Uptown Neighborhood Guide

Although the average age for first-time mothers in the U.S. is mid-20s, many New York City women are on a different schedule. In the city, it's not uncommon to see thirty- and fortysomething moms proudly pushing strollers down the streets—often double ones. Becoming a mom later in life has many potential advantages, like maturity and financial security. But there are challenges too, like connecting with your peers. Sure, you can make plenty of mommy friends on the playground, but if you're hoping to meet other parents who grew up on Sesame Street before Elmo, you may want to join a specialized playgroup or meetup.

We previously posted about general parent groups in NYC. In honor of Salute to Moms 35+ Week, which runs May 13-19, we've rounded up some of New York City's best resources for mothers with a bit of life experience under their belts.

Yesterday, we shared some of our favorite train museums and other places for little choo-choo lovers in and near NYC. But hold on to your conductor hats: Today we've got details on a big bash in honor of National Train Day. This Saturday, May 12, families can head to New York City's most famous and fabulous station, Grand Central Terminal, to mark the 143rd anniversary of the creation of the nation's first transcontinental railroad with exhibits, hands-on activities and interactive displays. If your kid's into trains, you'll want to chug on by to this totally FREE event.

My seven-year-old son is a big fan of exotic sea creatures, particularly the anglerfish which uses a glowing ball of bacteria to lure its prey to their doom. This creepy looking aquatic killer is one of the many amazing lifeforms spotlighted in Creatures of Light: Nature’s Bioluminescence at one of my kid's favorite places, the American Museum of Natural History, so I knew it would be a hit.

The exhibit explores how the anglerfish and other creatures make their own light, also known as bioluminescence, but it also touches on fluorescent beings which emit absorbed light and others that let little glowing critters hitch a ride to light the way. Creatures of Light features firefly-lit meadows, otherworldly caves that twinkle like Christmas trees and shallow bays flashing with light. Although a handful of land creatures are included, the exhibit mainly focuses on fish and other ocean dwellers since the majority of them create their own light. They are all quite a sight!