Popular Upper West Side Preschools (and How to Know Which One Is Best for You)

Students at the Montclare Children's School attend classes in a landmarked building and study a child-centered curriculum. Photo courtesy of the school

Navigating the great preschool hunt at this point in time might seem exceptionally daunting, and in neighborhoods like the family-packed Upper West Side, where preschool spots are in high demand, it can feel as if you're trying to get your toddler into college!

But, fear not: The Upper West Side is home to a lot of great preschools, and your odds of finding a comfortable fit for your family are excellent. We've compiled a helpful list of preschool admissions tips as well as 10 questions to ask during a preschool tour, to set you on a good path.

Below, find Upper West Side preschools, divided by type, to help you start your search, and don't forget our Preschool Directory is an excellent resource to find more programs as well.

100 Best Kids' TV Shows of All Time

The Muppet Show never goes out of style. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprise, Inc.

Sometimes it’s nice to just settle in for a good binge, but it can be hard to find a show the whole family can agree on! We’ve got you covered with a list of the 100 best kids' TV shows ever, from old kids' TV shows in black and white, to our all-time favorite PBS Kids TV shows, right up through the best kids' TV shows you can stream today.

These programs are funny, heartwarming, and wholesome, with educational and life lessons that entertain and help children make sense of the world. Okay, maybe there aren’t a ton of lessons to take from Mr. Bean, but that’s what the other 99 are for. So gather the fam, grab some snacks, and get comfy on the couch, bed, or floor … you’ll be there a while.

Need even more recs for family entertainment? Check out our list of the Best Kids' Movies for Family Movie Night. And whether tonight is a TV night or movie night, these Irresistible Dessert Board Recipes make for super snacks for everyone.

Innovative Coworking Space Brings Play Space, Drop-in Childcare to Carroll Gardens

Kids have plenty of space to romp at Brooklearn, an innovative coworking spot in Brooklyn that offers drop-in childcare.

With the pandemic changing the structure of many people’s working lives and forcing working parents to get creative to keep kids busy during office hours, the recently opened Brooklearn in Carroll Gardens offers a bit of a reprieve for local families. The combined play space and coworking facility caters to caregivers with children up to age 5 who are juggling jobs alongside childcare duties.

Read on for our review of this innovative, family-friendly, hybrid coworking and play space, which is surely a welcome addition to our list of the best things to do with kids in Carrol Gardens and its sister neighborhoods.

10 Nassau County Preschools to Consider

Preschoolers have a dedicated learning space at The Green Vale School.

With so many options on Long Island, choosing a preschool for your toddler can be daunting. To help get you started, we’ve put together a list of 10 schools in Nassau County that are definitely worth checking out.

And while doing your homework includes gathering all the information you can and perusing websites, taking your child to visit a school is probably the best way to determine its fit. Most schools have tours and open houses, so don’t hesitate to take advantage of these offerings, though many may be virtual at the moment.

For more help with your school search, take a look at our complete guide to Long Island preschools. And check out our listing of Montessori preschools if you decide to explore that option for your child.

Whale Watching near Los Angeles: Whale Watching Cruises and Viewpoints for Landlubbers

Los Angeles is the perfect place to look for whales from December to April.

Winter is prime whale watching season in Southern California, and there are several ways to spy on the giant mammals as they pass through on their 6,000-mile quest for Mexican romance. Each year, between December and April, roughly 20,000 Pacific gray whales migrate past our beaches, and March brings particularly high traffic because that's when the underwater procession starts to turn around.

With reduced capacity and ocean breezes, whale watch cruises are a safe outdoor activity, making these tours book up fast—so be sure to make a reservation. If your landlubbers have touchy tummies and like to stay on shore, with a little luck and clear skies, simply Sand Sledding on the Los Angeles Sand Berms or a Day Trip to One of Our Favorite SoCal Beach Towns can turn into a whale watching outing.

Splash and Slide at Indoor Water Parks Near New Jersey for Families

The Kalahari Resort in the Poconos offers big-time thrills in its huge indoor water park.

You can enjoy some summertime fun even in the coldest months at a multitude of indoor water parks in and near New Jersey, where the temperature is kept at a balmy 84 degrees year-round. All of these destinations can be reached in 3 hours or less by car, give or take your starting address and traffic, of course.

So, go dig out your bathing suit from behind your coats and mittens, and get ready to take the plunge at one of these exciting indoor water parks. If you're looking for more seasonal fun, we've rounded up 30 things to do with NJ kids this winter, plus a slew of winter day trips.

Favorite Things To Do with Kids in Roscoe Village and North Center

Kids will have a hard time deciding between all the delicious treats at Dinkel's, the 100 year old Bavarian bakery

The Loop is great... for going to work or being a tourist. But for those looking to see some of the other 76 neighborhoods in Chicago, we've got the inside track on more fun things to do with kids. Just west of Wrigleyville and north of the hipstery Bucktown neighborhood are two of our favorite neighborhoods in Chicago: Roscoe Village and North Center. Bounded by Ashland Avenue to the east, Belmont on the south, Montrose on the north, and the Chicago River on the west, these neighborhoods have a slightly funky, retro feel, and they're a great place for young families to live. There are also a few fun new venues and restaurants in the area that appeal to more adventurous families.

Whether you're looking for bikes, books, brunch, or bowling, Roscoe Village and North Center have plenty of well-kept secrets and family favorites. We hope they become some of your favorite neighborhoods, too! For more things to do in our favorite Chicago neighborhoods, check out our Visitors Guide.

Teens Can Apply Now for Summer Internships in Boston

Rising sophomores have the opportunity to join the STEAM team at the museum. Photo courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston

High school is a time of friendships, activities, milestones, and memories. It’s also a time that precedes important career and college plans. College applications can feel daunting, for teens and supportive family members alike, but one thing is for certain: on top of strong academics, test scores, and extracurricular activities, an internship in the “real world” is a terrific addition to show off leadership skills and initiative.

We’ve scoped out multiple summer internship programs and opportunities for your teen, and included as much info on application deadlines as possible. A summer 2022 internship is a great addition to any resume and college application—not only that, it's a terrific learning experience that can help shape a young person’s growth and future.

Check out our Tweens & Teens Guide to Boston for more local events and happenings.

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