Discover Five Great Indoor Activities for NYC Kids

I am excited to announce that two wonderful contributors are joining the Mommy Poppins team. Dani Finkel is a Brooklyn mom who has been making a habit of getting to know every corner of the city with her little son. She's going to be sharing that knowledge with us. Lucky us! And, in the next day or so you will see the first installment of Granny Poppins, our other new contributor. Sharon Kleinhandler, a NYC grandparent, is going to be dishing out great ideas for getting the most out of NYC with the grandkids. Just in time for the holidays and all those visiting relatives.

The following is Dani's first post - with some great ideas on where to go when the weather is foul.

Though the weather doesn't seem like it will ever approach the lows that will force you & your brood inside. It's going to happen! Whether you have a newborn, toddler or school-aged child you're going to be faced with long hours inside this winter. After you have watched every video, played every game & read every book in the house you're going to need to venture outside or risk what I'd like to call M.G.S.C. Disorder better known as "Mommy's Going Stir Crazy".

Here are some ideas on where to go for indoor activities in New York that will stimulate Mom as well as children.

Museum of Natural History Discovery Room
Free with Admission to Museum
Natural History’s always been a no-brainer as far as kids activities in the city, but a lot of parents haven't heard of the Discovery Room. *Warning--The staff can be a bit cranky on busy days, you need to supervise your kids so you don't get dirty looks.

The Discovery Room offers families, and especially children ages 5-12, an interactive gateway to the wonders of the Museum and a hands-on, behind-the scenes look at its science. Every major field of Museum science and research, from anthropology to zoology, is represented. Story Time is especially good for the little ones. Activities for older visitors are located on the upper level. Bonus-- the cafeterias at the museum serve healthy, albeit expensive, snack choices.

New York Hall of Science
Enjoy free admission September through June, on Fridays from 2 – 5 pm and Sundays from 10 – 11 am. Otherwise Adults $11.00- Kids/$8.00
Yes, folks, it's in Queens, but get over it. This museum is such an easy trip on the subway (or drive) and it's soooooo worth it. During the week the museum is never crowded and it's hours of indoor fun for you as well as your kids.

Metropolitan Museum of Art
Donation Suggested
The Met is not on everyone's radar as a great museum for kids, but there are some great hidden spots there and fun exhibits for kids. Pass through the Medieval Section on the First Floor into the Robert Lehman Collection & you will be rewarded with one of the least trafficked parts of the building--it's filled with light & lots of room for you & your really little one to explore. The guards are really relaxed , there are benches & seating & you can hang out for a while. It’s a great place to nurse. Visit the museums cafes for a snack break & if you're really feeling adventurous wheel through the one of the other sections. Suggestions: The Egyptian Wing-- walk thru a real temple!, the old baseball card collections , the arms & armor sections, and the costume room.

Chelsea Piers Toddler Adventure Center
Admission--$10.00
The Toddler Adventure Center features one of the nicest indoor toddler play areas in the city. It's also kept super clean and offers you up to 4 hours of fun indoor time during the coldest months. It's small enough that you can always have your eye on even the littlest of kids.The focus is on fun through movement as youngsters crawl, roll, jump, and explore. Last, but not least there is a ball pit--need I say more? On your way home you can take a peek into Chelsea Art Galleries while a tired little someone takes a nap in the stroller.

Staten Island Children's Museum
Admission $5.00
Best Bang for the Buck! This museum is full of interactive exhibits, it’s in great shape - clean & well organized and it’s really not hard to get to. The bus is right outside the ferry station & the trips is guaranteed to tire the kids out. See our full length write up of this trip here.

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