Submitted by Anna Fader on
The best kind of project is one that is as much fun to play with as it is to make. We learned how to build these parachutes at the new Brooklyn Robot Foundry in Tribeca last weekend and couldn't wait to make them again at home. With a couple household items and a few minutes of crafting you'll have a great toy that will keep kids occupied for ages.
Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on
It's an exceptional weekend for cool kids' culture with an interactive indoor ArtPark, the final weekend of the New York International Children's Film Festival and a slew of family rock concerts heading our way, including one of our top picks for March: Brooklyn Kids Rock.
Although it doesn't quite feel like spring, you can still enjoy seasonal fun like the opening of two popular carousels. You can also enter the lottery for the NYC Parks Department's FREE spring swimming lessons for kids this weekend. And who knows, if the rain holds off it may be nice enough to hit one of our fabulous parks and playgrounds—they've been dormant way too long.
These are just a few of the great things going on this weekend. All of our best bets are below. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar. Before heading out on your adventures, be sure to download our FREE Mommy Poppins Kids on the Go app so you can find the best family destinations wherever you happen to be in NYC.
Submitted by Celeste Bocchic... on
Spring is fighting its way tooth and claw into Boston, and what better way to celebrate than to bring the kids out into nature? This weekend we put on our rain boots and prepared to get muddy in Franklin Park. Boston's biggest park sprawls through Dorchester, Jamaica Plain and Roxbury with lots of great areas to explore.
Submitted by Bridget Galbreath on
Who doesn't love chocolate--especially kids? Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or trying to recover from a bad day, chocolate (milk, white, dark--take your pick) makes everything sweeter. The next time a craving hits, skip the store-bought variety and indulge in some handmade chocolates. Suffolk County is home to some pretty exceptional chocolatiers, so whether you're looking for party favors or just want to surprise your family with a sweet treat, you're bound to find something at one of these five great shops.
And if you're craving for other types of goodies, check out Cool Candy Shops on Long Island and Top 10 Candy Stores in the Hamptons and North Fork.
Submitted by Karlyn on
When drop-in indoor romping spot PLAY opened its doors in fall 2010, we were impressed with its minimalist design, laid-back vibe and cute custom touches. But after the founders sold the business, the Greenpoint play space changed hands a few times and consequently underwent a lot of changes, not all popular with parents.
The good news is the current owners, Dave and his wife, Mish, parents to three-year-old Davin, have worked hard to bring back a lot of what families loved about PLAY in the first place, including the cafe with fresh coffee and complimentary Wi-Fi, clean and stimulating toys and equipment, and a friendly staff. They also made some great additions to the 2,700-square-foot space like a gym room, a music and art studio, and an eco-friendly play set in the main playground area.
Find out what else is new at PLAY and read about other drop-in indoor play spaces in Brooklyn in our Inside Activity Guide.
Submitted by Sasha Muzzarelli on
Make the most of the last weekend in March with a great family-friendly activity, either indoors or out. If you’re looking for a dose of early spring air, check out the Photo Scavenger Hunt at the Haggerty Education Center, take a Bike Right class at Essex County Environmental Center or get up close and personal with amphibians at the Chorus of Frogs walk at Pyramid Mountain. And if the air is still a tad too chilly, we’ve got you covered! Head to Liberty Science Center and let the kids burn off energy at the awesome Bob the Builder exhibit, get tickets to see the fun and zany play If You Give a Moose a Muffin at the Wheaton Arts & Cultural Center or head to Princeton University Art Museum for their latest Art for Families program. And remember, you can find a full list of weekend activities in our Event Calendar.
Submitted by Anna Fader on
We're having lots of fun with our recycling this week. Earlier we made colorful ornaments from pie tins, but today's project really takes the cake. My friend Val, the creative mind behind Stitched Tribeca, mentioned that she thought you could make shrinky dinks from recycling at the library one day and I just had to try it. It works! Here's how you do it:
Submitted by Roberta B on
Muppets Most Wanted (PG) is in theaters, so read on for a parent review that helps you decide whether or not your little Miss Piggy fans are ready for this film. Looking for a kid-friendly theater on Long Island? Also check out this roundup of Family Movie Programs in the area.
