ART

GOLDEN DAYS

The Metropolitan Museum celebrates ancient gold in its family drop-in program “How Did They Do That?” Visitors learn how chisels and hammerstones were used to make pre-Colombian gold objects. Earlier in the day, “Look Again!” programs invite families to a related class of conversation and sketching. On Saturday morning, four objects that glitter – but are not gold – are on display. And on Sunday, the program compares one golden object with a pre-Colombian object that only appears to be gold. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. “Look Again,” 1-4 p.m. “How Did They Do That?” Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave. at 82nd Street, 212-535-7710, $15 general, $10 seniors, $7 students, free for children under 12 and members.

BOOKS

CRYING FOWL

Irish writer Eoin Colfer reads from “The Opal Deception” (Hyperion), the latest entry in his “Artemis Fowl” series about a brilliant 12-year-old criminal. Today, 6 p.m., Coliseum Books, 11 W. 42nd St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues, 212-803-5890, free.

RAINY DAY

Brooke Shields signs her new memoir “Down Came the Rain: My Journey Through Post-Partum Depression” (Hyperion). Tonight, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble Union Square, 33 E. 17th St. at Broadway, 212-253-0810, free.

BOYS WILL BE BOYS

Philip Van Munching reads from “Boys Will Put You on a Pedestal (So They Can Look Up Your Skirt)” (Simon & Schuster), his book of fatherly advice for daughters. Tomorrow, 6 p.m., Corner Bookstore, 1313 Madison Ave. at 93rd Street, 212-831-3554, free.

WHODUNNITS

Children’s-mystery writers gather to read from their tales of sleuthing. Education reporter Michael Winerip reads from his new novel, “Adam Canfield of the Slash” (Candlewick), a thriller about journalism ethics at an elementary- and middle school newspaper. The other readers are Peter Abrahams (“Down the Rabbit Hole,” Laura Geringer), Elise Broach (“Shakespeare’s Secret,” Henry Holt and Company), Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler (“The Sword That Cut the Burning Grass,” Philomel), and James Van Oosting (“Walking Mary,” Harper-Collins). Saturday, noon, Books of Wonder, 18 W. 18th St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues, 212-989-3270, free.

FOOD & DRINK

TASTY HOW-TO

The Miette Culinary Studio offers two weekend classes for children interested in cooking. First up is an afternoon of sushi creation, from hand rolls to green tea ice cream (Saturday, 1-3 p.m.). The next day, “Not So Junky Junk Food” features healthy versions of classic comfort foods, such as peanut butter cups and Twinkies (Sunday, 1-3 p.m.). Both classes: Miette Culinary Studio, 109 MacDougal St., between Bleecker and West 3rd streets, 212-460-9322, $75 each student, $55 second sibling, reservations required.

MUSIC

NURSERY RHYMES

The Little Missionary’s Day Nursery celebrates its 109th anniversary of serving the Lower East Side with a family rock concert and auction. Singer-songwriter Suzi Shelton provides tunes. Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Julep, 14 Avenue A, between E. Houston and 1st streets, 212-254-2442, $10 individual, $15 families.

STRING THINGS

The Kids Classics series of family concerts concludes this weekend. Host Jim Blanton and his orchestra lead audience members through the different parts of the symphony, and introduce musical ideas such as rhythm, pitch, and dynamics. At a pre-concert activity session, children can make their own instruments (2 p.m.). Sunday, 3 p.m., Queens College, LeFrak Concert Hall, Kissena Boulevard at 64th Avenue, Queens, 718-793-8080, $12.

PARENTING

HEIR RAISING

Two “Parenting Together” workshops cater to parents with children under age 4. Up first is a session on “Easing Transitions” (tomorrow).A second installment helps navigate “Managing Long-Term Parent-Nanny Relationships” (Tuesday, May 24). Both sessions: 10:30-11:30 a.m., Jewish Community Center in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave. at 76th Street, 646-505-5708, $15 each session, $10 members.

PICNIC

GREAT OUTDOORS

A Central Park picnic benefits the Grand Street Settlement’s summer day camp program for Lower East Side children. Picnickers will enjoy a scavenger hunt, magic trips, family games, and a performance by children’s rockers the Deedle Deedle Dees. Sunday, 3-5:30 p.m., Central Park, Norman’s Landscape, enter at West 86th Street, 646-201-4284, $100 individual ticket, $300 and $500 family tickets. Rain date: Sunday, May 22.

To submit an event for consideration for the Calendar, please wire the particulars to calendar@nysun.com, placing the date of the event in the subject line.