Preschoolers

May 23 2013

World Science Festival 2013: Free Street Fair and Other Science Fun for NYC Kids

Things to do with kids: World Science Festival 2013: Free Street Fair and Other Science Fun for NYC Kids

You don't need to be a nerd to enjoy the World Science Festival, a multi-day cross-disciplinary science celebration when great minds come together to cultivate a deeper understanding of our world. More than 40 events take place Wednesday, May 29 through Sunday, June 2 at various New York City venues, and while the fest as a whole isn't aimed at families, many of its offerings are kid-friendly.

The highlight for families is the FREE Ultimate Science Street Fair, which takes over Washington Square Park on Sunday, June 2. But there are several other events of note for kids like the awesome-sounding Science Apprentice program. While several ticketed events are already sold out, there are some cool ones that are still available. Find out which World Science Festival events will spark the interest of your young scientist.

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May 22 2013

Brand-New Queens Amusement Park: Fantasy Forest at the Flushing Meadows Carousel

Brand-New Queens Amusement Park: Fantasy Forest at the Flushing Meadows Carousel

Flushing Meadows Corona Park is already jam-packed with cool kids' attractions like the New York Hall of Science, the Queens Zoo and a historic carousel. But there's always room for more. This Memorial Day weekend, Fantasy Forest at the Flushing Meadows Carousel, the only amusement park in Queens, officially opens to the public, and my kids and I got a sneak peek at the fun.

Before you start thinking that Fantasy Forest is the next Coney Island, it's much more modest. In addition to the carousel, there are four fairly tame rides best for younger children and a couple of games. But it's certainly worth a stop during your day out in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Bring a picnic lunch, hang out under the shady trees or plop down on one of the many benches, and stay a while.

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May 21 2013

NYC Beaches After Sandy: What to Expect at Rockaway, Coney Island, Brighton Beach and Others in 2013

Things to do with kids: NYC Beaches After Sandy: What to Expect at Rockaway, Coney Island, Brighton Beach and Others in 2013

New York City beaches open for the season this Memorial Day weekend despite the damage they sustained during Hurricane Sandy. The Parks Department staff, and sanitation and construction crews have been working nonstop to make sure they are safe and clean, and that the sand is back where it belongs. (In some communities, sand washed up onto residents' front lawns!) This is good news for NYC families because—much as we enjoy hitting the Jersey Shore, Long Island beaches and Fire Island—we're not big fans of renting cars or sitting in traffic.

While it won't quite be business as usual for New York City's beaches this summer, you'll still be able to hop on a subway, bus or ferry to hit the shores. From the "Bronx Rivera" to the iconic Coney Island to the Rockaways, these eight urban seasides offer everything that suburban beaches do except the out-of-town commute.

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May 21 2013

5 Inexpensive Birthday Party Room Rentals for NYC Kids

Things to do with kids: 5 Inexpensive Birthday Party Room Rentals for NYC Kids

With so many amazing things to do with kids in NYC we're never jealous of suburban families... except when it comes to throwing birthday parties for our children. Most of us don't have the space to host a big bash at home and no backyard for a bouncy house. And while there are lots of great party places in all five boroughs, buying an all-inclusive package can get pretty pricey, especially if you want to invite the whole class.

But if you're a DIY type who just suffers from space constraints take heart: There actually are some ways to rent relatively inexpensive party rooms in NYC, you just have to know where to look.

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May 20 2013

Governors Island with Kids: Vintage Carnival Rides and What Else is New for 2013

Things to do with kids: Governors Island with Kids: Vintage Carnival Rides and What Else is New for 2013

This Memorial Day weekend Governors Island reopens for the season. It's truly my favorite summer destination in NYC. Whenever I go I think to myself, if they built condos here, I would totally want to buy one. (Thankfully, the island is considered a national monument, so not even Trump can get his hands on this real estate!)

This 172-acre oasis was once home to the U.S. Army and Coast Guard, and is full of quaint 19th-century houses, grassy hills and traffic-free bike paths. It's just a seven-minute ferry ride from lower Manhattan, but if you stand in a spot where the city skyline is out of view, you feel as if you've been transported to 1800s New England. In addition to being a fantastic place for families to relax and explore, the isle hosts lots of cool festivals and activities throughout the season, most of which are FREE. The ferry ride there is FREE, too.

For 2013, all of the big kid attractions will be back, including the Opening Weekend Family Festival, the Figment arts fest when the mini-golf course and Interactive Sculpture Garden debut, and the Children's Museum of the Arts Free Island Outpost. But there are also some really exciting new additions, notably a French festival of vintage carnival rides and carousels in July! Read on for the scoop on the very best things to do on Governors Island with kids this season.

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