| Page 532 | Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids

Kids Birthday Party Ideas in LA: 16 Places To Celebrate Now

Submitted by Meghan Rose on Thu, 01/28/2021 - 10:26am

Learn to fly a falcon! Photo courtesy Sky Falconry

Last year, parents were able to get away with a Zoom party and promise of “next year.” Well, next year is here, and a birthday party at a favorite indoor space still isn't in the cards. However, there are some amazing places to celebrate birthdays in LA right now—it just takes a little ingenuity. Have a birthday party with immediate family or your safe little pod at one of these spots that are outside, maintain social distance, and/or only allow one small group (or party, if you will) at a time.

Most aren’t traditional birthday parties, but all will make a birthday boy or girl feel special and celebrated. From animal encounters to balloon rides to seeing their names in lights, all that’s missing from these parties is the cake. And don’t forget to plan a virtual celebration that all their friends, family, and classmates can take part in.

Things To Do in NYC This Weekend & Beyond: Restaurant Week, Local Hikes, See Laurie Berkner

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Wed, 01/27/2021 - 2:36pm

The Skyline Drive-in is still going strong, offering nightly movies with a stunning backdrop. Photo courtesy of the venue

And just like that, January is practically in the rearview. In the "excellent news" column, it's NYC Restaurant Week, and it's all about take out this year, so you can take a night off, check out new cuisine, save money, and help local businesses, all in one swoop. To help you work up an appetite, the Urban Park Rangers are leading hikes in Fort Tryon Park, Long Island City, Central Park, and Prospect Park.

Don't forget: Poppins@Home is your go-to spot for virtual fun and learning. This week, we're all about Baby in Tune classes, the Happy Feet soccer online series, cartooning, and magical potions.

We're scouring NYC for great in-person events, and we're all over virtual happenings, too, so you're covered whichever you prefer. Check the NYC Event Calendar frequently, and don't miss our list of the top indoor play spaces open now.

Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend and Beyond: Ice Harvest, Groundhog Day, and More

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Wed, 01/27/2021 - 12:04pm

Bring your preschoolers to the Liberty Science Center every Thursday and Friday for Junior Days. Photo courtesy of LSC

This January weekend features two ice-centric events: Witness amazing ice sculptures at the Mount Holly ice exhibition or get a hands-on lesson in the historic ice harvesting industry at Howell Living History Farm's ice harvest. Plus, the search for Wally the Woodchuck is on with H20 Quest: Groundhog's Day.

If you're looking for indoor activities, check out our Poppins@Home site, where little ones can burn energy with Happy Feet's online soccer series and brush up on art skills while learning to draw an iconic cartoon character.

As always, you can find more things to do in our Event Calendar and our Winter Fun Guide, which are filled with seasonal happenings.

Things To Do on Long Island This Weekend & Beyond: Scavenger Hunts, DIY Sweets, and More

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Wed, 01/27/2021 - 9:52am

Enjoy ice skating, hot cocoa, and s'mores by the fire at Waterdrinker Family Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm

Outdoor fun is on the agenda this weekend. Long Island families can go on an outdoor adventure with Ranger Eric at the sprawling Sands Point Preserve or tackle a winter scavenger hunt at Sunken Meadow State Park. We have plenty of options to keep your squad entertained, energized, and enjoying the beauty of a Long Island winter. Speaking of which, we've found 15 spots to enjoy a winter walk, plus 18 spots to go cross-country skiing.

When you're done, reward yourselves—and your sweet tooth—at hands-on workshops at Carousel Bake Shop in Wading River or Stony Brook Chocolate.

If you'd rather stay in, we've got plenty of fun, interactive classes to choose from on our Poppins@Home site. Kids can learn to draw an iconic cartoon character or get their legs pumping with Happy Feet's online soccer series. Harry Potter fans are sure to enjoy a magic potions-inspired science class.

