News: New NYC Play Spaces, School Rezoning Woes, Why the DOE Had to Shorten February Break

You know what we're thankful for this holiday season? That NYC has so many fantastic places to play inside. We've got the scoop on two brand-new indoor play spots opening up next month, plus school rezoning news, your chance to become an influential NYC mommy blogger and the reason why the Department of Education had no choice but to shorten the upcoming February school break.

When it comes to places to play indoors in NYC, we're experts. (That's why our founder, Anna, recently shared some of her favorites in a DNAinfo.com article.) Well, we have two new ones to add to our extensive list: My Gym is opening a second Upper East Side location on 83rd Street on Friday. The weekend-long open house includes raffles, games and demos. Meanwhile, Dumbo, Brooklyn boutique EGG Baby is unveiling its Playroom on Sunday, December 9, which will host a variety of quality kids' classes plus drop-in open play for $10 per session.

Speaking of things we love in Brooklyn, popular local blog A Child Grows in Brooklyn is up for sale. Founder Karen Connell moved to Chicago a few months back and is hoping a dedicated Brooklynite will want to continue the site. The buyer also gets the rights to all related social media, the Brooklyn Baby Expo and other assets. Career opportunity anyone?

The New York Times shines a spotlight on the battles brewing over 14 potential school rezoning proposals by looking at a recent kerfuffle in Park Slope. Find out if your district might be affected.

If you've got a kid in public school, we're guessing you already know that the Department of Education shortened the February 2013 break in order to make up some of the days missed due to Hurricane Sandy. Our readers, many of whom had already booked nonrefundable vacation packages, vented their frustrations on our Facebook page when they found out, wondering why it was necessary. Just to put the decision in context: If school isn't in session for at least 180 during the academic year, the department loses state funding. Imagine how much worse it would be if the DOE had to cut services because there was no money to pay for them? That said, if you've got a vacation booked, talk to your child's teacher. You probably won't be the only family missing those three days!

And we want to end on an up note (so to speak): The Sandy-induced blackout inspired Brooklyn family band, The Pop Ups, to write a sweet song about fun in-the-dark activities. If you're a fan, you can feel good about downloading the tune as all proceeds go to local recovery efforts.

Looking for other ways to give to hurricane victims? Don't forget about Mommy Poppins' Holiday Portrait Hurricane Sandy Fundraiser this Sunday, December 2 at J&R Jr. Photo sessions are selling out fast so book now.