There's big school-related news over this school break, namely the end of the month-long school bus strike—even if you already heard about it we think it's worth repeating. Plus, it's almost time to start applying to public school pre-K, a cool new museum grows in Brooklyn, a popular drop-in play space drastically raises its prices and a hot air balloon lands in Central Park.

Every year around this time, the annual summer camp panic sets in for parents. We suffer from a particularly acute case of it here in NYC, due to the overwhelming number of summer day camps available. It's difficult to know where to send your child for the best summer experience, especially when there are new programs popping up every year.

To help you make an informed choice about the new camps on the block, we've rounded up the most innovative and enriching summer programs set to debut this summer. Some are brand-new, others are places we love that are significantly expanding their already awesome offerings. At these notable new camps, kids can learn about animals, create cool contraptions, study STEM concepts, hone their artistic skills, design bridges and playgrounds, and tackle a ton of other projects. And the options run the gamut from preschoolers to teens.

Be sure to check out our Summer Camp Guide for info on lots of other programs in NYC, commuter camps and sleepaway options.

Every year when he was growing up, my husband’s dad would take him to the USS Constitution on his half birthday.  They would tour the ship and then conclude the outing with lunch at The 99 restaurant.  Although they haven’t been back in years, they still speak fondly of those trips.  It’s a wonderful place to bring kids, but everyone knows even the distraction of a big ship won’t quell hungry bellies.  Below is a list of restaurants near and around Old Ironsides that are kid-friendly and parent approved. 

A cup of molten chocolatey goodness is the best way to thaw out on a cold day—in fact, it's one of the best things about winter. Below is a list of our favorite kid-friendly places that offer a variety of unique hot chocolates (habanero? hazelnut?) for the whole family. Enjoy—and stay warm-ish!



As I tunneled out of my driveway yesterday, snow shovel in one hand and hot coffee in the other, my neighbor called over to ask if I had signed up for summer camp yet.  I dropped my coffee, swore (only a little swear, really), and realized that, despite the snow and ice, summer is coming!  This year, I am determined to sign up for camps early to take advantage of the early registration discounts.  The Mommy Poppins CT Summer Camp Guide has tons of great camps listed. Here are some others that we are also considering:

Kidcity, located in Middletown, is a perfect spot for young children aged 1- 7 years old. It’s more than just a museum. It’s a fun interactive mix between a museum and indoor playground where you and your child can play pretend together, while using your imagination to have fun. Each room has a different theme, like pirate ship, fishery, space age or farm, and is filled with tons of props to play with. The entire lower level has a special sea theme geared specifically towards young toddlers with plenty of areas to crawl through, climb and slide on.

Winter break is coming! For moms everywhere this can be a scary proclamation, especially when you have multiple children in different age categories with completely different interests. This is a challenge that is difficult, but not insurmountable. I’ve compiled a list of some camps and wonderful activities for your kids. Take a deep breath and read on!

If you were to hear that LACMA has gotten even more family-friendly and exciting for children, would you believe me?

Sometimes I sit back and think about how lucky we are in Los Angeles to have big, open museums that welcome children. The California Science Center continues to be one of the great places for hands-on museum experiences. The Natural History Museum combines exciting new exhibits with that old-school stuffed animal experience we remember from our childhoods. And then there's LACMA.