Mommy Poppins - Things to Do in NYC with Kids

Free Weekend Walks: Car-Free Street Fun for NYC Kids and Families

Stephanie — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Beginning this month, the New York City Department of Transportation is sponsoring its fifth season of Weekend Walks, fun neighborhood gatherings that take place right in the middle of New York City streets. These aren't vendor-packed street fairs, massive festivals or the bike-filled Summer Streets; instead, they're casual community celebrations where local businesses, organizations and residents come together to dance, make art, eat, party and play in closed-to-traffic streets.

Activities vary by location, but Weekend Walks usually include live music, arts and crafts, classes and workshops, and kids' programing hosted by cultural institutions and businesses along the route. Since these events are low-key and neighborhood specific, it's probably not worth traveling a long distance to attend one. However, since there will be 20 different Weekend Walks throughout the five boroughs between May and October, there very well may be one near you.

Free Summer Swimming Lessons and Outdoor Sports Programs for NYC Kids

mommy — Sun, 20 May 2012 20:00:00 +0000

Just because we live in a concrete jungle doesn't mean our kids can't enjoy a summer filled with great outdoor spots. And you don't even need to be a Hilton to afford them.

New York City offers many opportunities for city kids to learn team sports, swimming, tennis, golfing, fishing, kayaking, hiking and more at no cost. Of course registering for these free programs takes a little legwork and, since many of them are first-come, first-serve, punctuality. We've got the scoop on what's available, and how your kids can vie for spots.

5 Free Manhattan Public Art Displays Kids Will Love

Stephanie — Sun, 20 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Recently we've posted about a lot of cool new exhibits, but one of the great things about New York City is that you don't need to visit a museum to expose your kids to great art. Stroll around and you'll come across public art displays in parks, plazas and even on street medians. The best thing about public art? You can experience it for FREE.

Since we've noticed a bunch of eye-catching installations around town (how can you miss that upside-down elephant or those headless bodies?), we're highlighting five public exhibits so you can take your family on a DIY art tour this spring.

This Week: New Park Slope Playground, Kid-Friendly Chelsea Restaurants, It's My Park Day

Raven — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000

We were all about cool new destinations and attractions this week. Cooper-Hewitt opened its brand-new Design Center in Harlem, where kids can take free art workshops. After a one-year renovation, Park Slope's J. J. Byrne Playground reopened with state-of-the-art equipment and a Colonial theme. And the Metropolitan Museum of Art debuted an out-of-this-world rooftop installation.

If you're looking for a fun Memorial Day weekend getaway, how about going fruit or vegetable picking? We've updated our pick-your-own guide with roundups of fruit and vegetable farms on Long Island and berry picking spots in Connecticut. Meanwhile our Travel site can help you plan your big summer vacation. We have new posts about things to do with kids in Virginia Beach and a rave review of Disney's new cruise ship, the Fantasy.

Here's what else we shared this week on our NYC site.

Tomas Saraceno's Cloud City: Met on the Roof Exhibit is Out of This World

mommy — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Each spring, the Metropolitan Museum of Art unveils a new exhibit on its roof. This week I attended a press preview of Cloud City by Tomás Saraceno, the museum's latest rooftop installation.

Inspired by bubbles, the architectural sculpture is a collection of pods made out of clear plastic and mirrored panels. Climbing into the structure feels like entering an M. C. Escher drawing. The clear panels give you the sense of floating in space with nothing below to support you, while the mirrored panels create a fun-house effect. It's a bit disorienting, a bit scary, but also lots of fun.

Little Lions: Best Kids' Books About New Siblings from The New York Public Library

NYPL — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Having a second child, as joyous as it is, can be seriously stressful—especially for your first born, who up until now was the center of attention. Even if your kid is excited about becoming a big sister or brother, mixed emotions may set in once the baby actually arrives. Sharing toys at school is one thing; sharing mom and dad and toys at home? Cue a tantrum.

Although the siblings will inevitably bond, you can jump-start the process by sharing books about new brothers and sisters, even while you're still pregnant. So for this month's Little Lions post, we asked Katie Crook, the senior librarian at the Francis Martin Library in the Bronx, to share her favorite children's titles about families welcoming new arrivals.

Free & Fun Things to Do this Weekend with NYC Kids: Festivals, Laurie Berkner, Dan Zanes, Touch-a-Truck, Kite Flight May 19-20

Stephanie — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:00:00 +0000

Do you like festivals? Well good, because there are a bunch of exciting ones this weekend. Vehicle-obsessed kids can get their fix at two Touch-a-Truck fests and animal lovers can hit the Fleece Festival in Prospect Park. Introduce your kids to all kinds of ethnic eats at the Ninth Avenue Food Festival, show off your moves at the New York Dance Parade and rock out to mom bands at the annual Mamapalooza Extravaganza.

Speaking of music, two kiddie rock heavyweights are playing this weekend: Laurie Berkner and Dan Zanes. Other indoor fun includes screenings of the classic French short The Red Balloon and a free performance by the Paper Bag Players.

All of our best bets for the weekend are below. Remember, there are even more options in our Event Calendar and our Spring Fun Guide.

It's My Park Day and Other NYC Outdoor Volunteering Opportunities for Families

Sonia — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Recently we received an email asking if we knew about any outdoor volunteering opportunities for New York City families this spring. The timing was perfect since this Saturday, May 19 is It's My Park Day. Organized by Partnership for Parks and held twice a year in the spring and fall, It's My Park Day brings together thousands of NYC volunteers looking to help spruce up their neighborhood green spaces. It's an awesome initiative and a great way to teach your kids about the importance of giving back to your community. After all, these are the parks they play in!

There are It's My Park Day events throughout the five boroughs. In addition to cleaning, weeding and other chores, many gatherings feature arts and crafts, giveaways and a celebratory atmosphere. We’ve got the details about how to get involved with It's My Park Day, as well as other ways your family can volunteer outdoors in the city this spring.