Submitted by Anna Fader on
This three-step project allows kids to enjoy snowballs without the deep freeze. Make your own indoor snowballs for no-mess at-home fights or use them as pretty wintry decorations. All you need is some paper and plastic wrap.
Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on
New Rochelle is one of the southernmost cities in Westchester County with a rich history dating back to 1688 when Protestant refugees made their way from France to escape persecution, many from the French city of La Rochelle (hence the city's current name). Now the seventh largest city in New York state with a population of over 75,000, New Rochelle has become a destination spot for families. You'll find quintessential suburban living with sprawling homes and gorgeous lawns as well as a thriving downtown with high-rise luxury condos complete with high-end amenities, shopping, restaurants and an eclectic and growing arts scene.
We've already written about things to do nearby in Scarsdale, Mamaroneck and Pelham. In January we'll be highlighting the city of New Rochelle and all it has to offer residents and visitors. We'll take a close look at what to do and where to eat, shop and play in the area, starting with our list of 25 things to do in New Rochelle with kids. Be sure to sign up for our FREE weekly newsletter to stay up to date on the latest events, news and happenings for Westchester families.
Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on
Earlier this month, I picked The Power of Poison at the American Museum of Natural History as one of the best exhibits for families this winter. But my eight-year-old son and I had so much fun learning and playing at this interactive installation, I thought it deserved an entire post of its own.
The Power of Poison examines facts, fictions and legends about deadly toxins. While the subject may seem offbeat for families (how many kids know what arsenic or mercury are anyway?), the presentation is totally engaging. Kids can explore the role of poison in famous fairy tales, solve mysteries at digital kiosks, get up close and personal with deadly creatures, and watch a live presentation about a historic poisoning. Both my son and I were completely absorbed by the one-of-a-kind display. For once, picking our poison had a totally awesome outcome.
Submitted by Sarah G on
If you've got a baby or toddler in NYC, chances are you have a stroller (or two or three). When my son was young, our stroller got plenty of wear and tear up and down subway stairs, across potholes, and through muddy parks, snowy streets and rainstorms. It also pulled double-duty as a grocery cart, coat rack and, when strapped, a diaper changing table.
While heavy-duty strollers are built to withstand a fair amount of abuse, if you're using your wheels every day, parts inevitably break. Do you really want to trash that $1,000 stroller because the frame bent or the tire popped off? We didn't think so.
For simple repairs like a blown tire, you can try your local bike shop (many handle minor fixes and may even stock standard stroller-size inner tubes and other small parts). But for more advanced assistance, we've found five New York City services that specialize in stroller repair so your family can get rolling again.
Submitted by Tara D on
Mommy Poppins Boston is delighted to share this guest post from Amber Bobnar of WonderBaby.org, a support and information site for parents of children who are visually impaired (featured in our list of favorite blogs in 2013):
We take our family out to concerts in the Boston area almost every weekend, and my eight-year-old son, Ivan, is in a wheelchair and totally blind. Accessibility is very important to us!
Below you’ll find my rundown of our favorite accessible theaters and live performance venues in the Boston area. I share pros and cons based on a multitude of special needs because I realize that the criteria for what’s accessible will be different for each family. Some kids are in wheelchairs, some have sensory issues, some have hearing or visual impairment and all will react differently in different environments! Find one that looks like a good match for your family and give it a shot! Remember, if it doesn’t work out you can always leave. No big deal.
Submitted by Nataki Hewling on
Over the past few years, the maker movement has really exploded in NYC. Family-friendly makerspaces have opened in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens where kids can tinker with a wide variety of low- and high-tech tools, from sewing machines to soldering irons to 3D printers. As a Staten Island mom I'm happy to report that my borough is totally on trend: Our very own maker mecca, Staten Island MakerSpace, opened at the end of 2013 just two SIRR stops from the St. George Ferry Terminal.
Although many of the offerings at Staten Island MakerSpace are aimed at grown-ups, cofounder DB Lampman, a multidisciplinary artist and local mom, has developed some great workshops for kids, too, including a Minecraft club inspired by her 11-year-old son. My nine-year-old and I went to check it out last Friday and he had a blast tackling virtual and real-life challenges related to the game.
Submitted by Judith Frost on
The holidays are safely behind us and the kids are back in school. You’ve filled up the calendar with fun activities and outings for the kids this month. Now it’s your turn for a fun night out sans the kids. Wouldn't it be nice to leave for a date night without your youngest hugging your legs, koala-style, screaming "Mommy, don't goooooo!"?
Well, instead of hiring a sitter for the night, why not make it a night out for the kids also? They may be more willing to let Mommy and Daddy go if they’ve got a night of fun activities ahead. It turns out that a number of local places your children may already frequent offer Parents’ Night Out services. For some, you can even arrange a night out with the staff—all you have to do is ask! Read on for details on drop-off services for your next date night. Enjoy!
Submitted by Jennifer Battista on
Winter is here and it’s a cold one! If you’re tired of being cooped up inside with the kids, why not visit one of Union County's wonderful indoor play spaces? We’ve covered eight great choices below, including everything from bounce houses to art studios to indoor mini-golf. Keep them in mind on the next frigid day and no need to worry about going stir-crazy! For more indoor play ideas, visit our new Indoor Play & Rainy Day Activity Guide.
