| Page 1433 | Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids

Do-It-Yourself Parties

Submitted by Denise on Tue, 04/02/2013 - 11:54am

Since my kids started preschool last year, it seems we're spending quite a lot of time at birthday parties. Coincidentally just about every party has been at the same place. It's nearby, reasonably priced and the kids love it—yet somehow I managed to be coaxed into having a themed birthday party at home this year, for both my kids, ages 6 and 4. My daughter's was an easy decision, since it was in October and we have a decent sized yard to accommodate everyone, at the very least, the kids would have fun running around outside, I reasoned. Then when my son who was born in February, insisted he have a party just like his sister's, well I had some initial trepidation as to how we would manage in our small space. I am happy to report, though that in both instances we managed to create a very unique experience for everyone. And while DIY birthday parties involve a lot more planning and effort and can be even more expensive, in some cases, we all agreed it was well worth it.

For more party planning tips, be sure to look at our Long Island Party Guide.

News: Met Museum to Be Open on Mondays, Free Interactive Shakespeare, UWS Rec Center Reopens, a Beloved Bronx Zoo Resident Dies

Submitted by Jeff on Tue, 04/02/2013 - 10:00am

Lots of cool family arts and culture news this week, including new open hours for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a call for kids' drawings to be used in the set of an Off-Broadway show and an offbeat exhibition of work by lauded children's book author/illustrator Oliver Jeffers. Plus, an Upper West Side rec center reopens after a revamp, a political action committee dedicated to NYC public school reform and a sad goodbye to a longtime Bronx Zoo resident.

Jersey Shore After Sandy: What's Open for Summer 2013

Submitted by Kristen Haas on Tue, 04/02/2013 - 6:00am

Hurricane Sandy devastated our precious Jersey Shore. Beaches were battered, boardwalks destroyed and people displaced. The Star Jet roller coaster in Seaside Heights, which still sits in the Atlantic Ocean, is an eerie reminder of the landscape- and life-changing storm. It has taken some time, but the shore is rebuilding and coming back in a major way. Many businesses are open or beginning to open and most beaches plan on being open to the public by Memorial Day weekend. Here’s some information to help your NJ family plan for a spring and summer at the Jersey Shore plus resources on how to help. Let’s all lend a hand in “restoring the shore!”

Rockin’ Out at the New Kidville - Wellesley

Submitted by Kristin Quinn on Sun, 03/31/2013 - 8:45pm

I had the opportunity to visit Kidville of Wellesley with Paigely, my two-year-old, this week. I learned that Kidville was started by a mom in New York City who was sick of taking her child to classes with no kid-conveniences available, like a place to park a stroller. She dreamed of a one-stop shop that made the lives of families with young children easier. Hence, Kidville was born. Offering world-class development programs, birthday parties, shopping, indoor play-spaces, and a mini-salon; the NYC mom absolutely succeeded.

Visit the Farms of Westchester

Submitted by Anna Fader on Sun, 03/31/2013 - 10:07am

If you enjoyed our post on the farms of Long Island, you may be excited to hear that there are also farms in Westchester that you can visit with kids. Seriously, less than an hour from New York City your kids can be gamboling with sheep, rounding up chickens, and milking cows.

Easter Weekend Activities in Hartford County

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Fri, 03/29/2013 - 11:02am

Hippity hopping Easter's on its way! Yes, Easter is almost here and it’s early this year! Spend the time celebrating by going to a traditional Easter egg hunt or at one of these fun holiday events. I’ve gathered together a few choices that should help to keep you busy during the long holiday weekend in Hartford County.

April GO List: The Best Things To Do With NJ Kids This Month

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Thu, 03/28/2013 - 3:19pm

Our monthly GO! List has quickly become one of Mommy Poppins NJ's most popular features, probably because wise New Jersey parents like to plan ahead. We carefully choose 8 to 10 of our absolute faves for the upcoming month, and April is full of festivals, special shows, one of our favorite exhibits that's drawing to a close, and flowers, flowers everywhere. Happy Spring and GO, New Jersey!

Sanibel Island, Florida with kids: 19 Best Activities for a Family Vacation

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Thu, 03/28/2013 - 1:50pm

Sanibel is a Gulf Coast barrier island, easy to reach via causeway from Fort Myers, Florida. Time spent in Sanibel is reminiscent of an old-fashioned Florida seaside vacation, before mass tourism was the rule in the Sunshine State. There are no theme parks, no high-rises to mar the ocean views and no fast food, except for a discreet Dairy Queen. What you will find are “Mom and Pop” shops, restaurants that feature locally caught seafood, miles of unspoiled beach, spectacular birds and wildlife in abundance. There are no swim with the dolphin experiences here, rather a variety of activities that are conservation oriented and aim to promote interacting with nature in a respectful and responsible way.