Park Slope

Best Family Theater in NYC This Fall

Submitted by Raven Snook on Tue, 09/18/2018 - 3:09pm

Autumn marks the start of a new theater season, but you don't need to shell out big bucks on Broadway shows to give your kids a memorable live entertainment experience in NYC. In fact, this fall boasts more high-quality theater productions for young audiences than ever—so many in fact, we have a whopping 25 picks, and that's after whittling down the contenders for fall's best shows.

Preschoolers will be excited for the return of old friends Pete the Cat and Angelina Ballerina, plus the debut of a new Laurie Berkner musical. Older kids will be inspired by That Inventions Show, the interactive improv piece Show Up, Kids!, and the immersive Gumshoe, which takes place throughout the 125-year-old Henry Street Settlement. There's even funky fare for tweens at Lincoln Center and the New Victory Theater, plus everyone in your family can enjoy the Big Apple Circus. Best of all, most of our picks are $25 or less per ticket.

Best Brooklyn Storytimes for Kids and Babies

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on Thu, 09/13/2018 - 4:00pm

Neighborhood story hours for preschoolers and babies abound in Brooklyn, providing a fun, no-fuss outing, especially on cold or rainy days. Most storytimes are free (or cheap), and many venues offer additional kid activities before or after the reading, including plenty of book-browsing, so the fun can continue even when storytime ends.

Read on for our top picks for read-along sessions in Brooklyn at libraries, bookstores, and other tot spots, and find more story hours at these Manhattan spots.

Girl Power: Classes, Camps, and Workshops Just for Girls in NYC

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on Tue, 08/28/2018 - 10:00am

One of my greatest priorities in raising a young girl is to give her a strong foundation, so that she has a positive self-image and feels empowered to be herself. Part of that work involves seeking out girls-only spaces across the city where she feels heard, valued, and has the opportunity to meet strong-minded, brilliant female role models.

There are more than enough opportunities to keep kiddos busy in the city, but girls-focused programs are specifically designed to allow girls to explore their world freely. From STEM to sports, many of these programs are run by women who, of course, know what it’s like to be a young girl coming into her own.

We've rounded up our favorite activities, camps, and programs that pack major girl power. Be sure to click through to the listings for all the details, including times, locations and recommended ages. You can search through dozens of classes by type or location in our Classes Guide and Directory Listings as well.

Popular Brooklyn Preschool of Science Opens New Location

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Thu, 08/23/2018 - 12:00pm

Where can you find an enormous fish-filled 300-gallon tank and greenery growing sideways from hydroponic plant systems? How about an animatronic stuffed dinosaur, a pixel peg LED light board, and terrariums full of Madagascar hissing cockroaches and crested geckos? Well, would you believe me if I said your child's preschool...?

After nearly two decades as a New York City public school teacher, Carmelo Piazza—known by fans of all ages as "Carmelo the Science Fellow"—opened the first Brooklyn Preschool of Science back in 2013. The Brooklyn native and father of four confesses that he didn't even like science growing up, as he recalls boring slideshows and lectures, but insists that a hands-on science methodology course in college changed all that. Shortly after graduating, he accepted a teaching position at PS 261 and quickly realized the effectiveness of science in motivating kids to embrace other key subjects too.

Cool Mommy and Me Exercise Classes in NYC

Submitted by Amy S. on Mon, 08/20/2018 - 9:00am

After my daughter was born, our weekly mommy and me yoga class was a bright spot in the middle of some of the longest days. Not only did the class help me regain my strength, it was also a place where I could form lasting bonds with other new parents in the city. Having a self-care routine proved essential for me after becoming a new mama—and my daughter seemed to enjoy the atmosphere, too.

The beauty of a good postnatal class is that instructors have designed workouts just for postpartum bodies, plus they understand if you or your little one are having a challenging day. Parent-baby fitness classes should be a judgment-free, safe zone for you and your baby.

