Submitted by Toby B on
Something tells me it's all happening at the zoo, particularly when it comes to teaching kids about conservation. While most Earth Day celebrations are limited to a single day, the LA Zoo extends its Wild For the Planet through four weekends.
Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on
There's a new option in Westchester for watching those summer blockbusters or going on a date night: iPic Theaters in Dobbs Ferry.
The eight-screen luxury movie theater is the newest in a chain of iPic Theaters throughout the country—and the first of its kind here in Westchester. With other nearby locations in Manhattan and Fort Lee, N.J., the Dobbs Ferry theater marks the company’s 16th location and is set to open on Friday, May 5.
We received a first-hand sneak peek at this upscale—but family friendly—theater. Looking for even more fun places to visit this spring? Check out our Event Calendar and sign up for our newsletters.
Submitted by Sherry Pardy on
After a long winter, even a cold-weather fan looks forward to the hot, lazy days of summer. There are few things we love more than a fun-filled summer fair, and it's just about that time of year. So, grab the calendar, pack the sunscreen, and put on your most comfortable shoes because it's festival time! Can you smell the fried dough already?
Want more? We've got roundups of festivals and fairs in Hartford County and New Haven County, too, as well as free concert series in Fairfield County.
Submitted by Mona Kayhan on
Celebrating mom with a special brunch is a time-honored tradition. This year we’ve rounded up 11 of our favorite Brooklyn restaurants, where the food is outstanding and the vibe is special yet still family friendly. Mark your calendars: Mother's Day is Sunday, May 14.
Each of our picks serves a standout brunch—and offers high chairs. Be sure to reserve or show up early as these spots fill up quickly. If you’ve got young kids in tow, consider packing a few snacks and small toys to keep them busy while you wait to be seated.
Need more ideas? Check out our suggestions for Mother's Day brunch in Manhattan or in Queens.
Submitted by Clementina Verge on
About 4,200 miles away, across the Atlantic Ocean, you will find a country defined by delicious cuisine, lively music, and rich traditions. Of course, you can forgo a passport and save yourself the $1,500 airfare by enjoying an all-Polish experience in the heart of New Britain. Since most children are always up for adventure, they will likely enjoy peeking into another culture, trying to make sense of foreign labels, tasting new foods, and perhaps learning a few words in a new language.
Submitted by Jessica Laird on
We love the philosophy behind Eye Level: that successful learning happens at the eye level of the child. The example of an elementary school teacher who kneels down in front of paintings at a gallery the day before bringing his students to an exhibit, to make sure he sees the work the way they will, is the type of engaged teaching we all want for our children. Maybe that's why more than two and a half million children have participated in Eye Level's individualized supplemental math and English program across the globe. With thirty locations in New Jersey, more local families are discovering the confidence and self-directed learning habits that Eye Level programs can provide.
Submitted by Fiona Taylor on
Sensory gyms are a great resource for children with special needs or a developmental delay or concern. The specialized play equipment entertains as it provides treatment, and it's often a supportive environment for families, too. While there are many activities parents and children can do at home, a sensory gym offers equipment not usually available in a New York City apartment. Some facilities even offer time with trained therapists.
Queens doesn't have as many sensory gyms as Manhattan or Brooklyn, so it can be difficult to find quality classes or even an indoor play space where kids can play safely with other youngsters. It does, however, have a growing number of well-equipped gyms run by experienced therapists; we rounded up six for you below.
Submitted by Susan Miele on
Because a public library’s mission is to serve the varying interests of its community, it’s fitting that many offer bilingual programming for children, especially in towns with diverse communities. Bilingual programming for Westchester families, however, is often attended not only by native speakers but also by those wishing to expose their children to a second language from an early age. One local mom we know strategically hired a Spanish-speaking nanny for her toddler and brought him to Spanish story time to increase this exposure.
Beyond the 30 to 60 minutes of weekly immersion, these programs can also provide a cultural hub—an opportunity for families to connect with others from their heritage and socialize both within and outside of the library setting. And since most are intended for young learners accompanied by a caregiver, you're sure to pick up some new phrases yourself!
We’ve explored the bilingual programs offered by Westchester libraries to round up some highlights. Though Spanish-language programs are the most abundant, a variety of languages are in focus—and one in particular offers a smattering of more than 20 languages, from Dutch to Urdu and Ashanti! One note: Although we confirmed with the libraries that these are ongoing programs, be sure to check before you go because dates can change.
