturdays, February 3 & 10, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
ShaJam Singalong
An interactive family Shabbat experience with singing, dancing, stories, parachute play, and bubbles. Open to all. Free.
JCC Brooklyn – Clinton Hill, 309 Grand Ave
Saturdays, February 3 & 24, 4 – 5 p.m.
Tu Bishvat Activity & Dinner
Songs, stories, and a planting activity, followed by a kosher-style catered dinner at 5 p.m. with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Activity is free. RSVP and payment required for dinner.
JCC Brooklyn Windsor Terrace, 1224 Prospect Ave
Sunday, February 4, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Wee Jam
Drop-in class for babies and toddlers, with singing, dancing, stories, parachute, and bubbles. Choose from multiple times and locations.
Busy Bodies Brooklyn, 1004 Fulton St
Mondays, February 5, 12, 19 & 26, 3:30 – 4:15 p.m.
Edamama Cute Cuts & More, 568 Union Ave
Mondays, February 5, 12, 19 & 26, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. & Noon – 12:45 p.m.
JCC Brooklyn Clinton Hill, 309 Grand Ave
Tuesdays, February 6, 13, 20 & 27, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Sing-Along Shabbat
Shabbat morning experience for families with children ages 5 and under including singing, guitar, puppets, and musical prayer followed by challah and grape juice. Free.
Bay Ridge Jewish Center, Fourth Ave & 81st St
Saturday, February 10, 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
ShaJam Shabbat Morning Singalong
A fun and interactive family Shabbat experience with Tkiya: The Jewish Community Music Initiative Welcome to all, regardless of background. Free.
JCC Brooklyn – North Williamsburg, 14 Hope St
Saturday, February 10, 4 – 5 p.m.
Tot Shabbat
Celebrate Shabbat with songs, stories, instruments, dancing, challah and grape juice. Best for families with children ages 5 and under. Free.
Bay Ridge Jewish Center, Fourth Ave & 81st St
Friday, February 16, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Busy Bodies Sunday Morning Songs, Play & Snacks
A morning of songs, stories, open play, and snacks led by Tkiya: The Jewish Community Music Initiative. For neighborhood families with kids ages 5 and under, RSVP requested. Free.
Busy Bodies Brooklyn, 1004 Fulton St
Sunday, February 18, 10:30 a.m. – Noon
PJ Library Storytime & Havdalah Party!
Say goodbye to Shabbat and welcome in the week with stories, playtime, arts and crafts, music, and refreshments. Free.
Bay Ridge Jewish Center, Fourth Ave & 81st St
Saturday, February 24, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Purim Carnival at the Shorefront Y
Purim fun with face painting, crafts, holiday treats, and more. Fun for all ages. Free.
Shorefront YM-YWHA, 3300 Coney Island Ave
Sunday, February 25, 3 – 5 p.m.
Long Island
New Mom Series
Meet other new moms and learn from experts during this 8-week series sponsored by the Mid-Island Y Parenting Center. Advance registration required.
The Mid-Island Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Rd, Plainview
Thursdays, February 1, 8 & 15, 12:l45 – 2:30 p.m.
Breastfeeding Support Group
Nursing circle facilitated by a lactation consultant and the Parenting Center of the Mid-Island Y. Gliders, water, and snacks available. RSVP requested. Free
Buy Buy Baby – Huntington, 350 Walt Whitman Rd, Huntington Station
February 1 & 15, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Friday Night Shabbat Service
A festive and musical Friday night service. Free.
Bethpage Worship Center, 600 Broadway, Bethpage
Friday, February 2, 7:30 – 9 p.m.
Hebrew Letter Yoga
Learn the Hebrew alphabet through yoga, followed by drinks and snacks. Sponsored by Jewish Without Walls. Advance registration requested. Best for elementary school age. $15
Smithtown Krav Maga, 127-20 Smithtown Blvd, Nesconset
Saturday, February 3, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Music & Movement for Tu Bishvat
Celebrate the birthday of the trees with music and movement led by children’s performer Austin Tobia, followed by a light breakfast. Best for ages 8 and under. Free.
Merrick Jewish Centre, 225 Fox Blvd, Merrick
Sunday, February 4, 10 – 10:45 a.m.
Tot Shabbat
A monthly Shabbat celebration for families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, with singing, dancing, a Torah parade, crafts, and dinner. RSVP requested. Free and open to all.
North Shore Synagogue, 83 Muttontown Eastwoods Rd, Syosset
Friday, February 9, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Bim Bam Tot Shabbat
A Saturday morning version of the Bim Bam families program, with stories, fun, and snacks. RSVP requested. Free.
Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave, Huntington
Saturday, February 10, 10:30 a.m. – Noon
Hamantasch-athon!
Get ready for Purim by making hamantaschen. Make a few or stay all day. All ages. Free.
Port Jewish Center, 20 Manorhaven Blvd, Port Washington
Sunday, February 11, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Bagels & Blox Purim
Celebrate the holiday of Purim, with free play, crafts, food, music and movement, stories, and bagels. Best for ages 1 – 6 accompanied by an adult; siblings welcome. RSVP requested. Costumes are invited (but not required). Free.
Temple Judea of Manhasset, 333 Searingtown Rd, Manhasset
Sunday, February 11, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Parenting Lecture: Bullying and Social Media
Listen to expert Debora A. Riccardi from Cohen Children’s Medical Center talk about how social media contributes to bullying and learn how to develop strategies for creating healthier environments for our kids. RSVP requested. Free.
Mid-Island Y JCC Parenting Center, 45 Manetto Hill Rd, Plainview
Tuesday, February 13, 8 – 9 p.m.
Pop Up Shabbat
Come as you are for a musical Shabbat experience with singing, dancing, challah and grape juice, for families with children ages 6 and under. RSVP requested. Free.
Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse, 2550 Clubhouse Rd, Merrick
Thursday, February 15, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Superhero Purim Spiel
Make your own superhero mask, watch a Purim play, eat some hamantaschen and make your own ice cream sundae. All ages. Free.
Temple Avodah, 3050 Oceanside Ave, Oceanside
Wednesday, February 28, 6 – 9 p.m.
Manhattan
Downtown
First Friday Story Time
Join Rabbi Eva and Adam Feder for a story, activities, and songs for kids, along with a glass of wine for the grown-ups. Best for ages 2 – 8. Free.
The Shul of New York @ Middle Collegiate Church, 50 East 7th St
Friday, February 2, 6 – 6:30 p.m.
Tu Bishvat Seder
Learn about Tu Bishvat through songs and traditional foods. Seder follows Friday night Shabbat services. RSVP requested. Families welcome. Free.
The Shul of New York @ Middle Collegiate Church, 50 East 7th St @ 2nd Ave
Friday, February 2, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
PAUSE/PLAY Tu Bishvat Art, Games and Wine
Celebrate Tu Bishvat, the birthday of the trees through art, games,holiday-themed snacks, and a wine tasting for the grown-ups. Fun for all ages. Advance registration requested.
14th Street Y, 344 East 14th St
Saturday, February 3, 2 – 6 p.m.
Tot Shabbat Havdalah
Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the havdalah service that concludes Shabbat, followed by cookies and milk. For families with children ages 5 and under. RSVP requested. Free.
JCP Downtown, 146 Duane St
Saturday, February 3, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Breastfeeding Brunch
An ongoing, weekly, drop-in support group for moms, led by a lactation counselor. Meet other moms and get answers to questions about everything from feeding, soothing, sleep, and more. RSVP requested but not required. $10 suggested donation.
Town & Village Synagogue, 334 East 14th St
Wednesday February 7, 14, 21 & 28, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
RUtots
A 10-session class for Russian-speaking toddlers ages 18-36 months, with fun games, crafts, stories, and dramatic play designed to develop Russian speaking and listening skills while introducing Shabbat and other Jewish traditions. Sponsored by FolksbieneRU and the Genesis Philanthropy Group. RSVP requested. $250.
Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place
Friday, February 16 & 23 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
FamilyLab: That Shabbat Feeling
FamilyLab is an everybody-friendly grassroots gathering centered around the family table, hosted in community members’ homes, and facilitated by Lab/Shul’s teaching artists. This month’s hang is all about the tastes, smells, and feels of Shabbat, with Lab/Shul’s unique God-optional approach to tradition, text, and story. Best for ages 8 and under. Free. RSVP required.
Private home in Chelsea, Address provided upon RSVP.
Friday, February 23, starts at 5:30 p.m.
Yo! It’s Yiddish For Kids
A low-pressure, high-energy introduction to Yiddish especially for kids, using songs and stories. Renowned teacher Paula Teitelbaum brings Yiddish back to the Lower East Side with a lesson that focuses on words related to the winter. Advance registration requested. $18/adult, $10/child, 5 and under free.
Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St
Sunday, February 25, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Family Purim Party
Explore Purim with crafts, singing, stories, a costume parade, pizza, and hamantaschen. For families with children ages 5 and under. RSVP requested. Free.
Town & Village Synagogue, 334 East 14th St
Wednesday, February 28, 6 – 7 p.m.
