Submitted by Jody Mercier on
After a year of closures, COVID, and being cooped up inside, we could all use a little hope on the horizon. So it is, we bring you our annual list of the most anticipated kid-friendly openings for 2021.
While some picks are making a repeat appearance, we're sharing them again in the spirit of silver linings and excitement for the year ahead.
Submitted by Jody Mercier on
It's no secret 2020 took its toll on New York City. From weary parents to homebound school children, the pandemic has left its mark on us all. As we turn the page to the new year, we want to take a moment to share some appreciation for the family-friendly NYC businesses that closed in 2020. These spots are pandemic victims in their own right, ranging from play spaces to bookstores and family-friendly eateries and boutiques who all helped make our lives a little simpler, and their loss is one we'll likely feel for years to come.
Submitted by Jody Mercier on
With 2021 just hours away, I'm sure I'm not the only one ready to kick the dumpster fire of 2020 to the curb, but in the spirit of optimism and silver linings, I'll be doing so with a grateful heart. Twenty-twenty tested us in ways we couldn't previously imagine, but it also brought out our best in many ways, and now that we're almost through it, let's take a little time to offer some gratitude to the New York City people and places who saved our sanity in this crazy, never-ending, groundhog day type of a year.
So, join me in raising your glass to these (lucky!) 13 New York City characters and the hope on the horizon.
Submitted by Jody Mercier on
We're re-releasing our list of the top mocktails for kids just in time to celebrate 2021 and say bye-bye and good riddance to 2020! We love the inclusivity of mocktails. Now kids, pregnant mamas, and teetotalers can safely get in on the cocktail countdown fun.
From pink-hued sangria (with Shirley Temples) to mojitos (and minty limeade), we have five yummy cocktail-mocktail pairings for parents and kids to enjoy together.
Find more creative ways to celebrate New Year's Eve at home with these 12 kid-friendly activities.
Submitted by Jody Mercier on
These trendy hot chocolate bombs are the perfect antidote to cold winter adventures and stay-at-home orders. The sweet treats offer double the fun because crafting hot chocolate bombs at home is an easy baking project that results in one tasty snow day boredom buster.
These popular chocolate concoctions are small chocolate spheres filled with hot cocoa mix that explodes into a steamy, dreamy cup of hot chocolate when hot milk is poured over the top. Read on for our step-by-step recipe for homemade hot chocolate bombs.
Submitted by Jody Mercier on
Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza announced sweeping admissions changes for public middle and high schools. Spurred by pandemic-induced limitations, middle schools will put a one-year pause on all screening requirements. High schools are eliminating geographic priorities over the next two years, plus conducting the specialized high school entrance exam at local middle schools, and allowing auditions for selective performing arts schools to be completed online.
In addition to announcing admissions changes, officials detailed the long-delayed application timeline; in a normal year, applications are submitted by the holiday break.
Find plenty more information about the NYC Department of Education, plus after-school classes and distance learning support in our Schools Guide.
Submitted by Jody Mercier on
Ready or not, Santa Claus is coming to town! For kids who may not have gotten the chance to deliver their letters in person this year, let them call Santa for a big thrill. We've rounded up several ways to call Santa, get Santa to call your kids (or text them), and more Christmas fun, like tracking Santa on the big night.
Want to really blow their minds? There are apps that let you share a photo of Santa handing out presents in your very own living room. Christmastime is already among the most magical seasons for children, but these fun tools take it to the next level. Read on for our favorite ways to check in with Santa before Christmas. Our special gift for you: These special Santa calls and experiences are (mostly) FREE!
For 2020, the elves have taken it a step further with virtual visits with Santa Claus, where kids can interact with the big guy from the safety of home.
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Grab your PJs and pack an overnight bag because FAO Schwarz has teamed up with Airbnb to offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an only-in-New-York slumber party.
The experience, which is available for booking Tuesday, December 15, for the bargain-basement price of just $25, offers a one-night-only stay in the iconic toy store, complete with a real FAO Schwarz toy soldier as your host and tour guide, a glittering living room setup overlooking the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, and plenty more perks with exclusive access to the toy store for the entirety of your stay.
