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BigAppleParent FEBRUARY 2016

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

Young Valentines

Coping with your kid’s first crush

Plan for Camp Now

• Encouraging your reluctant child • Find camps for any interest

Open Wide!

All you need to know about kids’ dental health

GREAT MUSEUMS FOR KIDS

•

DEMYSTIFYING KIDS’ BigAppleParent THERAPY

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NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Contents

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February 2016 ››

56

Features 20 First Loves Area experts share what you need to know about your child’s first crush 22 A Mid-Winter Camp Dilemma How you can encourage your children to give camp a chance when they’re reluctant 56 Tacos for Every Meal Three recipes that just might get you to live ‘The Taco Cleanse’ lifestyle 58 Open Wide!

Your top questions about dental health, answered by local experts

Connections

58

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6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 12 Quotables 16 Voices: Sweet 16 18 NYMP Q&A: Michael O. Weiner, LCSW, and Les Paul Gallo-Silver, LCSW-R, BC-HSP, decode psychotherapy for children.

Fun & Activities 14 15 32 35 52 64

Family Activities CALENDAR ››

Media Matters: Websites for Kids DIY Corner: My Scientific Valentine Outing: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Family Activities Calendar Where-To Guide: Kid-Friendly Museums Outing: Palisades Center

Directories

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24 66 67 69 70

Camp Directory Meet the Health Care Professional Open Houses Party Planner and Family Resource Guide Advertisers’ Index

Original photo by PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com) Clothing provided

by Appaman (appaman.com); flowers provided by 1-800-FLOWERS.com

››

ON THE COVER ›› 20 Young Valentines Plan for Camp Now: 22 Encouraging Your Reluctant Child 24 Camps for Any Interest 18 Demystifying Kids’ Therapy

facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

52 Great Museums for Kids

58 Open Wide!

Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!

THIS SUMMER, LET YOUR KID BE A KID

...who wants to swim the English Channel Summer Camps at Pine Street School PHYSIQUE SWIM CAMP believes that there is a lot more to swimming, than well, swimming. It takes your child on a deeper dive through aquatics, cooking, and music for a fun, holistic, invigorating experience that stays with your child long after summer.

25 Pine Street FiDi | 212.235.2325 PineStreetSchool.com

BigAppleParent

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FEBRUARY 2016 • Vol. 31 • No. 2

NYMetroParents Publications EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress DEPUTY EDITOR: Bethany Braun MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling ASSISTANT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Catherine Patwell

EDITOR’S NOTE

REGIONAL EDITORS: Karen Demeter (Fairfield, Suffolk); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Jamie McGillian (Westchester); Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Emma Steven (Manhattan); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke

Brrr… Must Be Time for Camp Enrollment!

ADVERTISING SALES Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239 Jeunesse Jackson, Linda Pierce

I

was a summer camp kid, through and through—day camp from an early age, followed by sleepaway camp for many years, including a couple of summers as a lifeguard and swimming teacher. As a parent, I was equally excited to start my children on their own summer-camp adventures when they came of age. For all of you who are seeking the perfect camp for your little one, check out our directory of area camps for any interest (p. 24).

Not everyone is as eager as I was to head off to camp. Some kids are afraid and resistant to the idea. Certainly, many first timers experience fear of the unknown, while experienced campers—even some who had great summers at camp before—are sometimes hesitant as well.

As we learn in this issue (p. 22), that’s not necessarily a reason to hold back from enrolling them, but it is important to figure out where that resistance is coming from and address your child’s fears and concerns.

Our minds might be on summer fun, but the calendar says it’s February, which means Valentine’s Day is around the corner. To celebrate, try making a unique scientific Valentine with your child (p. 15). Of course, at the beginning, our children’s love and affection is directed at us, their parents, as well as their siblings, grandparents, other family members, friends, teachers, and caregivers. At some point, however, they’ll experience their first crush, and it can be something of a shock to Mom and Dad. Get tips from the experts on how to respond to and cope with your kid’s first love (p. 20).

February is also National Children’s Dental Health Month. From first brushings to getting braces and everything in between, we all know how challenging and important it is to keep our kids’ mouths healthy. To help, we’ve got advice from area dentists and orthodontists about what you need to know (p. 58).

It may be cold outside, but that’s no excuse for staying home! Check out our whereto guide of area museums (p. 52) that are great for kids and our exploration of Hudson Highlands Museum in Cornwall (p. 32). And when you get home, use our recipe to treat the kids to yummy, healthy tacos—or, for that matter, see how to make tacos for any meal at all (p. 56).

Here’s hoping you have a February filled with love, good dental health, and plenty of tacos.

Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Ellen Klein Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Randi Shulman, Merrill Sugarman, Mary Wender Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Ellen Klein, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Fairfield Parent 914-397-0200 Judy Samuels, Randi Shulman Long Island Parent, Nassau 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager, Tracy Winters Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Evelyn Perea, Karen Shapiro To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Ray C. Guédez, Leonard Porter DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro TRAFFIC MANAGERS: Alexis Brower, Shaquon Cates

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Anthony Diaz CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Jiyon Son DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Robert Reynolds GRAPHIC ARTIST: Oscar Osario

ACCOUNTING

CONTROLLER: David Friedman ASSISTANT BOOKKEEPER: Socehira David

MARKETING

Michael Kress Editorial Director

HEAD OF MARKETING: Jacqueline Lachman

ADMINISTRATION

CREDIT MANAGER: Elizabeth Teagarden CREDIT ASSISTANTS: Rosa Meinhofer, Diedra Smith EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Barbara Byrd ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF: Denise Marcovitch

Meet NYMP’s Little Valentine The adorably handsome young man featured on our February cover, Veron M., 4, from Queens, was the Fan Favorite in our 2015 Cover Contest, garnering more than 2,000 votes! Be among the first to learn about our 2016 Cover Contest and awesome events you won’t want to miss: Subscribe to our newsletter at nymetroparents.com/register.

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

PhotoOp NYC; clothing courtesy Appaman (appaman.com)

Davler Media Group CEO: David L. Miller General Manager: Thomas K. Hanlon 498 Seventh Ave., 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018 Phone: 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239 nymetroparents.com fairfieldparent.com davlermedia.com nybarbatmitzvah.com

BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN PARENT, FAIRFIELD PARENT and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2015, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher.

Subscription rates per year, per publication: $39

THIS SUMMER, LET YOUR KID BE A KID

...who wants to win The Palme d’Or Summer Camps at Pine Street School THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL & THE GOOD SCHOOL have a hands-on, start to finish filmmaking experience designed to inspire young filmmakers. From Claymation to pixilation, to everything in between. Creative discovery through fun and film gets the greenlight this summer. nyicff.org

25 Pine Street FiDi | 212.235.2325 PineStreetSchool.com

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NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS

nymetroparents.com/np-bap

Convent of the Sacred Heart Cardinal Swim School will offer weekday swim classes in addition to its weekend classes beginning Feb. 1.

This program consists of private, semi-private, and regular classes for all ages, and students may begin as young as 2 years old.

Convent of the Sacred Heart employs a variety of teachers to meet student needs, says Warren Perry, aquatics director at Convent of the Sacred Heart. Some of them are parents and work well with ages 2-5.

Other professionals, such as 2008 Olympian Kim Vandenberg, teach lessons and clinics for more advanced swimmers.

“We have a great staff of instructors—bottom line,” Perry says.

Convent of the Sacred Heart also encourages the community to participate in its Cardinal Swim Club and its Cardinal Triathlon Club.

The Cardinal Swim Club is designed as an empowering program for girls in fifth through 12th grades who have a good foundation in swim and want to improve their skills and technique. The Cardinal Triathlon Club is geared toward adults and aims to deliver personalized instruction to help participants improve their strength and conditioning, and perform better in triathlon activities.

During the spring season, Convent of the Sacred Heart will host a series of Flick and Floats. At these events, families can watch movies from the pool that Sacred Heart will play on the overhead scoreboard. Convent of the Sacred Heart will post dates for these events online.

Convent of the Sacred Heart Cardinal Swim School is located at 406 E. 91st St. on the Upper East Side. Registration for all of the classes

Courtesy Convent of the Sacred Heart

Upper East Side Swim Program to Expand Classes

The pool at Convent of the Sacred Heart Cardinal Swim School

and clubs is available online at cshnyc.org/athletics/aquatics. For more information regarding schedules and pricing, contact Perry at wperry@ cshnyc.org. —Lizzie Empey

The Fashion Class of Manhattan and Merrick is now sponsored by Singer Sewing Machines Company. The new machines are available for all students to use in The Fashion Class studios. The top-of-the-line sewing machines are of the highest quality and are loaded with features such as LCD touchscreen displays, embroidery mode, and speed control, which make them very safe machines for kids to use.

Fashion Design and Sewing remains the most popular class, during which kids actually design and make clothing that they can wear, owner Kerri Quigley says. At the end of this class there is a cumulative fashion show for students to model their creations.

“This winter, The Fashion Class also introduced a new Jewelry Design class, which involves textiles, so the kids are still sewing on the machines,” Quigley says.

Other courses include Fashion Illustration, and Fashion Entrepreneurship for teens. All classes are available at both Midtown and Long Island locations, though schedules may differ. Sessions run eight to 10 weeks, with one 90-minute class per week. Depending on the course, tuition ranges from $225 to $405. Spring classes begin April 9, and enrollment begins Feb. 1.

The Fashion Class would also like to invite current and prospective students to its upcoming open house, during which they can learn about summer camp programs and join in celebrating the new Singer sponsorship. The open house is on Saturday, March 19 from 3:30-5:30pm. The

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy The Fashion Class

Sewing and Fashion School Now Sponsored by Singer

A student works on a new Singer Sewing Machine at The Fashion Class

Fashion Class is located at 21 W. 39 St. in Midtown. For more information, visit thefashionclass.com or call 888-752-0711. —Catherine Patwell

n (..1, package, help, pos = 2, lib.loc = NULL, chara gical.return = FALSE, warn.conflicts = TRUE, quietly ep.source = getOption([”keep.source.pkgs”), verbose =

THIS SUMMER, LET YOUR KID BE A KID

(missing(keep.source)) warning(”keep.source’ is deprecated adn will be ig stRversion <- function(pkgInfo,pkgname, pkgpath) { if (is.null(built <- pkgInfo$Built)) stop(gettextf(package%s has not been installe sQuote(pkgname)),call. = FALSE, domain = R_version_built_under <- as.numberic_version(built if(R_version_built_under < “2.10.0”) stop(gettext(”package %s was built before R 2 sQuote(pkgname)), call. = FALSE, domain current <- getRversion() if(lenght(Rdeps <- pkgInfo$Rdepends2)) { for (dep in Rdeps) if (lenght(dep) > iL) { res <- if (is.character(target <- dep$ve ver <- R version do.call(dep$op, list(ver[[”svn rev” “”,dep$version)))) } else { Summertarget Camps<-atas.numeric_version(dep$version Pine Street School eval(parse(text = paste (”current”, dep$ “target”))) }

...who dreams in code

PIXEL ACADEMY engages children with invigorating experiences both on and off screen. Digital, film, music production, and physical activity create a balance that is stimulating, inspiring, and above all, fun!

25 Pine Street FiDi | 212.235.2325 PineStreetSchool.com

BigAppleParent

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NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS

nymetroparents.com/np-bap

With nearly 1,500 students enrolled from all over the metropolitan area, Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts encourages children to explore freely and develop artistic skills during multiple summer sessions running June 27-Aug. 12.

In October, Usdan welcomed a new executive director, Lauren Brandt Schloss. With an extensive background in visual arts, Brandt Schloss focuses on “how arts can help make young people better in just about anything they do,” says Andrew Copper, associate executive director.

Children ages 4-18 can enroll in summer programs, which include classes in art, music, dance, theater, chess, writing, and nature. Copper says exposing children to different forms of art gives them a unique outlook on the world.

“We are training kids how to be innovators, how to be thinkers, and how to use the arts as a mechanism to be more creative,” Copper says.

Usdan offers three-, four-, and seven-week sessions, all staring on June 27. An additional three-week session is offered beginning July 25. Throughout the first three sessions, students watch a daily concert from professional artists in the areas of jazz, Broadway, opera, and more. As summer continues, students take to the stage and perform.

This summer, Usdan will offer a full-day dance program to children in fourth to 12th grades. Intermediate and advanced dancers will expand on their skills in ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary dance styles. Admission to this class is by audition.

Courtesy Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts

Summer Arts Camp Welcomes New Executive Director

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts ignites each child’s artistic spirit in a fun, welcoming environment.

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts is located at 185 Colonial Springs Road in Wheatley Heights, Long Island. For more information, visit usdan.org, email info@usdan.com, or call 631-643-7900. —Alessandra Herrera

good shepherd school

Open House (all grades) on Saturday, February 6th from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Last tour at 11:30am.

Open House (Early Childhood Education) on Tuesday, February 9th at 6:00pm.

Touring Tuesday Dates: February 2nd, February 23rd, and March 8th From Pre-K3 to 8th grade, Good Shepherd School offers a rigorous curriculum featuring a selective Pre-K3 program, Universal Pre-K (UPK), and Regents Level Earth Science in 8th grade. Facilities include: Newly upgraded Science & Computer Labs, Library, Gymnasium, and Fine Arts Room.

GSS is in Northern Manhattan and conveniently located near multiple bus (M100, BX 7, BX 12 & BX 20) and subway (A & 1) routes.

Breakfast program begins at 7:15am.

After-school care until 6:30pm.

Extra-curricular activities: Robotics Club, Musical Theatre, Piano, Dance, Student Council, Cooking Club, Tutoring, and Arts & Crafts Athletics: Track & Cross Country, Volleyball, Basketball, and Dodgeball

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

620 Isham St. New York, NY 10034 212-567-5800 www.gsschoolnyc.org

Smilee.

Fidelis Care offers full coverage for preventive and routine dental care for kids.

Quality service. No referrals for network providers. And with some of the top dental providers in the area, Fidelis Careâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youngest members have a lot to smile about.

1-888-FIDELIS | fideliscare.org (1-888-343-3547) â&#x20AC;˘ TTY: Y 1-800-421-1220 Y:

To learn more about applying for health insurance including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY State of Health, the Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.

BigAppleParent 11

UOTABLES When it was all over and I finally held my son in my arms for the first time, I felt like the most powerful person in the room. That moment made all those phases worth it. This little person who heard my heartbeat from inside was now laying in my arms. Feeling like a champion comes easily at the end of it all and the memory will stick with you for a lifetime, I know it will for me.

—Brooklyn writer Samantha Greaves in a post entitled “The 5 Phases of Pregnancy New Moms Experience” on her blog samanthagwrites.com

in an instagram Such etiquette #kidfoodie #Italianboy #pastaface #boss #caveman #paulahankin.

(Shared by @paulahankin, a mom and professional chef whose website is cluelessinthekitch.com)

A FORMER FIRST DAUGHTER TALKS TO NYMetroParents.com “When I travel back to Texas and my friends are struggling to put their kids in and out of car seats, I think about how I walk my daughter to school every single morning.

It’s only a block away. We live a very ‘neighborhoody’ lifestyle, and we hang out in our neighborhood, and we found the greatest parks and the greatest museums.”

—Former First Daughter and current Today show correspondent Jenna Bush Hager, in an interview with NYMetroParents about school bus safety and her life as an NYC mom. Read the full interview at nymetroparents.com/jenna-bush

Taking advantage of this insanely gorgeous weather... #centralpark #aliceinwonderland.

(Shared by @thenycjenny, an NYC mom who blogs at nycjenny.com)

“Every parent gets one night a year to commemorate the night their kid finally slept through the night. It is a night of NyQuil-induced uninterrupted sleep for at least 10 hours.”

—Stephanie Barnhart in a post entitled “The Holidays We Should REALLY Celebrate” on her blog footballfoodandmotherhood.com

MORE NYMetroParents.com FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS: EXPERIENCE HISTORY: Plan fun, educational outings for Black History Month (nymetroparents.com/black-history) and Presidents Day (nymetroparents.com/presidential-history).

GREAT WINTER DAY TRIPS: See our suggestions for where to go at nymetroparents.com/winter-trips BEST FAMILY MOVIES: Check out nymetroparents.com/ family-movies before the Oscars INDOOR PLAY SPACES: Beat the freeze and keep the kids active at nymetroparents.com/playspaces-nyc

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHERE IMAGINATION T A K E S O F F.

Featuring a legendary aircraft carrier, the first space shuttle and the world’s fastest jets, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum brings your child’s imagination to life. Our kid-centric programs include our annual Kids Week as well as Camp Intrepid, Scout Days, custom birthday parties and Operation Slumber, our overnight program. A Family Membership provides free admission for two adults and eight kids all year long, and includes access to members-only events and special discounts.

Learn more about the Museum’s programs for kids and the benefits of membership at intrepidmuseum.org.

FEB. 15–20

This winter break, the Intrepid Museum’s annual Kids Week is all about Extreme Environments, from the polar ice caps to distant exoplanets.

Experience a fun-filled lineup of cool science demos, live animals and hands-on activities. Visit us online for the complete schedule of events.

W. 46TH ST. & 12TH AVE. NEW YORK CITY

BigAppleParent 13

Media Matters: Websites for Kids

Educational Online Fun

Peep and the Big Wide World

(peepandthebigwideworld.com)

Recommended Age: 4+

Doable at-home science joins fun gam es

Camp Google

★★★★

and videos for pre-K.

★★★★

(camp.withgoogle.com)

Recommended Age: 7+

Weekly activities introduce kids to scien tific

My Pop Studio

(mypopstudio.com)

concepts.

★★★★

Recommended Age: 11+

A great way for kids to learn critical think ing

In Theaters Jan. 29: Kung Fu Panda 3 Our Partner: Common Sense Media An independent nonprof it that helps families make smart media choices. Check out thousands of ratings and reviews at commonsensemedia.org

Parents need to know that Kung Fu Panda 3 is the latest installment of the popular animated franchise. Adopted Po (voiced by Jack Black) is reunited with his long-lost biological father (Bryan Cranston) and travels with him to a secret panda village in the mountains. But when a supernatural villain named Kai (J.K. Simmons) returns, Po must train his new panda friends to become kung fu masters. Expect plenty of martial arts action—including kicks, punches, and falls—plus some rude humor in this comedy adventure that looks like it could be fun for the whole family.

See more at NYMetroParents.com/media

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Visit us online at www.SportimeCamps.com/NYC or email CampsNYC@SportimeNY.com to find out more

Heading to the Hamptons this Summer? Go to www.SportimeCamps.com for information about our Preschool, Multi-sport and EXCEL Tennis Camps in Quogue and Amagansett.

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

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DIY CORNER

SCIENCE CRAFT

My Scientifific Valentine

This Valentine uses the same principles that animators use to create cartoons—or flip books! When images flash in rapid succession, your brain can’t process them as separate images, so it creates a hybrid image. Animators draw sequential images and flash them in rapid succession to make it look like a cartoon character is moving in one image when it’s actually multiple images seen as one. Who says holidays can’t be educational?

Materials: • My Scientific Valentine Printable (find download at nymetroparents. com/scientific-valentine) • Cardstock: Use heavy cardstock so you don’t see the image through the other side • Scissors • Hole Punch • Rubber bands or string Instructions: 1. Print out the front side of the Valentine. Flip over the page and print the backside. Make sure to

orient the top of the back page to feed through your printer in the same direction as the front.

2. Write the names of the TO and FROM before cutting the Valentine. Be sure to orient the names in the direction shown otherwise they will be upside down!

