News: Downtown Lego Invasion, Free Playwriting Workshop for Teens, Bring Imagination Playground to Your School

Alina Adams's picture Submitted by Alina Adams on

Big news for Lego lovers, including the scoop on the company's soon-to-open flagship NYC store. Plus, some cool new openings in Brooklyn, a FREE intergenerational playwriting project for teens, the postponement of one of our favorite annual family festivals and a new online forum where you can share your worst parenting confessions anonymously. Read on for all of this and a bunch of other kid-centric tidbits.

NJ Celebrates Moms on Mother's Day, from Alvin Ailey to Crafting to Wine Tasting

Submitted by Laura J on

Congratulations, Mom! You’ve survived another year – 365 days filled with gymnastics, soccer, parent/teacher nights, stomach bugs and endless birthday celebrations. You now have a full 24 hours dedicated to you. Sunday, May 11th marks a celebration honoring mothers, motherhood and all things maternal. New Jersey offers several unique ways of celebrating. From crafting to wine tasting to dance, today is your day. 

Win a Mom’s Night Out for You and a Friend at Noodles & Company in Garden City

Submitted by Linda DiProperzio on

Between work and kids, most moms don't get a lot of “me” time during the day—never mind a night out with friends. But with Mother's Day approaching, you definitely deserve a special treat. That's why Mommy Poppins Long Island has partnered with the fun, casual eatery Noodles & Company in Garden City to give five of our readers a free Mom's Night Out!

Waterside Plaza: A Day Trip Without Leaving NYC Featuring a Drop-in Play Space, a Waterfront Playground & Awesome Views

Submitted by Karlyn on

Nestled on the East River in the 20s past the FDR Drive, Waterside Plaza is like its own secret haven, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city. Accessible to pedestrians via the 25th Street footbridge, the community of highrises has a lot to offer visiting families, including a public playground, unobstructed views of Greenpoint and Long Island City, a private pool that sells day passes, FREE events in summer like outdoor movies, and Creative Dream Playhouse, a popular preschooler party space that recently started offering drop-in play sessions on select weekday mornings.

The other week, my kids and I traveled to Waterside Plaza ostensibly to check out Creative Dream Playhouse. But after spending some time there and also exploring the development, I recommend all of Waterside Plaza as a destination. It's like taking a day trip to a charming small town without leaving New York City.

Cinco de Mayo Events and Activities for Kids and Families on Long Island

Jaime Sumersille's picture Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on

An unlikely victory for the Mexican army over French forces in the Battle of Puebla led to the celebration known as Cinco de Mayo (the 5th of May). Although not considered a major holiday in Mexico, it has become an extravagant affair in America. Check out this list of family-friendly events, restaurants and DIY options to celebrate this year. And take a look at our Long Island Calendar for more activities.

Places to Play in Eastchester: Where Westchester Kids Can Learn and Have Fun

Submitted by Danielle Feldman on

All month long we have been featuring the charming town of Eastchester and it’s villages Tuckahoe and Bronxville, highlighting the best things to do, places to shop and family-friendly restaurants to visit. We wrap up our month long focus on Eastchester with a look at the best places to play in the area. In a town full of parks, gyms, libraries and more, families needn’t worry about finding something fun and educational to do all year round. Read on for our top picks on where to play and where to learn in this great town!

How to Make Homemade Butter

Stephanie Ogozalek's picture Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on

Homemade butter is easy and fun to make and requires nothing more than some heavy cream, a tightly lidded container and a marble—an active kid doesn't hurt either. Children love this project, not only does the butter taste fresher, you can evoke days of old without having to figure out how to make a butter churner. Plus, kids are super proud to serve butter they made by themselves. 

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