Mostly Free & Fun Things to Do With NJ Kids This Weekend Feb 7-8: Vintage Valentines, Winterfest, Art for Families & More!

Submitted by Sasha Muzzarelli on

Hello, February! Even though we’re a little snow-covered and 6 more weeks of winter are predicted, there’s no reason to get bored with all the awesome events NJ has to offer! Get in the Valentine’s Day spirit with the delicious Chocolate Festival at Morris Museum, create a nature Valentine at Tulpehaking Nature Center or learn about and craft Vintage Valentines at the Miller-Cory House Museum. Make the most of this chilly season and head to Winterfest at Madison Public Library and let the kids get messy with a Sticky Snowman Craft at Turkey Swamp Park. Want to sit back and relax? Book your tickets to see the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company at NJPAC or the zany and fun “Frogz” at Mayo Performing Arts Center. For even more weekend fun, check out the full list of weekend activities in our Event Calendar.

East Harlem with Kids: Best 25 Things to Do in El Barrio Spanish Harlem

Raven Snook's picture Submitted by Raven Snook on

There aren't many Manhattan neighborhoods that remind me of what NYC was like when I was growing up here in the '70s and '80s, but East Harlem is one of them. Unlike adjacent Harlem, gentrification hasn't yet taken hold, so while there are glass condos here and there, the buildings are mostly a mix of public housing developments, tenements and brownstones. Also known as Spanish Harlem or El Barrio due to its longtime Hispanic population, East Harlem is actually quite diverse these days. Over by Pleasant Avenue, you'll find the remnants of Italian Harlem, and recently there's been an influx of Asian families as well as artists of all backgrounds.

What East Harlem lacks in amenities, it makes up for in vibrancy and old-school style. People still sit and talk and even barbecue on their stoops, or host parties in the many community gardens, plus colorful (and often political) street art abounds. Travel to its southwestern edge and you'll find a lovely, lesser-known corner of Central Park and two world-class museums: El Museo del Barrio and the Museum of the City of New York.

Throughout February, we'll be writing about the best places for families to see, eat, play and experience in East Harlem. For the purposes of our posts, our geographical boundaries are 96th Street to the Harlem River Drive between Fifth Avenue and the East River. We kick off our coverage with the top 25 things to do in East Harlem with kids.

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water Parent Movie Review

Roberta B's picture Submitted by Roberta B on

Taking my son to Paramount Studios on a school night to see the new SpongeBob movie is one of those little treats I enjoy being able to dole out as an LA parent. I knew I was scoring some high quality Mom Points, and I was not remotely surprised that my 11-year-old loved the film. What did surprise me was that I really enjoyed it, too! And I'll be brutally honest: I don't think I've ever uttered the name SpongeBob without making some kind of pained facial expression. I have a dad friend who has tried tirelessly to convert me to the Square Pants team, even citing parallels to Commedia dell'Arte, but the best I've ever managed is a polite smile. So with THAT context and background, it means a lot when I tell you that I really enjoyed The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water. Is it your family's cup of sea? I'll try to give you just enough info to help you decide, without spoiling any of the guffaws.

Young Innovators Create and Learn at Galileo Camps

Submitted by Linda DiProperzio on

For many kids, summer camp can be more than just a good time—it can actually be a life-changing experience. The right camp can give kids the chance to explore their interests while also discovering new ones, as well as build life skills and boost self-esteem. More importantly, children need to be in a place where they’re inspired to take risks without fear of failure. In fact, research shows kids who are exposed to that kind of environment are happier, more creative, and more confident when faced with life’s challenges.

Our sponsor Galileo Camps is an imagination-sparking program for kids in pre-K through 8th grade with the motto “fear goes on holiday.” I can’t stress enough how much I love that. I think many parents see that shift in our kids, from fearless toddlers to less self-assured students who are afraid to take a chance because they don’t want to make a mistake (at least I’ve seen it with my own son). Inspired by the Institute of Design at Stanford, Galileo Camps spark campers’ imaginations and literally change their way of learning. And luckily for Los Angeles residents, four new Galileo locations (Brentwood, Manhattan Beach, West LA, and Culver City) are opening up on the beachy side of town for summer 2015.

Mommy Poppins is Hiring NYC Editors: Join Our Great Team!

Anna Fader's picture Submitted by Anna Fader on

Mommy Poppins is hiring! We have a few positions listed on our Jobs Page, including our call for new NYC editors.

Is it your dream job to get paid to run around the city with your children, checking out the coolest things going on? Are you an excellent writer, great researcher and brilliant editor who wants to work in an environment that is supportive of parents? Do you love organizing information, engaging on social media and connecting with the community?

Mommy Poppins is hiring new editors for our NYC site. We’re looking for amazing writers and editors with at least two years editorial experience who are passionate about living in NYC with kids, and are seeking a telecommuting-friendly, full- or part-time position with flexible hours, a competitive salary and benefits.

Neon Retro Arcade: Pasadena's New Spot for Old Video Games & Pinball

Jacqueline Stansbury's picture Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on

Sometimes that which is old becomes new again. While our kids certainly have their own video games, there does seem to be a certain fascination with the games that started it all: Pac Man, Donkey Kong, Frogger, and - my favorite - the super old school pinball. Books like Ready Player One by Ernest Cline riff on the quaintness of 80s gaming. In Pasadena, it is now possible to do a little time travel and experience the arcade of yesteryear at Neon Retro Arcade. We went to check it out on opening weekend.

Kids Craft: Crayon Batik Valentines

Anna Fader's picture Submitted by Anna Fader on

I have always had a love affair with children’s books. In their best form, they have the capacity to shape how we see the world simply through a few words and illustrations. Red, a new book from our sponsor Harper Collins, is one of those special children’s books that should become a new classic.

Red tells the story of a crayon who has a red label, but is, in fact, blue. Red tries to be red, with the help of those around him, but no matter how hard he tries, he just can’t be red. The heartwarming story depicts, through adorable illustrations, how we are all best when we have the courage to let our true inner selves shine.

This sweet book inspired us to come up with a special crayon project ourselves. I love this simple activity that transforms any crayon drawing into a cool batik design that looks just like the complicated fabric technique. It’s fun to see the drawing change before your eyes, and it turns any child’s crayon drawing into a framable work of art or the perfect homemade Valentine. Here’s how you do it in three easy steps.

Coding for Kids: Free Apps That Teach Kids Programming

Alina Adams's picture Submitted by Alina Adams on

We're always writing about how important it is for kids to learn to code. That's because most of the jobs our children will one day apply for will require basic coding skills. Even if your kids don't dream of becoming the next Bill Gates, computer programming can still teach them critical thinking, logic, creativity and patience. Plus, they can learn to make their own websites and video games, which is pretty cool.

Pages