Vanessa Leigh

Vanessa Leigh is a busy mom of three (including twins!), a Midwesterner turned East Coaster, and a chocolate enthusiast. She’s a copywriter specializing in Early Childhood and Motherhood, plus the creative force behind her Etsy shop. When she’s not writing or designing, you can find her indulging in dark chocolate peanut butter cookies at Levain Bakery. Connect with Vanessa at www.vanessaleighagency.com or browse her creations at MamaMagicByVanessa.etsy.com. She loves chatting with fellow parents—don’t hesitate to reach out!

Latest posts by Vanessa

Awesome Things That Opened in Boston This Year for Kids

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Sun, 12/26/2021 - 11:00pm

The world-famous Boston Pops came back to Symphony Hall for the annual Holiday Pops concerts. Photo courtesy of Bso.org

As 2021 comes to a close and it’s time to start making New Years’ resolutions, it’s also a perfect time to look back and mark all of the new things that made the past year special. There have been delicious additions to Boston's culinary scene, including ice cream and donuts. Museums have had new exhibits and reopenings welcoming kids back to these important discovery spaces. And the joyful sounds of Symphony Hall are back with the Boston Pops holiday show. Our picks for best openings in 2021 brought a little magic to a challenging year.

Check our Boston holiday guide for terrific seasonal activities to close out the year.

Family-Friendly Bed and Breakfasts Near New York City for a Cozy Weekend Getaway

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Sun, 11/07/2021 - 1:45pm

The Art House Bed and Breakfast packs plenty of amenities into its small East Hampton footprint.

Snuggle up by a warm fire, enjoy a serene walk along beautiful Lake George, or travel back in time to the 1800s. Sounds like an inviting weekend getaway, right? These are just a few of the adventures families can experience at these resorts, lodges, and bed and breakfasts near New York City.

These family-friendly B&Bs make for a perfect weekend trip. Escape the hustle and bustle of home for a weekend away at one of these charming inns. Find more spots for your next weekend trip in our Guide to Weekend Getaways.

10 Nature-Themed Playgrounds in NYC for a Fun Fall Romp

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Mon, 10/18/2021 - 10:07am

The Zucker Natural Play Area debuted its unique playground in 2013. Photo courtesy of the Prospect Park Alliance

In the concrete jungle of NYC, it’s easy to get swept up by the towering skyscrapers, busy streets, and loud city sounds. The best medicine—and what we probably all need a bit more of—is nature. With that in mind, we culled our knowledge of NYC parks and playgrounds to find the best nature-themed playgrounds for kids to re-connect with the great outdoors.

This list will have you and your kids romping in green spaces, climbing unique structures, and exploring natural wildlife areas, all without leaving the urban jungle. Take a deep breath, dive right in, and enjoy the fresh air! Find more fun places to play in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds for NYC Kids.

Family-Friendly Wineries and Cider Mills for a Fun Getaway Near NYC

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Mon, 09/13/2021 - 4:40pm

Enjoy a family-friendly winery visit at Harbes Vineyard in Mattituck.

It’s that time of year—there’s a hint of fall in the air. The leaves are on the brink of changing, and pumpkin flavors are already wafting through the air and filling store shelves. While apple picking outings might already be on your calendar, don't overlook a seasonal fall trip to a local winery, cider mill, or vineyard.

Fall is the perfect time to check out this different kind of harvest, and we've found nine cider mills, wineries, and vineyards near New York City that are happy to welcome you and your kids. We’ve organized these wineries and cider mills by the approximate distance from NYC, beginning with the closest sites. For more options, visit these spots in Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island. Be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide for more autumnal entertainment.

Riverside Park’s Best Playgrounds Ranked for Kids and Families to Enjoy

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Mon, 06/14/2021 - 1:10pm

Hippo Playground is Riverside Park's top destination when it comes to playtime. Photo by Jody Mercier

Riverside Park is our family’s backyard and home to some of the best playgrounds in the city, but what's the best of the best in this four-mile stretch of nature that spans Manhattan's west side from 72nd Street to 158th Street? We set out to find out, and our parent-tested results are here. We've ranked the playgrounds of Riverside Park based on their amenities, accessibility, and how much family-friendly fun they inspire.

Once you've had your share of romping in Riverside, be sure to check out our rankings of the best playgrounds in Central Park, Prospect Park, and Brooklyn Bridge Park, too.

Volunteer With Mott Haven Fridge to Deliver Free Food to Needy Neighbors

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Fri, 06/11/2021 - 10:53am

Mott Haven Fridge was born of necessity during the pandemic and needs more volunteers to serve New Yorkers in need.

As the so-called "Summer of New York City" approaches, and the city rebounds from the effects of the pandemic, there's still plenty of work to do to ensure all New Yorkers are on an even footing. A lack of access to healthy foods was particularly problematic during the pandemic, and the need persists, but local org Mott Haven Fridge is building a network of FREE fridges all across the Bronx and Upper Manhattan and looking for a few good volunteers to help keep them stocked.

Read on for details on this family-friendly volunteer opportunity, and find more ways to make giving back a part of your summertime routine.

See Riverside Park South's Recently Renovated Transformation

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Fri, 05/07/2021 - 10:55am

Riverside Park South provides a lovely bridge between the concrete jungle and the Hudson River, and warm weather means it's time to explore this new green space now.

The long-anticipated opening of Manhattan's Riverside Park South has arrived at last. Officially opened in October 2020, the new section of the park spans from West 65th Street to 68th Street is a perfect green space to visit this spring. This Upper West Side park is one of the top destinations for neighborhood families, offering expansive outdoor spaces for NYC families to enjoy. The new section offers playgrounds and more family-friendly amenities to explore.

Read on for details on the project, plus what renovations are still in store. Find more fun places to play in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds for New York City families.

Vanessa Leigh

Latest posts by Vanessa

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