Fools Company's NY School for Performing Arts seeks NYC residents ages 16-21 looking to develop their creative & communication skills; 423 W. 46th St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 307-6000; Thurs. 4:30-6:30, free [through 6/00].
the BIG SWIM
Free swim meet for 1000 kids ages 6-16, must register by March 29 for April 15th event, benefits their "Waterproofing" program which offers free swimming classes to kids; Asphalt Green, 800-NYC-SWIM for info & reg.
Children's Programs at the NY Botanical Garden
"Has Spring Sprung?" exploration of flowers, pussy willows & life in ponds (Weds.-Fri. & Tues. 1-4, Sat. & Sun. 10-4, through 3/31); "Prelude to Spring: The Winter Flower Show" showcases beautiful plants, shrubbery & trees (through 4/23); "Early Bloomers: Spring Bulbs" hands-on exhibit (through 4/23); Continuing Education open house feat. lectures, workshops & demonstrations (Sat. 11-4)?volunteers needed, 718-817-8157 for info; NY Botanical Garden, 200th St. (Southern Blvd.), Bronx, 718-817-8700 or www.nybg.org Weds.-Sun. & Tues. 10-6, $2-$7.
Activities
DRUMMING CIRCLE
Explore drumming, singing & movement with Paula M. Kimper at the 14th St. Y Theater, 344 E. 14th St., 4th Fl. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 780-0800, ext. 240; Sun. at 1:30, $20.
FAMILY ART PROJECT
Weekly series. This week, make cards that move & grow during "Up Pop Spring" workshop at Kerlin Learning Center at Wave Hill, 675 W. 252nd St. (Indep. Ave.), Bronx, 718-549-3200; Sat. & Sun. 1-4, free w/grounds adm.
FAMILY ART WORKS
Make potato prints during this week's family art program at the Educational Alliance, 197 E. B'way (Jefferson St.), 780-2300, ext. 316; Sun. at 1 & 2:30, contrib.
KIDS BUDGET DEBATE
More than 250 high school students take on roles of mayor & city council members in second annual debate sponsored by Citizens' Committee for Children, Melissa Russo from WNBC hosts; McGraw-Hill Aud., 1221 6th Ave. (betw. 48th & 49th Sts.), 673-1800; Tues. 10:30-2:30.
LOOK AGAIN
Introductory discussions, sketching & art projects for ages 5-12 & accompanying adults, followed by a short film; this week's focus: "The Art of Writing;" Uris Center at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave. (82nd St.), 570-3932; Sat. at 11, Sun. at 12:30, free w/mus. adm.
PURIM CARNIVAL
Games, door prizes, customes, food; Emunath Israel Synagogue, 236 W. 23rd St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 675-2819; Sun. 3-6, free.
rock climbing classes
Offered by Central Park Conservancy, free for ages 9 & up?learn rope management, anchor set-up, knot tying & more; North Meadow Recreation Center, 97th St. (midpark), 348-4867, res. req.; Thurs. & Tues. at 3:30, Sat. at 1:30, free [through 3/30].
SATURDAYS ALIVE!
Author Stephanie Calmenson reads stories for children (12-1), "Decorating Eggs" (12:30-2:30) & "I Can Feel It In My Bones" with storyteller Maxine Maxwell (3-4); Arts Connection, 120 W. 46th St. (betw. 6th Ave. & B'way), 302-7433 ext.1440; Sat., $2-$6.
TALLY LECTURE SERIES
Introductory discussions, sketching & art projects for ages 6-12 & accompanying adults, this week's focus: "The Time of Alexander the Great;" Uris Tiered Seating at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave. (82nd St.), 570-3932; Fri. at 6, free w/mus. adm. [through 3/31].
youth art month
"Art in Archaeology: From Clay to Pinch Pots" workshop in collaboration with Through a Child's Eyes exhibit at the South St. Seaport Museum; Children's Center, 165 John St. (betw. Front & Water Sts.), 748-8600; Sat. & Sun. 1-4, free w/mus. adm.
