Kelly O

Kelly O'Neil - NYC Writer

Kelly is a proud native New Yorker who was raised in Queens, just like her parents. She also lived on the West Coast and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Bolivia before returning to her home borough. She now resides in Sunnyside with her husband (also a Queens native) and their two daughters. Kelly's passions include sampling new cuisines and discovering stimulating things to do wherever she goes.

A New York City public school teacher, Kelly is currently on child-care leave and loves going on local family adventures. She is always on the hunt for the most economical kid-friendly places and activities all around the city, and she shares her finds on Mommy Poppins. Follow her on Google+.

Latest posts by Kelly

31 Things To Do with Preschoolers in NYC Before They Turn 5

Submitted by Kelly O on Sun, 03/02/2025 - 6:09am

Introduce your preschooler to art in a laid back way at Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens, which is stunning in any season. Photo by Jody Mercier

If you've got a little one at home, we've found the best things to do with preschoolers in NYC. Read on for our top picks for little-kid fun.

New York City doesn't lack awesome family events and institutions, but as a mom of two children under the age of 5, I'm always on the hunt for new ideas. These early years are fleeting, and I want to create lasting memories—within budgetary reason—manageable enough for little kids who sometimes still need a nap and a sippy cup.

So, inspired by our roundup of 100 things to do with kids in NYC before they grow up, we came up with this list of 31 things to do with preschoolers in NYC before they turn 5 and head to kindergarten. A few of our selections are well-known favorites with specific under-the-radar attractions perfect for preschoolers, while others are more off the beaten path, but all are things we've enjoyed doing with our own preschoolers or aspire to try soon! Find more ideas in our Guide to NYC for Preschoolers.

Queens Party Places: 20 Top Spots for Kids' Birthdays

Submitted by Kelly O on Mon, 10/21/2024 - 1:42pm

Party-goers burn tons of energy during an action-packed party at Laser Bounce. Photo by Sydney Ng

Queens is NYC's most diverse and action-packed borough, so it's no surprise there are tons of birthday party places in Queens where little New Yorkers can celebrate. In fact, there are so many awesome birthday spots in Queens alone that it deserves a post of its own.

These Queens birthday party places cater to all kinds of kids, from active to artsy to animal lovers. As a Queens mom with two children, I've been to many of these spots personally and can vouch for their fun factor. You can find additional birthday inspiration in our NYC Kids Guide to Birthday Parties.

17 Best Queens Play Spaces and Indoor Playgrounds For Kids

Submitted by Kelly O on Mon, 01/08/2024 - 12:12pm

Peek-A-Booo indoor play space has a unique ball pit with interactive games.

Queens families have plenty of choices for indoor playgrounds on days when you need to get out of the apartment and it's too cold, rainy, or hot for a traditional playground. From the formerly industrial waterfront in Long Island City to locations deep in the borough, there are many family-friendly indoor play spaces in Queens.

These indoor play spaces are perfect for kids to jump, play, run, and get physical. Another great perk—most are much more affordable than Manhattan's top indoor playgrounds. Read on for our top indoor play spaces in Queens and find plenty more places to play citywide in our Guide to Indoor Play.

Crafts for Kids in Queens: 9 Awesome Drop-in Art Spots for Families

Submitted by Kelly O on Wed, 03/13/2019 - 11:00am

Oliloli’s arts & crafts tables are available during open studio hours. Just drop-in and do a project!

Despite NYC's long list of great indoor play options, sometimes kids want to do more than just run and jump around. An art project is a great way to spend a winter or spring afternoon, when the usual roster of play spaces, kiddie gyms and museums is feeling a bit tired. Get busy at a local drop-in art studio to pass some indoor time. Kids can get their hands dirty doing pottery, painting, collage and more.

For drop-in art studios and kids' craft spots, Queens is a worthy rival to Brooklyn and Manhattan. From museums with regular family art programs to places to paint plaster to FREE workshops at the Queens Library, here are nine spots where kids of all ages can flex their creative muscles.

Good Day Play Cafe: New Drop-in Play Space and Cafe in Queens

Submitted by Kelly O on Wed, 10/05/2016 - 11:00am

I first learned about Good Day Play Cafe in Bayside, Queens from three friends who raved after its June 2016 opening. They had me at Stumptown coffee and cold brew, but after hearing about the Hinoki cypress wood cube sensory pit and indoor play area, I knew I had to check it out with my kids, ages 6, 4, and 9 months. The thoughtfully designed space features an engaging and unique play area and a cafe serving delicious eats, making it an ideal destination for families with young kids.

Sunnyside Plays: A New Drop-In Play Space for Queens Kids

Submitted by Kelly O on Wed, 08/24/2016 - 10:00am

Western Queens just gained a new indoor play space for kids with the opening of Sunnyside Plays in, of course, Sunnyside. My family was super excited to have a new indoor playground so close to our neighborhood. In fact, we were amazed when we saw our 7-month-old son start crawling there for the first time. We are already making memories.

The spacious location on 48th Avenue, which just opened this month, is close to Sunnyside Library and Lance Cpl. Thomas A. Noonan Playgroun d. Sunnyside Plays, founded by local parents Ed Kim and Vanessa Quinn, is 1,700 square feet of open, rectangular floor space with 16-foot ceilings. LED track lighting and the studio's vibrant colors give it a refreshing artsy loft feel. Kim and Quinn have art backgrounds and use their knowledge to offer events and classes for kids and adults.

5 ‘Frozen’ Party and Craft Ideas to Melt Away Summer’s Heat

Submitted by Kelly O on Wed, 01/27/2016 - 9:00am

Disney’s Frozen sequel isn’t due out for several years, but that hasn’t slowed down the Elsa and Anna fever in my household where “Let It Go” is the nightly bathtub refrain. If your kid is pining for the snow queen’s return, then it might be time to whip up a Frozen-themed party or activity.

Sticky summer weather only makes us crave a chill-inducing Frozen scenery more. Besides, Olaf would approve of the summer setting, wouldn’t he? So pop on the soundtrack, think ice cold thoughts and check out these five Frozen-themed kid party ideas and activities, some simple, some messy, but all 100 percent fun.

New Play 'Studio' Opens in Queens for Babies, Toddlers and School Kids

Submitted by Kelly O on Wed, 08/19/2015 - 10:00am

It's no secret that the Queens neighborhoods of Sunnyside and Woodside are loaded with kids and families, and while we're spoiled with fantastic parks and libraries, the popular area is definitely lacking indoor play spaces.

Sure there's Chuck E. Cheese's, but try finding a local drop-in play spot on a rainy or too cold or too hot day, and you're sure to hear other parents complain about the dearth of options—until now. Sabrina's Play Studio opened this summer on busy Queens Boulevard across from the New Calvary Cemetery, and parents immediately, with their toddlers and older kids in tow, began to queue.

Check out our review of this bright, indoor kids' playground in western Queens that offers both weekday and weekend drop-in play sessions.

Kelly O

Latest posts by Kelly

Pages