Rose Sala

Rose Gordon Sala is a mom to three but also a longtime editor and journalist. She's covered all the capital 'P' subjects, including pets, politics, PR, and parenting. She's written for MSNBC.com, TODAY.com, the New York Post, and Mom.com.

Latest posts by Rose

Largest Indoor Water Park in the US Opens at Kalahari Poconos

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Thu, 03/23/2017 - 11:30am

It’s official. Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in the Pocono Mountains is now home to the country’s largest indoor water park.

In early March the African-themed resort completed a more-than-100,000-square-foot addition to its existing indoor water park, bringing the total to 220,000 square feet, more than double its largest competitor in the Poconos vacation region, and besting the record-holder, its own Kalahari resort in Sandusky, Ohio.

The news arrives just before school kids head off for spring break, making it likely welcome news for families looking for a quick water-themed getaway, or even a day trip as Kalahari allows day-pass entry to its water park.

Choco-Story New York: The City's First Chocolate Museum

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Wed, 03/22/2017 - 11:30am

New York City boasts plenty of sweet spots, and even places where kids can make their own chocolate or ice cream. But now it has its very own museum dedicated to chocolate.

Choco-Story New York: The Chocolate Museum and Experience recently opened within Jacques Torres’ Soho shop, offering tours, classes, and a healthy serving of history about one of our most revered sweets.

Maybe you saw the headlines about its opening March 7, but wondered, “Is it kid-friendly?” Read on for our review and tips to find out.

Glitter & Glam Opens a Spa Just for Kids in Paramus, New Jersey

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Wed, 03/15/2017 - 2:00pm

Got a little prince or princess in need of some pampering? Glitter & Glam, a kids' salon that opened in the Paramus Park mall late last year, serves up a posh but affordable splurge for New Jersey families.

The new kids’ spa offers manicures and pedicures, hair styling, makeup (or face painting), facials for tweens, and of course, birthday party packages. The interior is all glammed up in princess pink, with touches of tulle and glitter everywhere.

The Wackiest Art Exhibit in NYC Is Free

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Tue, 03/07/2017 - 10:35am

This winter NYC is spoiled with incredible art, and now we've stumbled upon another fully immersive exhibit that's totally wacky and totally fun to see with kids. Toiletpaper Paradise presented by Visionaire at the Cadillac House in Soho, takes its cue from the "wild aesthetic" of Toiletpaper magazine, according to organizers.

Visitors can explore multiple areas set up like an apartment (bedroom, kitchen, and so on), and all bedecked in psychedelic colors and outfitted with offbeat props that are sure to thrill kids and adults alike.

Read on to see more photos and hear more about this cool and totally FREE installation that's only open until Wednesday, April 12.

Summer Camp Open House Season Begins on Long Island

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Thu, 03/02/2017 - 12:45pm

It’s that time of year again: summer camp registration. If you’re trying to choose from among all the great camps on Long Island, it might be best to attend an open house.

We’ve rounded up open houses at some of the top camps in the area, from sports camps to preschooler options. Read on for details of these upcoming events from our partners, and you can always find more options in our Long Island Summer Camp Guide and Directory.

13 Simple Crafts for Toddlers and Preschoolers to Do at Home

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Thu, 03/02/2017 - 10:00am

Crafts for toddlers and preschoolers are best when they require few materials, carry simple instructions, and result in either something adorable or that can be played with later. With that in mind, we've rounded up a dozen of our favorite crafts for little kids. Pin it for your next rainy or snowy day, or just one of those need-something-new-to-do days.

Many of these have a fun seasonal bent, like aluminum foil Easter eggs, or a year-round playful attitude like popsicle-stick monsters and airplanes. All of them are easy enough for little fingers with possibly a quick assist from their grown-up. Kids will exercise newfound fine motor skills and plenty of sensory play.

Find more DIY kid projects in our WeeWorks Guide. Older kids, and even preschoolers, can test out our round-up of 50 Easy Science Experiments, too.

Please Bring Balloons: A Show Full of Magic and Imagination

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Thu, 02/23/2017 - 9:34am

Kids are transported immediately upon entering the theater for a showing of Please Bring Balloons, a toddler-friendly production by New York City Children’s Theater.

Whimsical animal cutouts hang from the ceiling: a tiger, a horse, a zebra. The floor is covered in turf, evoking the grass of the park you’re entering. Carousel music and bird noises play in the background. Kids are invited to sit on a shared blanket on the floor, essentially putting them onstage and making them part of the play. An affable carousel operator, played by Brandon Schraml, comes around, crouching in front of kids to take their "tickets" to the merry-go-round, asking them questions and generally getting them relaxed.

Aimed at kids ages 2-5, Please Bring Balloons is one of our top picks for children's theater in NYC this winter, and among the best events for preschoolers this season.

Baby Sleep Boxes Offered to Every NJ Parent for Free in 2017

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Mon, 01/30/2017 - 4:00pm

Expecting a baby in 2017? If you're in New Jersey, you'll have the opportunity to receive a FREE Baby Box that can serve as mini crib for the newborn months and comes stocked with infant supplies, such as diaper and wipe samples.

The boxes, created by Baby Box Co., are modeled after the same ones provided by the Finnish government for decades to new moms and aimed at tackling SIDs, or SUID, Sudden Unexpected Infant Death, aka, every parent's worst nightmare. The sturdy cardboard box is considered a safe sleeping environment and has earned the seal of approval from CPSC, Health Canada, and EN for safe infant sleeping spaces. It can also be kept close by, which makes things easier on parents but also further encourages healthy habits, from breastfeeding to bonding. Finland has one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world, and the boxes, along with the prenatal counseling that comes with them, are credited with its successful rating.