Nataki Hewling

Nataki Hewling - NYC Writer

A Staten Island mom to two boys, Nataki doesn't like to stay in one place too long. She and her family enjoy exploring all of New York City's wonderfully diverse neighborhoods, dining, playing, shopping, hitting museums and other culture spots, and people watching. Nataki is also a foodie who loves trying different NYC restaurants (with and without her kids). She also spends a lot of time in the car, taking her kids to basketball practice, casting calls, soccer practice, etc. On her bucket list: Visiting Brazil and taking a cooking class with her husband. Follow her on Google+.

Latest posts by Nataki

51 Top Things To Do in Staten Island with Kids

Submitted by Nataki Hewling on Thu, 02/23/2023 - 6:07pm

Breeze through the allee at the Snug Harbor Botanical Gardens. This beautiful tunnel of Hornbeam trees is just one of its stunning feature. Photo courtesy of Snug Harbor

Staten Island may be a harbor removed from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, but the outer borough packs more than enough fun things to do to fill a day or a week. And, with the FREE Staten Island Ferry, getting there is part of the adventure!

From exploring the beautiful Staten Island Greenbelt to immersing yourself in culture at Snug Harbor and stepping back in time at Historic Richmond Town, here are our top picks for the 51 best things to do on Staten Island with kids.

We've got more picks for family-friendly outings by borough from Brooklyn and Queens to the Bronx and beyond in our Guide to Kid-Friendly Neighborhoods in NYC.

Rock 'Em Not Sock 'Em Offers a New Take on Rock Climbing

Submitted by Nataki Hewling on Wed, 03/01/2017 - 11:20am

Rock 'Em Not Sock ’Em caught my eye not only because it’s the first rock climbing gym I had seen on Staten Island, but because of its unique anti-bullying message.

As a mother of two active boys, I am always looking for something to keep them off electronics and active. During the summer, I can find plenty of fun, affordable things to do. However, during winter or on days when the weather is poor, it’s good to have a few different places the whole family can enjoy.

Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark Opens Toddler Area, Mummy's Oasis

Submitted by Nataki Hewling on Thu, 07/28/2016 - 10:30am

A popular Poconos resort's water park, Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark, opened a new toddler and preschooler outdoor attraction this summer, Mummy’s Oasis. It's a fun-themed kids zone for those 48 inches and under and definitely a great place to park your family to cool off. It's one of the reasons we added this Poconos attraction to our list of best water parks near NYC for toddlers.

We visited earlier this summer and have the scoop on the dumping buckets, mini water slides, and more. Check out the NYC Beaches, Pools and Water Parks Guide for more splashing fun or our roundup on 15 Awesome New Jersey Water Parks.

30 Fun Things To Do with Kids on Staten Island This Summer

Submitted by Nataki Hewling on Mon, 06/27/2016 - 4:10pm

Staten Island, the oft “forgotten” borough of New York City, may not offer the hustle and bustle of that other island, and that works just fine for isle residents. Staten Island has its own rich, vibrant community, and summer is the perfect time to explore it when FREE fun and outdoor activities are on tap for kids in every corner of the borough.

The ferry docks in St. George, home to the Staten Island Yankees, Snug Harbor, Staten Island Museum, and more. Head further inland with the kids to discover gorgeous parks and greenways, community events, beaches, fairs, and parades, as well as destination play spaces, museums, and even NYC's first indoor trampoline park and the city's only indoor skate park—all adding up to a summer full of family-friendly activities.

As a Staten Island resident raising two boys, I love discovering new ways to enjoy the isle with my family. Read on for our top picks for summer fun with kids on Staten Island. And be sure to check out NYC Summer Fun Guide for more summer planning ideas, and the 100 Free Things to Do in NYC This Summer.

Family Day Trip for Sports Fans: Basketball Hall of Fame in Massachusetts

Submitted by Nataki Hewling on Thu, 10/29/2015 - 10:00am

While aspiring Carmelo Anthonys have lots of ways to indulge their love of the game as NBA season kicks off, the best way for kids to experience the sport's history is by visiting the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, this 40,000-square-foot hoops haven is home to hundreds of exhibits, many of which are interactive, so kids (and grown-ups!) can get in on the action. It's the perfect indoor day trip destination for basketball fans of all ages.

Staten Island Museum Opens Second Location at Snug Harbor

Submitted by Nataki Hewling on Mon, 10/05/2015 - 10:30am

The Staten Island Museum recently opened a second location, adding to its existing space in St. George, and it's just minutes from the Staten Island Ferry terminal, making it a great destination for NYC families from other boroughs.

The new museum nestled in the island's beautiful Snug Harbor Cultural Center isn't a kids' museum per se, but we found plenty there to engage the four boys, ranging in age from 3 to 14, who tagged along with mom. Plus, kids under 12 are admitted for FREE!

Staten Island Kids Party Places: 10 More Great Birthday Ideas

Submitted by Nataki Hewling on Wed, 04/24/2013 - 10:00am

In the past we've touted Staten Island as a great place to find a birthday party bargain. But there are so many fun Staten Island party spots, we thought it was time to do a new roundup.

Not only do Staten Island parties tend to be some of the least expensive options in NYC, they often offer the kind of fun you usually only find in the 'burbs, like bumper cars, go-karts and massive video game arcades. So in addition to our original list of Staten Island party places, here are 10 more spots where you can throw a memorable birthday bash. You can find even more options in our Party Guide.

Staten Island Family-Friendly Restaurants: 10 Places to Eat with Kids on SI

Submitted by Nataki Hewling on Sun, 03/03/2013 - 10:00am

Before I had children, I was always eating out. And now that I have kids, nothing has changed—except perhaps the time that we eat. (No more 9pm dinners!) As a Staten Islander, I'm constantly on the lookout for restaurants in our borough that serve good food and have a nice atmosphere, but are also welcoming to my two boys, ages eight and one.

While it's true that Staten Island has a lot of fast-food joints and mall food court chains, we've got other options, too. Over the years, my family and I have dined all over the borough, and there are certain restaurants that stand out from the rest. Some spots offer entertainment along with the eats, others feature an old New York ambiance and a few offer great deals specifically for families, including one where kids eat free. Here are my top ten favorite places to eat with kids on Staten Island.