South Slope Weekday Events Spotlight: December 29-January 1

It’s the last week of 2014, y’all!! With everything from historic games and needlework, to fireworks and funk, South Slope is definitely the place to be through Thursday. Here are some of our favorite events from around the area:

Winter Break In Prospect Park
When: Through Thursday, January 1, 1-4pm
Where: Audubon Center, Prospect Park
What: Have the kids ever asked how their favorite Prospect Park animals survive during the winter months? The Audubon Nature Center will answer that question and more during the holiday break, through games, science activities, and Naturalist led tours.
How much: Free.

History In Your Hands: Historic Games & Needlework
When: Through Thursday, January 1, 1-4pm
Where: Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park
What: Spend a cozy afternoon at Lefferts Historic House this month making your own 9-man-morris board. Families will also have an opportunity to create a small needlework sampler to take home.
How much: $3 suggested donation.

Toddler Tuesday
When: Every Tuesday, 9:30am-12pm
Where: Prospect Park, LeFrak Center at Lakeside
What: Ice has officially taken over the rink in Prospect Park, but Toddler Tuesdays are still going strong every week at Lakeside. Kids ages 2-5 (and their caregivers) will have a blast with instructor-led play and music activities, healthy snacks, and open skate time with skate rentals, helmets, and pad packs included. Ice skating grippers are available on a first-come, first-served basis for caregivers not comfortable on the ice.
How much: $15 per child, free admission for accompanying adult ($6 adult skate rental available).

NYE Family Movie Time
When: Wednesday, December 31, 10:30am
Where: Park Slope Library, 431 6th Avenue, between 8th and 9th Streets
What: Start the party early and ‘let it go’ at the Park Slope Library’s NYE family move time. The film? Disney’s Frozen. Don’t groan…you know you love Olaf and the gang.
How much: Free!

F#*ck That Shit New Year’s Eve Party
When: Wednesday, December 31
Where: Mary’s Bar, 708 5th Avenue at 22nd Street
What: Ready to show 2014 the door? Mary’s is here to help. The bar is asking people to come fill out a ballot with their biggest complaint from 2014 and there will be three prizes (a $50 bar tab and bottles of bubbles) given out to the three favorite complaints which will be called out on NYE. Also look for drink specials and a free Champagne toast at midnight. Note that ballots must be in my 9pm, and you must be present to win.
How much: Free.

NYE Funk & Soul At Freddy’s
When: Wednesday, December 31, 9pm
Where: Freddy’s, 627 5th Avenue, between 17th and 18th Streets
What: Ring in 2015 with a Freddy’s soul dance party, featuring Chick Rhodes, members of the Fred Thomas Trio, and Jimmy Hill on organ. There will also be a free Champagne toast at midnight.
How much: Free.

NYE At The Monro
When: Wednesday, December 31, 9pm-4am
Where: The Monro Pub, 481 5th Avenue, between 11th and 12th Streets
What: Party all night with appropriate New Year’s Eve headwear, rattle & rollers, tunes to jam to, and a midnight champagne toast.
How much: Free.

NYE At Greenwood Park
When: Wednesday, December 31, 10pm
Where: Greenwood Park, 555 7th Avenue, between 19th and 20th Streets
What: Celebrate the new year with everyone’s favorite neighborhood beer garden. Look for DJs all night long, no cover, and a free Champagne toast at midnight.
How much: Free

NYE With The Mandingo Ambassadors
When: Wednesday, December 31, 10pm-2am
Where: Barbes, 376 9th Street at 6th Avenue
What: The West African grooves from the Mandingo Ambassadors are a weekly staple at Barbes, and they’re not taking a break for the holidays, so stop by, have a drink, and enjoy some tunes.
How much: $20.

Fireworks In Prospect Park
When: Wednesday, December 31, 11pm/Fireworks at midnight
Where: Grand Army Plaza
What: If you’re sticking close to home this New Year’s Eve, Prospect Park is the place to be as the clock inches toward 2015. Starting at 11pm, there will be music and hot chocolate, but the real show starts at midnight, when the sky will come alive with one of the city’s best fireworks displays. Set up camp anywhere from 9th Street to Grand Army on Prospect Park West, or inside the park along West Drive to see the show.
How much: Free!