Drew Kristofik

Drew Kristofik's early career editing teen magazines somehow morphed into a seven-year stint at MacNeil/Lehrer, followed by a very long sojourn at Nickelodeon/Viacom as Director of Content for Nick online and then Editor-in-Chief of ParentsConnect.com local. She was a founding member of the WebbyAward winning GoCityKids, has written for Family Fun Magazine, Vanity Fair, and New York, and her novel for middle schoolers, The Time Boat, is available on Amazon Kindle. She strives to keep the MommyPoppins New York Events calendar packed and accurate, and can be reached at events@mommypoppins.com.

Latest posts by Drew

Cool In-Person Classes Enrolling New York City Kids For Fall 2020

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Mon, 09/21/2020 - 5:05pm

Join a science pod at Alley Pond. Photo courtesy of Alley Pond

Learning is about more than the three "Rs," and while remote learning plays a key role in the curriculum of many city schools this fall, in-person extracurricular activities can provide much-needed socializing and screen breaks for housebound students. Kids of all ages can burn energy in athletic classes, explore their creativity in art workshops, and expand their science chops in technology classes.

Classes for Learning Pod Enrichment and Remote Learning Support in NYC

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Thu, 09/10/2020 - 2:47pm

FIAF offers learning pod support for children as young as age 5. Photo courtesy of FIAF

Many New York City parents are turning to learning pods, made up of small groups of like-minded families, to alleviate the stress during this surreal time of part-time school schedules. But, beyond the regular remote learning curriculum, what's a learning pod to do? Many of our favorite local providers and community orgs are stepping up to the plate, offering extra enrichment for your learning pod. If you don't have a pod, some of these spots help you build one; and, if you'd rather go-it-alone, others provide plenty of support for remote learners with drop-off programs where kids can complete assignments and receive tutoring support in safe, supervised environments.

Things To Do in NYC This Week: In-Person Events, Virtual Fun and More

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Wed, 08/19/2020 - 4:29pm

Glide along the water while kayaking with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse. Photo by Etienne Frossard

With Labor Day behind us and the mystery and magic of school blinking on the horizon (September 16, here we come?), we're doing our level best to settle back into some kind of autumnal routine.

22 Online Tutoring Services for Homework Help and Remote Learning

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Sun, 08/16/2020 - 8:33am

Whether you’re homeschooling, navigating hybrid learning, or going fully remote this year—or your kiddo just needs some extra support—you’ll be relieved to know that online tutoring services and homework help are truly just a click away!

Thanks to modern technology, kids across the country can access remote help in core school subjects, K-12 academics, specialized classes and subjects, SAT tutoring, and so much more. Most of these services are incredibly flexible—some are even available 24/7—and they’re able to virtually support students through video, audio, chat, text, and innovative tools like interactive whiteboard technology.

So if your first grader needs a hand with reading, your teen wants to ace AP Bio, or math just really isn’t your thing, take a look at these online tutoring websites and virtual homework help options for children of all ages.

Fun Outdoor Classes for Kids Around NYC

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Fri, 08/07/2020 - 10:01am

Head to the CAMP curbside cafe on 16th Street and 5th Avenue for crafting and ice cream.Photo courtesy of the store

If remote learning has taught us anything, it's that the 'classroom' can be anywhere. And since outdoors is this summer's (and likely this fall's) favorite location, we feel especially grateful that NYC has plenty of open spaces that creative companies are now making use of for outdoor classes for kids.

We're seeing a surge of entertaining and educational pop-up fun for kids and families populating sidewalks, parks, and rooftops, in just about every borough these days. Whether your kid is into tennis, art class or music class, soccer, cooking, or circus arts, there's something literally "out there" just waiting to be discovered. Keep an eye on our NYC calendar, too, as we make the gradual transition from virtual to REAL, in-person things to do.

For more outdoor options, take a peek at all the city playgrounds now open, and our great list of outdoor adventures. Or, find online classes and more virtual entertainment options on our Poppins@Home platform.

Things To Do in NYC this Week, Live and In Person! Bubble Man, Outdoor Movies, Summer Sports

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Wed, 08/05/2020 - 4:00pm

Open your eyes to the magical world of bubbles with Bubble Man at Bryant Park. Photo courtesy of Bryant Park

Oh, the virtual life has its pleasures, but haven't we all been straining at the bit to go out and DO something? With other people? Something we don't do/haven't done every day for the past five months? The joys of re-entering the real world are many, as long as we take precautions, of course.

Great Mini Golf Courses Near DC for Kids and Families

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Fri, 07/17/2020 - 12:39pm

East Potomac Mini Golf is an oldie-but-goodie course, which has catered to generations. Photo courtesy of East Potomac Mini Golf

Teeny tiny pencils, brightly colored golf balls, windmills, waterfalls, and more whimsical obstacles await at these mini golf courses. For many families, mini golf is a quintessential spring and summer activity. What better way to while away this strange time than chasing a ball around outside on artificial grass?

In its heyday —about a century ago!—there were more than 30 mini golf courses in the District, and the sport was a major craze. Of that abundance, only one remains in town: The historic East Potomac Mini Golf, which opened in spring of 1931. But, there are several within easy driving distance and worthy of a half-day trip.

Read on for more than a dozen mini golf spots in Washington, DC and beyond.

Day Trips Near Washington DC for Summer 2020 Adventures

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Fri, 07/03/2020 - 10:30am

Shenandoah National Park has miles and miles of hikes––and social distance options. Photo courtesy NPS/Neal Lewis

Ready to get out and see a bit of the world again, or maybe just take a drive? We've rounded up 16 summer day trips near Washington, DC just right for area families ready for a break, all within easy driving distance from the city and surrounding towns.

Given that Virginia, Maryland, and DC are all in various stages of reopening, we've done our best to pick outdoor DC day trips where maintaining some social distance is possible. No matter where you travel, don't forget to bring your masks along, plus plenty of hand sanitizer.

Visit our FamilyTravel Guide for more day trips near DC or even some summer weekend getaways.