New Schools Opening in NYC This Year

Submitted by Suzy Q on

New York City is always changing, and so are our schools. Despite longstanding, ongoing debates over standardized tests, overcrowding, and tuition costs, there are also some exciting new developments in early education here in NYC. In classrooms across the city (and across the country), project-based learning, a focus on global citizenship, and child-centered education are all trending, as we look toward a future in which the jobs our children will need to be prepared for most likely haven't even been invented yet.

Staying on top of educational trends may seem difficult, especially in the ever-evolving world of NYC schools, but the Mommy Poppins NYC Public and Private School Listings Guide can help. For an up to date listing of schools in your area visit our School Directory Listings, and in the meantime, read on for the latest about new schools opening in NYC.

New Jersey Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

Who says there’s no such thing as a free meal? Restaurants throughout New Jersey offer free kid meal promotions nearly every night of the week. (Basically, you never have to cook again.) Visit your favorite family-friendly restaurant on a kids-eat-free night, and you won’t have to worry about overspending on kids’ entrees, especially the ones that are barely touched. Check out some of these New Jersey dining spots that feature free kid meals on certain nights of the week. 

The Best and Worst States for Raising a Family

Submitted by Li Starr on

Everyone wants to raise their family in a healthy, safe, and yes, fun community. But, how do you go about finding the right corner of this country for your family? Trial and error perhaps, but WalletHub is also throwing a little data our way on just this subject. The credit report and personal finance site just released its ranking of the best and worst 50 states in which to raise kids.

It weighed a number of factors to determine the top family-friendly states, looking at schools, housing, crime, childcare costs and quality, parental leave options, salaries, and of course, the amount of family fun per capita, including access to parks and playgrounds.

Read on to find out how your state stacks up—and where you might want to consider relocating to with the kids!

Fun for LA Kids this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Weekend

Submitted by Toby B on

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is 'What are you doing for others?'" This weekend, families can join together to answer that question, by participating in the MLK Day of Service. A day spent giving back is just one way to honor Dr. King's memory. There are parades, celebrations, and concerts throughout the weekend to bring our families and communities together in honor of his legacy.

Little ones can learn from Dr. King's example as well, with a number of events this weekend particularly geared toward young children. Kids can listen to inspiring stories , participate in service projects, and share their dreams for the future.

Inspiration can be found on other fronts with founding fathers  and kung fu figure skaters, blood moons and behind the scenes, bulldogs and boars, ephemeral art and fast moving motocross, high flying acrobats and dancing on, what do call em? feet, all serving as examples of what one can achieve. Now is a good time to ask our children: how do you try to make a difference? And where do you find your inspiration?

Keep reading for some of our most inspired picks for this weekend.

MLK Weekend Fun for Houston Kids: Parades, Parties and More

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on

The first long weekend of the year is here, and it's to celebrate and honor the life of the legendary Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In true fashion, Houston has an array of awesome events lined up to commemorate the event, from parades like the 41st Annual "Original" MLK, Jr. Parade and the 25th Annual MLK Grande Parade to the Children's Museum I Have a Dream WonderWeek and Rothko Chapel's MLK Day Audio Installation. 

This is also a big weekend for runners and running enthusiasts The Annual Chevron Houston Marathon is taking over downtown, and everyone is invited to the party. All you need to do is grab your noisemakers and scarves ('cause it's supposed to be chilly!) and get ready to cheer on all the dedicated runners to the finish line. 

In case you missed it, we've shared some great stuff over the past couple weeks: 

Be sure to stop by our event calendar and January GoList when you're running low on activity inspiration, and sign up for our weekly newsletter to have all of our published content emailed to you in one or two short, sweet emails per week. 

It's time to bust out those calendars and get to planning the weekend ahead!

