Diana Kim

Diana Kim has been a contributor to Mommy Poppins for nearly 8 years. A Brooklyn mom of three (ages 7-16), she loves exploring family-friendly events and activities in Brooklyn and sharing the best finds with readers.

Latest posts by Diana

Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Galapagos Islands with Kids: A Family Vacation You'll Never Forget

Submitted by Diana Kim on Sat, 04/06/2024 - 12:00pm

Head across the Pacific Ocean to meet the amazing creatures of the Galapagos Islands.

If you're looking for the family vacation of a lifetime, consider a trip to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. One of the most beautiful and pristine natural landscapes in the world, the Galapagos Islands offer cruise adventures, breathtaking scenery, close encounters with sea turtles and other animals, and the chance to see flora and fauna that exists nowhere else.

The Galapagos Islands are also a great place for families to witness real conservation work in action and to learn about the revolutionary work of Charles Darwin. While getting to the Galapagos takes a little advance planning, it is is absolutely worth the effort to visit.

Read on to learn all about visiting the Galapagos Islands with kids, including how to get there, the various cruise options, and other tips and tricks. You'll find even more exciting places to visit, from sunny spots in the Caribbean to culture-filled European cities, in our International Travel Guide.

Brooklyn Private Elementary Schools that Start as Early as Preschool

Submitted by Diana Kim on Thu, 04/04/2024 - 11:47am

Independent learning and critical thinking are a focus at the Brooklyn Heights Montessori School. Photo courtesy of the school

When it comes to private elementary schools, Brooklyn families are not without options, and many offer robust early childhood education programs. Each of the Brooklyn private elementary schools listed below varies in size and educational philosophy, providing families with options that create a great fit.

As a bonus: If your child gets into the preschool, Pre-K, or kindergarten program at one of these schools, they can always continue through the private elementary school without having to apply again. As you embark on the process of finding the perfect fit for your little one, it's worth bookmarking this piece on 10 questions to ask during a preschool tour, and our Preschool Directory is an excellent resource to find more programs in Brooklyn and beyond as well.

Massive New Indoor Play Space Complete Playground Opens in FiDi

Submitted by Diana Kim on Thu, 03/07/2024 - 1:17pm

There's plenty of action in the 40,000-square-foot Complete Playground.

Our list of Manhattan's best drop-in indoor play spaces keeps growing with the debut of Complete Playground in the Financial District.

The brand-new, sprawling play space is one of NYC's largest indoor playgrounds, where kids can run, swing, jump, climb, and twirl in a custom-designed, multi-floor obstacle maze. There’s also rock climbing, a gymnastics studio, interactive trampolines, age-appropriate play areas, and more.

Complete Playground describes itself as an inclusive play center, with activities, programming, and state-of-the-art spaces for neurodiverse and neurotypical kids. Get our need-to-know tips and full review of this enormous play space below, and find more fun places to play in our comprehensive NYC Kids' Guide to Indoor Play Spaces and Fun Zones.

Bouldering Project Brooklyn Unveils Brand-New Gym in Gowanus

Submitted by Diana Kim on Tue, 02/06/2024 - 12:15pm

Bouldering Project Brooklyn offers a huge space to enjoy bouldering fun, plus kid-friendly classes, summer camps, and more.

Rock climbing is a great way to keep kids active and busy year-round. While we've long frequented these family-friendly rock climbing gyms in New York City, the Bouldering Project Brooklyn just opened a revamped climbing gym in the Gowanus neighborhood.

The Bouldering Project Brooklyn, previously known as Brooklyn Boulders, reopened at the beginning of the year following a substantial renovation and rebranding. The revamped facility merges bouldering with community-focused spaces and expanded youth programs.

I recently checked out the new climbing gym with two 13-year-olds in tow, and we had a blast. Read on for all the details of this new climbing gym and what you need to know to get started with bouldering with your kids.

Glide Brings Scenic Ice Skating Rink to Brooklyn Bridge Park

Submitted by Diana Kim on Mon, 12/11/2023 - 1:09pm

Enjoy a scenic skate underneath the Brooklyn Bridge while enjoying a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline. Photo courtesy of Glide

New York City has a brand-new ice skating rink, located right under the majestic Brooklyn Bridge in the amenity-filled Brooklyn Bridge Park. Glide is now open for ice skating in NYC and locals and tourists can enjoy ice time alongside stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

Read on for everything you need to know about Glide, New York's newest ice skating rink, and find more great ice skating rinks in NYC for families here.

New York Hall of Science's Massive Science Playground Reopens and It's Better Than Ever

Submitted by Diana Kim on Wed, 11/29/2023 - 10:40am

NYSCI's Science Playground—the largest science playground in the United States—is welcoming visitors following a massive remodel!

The Science Playground has reopened at the New York Hall of Science, and it's now better than ever giving families one more reason to visit NYSCI—one of our favorite, STEM-focused museums for kids.

I recently visited the new Science Playground with my 7-year-old son and his friends, and it was a total hit. The kids loved exploring every inch of the enormous playground and playing with all the STEM-focused structures and exhibitions.

Read on to get the scoop on this awesome playground and find more fun places to play in our Guide to NYC Playgrounds & Parks.

The Cauldron Brings Pumpkin Patch, Halloween Fun to the Flatiron District

Submitted by Diana Kim on Tue, 10/24/2023 - 12:01pm

Spooky and sweet fun awaits at The Cauldron, which has teamed up with Little Kid Big City for a fun Halloween activation.

You don't have to get out of the city to experience the magic of a pumpkin patch this Halloween season. The Cauldron NYC—in conjunction with Little Kid Big City—has conjured an urban pumpkin patch in its brand-new Flatiron location, where you can dress in wizard's robes and create some spooky—or silly—jack-o'-lanterns. My son and I recently checked out this pumpkin carving adventure and had a great time. Read on to find out more about this interactive experience and what you need to know before visiting with kids.

For more Halloween events and activities, check out our jam-packed New York City Kids' Halloween Guide, which showcases our top picks for FREE Halloween events, not-too-scary-haunted houses, and more.

Oslo with Kids: Best Things To Do in Oslo, Norway

Submitted by Diana Kim on Sat, 10/21/2023 - 12:00pm

Take a scenic boat ride through the breathtaking fjords.

Oslo, Norway makes for an unforgettable, adventure-filled family vacation spot full of stunning natural landscapes and family-friendly activities. As Norway's capital, Oslo is an international city with great museums, cultural sites, and attractions the whole family will enjoy.

Oslo is also easy to navigate with kids. The city is very walkable, and its great transportation system (including buses, trams, trains, and ferries) makes it convenient to get around without a car. Oslo is clean and safe, and most people speak English. While there is plenty to do indoors in the winter, summer is also a great time to visit, when the temperature is pleasantly balmy and the sun doesn't set until almost midnight.

Read on for some of our favorite things to in Oslo, Norway with kids, including family-friendly Oslo hotels. Find more European family vacation destinations, including London and Amsterdam, in our Europe Family Travel Guide.

Diana Kim

Latest posts by Diana

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