Here are places and programs that regularly offer parent and baby exercise classes in New York City. As with any new exercise program, check with your doctor for the go-ahead. For more classes, check out our NYC classes guide.

Ice Cream Shops Near Great Playgrounds in Brooklyn and Manhattan

Submitted by Lia on Sun, 08/12/2018 - 10:00am

We're well into playground season now, and New York City parents are steeling themselves to endure hearing the Mister Softee theme playing on a loop until September. While there's nothing wrong with grabbing a cone from your friendly neighborhood ice cream truck, I admit that I prefer play spots that have really fantastic ice cream vendors nearby. Cold and sweet, a few scoops of mint chocolate chip or strawberry (my flavors of choice) make sticking out the sticky New York City weather that much more manageable. And my kids don't mind eating it either.

Here are some of my favorite spots to grab a scoop, plus fun places to play before or after.

Spotlight on STEM Programs for Kids in NYC

Submitted by Louise Finnell on Tue, 08/07/2018 - 12:41pm

If you have a child who's interested in science and math, you may already be familiar with some of the incredible STEM programs available to kids around New York City. The great thing about many of these programs is that they encourage creativity and experimentation—two pillars of childhood fun, and great motivators that support learning outside a school environment. Read on for awesome exploration-based STEM enrichment programs for New York City kids focusing on science, math, technology, and creativity.

Learn Spanish: Language Classes for NYC Kids

Submitted by Alina Adams on Wed, 08/01/2018 - 11:00am

Many New York City public schools offer wonderful dual-language Spanish programs, as well as other languages. But if your child's school doesn't offer a language program, there are lots of Spanish language programs around the city that teach young kids to habla Español. We've rounded up some of our favorite Spanish language learning centers for New York City kids. And best of all: Thanks to the wonderful diversity of New York City culture, your kids will certainly get to practice what they learn in the classroom!

Find more NYC classes in our Classes Guide and Directory Listings, and check out our guide to Foreign Language Camps for NYC Kids.

Mommy and Me Swim Classes in New York City for Babies and Tots

Submitted by Nicole on Wed, 08/01/2018 - 11:00am

Mommy and me swim classes (or daddy and me) are a wonderful way to spend time with your baby or toddler. Ideally, these lessons should be enjoyable, stress-free, educational, and a good source of exercise for kids and parents.

During the summer, swim lessons offer overheated families the chance to cool off while young kids become comfortable in the water, a skill they'll certainly use a lot in the coming years, what with all the great swimming pools and beaches in NYC. Parent-child swim classes are also offered around the city throughout the fall, winter, and spring, both on weekends and after school.

Most classes for wee ones and their caretakers take place in indoor pools. Except for the free swim lessons offered via lottery by the New York City Parks Department, mommy and me classes invariably cost something. We've rounded up the top parent-child swim programs across the city (and for more options, see our roundups of swimming classes for all ages in Brooklyn and Queens).

Prospect Park in Brooklyn: 25 Best Things to Do with Kids

Submitted by Mariko Zapf on Mon, 07/30/2018 - 12:00pm

Prospect Park, a 585-acre oasis adjacent to Park Slope in Brooklyn, is home to the borough’s only forest, plus bird life galore, roller skating, biking, picnicking, sledding...You name it, Prospect Park's got it. When people ask if we have a backyard, my nature-loving son immediately exclaims, “Yes, it’s called Prospect Park!” For kids growing up in Brooklyn, it truly feels like an extension of home, a haven that satisfies our need for fresh air and fun, year-round.

Prospect Park was designed by Frederick Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the same duo who designed Manhattan’s Central Park, and many consider Prospect Park their crowning achievement. Whether you want to hike, skate, boat, catch a concert, learn about nature, or just hit an awesome playground or splash pad for a few hours, Prospect Park welcomes you with green space aplenty.

Though the park offers countless activities and experiences all year long, this curated list of the top 25 things to do in Prospect Park with children showcases our true favorites.