Purim Family Megillah Reading
An interactive retelling of the Book of Esther, complete with graggers (noisemakers) and hamantaschen. RSVP requested.
JCP Downtown, 146 Duane St
Wednesday, February 28, 6 -7 p.m.
Midtown
Tu Bishvat Dinner, Wine Tasting, and Workshop for Kids
A family-friendly celebration of Tu Bishvat, the new year for trees, with a family Shabbat dinner, wine-tasting for adults, interactive workshop, and projects for kids. Hosted by Z Play and the Art Story Foundation. RSVP and advance payment required. $70/family
Evans Real Estate, 249 West 60th St
Friday, February 2, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Upper East Side
Studio Art Sessions
Explore new themes each week in these drop-in art workshops. Paint, draw, sculpt, or craft a work of art inspired by exhibitions on view. Ages 3 and up. RSVP requested. Free.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Sundays, February 11 & 25, 1 – 4 p.m.
Access Family Art Workshop
A special event inviting children with learning or developmental disabilities to explore the exhibition “Scenes from the Collection” and to create art inspired by the work on view. Ages 5 – 17. RSVP requested. Free.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Sunday, February 4, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Shababa Kids in the Kitchen
Kids and grown-ups sing Shabbat songs and blessings, cook up Jewish recipes, set a beautiful Shabbat table and celebrate with family and friends. Best for ages 3-5. Limited space available, advance registration required. $50
92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave
Friday, February 9, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Archaeological Dig Drop-In
Kids discover a passion for ancient artifacts in the museum’s simulated archaeological dig, open on the second Sunday of each month. Ages 3 – 10. Free with museum admission.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Sunday, February 11, Noon – 3 p.m.
Vacation Week Art Workshop: Global Inspirations
Discover costumes from India to Greece to Ethiopia and design a one-of-a-kind fabric piece inspired by the exhibition Veiled Meanings: Fashioning Jewish Dress. Best for ages 3 – 10. Free with museum admission.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Sunday – Tuesday, February 18 – 20, Thursday & Friday, February 22 & 23, 1 – 4 p.m.
Archeology Mondays
Hunt for a featured artifact in a simulated archaeological dig. Best for ages 3 – 10. Free with museum admission.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Monday, February 19, 3 – 5 p.m.
Art Explorers: Gallery & Studio Activities
Explore the museum galleries with themed tours and activities, and then experiment with sculpture, painting, collage, and other media. For families with preschoolers ages 3 -4 years. $10/pp
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Tuesday, February 20, 4 – 5 p.m.
Family Concert – The Pop Ups
Catch the high energy of the Grammy-nominated band The Pop Ups as they light up the stage in a special unplugged acoustic concert with their musician friends. Including hilarious puppets, and an epic costume party just in time for Purim. Best for ages 3 – 8, buy tickets online or at the door. $18
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Sunday, February 25, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Picture This!
A gallery program with activities, art, and a PJ Library story followed by creating original art in the art studio and a snack. The program concludes with a concert featuring The Pop Ups. Best for children ages 4 – 10 years accompanied by an adult. $25/pp. RSVP requested.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave
Sunday, February 25, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Upper West Side
Family Shabbat Dinner & Tu Bishvat Celebration
Family Shabbat dinner, wine tasting, interactive workshop and special Tu Bishvat-themed project for kids. Sponsored by Z Play School, PJ Library, and the Genesis Philanthropy Group. Advance registration required. $70/family.
Evans Real Estate, 249 West 60th St
Friday, February 2, 6 – 8 p.m.
Welcome Shabbat With Sha’Baby & Sha’Boker Tov
Welcome Shabbat with guitars, drums, singing, and dancing. Best for ages 4 and under and their grown-ups. Free.
Romemu, 165 West 105th St
Fridays February 2, 9, 16 & 23, 5 – 5:45 p.m.
Saturdays February 3, 10, 17 & 24, 11 a.m. – Noon.
Pela Storytime, Songs, & Movement
Parents and children explore Shabbat, Jewish, and American holidays and values through storytelling, song, dance, movement, and creative play. Best for ages 4 and under, drop-in. Choose from multiple days and locations. Sponsored by SAJ – Society for the Advancement of Judaism. Free.
Society for the Advancement of Judaism (SAJ), 15 W 86th St
Saturday, February 3, 10, 17 & 24, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Book Culture, 450 Columbus Ave
Tuesday, February 6, 13, 20 & 27, 11 – 11:30 a.m.
