News: New Ice Rink at South Street Seaport, Free NYPL After-school Programs, Kindergarten Not So Mandatory, Meet the Menurkey

The whole city seems to be gearing up for the holidays so it's no wonder our news post is filled with all kinds of seasonal tidbits. We've got the scoop on a new outdoor ice-skating rink at the South Street Seaport, a one-of-a-kind holiday illumination courtesy of the Museum of Mathematics and a clever Manhattan boy's new invention: the Menurkey. Plus, new FREE after-school programs at the New York Public Library, a big amendment to the mandatory kindergarten law, Cirque du Soleil's new girl-power spectacle and more.

 

Eating with Kids in Brooklyn Heights: Old-school Diners, Places to Eat and Play, & Other Family-Friendly Restraurants

Since Brooklyn Heights is famous for being an extremely family-friendly neighborhood, it's no surprise that most of its restaurants happily accommodate children. But there are many local eateries that actually cater to families, like restaurant/play space The Moxie Spot, or longtime ma-and-pa eateries like Clark's, Teresa's and the Grand Canyon Restaurant nestled on Montague and Henry Streets. And did we mention all those delicious Middle Eastern joints on Atlantic Avenue?

Our month-long focus on Brooklyn Heights continues with a roundup of our top ten family-friendly restaurants in the area (though in truth we could have chosen twice as many). Our picks run the gamut from places to grab a quick and casual nosh before or after a stroll on the Brooklyn Promenade to more upscale sit-down dining.

A Far Cry: A Fun Introduction to Classical Music for Boston Families

If you frequent Jamaica Plain, you already know about the many awesome places to make music with your kids. But you might not know that Jamaica Plain is also home to one of the most unique and critically acclaimed up-and-coming chamber music groups in the country, the conductor-less string orchestra, A Far Cry.  This group -- they call themselves Criers -- invites a new generation of young people to embrace classical music by making their concerts participatory, varied, and inexpensive. And they have afternoon recitals, perfect for the younger, post-nap set.

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