Baby

Aug 7 2011

Splish Splash Water Park on Long Island: Where Kids Can Cool Off and Have Fun

Things to do with kids: Splish Splash Water Park on Long Island: Where Kids Can Cool Off and Have Fun

[UPDATED: August 1, 2012]


Cooling off in local sprinklers or pools is a rite of summer in the city. But nothing beats the fun of taking a day trip to a nearby water theme park, where families can spend the whole day getting wet and wild.

There are many water theme parks within driving distance of NYC. In fact, Splish Splash on Long Island—which is considered by many folks (including my son) to be one of the best water parks in the country—is just a 90-minute drive from midtown Manhattan. Bonus: You can see it from the the Long Island Expressway, so you can't get lost on the way there! 

The 96-acre park has two dozen rides, ranging from tame kiddie pools to dark tunnels of terror. Plus there are other attractions like two wave pools and a bird show.

In addition to being super-cool (in both senses of the word), Splish Splash is immaculately clean and comfortable. The water is pristine and there's a surprising amount of shade. My son and I recently went on our first trip there with a bunch of his friends, and to say we were impressed is an understatement. We closed the park, and my six-year-old and his pals have been begging to go back again before the season ends.

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Aug 2 2011

Cool Mommy and Me Exercise Classes in NYC

Things to do with kids: Cool Mommy and Me Exercise Classes in NYC

[UPDATED: July 18, 2012]

A few years ago, I never imagined that I'd become the kind of person who plans an entire day around my exercise class. I thought only old ladies and fitness nuts did that.

Not anymore. These days, I'm all over my Thursday morning Mommy & Me class. It's a great workout, and a lot of fun for me and my son. It really jump-starts our day.

We'e written about Mommy and Me swim classes and stroller workouts before, but there are other ways you can get back in shape while bonding with your baby. Local YMCAs, gyms and other outlets now also offer parent and baby yoga classes, Pilates and, my class of choice, aerobics.

Not all Mommy and Me classes are the same, though. We're got the scoop on the differences, as well as a roundup of other parent and baby exercise options in NYC.

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Jul 11 2011

Best Theme Parks for Preschoolers in and Near NYC

Things to do with kids: Best Theme Parks for Preschoolers in and Near NYC

For young children, a ride on a carousel’s painted pony, a spin with dad around the bumper car track and the dripping swirl of frozen custard are the stuff that summer memories are made of. No need to seek out the latest scary high-tech roller coasters (which means you can cross Luna Park's Scream Zone off your list).

Rides that look mild (or frankly, downright boring) to big people usually provide just the right amount of thrills for toddlers and preschoolers. Happily, there are a number of places in and near New York City that offer these kinds of tame attractions. Here's our roundup of parks that are perfect for the pint-sized.

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Jul 5 2011

Best Summer Health and Safety Gear for Kids

Things to do with kids: Best Summer Health and Safety Gear for Kids

It’s summer, and we all know what that means: barbecues, camp, parties, beaches—and sunburns, stings and sand in all your cracks.

To combat the season's little annoyances (bug bites) and major dangers (drowning), we've rounded up the best new health and safety products for your family. So have fun with abandon and leave your worry at home.

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Jun 20 2011

Cool Stroller Inventions Made by NYC Mommies

Cool Stroller Inventions Made by NYC Mommies

They say necessity is the mother of invention. So since moms have a lot of needs (we're talking G-rated ones here), it's no surprise that they find creative ways to fulfill them.

New York City mothers are particularly imaginative, especially when it comes to making the most of our strollers. We use them the way suburban moms use their SUVs: They're our shopping carts and storage spaces.

With that in mind, three fabulous local mompreneurs came up with five smart, stroller-enhancing products, and we're giving one of each away.

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