Youth Activities, May 17, 2012

Pascal Lamorisse as The Little Boy in “The Red Balloon.” Photo courtesy of Janus Films

THE RED BALLOON

Canal Park Playhouse is screening Albert Lamorisse’s 1956 Academy Award-winning short film about a boy named Pascal and the faithful balloon that follows him through Paris. A charming French classic with little dialogue and lots of heart, it will delight both children and adults. Screenings (34 minutes long) are at Canal Park Playhouse (508 Canal St., btw. Greenwich and West Sts.) from May 19 to June 3. Sat. & Sun., 10:30am, 1pm & 4pm. For tickets ($7), call at 866-811-4111 or visit canalparkplayhouse.com.

AMERICAN TAP DANCE FOUNDATION

The Tap City Youth Ensemble and American Tap Dance Foundation present “Tap Attacks” — showcasing the best youth tap talent the city has to offer as part of their Outdoor Presentation series. 10:30-11:30am on Sat., May 19 and June 9 at Bleecker Playground; Sun., May 20 at Battery Park; and Sun., June 10 at Vesuvio Playground. Or, if you’d rather make some noise yourself, the American Tap Dance Center (154 Christopher St., #2B, btw. Greenwich & Washington Sts.) is offering children and teens a free introductory tap class. Sat., May 19 & June 9, 4:30-5:30pm. RSVP at 646-230-9564. For more info, visit atdf.org.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE ARTS

Every summer, CMA partners with Governor’s Island for their Free Art Island Outpost where kids ages 1-12 can do a variety of projects from craft stations to sound design. Every Sat. & Sun., beginning May 28 from 11am-3pm at buildings 11 & 14 in Nolan Park. Explore painting, collage and sculpture through self-guided arts projects at this museum dedicated to inspiring the artist within. Open art stations are ongoing throughout the afternoon — giving children the opportunity to experiment with materials such as paint, clay, fabric, paper and found objects. Regular museum hours: Mon. and Wed., 12-5pm; Thurs.-Fri., 12-6pm; Sat.-Sun., 10am-6pm. Admission: $10; free for seniors and infants (0-12 months). Pay as you wish on Thurs., 4-6pm. At 103 Charlton St. (btw. Hudson and Greenwich Sts.). Call 212-274-0986 or visit cmany.org. For group tours, call 212-274-0986, ext. 31.

POETS HOUSE 

The Poets House Children’s Room gives children and their parents a gateway to enter the world of rhyme — through readings, group activities and interactive performances. For children ages 1-3, the Children’s Room offers “Tiny Poets Time” readings on Thursdays at 10am; for those ages 4-10, “Weekly Poetry Readings” on Saturdays at 11am. Filled with poetry books, old-fashioned typewriters and a card catalogue packed with poetic objects to trigger inspiration, the Children’s Room is open Thurs.-Sat., 11am-5pm. Free admission. At 10 River Terrace. Call 212-431-7920 or visit poetshouse.org.