Cobble Hill

Recently, all the news about high-stakes testing and changes to the Common Core Standards has made me feel like NYC public schools are moving even further away from arts and creative learning and turning into what my father called "conformity factories." Luckily in New York City, innovative, cutting-edge learning is just a subway ride away.

Right now, one of the coolest things to do with NYC kids is to visit a makerspace where they can get hands-on experience with 3D printing, video game design, animation, Arduino electronics, digital music and more. Makerspaces are popping up all over NYC. Some allow you to drop in and try out avant-garde technology, others offer workshops, classes or summer camp programs designed specifically for kids.

Our kids are living in an age when they have the tools to bring their ideas to life like never before. My daughter created the necklace shown in our gallery at a local makerspace in under an hour, no major investment or factory needed. She has since started a blog for her jewelry designs and even has her own Etsy store.

Who knows what kinds of creativity and innovation this new technology will lead to? Today's young inventors will certainly lead the way. In the meantime, 3D printing is like having a factory at your fingertips, conformity be gone.

I'm sure this list will change as the makerspace movement continues to grow, but here are some of the coolest maker programs for kids in NYC right now.

Every year around this time, the annual summer camp panic sets in for parents. We suffer from a particularly acute case of it here in NYC, due to the overwhelming number of summer day camps available. It's difficult to know where to send your child for the best summer experience, especially when there are new programs popping up every year.

To help you make an informed choice about the new camps on the block, we've rounded up the most innovative and enriching summer programs set to debut this summer. Some are brand-new, others are places we love that are significantly expanding their already awesome offerings. At these notable new camps, kids can learn about animals, create cool contraptions, study STEM concepts, hone their artistic skills, design bridges and playgrounds, and tackle a ton of other projects. And the options run the gamut from preschoolers to teens.

Be sure to check out our Summer Camp Guide for info on lots of other programs in NYC, commuter camps and sleepaway options.

With the cold weather upon us, taking the kids to the movies is very tempting, but the usual family film options...not so much. They're expensive (especially those 3-D releases), and winter is the traditional dumping ground for duds. In fact this year, nothing much is coming out until March when Oz The Great and Powerful finally arrives, and even that won't be good for tots.

Luckily, you don't have to resort to the regular box office choices in New York City. Winter brings a bunch of cool film festivals aimed specifically at children. No Alvin and the Chipmunks sequels on these lineups. The New York International Children's Film Festival and BAMkids offer international indies, while Film Forum Jr. and Family Films at Lincoln Center screen cool classics. Plus, the ticket prices are a lot less—one series is actually free.

Even though we're still sad that long-time Cobble Hill favorite Big Movies for Little Kids is no longer showing movies on a regular basis, other family film series have popped up in its place. In fact, this year there are more than ever. Here are eight series where you and your kids can rediscover the magic of movies.