Katie Nave

Katie Nave is a writer living in Brooklyn, New York with her wild child daughter and a menagerie of pets. Her writing has been featured in Glamour, Business Insider, and the GoldieBlox YouTube Channel. She has served as a producer for the National Women’s March and the digital lead for the non-profit organization Girls Inc. You can follow her Instagram (@kathryn.e.nave) for a mix of activism, parenting missteps, anxious musings, and hamster photos.

Latest posts by Katie

10 Outdoor Party Games for Kids' Birthdays at Home

Submitted by Katie Nave on Thu, 08/20/2020 - 11:00am

Attempting to throw a birthday party these days can be downright stressful. Indoor parties involving groups of invited guests may be out the question for some time, but there are options to create outdoor celebrations that are fairly safe and socially distanced. If you are looking to gather a small group, health experts agree that outdoors is best. We've rounded up 10 outdoor party games that can be played at a distance for maximum fun and safety. Sure, it's going to look a little different this year, but you can still host a small birthday party, complete with awesome outdoor party games for kids.

How to Create a Homeschool Pod or School Pod: Top Things to Consider

Submitted by Katie Nave on Sun, 08/09/2020 - 12:02pm

As families prepare for the uncertainty of the school year, many are looking to learning pods.

As September approaches, many parents are navigating the idea of sending their children back to school with great trepidation and anxiety.

With virus case numbers continuing to rise across the country, a number of America's school districts are turning to full remote learning or hybrid schooling that combines online learning with part-time in-person classes. The news has many parents scrambling for ways to avoid the distance learning disasters that were experienced in the spring. Enter homeschooling pods and micro schools.

If you're considering setting up or participating in a schooling pod or homeschool learning for your child and maybe a few classmates this school year, there are a few key things to consider. The emotional labor, the calculated risks, and the inequity of it all are far too real. We talked to community members about how they are navigating this complicated time and gathered helpful tips, resources, and advice from dedicated experts.

Governors Island Reopens July 15 for Summer 2020 Fun

Submitted by Katie Nave on Fri, 07/10/2020 - 4:33pm

Enjoy the wide-open spaces of Governors Island's 172-acres of parkland beginning Wednesday, July 15. Photo by Julienne Schaer/courtesy of The Trust for Governors Island

Cooped up New Yorkers were given some good news this week: You can add a visit to Governors Island to your list of safe, outdoor summer staycation activities. The 172-acre island in the heart of New York Harbor reopens to the public Wednesday, July 15. Like many mainstays, there are new rules for summer 2020, including social distancing, mandatory mask wearing, and the most significant change: Reservations are required for ferry rides.

If you're looking to escape the confines of your home, Governors Island has long been one of our favorite summer playgrounds, with its vast green spaces, fresh air, and views of the Manhattan skyline. Read on for details about the summer 2020 Governors Island season and programming, plus learn how to score your ferry reservation. We've got more family-friendly picks for fun in our Summer Guide for NYC Kids.

21 Best Shows on Netflix for Kids Right Now

Submitted by Katie Nave on Mon, 07/06/2020 - 6:00pm

Kids will get hooked on (the new) Baby-Sitters Club just like their parents did back in the day. Photo courtesy of Netflix

As temperatures rise and many camps are canceled, we’re all looking for ways to pass the time indoors. After exhausting the science experiments and online classes, everyone might welcome some downtime. Thankfully, Netflix has a lineup of great shows to keep kids laughing and learning all summer. Here are our 21 favorite shows on Netflix to stream right now, with picks for both little kids and big kids.

For other ideas for keeping kids entertained, including more high-quality kids TV shows and movies to stream during quarantine and beyond, check out Mommy Poppins Stay-at-Home Guide.

Monthly Subscription Boxes for Kids Send Art and Science Fun in the Mail

Submitted by Katie Nave on Sun, 07/05/2020 - 1:00pm

Some kits, like this Lovevery box, are available for kids as young as a few weeks old. Photo by Gina Ragland

Monthly subscription boxes for kids can spark a sense of excitement and curiosity for all ages. So, quell those complaints of "I'm bored," and requests for more screen time by ordering one of these inventive kits to be delivered directly to your doorstep.

You can even go all-in and sign up for a monthly delivery of one of the subscription boxes listed below. Monthly subscription boxes also make a thoughtful gift for kids. Whether your child loves a crafty project or a STEM-inspired experiment, we've tried to include something for everyone.

Staten Island Play Spaces: 8 Spots for Drop-in Fun

Submitted by Katie Nave on Thu, 01/30/2020 - 4:28pm

Kids never run out of ways to play at Kids N' Shape.

NYC parents know you've got to have a go-to indoor play space. Brooklyn and Queens have tons of indoor play options, and Manhattan isn't far behind, but Staten Island is also well-stocked with indoor play spaces, too. If you can’t face another freezing day at the playground and rue being stuck inside, gather some socks and your overjoyed children, and plan a visit to one of these Staten Island play spaces to jump, climb, slide, and bounce out all their energy.

Whether you have to hop on the ferry or you already reside on the Island, these spots are sure to please families looking for a change of scenery. Visit our Indoor Play Spaces Guide for more fun places to play.

Baby Shower Favors That Parents Will Actually Love

Submitted by Katie Nave on Thu, 01/30/2020 - 11:00am

Find the perfect favors for your baby shower guests! Photo by Mommy Poppins

The best baby shower favors are thoughtful, not just on-theme. When it came time to host a baby shower for one of my dearest friends, I knew that I wanted to add meaningful touches to make the occasion feel as special as possible for her and her guests. What resulted was more time than I care to admit pouring over potential baby shower favors. From cheap tchotchkes to cheesy baby-themed keepsakes that no one actually keeps, it was no easy task to find a favor that was both unique and useful.

What resulted from this exhaustive search is a curated list of all our favorite baby shower favor ideas. We hope these great finds won’t break your budget or leave your guests unimpressed.

Find more party planning and gift ideas in our Birthday Party Guides for Kids, especially when it comes time for the little bundle of joy's first birthday!

Best Toy Stores in NYC: 15 Family Favorites and Destination Toy Shops

Submitted by Katie Nave on Thu, 12/05/2019 - 1:50pm

Our favorite NYC toy stores encourage curiosity and play. Photo courtesy of Kidding Around

Whether your toy shopping trip is a winter day activity, a pre-birthday party stop, a bit of Santa research, or a special family outing, NYC's toy store options do not disappoint. From painstakingly curated indie experiences to unforgettable big-brand toy extravaganzas, we’ve rounded up over a dozen of our favorite go-to toy stores across New York City, where you’re sure to find the perfect item for your little one or the winning gift for a birthday party.

Katie Nave

Latest posts by Katie

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