Day Camps in Fairfield County with Sleepover Opportunities

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on

At ages 9 and 7, my kids are a little curious about sleepaway camp—make that very curious. They've heard their friends talk about cabins and color wars and late-night raids of the camp kitchen, and they're ready to sign on the dotted line. But me? I'm a little nervous—okay fine, very nervous. As a result, I've been researching summer day camps that include a sleepover or two so they can get a taste of sleeping away from home. Luckily, there are quite a few summer programs that offer that option in Fairfield County.

Make: Velcro Blocks Take Block Building in New Directions

Submitted by Ally Noel on

Why limit yourself to building vertically with blocks when you can go any which way you imagine? This simple project gives your old blocks an upgrade and takes building in totally new directions—literally. Amaze your kids with this easy trick by adding Velcro tape to the edges of your blocks. It's a fun and inexpensive way to reinvent a childhood favorite.

12 Morningside Heights Family-Friendly Restaurants: From Great Bagels to Old-School NYC Eateries

Jody Mercier's picture Submitted by Jody Mercier on

Sometimes it feels like Morningside Heights has about as many restaurants as it does college students, which is to say, a lot. Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue overflow with cozy cafes and raucous bars, and during the warmer months, sidewalk-dining options are plentiful. If you find yourself in this neck of the woods enjoying all the cool things there are to do with kids, we've got a roundup of the top 12 family-friendly restaurants where you can grab a bite with the brood.

Baby Steps: An Enchanting First Visit to the Bronx Zoo's Butterfly Garden

Submitted by Haley Harvis on

NYC has so many incredible institutions, but navigating them with a small child can feel overwhelming. For me, even something as kid-friendly as a visit to the Bronx Zoo felt intimidating to attempt with a toddler. With 265 acres and 6,000 animals, where does one even begin?

My family took our very first trip to the Bronx Zoo to visit the Butterfly Garden, a seasonal exhibit open April through October. I hoped that starting off with this bite-size visit would be an easy way to introduce ourselves to the massive zoo. And it was! It was a really memorable experience for the entire family, especially my little ones. Entering the Butterfly Garden feels like you are being transported to an enchanted place. It's worth a trip to the zoo on its own, but while we were there we picked up a few other tips for navigating an inaugural visit to the Bronx Zoo with a small child.

Drop-off Child Care at Brand-new Brooklyn Play Space & Toy Store: Blueberry Kids, Inc.

Submitted by Karlyn on

Unfortunately this venue closed in Spring 2015.

Out of all the boroughs in NYC, Brooklyn has the most drop-in indoor play spaces for kids. And now we can add one more to the list: Blueberry Kids, Inc., a hybrid children's boutique and romping spot located on Washington Avenue, right at the crossroads of Prospect Heights and Crown Heights.

Opened by a local mom with a background in interior design, the 1,100-square-foot space features a store, a small snack bar and a cozy play space where tots can take a wide variety of classes or drop in for open playtime. But the biggest draw for families may be the drop-off child care, which is available to members on weekday afternoons and Saturday evenings.

25 Reasons Long Island Is a Great Place To Raise Kids

Submitted by Linda DiProperzio on

When my husband and I decided to start a family, there was only one place we knew we wanted to raise our kids: Long Island. From top-rated schools and doctors, to kid-friendly museums and beautiful beaches, everything you need (and want) is right here. Whatever the season, there are a ton of things to do with the kids, and many of these activities are fun for mom and dad, too. And when you want to experience big city life, the Big Apple is a short train ride away.

Need more proof? We've come up with a list of 25 reasons Long Island is a great place for kids and families. To stay on top of what's happening in the area every day, be sure to check out our Event Calendar.

Summer Camps in Lower Hudson Valley That Offer Transportation

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on

We know that transportation is often a highly ranked amenity when scouting out summer camps. That's why last week, we rounded up programs throughout Westchester County that offer busing. This week we're turning our attention to the many summer camps throughout Lower Hudson Valley that offer this same convenient service.

Read on for camps in the area that provide transportation, whether it’s door-to-door or from a central location. Looking for more camp ideas? Be sure to check out our Summer Camp Guide and Camp Directory.

Weekday Event Picks for LA Kids: Earth Day Plants, Primates, and Pets! April 20-24

Jacqueline Stansbury's picture Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on

Walk off last week's no-cost desserts at The Arboretum or Descanso Gardens, both of which have free days this Tuesday. A nature promenade is also a good way to celebrate Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22.

Pottery Barn Kids has a craft and story, and Disney’s latest nature film, Monkey Kingdom, screens all week at the El Capitan. The theater itself is magnificent, and the Wildlife Learning Center brings live exotic animals for the pre-show. Teens will also want to hit El Capitan this week for the Ultimate Marvel Marathon, though tickets are steep and it is a school night. On Wednesday, when we wish our planet (and my husband) a happy birthday, why not give pause to our local concern and review ways to reduce water usage during the drought?

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