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend Fun for Boston Kids: Jan 19-21

Lucie T's picture Submitted by Lucie T on

This weekend is all about service, songs, and fun while we honor the memory of MLK. There are many service opportunities on our calendar, including a family-friendly days of service at both the Gardner Museum and this annual Cambridge event. This weekend is also full of concerts and songs of all kinds, like a Joyful Noise, African drumming and dancing, the Boston Children's Chorus, and even an eco-concert. There are also several opportunities to learn about other cultures like this annual Japanese New Year festival, a "musifiesta," and Celtic Dayfest. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend Fun for Connecticut Kids: Jan 19-21

Submitted by Ally Noel on

Winter may have officially arrived about a month ago, but these colder temps and talk of flurries have us dreaming of snow days and all the magic of a true New England winter. The season is in full swing this weekend with winter nature programs in Darien, Canton, and Westport, as well as the first lunar eclipse of 2019! 

Of course, the main theme this weekend is honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. through the many programs taking place throughout the state, including the Love All Project and a very special open house at the Harriet Beacher Stowe Center, among other cultural happenings.

With snow in the forecast this weekend and the government shutdown still in effect at press time, make sure you check with any venue directly before setting out. To keep up to date on all the news for Connecticut families, subscribe to our weekly newsletters and follow us on Facebook, and Instagram. Stay warm and have a great weekend!
 

MLK Jr. Weekend in NYC: Community, Black Comic Con, and Birds!

Drew Kristofik's picture Submitted by Drew Kristofik on

The Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend in New York City offers tons of opportunities to honor the man and his mission. Kids can Write for Change at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, participate in the Martin's Mosaic project at Children’s Museum of Manhattan, catch a performance of Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom, join a Freedom Quilting Bee at Wave Hill, watch films themed to Overcoming Obstacles at MoMA, participate in the family-oriented programming in Prospect Park, check out the free BAM-hosted tribute to MLK, Jr in Fort Greene, and parade in the 31st Annual MLK Jr Commemorative March. Check our calendar for Monday, January 21, for a huge list of MLK activities.

In Harlem, the Seventh Annual Black Comic Book Festival is sure to include some fun costume sightings. And bird watchers can bring their binoculars to a Hawk Watch in Queens, a Bald Eagle Watch in Inwood, or take a Winter Bird Walk at Alley Pond or Greenwood Heights. Got a budding astronomer? Bundle up for a peek at the Supermoon in Central Park on Sunday.

It's been a slow winter when it comes to snow. If the kids are yearning for interaction with fluffy white stuff, consider a day trip to a nearby mountain with our Ski and Snow Sports Guide, or stay local with outdoor ice skating. Prefer cozy and warm? Check out these 50 things to do indoors in NYC all winter. 

Our top picks for the long weekend are below. Looking for more ideas? Our NYC Children’s Museum and Art Guide offers lots of hidden treasures and you can find even more seasonal fun in our NYC Winter Activities Guide for Families, as well as in our January GoList.​ And, of course, the calendar grows daily!

Where To See Whales in LA: Whale Watching Cruises, Festivals, and Viewpoints

Roberta B's picture Submitted by Roberta B on

Winter is prime whale watching season in Southern California, and there are several ways to spy on the giant mammals as they pass through on their 6,000-mile quest for Mexican romance. Each year, between December and April, roughly 20,000 Pacific gray whales migrate past our beaches, and March brings particularly high traffic because that's when the underwater procession starts to turn around. Pregnant, south-bound she-whales still trying to make it to Baja before the contractions start are blasted past by upwardly mobile young he-whales, finished with romance and headed for an appointment in the Arctic Circle. All that toing and froing is the inspiration for many a whale cruise and festival. With a little luck and clear skies, even a hike or sand sledding can turn into a whale watching activity.

Weekend Events: Super Family Sunday, MLK Activities, Nature

Jaime Sumersille's picture Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on

Have a Super Family Sunday helping the Nassau County Museum of Art celebrate the Gold Coast mansion's 100th birthday, cake included.

Visit the Long Island Children's Museum this weekend to create a peaceful painting to mark Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. Or get your paint on at the Long Island Explorium all weekend long.

Sunshine seekers can head to Jones Beach to peep some seals or Sunken Meadow State Park for its Winter Run Series.

With schools closed Monday, check out inexpensive family fun with our list of free things to do this month. Don’t forget to check our January GoList and events calendar for more inspiration.

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