3. Cut out the Valentine.

4. Punch a hole at the cross hair marks.

5. Thread a rubber band through one hole and secure. Repeat for other side.

Ana Dziengel is an architect, award-winning furniture designer, and mom blogger. In 2012 Dziengel left behind an architecture career to be a stay-at-home mom, professional crafter, amateur scientist, and impromptu art teacher to her three young children. Find more of her scientific crafts at babbledabbledo.com.

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VOICES

Sweet 16 ››

W

How one dad weathered the tumultuous teen years.

e call her The Lodger. She sleeps in our house and eats our food, but sometimes we don’t see her for days. The bedroom door is shut. Music is playing. She may or may not emerge for hours.

When she does, she is pale and blinking, like she’s just come out of a dark movie theater during the day and can’t adjust to the light. She’s becoming downright vampiric. Are her canine teeth getting longer? Are there an unusual number of cats missing from the neighborhood?

It started a few years ago, when she didn’t want to hug or be tucked in at night. She got cranky and aloof. We argued. She didn’t want me to play in the parent-child soccer match. (FYI: I’m wicked good.) She rolled her eyes. She debated everything. She became pathologically defensive. She turned monosyllabic, irrational, judgmental. And that’s on a good day.

I’m exaggerating a bit, but the point is, we got used to it. We understood why she stayed in her room. She wanted space to be herself, or to become herself. She wanted to escape all the prying eyes and chattering tongues, of the world. She didn’t want to be rude and difficult. But certain things were beyond her control. Teenagerdom, for instance. The chemical coup d’état raging in her endocrine system.

She was doing us a favor, actually. She helped us avert arguments, punishments, more arguments about the punishment, threats, and recriminations. Staying in the bedroom was a great idea, come to think of it. Maybe she was being perfectly rational.

I missed the hugs and kisses, the cuddling, the requests to take her to the playground or kick around the soccer ball, the piggyback rides. But I learned to leave her alone. I didn’t react to every barb and scowl, every sullen face. I didn’t nag. (Okay, I tried not to nag.) I let her make her own mistakes and avoided saying “I told you so” when she made them. I didn’t force conversation or try too hard. I wanted to hang out, every day, but I didn’t ask. I restrained myself, most of the time, because when I did ask she invariably said no. I let a few months go by. She asked me to go running. That’s more like it. I let her come to me, in her own time.

I let her grow up and become more independent. I didn’t want to. I was terrified when she started going out with friends at night, even though it was only to the movies with nice kids. (I interrogated her on the movie plots—she really did go, it wasn’t a ruse to meet boys at a party.) I stared

By Andrew Madigan

out the window like the family dog waiting for Master to come back home. I didn’t cry, but I did pace, wring my hands forcefully, and fret.

I lived my life. My daughter and I have a number of things in common and, as she grows older, we’ll have even more. She likes music. I gave her my old turntable. Sometimes I loaned her an album or bought her a new one. I didn’t pretend to be a Taylor Swift fan. But I made some Spotify suggestions and listened to her music without judgment.

I stopped asking “How was your day?” and “Is everything alright?” That just pushed her away. Sometimes we played catch with the football and, as the sun went down and we grew tired, she would confide in me. Some things she only told my wife. Some days were more difficult than others— for her and for us—but that’s to be expected. My teenage daughter was doing okay.

We got through it. The Lodger leaves her door open more often these days. She’s adjusted to being a teenager, and we’ve gotten used to raising one. We watch movies and occasionally play games. We talk about books and music and sports and people. Sometimes we argue, but she always apologizes soon afterward, or silently does a chore, which she knows I’ll appreciate even more than words.

Sometimes she wants to be left alone. She still spends a lot of time in her room, behind her closed door. Between homework and sports and Instagram, there isn’t always time for Dad. But she sends me emails, almost every day. We communicate by Link and Vine. Sometimes the text is only one word long. Seriously?! But now the one-word exclamation is directed at the guy in a six-second video, not me.

There are upsides to having a daughter grow up. She doesn’t color herself with my deodorant stick and say a ghost did it. She’s fully pottytrained. She can stay home by herself. Her independence, you learn, can also be your independence.

That’s our job, after all. At first we need to protect, advise, comfort and nurture, but, as they grow older, one of our primary duties is to stop protecting, advising, comforting, and nurturing. We need to let them go.

My teenage daughter is almost a woman. She’s changed a lot since the day she was born, but she’s still my sweetheart. I miss the little girl she once was, but I’m proud of the person she’s become.

Andrew Madigan is a dad of three who calls Park Slope, Brooklyn home. A former professor of English Literature, Islamic Studies, U.S. History and Creative Writing, his second novel, Ash Drive, is being published by Bloomsbury.

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

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BigAppleParent 17 1/7/16 4:44 PM

NYMP Q&A

Decoding Psychotherapy ››

By Lucy Bayly

In You and Your Child’s Psychotherapy: The Essential Guide for Parents and Caregivers, mental health professionals (and CUNY professors) Michael O. Weiner, LCSW, and Les Paul Gallo-Silver, LCSW-R, BC-HSP, set out to demystify the therapy process for you and your child.

What are the main reasons a child or adolescent is recommended for psychotherapy?

MW: Parents call me when they’ve noticed something does not feel right. It can be because of one particular interaction— behavioral or mood—that a parent or caregiver felt was atypical as compared to friends or family. Children come to therapy when something is out of balance.

LPGS: It could also be due to significant family changes such as divorce, death, separation, or the serious illness of a parent. We’ve also seen a lot of kids who needed help after trauma at school, such as the death of a classmate. And of course it also comes into play after a major event—for example, after 9/11.

Why is psychotherapy suddenly so popular?

MW: There’s certainly more awareness of trauma, and this has led to more parents requesting therapy for their child. However, many parents come to therapists hoping for a “quick fix.” There’s absolutely no long-term efficacy in this approach—the lessons learned at an early age don’t hold, because the child’s issues aren’t being addressed at a deep enough level.

LPGS: Many parents just want to put their kids on meds. Instead of getting to the root of the issue, this solution actually avoids addressing the behavior.

MW: Kids are complex and the ways to address their problems are equally complex. After and during therapy, a strong, confident parent emerges, but this is missing from short-term interventions.

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Many parents feel that they must have failed if their child has been prescribed therapy. What are your tips for guiding parents through this experience?

MW: It’s important to understand the context of therapy. It’s not because the parent made an error. The whole occupation of parenting is incredibly difficult. So my first point would be to tell parents that they should give themselves a lot of leeway, because coming to therapy is really a courageous step. Asking for help with parenting is appropriate. We give the parents tools so they can know more about their child—our first role as therapists is to empower parents.

LPGS: What part of parenting does not cause guilt?! It is most certainly normal to feel responsible for your own child, and parents should understand that they are taking a caring step for their child by bringing him or her to therapy.

MW: My second tip would be to encourage parents to ask questions—even if a question crosses the line, which is exactly the type of question that may end up being part of the building of the relationship. And it’s also important because kids look to their own parents to see how safe the world is, how safe they are. My third tip would be to shape your expectations. We all know that when a child has an infection, it will be 10 days of antibiotics…but we don’t all know the routine behind the mental health process.

Lucy Bayly, a New York-based mom of two, is a frequent contributor to NYMetroParents.

Read more of her interviews at nymetroparents.com/bayly.

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BigAppleParent 19

First Loves

››

What you need to know about your child’s first crush.

By Laurie Sue Brockway

M

y son’s first crush was Victoria. It was love at first sight when they met in kindergarten and it continued in elementary school. Then Titanic came out and their relationship tanked too—until my son declared his affection on national television. During an appearance on the show Kids Say the Darndest Things, he said in the cutest little 6-year-old voice that he loved Victoria, but then explained: “She dumped me…because she loves Leonardo DiCaprio.”

After this public proclamation, Victoria agreed to be his girlfriend again. I worked with her parents to set up lunches, movies, and playdates—until they broke up again, of course. Before I could blink there were others that caught his eye and captured his heart.

There is a great innocence and excitement in that first love. It gives parents cute stories to share and kids a chance to learn about feeling a special connection to another. “Young children have experienced crushes for a long, long time. It is not a new phenomena,” says Gail Saltz, M.D., an associate professor of psychiatry at The New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornel School of Medicine in Manhattan. “But a young child’s experience of ‘love’ is not the same as an adolescent or adult.”

First loves for kids younger than 11 are usually innocent but parents may be shocked. That’s what happened to Queens mom Julie Schwietert Collazo when her 6-year-old daughter announced to a family friend that she had a boyfriend. “I was stunned, not just because she told our friend rather than her dad or me, but because, well, a boyfriend!” she says. “How did my baby grow so fast?”

She found love notes. One professed “I love you” and the other was a drawing of a boy and girl that read: She likes that boy. He likes that girl. After a little mom reconnaissance, Schwietert Collazo discovered her little one liked a nice boy at school. When she asked her daughter about the note, the 6-year-old ripped it up and told mom she wasn’t supposed to find it, so Schwietert Collazo is trying to give her the space to reveal this at her own pace—while keeping an eye on things.

Here’s some advice from the experts on how to handle first loves and crushes.

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Veron, the Fan Favorite Finalist from our 2015 Cover Contest, shows us how a real gentleman does Valentine’s Day.

PhotoOp NYC; clothing courtesy Appaman (appaman.com)

First Loves and Crushes for Kids Ages 4-11

First crushes are not really “romantic.” Keep young crushes in perspective—and don’t equate them with romantic love. “The stories of young love are more about strong connection in a sibling friendship way,” says Darby Fox, MSW, a New York City child and adolescent family therapist. “Young love is not romantic love. Romantic love is really later on although kids might describe their feelings that way. Real feelings of love are more for 12-year-olds.”

Love is all about attachment. The way children experience attachment has everything to do with the kind of nurturance and support received from caregivers. “Attachment is a powerful connection that has physical and emotional bonds,” says psychologist Deborah Serani, Psy.D., a professor at Adelphi University in Garden City. “They go from mom or dad and move toward sister, brother, grandparents, aunts, and uncles—and others in their circle of life.

Attachment to others may be mild, or even casual. But then there are those that stir emotions and physical feelings that make the child brim with adoration. So when a child pronounces love for another, it’s really about the powerful connection that’s rooted in attachment.”

Children mimic the world around them. It’s natural for kids to pick up their cues from others in their home, and from media and culture. “Children grow up seeing how their parents and other couples act, as well as watching hours of cartoons, movies, and even regular programming that demonstrates how a loved one is cherished,” Dr. Serani says. “So kissing, holding hands, professing love aloud, or making or giving gifts is part of the attachment celebration.”

Let it play out. While you want to monitor blossoming affections, you don’t want to stifle it or make your child uneasy. “These are lessons the kids need to learn for themselves, in terms of the relationships and experiences they have,” says Jane Greer, Ph.D., a New York-based relationship expert and author of What About Me? Stop Selfishness from Ruining Your Relationship. “There’s no need to intervene, unless your son or daughter is involved with someone who’s lying, cheating, stealing, etc. If they are a bad influence, that’s when parents can get involved.”

It’s okay to encourage your child. Parents may be reluctant, but it’s healthy to support children in feeling a connection to others and at the same time teach them to be discerning. “If they like this person, there must be attractive characteristics about them,” Dr. Greer says.

“Help them learn to evaluate others and show them what qualities they should look for in another person.”

Never make fun of young love or crushes. Older kids or unthinking adults may turn a first crush into a big joke and make light of it. This will make a child feel humiliated and belittled, Dr. Greer says. “You want them to feel secure and confident in their choices of friends and crushes,” she says. “If you have concerns, raise them in a thoughtful and respectful way that enhances their self-esteem and helps them feel good about their choices.”

Dealing with the Sad Side of First Love

Rejection is painful and real. No matter your age, it can sting.

“Learning how to cope with hurt is part of growing up,” Dr. Saltz says. “But it is part of the human experience and not dangerous unless done in a particularly cruel or abusive way. Parents need to teach kids how to end a relationship with empathy and kindness.” Set limits on cruel behavior if your child is the one ending the relationship, she says.

Sometimes it is a crushing experience. Some kids find their interest and affection goes completely ignored. “A crush can have healthy boundaries or range into the extremes,” Dr. Serani says. “It’s all well and good when a child crushes on another and there’s an unspoken permission that comes with it. Each child enjoys the aspects

of the crush. Trouble stirs when the adoration isn’t reciprocated by the crushee but is still wanted by the crusher.” A small child will not curl up on a chair and stare hopelessly out of a window, but keep an eye on behavior.

Help your child through disappointments. No one wants their kids to need a couple’s counselor before fourth grade but they may need emotional support. “It can be very difficult because kids have no experience to base their feelings on,” Fox says. “Be sensitive to raw feelings but encourage that it does fade away. If one is more invested than the other it is usually partly infatuation and romantic ideation.

Again, discuss it, but redirect your child to interact with peers and regular activities as they sort through the feelings.”

View Affection Through a Different Lens

Teach kids how to show affection. Kisses that demonstrate love and tenderness between family members are not recommended for first loves. “Young children see kisses modelled by parents and other loved ones as signs of affection and a symbol of caring,” says Laura Paret, Ph.D., a child and adolescent psychologist with Union Square Practice in Manhattan. “It follows that these same youngsters might use a little peck on the playground at preschool or at a playdate to mean: ‘I like you!’” She suggests explaining that verbal expression may be the best way to share feelings outside the home because a kiss may be perceived as an invasion of personal space.

When a kiss is a just a kiss. The meaning of a kiss changes as kids age out of the nursery to second grade age groups. “Older children about 8 years old and older have a more abstract understanding of what a kiss means and how it can be used to express romantic intentions, as compared to much younger children who use touch, such as hugs and kisses, more dominantly as their ‘language of love’ than verbal expression toward all others,” Dr. Paret says. Teach older children that touch must be appropriate and welcome between both parties, and let them know ways in which it may be unwelcome.

Keep an eye on things as they develop. Kids need to be supervised, but parents should try to worry less. “Kids don’t really express worries, but parents do,” Fox says. “It is unsettling for parents of young children because they assign sexuality to the relationship that the kids don’t. Best advice is to let the kids play and be friends but watch as they get older that they aren’t playing ‘doctor’ or going into rooms alone. Touching and exploring begins around 10.”

Establish Trust for the Tween and Teenage Years

At some point your little ones will grow, hormones will kick in, and romance and sexuality will be a natural part of their interests. How you handle early crushes can help establish a sense of trust for those tween and teen years, says Jody Ripplinger, MA LMHC-P, a psychotherapist at Manhattan’s Citron Hennessey Private Therapy and a Brooklyn mom of three.

The best strategy is to listen to your children. “If my 10-yearold daughter came to me to say she was in love, I would first of all become really curious about the who, what, when, and where of her experience, especially listening for what ‘being in love’ means to her,” Ripplinger says. She admits her next impulse would be to give advice: “You’re too young to be in love!” This is a completely normal reaction from any parent. But, she says, if you pull back and try to assess what kids really need and honor their feelings, you have a much greater chance of gaining their trust down the line when the stakes are higher.

Laurie Sue Brockway is a journalist and author who has written extensively on love, romance, marriage, parenting, well-being, and emotional health. Her work has appeared in hundreds of print and online publications, including Woman’s Day, Everyday Health, and The Huffington Post.

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Courtesy Elyssa Dunleavy

Emilie Dunleavy enjoys herself at day camp last summer.

A Mid-Winter Camp Dilemma Even kids who’ve enjoyed summer camp sometimes resist the idea of going back. We asked experts how parents can encourage their children to give camp a chance even when they’re reluctant. ›› By Samantha Neudorf

“I

never want to go back to that camp,” Emilie Dunleavy, 4, declared to her parents right after camp ended for the summer— even though they knew she’d had a great time throughout her first camp experience.

That attitude might frustrate parents who want to see their kids have fun at summer camp. Emilie’s parents, Elyssa and Vinnie Dunleavy, had every reason to believe that their daughter did have an amazing summer, including daily photos from the camp of Emilie participating in, and delighting in, the many activities offered there.

“She had swim instruction, which she really liked, and liked her counselors,” Elyssa says. “I think the camp did everything they could to make sure the campers enjoyed themselves.”

The Dunleavys had heard Elyssa’s cousin raving about Camp Ramaquois in Pomona, where she sent her three kids. The couple looked at their outgoing and mature 4-year-old and decided she was ready to attend day camp five days a week from 9am to 4:30pm.

Before attending, Emilie watched promotional Camp Ramaquois videos, visited the premises during an open house in the winter, and felt excited to see her cousins on a regular basis there. At camp, Emilie learned how to swim, slid down on a zipline, made new friends, and overall had a great time. But once camp ended, she voiced a different opinion—namely about the means of transportation.

In order to get to the camp, Emilie had to take an hour-long bus ride from her home in the Riverdale section of the Bronx to Pomona, in Rockland County. She would board the bus between 7:30am and 8am and get home between 5:15pm and 5:20pm each day, which can be tiresome for a preschooler.

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

“There were days where she was like, ‘I don’t want to go to camp,’ but once she got to camp, she loved it,” Elyssa says. “It was just the process of getting her there that was a bit challenging.”

Once camp was over in August, the Dunleavys were told that they had to submit a deposit for the following summer. They thought the decision was a no-brainer: Of course Emilie would return for another summer of fun.

However, Emilie told her parents, “I am never going back there,” and “I hate that place.” They suddenly were faced with the decision of whether to enroll her for the next summer.

A Common Problem

The Dunleavys were far from alone in their dilemma, whether they knew it or not. For many kids, hesitant or reluctant feelings are normal when it comes to discussing camp, experts say.

Peter Scales, who has a Ph.D. in child development and family relations, is a development psychologist and senior fellow at the Search Institute, an organization that studies education and youth development. He advised asking your child what might happen and how she will feel at camp.

“If the child is wiling to describe any of that, you might uncover some unrealistic fears, as well as realistic concerns,” Dr. Scales says. “[Acknowledge] that, yes, uncomfortable and unpleasant things sometimes do happen, so the child never feels like her concerns are being dismissed or belittled.”

It is key to try to figure out if your child’s fears and resistance are based on specific incidents or other realistic issues, or whether they come from those unrealistic fears or everyday anxieties. Bob Ditter, M.Ed., LCSW, a child and

family therapist who has appeared at national and regional conferences with the American Camp Association, suggests assessing your children before deciding to send them to camp. For example, if they have a sick family member, their parents are going through a divorce, or they have any other emotional insecurities, it is best to talk to them about their concerns first.

“Camp can be wonderful and can give kids a wonderful, fresh start and really kind of help them grow in a lot of ways,” Ditter says. “But it’s not meant to be a replacement for some kind of deeper, emotional need or attachment problem.”

Finding the Right Camp

Ditter advises parents to search for camps with a staff that will have a nurturing demeanor.

“There has to be a nurturing staff, so people who are willing to take the time to talk with kids or hang out with kids or to really be with kids and help to facilitate their making friends,” Ditter says. “It’s got to be, for example, a male staff that’s not just all athletic and all gung-ho, but can also be nurturing as well. That’s true for the female staff as well.”

Ditter also recommends that parents turn to their network of friends or colleagues to discuss whether their children felt reluctant about camp and how they overcame it. Or, ask the camp staff to arrange a meeting with other parents at the camp to hear about their children’s experiences.

If there is a deeper issue involved, children can see a family therapist or child psychologist to practice going to camp, regardless of whether it is day camp or sleepaway. Ditter says parents should start having these conversations with their children as early as November.

