| Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids

Water Feature: 15 Water Playgrounds and Parks with Splash Pads in LA

Submitted by Roberta B on Sun, 04/22/2018 - 2:16am

Remember those great summer afternoons running through a sprinkler with the neighborhood kids? Over in New England and Nebraska that’s probably still happening, but in parched SoCal we really can't be turning on the hose to while away a lazy afternoon. Instead, packs of puddle-loving Angeleno kids splash through the heat at parks with free and fabulous water features, like the ones below. So if a pool or a water park sounds like too much work today, cool those kids down at a splash pad!

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

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on Sat, 04/21/2018 - 12:35pm

Is it time to toss or upgrade your child's car seat? Beginning on April 22, Target will recycle your goldfish-crusted and stained old 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.

12 Playgrounds with Tot Lots Designed Especially for Boston Babies and Toddlers

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 04/20/2018 - 5:02pm

One of the things I’ve been looking forward to doing with my little boy is taking him to a playground. A stable sitter, he’s just about ready for a bucket swing...just in time for spring! But not all playgrounds cater to the sub-preschool set. Luckily, there are several in and around Boston that do have sandboxes, swings, and smaller play structures built specifically with the littlest kids in mind. Here are some of our favorite local "tot lots" with special features that are perfect for older babies and toddlers.

What Ages Get in Free to NYC Museums, Zoos, Amusement Parks

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Fri, 04/20/2018 - 4:20pm

How's the old adage go? The best things in life are free. But for families in NYC, that may sound like crazy talk. From housing to classes to entertainment, everything here seems to cost so much money...or does it?

The fact is, there's plenty of FREE fun for kids in New York City. And even top family attractions that charge entry fees like museums, zoos, amusement parks, and water parks offer no-cost admission for children under certain ages, and those savings can really add up, especially when you have preschoolers or toddlers.

So, we decided to make a list of when the freebies end for kids at New York City's best family destinations, from tourist hot spots like the Statue of Liberty to all of the children's museums and zoos and gardens. Yet another reason to wish your children could stay young forever! We've even included a few of our favorite picks in nearby locales, too.

Note: The cut-off ages imply that once kids reach that age, they no longer qualify for free admission, and some places may ask for proof of age. Looking for a 100% FREE outing? Check out our roundup of no-cost admission hours at NYC museums.

Mother's Day Brunch: Where to Celebrate Mom in Lower Westchester

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Fri, 04/20/2018 - 4:00pm

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and it's the one day a year we're mandated to celebrate all things Mom. Whether you're honoring your mother, grandmother, aunt or sister, one of the most popular ways to appreciate the special woman in your life is to treat her to brunch.

Westchester offers a variety of great restaurants featuring Mother’s Day brunch, and we've rounded up some of our top picks for those in Lower Westchester. Many places require reservations, and we suggest hurrying.

Looking for more things to do on Mother's Day and in May? Check out our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook!

NYC Will Ban Cars in Central Park By This Summer

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Fri, 04/20/2018 - 3:30pm

Everyone's favorite NYC green space is giving cars the boot for good. Car traffic will be barred from the last of Central Park's "loop drives" as of June 27, 2018, according to the office of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Although the park is mostly off-limits to cars, the new rule closes additional roads and frees up more pedestrian and biking space.

Family-Friendly Mother's Day Brunch Spots in Northern New Jersey

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Fri, 04/20/2018 - 3:00pm

Celebrate Mother's Day in style this year with an indulgent family brunch prepared by someone other than mom. Restaurants throughout Northern New Jersey are cooking up some fabulous luncheons full of breakfast delights, salads, carving stations, and desserts. Some of these eateries offer discounts for children, and others are FREE for young kids. Holiday brunches book up quickly though, and many require reservations.

If you're down the shore, explore these wonderful Mother's Day options.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms and More Blooms on Long Island

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Fri, 04/20/2018 - 2:30pm

After what felt like an extra-long winter, spring arrives and colors burst all over Long Island. These are perfect days to explore some of the Island’s family-friendly gardens and state parks, where displays of vibrant, eye-popping cherry blossoms—along with a host of other springtime trees and flowers—are in full bloom.

From the the Arbor Day Family Festival (April 28) at Planting Fields Arboretum to the annual Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival (May 6) at Stony Brook University, your kids get to experience the natural beauty of the season, explore the outdoors, and even learn about different cultures.