Kids & Families
For reservations email event_reservation@amscan.org or call 212.847.9740
Skoppa and Skrítla at the Movies/Skoppa og Skrítla í bíó
Saturday, February 20, 11 am in Icelandic; 1 pm in English
$9 ($6 ASF Members), Ages toddler+
The lovable Skoppa and Skrítla return to Scandinavia House to present their film Skoppa og Skrítla í bíó/Skoppa and Skrítla at the Movies (Iceland, 2008). The film follows the adventures of the two Icelandic personalities who have previously enjoyed popularity both on television and on stage but are now taking their first steps on the big screen. The film introduces children to the magical world of cinema, while providing quality entertainment for the entire family.
Skoppa and Skrítla, the cheery protagonists, are amazing beings from the Land of Adventure, where everyone is celestial, sweet, and sincere. Through song and dance the film offers a message about the wisdom of hopeful wishing and the lasting values of friendship. While leading children on a adventure through wildlife and natural locales, the film stimulates the imaginations of those of an age of awe and learning. 56 min.
Aladdin
The Lahjan Tytöt Aesthetic Gymnastics Club
Thursday, February 25, 5 pm
FREE, no tickets or reservations required; seating is first-come first-served
The Finnish gymnastic group Lahjan Tytöt combines Finnish art and sport in an enchanting combination of high-energy modern dance, group aesthetic gymnastics, and traditional Finnish folk song and dance. The performance at Scandinavia House will tell the story of Aladdin, interpreted through dance and aesthetic group gymnastics. Founded in Turku, Finland in 1971, the club boasts 750 members from age 2 through 80. It has been a formidable presence in national and international competitions, winning the Finnish Cup and taking the silver medal in the world championship.
Festelavn Workshop
Saturday, February 27, 1 pm
$6 ($4 ASF Members), ages 5+
This holiday originated in Denmark and is sometimes described as a “Nordic Halloween” with kids dressing up in costumes and gathering treats for the Fastelavn feast. Children are invited to dress-up while playing traditional games and learning songs.
Saturday Morning Storytelling
with the H.C. Andersen Storytellers
Saturdays, February 20, March 13, April 10 & May 8, 11 am
FREE, no reservations are necessary for Saturday Morning Storytelling, ages 5+
Some of New York’s most famous storytellers bring to life exciting tales of mythical creatures and fantastic adventures from Scandinavia and the far North.
February 20: Stories from Sweden & Other Tales told by Regina Ress
March 13: Stories from Finland & Other Tales with Swedish Ballads told and sung by Johanna Hongell-Darsee
April 10: Stories from Norway & Other Tales told by Rolf Stang
May 8: Stories from Denmark & Other Tales told by Jack McKeon
H.C. Andersen Storytellers Artistic Director: Diane Wolkstein. Storytelling at Scandinavia House is made possible by support from DeWitt Stern Group, Inc. and DeWitt Stern Imperatore.
A Child’s Adventure in the Swedish Countryside: A Storybook Installation
Saturday, 12 – 5 pm, $5 per child (FREE for ASF members), admission includes access to both spaces
Open to ASF Family Associate and above members, Tuesday – Friday, 12 – 5 pm; ages toddler+
Leave New York City to discover the magical lives of some of Sweden’s most popular classic and contemporary children’s storybook characters! The sixth installation of The American Scandinavian Foundation’s popular Annual Celebration of Children’s Literature at Scandinavia House spotlights Sweden.
A Child’s Adventure in the Swedish Countryside is an interactive playscape that takes children on a magical journey from New York City across the ocean to Sweden where they can explore, hear stories, and read while surrounded by vibrant and imaginative murals evocative of the bucolic Swedish landscape. Kids will encounter a fantasy city skyline, inspired by simple, bright building blocks. A mini-balcony suggests a penthouse roof where they can build their own block buildings. Following a whimsically-stylized road, they will leave behind the big city, meeting along the way some of the country’s most beloved storybook characters, like Stefan Casta's Mister Raf, Gunilla Bergstrom’s Alfons, and Maria Jonsson’s Astrid the Fly. Children can read and listen to stories in the giant blueberry basket “sofa” and other woodland-inspired cushions that litter the forest, go camping in a tent with Findus the Cat or play in Elsa Beskow’s capricious hat house. The storybook installation is designed by renowned set designer and artist Sarah Edkins.
Both classic and contemporary literatures are embraced in this installation as much of today’s literature evokes popular themes of the past. Many of the contemporary authors and illustrators continue in tradition of the classic “Elsa Beskow style,” where they imagine fanciful play lands that blend together the natural and human world.
Support for A Child’s Adventure in the Swedish Countryside: A Storybook Installation is provided by Christina Lang Assael, The Assael Foundation; The Hon. Charles and Monika A. Heimbold, The Heimbold Foundation; the Honorary Consulate General of Sweden, New York; SWEA, New Jersey Chapter; Dr. Rose-Marie G. Oster; Edwin & Kathy Ordonez; John L. and Solveig Andersen; Michael E. Gochman & Bettina Schriver Gochman; and Sara Roy Summers.
Heimbold Family Children’s Center
Scandinavia House features regular programs for children and families in the Heimbold Family Children's Center, a colorful, welcoming environment where children and their caregivers can learn about the history and culture of Scandinavia through books, toys, workshops, and storytelling.
Open to ASF members only Tuesday-Friday, 12-5 pm. FREE
Open to the public Saturday, 12-5 pm. $5 per child (FREE to ASF members) includes admission to both the Heimbold Family Children's Center and The Myths & Magic of Iceland.