“I think both parents and the child have to basically wrap their brain around [getting] used to [camp], start practicing, start talking to people, start getting used to the idea,” Ditter says.

Non-verbal signals that children may display if they are uncomfortable about the idea of camp include suddenly becoming quiet, withdrawn, or irritable and cranky after a conversation about camp.

“It’s entirely possible that kids can be outwardly agreeable, or at least verbally agreeable, and non-verbally shy about [camp],” Ditter says.

And if a child is strongly against attending camp, the best thing to do may be to listen to them and try again for the following summer. “What I tell parents is I’d rather your child go and be successful than have them have a disastrous experience and then turn them off to camp in the future,” Ditter says.

As for the Dunleavys, they decided to go ahead and pay that deposit for the summer of 2016. They were able to spark Emilie’s excitement in camp again by letting her express her frustration with the commute to camp, and then deciding to stop talking about it altogether for a while. One night, they came across the camp video and made a movie night out of it by popping popcorn and asking her to talk about her fun experiences. Since then, she has asked to watch the video a couple more times.

Despite Emilie’s early reluctance, her parents are hoping and expecting that these happy memories and the excitement of another summer at camp will only grow as the summer approaches.

BigAppleParent 23

camp GUIDE 2016 SERVICES FOR CAMPERS

LiceXchange The No-Lip-Service Lice Service

Debra L. Rosen, owner and operator 917-657-0249 licexchange.com debrarosen@licexchange.com LiceXchange treats head lice exclusively in the privacy of your home—as inexpensively as possible. Experienced, conscientious, and kind staff will put your children at ease applying all the tools of the trade without the use of pesticides! We stand by all our work, as long as “active” cases with lice follow our protocol.

Founder Debra L. Rosen, has been successfully caring for schools and camps throughout the tri-state region for more than 15 years, stressing “prevention” over treatment. LiceXchange, “Where an age-old problem gets the Royal Treatment.”

Dr. Jason A. Smith

3906 Atwood Road, Stone Ridge 917-838-5986 drjasonasmith.com drjasonasmith@gmail.com Jason A. Smith, Psy.D., is a clinical and school psychologist specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy, and he provides testing services in the tri-state area. Services include but are not limited to educational consulting; and achievement, emotional intelligence, personality, and neuro-psychological testing.

Cognitive assessments are offered for children in kindergarten through 12th grade with a focus on learning disabilities, giftedness, and academic strengths and weaknesses. 917-8385986; drjasonasmith@gmail.com; drjasonasmith.com.

SPECIALTY The Ailey School

The Joan Weill Center for Dance, 405 W. 55th St. 212-405-9000 theaileyschool.edu juniordivision@alvinailey.org Intermediate and advanced students ages 11-15 can immerse themselves in daily ballet, Horton, Graham-based modern, and jazz classes during our five-week summer intensive. Students participate in special repertory workshops which culminate in ‘Summer Sizzler’ concert performances at the Ailey Citigroup Theater. Classes are taught by a distinguished faculty of dance professionals with extensive experience working with children.

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Atlantic Acting School

76 Ninth Ave., Suite 537 212-691-5919 atlanticactingschool.org coreste@atlantictheater.org Join us this summer at Atlantic! Each program culminates in a final workshop presented to an audience of family and friends. Younger students weave theater, music, and theater-related arts and crafts together as they learn about different styles of performance. Young Creators rehearse an adapted musical play and put it on its feet for an audience. Young Actors explore technique, scenes, and monologues, and create their own commercial film project. Teens delve into a pre-college intensive that prepares them for the exciting rigors of theater conservatory training and life.

The Brearley School Summer Interlude Matt Aiken, director of Summer Interlude 610 E. 83rd St. 212-744-8582 x2512 brearley.org/page/ academic--student-life/arts/ summer-interlude maiken@brearley.org Brearley’s Summer Interlude is a unique music experience for girls and boys in third-eighth grades, who play an instrument or sing. The program offers students an opportunity to share in the joys of music-making and celebrates their participation.

Students can play classical, jazz, and rock music, with like-minded young musicians from throughout the city.

Register by Feb. 15 and receive a $25 discount! For more information, contact Matt Aiken at maiken@ brearley.org or visit brearley.org/ page/academic--student-life/arts/ summer-interlude.

Camp Na’aleh

424 W. 33rd St., Suite 150 212-229-2700 Summer location: 2276 Old Route 17, Windsor roshnaaleh@gmail.com Looking for an incredibly unique Jewish camping experience that your child will want to return to year after year?

Look no further! Join Camp Na’aleh, a progressive, values-based, Jewish summer camp in Windsor, filled with sports, arts and music, hiking and nature activities, swimming and boating on our lake, and community engagement projects. Campers ages 8-17 develop enduring friendships, become empowered and thoughtful human beings, and create an intentional and inclusive community where every camper has a voice, feels welcome, and wants to return each summer!

February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Center For Architecture

536 LaGuardia Place 212-358-6133 cfafoundation.org The Center for Architecture offers architecture and design education programs for children and adults at our gallery and event space in Greenwich Village and in schools throughout New York City. Our programs include summer and vacation camps, after-school programs, family workshops, K-12 classroom residencies, school field trips, workshops and tours at the Center for Architecture, professional development for teachers, and public programs for adults. For more information, visit cfafoundation.org or email info@cfafoundation.org.

Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex

West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park 212-336-6846 chelseapiers.com Chelsea Piers features 15 specialty camps for children and teens ages 3-17. For the past 20 summers, campers have enjoyed world-class facilities, expert instruction, and NYC’s most exciting sports curriculum. Camps include Sports Academy, Basketball, Gymnastics, Golf, Hockey, Ice Skating, and Urban Adventure for teens (rock-climbing, sailing, and more). For preschoolers, there are half-day gymnastics and ice-skating programs. Lunch is provided. Transportation is available from major residential neighborhoods in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

An after-care program is offered from 4:30–6pm. Camps run June 20-Sept. 2.

Children’s Museum of the Arts

103 Charlton St. 212-274-0986 cmany.org info@cmany.org Children’s Museum of the Arts Spring and Summer Art Colony Day Camps allow young artists, ages 6-15, to immerse themselves in full-day, innovative arts courses taught by professional teaching artists. Summer Art Colony camps run weekly from June 20 through Sept. 2, from 9am-5pm. Young artists have a choice of more than 50 classes at two exciting locations, at the museum at 103 Charlton St. and on historic Governors Island.

Each week offers a new and unique theme focused on either fine arts or media projects.

China Institute Children’s Immersive Summer Day Camp (Ages 2-14)

40 Rector St. 212-744-8181 x110 100 Washington St. chinainstitute.org emark@chinainstitute.org Make your child’s summer a blast by enrolling in China Institute’s Children’s Summer Day Camp. Designed and tailored for different age groups ranging from 2-14, China Institute’s immersive day camp offers Chinese language instruction in an exciting and interactive environment to students of all proficiency levels. Experienced Chinese language teachers use techniques designed to inspire learning, participation, and engagement. Additionally, children will learn calligraphy, Chinese sports, theater, arts and crafts, and cooking. Learn more at chinainstitute. org/education.

Collina Italiana

1556 Third Ave. (at 87th Street), Suite 603 212-427-7770 collinaitaliana.com info@collinaitaliana.com This summer, immerse your family in the wonders of the Italian culture and language without leaving the city. Located on the UES and running June 6-July 15 and Aug. 8-Sept. 2, Summer in the City 2016 is designed for kids who want to absorb the warm and lively culture of Italy, learn and practice Italian, and meet new friends. The program includes Giochiamo in Italiano, where campers learn Italian through play, music, theater, and games; Cinema Italiano, where animated movies and cartoons teach Italian; Arte Insieme, which encourages campers to be creative, make art, and speak Italian; and Le Uscite, taking campers to museums to discover Italian art!

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

2 E. 91st St. 212-849-8400 cooperhewitt.org cooperhewitt@si.edu Is your child a designer, tinkerer, or creative thinker? If so, Design Camp at Cooper Hewitt offers week-long explorations of design for ages 7-12.

Each week, guest designers will provide campers with real-world design challenges and share innovative solutions to get their creative juices going. Campers will experience the design process through sketching, building, and playing. They will uncover the best of design and dive

New Location in the Financial District! deep into creative problem-solving with the museum’s world-renowned collection and exhibitions at their fingertips, and with exclusive behind-the-scenes activities. Four oneweek sessions, 9am-4pm. Register at cooperhewitt.org/designcamp.

Crave.It

545 Sixth Ave. 212-255-4048 craveitnyc.com Kids will be introduced to the history of gelato and classic desserts.

They will learn the craftsmanship of making and decorating the desserts, while also learning how to run a bakery with a hands-on lesson. Kids will be asked at the beginning of camp to think of a creation they want to make to present at the end of camp. There will also be a group competition of who makes the best gelato recipe, which will be tasted by external people, who will have to vote for the best recipe. At the end of the camp, there will be awards and a prize.

Excelsior Speech Therapy, P.L.L.C.

322 W. 57th St. 516-506-1256 excelsiorspeech.com excelsiorspeechtherapy@gmail.com Excelsior Speech Therapy is dedicated to helping improve speech, language, and communication skills throughout an individual’s academic career, to promote confidence and independence. Whether your child is working to develop, improve, or maintain their skills throughout the school year, or to prepare for the next, we can help! Judith Milham, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, provides a range of classical therapies, as well as customized interventions focused on key areas of social function, such as pragmatic skills, social problem solving, and friendship development. Individual and social language groups offered. Learn more at excelsiorspeech.com.

The Fashion Class

21 W. 39th St. 646-329-6663 thefashionclass.com Fashion Camp is a wonderful way to spend winter break, spring break, or summer! Our summer camp is divided into kids ages 6-8, and tweens 9-12. Both groups learn to sew real clothing on our state-of-theart Singer® sewing machines, create fabulous accessories, and learn to design fashion. Tweens go on field trips to meet real fashion designers!

Partial and full-day options for kids and tweens starting June 27. Teen camp available mid-July.

French Institute Alliance Francaise

22 E. 60th St. 646-388-6612 fiaf.org/summer languagecenter@fiaf.org Send your child to FIAF for an unforgettable summer of fun and learning—in French! Taught by talented native French speaking instructors, FIAF’s day camps are perfect for toddlers, kids, and teens of all interests. Featuring an array of fun activities, field trips throughout New York City, plus workshops taught by renowned experts—including Big Apple Circus, Sheridan Fencing Academy, and Maman Bakery—kids embark on a voyage through French language and culture. Summer immersion classes are also available for teens to boost their French language skills.

Future Stars Summer Camps Purchase College

Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase 914-273-8500 fscamps.com Weekly day sessions for ages 4-16, June 20-Aug. 26 at state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of Westchester. Our staff of highly trained, experienced professionals and limited enrollment allows each camper the opportunity to maximize their skill development in a fun and safe environment. Campers can choose and combine weeks from 19 individualized specialty programs tennis, soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, football, multi-sports, field hockey, cheerleading, volleyball, circus arts, magic, softball, diving, horseback riding, swim, academic, STEM education, and Rising Stars (our youngest campers). Supervised swimming is included, as is instructional swim for Rising Stars. Lunch option and door-to-door transportation from most of Westchester is available.

Greenwich House

27 Barrow St. greenwichhouse.org An important contributor to the arts scene in New York for more than 100 years, Greenwich House is a place where creativity is celebrated.

Our summer programs are designed to transform education in the arts by offering quality, affordable programming that encourages creativity and builds self-esteem. Our early childhood Summer Medley of the Arts, one of the only summer programs exclusively for ages 3-4, uses music, art, and movement to take children on a world tour. At our Summer Arts Camp, older campers explore

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Fall Session starts Register Now! • Ages 2-8 Italian Language Program using song, stories, games and arts & crafts • Ages 2-5 -Morning drop off playgroup • Workshops in Italian • Italian Art Workshop • Tutoring Services • Inquire about our Adult Classes 1556 Third Ave @ 87th, Suite 603, NY, NY • 212.427.7770

www.collinaitaliana.com • info@collinaitaliana.com

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CAMP LISTINGS

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new artistic genres and techniques to experience a world beyond their daily routine.

Kaufman Music Center

212-501-3330 kaufmanmusiccenter.org info@kaufmanmusiccenter.org 2016 Summer Musical Theater Workshop at Kaufman Music Center.

In this five-week program, campers ages 6-16 collaborate in small, age-specific groups. In the morning they take classes in acting, singing, and movement. In the afternoon they work with theater professionals to create and star in original musicals written just for them. Camp ends with full-scale productions in Merkin Concert Hall.

Léman Manhattan Preparatory School 41 Broad St. (Lower School) 1 Morris St. (Upper School) 212-232-0266 lemanmanhattan.org admissions@lemanmanhattan.org Children (ages 3 through entering fifth grade) enjoy swim lessons by Red Cross-certified lifeguards, outdoor play in our magnificent rooftop playground, visual and performing arts, soccer, tennis, basketball, golf, karate, yoga, cooking, Silly Science, woodworking, block building, Lego, and Animal Adventures.

Léman Manhattan offers weeklong programs for older children to hone their special interests in our Concert Band Camp and Culinary Arts Academy. Learn more at lemanmanhattan.org/student-life/ summer.

The Little Gym

2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets), Upper West Side 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 207 E. 94th St. (between Second and Third avenues), Upper East Side 212-787-1124 tlguppereastsideny.com 28 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444 tlgwaldwicknj.com 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.com Since 1977, The Little Gym has been promoting the healthy and successful physical and mental development of children. Its “Anytime Summertime Kids Fun” includes parent and child classes (ages 4 months to 3 years), preschool and kindergarten classes (ages 3-6), and grade school gymnastics (non-competitive only!) for beginner, intermediate, or advanced gymnasts. The Little Gym also offers its world-renowned “Anytime Summertime Kids Fun” camp for children ages 3-9 years, with flexible scheduling to work around your summer plans. Its unique theme-based curriculum takes children on weekly ad-

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ventures. Half-day and full-day sessions available.

The Mandell School-Cool Creations Summer Camp

795 Columbus Ave. 212-222-2925 mandellschool.org/summer-camp cool.creations@mandellschool.org Mandell offers two summer programs. Junior Explorer Camp is a half-day, Monday-Friday, program for ages 3½-5. Campers explore music, art, nature, sports, geography, and food from around the globe.

Children build their confidence, independence, and pre-K readiness as they discover, create, and explore all summer long! At Cool Creations, a STEM camp for ages 5-10, each week is dedicated to a different STEM project that is both fun and engaging. Projects include building a rocket, developing a video game, and escaping the zombie apocalypse!

Manhattan Behavioral Center

124 W. 95th St. 646-480-5756 manhattanbehavioral.com camp@manhattanbehavioral.com MBC City Explorers camp is geared toward children in 12-month school programs and runs year round, including December, February, April, June, July, and August breaks.

Your child will enjoy unparalleled community experiences and field trips throughout NYC. Campers utilize NYC public transportation to venture to museums, marionette shows, movie theaters, and more!

MBC’s Summer Discovery program is geared toward children in 10-month school programs and runs from mid-June through mid-August.

Our focus is to encourage each child’s independence and facilitate peer interactions, teamwork, and social skills, while having a summer of a lifetime!

Modeling Camp

1535 Broadway 703-273-2560, 888-757-5575 modelingcamp.com modelingcamp@aol.com Modeling Camp invites all girls to discover the model in them this summer as we explore the world of modeling and fashion in NYC. From photo shoot to fashion shows, personal grooming to health and fitness, making TV commercials, and meeting top model scouts, girls learn about the industry in a non-competitive environment while gaining valuable life skills at the same time. Featured on Good Morning America and NBC, this camp is a must for all fashionistas.

Musical Theater Builders

Riverside Church, 91 Claremont Ave. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street 717-333-7619 musicaltheaterbuilders.com info@musictheaterbuilders.com Musical Theater Builders (at the

February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Creative Stage) offers a variety of innovative, week-long performing arts programs to ignite your child’s imagination! In Musical Theater Builders Camp, kids collaborate with conservatory-trained professionals to create original shows from scratch—complete with hilarity, theatrics, and new lyrics set to tunes by famous composers. In Dancing Designers, kids work with professional costume designers and choreographers to create costumes they set in motion through dance.

From singing to set design, all of our multidisciplinary programs focus on expert teaching, small class sizes, and the joy of self expression!

Radio Rocks

180 Riverside Blvd.

917-334-6522 radiorocks.org Radio Rocks is ready to rock your world! Radio Rocks is a fun, interactive course, taught by award-winning broadcaster Maria Kalb, where students learn all about live, on-air performance. Whether they want to be a sportscaster, DJ, or host a celebrity talk show, everyone performs on the microphone during every class, and gets to share recordings with friends and family!

Great for students who want to work on their public speaking skills, or shy students who want to challenge themselves. Let’s rock!

Riverside Park Conservancy Summer Sports Camp

475 Riverside Drive, Suite 455 212-870-3074 riversideparknyc.org sports@riversideparknyc.org The Riverside Park Conservancy Summer Sports Camp is a weekly all-day camp for children ages 4-16. Available sports are soccer, baseball, girls’ softball, basketball, tennis, and multisport week options. The camp uses the sports fields and courts in Riverside Park between 96th and 110th streets. All campers are provided with uniforms or T-shirts and light snacks, but should bring their own lunches. A medical trainer is on-site. Camp runs June 8-Aug. 28. $450 per week.

RoboFun

2672 Broadway 917-346-6396 robofun.org robofun@robofun.org Spend your summer with RoboFun! Build and program robots, design and construct video games, and direct stop-motion animations.

Your child will learn engineering, coding, problem solving, and creative thinking during our dynamic summer programs. Our work is based upon children’s innate passion and curiosity and our workshops allow children to become makers and designers. Summer Camp begins the week of June 6 and runs weekly until Labor Day with half-day and full-day options available. All registration can be done online at robofun.org.

The School at Peridance

126 E. 13th St. 212-505-0886 peridance.com Spend your summer with the School at Peridance! Our Morning Mover’s Camp is a wonderful way for your young dancer to come play and create! Students will start the day with dance class, learning basic ballet vocabulary and movement fundamentals. Students will also work to create their own dances using stories, artwork, and fairy tales for inspiration. A great program for your future star dancer! Each Friday we invite families to come see our week’s work and dances! Pick and choose the weeks you would like to attend Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm.

The School at Steps Training the Dancers of Tomorrow...

2121 Broadway at 74th Street, 4th Floor 212-874-3678 stepsnyc.com/the-school-at-steps theschool@stepsnyc.com The School at Steps heats up during the summer months! With a variety of programs, there are options for the youngest of dancers, classes for beginners, and intensives for the most dedicated dancers. Young Dancers (ages 2-5) introduces children to a magical summer of movement and music while Adventures in Dance (ages 6-8) is designed for beginner dancers interested in experiencing a variety of dance styles.

Summer Intensives (ages 9-18) offer intensive multidisciplinary training for aspiring ballet, contemporary, and musical theater dancers with internationally recognized faculty.

SPORTIME Summer Camps-Tennis and Sports, ages 4-17

212-427-6150 sportimecamps.com/nyc campsnyc@sportimeny.com John McEnroe Tennis Academy’s Summer Training Camp and SPORTIME’s 10 & Under Tennis Camp are designed for players who want to focus on playing and learning tennis, and becoming complete players. Every camp day includes tennis, field sports and cross training, tennis specific athletic training, mental toughness training, and other activities. Campers learn and perfect proper tennis technique, and participate in competitive drills, tactical games, and match play.

