Sonia Gonzalez

Sonia Gonzalez

Sonia is a veteran editor and writer for Mommy Poppins. She loves exploring greater New York with her husband and their three kids and is always on the looking out for innovative, educational and fun things to do with them. She is thrilled to have this platform to share what she finds with Mommy Poppins readers.

Latest posts by Sonia

Stream Tons of Free NYPL Programming From Storytimes to Tutoring and More

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Thu, 01/07/2021 - 3:52pm

The New York Public Library has ramped up its remote learning resources. Photo courtesy of the NYPL

From their perch guarding the entrance to the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library, lions Patience and Fortitude bore witness to the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic and, not long after, the Great Depression. It was then that Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia named them to remind New Yorkers of qualities that would help see the city through the dark days ahead. The noble lions are a constant reminder of the countless ways the NYPL remains an invaluable resource for New Yorkers.

To help navigate the current pandemic, the library has ramped up its remote-learning resources with FREE offerings ranging from virtual homework help and storytimes to reading lists, learning aids, and other activities to engage learners of all ages and stages. Read on for details on six FREE NYPL programs families can stream right now.

We've got tons more remote-learning resources in our Homeschool and Online Learning Guide and fun ways to keep kids engaged and entertained in our Stay-at-Home Guide, too.

NYBG Glow Brings Playful Holiday Lights Installation to the Bronx

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Thu, 12/17/2020 - 9:52am

See the whimsical snowflake-covered paths and brightly lit trees at NYBG Glow through January 9, 2021.

Lights are as synonymous with the holidays as trees and trains. From festive holiday window displays to luminous drive-thru installations and dazzling residential displays, lighted artistic creations evoke holiday magic throughout NYC and beyond. In 2020, the New York Botanical Garden has added a brand new spectacular light display, NYBG Glow, to its seasonal calendar.

A long-time seasonal destination for its annual holiday train show, which is limiting attendance to members this year, NYBG Glow is a creative outdoor light exhibition offering holiday cheer and fun for the whole family.

Read on for more details on the inaugural light display, and be sure to peruse our Holiday Fun Guide for more ways to enjoy the season.

5 Metro-North Day Trips for Families in Westchester and Beyond

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Wed, 11/11/2020 - 12:00pm

Boscobel House and Garden sits on 68 acres with dramatic views of the Hudson River, lush gardens, and a woodland trail. Photo courtesy of the estate

A ride on the Metro-North can whisk your family away to close-enough-to-see-in-a-day destinations minus the hassle of a car. Even better, the Metro-North offers discount packages and deals for many nearby attractions in Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Connecticut. So, grab a ticket out of town to explore these five train-friendly destinations along popular Metro-North lines.

All are less than under an hour and a half from Midtown Manhattan, and Westchester families are likely to find these little mini family day trips are made extra special with the thrill of a ride on a train.

The Fall Escape at Queens County Farm Museum is a Stunning Outdoor Wonderland

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Mon, 10/05/2020 - 5:26pm

The grounds of the Queens County Farm Museum provide a backdrop for the stunning floral displays of The Fall Escape

My kids know fall is my season. Warm sunny days and crisp nights, the brilliant hues of changing leaves, apple picking, and all things pumpkin make autumn uniquely enjoyable. The Fall Escape, an all-new outdoor exhibition at the Queens County Farm Museum, captures the season's magic and whimsy. The farm, one of our beloved NYC institutions, has partnered with The Floral Escape to bring to life this stunning installation celebrating the beauty of autumn.

Read on for details on the brightly hued, flower-filled, photo-friendly exhibit, and be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide for more fun ways to enjoy the season.

The Best Children's Bookstores in NYC

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Tue, 02/25/2020 - 10:39am

Head to Bank Street Bookstore for some rainy day reading time.

Only a small number of dedicated children's bookstores exist in NYC—Books of Wonder and Bank Street Bookstore, we're looking at you!—but there are several other indie stores with impressive children's sections. Many of these children's bookstores host kid-friendly activities, including read-alouds, author events, and writing workshops.

My kids have a particular weakness for books, possibly because it's the one thing I never deny them—as evidenced by the overflowing bookshelves at home. We love exploring new-to-us, local shops and spending lazy afternoons getting lost in the stacks, so we've rounded up some of our favorite children's bookstores around the city.

Whether you're shopping for a birthday gift or looking for a local storytime, these independent neighborhood bookstores are great bets for NYC families.

10 Free Things To Do in the Bronx When it's Freezing

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Wed, 01/15/2020 - 1:24pm

Discover contemporary artists at the Bronx Museum of the Arts.

The winter months can feel long, especially post-holidays when little ones are bound to get a touch of cabin fever. Having an easy go-to spot where the kids can blow off some steam is a must, and it's even better if that standby is FREE!

Things to Do in Bronx Park with Kids: Playgrounds, Zoo, Gardens, Skate Park

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Mon, 07/29/2019 - 12:30pm

Bronx Park might not be the Boogie Down borough's largest park (that honor goes to Pelham Bay Park), but we think it probably has more fun kid stuff to do per square foot than any other. Bronx Park boasts 700-plus acres and features several of the city's top family attractions, including the Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Garden, the Bronx River, and plenty of playgrounds, green space, and bike paths to keep kids entertained. The park is accessible by car or public transit, making it an ideal location for a day trip or afternoon outing, especially in the summer but really, anytime. Visitors might be surprised by just how diverse Bronx Park is, but locals know it's truly a hidden gem. Read on for the best things to do in Bronx Park with kids.

Bronx Birthday Party Places for NYC Kids

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Tue, 07/23/2019 - 12:20pm

The party area at Turtle Cove is a special place for birthday parties in the Bronx.

As a Bronx mom with three kids, I find myself in a perpetual state of birthday party planning. And while we've had many a house party, once I factor in food, decorations, favors, and more, it often costs just as much as a destination bash. Besides, destination parties bring a change of scenery and fun perks such as slides, sports, live animals, spa days, and more to make the celebration memorable. Best of all, I don't have to deal with the cleanup.

The Boogie Down borough has a growing list of cool birthday party spots for kids, from old favorites such as the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden, to more recent additions tailored to kids' interests—with a decidedly local flair. We've rounded up a dozen birthday party places in the Bronx, with options for kids of all ages and interests.