Kid's Korner

This May, soak up the sun with fun outdoor activities; make some cool puppets; and the circus comes to town!

Through the Hoop

May 8: Hula Hoop Festival Think you can hula hoop better than anyone else? Bring your best hip-twirling skills down to Nyack Memorial Park, where you can take part in hoop contests and show off your talent. This free event, presented by nonprofit group ArtsRock, has everything you need for some fun in the morning sun, including live music and face painting. Left your best hoop at grandma’s house? Not a problem — you can purchase one there. Food is available at the festival, but the park has plenty of space for those who want to bring lunch and have a riverside picnic. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., registration at 10 a.m. • 53 Piermont Ave., Nyack. 845-418-ARTS or www.artsrock.org

Elephant in the Room

May 6-9: The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Come one, come all! “The Greatest Show on Earth” is stopping by the Times Union Center. This is no ordinary circus — titled “Zing, Zang, Zoom,” the show combines magic, stunts, colorful performers, clowns, and exotic animals into thrilling performances. Prepare to be amazed as the magical Zingmaster Alex and his assistant Levitytia perform tricks of illusion and try to defeat the cynical Mr. Gravity. Later, witness two human cannonballs fly through the air, and watch an elephant disappear before your eyes! Please call for schedule and fees. • 51 S. Pearl St., Albany. 518-487-2000 or www.timesunioncenteralbany.com

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She’s a Lady

May 7-23: My Fair Lady George Bernard Shaw’s fun and classic play about manners and transformation is one of the few theatrical shows that has the ability to connect with audience members from every generation. The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck brings the story of Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins to life on stage this month. Parents (and grandparents) will recall the play’s catchy songs — including “Wouldn’t it be Loverly,” “Get Me to the Church on Time,” and “The Rain in Spain” — and kids won’t easily forget them. $22, $20 seniors & children. Fri.- Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. • 661 Rte. 308, Rhinebeck. 845-876-3080 or www.centerforperformingarts.org

Gone with the Wind

May 22: Flying Kites with Tal Streeter It’s neither a bird nor a plane; it’s a Leonardo kite. These whimsical flyers are made without sticks and have been growing in popularity as a novelty toy and piece of art. Tal Streeter, an artist and author of books about kites, is hosting a bring-your-own kite soaring event at the Storm King Art Center. After giving a brief talk about Leonardos, Streeter and two others will lead the way to fun and flight above a wide-open field. The event is free, after the price of admission into the center. 1-4:30 p.m. • Old Pleasant Hill Rd., Mountainville. 845-534-3115 or www.stormkingartcenter.org

hula hoop festivalPhotograph by Darren Baker/Shutterstock

peter linz and theo

Lion Tamer

May 16: Puppets! Family Day: Design, Create, Perform Katonah resident Peter Linz and his puppet, Theo, the book-loving lion from PBS’s show Between the Lions, host a Family Day event at the Katonah Museum. Not only can you watch as they interview famous puppet-makers (who have worked on beloved children’s shows including Sesame Street and Eureka’s Castle), but you’ll also get the chance to make your very own puppet. Performances, snacks, games, and meet-and-greets are just some of the other fun activities you’ll can take part in. 12-4 p.m. $5, with a $2 materials fee for puppet-making activities. • 134 Jay St., Katonah. 914-232-9555 or www.katonahmuseum.org

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