Second Hand Children's Gear Pop-Up Store in Tribeca

I stumbled upon this children's used clothing and toy store that is opening today, April 26, 2010 for just 4 weeks. Rondo says it is to benefit the Church Street Music School, a great music and art school with preschool alternative in Tribeca.

I don't know if they are taking donations or selling on consignment (I assume they are taking donations), but I love shopping for kids gear second hand and it looks like they already have lots of cute stuff in the window.

Take a peek:

5 Mother’s Day Freebies and Deals in New York City 2010

There are tons of fab free things to do to enjoy Mother's Day with your kids in NYC...and we don't mean spending the day cleaning out your closets (although that does sound exciting). Lots of places celebrate Mother's Day with deals, discounts and freebies just for mom. Here are a few no- and low-cost treats and activities moms and their lucky offspring can share together over Mother’s Day weekend.

 

Fun Festivals and Weekend Events for Kids and Families in New York City: April 24 - 25, 2010

You guys all know that New York City isn't just Manhattan, right? Of course you do, and this weekend really proves that all 5 boroughs of this amazing city are vibrant, community minded and full of fun events and activities. This weekend the Big Apple has festivals of every ilk – in every corner of the city.  Check out the cherry blossom festival in Queens or the St. George Day Festival in Staten Island.  Visit one of the many Earth Day, National Park Week or 12th National Puppetry Day Celebrations taking place around town.  Plus, The Tribeca Film Festival kicks off this weekend, too, families can watch the classic film, Big, under the stars at the "Drive In" on Friday night.

If you are going to be out of town this weekend, try visiting The Planting Field Arboretum in Oyster Bay, Long Island, an amazingly beautiful 400 acre garden with historic buildings and greenhouses.  They are throwing a huge Arbor Day festival with lots of fun activities like tree climbing, live music and even tree seedlings to plant and take home.  We were so excited about this one that we accidentaly posted it last weekend!  It is going on this weekend - so don't miss it.

If you are car free but want to get out of the city, take the kids and head right across the harbor (via Hudson Bergen light rail) to Liberty State Park, for the Garden State's largest Earth Day festival.  Kids can bounce till they drop in the Earth Day Kingdom or choose arts and crafts, interactive displays, games, contests and food.  You can also walk across the street and visit The Liberty Science Center and see what they have going on for Earth Day.

Whatever you choose to do this weekend – we hope you have a great one!

NJ Weekend Events 24-25: Rutgers Day, Earth Day Festivals, Sheepshearing & Open Cockpits

The Garden State is going green this weekend as we recycle, reuse, and extend the mid-week Earth Day activities.   Festivals, fairs, and celebrations with an environmentally friendly theme are plenty this weekend at Rutgers University, Liberty State Park, Liberty Science Center, Camden Children’s Garden, and the Morris Museum where kids can see movies, learn about the environment, get crafty with recyclables, and just have plain fun all to benefit our planet.  For those who feel that Earth Day should be celebrated in isolation with nature, this weekend’s your chance for a small guided canoe paddle through NJ’s marshes.  And with Spring in the air, some local Jersey farms are bringing out the sheers to de-fleece the sheep!  

Visit New York City's National Parks, Really!

When you think of National Parks you probably think of places like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and other parklands out west. But did you know . there are actually 10 National Parks in New York City and Northern NJ, and over 30 historic sites, parks, monuments, trails, memorials, and heritage areas right here in New York State?

This week (to April 25) is National Park Week, and all 392 National Parks offer free admission in celebration of "America's Best Idea" so it's a perfect opportunity to check out some of these awesome destinations with your kids. (Tours and other fees may still apply).

Read on for everything you need to know for a family-friendly, historic, and beautiful visit to these local gems.

Book Clubs and Reading Groups for New York City Kids, Tweens and Teens

I love to read and most of my adult life have been in one – sometimes two – book groups.  There seems to be a under the radar trend in the city right now where girls and their mothers are starting book groups together, possibly spurred on by the popular middle grade book series: The Mother-Daughter Book Club , about a group of girls reading Little Women along with their mothers. 

There are quite a few book groups or reading clubs already established in New York City - for practically every age.  Read on to find out where and when and for our tips on starting a reading group for your child (with mommy or without.)

Weekend Events on Long Island April 23-25

Although it’s a few days prior, there are plenty of Earth Day celebrations still to be had. Don’t forget to reference the Earth Day post to look over additional (eco) events for this weekend. Between theater productions for parents and kids alike and taking a stroll outdoors or back in history, there’s much to do on this final weekend of April.

 

Spring Flowers in Bloom: Visit New York City's Gardens

Sometimes you don't need a better reason to get outside than to just enjoy the beautfiul nature that CAN be found even here in New York City. Once kids get out among the flowers, grass and trees they don't need an activity, somehow they find ways to entertain themselves. And for parents, it's a refreshing change of pace from all those kid activities to just enjoy the natural beauty of Spring's flowers in bloom.

But time is running out to catch some of the more dramatic Spring displays before they're gone for another year. Here are some of our favorite places to enjoy nature's bounty this Spring:

 

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