Prospect Park

The Daily Plant : Wednesday, February 8, 2006

Head To Prospect Park During Presidents’ Week Vacation

Presidents’ Week begins next weekend, and New York City children—and their parents—will be looking for ways to keep busy. Look no further than Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, which is chock full of activities from February 18 – 26^th. There’s even a special Children’s Winter Festival that will be sure to keep kids entertained—and maybe even teach them a thing or two at the same time.

For more information on these programs and many more, visit www.nyc.gov/parks or http://www.prospectpark.org/.

Prospect Park Audobon Center at the Boathouse
Kick off the Presidents’ Week break with the Great Backyard Bird Count! On Saturday and Sunday, February 18 and 19, from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m., kids and adults alike can take part in this national annual survey, helping Audubon researchers keep track of the many birds who call Prospect Park home in the winter months.

Throughout the week, the Audubon Center will be home to the Children’s Film Festival at the Con Edison Discover Nature Theater. Programmed around the themes of "water," "birds," and "the human environment," films range from blockbuster hits like March of the Penguins to a lively exploration of genetically altered foods (Food for Thought). All events in the Children’s Winter Festival are free of charge.

There will also be ample opportunities to make nature-themed crafts—and, starting on Wednesday, February 22^nd (and every Wednesday through March), 9- to 13-year-olds can join the Green Team, a drop-in program for those who want to help conserve the natural wonders of Prospect Park.

Lefferts Historic House
Imagine a time before video games and even electricity—what did kids do for fun? Find out at the 18^th-century Lefferts Historic House, where children can play historic indoor games, help build and repair toys and tools, and view dolls and other toys from the past 200 years. Plus, join a special puppet-making workshop on February 18, compliments of Central Park’s Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre. All programs at Lefferts are free of charge.

Wollman Rink
Brooklyn’s only outdoor rink receives over 100,000 visitors a year—including thousands of school children eager to glide over a freshly polished surface under a bright sun or starry sky. More than just a place to hit the ice, the Rink is also home to Kate’s Corner, a great place to pick up hot chocolate, pizza, and more. Admission to the Rink is $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. Skate rentals are available for $5.

Prospect Park Tennis Center
The Prospect Park Tennis Center at the Parade Grounds offers a fantastic Junior Program featuring intensive group tennis instruction for children of all ages and levels of experience. Come along and get fit during the break! Courts start at $24 per hour. The Tennis Center is open from 7:00 a.m. – midnight.

Prospect Park Zoo
The Prospect Park Zoo will be open daily during the break from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $1.25 for seniors, and $1 for children aged 3 – 12. The zoo is free for kids under 3.

"But words are things, and a small drop of ink, falling like dew, upon a thought, produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think."

George Gordon Byron
(1788-1824)