Play Days & Parties: A Cozy Indoor Play Space in Bay Ridge Brooklyn

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While we usually review brand-new NYC kid attractions, sometimes we come across a popular neighborhood mainstay we've never heard of before and we just have to share. That's why we're writing about Play Days & Parties, a small, family-run play space in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. My family and I recently moved to the area from Manhattan's Upper West Side, and with four kids at home (including a newborn and two toddlers), I've been searching for indoor places to play in our new community.

Though my search is far from over, I’m happy to report I've found at least one I can count on: Play Days & Parties. Sandwiched between a firehouse and a deli, this little known gem has a modest storefront that's easy to miss. But if you're in the area, you should definitely take the time to drop by because Play Days & Parties offers kids a variety of ways to have fun on the cold, winter days we all know are coming.

Hanukkah Decorations and Sweets for NJ Families

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This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Saturday, December 8, and ends on the evening of Sunday, December 16. Hanukkah is one of my favorite holidays because it encourages family, love, home and miracles. I grew up with parents who loved decorating our home with Hanukkah Tchotchkes (yiddish for “trinkets!”) while the scent of potato pancakes lingered in the background. Yum! Below is a list of whimsical Hanukkah goodies that are fun and festive for every family member. 

Dyker Heights Family-Friendly Restaurants: Where to Eat Near Dyker Lights with Kids

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We continue our month-long focus on Dyker Heights with a roundup of family-friendly restaurants in the area. Since the neighborhood has a suburban feel, it's no surprise that all of the businesses, including eateries, are pretty spread out. If you're up for strolling (or driving), you'll find a lot of places to eat near the intersection of 65th Street and the Gowanus Expressway, which is right on the border of two more commercial neighborhoods: Bay Ridge and Sunset Park. However, if you're going to gawk at the area's world-famous Dyker Lights displays, which are located from 11th to 13th Avenues between 83rd and 86th Streets, they're quite a walk away.

So our Dyker Heights restaurant post is divided into two categories: Places to eat near Dyker Lights, and places further afield but still in the lovely, mansion-filled Brooklyn neighborhood.

Norwalk Maritime Aquarium Refurbishment

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Earlier this year, the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium underwent some renovations.  Like, $4 million dollars worth -- the largest transformation the attraction has seen in more than a decade.  I'm going to blame the mommy rock I live under for not noticing until now!  The Maritime Aquarium is just far enough from my house that we don't invest in annual passes, but we do try to get there at least once a year, because it's a respectable small aquarium.  Every time we go, my small fries are that much older and we get that much more out of it.  The recent changes aren't drastic enough to justify an immediate stopover, but fans of this local treasure will be pleasantly surprised by the upgrades when they get around to their regular visit.  

This Week: NYC Kids Holiday Guide, Black Friday Deals, Santa and Xmas Trees

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We were all about Thanksgiving, Black Friday and the start of the holiday season this week. We officially launched our NYC Holiday Guide, which is chock-full of the best places to see Santa, Christmas tree and menorah lightings, various versions of The Nutcracker and more seasonal fun.

Our sister sites are also gearing up for the holidays. New Jersey and Boston have already launched their Holiday Guides, and our Travel site rounded up Black Friday and Cyber Monday travel deals.

If you haven't gotten a chance to book a session at our Hurricane Sandy Holiday Portrait Fundraiser, which takes place on Saturday, December 2 at J&R Jr, now's the time. There will be fun family activities, discounted shopping and amazing kids' portraits courtesy of Stomping Ground Photo, with all proceeds going to Hurricane Sandy relief. It's a wonderful way to give back to those in need this holiday season.

Here's what else we covered on our NYC site this week:

Mostly Free and Fun Things to do With Kids in CT Thanksgiving Weekend: Reindeer, Skating and Turkey Trots

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Thanksgiving is the only holiday that I don't host at my home for our extended family.  This makes it the most laid back of holidays in my household.  Instead of spending hours cooking and cleaning the house I get to simply enjoy spending time with my husband and children. During dinner we like to go around the table and state what we are grateful for. It's a nice family tradition that brings gratitude to the forefront. Speaking of gratitude, we here at Mommy Poppins CT would like our readers and sponsors to know that we are grateful for all of your support for our site. We strive to provide great content for you each week that in turn helps you to create wonderful experiences with your families. This weekend is no exception...

Long Island Kids' Activities November 24 and 25: Tree Lightings, The Nutcracker, Toy Story 3 Breakfast

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Thanksgiving is just about behind us, and already Long Island is turning its eyes toward Christmas, with tree lightings and holiday celebrations. There's a holiday parade and Miracle on Main Street in Sayville, the lighting of the lighthouse and Family Holiday Fun Day in Montauk, and a tree lighting in Glen Cove, to name just a few. Check out our roundup of Christmas tree lightings for more. And the Nutcracker is playing in Port Washington. You can also take your little one to have breakfast with Woody and his crew from Toy Story at United Skates in Seaford. You'll also find a few turkey trots still going on this weekend. And check out our events calendar for still more fun this holiday weekend.

Things to Do Over Thanksgiving Break (Hartford County)

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After all the hectic Thanksgiving festivities come to an end and the extended family leaves, settle down and spend some time relaxing with the kids during the rest of your holiday break. There are many activities going on around town that can help to keep you all entertained after the cooking, cleaning and chaos has ceased here in Hartford County.

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