Daily and weekly rates available.

Call and ask about our Spring Break and Pre-Summer Training Camps at 212-427-6150 or email Greg Evans at campsnyc@sportimeny.com!

Summer@Avenues

259 Tenth Ave. 646-664-0994 avenues.org/extendedlearning/ summer-programs summer@avenues.org Summer@Avenues offers fun summer experiences for all ages and

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EMBRACE THE COLD

OF WINTER & BEAT THE

HEAT OF SUMMER

not only by eating, but by also making a kid’s favorite treat, all year long!

Gelato & Baking Classes for Children Learn from top chefs • Eat, play & have a blast Awards & Prizes for future chefs & their parents!

Every Saturday From 10:00 am to 11:30 am Weekly Summer Camp Monday - Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

15% OFF CAMP REGISTRATION Just mention this ad.

B I R T H D AY PA R T I E S • C A K E S • W E E K L Y C L A S S E S 545 Avenue of the Americas (West 14th Street), New York, NY 10011 For more information please call 212-255-4048 or email hello@craveitnyc.com BigAppleParent 27

CAMP LISTINGS ‹‹ continued from page 26

interests. With both day camps and online learning programs available, there is truly something for everyone. Aspiring chefs, scientists, and even adventurers looking for an immersive overnight experience will find camps that match their interests.

Students looking to sharpen their language, math, and writing skills will have remote access to collaborative learning and teacher support all summer long through our online learning programs. Sessions vary in length, so there’s plenty of room for flexibility. Pick a favorite, or mixand-match for the ultimate summer!

Barbara L. Tate Arts Camp Abrons Arts Center / Henry Street Settlement

466 Grand St. 212-598-0400 henrystreet.org info@henrystreet.org Ignite your 6- to 12-year-old’s creative spark with daily instruction in dance, music, theater, and visual arts, all facilitated by professional or teaching artists. Camp features swimming; weekly trips to museums, galleries, and theaters; a student-authored performance; and summer art exhibition. Lunch is provided daily. Camp runs from July 5–Aug. 19 (with shorter sessions available), 9am-5pm, with drop off at 8:30am, and extended day until 6:30pm.

Financial aid, early bird, and sibling discounts are available.

Third Street Music School Settlement 235 E. 11th St. (at Second Avenue) 212-777-3240 thirdstreetmusicschool.org jzerbe@thirdstreetmusicschool.org Founded in 1894, Third Street Music School Settlement is the nation’s longest-running community music school, providing music education for more than 5,000 students each year, both in the school’s East Village location and in more than two dozen school partnerships across New York City. With robust tuition assistance programs that make sure there are no financial barriers to a quality music education, Third Street is committed to nurture and

inspire students of all ages and levels of experience to become the best musicians, dancers, singers, and composers they can be.

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts

185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 631-643-7900; 844-818-6223 usdan.com Usdan Summer Camp of the Arts is the nation’s pre-eminent nonprofit arts day camp. TimeOut New York Kids declared Usdan a “Best Of” camp, and Usdan has been profiled in The New York Times and Time Magazine. Each day, 1,600 students, ages 6-18, travel to Usdan’s Wheatley Heights campus from all Long Island neighborhoods. Usdan offers 40 programs in music, art, theater, dance, writing, chess, and nature.

Transportation to and from the camp is by air-conditioned buses.

Three, four, or seven-week sessions are offered from June 27-Aug. 12.

The Wild Traveler

866-514-0829 thewildtraveler.com info@thewildtraveler.com Make your summer amazing! Join The Wild Traveler’s 17-day teen tour to Hawaii and Kauai. We will hike Volcanoes National Park, get SCUBA certified, surf Kauai’s north shore, kayak jungle rivers, and hike the Na Pali Coast. Teen travelers will also volunteer on an ongoing habitat restoration project, visit Hawaii’s best beaches, sample local cuisine, swim under majestic waterfalls, and explore ancient Hawaiian temples! Everything is included. No experience is required.

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Zoos and Aquarium

The Bronx Zoo: 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx 718-220-5132 Central Park Zoo: 830 Fifth Ave. 212-438-6583 Queens Zoo: 53-51 111th St., Queens 718-271-7361 Prospect Park Zoo: 450 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn 718-399-7327

Servicing children from 3 months to 5 years allmychildrendaycare.com • (212) 419-5416 112 Ridge Street - Lower Manhattan, NY 10002

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

New York Aquarium: 602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn 718-265-3457 wcs.org/summercamps Summer camps at the Wildlife Conservation Society provide a unique chance for kids of all ages to get up close and personal with animals from around the globe without traveling far from home. The Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium introduce your child to wildlife and wild places through exciting investigations, animal encounters, hands-on activities, and crafts. Teens can learn what it takes to be a zookeeper, design an exhibit, and more in our Teen Internship! For details and registration, visit wcs.org/ summer-camps or call 800-433-4149.

Winston Preparatory School

126 W. 17th St. Peter Hill, summer program director: 646-638-2705 x688 57 W. Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT 203-229-0465 winstonprep.edu The Summer Enrichment Program 2016 at Winston Preparatory School provides students with the unique opportunity to participate in an individually designed program aimed to enhance academic skills and foster independence. Our program, open to fourth through 12th grades, gives parents the flexibility to create an academic program specifically matched to the needs of their child. Parents may choose to enroll their child in the Morning Academic Program, July Focus Program, After-School Activities, and the August Focus Program. With these options, there are several different possible schedules for your child. Scholarships are also available.

York Theatre Company Musical Theatre Training Program Summer Intensive 619 Lexington Ave. (corner of 54th Street) 212-935-5824 x214 yorktheatre.org Whether or not you dream of performing on Broadway one day, the

nurturing yet rigorous musical theater training at the York will strengthen your theater skills, ignite creativity, encourage collaboration, and boost self-esteem—all tools you can take with you. The York’s Musical Training Program draws from its vast network of connections to NYC’s most successful theater artists as teachers and guest artists, offering the unique opportunity of classes taking place in an off-Broadway theater near the heart of NYC’s theatre district. July 11-29. For middle and high school students.

TRADITIONAL 92nd Street Y Camps

1395 Lexington Ave. 212-415-5573 92y.org/camps ecreagh@92y.org Everything they want…everything you need. Day camp for ages 5-14 in a beautiful country setting 20 minutes from NYC. Outdoor adventures, environmental explorations, challenge course, zip line, arts, film, cooking, martial arts, and swimming, all taught by seasoned professionals, artists, musicians, and entertainers! Check out specialized camps in arts, science, filmmaking, fashion, and sports.

Camps for children with special needs and Hebrew-speaking children are also available. Young campers, ages 3-5, attend in Manhattan. Sleepaway camps are also offered. Convenient pick-ups from a variety of Manhattan and Brooklyn locations.

All My Children Daycare and Nursery School

Various locations; call for information or check us online Manhattan: 212-419-5416 Brooklyn: 347-708-7827 Queens: 347-708-7827 allmychildrendaycare.com info@allmychildrendaycare.com At All My Children Day Care’s day camp, we provide a place for your child to grow both emotionally and intellectually. Our staff is certified with an extensive background in early childhood development and

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Chess-Pizza-Park-Play - Fountain Dipping - Grandmaster Guidance - New Heights in Play - and even some CAKE!!

25 Weeks, 256 Days and 512 Half Days

of Chess Camp to Choose From This Summer

Uptown, Downtown, Hamptons and Now Brooklyn Too!

CHESS NYC

Fun & TrainingTM Camps

For Every Skill and Interest Level in the Game!

Beginners to Masters!!

Uptown or Downtown, Chess NYC’s Policy of “Chess Should be Fun and driven” prevails for every special day or week of games and learning the great game of Chess! From Chess Leaders to Grandmasters these camps are sure to captivate, motivate, and generate chess players. 3 hours of chess “threaded” through an 8 hour day, each child will receive as much chess time as they like while enjoying fun, mind-clearing break opportunities in between. Over-flowing with supervision, special attention to those with greater commitment levels to chess, as well as those who need an extra boost are just a few of the advantages of these exciting weeks at camp. Select a week, a day or a half-day, but select it today!!

A more competitive and sporting environment for Chess Players promises to be life changing for those committed to play.(and they come from all over the globe!)... While still Chess NYC FUN, this is a serious one, already having trained top level Scholastic Champions, only those committed to successfully competing in the game of Chess should enroll in this more rigorous opportunity.

Day to day Coaching will be provided by Chess NYC Grandmasters, IM's, Masters, Candidate Masters and Chess NYC favorites...along with some special guests.

A day or week of significant, great Coaching, Chess Play and Social time.

Activities include: • USCF Rated Play G30 0 and G45 0 • Group Analysis EVERY game, EVERY round

CHECK HERE FOR NEAREST LOCATIONS: info@chessnyc.com

LIMITED SPACE ACE - REGISTER ONLINE ASAP Tel: (866) 3 - 2 - 1 - chess (2437)

* Financial assistance available

CAMP LISTINGS ‹‹ continued from page 28

education. Our programs include theater, nature, music, dance, technology, and field trips. Monday-Friday, 7:30am-6pm, for children ages 6 months through 9 years. Free full-day UPK for children born in 2012. Register now.

Asphalt Green

Upper East Side, 555 E. 90th St. 212-298-7900 asphaltgreen.org Battery Park City, 212 North End Ave. (at Murray Street) 212-298-2900 asphaltgreenbpc.org Get your camper ready for a summer of fun, fitness, and friendship! Kids have plenty of space to play sports on a 1.5-acre field (UES) or full-court gymnasium (BPC), swim in a 50-meter (UES) or 25-yard pool (BPC), and participate in arts and crafts, gaga, theater, music, and gardening.

Camp curriculum meets unique physical, mental, behavioral, and social milestones for each age group, and our instructors bring high energy and spirit! Watch your child grow, make new friends, learn new skills, and come home each day with a smile.

The British International School of New York

20 Waterside Plaza 212-481-2700 x204 bis-ny.org info@bis-ny.org The British International School of New York summer camp is committed to offering your 3- to 10-year-old a stimulating environment while encouraging cultural, social, and physical growth. Conveniently located on the East River in Manhattan, campers participate in an array of activities including private swim instruction (every day), educational enrichment, outdoor games, fine arts, creative science experiments, and age-appropriate technology lessons (including coding for older campers).

For families seeking a fun, safe, and enriching summer program, we are the one for you. Sign up now by contacting info@bis-ny.org.

Camp Clio

Held at Camp Claire, Lyme, CT 212-472-5207 campclio.org Camp Clio, a seriously fun place for adopted children ages 9-12, offers its fifth summer of “old-fashioned” camp fun. Campers share a cabin with other adopted boys and girls and teenage counselors—all of whom were adopted—who serve as role models. Each week a picnic lunch adoption discussion is led

by Spence-Chapin social workers providing a relaxed atmosphere to explore adoption feelings and experiences in a fun, safe, and non-judgmental environment. Campers may attend one, two, or three sessions— sleepaway or all-day. July 3-23.

Scholarships available.

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Chinese Hawaiian Kenpo Academy Summer and Year-Round Programs

34 Avenue A, 2nd Floor 646-692-6155 chka.org hello@chka.org Authentic martial arts training for all ages! Kids Kenpo Camp offered July 5-Aug. 26, for ages 6-14. Daily martial arts and specialty classes are available, including tumbling, traditional weapons, drama, music, and dance. Outdoor activities and local field trips, Monday-Friday, 10am3pm, $275 per week. Teen Zone Camp, ages 13-18, Monday-Friday, 11:30am-1:30pm, $200 per week.

Daily martial arts intensive, boxing, kickboxing, weapons, and high-intensity fitness training are offered. $50 off each four-week session. Sibling discounts are given. Limited space; sign up now! For more information about year-round programs for ages 3 and older, email hello@chka.org.

Deer Mountain Day Camp

63 Call Hollow Road, Pomona 845-354-2727 deermountaindaycamp.com info@deermountaindaycamp.com With 25 acres, a lake, six pools, seven tennis courts, a 7,000-squarefoot dining hall, a 1,000-square-foot performing arts center, courts, fields, and cabins for sports and fine arts, Deer Mountain offers a setting both well-appointed and beautifully transformative. Smart, authentic leadership and experienced staff create an environment where kids ages 3-15 feel comfortable to be who they are.

Expert instructors create engaging, high-quality programs so kids develop real skills. Parents choose Deer Mountain because of our experience; kids love us because of theirs.

Dwight School-Dwight Summer Camp The Dwight School Athletic Center 2116 First Ave. 917-551-6430 dwightsummercamp.org director@dwightsummercamp.org Dwight “ignites the spark of genius in every camper!” With a wide range of age-appropriate, customizable programs, Dwight offers creative, action-packed activities and adventures for children ages 4-12. Campers enjoy well-rounded experiences in sports, the visual and performing arts, and technology. Campers can also focus on one specialty in Spark Camps. With daily swim instruction, trips to great destinations, theme weeks, and color war, the fun never ends! Chaperoned bus transportation and extended-day options are available. Choose from one- to 10-week sessions; mix and match to customize the experience for your camper.

Empire Tae Kwon Do

271 W. 23rd St., 2nd Floor 212-645-6611 empire23st@gmail.com 437 W. 53rd St.

February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

212-645-5821 empire53st@gmail.com empiretkd.com Empire Tae Kwon Do camps include our industry-leading traditional martial arts training in addition to other camp activities. Camp days are diverse, exciting, and challenging, and include field trips, constructive games, kid’s movies, art and crafts, and character building activities. Empire Tae Kwon Do camps offer the perfect solution for parents. Whether campers are spending the day swimming in a local pool, visiting a museum or local park, or working on their latest taekwondo skill, you can be sure your child will have a great experience in a positive and safe environment.

Henry Street Settlement-Camp Henry

301 Henry St. 212-254-3100 x262 (camp) henrystreet.org info@henrystreet.org Give your child a summer of fun at Camp Henry, operated by Henry Street Settlement. We offer a wide range of educational and recreational enrichment activities for children ages 5-13 in a safe and nurturing environment. Campers enjoy arts and crafts, dance, sports, swimming, and trips to museums, amusement parks, and bowling lanes. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included.

Full season is July 6-Aug. 19. Half sessions (July 6-29 and Aug. 1-19) are available. The camp day is from 8:30am-5:30pm, with extended day hours. Financial aid is available, plus sibling and early-bird discounts.

JCC Manhattan Summer Camps Camp Settoga

Genna Singer, director of camps 646-505-4430 jccmanhattan.org/campsettoga gsinger@jccmanhattan.org Your summer of adventure awaits at Camp Settoga! Nestled in the footsteps of Harriman State Park, JCC Manhattan celebrates day camp excellence in a brand new, state-of-the-art, 21-acre home. It’s everything you’ve come to expect from the JCC, with enriching and engaging programs in the arts, the Red Cross Learn to Swim Program, an adventure course, sports, and outdoor cooking! For information, please call the camp office at 646505-4430 or email Genna Singer at gsinger@jccmanhattan.org.

Jodi’s Gym

244 E. 84th St. 212-772-7633 25 Hubbels Drive, Mount Kisco 914-244-8811 jodisgym.com Jodi’s Gym Summer Camp is a morning of nonstop, action-packed fun!

Your child will run, jump, tumble, balance, stretch, sing, create, move, and groove, all under the supervision and care of our well-trained, enthusiastic, friendly, and certified staff. Come experience the joys of gymnastics, music,

and art. It’s a mix your child is sure to love. Join us in our 34th year! Offered for children ages 3-5. Flexible scheduling (you choose days and weeks)!

Camp runs from 9am-12pm, with an option to stay until 1pm. Summer 2016 dates: June 6-Sept. 2.

Oasis Summer Day Camps in Manhattan

Oasis in Central Park 718-596-4900 oasischildren.com centralpark@oasischildren.com Oasis Downtown Stacie Soto, camp director 718-596-4900 oasischildren.com downtown@oasischildren.com With two locations, Central Park (Upper West Side) and Downtown Manhattan, Oasis offers campers ages 3-11 the summer of a lifetime in New York City! Oasis features a variety of activities such as athletics, fine and performing arts, nature exploration, and Red Cross Swim instruction. Oasis in Central Park is housed at the Mandell School. Oasis Downtown works in partnership with Kids Creative for arts activities.

Both offer Early Start, which is developmentally appropriate for pre-K campers. For more details on any of our programs at either location, visit us at oasischildren.com today.

Pine Street School and Battery Park Montessori Green Ivy Summer Camp

21 South End Ave. 212-235-2304 greenivyenrichment.com/summer-camps camp@greenivy.com greenivy.com Come play, learn, and explore in Battery Park City this summer!

21 South End Ave. is perfectly located—from our iconic view of the Hudson River to having access to the best parks in Lower Manhattan, our campers will be making incredible memories with amazing friends. Our eight-week summer camp will have a range of themes, from Under the Sea to Under the Big Top. Don’t miss out on the fun in Summer 2016! Ages 2-6.

Portledge Summer Adventures

355 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley 516-750-3104 portledge.org/summeradventures Portledge Summer Adventures offers weekly programs in science, arts, sports, and early childhood. Portledge campers of all ages can pursue activities ranging from the study of marine biology and sea life with a local fisherman, to a robust sports program, to exploring art, media, and fashion design. The emphasis is on the student experience. Perennial favorites, such as messy hands, animal adventures, and rocketry are still as popular as ever, and are taught by qualified and expert instructors.

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SPARK YOUR CHILD’S DESIGN IMAGINATION AGES 7–12

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GRAPHIC DESIGN ☼ ARCHITECTURE FASHION ☼ PRODUCT DESIGN

REGISTER NOW FOR ONE WEEK SESSIONS JULY 11–AUGUST 5 COOPERHEWITT.ORG/DESIGNCAMP

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OUTINGS: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum

nymetroparents.com/outings

Into the Wild ›› Explore the wonders of nature near the Hudson River.

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2

3

Courtesy Hudson Highlands Nature Museum

George Potanovic

George Potanovic

1

Mike Adamovic

By Samantha Neudorf

1 During the Animals and Nature Together Program, participants ages 2-4 with a parent or guardian learn about and meet live native animals through crafts, songs, movement, and stories. 2 A curious visitor comes face to face with a local toad species. 3 Environmental Educator Megan Hoffman gives a hands-on lesson about maple sugaring to museum visitors.

4 Students participating in the museum’s Early Childhood Action in Nature—a project that offers free pre-K and kindergarten programs during the school year as part of the Nature Play grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services—excitedly enter Grasshopper Grove.

W

ildlife abounds at Hudson Highlands Nature Museum in Cornwall. The nature center was founded in 1959 with a focus on environmental education.

Families are invited to learn about the surrounding ecology in Hudson Highlands, meet live animals, and gain firsthand knowledge about the natural wonders in their own backyard.

Day each April, the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum hosts a Hike-A-Thon to celebrate our planet and benefit the museum. All ages of all hiking levels are welcome, and some of the trails are stroller-friendly.

Each Halloween, the nature museum hosts an I “Spy” Halloween Trail for families to visit a Creepy Crawlers Room and make a themed craft.

Year-Round Fun

February Highlights

The Wildlife Education Center is open yearround from Friday-Sunday. Here, visitors can take a look at the bi-annual exhibits. Current exhibits include Marvelous Moths!, which analyzes the differences between moths and butterflies and explains their life cycles, and The Living Hudson Exhibit, which looks at the plants native to the Hudson Estuary. Admission also grants visitors access to Meet the Animals at 1pm and 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The Education Center is home to 65 live animals from the area, including the Great Horned Owl, American crow, reptiles, and amphibians.

