Jackson Heights with Kids: A Photo Walking Tour Around the World in Queens

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We've been featuring one great NYC neighborhood each month on Mommy Poppins. So far, we've shared our favorite things to do and places to go with kids in Chinatown, Park Slope and on the Upper West Side. For February, we're focusing on one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the city: Jackson Heights, Queens.

A visit to Jackson Heights feels like a mini trip around the world, without the hassle or expense of international travel. It's also super family-friendly—I know because I'm raising my two kids here. I chronicle our adventures on my blog and we've certainly had many in our home 'hood. So take a stroll with us and discover the global culture of Jackson Heights, from Indian sari dress shops to Nepali momos to Uruguayan empanadas.

Nuclear Cowboyz: Get Revved Up for this FMX Motocross Extravaganza

Anna Fader's picture Submitted by Anna Fader on

   I have to admit that motocross really isn't my thing. I'm much more likely to get excited by the idea of spending an evening curled up with a copy of Pride and Prejudice than sitting in an arena watching motorcycles fly through the air to heavy metal music. But I'm always up for trying something new—especially when the prospect makes my kids go wild. So when we were invited to check out Nuclear Cowboyz, the FMX (freestyle motocross) extravaganza, I put on my best tweeds and went to see what surprises a pyrotechnic motocross show might hold for us.

After watching the promo video, I became intrigued. The footage promised daring tricks, fire and lasers. Is Nuclear Cowboyz the Cirque du Soleil of motocross?

NYC's Indoor Gardens: Get an Early Dose of Spring at These Hot Spots

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[UPDATED: JANUARY 28, 2013]

Although the weather has felt spring-like for the past couple of weeks, it's going to be a few months before the flowers actually start blooming. If your family needs a fix of fabulous flora right now, you're in luck. There are lots of indoor gardens in New York City where you can find thriving flowers, plants and green trees, even in the dead of winter.

From tropical spots at the botanical gardens to no-cost public atriums to hidden gems like the free Glass Gardens, here are eleven indoor havens where you can pretend spring has already arrived.

Frolic! Play Space: Williamsburg's New Rock 'n' Roll Tot Spot

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Sadly this play space closed in September 2014. Frolic!, Williamsburg's new rock 'n' roll-themed romping spot for preschoolers, has gotten an incredible amount of buzz since it opened last month. Although as of now the awesome play space is reserved for members, non-members can sign up for Frolic!'s cool classes, which are led by talented New York City artists. Since my daughter is such a big music fan, we just had to check it out.

Opened by Carey Balogh and Julia Dawson, two local moms and neighbors, this 5,000-square-foot facility features vibrant, psychedelic colors, high ceilings, a sleek design and classic rock-inspired play equipment, like a paint-splattered VW bus and a Rolling Stones' tongue slide. It's the kind of place that really taps into your kids' creativity and imagination.

Moving to Connecticut? A Few Tips on Moving with Your Family

Submitted by Katie McKnight on

Moving with kids is challenging from start to finish.  Surprisingly, 2 year olds are not that helpful with packing.  And while they are infinitely more helpful with unpacking (paper everywhere), sometimes they can be a little too helpful (broken china everywhere…). On the up side, moving with kids is never dull!  If you’re moving to Connecticut from out of state, or even from within the state, there are a lot of ways to make the transition easier for both you and your kids.

Monster Jam Family 4 Pack Giveaway!

Mary Beth Lawlor's picture Submitted by Mary Beth Lawlor on

Where can you watch Monster sized trucks (12 feet tall and 12 feet wide) fly 35 feel up into the air and over 14 lined up cars? Monster Jam is a three hour show meant to wow and thrill you and the kids. Trucks can go up to 100 mph on top of 66 inch tires! A lucky Mommy Poppins CT subscriber will take a family of 4 to the show of their choice Feb 11th or 12th for FREE!

Weekly Wrap Up: Snow Tubing Near NYC, Black History Month, Cool Kids' Theater

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Go Chuck! The Staten Island Zoo's famous weather-predicting groundhog didn't see his shadow, which allegedly means we'll have an early spring. (Not like we needed him to tell us that.) If your kids are worried they won't get a chance to play in the show this winter, we've written about a bunch of nearby resorts that make their own so families can go skiing or snow tubing.

Of course the weather doesn't need to cooperate for you to enjoy winter culture. This week we did a post on kids' stage shows we're excited about, and we also have roundups of cool kids' concerts and family film festivals like BAMkids, which takes place this weekend.

Outside the city, our Connecticut site followed in NYC's and LA's footsteps by sharing a list of 30 things to do in Hartford County with kids. If you're taking a trip up that way, it's worthy of printing out. Speaking of traveling, NYC public school midwinter break is coming up. We've got lots of great day trip ideas in our Winter Fun Guide, including indoor water parks and no-car destinations.

If you want to stay on top of everything that's going on in New Jersey, Long Island, Connecticut, Boston or Los Angeles, you can subscribe to our free newsletters. Read on for everything we covered on Mommy Poppins NYC this week.

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