WALL CLIMBING
Climb an indoor wall?climbers must pass a belay test; North Meadow Recreation Center, 97th St. (midpark), 348-4867, res. req.; Sun. 11-1, $50 for year pass [through 3/26].
A WINTER'S GARDEN
Poet & gardener Susan Pliner leads plant writing workshop at Wave Hill House at Wave Hill, 675 W. 252nd St. (Indep. Ave.), Bronx, rsvp 718-549-3200 ext. 308; Sat. 10-12, free w/grounds adm.
Things to See & Hear
BOOKS OF WONDER
Children's book authors, Christopher P. Curtis, Audrey Couloumbis & Jennifer Holm pres. & sign copies of their new works at 16 W. 18th St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 989-3270; Sat. 12-2, free.
caroline's kids klub
Lou Del Bianco's music & comedy?workshop/auditions for Kids 'N Comedy held Sun. at 3:30; Carolines, 1626 B'way (49th St.), 757-4100; Sat. & Sun. at 2, $14.
EL BRONX REMEMBERED
Urban Youth Theater pres. drama about growing up in El Bronx, NY; Henry St. Settlement, 466 Grand St. (Pitt St.), 598-0400; Weds.-Fri. & Mon. at 10:30 a.m., $5, $4 st. [through 3/24].
FAMILY FILMS AT MOMA
Classic animated & doc. films. Today, "Boogie Woogie: Rhythm & Movement" program feat. Face Dance & Ballet Robotique; Museum of Modern Art, The Roy & Niuta Titus Theater 2, 18 W. 54th St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 708-9400, reg. req.; Sat. 12-1, $20/family.
HANSEL & GRETEL
Puppetworks' presentation of classic fairy tale about two children who get lost in the woods & bump into a witch; Greenwich Village Center, 219 Sullivan St. (betw. Bleecker & W. 3rd Sts.), rsvp 718-965-3391; Sun. at 1:30 & 3:30, $8, $5 child. [through 4/2].
LAVA/GROUNDWORK FOR KIDS
Workshop incorporates dance, acrobatics & circus stunts; The Kitchen, 512 W. 19th St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 255-5793 ext.21; Mon. at 3:30 (ages 5-9) & Mon. at 4:30 (ages 9-14), $150 for ten sessions [through 3/27].
THE LEGENDS OF THE ENCHANTED TREASURE
LES puppet & children's theater for Latino children?shows in English on Sat. & Spanish on Sun.; SEA @ Los Kabayitos Puppet & Children's Theater, 107 Suffolk St., 2nd Fl. (betw. Rivington & Delancey Sts.), 260-4080 ext.14, Sat. at 3:30, Sun. at 2, $8, $6 kids.
MISS MAJESTY'S LOLLIPOP PLAYHOUSE
King Authur's Enchanted Sword (1:30) & Rapunzel (3:30); Grove St. Playhouse, 39 Grove St. (betw. Bleecker & Hudson Sts.), rsvp 741-6436; Sat. & Sun., $8.50 [through 4/23].
SONY WONDER
Sony hosts activities & movie screenings for families. This week, construct & explore at your own pace during "Fundays @ the Lab" (Sat. & Sun. 1:30-4:30) & "CinderElmo" comes alive with your favorite Sesame Street Muppets (Sat. & Sun. at 2); Sony Plaza, 550 Madison Ave. (55th St.), 883-8100; free.
SWEET SIXTEEN
TADA! Youth Theater's musical about turning 16; TADA! Theater, 120 W. 28th St. (betw 6th & 7th Aves.), 627-1732; Fri. at 7, Sat. & Sun. at 2 & 4, $12, $6 kids [through 3/26].
THE TEDDYBEARBAITERS
The Waterloo Bridge Theater premieres their improvised show at Waterloo Bridge Theater, 203 W. 38th St., 5th Fl. (7th Ave.), 330-8879; Sun. at 11 a.m., $7, $1 per kid w/adult.
WEST END CHILDREN'S THEATER
West End's Children Theater pres. Lyle Cogen in "The Brillance of Broadway For Kids;" Bank St. College of Theater Aud., 610 W. 112th St. (betw. B'way & Riverside Dr.), 877-6115; Sat. & Sun. at 3, $12.