Owl Hollow Fields Opens in Staten Island's Freshkills Park

Submitted by Nataki Hewling on

We admit, we don't usually give the opening of a new soccer field a full post on Mommy Poppins (much as we love outdoor sports). But the debut of the long-delayed Owl Hollow Fields on Staten Island is big news in the borough since it's part of the massive Freshkills Park overall.

Once the 2,200-acre Freshkills Park is finished, it will be almost three times as big as Central Park! Progress is slow but it is happening. Last year, my family and I visited Schmul Park in Freshkills. And last week, we went to check out Owl Hollow Fields, which debuted in April just in time for spring soccer season.

Mostly Free & Fun Things To Do With NJ Kids This Weekend May 11-12: Butterfly Festival, Mom's Day Tea, Bari Koral Band & More!

Submitted by Sasha Muzzarelli on

May is a pretty awesome month, with beautiful weather for festivals, parks and picnics. Celebrate that very special woman in your life with  a Mother & Daughter Tea at Acorn Hall or a laid back Mother’s Day hike at Tenafly Nature Center. And check out our article about the Mommy Poppins-sponsored show, Listen To Your Mother, at Symphony Space in Manhattan! You can also soak in even more spring with the Butterfly Festival at the Camden Children’s Garden or the Scavenger Hunt and Grill Out at the Great Swamp Outdoor Center. Read on for our top picks and remember, you can always find a listing of all NJ activities in our Event Calendar.

Go Mom! 5 Cool Ways to Celebrate Mother's Day in NYC Without the Kids

Submitted by Anna Fader on

It's rare that we write about things to do without children on Mommy Poppins but, the fact is, while eating Mother's Day brunch and enjoying fun activities with the kids is lovely, some years, what you really want for your day is something all about, well, you. (Apologies to any dads reading right now, but you get your own Sunday in June.) We've gathered up some off the beaten path ideas for Mother's Day (and beyond) that don't include sticky fingers or crafts made out of pipe cleaners. From wine tastings to adults-only performances, here are five ways to celebrate Mother's Day without the bambinos.

"Listen To Your Mother": A Great Way to Celebrate Mother's Day

Submitted by Shari Simpson on

As New Jersey editor, I am very excited to tell you about something that I'm doing--in New York City. If you're looking for a wonderful and unusual way to spend Mother's Day, consider coming out to the "Listen To Your Mother" reading series at Symphony Space! Showcasing moving, socially relevant and hilarious stories about motherhood from moms, non-moms and even a couple of dudes, "Listen To Your Mother" will be a memory-making end to the day that honors mothers everywhere. (Which means New Jersey, too, as there are five NJ writer/performers in the show!) Read on for all the exciting details about this Mommy Poppins-sponsored show.

Sensory City: LIC Play Space for Kids of All Abilities

Submitted by Kelly O on

An amazing state-of-the-art play space has opened up in Long Island City, but it's no run-of-the-mill kiddie gym. Sensory City is a sensory gym and pediatric occupational therapy practice where kids can enjoy a wide variety of stimulating stations including a swing, a ball pit, a play castle and even a zip line.

While Sensory City was specifically designed to help visitors work on their sensory, fine motor, gross motor and communication skills, children of all abilities are welcome and can benefit from the experiences the gym has to offer. My family and I recently dropped by for an open play session, and my kids had a blast. After all, who doesn't love to romp in a ball pit?

UPDATE: New owners took over this space in the summer of 2017. It is now called Theraplay.

Best Mother's Day Brunches in New London County

Submitted by Sherry Pardy on

Mother's Day now out ranks other occasions in my life to be celebrated, since motherhood is certainly my most important accomplishment to date.  Each year, I anticipate the handmade cards, coffee in bed, and few, extra moments of sleep.  But almost as much as I excitedly wait for those things, I count down the days to one of the best meals of the year: Mother's Day brunch.  We reserve a brunch outing for this one Sunday in May, and include our entire extended family, which makes it even more memorable.  Interested in toasting Mom with a mimosa or omelet made to order?  The selection of Mother's Day brunch spots in New London county is fantastic.

Splurge: CuRious Candy by Cynthia Rowley on the Upper East Side

Raven Snook's picture Submitted by Raven Snook on

There's certainly no shortage of places to indulge in sweet treats on the Upper East Side, but there's always room for one more, right? Especially a sugar spot as cool and unique as CuRious Candy.

The brainchild of high-end fashion designer Cynthia Rowley, CuRious Candy occupies the second floor of her recently opened four-story boutique, and it's not the place to go if you're just looking to pick up a bag of M&M's. In a way, the candy is almost beside the point. From the intriguing entryway, adorned with brambles, foggy mirrors and giant metallic roses, to the fantastical wall mural as you head up the stairs, to the shop's design centerpiece, a white peacock perched on a leafless tree, CuRious Candy is an immersive experience. A visit here is more about experiencing the atmosphere than the actual eating.

Get Jersey Fresh at One of Hudson County’s Farmer’s Markets

Submitted by Kristen Haas on

The days are warmer, the produce is ripening and it's a great time of year to get the kids involved in choosing healthy fresh food ingredients. You may not immediately think of Hudson County as offering many options in that department; we all know it offers close proximity to NYC, museums, fabulous restaurants, but the truth is Hudson County offers 12 fantastic Farmer’s Markets, so check out our list of Hudson County Farmer’s Markets by city and get Jersey Fresh with your NJ kids and families!

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