We've got more seasonal entertainment in our Winter Fun Guide, and our Event Calendar is, of course, updated daily with family-friendly fun.

Things To Do in LA this Weekend with Kids: Dance Drive-In, Hide and Seek Garden, and a New Studio Ghibli Film

Submitted by Toby B on Wed, 01/27/2021 - 8:57am

Sometimes you just want to take flight! Image from Dusk courtesy of Dance Camera West

Things are looking up: Our statistics are improving and California's stay-at-home restrictions are being relaxed. Pretty soon we can look forward to an expanded repertoire of engaging and enriching recreational activities. And in the meantime: we can go to Disneyland! (For vaccinations, if we meet the current Tier 1 criteria.) And horse trails and gardens and farms! (For some fresh air and change of scenery, no matter who we might be.)

The changes aren't happening overnight, so we encourage keeping a close eye on our site. We'll do our best to keep you informed as favorite venues once again roll out the welcome mat. 'Til then, we have no shortage of online amusements. This week we can log on to celebrate chocolate, Marion Davies, and human abilities. Ohana means family, and you'll want to gather yours for the premieres of Finding Ohana on Netflix and Studio Ghibli's Earwig and the Witch on HBO Max.

Poppins@Home continues to bridge the enrichment gap, with fun and funky virtual classes for kids of all ages. Real science brings magic to life in the Magical Potions class at the Science of Wizarding School. Step by step instructions help kids draw iconic cartoon characters, with a different character featured each class. And happy feet make for happy kids, so sign them up for HappyFeet soccer.

Keep reading for more inspirational picks for the coming week.

Seismique Interactive Art Museum: Houston's Out-of-this-World Experience for Families

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Wed, 01/27/2021 - 5:48am

Enter the worm hole. Photo by Christopher Brielmaier courtesy of Seismique

In what might be described as the inside of Dr. Seuss' imagination fused with Tron, with some added Bladerunner for a kick, Seismique is Houston's newest interactive museum, with enough LED lights to give Clark Griswald envy. Located in a massive former Bed Bath and Beyond space in West Houston, Seismique houses 40 state-of-the-art gallery exhibits and experiences designed by local and international artists. Even among Houston's many wonderful museums, this new addition stands out as a welcome distraction and escape from reality.

STEM Matters Opens Registration For 1-Day Spring Break Programs

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 01/26/2021 - 4:51pm

Enjoy an Adventures in Aviation program at The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum as part of the STEM Matters program. Photo courtesy of the Museum

New York City's uber-popular STEM Matters Program returns for spring break 2021, but big changes are in store. Unlike the week-long drop-off program of years past, if you want your child to participate this spring, you'll have to join them. The programs, dubbed Discovery Days, run for single-day sessions at top cultural institutions. Participants are treated to an hour-long, educator-led, hands-on discovery program and enjoy gratis admission for the rest of the day.

The programs, which are open to public, charter, and home school students, run for single-day sessions during the New York City public school spring break, which lasts from Monday, March 29-Friday, April 2, 2021. Read on for more info on the program and how to apply.

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve: 5 Things To Do at This Scenic Long Island Park

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Tue, 01/26/2021 - 4:29pm

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve offers plenty of natural beauty plus a step back in Smithtown's history.

A visit to Caleb Smith State Park Preserve is a must for Long Island families, no matter the season. With more than 540 acres of freshwater wetlands, ponds, streams, the Nissequogue River, and plenty of family-friendly hiking trails, it's a beautiful destination.

Located on the North Shore, in the heart of Smithtown, it's one of only four state park nature preserves on Long Island. Originally part of the estate of Caleb Smith, the great-grandson of Smithtown founder Richard “Bull” Smith, it's a wonderful, peaceful spot to enjoy the natural beauty of Long Island.

Read on for five of our favorite things to do in Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, and find more ways to explore Long Island's all-season natural beauty, from beach walks to hiking trails and winter walks.