Community

How To Navigate DTLA's Central Library with Kids

Submitted by Lindsay Halladay on Fri, 07/13/2018 - 5:32pm

Built in 1926, Downtown’s Central Library is an LA landmark famous for its remarkable art, architecture, children and family programming, dedicated librarians, and extensive collections for any avid learner. It can be a remarkable place to visit with kids—with an important caveat.

A journey to the Central Library is different from a jaunt to your local branch. Over the last year or two, the homeless population has taken refuge here at an unprecedented rate, and this has noticeably changed the experience. That said, we still found there are many ways for a family to enjoy this historic and delightful facility with a few key pointers.

50+ Ways to Keep NYC Kids Off Screens This Summer

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on Tue, 07/10/2018 - 1:00pm

"Brain drain." "Summer slide." No matter what you call it, the phenomenon of students losing months of math and reading skills during the eight-week summer vacation scares parents and teachers alike.

Luckily, we live in a city that offers tons of opportunities for summertime excitement and learning, many of them FREE. We've put together a list of more than 50 of our favorite NYC activities, events, and even at-home challenges that get kids to exercise their brains, and keep them (and us) off our screens!

So get out there to try some of these ideas for enriching exploration and edu-tainment around NYC with kids this summer. You can find even more ideas in our STEAM Guide, and don't forget to check out our NYC Schools Guide as September approaches.

An Urban Oasis: Exploring Mill River Park in Stamford

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 06/15/2018 - 10:22am

If you told me ten years ago that I would be walking through a serene landscape along the Mill River in Stamford, I would have laughed. But that’s exactly what my daughter and I found ourselves doing on this absolutely beautiful day. The landscape here has changed dramatically over the past decade - and I’m not just talking about the high-rise condos that have taken over Stamford. With the help of the Army Corps of Engineers and civic collaboration, Stamford now houses a “world-class park in the heart of downtown Stamford.”

Family-Friendly Summer Festivals in Houston Not To Miss

Submitted by Kate M on Fri, 05/04/2018 - 4:56pm

There is just something about summertime that feels different, even when you're all grown up. Maybe it's because school is out and kids are running around everywhere enjoying their newfound freedom, or maybe it's because the days are longer, which means there are more hours to fill with activities. On those days not spent at pool parties, water parks, and camp, Houston's many festivals will help you plan even more exciting family adventures! Choose from festivals celebrating Houston's diversity to music and food.

Touch and Feel Sculpture Exhibit Coming to Simsbury

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Tue, 05/01/2018 - 6:07am

Have you ever had the experience of taking your children to a fancy art museum, only to find that all they want to do is touch stuff? While this is normal behavior, it can be a little unsettling when you are walking past five-hundred year old paintings. Coming to Simsbury in May is a world-renowned sculpture exhibit by the artist Seward Johnson. Sculptures will be strategically placed all over town at local businesses. And guess what? Kids can touch them!

A Mother's Day Gift for You: Free Play at Giggles 'n' Hugs!

Submitted by Anna Fader on Sun, 04/22/2018 - 11:32am

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Mommy Poppins and Giggles 'n' Hugs are teaming up to offer a little gift for you in honor of Mother’s Day. On Monday, May 7th, it’s Mommy Poppins Day at Giggles 'n' Hugs. We invite you to enjoy free admission at either Giggles 'n' Hugs location (Topanga Canyon or Glendale), plus a special Mother’s Day treat for you: choose a cupcake, cookie, coffee or, go on, a mimosa. You deserve it!

New NJ Spray Park Will Provide Fun for Kids of All Abilities

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Wed, 04/18/2018 - 2:05pm

Construction of a new spray park in Toms River was recently announced, and kids of all ages and abilities have something to celebrate. The park is slated to be all-inclusive, meaning accessible for children with disabilities. “We are focused on all abilities being able to interact with each other at this splash pad,” says Erica Cirillo, co-president of Fountains of Hope, the organization fueling the project.

Adventure Playground on Gov. Island Debuts 2018 Schedule and Name

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 04/16/2018 - 3:07pm

We were instant fans of the adventure playground on Governors Island when it debuted in 2016 and are pleased to report the free-play haven returns for a third season, opening its gates to the public on Saturday, May 5 under a new moniker: The Yard.

The Yard will be open for FREE play every weekend during Governors Island's public operating season. Governors Island officially opens on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 and its season runs through Halloween.