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

Celebrate Darwin Day: 5 Fun Ways for NYC Kids to Learn About Evolution

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Thu, 02/06/2014 - 2:00pm

Charles Darwin was a 19th-century naturalist and geologist who's best known for his theories about evolution. More than 130 years after his death, his views on the origin of life are still hotly contested (perhaps you saw the videos of Bill Nye the Science Guy and the CEO of Kentucky’s Creation Museum going at it earlier this week?). Despite the ongoing debate, support is building to have Darwin's birthday, February 12, recognized as a national holiday.

Even though Darwin Day is still unofficial, there are lots of fun ways for kids to learn about his contributions to science all year-round. New York City is home to wonderful zoos and museums where families can see Darwin's theories in action, plus some more offbeat science spots. We've rounded up five ways to learn about Darwin's legacy with your family both around town and at home.

February Winter Break: Gym & Sports Camps for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Tue, 02/04/2014 - 10:00am

The February recess is approaching and while many families head out of town for the week, many parents aren't able to take days off from work or choose to stay local instead. If you're not heading out of town and are looking for ways to keep your kids entertained and active while schools are closed, Westchester offers many week-long mini-camp options.

Last week we told you about art mini-camps that will be in session. Now we are rounding up various gym and sports camps to keep kids moving, jumping and playing all week long.

Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in New Rochelle

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Fri, 01/31/2014 - 10:52am

So far during our month-long focus on New Rochelle, we've rounded up the top things to do and great places to play. For our final post on New Rochelle this month, we're taking a look at family-friendly eateries around the city. New Rochelle has lots of dining options and a wide variety of cuisine including choices from vegan to southern comfort and everything in between. Read on for our top picks for dining in New Rochelle with kids.

Places to Play in New Rochelle: Kids' Classes and Play Spaces

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Mon, 01/27/2014 - 11:30am

We continue our month-long focus on New Rochelle with a look at places to play and learn in the area. New Rochelle has lots of options for kids and families including rock climbing and other indoor play spaces, beautiful parks and libraries with fantastic children's programming, cultural events and more. You'll also find bowling, mini golf, an arcade and a go-kart speedway--all under one roof! Read on for our top picks for places to play with kids in New Rochelle.

3 Cool Candy Shops for Westchester Families

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Tue, 01/07/2014 - 12:26am

Kids love candy (and so do their parents). Though we usually try to keep candy to a minimum, we know it's fun to indulge in sinfully delightful sweets. And if you're going to indulge, might as well make an experience out of it. While little ones may be content with a packaged treat in the checkout aisle, why not go big at one of Westchester's local sweet shops?

We've mentioned several of Westchester's awesome ice cream shops, however, maybe a good old fashioned candy shop is more your speed. If you're looking for a candy fix while you're out and about checking out the fun family events in Westchester, be sure to check out one of these local sweet shops that go above and beyond to satisfy any sweet tooth!

Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Mamaroneck: Top Picks for Family Dining & Dessert

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sat, 12/28/2013 - 11:33pm

We continue our month-long coverage on Mamaroneck with a look at restaurants in the neighborhood. Mamaroneck offers lots of family-friendly dining and a solid variety of cuisine to choose from. You'll also find a few choice spots for dessert. Though not all the restaurants we selected have a dedicated children's menu, you will find kid-friendly staples at all of them.

Not surprising, most eateries in this post are located right along Mamaroneck Avenue, the town's "Main Street," though there are a few others throughout the village. Read on for our top picks for dining with families in Mamaroneck.

Westchester Shopping for Kids: Best Local Shops for Children’s Toys and Books

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Mon, 12/16/2013 - 11:12am

‘Tis the season…to shop. Yes, we love the holiday season. We look forward to checking out the holiday light displays and train shows around town. We have fun celebrating the season with family fun events all month long. Even so, my kids have been counting down the days until Christmas since…Thanksgiving! We encourage them to remember that this season is about more than just gifts and we look for ways to get involved and give back to our communities; yet we have to admit seeing those gifts under the tree on Christmas morning is where the magic and wonder lie in our children's eyes. So shopping goes without saying.

Sure you can head to the big box stores, but why not shop local instead? There are fantastic local toy and book shops around Westchester where you’ll discover eclectic finds and mainstream staples plus great customer service and merchandise expertise. Did we mention some even offer free gift wrapping? Sweet! Of course, these shops are open year round and definitely worth stopping in. Read on for seven top picks for neighborhood toy and book shops in Westchester.

Volunteering with Kids in Westchester: Family Volunteer Day, Kids Helping Kids

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Wed, 11/06/2013 - 10:17am

Volunteering is a great way to inspire kids (and adults) to be actively involved in their community and can teach important lessons about service, showing appreciation and helping to make our world a better place. It's also a great way to show that one small act of kindness can have a rippling effect on others, creating a stronger sense of community, friendship and responsibility.

Saturday, November 23, is Family Volunteer Day and a great excuse for mobilizing your your little ones into service. There are countless ways you and your family can volunteer your time and talent, so we're focusing this post on ways kids can help other kids. So while you're out this month, enjoying all the wonderful events this season has to offer, consider ways your family can volunteer. We've gathered up several ways your family can get active and volunteer this season (and anytime), including opportunities for even the youngest good deed doers in your brood.

Sonia Gonzalez

Latest posts by Sonia

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