| Page 30 | Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids

20 Things To Do in NYC with Babies Before they Turn 1

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 10/01/2024 - 1:25pm

Take your city baby to Rockaway Beach. All you need is a MetroCard and a sense of adventure.

Looking for the best things to do in NYC with babies? You've come to the right place. We've got parent-tested picks for family fun from birth to big kids.

The whole "New York City is a terrible place to raise babies" debate never seems to die, but as a mom of three NYC babies, I disagree. Yes, it can be a nuisance to find subway stations with working elevators and contend with tiny spaces and noisy neighbors. Still, there are so many enriching first-time experiences to share with your New York City baby that it's worth muddling through the inconveniences.

So, stock your diaper bag, strap your infant into a stroller or carrier, and try these 20 things to do in NYC with babies before age 1. Be sure to bookmark our NYC Baby Guide for all our top tips and picks for making the most of NYC with a little one in tow.

Easy Pumpkin Carving Ideas and Pumpkin Carving Stencils for Halloween

Submitted by Sally Chaffin Brooks on Tue, 10/01/2024 - 12:33pm

Which pumpkin carving idea will you choose? Spooky or sweet?

Halloween kicks off with your best pumpkin carving idea... The cornerstone of any great Halloween display—the jack-o'-lantern—is always one of our favorite things to do with kids in the fall, right after the apple picking and a pumpkin patch outing. Pumpkin carving is one of those rare activities that every member of the family can enjoy: little kids love the mess, big kids love the chance to wield a knife, and parents love to show off latent creative skills. From easy to timely to spooky pumpkin carving ideas, we’ve rounded up 20 of our favorite pumpkin carving stencils, all of which include a link to the FREE pumpkin carving stencil design.

Be sure to check out our Halloween Guide for loads more ideas for Halloween fun: We've got over 100 ideas for kids' Halloween costumes, scarily funny Halloween jokes for kids, Halloween movies for the whole family, and so much more.

And for Halloween activities near you, check out our Local Halloween Fun & Activities Guide!

Best Boardwalk Trails in Orlando and Central Florida for Families

Submitted by Jennifer Whitfield on Tue, 10/01/2024 - 11:06am

Enjoy a refreshing stroll with the kids along the scenic boardwalk at Sweetwater Park.

Explore some of the best Central Florida boardwalk trails for families. While the Orlando area is bursting with beautiful hiking trails, nature paths, and parks, sometimes you need something that's 100 percent stroller-friendly; a path that's easy for new walkers, with no roots or rocks in their way; or maybe your kids want the unique experience of walking on water!

These Orlando boardwalk picks are stroller-friendly, accommodate children, and offer the perfect outdoor adventures for families to enjoy nature and burn off energy. For more outdoor adventures, check out the Top 10 Natural Springs in Florida Near Orlando and Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Orlando and Central Florida.

Feed the Animals and More Fun at Muddy Paws Farm Rescue

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Tue, 10/01/2024 - 6:10am

Spend time with pumpkin-eating donkeys at Southampton's Muddy Paws Farm Rescue. Photo by the author

You can feel good about a visit to Muddy Paws Farm Rescue for two reasons: Your kids will be thrilled feeding and petting the farm animals, and you'll have donated to an incredible nonprofit that rescues mistreated animals.

Located in Southampton, New Jersey, Muddy Paws has more than 100 animals for your family to pet and pamper. If this sounds like a fun outing for your family, read on for tips on visiting the farm with kids.

Read our roundup of New Jersey's best petting zoos for more great places to visit some furry friends.

Great Preschools in Brooklyn for Little Learners

Submitted by Diana Kim on Mon, 09/30/2024 - 12:19pm

Students can enter Brooklyn Heights Montessori and continue their educational journey all the way through eighth grade. Photo courtesy of the school

Brooklyn families are fortunate to have a number of great Brooklyn preschools at their doorsteps. The borough is home to a wide range of preschools, which vary in size, educational philosophy, and scheduling flexibility.

To help families find the right preschool fit, we've rounded up 16 great Brooklyn preschools and divided them into categories, including traditional Brooklyn preschools, year-round Brooklyn preschools, Montessori and Reggio Emilia preschools in Brooklyn, and religious preschools in Brooklyn.

Preschool spots are always in high demand, so it's important to start your school search early. Most NYC preschools require you to apply in the fall a year before your child enrolls, with acceptance letters going out in February or March. The process begins by researching preschools' websites, taking tours, talking to other families, and considering what's most important for your family in a preschool.

For a comprehensive list of NYC preschools, check out our Preschools Directory, which includes our top picks for preschools in Park Slope, plus many more resources, including our best preschool admissions tips as well as 10 questions to ask during a preschool tour.

Long Island Libraries with Great Play Spaces and Children's Rooms

Submitted by Jennifer Voit on Mon, 09/30/2024 - 7:26am

Westbury Memorial Public Library has a separate children's library building with play spaces. Photo by the author

Libraries across Long Island provide incredible opportunities for kids to learn, play, read, and explore. Parents can entertain kids for hours in any season and weather with a visit to one of the fantastic, hands-on, FREE play spaces and children's rooms many Long Island library branches offer.

From building blocks galore to exciting nature discovery zones to wooden trains to board, Long Island libraries offer kids a place to let their imaginations soar. We’ve rounded up a list of destination-worthy Long Island libraries with memorable play areas, both indoors and outdoors. For more family adventures as the weather cools off check out our Free Things to Do Indoors on Long Island and 15 Family Fun Centers on Long Island.