| Page 1632 | Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids

Kidberry: A New Harlem Tot Spot Offers Kids' Classes and a Sense of Community

Submitted by Raven Snook on Sun, 10/30/2011 - 9:00am

Sadly, Kidberry closed its doors in August 2013. I've lived in Harlem for over a decade now and I've certainly seen a lot of changes, both good and bad. It's been bittersweet to watch a slew of new shops and restaurants open as stalwarts closed. Mainly I've been surprised that very few of these new businesses seemed aimed at children. Strange considering so many families live in (and keep moving to) the area.

Local mom Mekia Denby also noticed this problem and decided to do something about it. A twentysomething Columbia University grad who lives in Harlem, she was so annoyed when she found out that she had to drag her two young children all the way downtown for music classes that she started her own program uptown. For a few years, she taught Music Together classes at a community center, and they became so popular that she hired the mom of one of her students, Pamela Flood Morrison, as an additional instructor. Soon the pair was talking about opening their own education and music center, and last month Kidberry was born.

Weekly Wrap Up: Halloween is Here, Outdoor Ice-Skating Rinks Open, Mystery at AMNH

Submitted by Raven Snook on Thu, 10/27/2011 - 4:00pm

Does anyone else think Halloween should be a mandatory three-day weekend? Especially with October 31 falling on a Monday. Even though you can get your fill of Halloween parties and costume parades over the weekend, my family still intends to trick-or-treat door-to-door on Monday evening... even though I know we'll pay for it on Tuesday morning.

While Halloween was definitely our theme of the week, we're already looking ahead to winter fun (although we hope we're not as bad as Duane Reade, which has had a Christmas section since, oh, about August). Many outdoor ice-skating rinks open for the season this week, and we reviewed Mystery at the Museum, which is a cool, interactive way to tour the American Museum of Natural History. Remember that when you're entertaining out-of-town holiday guests.

And that's just a bit of what's going on. Here's what we covered this week on Mommy Poppins in NYC, New Jersey, Long Island and Connecticut, as well as selected stories from our brand-new sites in Boston and Los Angeles.

NYC Online Grocery Shopping Smackdown: FreshDirect vs. Peapod

Submitted by Anna Fader on Thu, 10/27/2011 - 10:00am

When it comes to most things to do, NYC beats the suburbs hands down. Grocery shopping? Not one of them. Supermarket-deprived neighborhoods, walk-ups and lack of a parking (or even a car) make city shopping a challenge. For a long time FreshDirect has been a game changer for NYC families, but now there's a new option for online grocery shopping. This year, Peapod brought suburban grocery shopping to the City and I put it to the test.

Read on to find out how Peapod's new service in NYC stacks up to FreshDirect and how you can save a lot of dough on your groceries.

Halloween Weekend in New Jersey October 28-31

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 11:39pm

We’ve haled the haunted houses, prattled on about the parades and listed Halloween events until we’re Wicked-Witch-green in the face. But guess what? The main event is Monday so there’s more; more screams, more squeals, more spooky happenings, all weekend long. Creative Jack-o-lanterns on display, haunted hayrides, pet parades, and a freaky funeral reenactment celebrate this weekend's tricks and treats. Have fun and don't eat too much candy!

10/28 Update: It's supposed to rain and SNOW this weekend in NJ, so make sure to double-check that your weekend event is still happening!

Play Date at the ICA, Classic Cartoons, Halloween Fun and More for Boston Kids and Families, Oct 28-30

Submitted by Audrey Trieschman on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 11:02pm

Happy Halloween!

Boston families can enjoy a variety of Halloween weekend activities that run the gamut from the scary to the not-so-spooky. Check out our roundup of Halloween fun for events that have been happening all season, plus 20 free (and one almost free) events happening at local libraries, malls, and bookstores. And read on for even more coverage of Halloween events, plus performances by the Airborne Comedians and Stacey Peasley, Play Date at the ICA, the annual Classic Cartoon Festival, and more.

As always, if the weather is questionable, we recommend checking with the venue before heading to any outdoor event.

Keith Munslow Ticket Giveaway: Keith Munslow comes to the Regent Theatre in Arlington on Saturday, 10/29, and two Mommy Poppins Boston families can win free tickets to see his show, Songs and Stories, Cartoons and Comedy. Send me an email to enter. Winners will be selected by Friday at 2pm.

Fun Things to Do with Kids this Halloween Weekend in CT 10/29-10/30/11: Costume Party, Sleeping Beauty, Hay Rides

Submitted by Mary Beth Lawlor on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 4:04pm

It's your last chance to get in on some ghoulish fun this weekend. The weather will be a bit more chilly than we've experienced so far this Fall so make sure to dress warmly. If you are wondering where you should trick or treat in Litchfield County we've covered that here. Whether you are looking for something spooky to do this weekend or not read more for our top picks. P.S. Don't miss out on apple picking before it's too late. Whatever you choose to do, have fun!

Check out our Events Calendar for all listings.

If you haven't already, click to subscribe to our newsletter and join us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest MP CT info.

Update: It's supposed to rain and snow on Saturday! Before heading to an outdoor celebration, check the event's official website to make sure it's still happening.

PS Check out our Cyberchase GIVEAWAY for our facebook friends on our FB page.

Things to Do for Kids and Families on Long Island October 29-30: Halloween Fun, More Fall Festivals and Fun in the Forest

Submitted by Melanie on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 2:23pm

Start off your Halloween weekend with fun, food, festivals and trails in the forest! Yes, we’ve got a variety of fun activities and events for you and your family to participate in! For full coverage of Halloween events, keep our Halloween Guide in mind, and for this weekend, read on to see where the fun is. Keep in mind that we may get a bit of snow, so call any outdoor venue ahead to avoid disappointment. Have a happy Halloween.

Kensington Stables: NYC Kids Can Go Horseback Riding in Brooklyn's Prospect Park

Submitted by Karlyn on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 10:00am

I used to think that I'd need to leave the city to take my son horseback riding. But when we moved into Park Slope, Brooklyn, I discovered we were right near Kensington Stables.

When Kensington was originally built back in 1930, there were other stables in the area but today it's the only horse game in the neighborhood. Visitors can hop on horses and enjoy trail rides in Prospect Park. Kensington also offers riding lessons, party packages and even therapeutic services.

Since my son is only four, I knew he wasn't quite ready for some of those programs, but with the promise of a pony ride, we set out to explore the stable.