When I first heard that Eataly, the gigantic new emporium of enticing Italian edibles, would be recreated in the Flatiron District (the first one is in Turin) by uber-chef Mario Batali and a few of his big-name buddies, I figured the prices would be off the charts and the food would probably be too fancy schmancy for the younger set. To hear it described it certainly doesn't sound like a magnet for your munchkins, but think again. Eataly (which sounds like "Italy" as spoken by the heavily accented chef in Disney's Lady & The Tramp) is full of super snacks, sweet and savory, convenient lunch options, and plenty of tempting take home eats to boot.

What's more, because it's just across the street from the ever-popular Madison Square Park, it's a massively welcome kid-friendly alternative to the ridiculously long lines at nearby Shake Shack.  Stroller-friendly and offering heavenly coffee for the grown-up set, you'll be pleased to know about this new addition to the neighborhood. Read on for the full scoop (or two, if you like gelato!).

Ever wonder just how that Hokey Pokey Elmo actually wiggles and dances?  No, it isn’t just the batteries.  The answer to this and many other toy functionality questions can be answered with a visit to the Long Island Children’s Museum where Toys: The Inside Story is currently on exhibit.  The exhibit is fun for parents, full of classic toys like Etch a Sketch, jacks in the box and other toys from our childhood as well as an engaging experience for kids where they can learn and experiment with gears, circuits and pulleys – all while playing with their favorite toys.  By the way, a rotating cam and follower makes Elmo dance.

In the effort of full disclosure, we have more computers in our apartment than we have living beings. That count includes Bubbles, our fish. Like most moms and dads these days, we get the latest news online (the TV is usually turned to a reality show or Team Umizoomi). Checking the headlines often turns to surfing the latest sales at jcrew.com or, more than likely, reading parenting sites and parenting blogs. I’ve gathered a few gems for you. Halloween may be over, people, but feel free to bust out those leftover candies while perusing these goodies from around the web.

The portraits Stomping Ground Photography took at our Halloween party are now posted on their website and they are awesome. They really captured the spirit of all the kids in their Halloween costumes. Check out the slideshow they put together with some of the highlights, plus some more photos we took of the party.

If your child had their portrait taken, we also have info on how to order your prints below:

Halloween's Over, although the sugar buzz may still be lingering. I hope you had a really fun day (or several days, more likely). We went trick or treating and snapped some pictures of kids around the neighborhood with really creative costumes. I also have some tips on how your kids can sell their Halloween candy or donate it to a good cause. Lastly, I wanted to share some poignant images from another silly event this weekend, Jon Stewart's Rally to Restore Sanity.

My 2 ½ year old son was addicted to acorns last year. Luckily, he only wanted to gather them. He preferred ones with “tops on them” and loved trips to the park to beef up his collection. This year, he’s more into sticks, leaves and tree stumps. I knew the exhibit Out on A Limb: Adventures in Nature and Art at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum would be right up his alley (and a great way to spend a rainy day!).

From what I’d read about Out on a Limb, I expected a bunch of tree-like structures that kids could climb with actual houses to play in. Once we entered the exhibit, I realized I hadn’t used my imagination enough. Tree-houses were clearly the inspiration, but Out on a Limb takes their meaning to a new, more whimsical level.

I love Halloween.  I just want to get on with the candy eating, costume wearing and parade marching fun, so, I am going to waste no time with this intro, except to tell you to read this post for some tried and true Halloween events in NYC that we are sure your family will love and also that our events calendar and The Mommy Poppins Halloween Guide are both literally stuffed with tons of awesome Halloween events like parties, trick or treating, parades, haunted houses, live music, storytelling and everything else you need to get your ghoul on this Halloween.  Make sure whatever you decide to do, that you arrive early and plan for crowds.  Young or old, everyone in New York City loves Halloween!  

Best Wishes for a Happy and Haunted Halloween!

What could be more fun than making Bread of the Dead? Not much, right? In New Jersey this weekend you can celebrate some fine American ghouls and goblins, or join in a Latino Heritage Festival and celebrate Day of the Dead with sugar skulls, Mexican hot chocolate and Pan de Muertos. Or you can party in a non-Halloween fashion and go to the huge Sugarloaf Crafts Festival. Whatever you choose, have a fun, only mildly scary weekend! (And check our Halloween Guide for more Halloween thrills.)