Annual Events

The Outdoor Discovery Center is open from mid-April to mid-November on weekends and is home to five hiking trails. In honor of Earth

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

On Feb. 5 and 6, the museum will host an Owl Prowl for children ages 7 and older to learn about the species of owls that reside in the area and how to make different owl calls to attract them.

Museum educators will be coordinating a Naturalist Walk and Talk on Feb. 13 for visitors to tour the Outdoor Discovery Center trails to see how the weather affects nature.

On Valentine’s Day, there is a love-themed event called Lovey Dovey for kids to learn about doves and their cousin the Mourning Dove. There will be photo opportunities with a dove and chances to make a dove craft.

A squirrel-themed program called Those Nuts of the Forest on Feb. 21 will explore squirrel families and allows visitors to explore squirrels’ habitat while on a hike.

At the end of the month on Feb. 27 and 28, the nature museum is bringing back its Maple Sugar Tours to see how real maple syrup is made. There are two tours: the Sugar Bush Tour—a 1-mile moderate hike through a field and forest to a sugar shack—and the Maple Lane Tour—a short walk from the farmhouse to a nearby sugar maple stand. Visitors will learn how to identify and tap maple sugar trees, and different sugaring techniques used by Native Americans, pioneers, and modern farmers.

Then, they will undergo a taste test challenge to identify the difference between real maple syrup and maple-flavored syrup.

Details

Address: 120 Muser Drive, Cornwall (Outdoor Discovery Center); 25 Boulevard, Cornwall-onHudson (Wildlife Education Center) Directions: Approximately a 75-minute drive from Manhattan.

Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4pm (Outdoor Discovery Visitors Center); Friday-Sunday, 124pm; program hours vary Admission: $3; free for members and children younger than 3; program prices vary For more information: Outdoor Discovery Center: 845-534-5506; Wildlife Education Center: 845-534-7781; hhnaturemuseum.org.

TH DO

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The New York International School

US

International education from Pre-nursery to Grade 8 (ages 2-13) with the highest academic standards and a Spanish or Chinese immersion program

The New York International School is the new selective school on NYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum Mile, next to Central Park. We provide an advanced curriculum, a warm environment and a low student-teacher ratio that will enable your children to excel in English and Math, speak Spanish or Chinese fluently and acquire a passion for learning. NYIS is established by one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading school networks, with schools in America, Europe and Asia, a tradition of excellent academic results and top college placements. Financial aid is available, including at Preschool. Currently accepting applications. www.nyis.org - Tel. 212 641 0920 4 East 90th Street and 5th Avenue, New York

BigAppleParent 33

EDUCATING THE WHOLE CHILD EDUCATING THE WHOLE CHILD EDUCATING THE WHOLE

OPEN HOUSE: N 8th,19th, OPEN HOUSE: November 9:00am–11:00am OPEN HOUSE: March 9:00am–11:00am

Come and C find out what makes our school so special, book a place by visiting our website, www.bis-ny.org today

Excellence Everyday Excellence Everyday Excellence Everyday

THEBRITISH BRITISH THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF NEW YORK OF NEW YORK 20 WATERSIDE PLAZA,YORK, NEW NY, 10010. CALL 212 481 2700 20 WATERSIDE PLAZA, 20 WATERSIDE PLAZA,NEW NEW YORK, NY, 10010. CALL 212 481 2700

Winston Preparatory School Summer Program 2016 July 1st-29th and Aug. 1st-18th 126 West 17th Street, NYC 646-638-2705 ext. 688 summer@winstonprep.edu 34

February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Ideas When You Need Them:

Sign up for our FREE newsletter & never hear “I’m bored!” again. We email the top kids’ events every Thursday—just in time to make weekend plans!

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Turn the page for details on the Central Park 5th Annual Ice Festival (No. 3 on our list).

y-day day-b : r u o t ou line ar Check alendar on alend c ood, hborh cost. g i e n h by and Searc type, age, t n eve ily! ted da a d p U

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nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar EDITOR: EMMA STEVEN nyccal@davlermedia.com

FEBRUARY CALENDAR

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Editor’s Hot Tickets

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Smarty Pants

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We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Crafty Kids

46

The Great Outdoors

40

Holiday Fun

47

Once Upon a Time

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Show Time!

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Mini Musicians

43

Special Needs

50

Movers & Shakers, Dance Party

5

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the 10 events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to.

Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!

1

Groundhog Day FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 2, 7:30am, gates open at 6:30am WHERE: Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: With a spring prediction success rate of more than 80 percent, Chuck will once again emerge from underground to make his annual prediction. The Patrick Raftery Rock-a-Silly Band will perform at the ceremony.

WHY WE LOVE IT: If you can make the early start time, this is a fun (and strange!) tradition to share with the family.

WANT TO GO? 718-442-3101. statenislandzoo.org.

Tibetan Cultural Festival: Celebration of Losar

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WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 7, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Soho AGES: All WHAT: Join CMA for the Tibetan Cultural Festival featuring Lunar New Year in partnership with the Trace Foundation. Help celebrate with performances by TenzinDolkar with traditional Tibetan instruments at 1pm and 2pm, as well as workshops throughout the museum inspired by Tibetan culture and the many traditions of the Lunar New Year, known as Losar.

WHY WE LOVE IT: This event includes a workshop where kids can create traditional Tibetan butter sculptures.

WANT TO GO? $12. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

3

Central Park 5th Annual Ice Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 13, 3-7pm WHERE: Central Park-Naumburg Bandshell and the Mall, Mid-Park at 72nd Street, Central Park AGES: All WHAT: On Valentine’s Day weekend, celebrate your love of Central Park’s sculptures at the fifth annual Ice Festival. Witness ice-carving artists from Okamoto Studio who use electric chain saws, chisels, and picks to transform more than 6,000 pounds of ice into a glistening replica of one of the park’s most beloved statues.

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHY WE LOVE IT: As night falls, revel among colorful lights as the mall becomes a vibrant silent disco with live DJs. WANT TO GO? 212-776-1066. centralparknyc.org.

4

17th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 14, 1pm WHERE: Chinatown, Parade begins on the corner of Canal and Mott streets, Chinatown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Come and celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Monkey with this famous New York parade and street festival. Every year, thousands take to the streets of Chinatown and Little Italy to watch traditional Chinese New Year performances, marvel at decorations and costumes, throw confetti, and enjoy food.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Despite the crowds and noise, this annual tradition is a must-see event.

WANT TO GO? 917-660-2402. betterchinatown.com.

Thunderbird American Indian Dancers’ Dance Concert and Pow-Wow

5

WHEN: Feb. 5-14, Fridays, 8pm; Saturdays, 3pm and 8pm; Sundays, 3pm WHERE: Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave., East Village AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This popular event features dances, stories, and traditional music from the Iroquois and Native Peoples of the Northeast, Southwest, and Great Plains regions. The show has become a treasured New York tradition for celebrating our diversity by honoring the culture of our first Americans.

WHY WE LOVE IT: In the final section of the program, the audience will be invited to join in the Round Dance/Friendship Dance during the evening shows and a Contest Dance during matinees.

WANT TO GO? $10; $1 for children younger than 12. 212-254-1109. theaterforthenewcity.net.

6

The Westminster Kennel Club 140th Annual All Breed Dog Show

WHEN: Feb. 15-16, Monday-Tuesday, 8am-6pm WHERE: Pier 92/Pier 94, 711 Twelfth Ave., Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Come and view the daytime sessions of the famous dog show including breed judging, junior showmanship preliminaries, and benching. This ticket does not include access to MSG finals.

WHY WE LOVE IT: If you love dogs, you’ll get a kick out of this annual showcase and all the pomp and circumstance that goes along with it.

WANT TO GO? $32; $15 for children 11 and younger. 212-353-9585. westminsterkennelclub.org.

Kids Week 2016

WHEN: Feb. 15-20, Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, Pier 86, Hudson River, West 46th Street at Twelfth Avenue, Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: Explore extreme environments during this year’s Kids Week. Enjoy eye-opening shows in the pop-up planetarium, science presentations, hands-on workshops, and live animal demos, all focusing on our universe’s most extreme climates—the chilly polar ice caps, depths of the ocean, distant exoplanets, and the places in between.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Each day will feature special guests and award-winning children’s book authors, interactive displays, and opportunities to learn about our vast universe’s most incredible environments.

WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $24; $20 seniors and college students; $19 children ages 7-17; $17 veterans; $12 children ages 3-6; free for children younger than 3. 212-245-0072. intrepidmuseum.org.

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BAMKids Film Festival

WHEN: Feb. 27-28, Saturday-Sunday, 9:30am-4:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Academy of Music, 30 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene, Brooklyn AGES: 3-12 WHAT: The BAMkids Film Festival, now in its 18th year, returns to BAM Rose Cinemas and showcases 70 films from 25 countries and in nine languages. In addition to the films, this year’s festival will include various free activities in the Opera House lobby, including face painters, balloon artists, and the opportunity to meet and greet The Amazing Max, the magician who will provide the pre-film entertainment for the festival.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The BAM’s Leperq Space will also feature free with movie stub family-friendly activities including comic book and stop-motion animation activities.

WANT TO GO? $14; $10 for children 13 and younger. 718-636-4100. bam.org.

Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus Presents Legends

WHEN: Feb. 25–March 6, see website for schedule WHERE: Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave., Prospect Heights/ Park Slope, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Witness amazing circus feats and spectacles of strength. Ringling Bros. has gathered skilled circus masters, majestic animals, exotic performers, and fearless daredevils for this entertaining show.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Ringling Bros. doesn’t disappoint; this show has all the thrills we’ve come to expect from this renowned circus.

WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 212-359-6387. barclayscenter.com.

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New York International Children’s Film Festival 2016

WHEN: Feb. 26–March 20, various showtimes WHERE: IFC Center and other theaters, see website for locations, NYC AGES: 3-18 WHAT: Explore the world without leaving New York City.

Every year, the New York International Children’s Film Festival presents hundreds of the best new films from around the world for kids and teens. See website for schedule.

WHY WE LOVE IT: There’s something to pique every child’s interest at this annual kid’s film extravaganza.

WANT TO GO? $9 and up. 212-349-0330. gkids.com. ››

BigAppleParent 37

CRAFTY KIDS Superheroes in Gotham Family Tour

WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE Think a freebie has to be ho-hum? Don’t let the price tag (or lack of one) fool you. Here are the five no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome.

Winter Carnival FREE

WHEN: Feb. 5-6, Friday-Saturday, 12-10pm WHERE: Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, between West 40th and 42nd streets, Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: This jam-packed weekend will feature dancing, curling lessons, ice golf, live skating, musical performances, photo ops, a silent disco, and more.

WANT TO GO? 212-768-4242. wintervillage.org.

BRIC FamJam: Family Mosaic FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 6, 10am-1pm WHERE: BRIC House, 647 Fulton St., Fort Greene, Brooklyn AGES: 7 and older WHAT: This is a new program designed as a workshop for families to work together to complete one creative art project. From silent movies to mosaic plaque creations, these projects will celebrate the notion of home and more.

WANT TO GO? 718-683-5600. bricartsmedia.org.

Brooklyn Museum’s Target First Saturday FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 6, 5-11pm, see website for schedule of events WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: This month’s Target First Saturday will celebrate Black History Month with artists who engage with the past to create a new narrative for the future. The evening’s highlights include an art-making activity inspired by Romare Bearden, a workshop lead by Joshua Allen, a screening of The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution, a book talk with Revolution Books, and musical performances by Tai Allen and Dasan Ahanu, Latasha Alcindor, and Charles Perry.

WANT TO GO? 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.

Fireworks Spectacular Lunar New Year 2016 FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 6, 8:30pm WHERE: Hudson River Park: Pier 84, 12th Avenue and West 44th Street, Hell’s Kitchen AGES: All WHAT: Don’t miss this large-scale “Fireworks By Grucci” show at Pier 84 with a simulcast of accompanying music by Oscar and Grammy Award winner Tan Dun. WANT TO GO? 773-577-8763. nyclunarnewyear.org.

Fantastic Art China FREE

WHEN: Feb. 6-10, Saturday-Wednesday, 10am-6pm WHERE: Javits Convention Center, 655 W. 34th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: An exhibit featuring contemporary and updated traditional art, US-China art school exhibits, and live performances. The opening events will include a concert by iSING! led by Haojiang Tian, Chinese dances by National Dance Institute public school students, a presentation by The Nature Conservancy about the golden monkey and conservation, and tours of the art exhibition.

WANT TO GO? 828-333-9419. javitscenter.com.

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 6, 2pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: 6-10 WHAT: In this unique, educator-led tour of Superheroes in Gotham, families will discover the special connection between New York and the worlds of America’s most infamous superheroes. Kids also have the chance to delve into the secret identities of heroes and create their very own alter ego portraits.

WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $19; $15 seniors, educators, and active military; $12 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

Losar Family Day

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 6, 12-4pm WHERE: Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17th St., Chelsea AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Spend the Lunar New Year with family and friends for an afternoon of art, crafts, and music to celebrate Losar, which is Tibetan for “New Year.”

Learn about traditional celebrations, go on a family tour of the galleries, enjoy music from the region, and make auspicious crafts to take home.

WANT TO GO? $15; $10 children; free for children younger than 1, dual/ family members and above, and Cool Culture members. 212-620-5000. rubinmuseum.org.

Family Art Workshop FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 6, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: The Drawing Center, 35 Wooster St., Soho AGES: 7-11 WHAT: Explore the work in “Louise Despont: Energy Scaffolds and Information Architecture.” Reservations are appreciated.

WANT TO GO? 212-219-2166. drawingcenter.org.

Collaborative Pollock Mural

WHEN: Feb. 1-7, Monday-Friday, 2:30-4:45pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4:45pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Soho AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Celebrate Jackson Pollock in the best way possible—splatter paint on a large collaborative canvas! Come to CMA for a week-long collaborative project, and make sure to wear your painting clothes.

WANT TO GO? $12. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

MOCACREATE: Museum Makeover

WHEN: Feb. 6-8, Saturday and Monday, 1-4pm WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Little Italy AGES: All WHAT: Ring in the New Year by crafting your own handmade decorations at this traditional MOCA event. Use an assortment of supplies to transform the space with colorful creations, which will be on display through the Lunar New Year Family Festival.

WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $10; $5 students and seniors; free for children younger than 12. 855-955-6622. mocanyc.org.

“What Fred Astaire would have danced like if he joined a hip hop crew.” − THE NEW YORK TIMES

“BEST SUMMER EVER” JUST GOT A NEW HOME JCC Manhattan celebrates 10 summers of day camp excellence as we move into Camp Settoga, our brand-new home in Pomona, NY.

February 5 – 21 Added Performances for Winter Break!

FOR EVERYONE AGES 7+

ART: TOM SLAUGHTER STUDIO, PHOTO: ANDREW FEE

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER 2016 + SAVE $150 WITH CODE BIGAPPLE

FROM BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

#LoveOfTheater

®

THE NEW VICTORY THEATER NewVictory.org 646.223.3010 ®

JCCMANHATTAN.ORG/CAMPSETTOGA

209 W 42nd Street, just west of Broadway

Formerly known as Pearl River

BigAppleParent 39

HOLIDAY

FU N Lunar New Year: Year of the Monkey

˘

PORTLEDGE

˘ SUMMER ADVENTURES

Summer Programs from June 20 to August 12

Programs for Little Ones

The Arts

Chess & Technology

Sports

Science

Summer Academic Institute

SUMMER SAMPLER

A SPECIAL EVENT Sat, Feb 27, 11am-1pm Children engage in age-appropriate games and activities while parents meet the instructors.

Every family receives a sampler of chocolates.

Learn more by calling Melissa Worth at 516-750-3104, email mworth@portledge.org, or visit www.portledge.org/summeradventures

˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘

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˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘

˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 6, 11am-6pm WHERE: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Met’s Department of Asian Art with traditions from across Asia. Mark the Year of the Monkey, one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, with performances, interactive gallery activities, and artist-led workshops for visitors of all ages.

WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $25; $17 seniors; $12 students; free for children younger than 12. 212-570-3951. metmuseum.org.

Makers Making History: Black History Month

WHEN: Feb. 6-7, Saturday-Sunday, see website for schedule WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: The Children’s Museum celebrates arts and culture this Black History Month with painting workshops and performances by Wéma Harris of Bridges: A Pan-Afrikan Arts Movement.

WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $12; free for children 1 and younger. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Family Day: Moon Over Manhattan! Celebrate the Lunar New Year

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 6, 1-4pm WHERE: Asia Society, 725 Park Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Asia Society rings in the Year of the Monkey with performances and traditional craft activities inspired by Lunar New Year traditions across Asia.

Activities will include a Lion Dance and kung fu demonstration, musical performances, and more.

WANT TO GO? $12; $5 students, children, and seniors. 212-288-6400. asiasociety.org.

16th New Year Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival FREE

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 8, 11am WHERE: Sara D. Roosevelt Park, Grand Street between Chrystie and Forsyth streets, Chinatown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Come and celebrate Chinese New Year with a bang and watch hundreds of thousands of firecrackers set off to scare away evil spirits. There are Dragon Dancers, food stalls, and other entertainment to get you in the mood. Due to noise levels, this is best suited to older children.

WANT TO GO? 917-660-2402. betterchinatown.com.

Community Event Celebrating Lunar New Year 2016 FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 9, 4:30pm WHERE: Josie Robertson Plaza and David Rubenstein Atrium, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy monkey dances by National Dance Institute Celebration Team and Traditional Lion Dances by the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, set against the backdrop of David Geffen Hall decorated with Chinese artwork by Duan Haikang.

WANT TO GO? 212-829-0150. kids.lincolncenter.org.

Celebrate the Year of the Monkey with the New York Philharmonic

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 9, 7:30pm WHERE: Lincoln Center-David Geffen Hall, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: This festive Chinese New Year Concert features violinist Maxim Vengerov plus Nu Shu: The Secret Songs of Women by Tan Dun (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), in which ethereal harp and film projection draw you into the rarely seen, intimate world of a secret language created by Hunan women.

WANT TO GO? $35 and up; $16.50 students. 212-829-0150. kids.lincolncenter.org.

Celebrate Send a Card to a Friend Day with CMA and Creative Kids Care

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 11, 4-6pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Soho AGES: All WHAT: Join Rachel Rutstein of Creative Kids Care for a special card-making workshop inspired by the theme “What does love mean to you?” in the Valentine’s Day spirit.

WANT TO GO? Pay as you wish. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Camp Clio A seriously fun place for adopted children ages 9-12 All-day or sleepaway (1, 2 or 3 weeks)

July 3, 2016 through July 23, 2016 Lyme, CT For complete details, visit our website:

CampClio.org

Chinese New Year Family Festival

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 13, 11am-3pm WHERE: China Institute, 100 Washington St., Financial District AGES: All WHAT: Kick off the Year of the Monkey with a free lion dance and kung fu performance. Then, head inside for traditional food and New Year-themed workshops and activities including dumpling making, paper cutting, and an interactive telling of the Legend of the Monkey King. Temporary entrance at 40 Rector St. WANT TO GO? Free admission, some ticketed events. 212-744-8181. chinainstitute.org.

Scholarships Available

School Vacation Week: Presidential Superheroes

WHEN: Feb. 13-21, see website for schedule WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Families will travel through America’s past with programming that keeps everyone engaged. Scavenger hunts in the galleries for centuries-old objects and hands-on activities to create and bring home will serve as reminders of a great day together.

WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $19; $15 seniors, educators, and active military; $12 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

School Break Program

WHEN: Feb. 15-19, Monday-Friday, 1-4pm WHERE: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-11 WHAT: Day off from school? Drop in and create works of art at the Met! WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $25; $17 seniors and students; $12 members; free for children younger than 12. 212-570-3961. metmuseum.org.

Lunar New Year Family Festival

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 20, 11am-4pm WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA), 215 Centre St., Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Chinese and Chinese American traditions and folk arts with zodiac themed arts and crafts, festive music, and dance performances, teaching artist demonstrations, storytelling, and much more monkey business.

WANT TO GO? $10; $8 MOCA Dual and Individual Level members; free for children younger than 2, MOCA Family Level members and above, and Cool Culture families. 855-955-6622. mocanyc.org. ››

BigAppleParent 41

‘Handa’s Surprise’

WHEN: Feb. 12-21, see website for show times WHERE: New Victory Theatre, 209 W. 42nd St., Times Square Theater District AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A mix of puppetry and gentle Swahili rhythms transports audiences to a bright, warm day in Kenya in this show. Adapted from the picture book by Eileen Browne, your little ones will be sure to sing and dance along during this playful and intimate production.

WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.

‘Pappy on da Underground Railroad’

SHOW TIME! ‘Henry and Mudge’

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 6, 1:30pm WHERE: BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., Tribeca AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Moving from the city to a new house in the country can be tough.

Luckily, Henry’s got Mudge, a fun 182-pound canine buddy. Kids will be delighted by this TheatreworksUSA musical based on the best-selling series of books by Cynthia Rylant.

WANT TO GO? $25. 212-220-1460. tribecapac.org.

‘Feathers of Fire: A Persian Epic’

WHEN: Feb. 5-7, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday, 2pm WHERE: BAM Fisher (Fishman Space), 321 Ashland Place, Fort Greene, Brooklyn AGES: 9 and older WHAT: This captivating performance stages the legend of Zaul and Rudabeh, one of the stories in the Persian Shahnameh, the national epic of Iran. Featuring puppets, a storyteller, and shadow casters, this all-ages adventure updates the classic shadow play—a storied cultural form across Asia and the Near East-melding traditional puppeteering techniques with new media.

WANT TO GO? $15. 718-398-4675. bam.org.

‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live’

WHEN: Feb. 6-7, Saturday-Sunday, 11am and 3:30pm WHERE: NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, 566 LaGuardia Place, Greenwich Village AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Donning his iconic red sweater, Daniel takes the audience on an interactive musical adventure as he and his friends explore the vibrant world of their muchloved Neighborhood of Make-Believe, sharing stories of friendship, helping others, and celebrating new experiences.

WANT TO GO? $35-$55. 212-998-4941. nyuskirball.org.

The Westminster Kennel Club presents AKC Meet the Breeds WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 13, 10am-5pm WHERE: Pier 92, 711 Twelfth Ave., Hell’s Kitchen AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A fun and slightly wacky event where families can meet and play with more than 100 different dog breeds in elaborate booths depicting each breed’s history. See the Mastiff reigning over his medieval castle, or the Cairn Terrier following the Yellow Brick Road in a scene from The Wizard of Oz. WANT TO GO? $10-$20. 212-213-3165. westminsterkennelclub.org.

The Gumball Gang: Crime-Solving Kids

WHEN: Through Feb. 15: 2pm and 4pm WHERE: TADA! Youth Theater, 15 W. 28th St., Chelsea AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Join The Gumball Gang as it tries to solve The Case of the Missing Masterpiece.

WANT TO GO? $10-$25. 212-252-1619. tadatheater.com.

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Feb. 11-27, Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Saturday-Sunday matinees, 2pm WHERE: Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St., NoHo AGES: 9 and older WHAT: In celebration of Black History Month, actor and vocalist Richard Johnson will perform the premiere of his one man play Pappy on Da Underground Railroad, directed by Keith Allen and accompanied by musical director Terry Wallstein.

WANT TO GO? $20; $15 seniors and students. 212-777-1767. genefrankeltheatre.com.

Gustafer Yellowgold

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 27, 11am WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show features live music, colored-pencil animations, and storytelling. Gustafer the character is a friendly creature who came to Earth from the sun and is living an explorer’s life in a slightly psychedelic version of the Minnesota woods.

WANT TO GO? $15-18. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’

WHEN: Feb. 6-27, 11am-1pm, 2-4pm WHERE: St. Luke’s Theatre, 308 W. 46th St., Midtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: In this inventive and highly theatrical adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ classic, two actors give a tour-de-force performance that’s sure to delight children and adults alike. Through the magic of theatre, Peter and Lucy will take you to Narnia, where The White Witch has cast a spell that makes it always winter and never Christmas.

WANT TO GO? $35. 212-239-6200. narniaoffbroadway.com.

Galli’s ‘Rapunzel’

WHEN: Feb. 6-28, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater, 151 W. 26th St., 7th Floor, Chelsea AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Rapunzel lives in a tower guarded by a witch. One day, a prince discovers the tower and her long hair comes in handy in a risky rescue!

WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaterny.com.

‘Pinkalicious the Musical’

WHEN: Through Feb. 28: Tuesday-Sunday, see website for schedule WHERE: McGinn/Cazale Theatre, 2162 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe—a dream come true for this pink enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this predicament.

WANT TO GO? $49.50 and up. 212-579-0528. pinkaliciousthemusical.com.

‘Caps For Sale the Musical’

WHEN: Feb. 28–March 6, see website for show times WHERE: New Victory Theatre, 209 W. 42nd St., Times Square Theater District AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Celebrating the 75th anniversary of this timeless classic, this musical jumps off the page and onto the stage in this new musical from Adventure Theatre MTC. With song, dance, and live accompaniment, this treasured tale bursts with happy harmonies, merry melodies, and quite a bit of monkey business.

WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.

‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show’

WHEN: Through March 27: see website for schedule WHERE: 47th Street Theatre, 304 W. 47th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show features a menagerie of 75 enchanting puppets during a magical 60-minute show that faithfully adapts four of Eric Carle’s beloved book for the stage.

WANT TO GO? $49.50 and up. 646-481-6583. hungrycaterpillarshow.com.

French Summer Day Camps & Classes Ages 1–17

‘Beauty and the Beast: An Original Musical’

WHEN: Through April 26: Saturdays, 3pm, Sundays, 11am WHERE: The Players Theatre, 115 Macdougal St., Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: This adaptation, based on the original book by Jeanne-Marie LePrince de Beaumont, is filled with charming musical numbers, delightful dancing, endearing and amusing characters, wonder, and magic. In addition to the 1-hour, 15-minute musical, the audience is welcome to attend interactive arts workshops prior to the performance.

WANT TO GO? $32-$52. 212-475-1237. literallyalive.com.

‘Little Red’s Hood’

WHEN: Through April 29: show times vary, see website for schedule WHERE: Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park, West 81st Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: This production is a fresh retelling of the celebrated Little Red Riding Hood tale updated with a modern sensibility that will appeal to kids.

WANT TO GO? $10; $7 for children younger than 12. 212-988-9093. cityparksfoundation.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS CHADD Presents Dr. Mary Solanto: ADHD in College Students

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 1, 6-7:30pm WHERE: Church of St. Thomas More, 65 E. 89th St., Upper East Side AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Students with ADHD face particular challenges when they transition to college. In this presentation, you will learn about the challenges that college students with ADHD face with respect to timemanagement, organization, and planning, and the impact that these challenges can have on academic performance and student satisfaction.

WANT TO GO? $10 donation. 212-721-0007. addrc.org.

TDF Autism Theatre Initiative: ‘Wicked’

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 7, see website for times WHERE: Minskoff Theatre, 200 W. 45th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: To create an autism-friendly setting, the show is being performed in a friendly, supportive environment for an audience of families and friends with children or adults who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or other sensitivity issues.

WANT TO GO? See website for prices. 212-912-9770. tdf.org.

Starting June 20!

Learn more and register at fiaf.org/summer

Community Center Feb. 15 - 19 Ages 10-13 4:00 - 5:00 pm Ages 14-17 5:15 - 6:45 pm

With instructors, Jamel Thomas & Louis Frye

Stuyvesant High School 345 Chambers Street

Winter Break

‘Caps For Sale the Musical’: Autism-Friendly Performance

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 28, see website for show times WHERE: New Victory Theatre, 209 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Celebrating the 75th anniversary of this timeless classic, this musical jumps off the page and onto the stage in this new musical from Adventure Theatre MTC. This performance has been specially adapted for individuals with autism or sensory sensitivity and everyone is welcome to enjoy the show in a relaxed atmosphere.

WANT TO GO? $25. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org. ››

Pre-registration is required. Call 212-267-9700 www.bpcparks.org

BigAppleParent 43

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SMARTY PANTS FamilyDay@theCenter: Geodesic Dome

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 6, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm WHERE: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, Greenwich Village AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn about this unique structural form made famous by engineer and inventor Buckminster Fuller and work together to construct a 14-foot geodesic dome. Then create your own model of a dome or other structure, inspired by its wonderful geometry.

WANT TO GO? $20 for a family of four; $10 for Center for Architecture Foundation Dual/Family Members; $5 additional guests accompanying a Family Admission. 212-358-6133. cfafoundation.org.

Reading Into History: Capital Days: Michael Shiner’s Journal and the Growth of Our Nation’s Capital by Tonya Bolden

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 7, 2pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Come meet award-winning author Tonya Bolden and discuss history from the burning of Washington, D.C., during the War of 1812 through the 1861 outbreak of Civil War, as told through one man’s journal.

WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $19; $15 seniors, educators, and active military; $12 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

Games in the Middle Ages Family Festival

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 14, 11am-3pm WHERE: The Cloisters, 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Washington Heights AGES: All WHAT: This event features demonstrations of how playing cards were painted, tables for playing chess, children’s games as depicted in a painting by Brueghel, and gallery workshops.

WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $25; $17 seniors and students; $12 members; free for children younger than 12. 212-650-2280. metmuseum.org.

Watson Adventures: Grand Central Scramble Family Scavenger Hunt

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 15, 10:30am and 1:00pm WHERE: Grand Central Terminal, 100 E. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Kids accompanied by an adult work together to uncover the secrets of this amazing train station. Advance purchase is required.

WANT TO GO? $18-$22. 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com.

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Presidents’ Day Family Trivia Spectacular

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 15, 2pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: 6 and older WHAT: The Big Quiz Thing brings its tremendous multimedia team quiz show back to the New-York Historical Society, with a focus on past, present, and future presidents of the United States. Kids with their parents will thrill to unique trivia questions and video and audio puzzles, culminating in the stupendous Buzzertastic Finale.

WANT TO GO? $25. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

Explore Architecture & Design this Summer Weekly Sessions June 30 - August 26 for students entering grades 3 - 12

Sci-tech Workshop: Bot Building

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 20, 11am-1pm WHERE: Sony Plaza Atrium, Sony Wonder Technology Lab, 550 Madison Ave., Midtown AGES: 8 and older WHAT: Using motors, screws, and recycled materials, you’ll learn how to assemble and power-up your very own personalized robot to take home.

Reservations required.

WANT TO GO? $10. 212-833-7858. sonywondertechlab.com.

Introduction to Coding: Drop-in Workshops

WHEN: Feb. 5-26, Fridays, 6pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: In this drop-in lab, visitors will learn how to animate a simple cartoon using a coding program for beginners called Scratch. Educators will also be on hand in the exhibition gallery to explain how technology has evolved in New York City.

WANT TO GO? Pay as you wish. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

Silicon City: Computer History Made in New York

WHEN: Through April 17: Tuesday-Thursday and Saturdays, 10am-6pm; Fridays, 10am-8pm; Sundays, 11am-5pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: An exhibit celebrating New York’s central role in the digital revolution, highlighting the pioneering work, and technological innovations that have transformed daily life around the world.

WANT TO GO? $19; $15 seniors, educators, and active military; $12 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

Model-Making • Drawing • Urban Design One-of-a-Kind Trips Computer Graphics • Engineering 536 LaGuardia Place, NYC cfafoundation.org/summer 212-358-6133 info@cfafoundation.org

The Discovery of King Tut

WHEN: Through May 1: Monday-Thursday, 11am-7pm; Fridays, 11am-9pm; Saturdays, 10am-9pm; Sundays, 10am-7pm WHERE: Premier Exhibitions 5th Avenue, 417 Fifth Ave., Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Step into the world of Tutankhamun. View more than 1000 precisely crafted replicas and reconstructions in the specially created tomb of the Boy King.

WANT TO GO? $29; $20 children. 888-647-2789. tutnyc.com.

Star Wars and the Power of Costume: The Exhibition

WHEN: Through Sept. 5: daily, Monday-Wednesday, 9am-7pm; ThursdaySunday, 9am-7:30pm WHERE: Discovery Times Square, 226 W. 44th St., Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: See iconic costumes and other artifacts from “a galaxy far, far away” in this new exhibit for Star Wars fans. From the menacing black mask of Darth Vader and the gilded suit of C-3PO, to the bikini worn by Princess Leia.

WANT TO GO? $27.50; $24 seniors; $20 children ages 3-11. 866-987-9692. discoverytsx.com.

New Permanent Exhibit: Titanosaur

WHEN: Through Jan. 19, 2020: daily, 10am-5:45pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: The museum adds another must-see exhibit: a cast of a 122-footlong dinosaur Titanosaur. This is part of a special year of dinosaur events, exhibitions, and digital offerings. This new occupant will graze the gallery’s approximately 19-foot-high ceilings and measures a whopping 122 feet long!

WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $22; $12.50 children ages 2-12. 212-769-5200. amnh.org. ››

Day camp for boys and girls ages 4-12 Enter code BAP16 to receive a 10% discount dwightsummercamp.org | 917.551.6430 2116 First Avenue, New York City director@dwightsummercamp.org BigAppleParent 45

Community Center at Stuyvesant High School 345 Chambers Street | Battery Park City

THE GREAT OUTDOORS! The Hort’s Green Bean Bash

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 6, 2-5pm WHERE: Temple Israel, 122 E. 75th St., Upper East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Join The Horticultural Society of New York for an afternoon of fun with nature, including plants, botanical labs, glitter art tattoos, worm bins, pickling jars, crawly insects, family photos, arts and crafts, music, a kids’ buffet, hot cocoa bar, and more.

WANT TO GO? $50 and up. 212-757-0915. thehort.org/greenbeanbash.

Winter First Sundays: February

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 7, see website for full schedule WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 990 Washington Ave., Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: Close out the holidays with indoor and outdoor programs celebrating the beauty and tranquility of Brooklyn Botanic Garden in winter.

Scheduled programs include Origami Academy, Japanese Pine-PillowMaking, Winter Bird Walk with Naturalist Brad Klein, and the Chase Away the Winter Blues Outdoor Tour.

WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $12; $6 seniors and students; free for children ages 12 and younger. 718-623-7200. bbg.org.

Discovery Walks for Families: Art in Winter FREE

www.bpcparks.org

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 15, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Central Park Conservancy, 14 E. 60th St., Upper East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Discover the secrets of some of Central Park’s most beloved sculptures! Join this 90-minute hands-on exploration led by Central Park Conservancy educators and discovery guides.

WANT TO GO? 212-310-6600. centralparknyc.org.

Winter Seals and Waterbirds of NY Harbor

WHEN: Through March 13: Sundays, 12-2pm WHERE: South Street Seaport Pier 17, 89 South St., Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Meet at South Street Seaport’s Pier 17 and come aboard NY Water Taxi’s eco-friendly vessel for a winter adventure in New York Harbor. Look for harbor seals on the rocky shores of Governor’s Island and the more remote Hoffman and Swinburne islands.

WANT TO GO? $35; $25 for children younger than 12. 212-742-1969. nywatertaxi.com.

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

“THEATRE-KID HEAVEN

IN AN ACTUAL OFF-BROADWAY THEATRE!” —Nicole, Age 12

Photo by Karl Kenzler.

MT TP

MUSICAL THEATRE TRAINING PROGRAM

MUSICAL THEATRE SUMMER INTENSIVE

ONCE UPON A TIME Saturday Morning Storytelling with the Hans Christian Andersen Storytellers

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 6, 11am WHERE: Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America, 58 Park Ave., Murray Hill AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Some of New York’s most famous storytellers from the Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling Center bring to life exciting fairy and folk tales and fantastic adventures from Scandinavia and the far north. This week features Tales of Tempestuous Trolls & Trick Tomten.

WANT TO GO? $7; free for members with Children’s Center Pass. 212-7793587. scandinaviahouse.org.

July 11-29, 2016

• All classes taught by working professionals • Master classes with Broadway’s top creative artists • Classes focus on acting, singing and movement EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: • Program includes tickets to Broadway Save $200! shows with backstage tours Order by April 1st (pending availability)

SIGN UP NOW! (212) 935-5820 EXT. 220 | YORKTHEATRE.ORG

2 EXCITING PROGRAMS: MIDDLE SCHOOL (6TH-8TH GRADE) & HIGH SCHOOL (9TH-12TH GRADE) All classes and the final showcase take place on stage at The York Theatre Company, 619 Lexington Avenue (East 54th Street between Lexington Avenue and Third Avenue)

Chinese Theater Works: Tiger Tales: Two Showtimes

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 6, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: This award-winning, English-narrated production of a classic Chinese tale weaves shadow puppetry, Chinese music, and a big screen to create four humorous and allegorical tales for all ages.

WANT TO GO? $15. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

Assembly Member O’Donnell Community Reading Challenge FREE

34

yrs. of Fun, Frien ds, & Fitness !

G re at Pe rk s Fo r M em be rs

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 17, 4-5pm WHERE: George Bruce New York Public Library, 518 W. 125th St., Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Assembly Member O’Donnell holds his 13th Annual Community Reading Challenge. This year, delve into the theme of outer space exploration with the slogan “To Infinity and Beyond!”

WANT TO GO? 212-866-3970. assembly.state.ny.us.

LC Kids Storytime at the Atrium: ‘Wolfie the Bunny’ FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 20, 11am-3pm WHERE: David Rubenstein Atrium, 61 W. 62nd St., Upper West Side AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Families of all kinds will delight in this sweet tale of new babies, sibling rivalry, bravery, unconditional love, and veggies.

WANT TO GO? 212-875-5350. kids.lincolncenter.org.

‘The Keeping Quilt: Stories, Art and Clues to the Past’

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 28, 11:30am-1pm WHERE: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., Chinatown AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Listen to this award-winning story, then follow clues around the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue. Discover the fascinating memories that have been passed down here for 128 years. After, join artist Sharon Gross and create your own artistic traditions.

WANT TO GO? $15 per family (up to two adults and three children). 212219-0302. eldridgestreet.org. ››

V is it O u r To ta Awe s o mll y e Ne w ly Re n ova te Fa c il ity d !

Fo r K id s 9 mos to 12 yrs

Nothing Else Even Comes Close!

Gymnastics • Music • Playtime • Camp • Sports Ninja Challenge • Jodi’s To Go • Best Birthdays Ever

www.jodisgym.com 244 E. 84th St. NYC • 212.772.7633 25 Hubbels Dr. Mt. Kisco • 914.244.8811 BigAppleParent 47

JUNIOR DIVISION Summer Intensive

JUNE 27 – JULY 29, 2016 (Ages 11-15)

A five-week training program in New York City.

