Events: Kid’s Korner in August 2011

Back-to-school season is just around the corner. Fill your final days of summer with all the fun you can handle — and that means live music, kids’ theater, and museum activities

Teenage dream

Aug. 5: Selena Gomez & the Scene Girls around the world think Disney superstar Selena Gomez is lucky because she gets to date Justin Bieber. But now the older generation can be a bit envious as she gets to perform at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the site of the original Woodstock Festival. Gomez, who started acting at age seven, made a name for herself when she starred in the Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place, but has since honed her chops as a vocalist. She’s sung on a few Disney movie soundtracks and released three of her own albums since 2009; the most recent hit came out this past June. Pop-rock band (and fellow Disney musicians) Allstar Weekend open the show. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show begins at 7 p.m. $19.50-$69.50.
200 Hurd Rd., Bethel. 800-745-3000; www.bethelwoodscenter.org

dog on fleas

Itching to dance

Aug. 13: Dog on Fleas Get ready for a daytime dance party — this funky children’s band combines a variety of musical genres with clever lyrics and silly antics for a performance kids love. Audiences have been digging Dog on Fleas for about a decade; their sound blends folk, soul, Cajun, and reggae influences. Parents might recognize band members from previous stints with P-Funk All-Stars, Taj Majal, the Felice Bothers, and others. 11 a.m. $9, $7 children.
Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. 661 Rte. 308, Rhinebeck. 845-896-3080; www.centerforperformingarts.org

Royal fashion

Aug. 16 & 18: My Emperor’s New Clothes For a new take on an old classic, head over to the Lycian Centre, where the Kings Theatre Company presents its own version of The Emperor’s New Clothes. When a so-called “wise” emperor seeks to have the finest clothes in the land made specifically for him, he doesn’t realize the surprise twist he’s in for. The show takes place outside at the Wharf Theater by the lake in an enclosed tent. Feel free to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds before or after the show. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. $5 in advance, $6 at the door.
1351 Kings Hwy., Sugar Loaf. 845-469-2287; www.lyciancentre.com

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Paint the town

Aug. 20: Art Smart If your child loves art, you’ll want to check out this hands-on workshop at the New York State Museum. This program is designed for children and adults to participate in together; attendees examine a pre-selected painting, learn about the artist, and discuss the techniques used in the work’s creation and the feelings it evokes. Afterward, you and your future Picasso can try to mimic the artist’s style. 1-3 p.m. $10.
Madison Ave., Albany. 518-474-1569 (ask for Peggy); www.nysm.nysed.gov

beaver

Muskrat love

Aug. 13: Beavers and Muskrats: the Wetlands Engineers Did you know that muskrats build “lodges” up to three feet tall? Or that beavers — known as an aquatic rodent — can stay under water for up to 15 minutes? Learn more about the lives of nature’s architects at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center. The event is recommended for children five and older — although parents may find this program about two of the Valley’s indigenous critters just as fascinating with or without their children. 10 a.m. $5.
Muser Dr., Cornwall. 845-534-5506 ext. 204; www.hhnaturemuseum.org

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