Critical 5 things to do in NYC: step outside your comfort zone, Feb. 8-10
I’m sure you have a run-of-the-mill routine planned for this weekend involving avoiding the cold, catching up on your Netflix Instant queue, and laundry.
Instead, why not do something a little different, like heading uptown to Harlem for ice skating, running in your underwear, catching firecrackers downtown, or exploring New York’s underground? As they say, you can do laundry when you’re dead.
Amazing New York Underground Scavenger Hunt, Feb 9
This Saturday, get in the sleuthing spirit with a New York City-wide scavenger hunt. Contestants meet up at 12:30pm and form teams before racing around the city searching for clues to solve and activities to complete before they hit the finish line. The various tasks involved include everything from locating places pictured in provided photographs to snapping photos of things like “a woman wearing red heels” or “a hot dog vendor,” to physical or mentally-demanding assignments. Discover a new side of New York, meet new people, and have some childlike fun for once.
14th New Year Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival, Feb 10
This Sunday, the first day of the Chinese New Year, the Better Chinatown Society will acknowledge the occasion for the fourteenth year in a row the only way they see fit — with a whole bunch of fireworks. What better way to ring in the Year of the Snake than with 500,000 firecrackers meant to both delight and ward off evil spirits? Head to Sara D. Roosevelt Park for the pyrotechnics party, plus lion dances, colorful decorations, cool SWAG, and craft and food booths featuring traditional Chinese fare.
Putting the hilarity in charity, Cupid’s Undie Run is a mile-ish jaunt in your bedroom best whose goal is to raise money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Although the slots are already filled for actually running the route (save for a couple VIP slots), you can hang out along its path in Chelsea and the Hudson River Park to watch runners decked out in lingerie pretend they aren’t freezing their asses off. The festivities start at noon, runners strip at 2:30pm, and after the race everyone can head to the Brass Monkey to see various prizewinners walk away with everything from custom undies and embroidered bathrobes to romantic getaways.
American Museum of Natural History’s Observe and Collect: Diorama Drama, Feb 9
Ever wondered how museums set up dioramas or exhibitions? This Saturday at 11am, 1pm, and 2:30pm, Museum specialist Tom Doncourt will offer a sneak peek into the meticulous onsite observations habitat dioramas require. Looking at the Museum’s popular dioramas, you will learn the art and science of making your own replica to take home and impress your friends with.
Sixteenth Annual Soul on Ice Winter Skating Party, Feb 9
Head to Central Park for a day of soulful ice-skating in support of Figure Skating in Harlem, a nonprofit organization founded by competitive figure skater Sharon Cohen to help young girls learn the discipline of figure skating while promoting a healthy lifestyle. For its sixteenth year in a row, the Trump Laser Rink will be host to an ice skating fundraiser party complete with rink time, a live DJ, snacks, activities, and a performance by FSH’s synchronized-skating team, Harlem Ice.
