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The Brick Presbyterian Church - 12:15 PM
The New York Botanical Garden - 6:00 PM
Grand Central Gallery Annex - 10:00 AM
Museum of the City of New York - 10:00 AM
The New York Botanical Garden - 6:00 PM
The New York Botanical Garden - 6:00 PM Pick
Grand Central Gallery Annex - 10:00 AM
Museum of the City of New York - 10:00 AM
The Plaza Hotel - various times
American Dream - various times
The Jewish Museum - 2:30 PM Pick
Kensington Branch of the Brooklyn Library - 3:15 PM Pick
The New York Botanical Garden - 10:00 AM
Grand Central Gallery Annex - 10:00 AM
The New York Botanical Garden - 10:00 AM
The New York Botanical Garden
Ailey Studio Theater
Symphony Space
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Midtown Play Space MoonSoup Moves to a New Bigger Location
Sadly, MoonSoup closed its doors in August, 2013. MoonSoup has long been the go-to spot for families with babies and young children in Midtown East—it's pretty much the only business of its kind in the area. And now the independently owned enrichment center has moved to a brand-new home on East 56th Street, less than a block from its original Second Avenue location.
Fans of the old MoonSoup will notice some changes. In addition to two classrooms instead of one, there is no longer a boutique. Instead, co-founder Susan Izatt—who has a background in art, acting and children's entertainment—decided to keep the focus on creative kids' classes. In fact, the new location even offers programs for older children up to age 8, like cooking, crocheting, hip-hop dancing and guitar. My daughter and I went to check out the new space and find out about the fun on offer.
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Unlike the old storefront location, the new MoonSoup is on the second floor, so you'll need to take an elevator and climb a few steps. There is stroller parking downstairs but when it overflows you'll need to lug it upstairs. Once inside, you'll find two modest-size but homey classrooms. The bigger room has lots of toddler-friendly soft-play gym equipment and toys, while the smaller one hosts many of the older kid classes.
My three-year-old daughter and I tried the Messy Art & Music class. We really enjoyed the 45-minute session, which incorporated lots of activities: music, painting, water-table and soft-block play, and ended with parachute and bubble fun. Our teacher, Claire, had professional theater and music experience, and explained that most of the other instructors at the facility do, too. Afterward, we stuck around for an open-play session, which is free to currently enrolled students.
In addition to a variety of music, art and active play classes for babies, toddlers and young children, MoonSoup also offers The Little School, a preschool alternative program that uses a combination of Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies. There are also classes for new parents like infant CPR.
Most of MoonSoup's offerings require a semester-long commitment although there are occasional one-off events. Visit the website for a complete schedule and to register. Of course, the new space still hosts great birthday parties. MoonSoup also runs classes at two other NYC locations: J&R Junior in the Financial District and Gym-AzIng in Astoria, Queens.
MoonSoup in Midtown East is located at 201 East 56th Street between Second and Third Avenues on the second floor. Call 212-319-3222 for more information.
Find out about other great indoor play spots for NYC kids in our Inside Activity Guide.
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