Stores & Services

CozyKin Makes Finding Childcare Stress Free— Get Our Promo Code

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Thu, 05/16/2019 - 12:00pm

Finding childcare for your infant or toddler can be totally overwhelming. Deciding between enrolling your kiddo in daycare and hiring a nanny is enough to make your head spin, but there's another popular option that could save you some stress: a nanny share.

Not familiar? While a nanny share can mean a couple of different things, I'm talking about one nanny caring for two children at the same time. This smart set-up combines the socialization and curriculum you expect from a daycare environment with the personalized care and flexibility that comes with a nanny—plus, it's convenient and cost-efficient. Now, a service called CozyKin makes finding a nanny share, getting set-up, and managing the share super easy (the service even handles contracts, training, taxes, and sick and vacation time). Read on to learn more about CozyKin nanny shares and, if it's the right childcare option for your family, how you can save. Hint: they're giving Mommy Poppins readers up to $700 off their deposit!

The Wonder Opens in Tribeca: New Members-Only Family Hub

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Wed, 05/15/2019 - 10:06am

Play spaces are big business in NYC, with new kid-friendly play spots popping up annually. Some offer drop-in play while others are members-only, and all are seemingly kid-centered, with padded walls and brightly colored playthings. Now there's a new kid on the block attempting to reinvent family fun, with the arrival of The Wonder in the stroller-packed Tribeca neighborhood.

This new members-only space offers an ultra-cool hangout spot that aims to cater to both adults and children. Co-owned by two NYC moms who wanted somewhere other than their apartments to connect with each other—and their kids—over a glass of wine and playtime, The Wonder isn't cheap, but it just might be a new model for play spaces in NYC. Read on for a peek inside.

CAMP Store in Flatiron Reopens With Sweet Hands-On Cooking Theme

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 05/13/2019 - 10:28am

One of our favorite NYC stores where kids can play for FREE (and one of our favorite new additions to NYC last year, period) is the Flatiron District's CAMP Store, which has recently unveiled its second theme: Cooking Camp, as well as a membership program, with the promise of a second location coming to Brooklyn in the fall.

Situated on the corner of 16th and Fifth Avenue, CAMP looks like just another retail shop; albeit one with an onsite Milk Bar and a funky collection of merchandise—from toys and games to books and clothing—but there's something spectacular hiding behind a secret door. Find the entrance (with the help of a super-friendly CAMP counselor) and you're in for hours of fun and a cool new indoor place to play.

PJ Library Delivers Free Children's Books Every Month

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Thu, 04/18/2019 - 9:00am

Reading to kids and making sure they have access to plenty of good books is one of the best gifts you can give. Luckily, PJ Library helps parents deliver by providing free high-quality literature celebrating Jewish culture, values, and heritage to children ages 6 months to 11 years old.

Free books? So, what's the catch? There isn't one! Made possible through the Harold Grinspoon Foundation in partnership with philanthropists and local Jewish organizations, PJ Library mails more than 600,000 professionally curated books to families around the world every single month. No matter your family's level of Jewish observance or knowledge, PJ Library has a diverse selection of books that will enrich your home with wonderful stories and more quality reading time.

Some of the books introduce Jewish holidays like Passover, the Hebrew alphabet, and Bible stories, while others focus on traditional folk tales and themes like immigration and environmentalism. You'll find picture books like I Dissent, Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark, and chapter books like Zlateh the Goat, a collection of tales by Isaac Bashevis Singer and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. The selection even includes Caldecott-honored books such as Joseph Had a Little Overcoat and It Could Always Be Worse. Family favorites!

Hudson Yards With Kids: Top 10 Things to Do at NYC's New West Side Hot Spot

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 04/09/2019 - 9:30am

New York City is always changing, which is one of the many reasons why it's so fun to raise kids here. Still, even by NYC standards, it’s rare that a new neighborhood seemingly springs to life overnight, bringing with it places to play, eat, and explore. That's just part of what makes Hudson Yards, the new development on Midtown Manhattan’s far west side, such a surprise.

Whether you view Hudson Yards as a tourist trap, a marvel of urban planning and engineering, or somewhere in the middle, we’ve rounded up 10 fun things to do in this new neighborhood with kids.

Target's Car Seat Trade-in Returns: Get the 2019 Details

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on Thu, 04/04/2019 - 9:50am

Is it time to toss or upgrade your child's car seat? Beginning on April 22, Target will recycle your expired, damaged, or just yucky goldfish-crusted and stained one and help you to save on a new model through its popular car seat trade-in event. As if we needed another excuse to go to Target, right?

Whether you're expecting a new baby, or simply sizing up, read on for all the details on this year's trade-in program.

Sip a Coffee and Save a Kitten at LI Cat Cafes

Submitted by Rebekah Yahoves on Tue, 04/02/2019 - 12:00pm

If your family is in the market for a new kitty or just looking for the purr-fect way to spend an afternoon, you are in for a furry good time. The Shabby Tabby, Long Island's first cat cafe, is waiting for you to frolic and munch with some new feline friends.

Make an hourlong reservation at the cafe in Sayville and enjoy some cuddly time with your favorite fur-balls while enjoying a complimentary beverage and tasty pastries. All of the cats are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and ready for adoption.

What's more, a second cat cafe, A Kitten Kaboodle, plans to open in Selden in June, offering more fun for animal-lovin' tots. In the meantime, check out our list of the best animal farms and petting zoos on Long Island and our roundup of animal encounter birthday party destinations for Long Island kids.

18 Things to Do With Kids in Industry City, Brooklyn

Submitted by Siobhan Adcock on Tue, 03/12/2019 - 4:00pm

Located within a former industrial storage complex along the waterfront in Sunset Park, Industry City has evolved over the past decade into something of a cultural and foodie hub. The eight formerly derelict city-block-sized buildings, running from 33rd to 37th Streets between Second and Third Avenues, are now home to artist studios, work spaces, great shopping, art exhibitions, a chocolate factory, a Brooklyn Nets training facility, an international food hall, and even a roller rink.

During the week, the courtyards and restaurants in Industry City tend to be ruled by the young workers who report to various offices and work spaces in the complex. But weekends bring an influx of shoppers, food-lovers, and young families for a unique mix of tastes, sights, art, and family programming. Hands down, it’s one of our favorite places to spend a summer weekend morning or a rainy winter afternoon. Read on for ways to make the most of a trip to Industry City with kids.