Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids |

20 Things All New Parents on Long Island Should Know

Submitted by Felissa Allard on Tue, 10/17/2017 - 3:45pm

We all agree: Long Island is a great place to raise kids. There are parks galore, plenty of fun things to do all year long, and no shortage of places that cater to children.

But things still can seem overwhelming when you’re a new mom or dad. We here at Mommy Poppins can help make your life easier with some of our favorite insider tricks that every new parent on Long Island should add to his or her arsenal.

Weekend Fun: Cape May Halloween Parade, Boo at the Zoo, Hoboken Harvest Fest

Submitted by Laurie R on Tue, 10/17/2017 - 2:40pm

With Halloween barely a week away, it’s no surprise that our weekend roster is brimming with holiday happenings. Get a jump on trick-or-treating with Boo at the Boardwalk and a couple of boo at the zoo events at Space Farms and Cohanzick, and add some Easter flair to your Halloween at the Spooktacular Halloween Egg Hunt.

25 Top Things to Do with NYC Preschoolers Before They Turn 5

Submitted by Kelly O on Tue, 10/17/2017 - 1:00pm

New York City doesn't scrimp when it comes to creating awesome family events and institutions, from the many children's museums and zoos and gardens to only-here street and art fests. But as a mom of two children younger than 5, I'm always looking for fun activities that appeal to the city's youngest children. It's such a special window of time, and I want to create lasting memories—within budgetary reason, and manageable enough for kids who sometimes still need a nap and a sippy cup of milk.

So, inspired by our roundup of 100 things to do with kids in NYC before they grow up, we came up with a list of 25 things to do with toddlers and preschoolers around the city before they turn 5 and head to kindergarten. A few of our selections are well-known favorites with specific under-the-radar attractions for preschoolers, while others are more off the beaten path, but all are things we've enjoyed doing or aspire to try soon!

Splash Lab Arts: A New Place for Philly Kids To Get Messy

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Tue, 10/17/2017 - 10:00am

A brand new indoor play space, with an artistic bent, has made its home in East Falls. Splash Lab Arts has quickly become a go-to spot for kids aged four and up to get creative and try new mediums. We got a chance to take a peek at the space in its off hours to see all it had to offer. Read on for a full review!

Universal Horror Nights: for Families Who Love Halloween So Much It's Scary

Submitted by Roberta B on Tue, 10/17/2017 - 12:57am

Sooner or later, the Halloween is coming when your kids will hang up the Disney costumes and ask about tickets to Universal Studios' Horror Nights. Braving Universal's big Halloween event is part of growing up Angeleno. The question is will you experience it as a family, or send your kids on a mass teen rite of passage? The passage is happening younger every year; these days the teen packs screaming the night away at Universal start at 13 or so. So... will you drop your middle schooler at Halloween Horror Nights? Or, if yours is a family that likes to scream through scary movies together, will you go together? Knowing what the scene is like can help you decide, and we've got the info to make either plan a screaming success.

15 Great Places to Trick-or-Treat with Westchester Kids

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Mon, 10/16/2017 - 4:00pm

Whether it’s because the homes are too spread out, or they’re lining a busy road, or the neighbors are super cranky, some families just don’t live in neighborhoods that are great for trick-or-treating. There are a few sites out there known for rating the best trick-or-treating in the country, but we’ve done a little of own local research. All kids deserve a safe and candy-filled Halloween, so check out some of these family-friendly areas and events if you need an alternative.

For more Halloween-related fun, visit our Halloween Fun Guide and Event Calendar. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook!

New Breastfeeding Centers Offer Support to Long Island Moms

Submitted by Felissa Allard on Mon, 10/16/2017 - 3:05pm

Nursing mothers in Suffolk County rejoice.

Baby Café, a well-known FREE resource for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers throughout the country, has come to Long Island, with locations in Bay Shore and Wyandanch.

Thanksgiving Volunteer Options for NYC Kids and Families

Submitted by Natalie Silverstein on Mon, 10/16/2017 - 2:50pm

Every year around the holidays, readers ask about ways to volunteer with their children in New York City. It's not as easy as you think. Many charitable organizations have age minimums for their projects, and even when you do find family-friendly volunteering opportunities, they often book up weeks in advance.

With Thanksgiving approaching, we want to highlight some great ways NYC kids and their parents can give back to those in need. We're including opportunities for children of all ages so everyone can participate. While kids might not be able to work in a soup kitchen, they can help the homeless, hungry, and elderly in other meaningful ways.

Here are 11 family-friendly ways to put the "giving" in your Thanksgiving.

A Dozen Easy Fall Hikes in NJ for Families with Small Children

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Mon, 10/16/2017 - 1:30pm

Hiking with small children can be fun for the whole family, if you choose the right trails, pack enough snacks, and build in some break time for little legs. Autumn in New Jersey may be the ideal time to get the family outdoors for a nature walk or easy hike, when trees are ablaze with fall colors and temperatures are just right.

Read on for our list of short, family-friendly hikes with scenic vistas and shady picnic spots. As for the snacks, try letting kids make their own trail mix before a nature walk: set out some bowls of nuts, pretzel sticks, dried fruits, and chocolate chips or M&Ms, and let the kids fill a plastic baggie with their favorite fuel. Before setting out, make sure everyone dresses in layers and wears comfortable shoes, and don't forget to pack sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water.

For more outdoor adventures, check out one of the state's many nature centers, which offer a host of family-friendly activities as well as hiking trails. Happy hiking!

Helpful Tips for Watching the Head of the Charles

Submitted by Fiona Haley on Mon, 10/16/2017 - 1:13pm

The Charles is a magnet for many Boston families, whether it's for a paddle down the river or a perfect fall day hanging out on the Esplanade. And this time of year, when the leaves are turning and the riverfront is at its most beautiful, countless families flock to the Head of the Charles Regatta, one of the world’s most competitive rowing races, when more than ten thousand rowers compete for nearly half a million spectators. Watching the rowers from the riverbank is an annual tradition for many Bostonians—but with the crowds and uncertain seating arrangements, it can be tricky to navigate with kids. After several years of attending the Head of the Charles, I have some helpful hints to keep you and your family warm and happy while you watch the race.