Infant/Child/Adult CPR
Learn how to prevent, recognize, and treat respiratory and cardiac emergencies and choking in infants, children, and adults. Designed for parents, caregivers, personal trainers, teachers, and counselors. Advance payment required.
JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave
Tuesday, February 6, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Families in Transition: Custody & Divorce Support
A support group for families navigating a separation or potential separation moderated by a matrimonial and family law lawyer. Advance registration requested. $10.
JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave
Wednesday, February 14, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Caring For Your Newborn Baby
Learn how to care for a newborn, including getting your home ready, bathing, dressing, feeding, soothing, and more. Advance registration requested. $40.
.JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave
Thursday, February 15, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Shabbat Family Service
Singing, dancing, and storytelling followed by an intergenerational sing-along and kiddush. Best for families with babies through early middle school-age children. Free.
Society for the Advancement of Judaism, 15 West 86th St
Saturday, February 24, 11:15 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Tween Drama Lab
Taught by internationally acclaimed professional actors, this program enables kids ages 10-13 to explore their identity and develop their dramatic skills through improv, theater games, voice, and movement exercises culminating in a final performance. Sponsored by Folksbiene RU and Z Play. Advance registration required. $365.
Z Play School, 150 West 72nd St
Saturdays, February 24 – May 2018, Noon – 2 p.m.
PJ Library Explor-a-Story
Monthly storytime exploring Jewish holidays through songs and stories. best for ages 4 and under. Free.
JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave
Monday, February 26, 3 – 3:45 p.m.
Purim Carnival & Family Megillah Reading
Purim fun with a carnival, pizza and hamantaschen, holiday-themed entertainment and an abbreviated megillah reading. Free.
Society for the Advancement of Judaism, 15 West 86th St
Wednesday, February 28, 4:45 – 8 p.m.
Harlem
Pela Storytime, Songs, & Movement
Parents and children explore Shabbat as well as Jewish and American holidays and values through storytelling, song, dance, movement, and creative play. Best for ages 4 and under, drop-in. Choose from multiple days and locations. Sponsored by SAJ – Society for the Advancement of Judaism). Free.
JCC Harlem, 318 W 118th St
Friday, February 2, 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Songs & Stories with PJ Library
Monthly drop-in storytime exploring Shabbat through storytelling, song, dance, movement, and creative play. Best for ages 4 and under. RSVP requested. Free.
JCC Harlem, 318 West 118th St
Friday, February 9, 4 – 5 p.m.
Washington Heights
Family Crafting Afternoon
A pre-Valentine’s Day celebration of love and family featuring crafting (no art skills necessary!) and sharing stories with new and old friends. RSVP requested. Free.
YM & YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood, 54 Nagle Ave, Room 216/7
Sunday, February 4, 2 – 4 p.m.
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Staten Island
The Last Hamantaschen
Purim carnival with games, arts & crafts, and hamantaschen baking. Carnival begins with a quiet hour to accommodate children with special needs.
JCC of Staten Island, 1466 Manor Rd
Sunday, February 25, 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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Westchester
Gan Shabbat Services
An interactive introduction to Shabbat for preschoolers and their families, with songs, stories, and prayers followed by kid-friendly refreshments. Free.
Bet Torah Nursery School, 60 Smith Ave, Mt. Kisco
Saturday, February 3, 10:30 a.m. – Noon
PJ Library Storytime, Music, and Singalong
Interactive movement, music, stories, and fun. RSVP requested. Best for ages 5 and under. Free.
Westchester Jewish Center, Rockland and Palmer Ave, Mamaroneck
Sunday, February 4, 11 – 11:45 a.m.
PJ Library and Pasta Havdalah Party
Celebrate the end of Shabbat and the beginning of a new week with havdalah, stories, songs, crafts and a pasta dinner — gluten-free pasta available upon request. RSVP requested. Best for ages 8 and under. Free.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center, 515 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry
Saturday, February 10, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
PJ Library Purim Party
Purim fun with a magic show, costumes, games, pizza, and entertainment by Mr. Amazing’s Circus of Wonder. RSVP requested. Free.
Congregation Sons of Israel, 1666 Pleasantville Rd, Briarcliff Manor
Wednesday, February 28, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
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Rockland County
Tot Shabbat
Welcome Shabbat with stories, songs, activities, and snacks. Best for children 6 and under. Free.
Temple Beth Shalom, 760 Route 6, Mahopac
Saturday, February 3, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Shalom Kids Play Group
Open play and adult schmooze time with snacks. For families with children ages 5 and under. RSVP requested. Free.
Temple Beth Shalom, 760 Route 6, Mahopac
Sunday, February 11, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
