Family Days: A Kid’s Guide to the Cherry Blossom Festival

It’s no secret that the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, hosted by the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, is one of the best cultural events of the year. The garden, located on 52-acres of lush greenery just north of Prospect Park, has always been a kids’ wonderworld. This coming weekend marks Sakura Matsuri, also known as the Rite of Spring. There are more than 60 events, planned on both Saturday and Sunday, with plenty of family-friendly activities. Here are a few highlights:

Hanagasa Odori: Also known as a Flower Hat Dance, this festive event featuring dancers from the Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York will keep both children and adults entertained.
When & Where: 2:30 – 3:15 on Saturday at Lily Pool Terrace

Washi Ningyo Doll Making: Skilled craftsman Yuko Doren demonstrates her unique approach to doll-making. This event is best for older kids; let them customize a doll and keep it as a special treasure.
When & Where: Noon to 5:00, both days at Magnolia Plaza

Origami Paper Folding for Families: Origami expert Jeremy Aaron Horland returns to the Cherry Blossom Festival for the third year in a row to teach children (and you, of course!) how to make creative sculptures using a few sheets of paper. This year, his wife Soojin Horland will be joining him.
When & Where: 1:00 to 5:00, both days at Lily Pool Terrace

Sakura Tattoo Parlor: Don’t worry; it’s only temporary. And it’s free.
When & Where: 10:30 to 5:30, both days at Magnolia Plaza

Sushi Pillow Photo Op: This is as tacky as it sounds, but that’s what makes it special. The Original Sushi Pillow makes fun, fluffy pillows in a variety of sushi shapes from a California roll to edamame to soy sauce. The photo op is free, but the pillows, obviously, are not.
When & Where: Noon to 5:00, both days at Magnolia Plaza

Taiko Drumming for Families: Ooh and aah as Hiro Kurashima, a member of the internationally-recognized drum troupe Taiko Masala, gives two energizing performances dedicated to teaching children about taiko, a historic style of Japanese drumming. Even though I’m a little older than his target audience, I’m very excited about the performance.
When & Where: 3:00 to 3:30 and 4:00 to 4:30 on Sunday in the Auditorium

« previous post    next post »