Blogs | Page 1568 | Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids

5 Reasons to Vacation in the Suburbs

Submitted by Anna Fader on Thu, 04/16/2009 - 1:51pm

Lake house near Jefferson Valley in Northern Westchester

For parents, summer planning can get tricky, especially when you find yourself trying to negotiate the different needs of children and spouses. One spouse may have more flexibility in the summer and the other may not. Or maybe you have one child who is ready for camp, but another who is not. One secret solution is to vacation in a nearby suburb. "Ah, vacationing in the suburbs" you say, "how divine...I mean pathetic." If you are imagining postage stamp lawns and ranch houses, then you are missing out. You can find everything you expect from a vacation in the country, plus the convenience of being closer to the city in Northern Westchester and Putnam Counties.

Here are 5 reasons you should consider taking your summer vacation in the suburbs:

The Case Against Dr. Sears, Disney Filming in NYC, DOE Bans Sweets, Why Moms Worry, More

Submitted by Anna Fader on Wed, 04/15/2009 - 4:47am

Haven't done a links post in a while, so lots to catch up on, like where to possibley catch a glimpse of Nicholas Cage filming the latest Disney creation, what the DOE is doing to try to reduce childhood obesity, what moms worry about (everything), the case against Dr. Sears (and everything else), cool new craft site, the cute little robot who could, and more free ways to entertain your kids at home. Check it out:

Celebrating Earth Day and Month in New York with 12 Kid-Friendly Activities

Submitted by Gena on Wed, 04/15/2009 - 4:09am

April 22 is Earth Day, but you don’t have to confine your celebrating to just that one date: This year, many places are scheduling environmentally-themed events throughout the month with lots of great family-friendly activities. Learn about the environment, how to live more greenly, volunteer to green up New York, or just celebrate the Earth and have fun. Here are some suggestions for Earth Day/Month activities to do with the kids in NYC:

Spring Nature Activities in NYC: Hawks, Flowering Trees and Worms!

Submitted by Anna Fader on Tue, 04/14/2009 - 6:07am

Springtime is when the nature in NYC makes itself most obvious to us city kids. While frequently we can be oblivious to the nature all around us, in Spring you can't help but notice the flowering trees, the buds bursting from the earth and, possibly even some wildlife. It's a great time to take your little urbanites to the park and observe the magic of nature at work. Here are some great ways to take in nature in the city this Spring, with places to see red-tailed hawk nests, flowering trees and earthworms.

Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art

Submitted by charlotte on Sun, 04/12/2009 - 6:40pm

Staten Island may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Tibet, but the only Himalayan temple-style building in the whole U.S. calls the borough home.

The museum opened in 1947 and houses the private collection of Jacques Marchais, which is the largest collection of Tibetan art in the West. It is on a lovely little hillside, with meditation gardens all around.

In addition to the extensive permanent collection of religious statues and objects, bronze figures and other art and paintings, the Tibetan Portrait: The Power of Compassion exhibit just opened. Tibetan Portrait has portraits, interactive displays and other objects to show the tradition and beliefs of the Tibetan people, and emphasizes cultural understanding and religious tolerance. It also highlights photographic portraits of Tibetan people (from everyday people to the Dalai Lama) by renowned contemporary artist, Phil Borges.

Staten Island Zoo

Submitted by charlotte on Sun, 04/12/2009 - 6:36pm

It’s true that the Staten Island Zoo isn’t the most extravagant and is the Bronx Zoo’s smaller cousin, but its still has a whole lot to offer and is a great place for kids to really hang out with animals.

In 2007, a newly renovated Reptile Wing opened with an extensive collection of reptiles and amphibians, and a “Fear Zone” that teaches visitors the truth, and talks about the myths behind venomous creatures. It really is a lot of fun and teaches kids respect for these animals, instead of fear.

Staten Island Parks

Submitted by charlotte on Sun, 04/12/2009 - 6:29pm

Staten Island, though perhaps infamously known for the dump (which is currently being turned into a mega-park), is actually the “greenest borough.” Since Central Park is a bit of trek for locals, they can be found riding bikes, feeding the ducks and rowing boats in one of many of the island’s green playgrounds. Here’s a look at some that are definitely worth the free ferry ride over.

Family Friendly Shows at the St. George Theater

Submitted by charlotte on Sun, 04/12/2009 - 6:04pm

This historic theater, once the most lively and gorgeous on Staten Island, was renovated and reopened within the last few years, and is bringing the theatrical heyday back to the island.

The vaudeville house first opened in 1929, with a Wurlizter organ, one of the largest cantilevered balconies ever built, velvet seats, gilded balconies and grand staircases. Today, the theater emits that same old movie house feeling and really has the power to take you back to Olde New York.