Stores & Services

The Last Bookstore Is LA's Reading Playground for Kids Who Love Books

Mike Anderson's picture Submitted by Mike Anderson on

Getting kids excited about reading is one of the most important things a parent can do—so it's worth thinking outside the box. When kids start to grow tired of the pastel children’s section, take them downtown to The Last Bookstore, LA's unusual book playground. It is undeniably cool and, best of all, it makes reading seem edgy and funky, rather than something a bunch of lame adults try to trick them into doing. 

Amusement Rides and Indoor Play Spaces Await at Palisades Center

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on

I remember watching the Palisades Center being built from the ground up as I shuttled between Rockland and Westchester counties for various athletic meets and games in high school. At the time, I never imagined that 20 years later, I would be a parent seeking out that very mall to entertain and amuse my own child. But seek it out I do—and with good reason.

It's not just the shopping that makes the Palisades Center a destination spot for families (though, seriously, who can resist four full floors of restaurants and shops?). Palisades Center is also an entertainment complex that lures patrons of all ages. From indoor play spaces larger than many elementary schools to carnival rides and extreme ropes courses, this gigantic mall has something for kids with every interest—with plenty to entertain parents, as well. Read on for the highlights.

Looking for even more fun? Check out some other family-friendly spots! 

Is 222W80 the Upper West Side's Most Luxurious Rental Building?

Jessica Laird's picture Submitted by Jessica Laird on

Ready to treat yo'selves to an apartment upgrade, moms and dads? If you've been daydreaming about a feature-filled luxury building, then wait until you see what this new rental building on the Upper West Side has to offer. And we're not just talking elevators and doormen here... Think bowling alleys and smartphone concierge apps (um, not kidding).

222W80 is a boutique-size, all-new construction in one of Manhattan's prime family-friendly neighborhoods. Its stunning architecture, seriously spacious interiors, and premium finishes are certainly enough to catch your eye, but it's the uh-mazing list of amenities that makes it really tough to top. We spoke to Amy Rose, the CEO of Rose Associates — the building's developer and leasing firm — to get the rundown on the extensive offerings.

Get a Free Chromebook 2GB for All your Summer Family Screen Time

Jessica Laird's picture Submitted by Jessica Laird on

Don't get us wrong. We're all about avoiding summer brain drain by keeping kiddos engaged with swim lessons, crafts, drama camps, and robotics clubs. But with all that busyness—plus parents' packed work and home calendars, which don't slow down just because it's school vacation—we'll take any opportunity to fit in some quality time with our kids. And what beats spending a sun-showery afternoon catching up on your family's favorite TV shows, or blasting the AC and curling up on the couch to watch a movie on a hot summer night? I doubt I'm the only one who has fond childhood memories of picking out a video tape and kicking back with the whole crew and some microwave popcorn...

Verizon Fios gets it. And that's exactly why they're sweetening the deal for anyone looking to make the switch before school lets out, by offering new customers a free Samsung Chromebook 3 (2GB) or $200 credit toward other Samsung tech, including all 2018 UDH TVs over 40" or 2018 Soundbars, select Samsung tablets, earbuds, fitness trackers, and more. For just $79.99 a month (plus taxes, equipment charges, and other fees with Auto Pay and paper-free billing) you'll get the super reliable Fios Gigabit Connection, a Custom TV package, and phone service for two years with a two-year agreement and price guarantee.

Where to Find Teen-Friendly Dance Parties in NYC

Submitted by Angela Johnson on

Music-loving teens in New York City are in luck. All the big musicians come through the city, and there are plenty of quirky, off-the-radar music venues, too.

Yet, not everything is open to the under-18 crowd. Many shows, especially if held at a bar, and a number of clubs, ban those under the legal drinking age of 21. Luckily, there are a handful of places that open up their doors to teens for dancing, concerts, and club nights, so NYC teenagers don't have to miss a beat. 

Read on for a list of clubs where they won't have to worry about getting carded—and you won't have to worry about them sneaking into someplace they shouldn't be.

The Museum of Ice Cream Returns to NYC with Help from Target

Submitted by Andy Fenwick on

Any New Yorker with the tiniest love of ice cream remembers when the Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC) debuted in Manhattan with a temporary pop-up in the summer of 2016. It was a full-on experience, from tastings by local ice cream purveyors to an interactive “sprinkle pool.” Tickets went quickly, like so much ice cream in the sun. The museum later expanded to Los Angeles and San Francisco. Now, the play-space-like dessert museum is returning to NYC in a new iteration, again in the Meatpacking-Chelsea area, and this time to stay.

On June 6, with helpful backing from Target, the Museum of Ice Cream will launch The Pint Shop, a permanent venue, which blends the MOIC experience with a visit to a grocery store, offering Brobdingnagian-sized pints, rows of new flavors for tasting, and interactive installations. There's also a paid, reservation-only ($28) Tasting Room, where the secrets of ice cream making are unlocked for all to see.

The collaboration with Target will extend nationally with a new MOIC-inspired children's apparel line and ice cream pints available at the national retailer.

27 Reasons Yorkville May Be The Most Family-Friendly Neighborhood in NYC

Jessica Laird's picture Submitted by Jessica Laird on

With the long-awaited arrival of the Second Avenue subway, Yorkville has become the best of both worlds -- a slightly off-the-beaten-path enclave with zippy Manhattan train access. The cozy Upper East Side neighborhood between East Harlem and East 79th Street has also seen an influx of kid-friendly amenities, like new restaurants and play spots, adding to the established old-time favorites, wonderful parks, and great schools.

To meet the demand, beautiful new luxury buildings, like Citizen360, offer zen-inspired design, envy-inducing views, spacious apartments and a long list of top-notch features — think relaxing residents' lounges and private entertaining suites, yoga studios, infrared saunas, and stress-free on-site parking. Surprisingly, with so much going for the neighborhood, apartments still go for less than Manhattan averages, making Yorkville a smart choice for families looking to have it all.

5 Baby Gear Essentials for a Small One Bedroom Apartment

Allison's picture Submitted by Allison on

When I was pregnant the question I was asked most often—after "What are you having?"—was, "When are you going to move out of the city?" So many people, especially non-NYC dwellers, wanted to know where we planned to put all of the baby's stuff in our small, one bedroom Manhattan apartment. They were shocked to see the baby registry and find out that we planned to get by without so much of the "stuff" they told us we needed.

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