MINI

For more details: TheAileySchool.edu Or e-mail juniordivision@alvinailey.org

AUDITION

Photo by Rosalie O’Connor

Sunday, February 28, 2016 11:00am (ages* 11-13) 1:30pm (ages* 14-15) *Age as of June 30, 2016

For summer classes open to the public (ages 12 & up) visit: AileyExtension.com

Do you need a location for his 7th birthday party?

ResouRces ARticles ticles

MUSICIANS LOS KIDS presents Gershwin: Got Rhythm?

WHEN: Feb. 6-7, Saturday, 10am and 11:30am; Sunday, 11:30am and 1pm WHERE: The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, 695 Park Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-7 WHAT: This new concert series is the perfect way to introduce little ones to the world of classical music. Each event uses fun story lines and humor alongside the music to bring it to life for children.

WANT TO GO? $15-$48. 212-971-9500. littleorchestra.org.

Broadway Playhouse: Dorothy Fields

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 7, 11am WHERE: Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Music Center, 129 W. 67th St., Upper West Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: This family-friendly celebration of one of Broadway’s greatest woman writers features songs from the musicals Sweet Charity, Seesaw, Redhead, and A Tree Grows In Brooklyn, and the Hollywood films Swing Time and Roberta.

WANT TO GO? $20. 212-501-3386. kaufmanmusiccenter.org.

Elizabeth Mitchell and You Are My Flower

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 13, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: This twice Grammy Award-nominated artist and her family band create gentle, heartfelt music, with homespun renditions of songs by Woody Guthrie, Bob Marley, The Velvet Underground, Vashti Bunyan, Gillian Welch, and more. The band You Are My Flower includes Elizabeth’s husband, Daniel Littleton, and their daughter, Storey.

WANT TO GO? $18. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

TAO: Drum Heart

WHEN: Feb. 11-14, Thursday-Friday, 8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 3pm and 8pm WHERE: NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, 566 LaGuardia Place, Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: This new show will bring you athletic bodies and contemporary costumes combined with explosive Taiko drumming and innovative choreography.

WANT TO GO? $45-$75. 212-998-4941. nyuskirball.org.

New Families, New Traditions FREE

Find everything you need, faster at

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 21, 10:30am WHERE: Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place, Battery Park City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Join the musical group Yellow Sneaker and their puppet pals for programs that nurture family bonds and bridge connections to Jewish life and traditions.

WANT TO GO? 646-437-4202. mjhnyc.org. ››

Have a wild summer in camp at the

WCS Zoos and Aquarium!

Toddlers to teens connect with nature in the heart of the big city.

Habonim Dror

CAMP NA'ALEH

The Bronx, Central Park, Queens & Prospect Park Zoos and the NY Aquarium host summer camps and school break camps with live animal encounters, private exhibit visits and more.

A Progressive, Values-Based Jewish Community

Co-Ed Sleepaway Camp for Ages 8-17 Summer Options Include: 4-week and 7-week sessions 2-week mini-session for first time campers!

92%

Retention Rate

An Inclusive, Empowering Community where every camper has a voice and every camper feels at home

Activities Include: Swimming and Boating Hiking and Nature Sports, Art and Theater Israeli Singing and Dancing Outside Trips

Discounts and Financial Aid Still Available Contact Camp Na'aleh at (212) 229-2700 or email roshnaaleh@gmail.com Learn more about us at www.nymetroparents.com/listing/Camp-Na-aleh

Like us on Facebook!

THE WILD TRAVELER TEEN ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Go to www.wcs.org/camps

to register starting January 12th

HAWAII/KAUAI - 17 DAYS

SCUBA | SURF | HIKE | KAYAK | SNORKEL | SERVICE

Make your summer amazing! Join The Wild Traveler’s 17-day teen tour to Hawaii & Kauai. We’ll hike Volcanoes National Park, get SCUBA certified, surf Kauai’s north shore, kayak jungle rivers, hike the Na Pali Coast, volunteer on an ongoing habitat restoration project, visit Hawaii’s best beaches, sample local cuisine, swim under majestic waterfalls, explore ancient Hawaiian temples and so much more! Everything is included. No experience required.

1-866-514-0829 | info@thewildtraveler.com | thewildtraveler.com BigAppleParent 49

Pajama Glow-in-the-Dark Yoga

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 26, 6:30-8pm WHERE: Karma Kids Yoga, 25 W. 23rd St., 3rd Floor, Gramercy Park AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Kids should wear their pajamas (preferably white or neon colored) to this special Friday night class where they’ll embark on a yoga adventure, play games, and enjoy a story and yummy-smelling foot rubs.

WANT TO GO? $30. 646-638-1444. karmakidsyoga.com.

Wollman Rink Public Skating

WHEN: Through March 1: Monday-Tuesday, 10am-2:30pm; WednesdayThursday, 10am-10pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-11pm; Sundays, 10am-9pm WHERE: Trump Wollman Rink, 59th Street and Central Park South, Central Park AGES: All WHAT: Skate under the amazing view of the Manhattan skyline. Central Park’s famous rink is a tourist favorite but worth doing even if you are a local. There is also a carousel to ride on in between skates for a $3 fee.

WANT TO GO? Monday-Thursday, $11.25; $6 children ages 11 and younger; $5 seniors. Friday-Sunday and holidays: $18; $9 seniors; $6 children ages 11 and younger. 212-819-8165. wollmanskatingrink.com.

Bank of America Winter Village

WHEN: Through March 6: daily, 10am-10pm WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This popular holiday treat is free to skate (skate hire is extra), so make your reservations early in the season to beat the crowds. There’s also food, drink, and Le Carrousel.

WANT TO GO? Skate hire starts at $15. wintervillage.org.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center

MOVERS & SHAKERS Gwendolyn Simmons’ Soul on Ice Winter Skating Party

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 6, 1:30-3:30pm WHERE: Lasker Rink in Central Park, 2 Lenox Ave., Harlem AGES: All WHAT: The Gwendolyn Simmons’ Soul on Ice Winter Skating Party is an annual community event where skaters, their families, friends, and community members enjoy a day of skating. Organized by the parents of Figure Skating in Harlem, the Winter Skating Party is an afternoon of fun for the entire family and community including food, music, raffle prizes, and ice-skating demonstrations.

WANT TO GO? $15. 646-698-3440. figureskatinginharlem.org.

Play Fair 2016

WHEN: Feb. 13-14, Saturday-Sunday, see website for schedule WHERE: Javits Convention Center, 655 W. 34th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: A celebration of play and entertainment for all ages, Play Fair brings new and beloved toy and pop culture brands together under one roof for an interactive and fun-filled live event open to families, collectors, and media.

WANT TO GO? $30. 828-333-9419. javitscenter.com.

Family Art Workshop: Get Moving! FREE

WHEN: Feb. 6-21, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-12:15pm WHERE: The Museum of Modern Art, 4 W. 54th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: How do artists move their bodies when creating their art? Experiment with gesture and movement in this mixed media workshop. Explore works of art in MoMA’s galleries, then use your experience as inspiration for art-making in the studio. Ages vary by workshop. Kids and adults participate together.

WANT TO GO? 212-708-9805. moma.org/family.

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Through April 30: 8:30am-10pm WHERE: The Rockefeller Center, 600 Fifth Ave., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: The most famous rink in NYC. Skate around this landmark in a 90-minute session and get in the seasonal mood.

WANT TO GO? $25-$32; $15 seniors and children ages 11 and younger; $12 skate rental. 212-938-0005. therinkatrockcenter.com.

DANCE PARTY ‘Romeo and Juliet’

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 13, 8pm WHERE: Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, 2900 Campus Road, Flatbush, Brooklyn AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with this romantic ballet. This full-scale production is choreographed by Bolshoi Ballet choreographer Michael Lavrovsky and based on William Shakespeare’s timeless tale of tragic love.

Featuring 55 of Russia’s brightest ballet stars, The State Ballet Theatre of Russia brings this celebration of true love on to the stage.

WANT TO GO? $35-$60. 718-951-4500. brooklyncenter.org.

Beats, Rhymes and Breaking

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 20, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: From head spins to windmills, and from six-step to the trusty pop and lock, prepare the kids for a unique program of jaw-dropping break dance action from a collective of artists based in New York City.

WANT TO GO? $15-18. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

Hack-a-thon House Party FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 20, 12-5pm WHERE: BRIC House, 647 Fulton St., Fort Greene, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Brooklyn’s best family daytime parties continue with special daytime activities, including family dance classes, gaming, art making, and other participatory activities, all ending with a family disco party.

WANT TO GO? 718-683-5600. bricartsmedia.org.

TINOUSL AMERICA’S OLDEST COUN RUNNING CO-ED CAMP!

Y

AFFORDABLE RATES, BEAUTIFUL 700 ACRE PROPERTY. PROGRAMS FOR CAMPERS AGED 5 TO 15 Untapped

WHEN: Feb. 5-21, various showtimes, see website for details WHERE: New Victory Theatre, 209 W. 42nd St., Times Square Theater District AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Mixing street dance styles, percussion, and a healthy dose of Aussie humor, these high-octane dancers bring intricate syncopation to a playlist of funk, hip-hop, jazz, and rock. Joined by a beatboxer and a live band, this charismatic crew will have you tapping along to this raucous reinvention of rhythm.

WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.

SLEEPAWAY AND DAY CAMP PROGRAMS AVAI LABLE. MANY ACTIVITES TO CHOOSE FROM INCLUDING; SPORTS, ARTS, CERAMICS, & WATERFRONT OPTIONS.

‘Sesame Street Live! Let’s Dance’

WHEN: Feb. 11-21, see website for schedule WHERE: Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Hosted by two live performers, Sesame Street Live Let’s Dance! offers an up-close, interactive experience. The audience is invited to dance right along with all their favorite Sesame Street friends.

WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 212-465-6741. theateratmsg.com.

WWW.INCARNATIONCAMP.ORG SPRING OPEN HOUSES AND TOURS AVAILABLE. INFO@INCARNATIONCAMP.ORG OR 860-787-0848 FOR MORE DETAILS

Just Dance! Midwinter Recess

WHEN: Feb. 13-21, see website for schedule WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: In this weeklong festival, celebrate dance and movement at the Children’s Museum. Experience other cultures with the dancers of Kinding Sindaw and J-Hoon Musical Ensemble, explore health with PopFit Kids, and appreciate the arts and creativity with Manhattan School of Music and Jersey City Ballet Theater.

WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $12; free for children younger than 12 months. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Washington’s Birthday Ball

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 21, 1-3pm WHERE: Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, 421 E. 61st St., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Bring the family to celebrate the birthday of our Nation’s First President as New Yorkers did in the 19th century. Costumed dancers will perform and teach traditional country dances and encourage visitors to join in. Festivities include toasts to George Washington and historic refreshments.

WANT TO GO? $15; $10 for children younger than 12. 212-838-6878. mvhm.org.

Coming up next month: MARCH 5-6: Kids Food Festival in Bryant Park MARCH 17: The NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade MARCH 20-APRIL 3: Macy’s Flower Show

SWIM

SPORTS

TRIPS

ACTIVITIES

ARTS

BUS SERVICE

REGISTRATION OPEN. CAMP STARTS JUNE 29!

UPPER EAST SIDE

555 E. 90th St. (at york avenue)

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WHERE-TO GUIDE

Kid-Friendly Museums ›› Research by Alessandra Herrera

©AMNH/D.Finnin

Dig up dirt on extinct species, go back in time with a history lesson, and immerse yourself in another culture—all this is possible at local children’s museums! There’s no shortage of exciting destinations where your kids can soak up equal parts education and excitement. All of these museums have exhibits specifically geared toward the kid crowd, so no one will be disappointed when you set out on your adventure. Most destinations even have tours, so you and your kids can become experts on presidents, dinosaurs, tornados, or whatever you wish, all in a day’s admission!

Hours and exhibitions are subject to change—please call ahead or check the website to confirm.

The 122-foot-long Titanosaur cast at the American Museum of Natural History is too large to fit into the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Orientation Center—part of its 39-foot-long neck extends out toward the elevator banks, welcoming visitors to the fossil halls.

9/11 Memorial Museum 180 Greenwich St., Lower Manhattan 646-757-5554 911memorial.org Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 9am8pm; Friday-Saturday, 9am-9pm Admission: $24; $18 seniors, veterans, and college students; $15 children ages 7-17; free for members and children younger than 7 The 9/11 Memorial Museum offers age-appropriate entry points into the history of the World Trade Center, 9/11, and its aftermath. On Saturdays, children can participate in drop-in activity stations tied to artifacts and themes. Special monthly programs, Stories & Art and K9 for Kids, invite children and their adult

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caregivers to hear stories with a theme tied to 9/11 and participate in an art project. All programs are free to ticketed museum visitors.

American Museum of Natural History Central Park West at 79th Street, Upper West Side 212-769-5100; amnh.org Hours: Daily, 10am-5:45pm Admission: Suggested donation: $22; $17 students and seniors; $12.50 children ages 2-12 One of the largest museums in the world, the collections here are made up of more than 32 million specimens and artifacts.

The Titanosaur: The fossil remains of a recently discovered

February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

122-foot-long dinosaur is on view through Jan. 19, 2020.

Center for Architecture 536 LaGuardia Place, West Village 212-358-6133; cfafoundation.org Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm; Saturday, 11am-5pm Admission: Free; prices vary per program The Center for Architecture promotes understanding and appreciation of architecture and design through educational programs for K-12 schools, families, and the general public.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan The Tisch Building, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side 212-721-1223; cmom.org Hours: Sunday and TuesdayFriday, 10am-5pm; Saturday and Monday public school holidays, 10am-7pm Admission: $12; $8 seniors; free for children younger than 1; free for all 5-8pm on the first Friday of each month CMOM inspires kids to learn about themselves and the world around them through interactive exhibits and programs such as America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far, in which children and families celebrate the diversity of Muslim cultures through art, architecture, design, and music.

PlayWorks: A permanent exhibit where children age 4 and younger feed alphabet letters to a talking dragon, drive a fire truck, and more while exploring language, art, science, and imagination.

Frolic!: Children ages 5 and younger can sing, dance, and play at this rock ‘n’ roll-themed space with a mini performance stage, interactive video wall, and Rolling Stones-inspired tongue slide.

Children’s Museum of the Arts 103 Charlton St., Soho

212-274-0986; cmany.org Hours: Mondays, 12-5pm; Thursday-Friday, 12-6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm Admission: $12; free for seniors and children younger than 1; pay as you wish Thursdays from 4-6pm A hands-on arts museum that engages young artists with a clay bar, fine art studio, WEE space (for ages 5 and younger), and a media lab and sound booth.

Wonderful World!: An interactive installation for visitors to add their personal touch to a world map by using elements of drawing, painting, and collage techniques.

DiMenna Children’s History Museum at New-York Historical Society 170 Central Park West at Richard Gilder Way, Upper West Side 212-873-3400; nyhistory.org Hours: Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, 10am-6pm; Friday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm.

Admission: $20; $15 seniors, educators, and active military; $12 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for kids younger than 4; pay as you wish Fridays from 6-8pm.

Admission includes entrance into the New-York Historical Society.

Located on the lower level of the New-York Historical Society, this is the first-ever museum that brings American history to life through the eyes of children. Targeted toward children ages 8-13, the museum features life stories of a diverse selection of youngsters who lived in NYC from the late 17th to the 20th centuries.

Museum Scavenger Hunts: Families team up for a historical scavenger hunt through the museum.

Participation prizes are awarded.

Jewish Museum 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side 212-423-3200; thejewishmuseum.org Hours: Saturday-Tuesday, 11am5:45pm; Thursdays, 11am-8pm; Fridays, 11am-4pm

nymetroparents.com/where-to Admission: $15; $12 seniors; $7.50 students; free for children 18 and younger. Pay as you wish on Thursdays, and free admission on Saturdays From dancing with celebrated kindie performers at a live concert, to excavating ancient replicas in a simulated archaeological dig, to designing mixed-media artworks, families enjoy a wide range of programs at the Jewish Museum. On Sundays and select weekdays, families can participate in the Museum’s Drop-in Art Workshop, attend music and theater performances, and explore art exhibitions together.

They can also visit Archaeology Zone, an interactive exhibition designed for children, as well as engage in holiday programs and specialized art workshops during winter vacation weeks.

Metropolitan Museum of Art 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side 212-535-7710 metmuseum.org Hours: Daily, 10am-9pm Admission: $25; $17 seniors; $12 students; free for children younger than 12 The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s programs for kids and families are designed to spark imagination, creativity, and lifelong connections with art. Drop-in programs such as Art Trek and Sunday Studio offer fun through looking, learning, and creating art together. Sign up for classes taught by educators and artists who use the entire museum as an expanded classroom. Get started with #MetKids, a new digital art feature made for, with, and by kids ages 7–12 that includes an interactive map, videos starring kid reporters, and more. Find it at metmuseum.org/metkids.

Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden 421 E. 61st St., Upper East Side 212-838-6878 mvhm.org Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-4pm Admission: $8; $7 seniors and students with ID; free for children younger than 12 Travel back in time to an early 19th-century country resort where New Yorkers came for a day of fun and relaxation. Family-friendly tours highlight activities that were popular in the 1800s. Touch Collection baskets encourage children to role-play life during this time. In the Children’s

Corner, young visitors can dress up in reproduction clothing for pretend play in a replica of the historic kitchen. Afterward, try out historic toys and games in the museum’s backyard garden.

Upcoming family programs include Teddy Bear Tea and Washington’s Birthday Ball.

Museum of Mathematics 11 E. 26th St., Gramercy 212-542-0566 momath.org Hours: Daily, 10am-5pm Admission: $15; $9 seniors ages 65 and older, students, and children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger At MoMath, discover the side of math you’ve never seen before with exhibits and activities such as Seeing Math, an exhibit that shows math in a whole new lights, and SquareWheeled Trike, a surprisingly smooth ride on square wheels.

Museum of Modern Art 11 W. 53rd St., Midtown West 212-708-9400 moma.org Hours: Saturday-Thursday, 10:30am-5:30am; Fridays, 10:30am-8pm Admission: $25; $18 seniors; $14 students with ID; free for children 16 and younger. Free admission on Fridays from 4-8pm.

Discover modern and contemporary art with your family with programs and resources specially designed for families with kids ages 4-14.

Spend time at free gallery talks, art workshops, and film screenings, or get creative at Art Lab, an interactive space.

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National Academy Museum & School 1083 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side 212-369-4880 nationalacademy.org Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 11am-6pm Admission: Pay as you wish; free for children younger than 12 The National Academy Museum & School provides a double helping of creative, engaging programming this season. The school hosts half- and full-day art camps over the winter. Open to ages 5-17 and led by trained art educators and professional artists, camps offer courses in mixed media, digital photography, drawing, painting, and sculpture.

continued on next page ››

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New York City Fire Museum 278 Spring St., Soho 212-691-1303 nycfiremuseum.org Hours: Daily, 10am-5pm Admission: $8; $5 children ages 2-12, seniors, and students with college ID; free for children younger than 2 The New York City Fire Museum displays the evolution of firefighting from the bucket brigades of Peter Stuyvesant’s New Amsterdam through the colorful history of volunteer firefighters to modern firefighting techniques and equipment. The museum also houses a memorial to the 343 members of the FDNY who made the supreme sacrifice on 9/11. Fire safety tours are available for groups.

New-York Historical Society 170 Central Park West, Upper West Side 212-873-3400 nyhistory.org Hours: Tuesday-Thursday and Saturdays, 10am-6pm; Fridays, 10am-8pm; Sundays, 11am-5pm Admission: $20; $15 seniors, educators, and active military; $12 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger Experience the wonder of trains and toys with the whimsical train exhibition and family programs.

