Kids

Earlier this week we wrote about a website that helps you choose appropriate movies for your kids. Another way to find great movies for kids is to check out one of the local film series where aficionados have selected for you movies that are outstanding.

And this week there's a new option because the people who bring you the Tribeca Film Festival are turning their filmy goodness to movies for kids with the brand new Tribeca Cinemas Kids Club. Read on for the scoop on this new film series where you can catch cool flicks for kids every other Saturday starting this weekend, plus three other cool film series you won't want to miss.

If you have not heard of Ninja, a Japanese ninja-themed restaurant in Tribeca, I wouldn't be surprised. Like the warriors the restaurant is named after, it seems to hide in plain site, but this special occasion dining spot is worth discovering, especially with kids.

Let me put it out there that I'm not a big fan of war, but I am intrigued by the arrival of the brand new, not yet commissioned, USS New York in our harbor. This is not something that happens every day and, I have to say, reading about this ship, it's pretty interesting.

New York City is filled with incredible artists and, as parents, we are lucky that many of them make their talents and their services available to families: the concert pianist who teaches children, the painters and photographers who do portraits, artist who create wonderful and imaginative murals, and lots and lots of craftspeople of every stripe. We have created a new page to help these artists connect with the families that can use their services.

By now you probably have all your Halloween events and activities down. Trick or treating, maybe a Halloween costume parade, maybe even a haunted house, if you dare.

How about mixing something a little multicultural into your celebrations? El Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, is the Mexican version of Halloween, and a time to celebrate the lives of friends and family members who have passed away with festivities, food and fun.

For those who like a good fright before Halloween night, check out some of these haunted houses.  There are plenty of night-time haunts to please the older kids, as well as scaredy cat tours and scare-free zones where kids can also trick or treat.  So pick your poison ...

A couple of great deals to snap up if they fit your bill. Find out how to get your environmentally friendly, toxin free diapers for almost half off from Amazon.com and scoop up a last minute Halloween Costume from Ricky's also half off. Check these deals out fast.

We've all been hearing lots of hype about getting vaccinated for the H1N1 swine flue on the radio, television, and in the print media urging people to get the vaccine. On the other side there have been lots of conversations in the playgrounds and on message boards discussing fears of the side effects and dangers of the flu vaccine. But once, you get over the question of whether to get the vaccination or not, you're faced with a second issue: how do you find a flu shot vaccine?

One of my favorite childhood memories from growing up in NYC was Halloween in the Village. The Village Halloween Parade back then was just a couple hundred artists and freaks who marched through the neighborhood and felt more like a neighborhood affair. After the parade, we would trick or treat throughout the brownstone blocks. Everyone was really friendly and fun and we would come home with our shopping bags completely filled. It was magical.

Trick or treating in your building is great for adults because it feels so safe, but it is nowhere near as exciting and magical for kids as getting to run around the neighborhood at night and go door to door. This Halloween, try going to one of the small neighborhood Halloween parades and then sticking around for the trick or treating. Below are some ideas of great places to trick or treat with kids around New York City.

Last week I wrote about some not too spooky haunted houses to take the kids to. I'm adding Chelsea Market as another great Halloween destination for spooky and fun decorations, treats and a big Halloween event this Friday.