Destination Playground: Elmhurst Park in Queens

Katy's picture Submitted by Katy on

Known for its diverse population and eclectic restaurants, Elmhurst, Queens has added a six-acre green space with a state-of-the art playground to its attractions. Elmhurst Park, also known as Gas Tank Park, is built in the shadow of the Long Island Expressway on the former site of an unsightly and environmentally unfriendly gas-storage facility. (Don't worry: The gas company cleaned up the area before selling it to the city for $1.)

The $20 million renovation has resulted in a gorgeous oasis in the midst of buzzing roadways and warehouses. Walking paths provide a serene alternative to the industrial neighborhood's sidewalks, and grassy expanses invite visitors to roam, picnic and play with their dogs.

Of course, the big attraction for families is the lovely playground. My adventurous two-year-old and I spent an afternoon exploring this new tot spot.

Enjoy Free Admission to Brooklyn's Best Culture Spots this Sunday, August 7

Stephanie Ogozalek's picture Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on

There's nothing we love more than cooling off in a cool culture spot. And if we can do it for free, all the better. Well this Sunday, August 7, you can do just that courtesy of Heart of Brooklyn. The nonprofit organization is celebrating its 10th anniversary by offering no-cost admission to all of its partners, including the Brooklyn Children's Museum, the Brooklyn Museum and the Prospect Park Zoo.

In addition to free entry, many of the spots are offering special tours and activities. Plus there will be contests, raffles and a one-day-only, Brooklyn-themed mini-golf course featuring the borough's iconic landmarks. 

So on Sunday, head to Kings County to visit an old favorite or perhaps set foot in one of these institutions for the first time. (I am very embarrassed to admit that my six-year-old has never been to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. We'll be remedying that on Sunday!)

KaBOOM! How This Non-Profit Can Help You Build a Community Playground in NYC

Stephanie Ogozalek's picture Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on

KaBOOM! is a nonprofit with an awesome mission: to create places for kids to play. The national organization—which was founded by Darell Hammond in 1996—helps to erect approximately 200 playgrounds a year, primarily in low-income areas.

This past May, I attended an amazing playground build at East Harlem's 103rd Street Community Garden, which was co-sponsored by KaBOOM!, Disney and the New York Restoration Project. Since it's just one component of the 13,000-square-foot site's overhaul, it won't reopen until this fall. When it does, there will also be basketball courts, picnic tables, barbecue pits and a community garden. 

In addition to facilitating the actual construction, KaBOOM! provides tools and grants to help groups finance and build their own playgrounds. We've got the info on how you can help KaBOOM! construct play spots for others or in your own community.

GIVEAWAY! $200 Gift Card to Ann Taylor Concept Store in Short Hills Mall

Submitted by Shari Simpson on

You know, once in a while we just like to do something nice for our readers. You work your fingers to the bone trying to raise your little darlings, plus perhaps work outside the home, and when you come to our site, we'd like it to be a fun visit. So we're going to treat one of you to a $200 gift card for Ann Taylor's new concept store which just opened up at the Short Hills Mall this past weekend. Yippee! And you're welcome! Keep reading to find out about Ann, her fabulous clothes and how to WIN.

Weekly Wrap Up: Smurf Week, The Yellow Brick Road, Rubin Museum's New Education Center

Raven Snook's picture Submitted by Raven Snook on

Can you believe we say goodbye to July this weekend? Summer always seems to move so quickly. Already, the back-to-school push has started, and we're all counting down the remaining days of break. (My six-year-old is actually marking them on her calendar.)

But August has 31 days! How much fun can you pack into them? There's certainly a lot to do beyond the usual pools, water playgrounds and beaches. The Rubin Museum of Art just opened a new education center, Theatreworks USA's free musical The Yellow Brick Road plays through August 19 and you can always celebrate the season by reading a beautiful book about summer.

And if you have plans to travel to Boston, Los Angeles or Orlando, we have some exciting news: We're launching editions in each of those cities in August (the exact date has yet to be determined). To make sure you're notified when they go up, sign up for the newsletters now. We're also working on a Family Travel site, which will cover destinations all over the U.S.A... and beyond.

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.

Your NJ Weekend July 30-31: Hot Air Balloon Fests, Fairies, 4-H Fairs and More, Mostly FREE!

Submitted by tsellinger on

Whether you’ve thrilled to a hot air balloon ride or just love looking up at a sky filled with huge colorful balloons, you’ll love this weekend! There’s two fests–a smaller one with rides and fair fun; and a huge one with hot concert action. Speaking of concerts, check out the FREE “Grease” performance on the Hoboken waterfront, or the stars of tomorrow performing a tribute to the Big Apple. There’s also fairy fun, an indoor play party, and Thomas the Tank Engine. Up, up and away!

Fun and Free Things to Do this Weekend for NYC Kids: High Line Rink, Cultural Festivals, Great Jazz July 30-31

Stephanie Ogozalek's picture Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on

Don’t let all the back-to-school ads fool you: There are still five and a half weeks of break to go. Now that last week's record-breaking heat wave is behind us, it's time to get back out there and enjoy summer in the city.

And there's plenty of fun to be had. Roller-skate the day away at the brand-new High Line Rink, build your best sandcastle at the Rockaways' legendary competition and get hep at Great Jazz on the Great Hill. There are also a number of wonderful cultural events. Hit the Queens County Farm Museum for the annual three-day Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer Pow Wow, get psyched for the upcoming Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at the Museum of Chinese in America's Festival Family Day and celebrate Hispanic heritage at Junta Hispana.

Even though the weather will be milder, with temperatures in the 90s, you'll still want to spend some time cooling off at New York City pools, water playgrounds and beaches.

Our best bets for the weekend are below. You can find additional seasonal fun in our Summer Fun Guide and our Event Calendar.

Pages