The world is getting keyed-up for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, and of course, New York is no exception. If this Olympic Games is like any other, New Yorkers in every borough will cheer on U.S. athletes — as well as competitors from other countries considered first homes for so many transplants — all month long. We’ve found a way to kick off the festivities with the kids in style!

photo: via Rio 2016 Facebook page

Welcome to Rio!
From Friday, August 5 to Thursday, August 11, “Rio on the Hudson” will take over Pier 26 in Hudson River Park. Free and open to the public, the event will transform Pier 26 into a playscape for young and old inspired by the Olympic Games and host country Brazil.

Visitors can expect beaches, real palm trees, samba music and dancers and Capoeira performances, as well as Brazilian DJs, live graffiti artists creating large-scale Olympic-themed murals, and Brazilian food and drink.

Opening Night
If your family likes its Olympic Games-watching experience to be communal, this might be your spot to view to the Opening Ceremony broadcast. The event opens at 5 p.m. on Friday August 5, with a team USA Celebration featuring a cauldron lighting and kickoff at 7 p.m., followed by the Opening Ceremony broadcast at 7:30 on a big screen.

photo: via Jackie Joyner Kersee Foundation Facebook page

Meet & Greet Olympians
One of the highlights of the event — especially, we imagine, for aspiring mini Olympians — will be meet and greets with Olympic athletes and current Paralymipans, the latter of which will be heading to Rio in September to compete.

Athletes currently scheduled to appear include Christie Rampone, Mia Hamm, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Rudy Garcia-Tolson, Scout Bassett, Steve Serio and Sam Kavanagh.

Fun & Games
Rio on the Hudson will give visitors a few opportunities to test their own athletic prowess. Kids can participate in an Olympic Hula Hoop contest; test their speed in the “dash” against Olympian Allyson Felix by racing against her high school or Olympic times, and join a pickup beach volleyball game.

Additional kids programming includes face-painting, and multiple crafting activities such as making your very own Olympic torch.

photo: Simon Law via Flickr

Learn & Watch Some Brazilian Moves
Both kids and adults can take lessons in the Brazilian martial art Capoeria, and then see how the pros (of all ages) do it at performances. Rio on the Hudson will also feature multiple Samba performances and mixers.

Don’t Forget to Eat
All that dancing and dashing will make you hungry. Top NYC Brazilian chefs will be cooking up traditional and authentic pao de quiejo, fried plantains with sett chili sauce, steak & cilantro empanadas, beef skewers and flan and caramel.

Citi Celebrates Team USA: Rio on The Hudson
August 5 – August 11
Pier 26
Hudson River Park
Tribeca
Online: citi.com & hudsonriverpark.org

Where will you get in the Olympic Spirit this year? Tell us in the comments! 

— Mimi O’Connor

 

Daily
Today Is National Piña Colada Day
Make it a double.
1

From booze-free piña coladas to sangria for sippy cups, these beachy mocktails are your new BFFs.

2

Eat your way through the day with sweet and savory recipes that call for pineapple and coconut.

3
Props if you actually cracked a coconut! Now upcycle the shell into a planter.

{ Today’s ideas brought to you by Palm Trees }

Music and dancing makes kids feel alive. Combine this with stories and instruments and you have a recipe for success. But where can you find all this and more? The coolest, newest and hippest music studio on the block, Three Little Birds. With a new location opening in Tacoma and one set to open in Seattle this winter, this new music studio is a must-see and hear.

Meet the Birds
Tara Howard, Shannon Eileen, and Kate Perkins have been best friends since high school and the experience, knowledge, and love of music between the three of them is out of this world! The trio wanted to take what they know and create a special place for music lovers to unite… hence the idea for Three Little Birds was born. Since the trio believe that music is an important part of a child’s development and no age is too young to gain a love of the arts, you will find that their personalities and energy are electric and inviting. And once you step through the door, you will instantly feel like you have known them a long time. Feel free to pull up a chair and stay awhile!


The Story Behind the Name
Three Little Birds was named after one of the trio’s favorite songs by Bob Marley. Be prepared to learn the lyrics and sing along. Once you hear the catchy tune and listen as Shannon plays along with her ukulele, you’ll feel happy, relaxed and realize, “every little thing is gonna be alright.” Not familiar with the song? No worries. You will get introduced quickly as the Birds end each class with it. So, sit back and don’t worry ’bout a thing.

Take a Musical Journey
Who knew you could visit such exotic places without leaving our awesome state. At Three Little Birds, you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to take a journey through all seven continents. Feel the heat of the tropics and the moisture of the rainforests, see palm trees, and even pick coconuts. Each class begins with a welcome song where every kiddo is mentioned by name and each will even have their own spot on the magic rug. Personalized and fun, a win-win in our book!

Classes Offered
Three classes are offered for newborns to 5-year-olds. Songbird Babytime is designed for parents and wee ones (birth to age 2) as an introduction to music and rhythm. Songbird Boogietime, for 2-5-year-olds, takes kids on a musical journey all over the world. This interactive, hands-on class is a great way to introduce your little adventurer to different species, locations, and music. Also for 2-5-year-olds, Songbird Storytime introduces tots to music through reading. Each class centers around a book that focuses on the theme of the week. No matter what class you choose, giggles and smiles are guaranteed. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself dancing and singing along, the Birds’ humor is contagious!

Rates and Schedule
Classes meet three times per week, Mon., Wed., and Fri., for 45 minutes. Songbird Babytime starts at 9 a.m. followed by Songbird Boogietime at 10 a.m., and Songbird Storytime at 11 a.m. Classes are $12 each or you can purchase a 5-class package for $54; a 10-class package for $102; or a monthly unlimited pass for $120. Sibling discounts are offered at half-price when you enroll siblings in the same class and purchase a package.

Good to Know
Mark your calendars! The first class starts on September 22, 2014 and registration has begun. Three Little Birds has taken the guesswork out of registration by making it super easy to do online. You’re only one click away from taking your little songbirds on a magical journey. Psst… the Birds are planning on expanding and will be opening locations in Seattle this winter and Gig Harbor next spring, so stay tuned!

Three Little Birds
728 Pacific Ave., Suite 220
Tacoma, Wa 98402
360-602-1168
Online: 3littlebirdsmusic.com
Email: info@3littlebirdsmusic.com
Facebook: facebook.com/3LittleBirdsMusicClasses

Do you have a music lover in the family? Will you be checking out Three Little Birds? Tell us about your experience in a comment below.

-Allison Rasmussen, words and photos