New Jersey Fresh: Farmers' Markets in Somerset County

Submitted by Tracy on

Somerset County is chock-full of farm-y goodness, and we have some of the loveliest farmers' markets in the state. Some of our towns have small family friendly markets, while others are day trip-worthy, and filled with artisan honey, grass fed meats, and produce. Many accept WIC (Woman Infant Children program) and give vouchers to the elderly making fresh food available to everyone, regardless of income. Peruse and enjoy!

Skateboarding the Best Skateparks Around Los Angeles for Kids

Submitted by Eva on

Skateboarding culture is part of LA's core- shaggy haired shredders have been skating bowls and popping up half-pipes since the 70's. The greater LA area has embraced the stereotype, and some of America's greatest skate parks are peppered throughout the city. If you have a kiddo hoping to sharpen their skateboarding, rollerblading, or even scootering skills- use this handy directory to find the best skatepark near you. Before you know it, your kids will be flying through the halfpipe with "steeze." (Did I ask my 8-year-old what this word meant? You bet I did.) 

Before you head out, make sure to rub in the sunscreen- shade is virtually non-existent at skate parks. Gear up properly with a well-fitting helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads (most skateparks require proper gear for entry). Generally, weekdays are better than weekends at local skateparks. Check city guides to see if there are special hours reserved for younger skaters, so they they aren't in danger of getting mowed down by active teens and adults. 

If you have a little athlete on your hands, check out our list of amazing sports classes for kids, or consider enrolling them in a summer sports camp. Adrenaline junkies of all ages can also visit an extreme sports spot in LA. 

NYC Summer Camps for Preschoolers: Half-Day and Partial Week Junior Summer Programs

Stephanie Ogozalek's picture Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on

Summer camp is more than just a fun and enriching experience for young children. It also marks an important step in their development as they get to test out their independence and, in the case of commuter camps, travel outside the city to enjoy outdoor activities in nature.

As exciting as that first-time camp experience is, it can also be scary (perhaps more so for parents than kids) since it's outside everyone's comfort zone. Even if you find a program that offers a safe and stimulating environment for younger kids, parents may worry than their preschoolers aren't yet ready for full days or weeks of camp.

Every summer, readers email us asking if we know about summer programs that offer short days or sessions where tots can try out day camp and see how they like it. We asked our friends at the American Camp Association of New York and New Jersey to recommend some camps that fit the bill. If you need more information, the ACA of NY and NJ also offers free camp consultations with their experts.

You can find out about other awesome summer programs in our Camp Guide.

Special Needs Dance Classes for NYC Kids

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A few weeks ago I wrote about special needs music classes for kids in the five boroughs. Today I'm spotlighting dance programs for children with special needs in NYC.

Just as organizations like Daniel’s Music Foundation changed my son’s life and allowed him to be able to get up on stage in front of people and sing, there are dance programs that help children with special needs do the same with dance. There are a variety of dance classes and summer camps throughout NYC for children with special needs. Here are some of our favorites:

Mamaroneck Shares: Summer Festival Series for Families in Westchester

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Unfortunately, this series is not happening in 2014.

On Friday evening, I headed to dinner with my family along Mamaroneck Avenue, a popular strip close to Mamaroneck Harbor and the Long Island Sound with lots of restaurants, shops and things to do. A routine dinner out turned into an evening of fun, as we walked right into a block party along the avenue. This event, part of an annual series of block parties along the avenue, was created with two worthwhile goals in mind: to support local businesses and to raise money for local charities. My kids had a blast and with three more events scheduled throughout the summer, we're sure to be back.

The summer block parties are hosted by Mamaroneck Shares, a local non-profit organization started in 2010 by local restaurant owner/operator Mike Hynes and Peggy Jackson and Ellen Hauptman, founders of a local chapter of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Currently in its 4th year, the series has grown bigger each year and has become part of the village's summer landscape. Read on for the remaining dates and everything else you need to know about the series. 

10 Reasons To Love Super Soccer Stars

Kristin Quinn's picture Submitted by Kristin Quinn on

Photo courtesy of Super Soccer Stars

As you may have pieced together from some of my previous posts, I’m consistently on the hunt for fun, engaging programs to take my toddler to in the city (like Baby Wiggle Little Groove). Which is why I was so very excited to come across the Super Soccer Stars program.

Super Soccer Stars teaches soccer skills in a fun, non-competitive educational environment for ages 2 and up. Kick & Play is run by Super Soccer Stars and offers a pre-soccer and movement program for toddlers 12-24 months old and their parents; taking you through a world of exciting activities to help develop pre-soccer skills. I started the Kick & Play program with my 12 month old and have since “graduated” to Super Soccer Stars. Below are just some of the reasons I can highly recommend both of these programs...

Shake Your Booty at Mister Sunday: An All-Ages Outdoor Dance Party in Brooklyn

Kelly O's picture Submitted by Kelly O on

As of summer 2014, Mister Sunday is now held on Sundays from 5 to 10pm on Second Avenue between 36th and 37th Streets in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. This post refers to its old space. For more information on the current party, visit the website. When I first became a mom I assumed my clubbing days were over. Then I found out about fun family dance parties like Baby Loves Disco and Little Club Heads held at real NYC clubs in the afternoon so they felt pretty authentic (so much so that we even had to wait on lines to get it—that was a bit of realness I could have done without).

But last summer my family and I discovered our favorite all-ages dance party of all: Mister Sunday, which takes place outside in Brooklyn's Gowanus Grove. Located right along the banks of the Gowanus Canal, Mister Sunday has a chill crowd, and is both kid and dog-friendly. Regular DJs Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin mostly spin house, disco and techno music, and revelers dance the day away under the disco ball and poplar trees.

We went several times as a family in 2012 with our two girls (who were then 2½ and 3 months) and had a blast every time. We felt like we were in a huge backyard just hanging out with friends. Unfortunately, due to a real-estate development along the canal, it looks like this will be the last year for Mister Sunday, so hit the dance floor with your kids while you can.

10 Great Family Picnic Spots With LA Kids

Submitted by KristinB on

The first day of summer is around the corner, which means schools are shutting their doors and LA parents are turning inside-out:  Outdoor concerts, festivals, beaching, camping… and let’s not forget outdoor eating!  So what makes a picnic spot great?   In my book, that means clean facilities, relatively painless parking, and a little something special to occupy the kiddos after they’ve scarfed down their PB&Js.   So read on, then dust off your picnic basket and be prepared for some interesting adventures.

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