Healthy Kids

Mar 18 2013

Little League Baseball, Softball and T-Ball for New York City Kids 2013

Things to do with kids: Little League Baseball, Softball and T-Ball for New York City Kids 2013

The Yankees and the Mets aren’t the only ones stepping up to the plate this spring. Thousands of kids across the city will be eagerly dusting off their cleats in anticipation of Little League’s opening day on Saturday, April 6 (though some teams kick off on Sunday, April 7 and throughout the rest of the month).

Joining a Little League team (or any other youth baseball organization) is great fun for the entire family. Parent participation isn't just encouraged, it’s mandatory. Moms and dads volunteer to help manage the leagues, coach the teams, run the concession stands and maintain the grounds. Since it's nonprofit, the registration fees are relatively affordable. Most cost under $200 for the entire season, and that includes those nifty uniforms. If that's still out of your range, some leagues offer financial assistance.

Because of high enrollment, many teams have pretty strict geographic boundaries, so kids need to register based on their home address and proof is required. With opening day coming up next month, some teams are full, but many are still open for registration and most offer wait lists—and unlike other wait lists in this town, I hear that these actually move.

Find out how to join a T-Ball, baseball or softball team in New York City this spring. If your kids would prefer to cheer from the sidelines than get in the game, we've got the scoop on some great Little League opening day bashes, too.

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Jan 15 2013

Cross-Country Skiing Near NYC: Where to Nordic Ski with Kids

Things to do with kids: Cross-Country Skiing Near NYC: Where to Nordic Ski with Kids

While we've written plenty of posts about downhill skiing with NYC kids, we've never covered cross-country skiing. Also known as Nordic skiing, cross-country skiing is a great winter sport for families. Children as young as five can ski alone, and parents can tow tots in a sled or carry them in a backpack while on the trails. You can't do that while swooshing down a mountain!

Cross-country skiing is a fun way for active kids to burn off energy in the colder months and spend time outside. While you use most of the same equipment that you'd need for a day on the slopes—skis, boots, bindings, poles, goggles, helmets and warm clothing—cross-country skiing is nowhere near as dangerous or as expensive as downhill skiing. You won't be at risk for slamming into a tree at full speed, and trail passes usually cost about $20 per person.

After a good snowfall in New York City, you can cross-country ski just about anywhere. I've seen people doing it in parks and even right down the middle of Fifth Avenue before the snow plows cleared the street. But if you're looking to go cross-country skiing in a more scenic (and less bumpy) environment, there are tri-state area destinations that offer many miles of well-groomed trails, as well as amenities like warm lodges where you can sit back, relax, sip on hot cocoa and enjoy a family meal.

Unlike traditional ski resorts, most cross-country trails aren't in the business of making their own snow. So you're going to have to wait for the white stuff before you can get out there. Once that happens, here are six spots where families can enjoy cross-country skiing, most less than a two-hour drive from New York City.

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Dec 6 2012

Make Facing Challenges Fun for Kids with a Challenge-a-Day Project

Things to do with kids: Make Facing Challenges Fun for Kids with a Challenge-a-Day Project

As parents, we instinctively want to make things easy on our kids, but making sure they are faced with appropriate challenges is one of the best things we can do for them. Tackling a challenge builds self-esteem and teaches new skills, resilience and perseverance.

This past summer, I organized a challenge-a-day project for my son that turned out to be really great. Not only were the challenges fun, they exposed him to new experiences and helped him learn new skills. By the end, he was doing all kinds of things that he didn't think he was capable of and, by repeatedly tackling challenges, he internalized the idea that he can, in fact, achieve things that seem hard. A challenge-a-day program can also be great for kids with sensory issues, anxiety or other struggles since it allows them to slowly build up tolerance to desired tasks.

If you'd like to try a challenge-a-day project like my family did, here's what you need to know:

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Jan 8 2012

Indoor Swimming Pools in New York City for Families

Things to do with kids: Indoor Swimming Pools in New York City for Families

[UPDATED: JANUARY 21, 2013]

The first time my three-year-old son saw a backyard swimming pool, he was completely befuddled. He thought pools belonged indoors or on glass-enclosed rooftops, not out in the elements in a backyard. Thanks to city living, he had already discovered the pleasures of swimming year round in an indoor pool. New Yorkers are lucky to have many family-friendly pools available with affordable open swim options. Read on for our list of the best public and private indoor pools in New York City. No need to pack up your bathing suit until next summer!

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Nov 13 2011

Eat Sleep Play: The Children's Museum of Manhattan's Fun New Exhibit About Healthy Living

Eat Sleep Play: The Children's Museum of Manhattan's Fun New Exhibit About Healthy Living

Do you ever fight with your kids about eating more fruits and vegetables, getting more exercise and going to bed on time (and not waking up at the crack of dawn)? That question's rhetorical, but we're pretty sure the answer is a loud, "Yes!" Well the folks at the Children's Museum of Manhattan hear you, and that's why they've opened a new permanent installation called Eat Sleep Play, which aims to help families lead healthier lives.

The exhibit is part of CMOM's national health initiative, which includes obesity prevention outreach programs and similar installations at museums across the country. Housed in the main hall, Eat Sleep Play is filled with cool games, manipulatives and physical challenges. Yes, the subject matter is heavy—diabetes, eating disorders and obesity are all touched on—but the museum keeps it light and fun for kids, focusing on small life changes.

While CMOM is one of the most popular tot spots on the Upper West Side, take note: Although Eat Sleep Play has attractions to please younger children (tongue slide, anyone?), elementary schoolers are the ones who will get the most out of it. A real change from the Dora and Diego romper room upstairs!

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