Long Island City Museums with Kids: Spending the Day at MoMA PS1, the Noguchi Museum and Socrates Sculpture Park

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One of the main reasons visitors go to Long Island City in Queens is to explore the neighborhood's vibrant arts scene. In addition to a slew of galleries, LIC has three big museums: MoMA PS1, the Noguchi Museum and outdoor oasis Socrates Sculpture Park.

Even though all three culture spots regularly offer kids programming and classes, we know some families wonder whether they're worth the trip—especially since PS1 isn't within walking distance of the other two (which are just a block apart). So as part of our month-long focus on Long Island City, my five-year-old son and I set off on an LIC art tour to see if we could hit all three in one day. We had so much fun, we agreed that even though we live over in Brooklyn, we would do it again soon.

Little Lions: Best Kids' Books About Going to School from The New York Public Library

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The back-to-school season is filled with all kinds of chores like things to buy, lunches to pack and clothing to label. But what really stresses elementary schoolers (and, let's face it, their parents) out is the prospect of transitioning into a new grade or going to school for the very first time.

Is it any fun at all? Will I make friends? How much homework will I have? Those are just a few of the questions kids have as the first day of school looms. A great way to ease their anxiety is to read a picture book about what it's like to go to school. So for this month's Little Lions post, Stephanie Whelan, the senior children's librarian at the New York Public Library's Stewart Park branch, shared her favorite kids' books that help kids transition into kindergarten or any new elementary grade.

5 Favorite Outdoor Adventures around Boston for Kids – “Tween” Approved!

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The Appalachian Mountain Club recently launched Kids Outdoors Boston, a free online community designed to help parents get their kids outside. The site is packed with over 100 thoroughly described, close-to-home trips, which include maps, driving and public transportation directions – making planning a breeze for moms and dads.

Kids Outdoors Boston is based on a guidebook recently published by AMC, Outdoors with Kids Boston. Today in partnership with the AMC, we highlight five picks from the book, chosen by the author’s daughter.*

5 Easy and Packable Lunches for the First Week of School

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I'm the worst mother on the planet (well, maybe just in NJ), because I basically packed the same school lunch for my daughter 180 days in a row: PB & J, cheese stick, juice box, fruit and 2 cookies.  So, after looking at Mommy Poppins' great school lunch article from last year, Get Packing!, and our terrific Back to School Guide, I decided to try some new stuff. This year when my daughter opens her lunch box, she'll be in for a surprise!

Cheap and Free Children's Dance Classes in New York City

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With a son who is totally into ballet, it wasn't long before his little sister wanted lessons, too. While I try to be fair when it comes to extracurricular activities for my kids, enrolling in multiple classes really adds up, especially with dance, which can quickly go from once a week to twice a week to oh my God, we're living in the studio!

As a result, I'm always on the hunt for the most reasonably priced dance classes in New York City. And today, I'm sharing what I've found with all of you.

The DOE's New Gifted & Talented Test: Easier or Harder to Prep For?

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For several consecutive years, almost 50 percent of children in certain NYC neighborhoods have managed to score in the top 10 percent on the Gifted & Talented test. In an attempt to level the playing field, the Department of Education has announced that it's replacing one section of the exam—the Bracken School Readiness Assessment, which tests kids on their knowledge of colors, numbers and shapes—with the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test, which covers visual reasoning skills and abstract logic. The DOE claims this change will make the G&T test more difficult to prep for but is that actually the case?

A Few Family Outdoor Safety Products: Safety Turtle, Thermacell Outdoor Lantern, Flare Down

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This morning I was on the WFSB Channel 3 news showcasing some outdoor family safety products. If you are new to the site, welcome! We hope you enjoy Mommy Poppins CT. Please subscribe to our weekly newsletter so that you are in the loop about fun things to do with the kids each week. You can also like us on Facebook and Twitter. As promised, here are the details on each product that I featured:

Travel Deals for Labor Day Weekend Getaways and Orlando Deal Season

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Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer and is a popular time for family vacations.  If you haven’t done any advanced planning, never fear, there are still last minute deals. 

Parents with very young kids might also want to consider a post-Labor Day September getaway.  Lower prices, fewer crowds and still-warm water temps make it an ideal travel month. But, even school age children in places like New York City where schools close for the four-day Rosh Hashanah school holiday can take a September mini-vacation to visit Orlando. Destinations like Disney and SeaWorld are quiet this time of year with bargains galore. 

Read on to learn about deals in Orlando, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Embassy Suites and Intercontinental hotels, Aruba and the Doral Arrowwood, a throwback-style resort that is just outside of New York City.

 

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