Winter Vacation Fun for Kids & Teens
Beat the winter break blues with some fun and educational activities at Albany Public Library. The library’s branches are hosting close to 30 programs Feb. 20-25 to keep kids and teen entertained during school vacation. All activities are free and open to the public.
Here is a sampling of the free programs planned for kids and teens at APL libraries. For a complete list, visit the library’s online calendar.
FEB. 20 | MONDAY
• Balloon Animal Fun | 2:30-3:30 pm | Howe Branch | Balloon magic tricks, hats, and animals by “BJ the Balloon Twister.” | Register at 472-9485. | For ages 3-12.
• Youth FX Podcasting 2-Day Workshop | 3:00-6:00 pm | Continues on Tuesday | Delaware Branch | Youth FX and WCAA-FM teach teens to create a complete podcast, including interviewing, scripting, recording, and editing. | Register at 463-0254. | For ages 9-17.
• Perler Bead Extravaganza | 3:30-5:30 pm | North Albany Branch | Create your own Perler bead design. | Drop-in program. | For ages 6-17.
• Glow-in-the-Dark Party | 6:00-7:00 pm | Howe Branch | Under the black lights, kids create glowing costumes, eat fluorescent snacks, make black light art, and play glow-in-the-dark games. | No registration. | For ages 5-11.
FEB. 21 | TUESDAY
• Once Upon a STEM | 1:00-2:15 pm | Delaware Branch | Design a way for the billy goats to get across the river and out of the troll’s reach, while exploring engineering. | Space is limited. Register at 463-0254. | For ages 3-7.
• Pokémon Perler Bead Creations | 2:00-3:00 pm | Washington Ave. Branch | Create a favorite Pokemon character out of Perler beads, and then revive items as the branch’s PokéStop. | No registration. | For ages 6-10.
FEB. 22 | WEDNESDAY
• Clifford the Big Red Dog’s Birthday Party | 10:00-11:30 am | Delaware Branch | Meet Clifford, watch his story, make crafts, and enjoy birthday cake with our friends from WMHT PBS Kids. | Register at 463-0254. | For ages 3-8.
• Upcycled Bird Feeders | 2:00-3:00 pm | Washington Ave. Branch | Turn an old container into a new bird feeder. | No registration. | For ages 6-12.
• Sun Smarts | 4:00-4:45 pm | Bach Branch | Conduct experiments and play games to learn about how to protect your skin and eyes from harmful UV light. Presented by the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. | No registration. | For ages 4-17.
FEB. 23 | THURSDAY
• Cooking Club | 2:00-3:00 pm | Delaware Branch | Price Chopper teaches participants how to prepare healthy snacks and how food choices make us healthier. | Register at 463-0254. | For ages 6-10.
• Tube Speakers | 2:00-3:00 pm | Pine Hills Branch | Make a speaker for your cellphone or MP3 player using a recycled cardboard can. | No registration. | For ages 11-17.
FEB. 24 | FRIDAY
• Movie Double Feature: “Finding Nemo” & “Finding Dory” | 12:30-3:00 pm | Howe Branch | Watch these sweet Pixar movies and enjoy the build-your-own popcorn station. Bring your own sleeping bag, blanket, and cuddle toy. | No registration. | For ages 17 and under.
• Movie: “Pete’s Dragon” | 2:00-3:30 pm | Pine Hills Branch | Enjoy this 2016 remake of the classic Disney film featuring a young boy and his dragon friend. | No registration. | For ages 10 and under.
FEB. 25 | SATURDAY
• American Girl Doll Tea Party | 1:00-3:00 pm | Delaware Branch | Bring your favorite American Girl Doll for a fun tea party, and learn about the culture of Brazil from the World Awareness Children’s Museum of Glens Falls. Program funded by the Junior League of Albany. | No registration. | For ages 6-17.
Stephanie Simon
Stephanie Simon is manager of APL's Communication and Creative Services Department, which provides content and information for the library's website, social media, publications, videos, podcasts, and other outlets. Stephanie also manages APL's public relations and marketing efforts.