The Train Hunt is available anytime families visit.

South Street Seaport Museum 12 Fulton St., Lower Manhattan 212-748-8753 seany.org Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm Admission: FREE Learn all about New York Harbor and its science and history. Visit the South Street Seaport Museum with your family for Tall Ships Tours and gallery exhibitions.

Periodic family programs offer hands-on workshops for schoolaged children on everything from boat design to plankton studies, and fun educational sails on the Schooner Pioneer. MiniMates program for toddlers and preschoolers and their care-givers offers fun and relaxed learning in a creative environment with music, movement, art, science, and free play.

SONY Wonder Technology Lab 550 Madison Ave., Upper East Side 212-833-8100 wondertechlab.sony.com Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30am-5pm Admission: FREE, but reservations are highly recommended (especially during school vacations) and can be made via phone Tuesday-Friday, 9am2pm. A limited number of sameday tickets are available on a first come, first served basis beginning at 9:30am.

This free technology and entertainment museum engages kids of all ages with its dynamic, state-of-the-art facility that unites technology and creativity for entertaining, experiential learning. It houses a wide variety of permanent, interactive exhibits, including Virtual Surgery, where visitors can “feel” what it’s like to perform open-heart surgery; WSWL Production Studio, which explores the various roles associated with television production; GameBuilder, where visitors can create their own computer racing game; and Music Mixer, which explores the process of making music by manipulating different audio tracks and creating a new mix.

Family-Friendly Films: SWTL hosts free film screenings in its high-definition theater. For the full schedule, visit wondertechlab. sony.com.

Whitney Museum of American Art 99 Gansevoort St., West Village 212-570-3600 whitney.org Hours: Sunday-Monday and Wednesday-Thursday, 10:30am6pm; Friday-Saturday, 10:30am10pm Admission: $22; $18 seniors and students; free for children younger than 18 Focusing on 20th-century and contemporary art, this museum hosts interactive tours, art making workshops, and special events for kids, such as their Sketching Tours, Whitney Wees, and Open Studio on select Saturdays and Sundays.

Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/museums

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FOOD & NUTRITION

Tacos for Every Meal

››

Three recipes that just might get you to live ‘The Taco Cleanse’ lifestyle.

While people generally dread the beginning of the work and school week—we’d rather be having fun with our kids, too!—there’s nothing to dread about #TacoTuesday. We’ve got your meals for the day covered with three recipes from The Taco Cleanse: The Tortilla-Based Diet Proven to Change Your Life for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and dessert! These recipes are vegan, but if you only go meatless on Mondays, feel free to switch up some of the ingredients with your usual fare.

Mighty Migas Fills 8 tacos What started out as a way to use up leftover corn tortillas has become a staple of brunch tables. Migas tacos are transformational because they contain two superfoods: corn and flour tortillas. If you’ve been afflicted with collywobbles or gripe, try eating at least one migas taco a week. Because your homemade corn tortillas are probably too delicious to leave any leftovers, tortilla chips stand in here.

• 1 Tbsp. cooking oil • ½ cup (70 g) chopped onion • 1 jalapeno, sliced into rings • 14-16 oz. (397-454 g) firm tofu, drained • 1 tsp. salt • ½ tsp. ground cumin • 1/8 tsp. black pepper

• 1 cup (37 g) crumbled tortilla chips • 1 cup (170 g) seeded, chopped tomato • ¼ cup (15 g) nutritional yeast •¼ cup (60 ml) unsweetened plant milk or water • ½ cup (48 g) vegan cheddar, optional • 8 flour tortillas

1. H eat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion and jalapeño for 2 minutes, or until the onion starts to soften.

2. Crumble the tofu into the pan and sprinkle with the salt, cumin, and pepper.

Cook until the tofu is dry and browned on at least one side, approximately 10 minutes. Try not to stir too often as this prevents browning.

3. A dd the rest of the ingredients, including the cheese if you’re using it, and stir thoroughly. Cook until the tomato softens and the liquid is completely absorbed. Serve in the flour tortillas.

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Mexican Chopped Salad Tacos Makes 8 tacos The special amino acid profile of this taco results in the perfect antioxidantoxidant ratio.

Cumin-Lime Vinaigrette • ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil • 2 Tbsp. lime juice • ½ Tbsp. agave nectar • ¼ tsp. cumin • 1 garlic clove‚ minced • Large pinch of salt Salad • 2 cups (85 g) chopped romaine lettuce

• 12 cherry tomatoes‚ halved • Kernels sliced from 1 ear of corn‚ or ¾ cup (130 g) thawed frozen corn • ½ medium avocado‚ chopped • ½ cup (85 g) cooked black beans • ¼ cup (45 g) chopped bell pepper • ¼ cup (40 g) chopped jicama • 2 Tbsp. diced red onion • 2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro • 8 corn tortillas

1. Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients until emulsified.

2. Combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle on the

vinaigrette and thoroughly mix together. (The salad and vinaigrette can be made in advance, but do not mix the two until the last minute.)

Divide among the eight tortillas. Serve immediately.

Inspiring Churro-Waffle Tacos Makes 3 churro-waffle tacos We at Taco Headquarters have a fondness for churros, but there are inherent issues preventing churro consumption on a Taco Cleanse. Deep-fryer temperatures can be finicky and splattering oil can be painful. Most relevant to our concerns, a churro is not a taco. The crunchy fritters emerge from the hot oil as a star-shaped extrusion, void of taco benefits. We have reformulated the batter to work in a waffle iron, allowing the finished churro to be folded in half. Fill your cinnamonkissed churro taco with a banana and agave nectar to maintain peak levels.

Tortillas: • ½ cup (106 g) sugar • ½ tsp. cinnamon • 2 tsp. cornstarch • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour • 1 tsp. baking powder • ¼ tsp. salt • 1 cup (240 ml) water

• ¼ cup (60 ml) canola oil • ¼ cup (60 ml) agave nectar Fillings • 3 bananas, sliced in half lengthwise • Agave nectar

1. On a shallow plate, whisk together ¼ cup (53 g) sugar and ¼ tsp. cinnamon and set aside. Whisk together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, remaining ¼ cup sugar, and ¼ tsp. cinnamon in a large bowl. Add the water and oil to the bowl and stir until just combined.

2. Follow your waffle iron’s directions to cook the waffles, using 2/3 cup (160 ml) of the batter for each.

3. Press one side of each waffle into the plate of cinnamon sugar while still warm. With the sugar side up, lay 2 banana halves side by side on one half of the waffle. Drizzle with agave nectar and fold waffle in half to cradle the bananas.

Recipes from The Taco Cleanse: The Tortilla-Based Diet Proven to Change Your Life ©Wes Allison, Stephanie Bogdanich, Molly R. Frisinger, Jessica Morris, 2015. Reprinted by permission of the publisher, The Experiment. Available wherever books are sold. theexperimentpublishing.com.

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BigAppleParent 57

Open Wide!

Your top questions about kids’ dental health, answered by local experts. ››

A

lthough February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, local dentists and orthodontists offer their expert advice yearround on nymetroparents.com. We’ve compiled some of the most recent Q-and-A posts we’ve published on our site: At what age do I need to start brushing and flossing my child’s teeth?

Before your child has any teeth, you should wipe the mouth and gums with moist gauze or soft wet washcloth after feedings and before bedtime.

Once the first tooth comes in, you should use a small, soft bristled, age-appropriate toothbrush to clean the teeth two times per day: in the morning after breakfast and in the evening before bedtime. The last thing to touch a child’s teeth before bed should be a toothbrush.

At first, no toothpaste is necessary; simply wet the toothbrush with water. For children younger than 3, a rice-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste should be used. For children ages 3-6, a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste should be used. In order to maximize the beneficial effect of fluoride—a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by making enamel more resistant to acids and harmful bacteria—your child should not rinse after brushing his teeth.

Flossing should be initiated when adjacent tooth surfaces cannot be cleansed with a toothbrush. Kid’s flossers are an excellent aid in flossing children’s teeth.

—Marita Smith, D.D.S, a pediatric dentist at A&R Advanced Dental Group in Pamona

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

I’m concerned about radiation from dental X-rays; does my child really need them?

Radiation exposure from digital dental X-rays is far less than traditional film X-rays. It is important to make sure your dentist is using digital films along with protection in the form of a lead apron and thyroid collar. X-rays are also not necessary at each dental visit. Your dentist should be referring to American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and Food and Drug Administration guidelines as to when X-rays are necessary. “Because each patient is unique, the need for dental radiographs can be determined only after reviewing the patient’s medical and dental histories, completing a clinical examination, and assessing the patient’s vulnerability to environmental factors that affect oral health,” according to the AAPD. As long as your dentist takes all of the above into account, if he is recommending X-rays, it is pertinent to giving an accurate diagnosis about dental health.

—Adam Postel, D.M.D., a dentist in private practice with Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics, which has locations in Massapequa Park, Nesconset, and West Islip What do I do if my child has a dental emergency at school?

First, try not to panic too much as you approach your child. There often is a lot of bleeding if the injury involves the mouth. The oral tissues are highly vascular, so profuse bleeding is common. If the school nurse has not done so already, place an ice pack on the injury and apply

light gauze pressure to the site of injury. This will usually control the bleeding, and the ice will help with any swelling. If the injury involves the mouth or jaw, call your child’s dentist right away. You may want to call your dental office as you head to the school so that it is prepared to see your little one as soon as possible. Pediatric dentists are trained to handle these emergencies.

If there is general head trauma, and your child is complaining of headache, dizziness, or disorientation, take your child to the emergency room immediately to rule out a concussion.

If a permanent tooth has been knocked out of your child’s mouth, do everything you can to locate the tooth. Try not to handle the tooth by the root. Make no attempt to clean the tooth if there is visible dirt or debris. Place the tooth in a cup of milk or a “tooth saver solution,” if the school nurse has it. The most ideal scenario is to place the tooth back in the socket if your child allows, but we often find that the parent and child are too nervous to do so, and that is okay. Take your child and the tooth to your dentist as soon as possible. Time really is important in this case, and the sooner the tooth is re-implanted and stabilized, the better the prognosis.

If the tooth is a baby tooth, it will not be re-implanted; your child will just have an early tooth fairy visit. You should still have your child examined; take the baby tooth with you, if you have it. Your pediatric dentist will evaluate the other teeth for any signs of mobility or damage as well as evaluate the jaws and bite to rule out a fracture.

Lastly, try to stay calm. If your child sees fear and terror in your eyes it will only heighten her anxiety. Assure her everything will be okay, that dental trauma is common, and “your dentist will take good, gentle care of you!” And don’t forget to commend her (and yourself) for being brave in a scary situation.

—Mahnaz Khan, D.D.S., a board-certified pediatric dentist at Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry in Westbury Can cavities be spread from person to person?

Believe it or not, you can catch a cavity.

Dental cavities are the single most common chronic childhood disease.

While the cause of dental decay is multi-factorial, most parents blame candy, snacking, or sugary drinks such as juice or soda. These certainly contribute to dental decay, but bacteria also cause cavities. The main culprit is a bacteria called Streptococcus mutans, which lives in the plaque on your teeth and feeds off the sugars in your mouth, producing an acid that weakens your teeth and causes cavities.

Like most bacteria, Streptococcus mutans can be transmitted from one person to another. This is especially true between caregivers and children, and also happens between couples or people living closely together. Research has shown that children usually get the cavity causing bacteria from mom.

The better a parent or caregiver takes care of her teeth, the less likely it is that she will transmit the bacteria. Parents can lower the bacteria in their mouth with basic oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist.

Treating and preventing cavities in a parent’s mouth helps both the parent and child. Just like avoiding sharing other germs, caregivers should refrain from tasting children’s food, kissing children on the lips, and other actions that could cause the spread of the bacteria.

—Marc Bennet, D.M.D., a board-certified pediatric dentist at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental, which has locations in Massapequa Park, Nesconset, and West Islip How can I decide which orthodontic treatment is best for my child?

Orthodontic braces are used to straighten teeth, close spaces, and help align the bite, which will result in a more esthetic smile and can help improve the function of your bite. The available types of braces all rely on a metal arch wire that applies light pressure in order to move the teeth into their correct position. Traditional metal braces are made from stainless steel, giving them the “metallic” and more obvious appearance that most people associate with having braces. Metal braces were once the only option orthodontic patients had if they wanted to straighten their teeth. continued on next page ››

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‹‹

severity of your orthodontic issues, the cost, and your personal preference.

With so many options, it can be confusing to decide which one works best for you. That’s why we recommend scheduling a consultation with an orthodontic specialist in your area to review what your options are.

Your final choice will be a combination of your personal preferences and your orthodontist’s professional opinion.

—Eleni Michailidis, D.D.S., and Abraham Chahine, D.D.S., partners at Avenue Orthodontics in Whitestone, Queens Clear braces were created with esthetics in mind to provide an option for patients who wanted to fix their teeth but preferred a less obvious alternative to metal braces. Clear braces are the same size and shape as traditional metal braces and they work the same way.

The main difference is that clear braces are made from non-metal materials such as ceramic and plastic. Using a clear material helps hide the fact that you’re wearing braces by blending in with your teeth.

Clear braces should not be confused with Invisalign®, which is another alternative esthetic option available to orthodontic patients.

Invisalign® consists of a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually move the teeth into their final corrected position. The main difference between braces and Invisalign® is that in the latter wires are not used to straighten the teeth and the aligners are removable.

There are a number of factors that must be considered when deciding which type of treatment you should choose, including the

Traditional Metal Braces Pros: • They are the least expensive of all the options.

• They are strong and rarely break or chip.

• They are bonded to the teeth, and so progress doesn’t depend on your child wearing them or not.

• Kids tend to like picking colors for the elastic ties that are changed at every visit.

Con:

• They are more visible than ceramic braces and Invisalign®

Clear (Ceramic) Braces Pros:

• They blend in with the teeth and tend to be less noticeable.

• They are bonded to the teeth and progress doesn’t depend on your child wearing them or not.

Con: • The clear elastic ties can stain, though these are changed at monthly visits.

• They are usually more expensive than metal braces.

Invisalign® Pros:

• They are the most esthetic option.

• It’s easier to keep teeth clean than with metal and clear (ceramic) braces.

Con:

• They are usually the most expensive option.

• In some cases, your child may need more aligners than originally predicted.

• They only work if your child wears them the recommended amount of time (22 hours per day).

• They may not be as effective as traditional braces in treating certain types of orthodontic issues.

Are there any dental concerns I should be aware of while I’m pregnant?

As soon as a woman becomes aware that she is pregnant, she should visit her dentist for an oral exam and plan for dental care during her pregnancy.

While dental procedures should be kept at a minimum, procedures should be undertaken in emergencies to prevent pain, further caries (cavities), or worsening of gingival, gum disease, or infections. The goal is to minimize infections in the mouth and extensive procedures that can have an impact on the developing fetus.

As a result of increases in the hormones estrogen and progesterone, women may notice more gingival problems such as tenderness and sensitivity. Many women experience “pregnancy gingivitis” marked by increased bleeding, redness, and swelling of the gums. This is in response to irritants in the mouth such as plaque or calculus (tarter).

Gums that are swollen are also a haven for trapped food. Cravings for carbohydrates and sweets can lead to caries, so the mother should be informed of the importance of a proper diet. Minimizing sugary snacks (which combine with plaque) will lessen the chance of decay and further problems. If there is morning sickness, it is wise to swish or rinse with water after vomiting to rinse away stomach acids. Morning sickness can erode the enamel (the tooth’s protective layer) and make it easier for decay to develop.

Professional cleanings (prophylaxis) are safe and should be done often, along with an excellent home-care regimen. If gum disease is left untreated, it can progress to bone loss with the more serious consequence of tooth loss. You also want to avoid oral infections, such as gum disease, because they’ve been linked to preterm birth.

During the first trimester, women can be treated for emergencies.

However, it’s best, if possible, not to go ahead with elective dental treatment. This will help you avoid potential risks to fetal development.

The second trimester is the best time for treatment, either elective or emergency. At this time, the risk of side effects is lower as the development of the fetal organs is complete. Women are generally more comfortable in this second trimester. It’s a good idea to keep legs uncrossed while sitting in the dental chair to maintain healthy circulation.

A pillow and music could make the visit more comfortable and pleasant for the mother and baby.

During the third trimester, only emergency treatment should be done.

Any elective dental work should wait until after the baby is born. This is to avoid the risk of premature labor. The third trimester also presents issues for some women, such as backaches, frequent need to use the bathroom, or discomfort sitting in the dental chair for long periods at a time.

Another question that arises regarding safety of dental treatment during pregnancy is whether the expectant mother can have X-rays, anesthesia, and/or medication. Routine X-rays are not recommended, but emergency X-rays can be done. The American College of Radiology says that no single X-ray has a radiation dose significant enough to cause adverse effects in a developing embryo or fetus. Two aprons for X-rays can be used for added protection. Local anesthesia in Category B (considered safe in pregnancy), such as lidocaine, can be used. But because lidocaine does cross the placenta, the amount administered should be minimal—only enough to make the expectant mother comfortable. No nitrous oxide should be used.

Antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin (also considered Catergory B) may be prescribed if needed after a procedure.

—Carole Horowitz, D.M.D., a family and cosmetic dentist with offices in Lynbrook and Plainview. She practices with her husband, Ronald Knoll, D.M.D., M.S., a prosthodontist. continued on page 62 ››

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

continued from page 60

At what age should I be concerned with my child sucking her thumb or grinding her teeth?

You can’t get anywhere until the child is at least 2. Then, you should try to limit the amount of time it’s happening.

You have to cut the frequency of the habit before you can try to eradicate it. So whenever your child sucks her thumb, she has to go to bed for 15 minutes, like a timeout. Within approximately three months, she will only be sucking her thumb in bed.

However, that doesn’t always work. We do have some things we can place in the mouth starting at age 4½ that will give the child some support in terms of ending the habit.

My favorite is a bluegrass appliance—a non-punitive means of stopping the habit. A bluegrass appliance is a little bead that is attached to two braces on the teeth. The child will play her tongue against that—it’s much more fun than sucking her thumb. So she’ll start playing with the bluegrass appliance and within a few weeks will stop sucking her thumb.

We generally leave the appliance in for 6 months, and when we remove it, there’s nothing for her to go back to. The thumb habit has lost its appeal, and the appliance is gone.

We don’t really react to grinding until after the 6-year molars have erupted. Ninety percent of children who grind stop at that point because the eruption of the 6-year molars makes grinding teeth uncomfortable. We only intervene in children older than 6 who persistently grind their teeth.

—Lawrence Dinkes, D.D.S., founder of Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics, which has locations in Bridgeport and Huntington, CT

Sugary Sweets: Candies rated from worst to best for oral health • Taffy and candies filled with caramel, coconut, or nuts: They stick to everything in your mouth, including the grooves of your teeth. The longer a food sticks to your teeth, the longer bacteria can feed on it, which could produce cavity-causing acid.

• Hard candy such as lollipops or jawbreakers: Although they do not stick to your mouth, they take a long time to dissolve.

• Sour candy: It has a higher acidic content, which can break down tooth enamel.

• While powdery candy such as Pixie Stix: Although it dissolves quickly in the mouth and doesn’t require chewing, it contains nothing but sugar and can lead to cavities by changing the mouth’s pH and giving bacteria straight sugar to eat.

• Plain chocolate: It will generally not stick to your teeth and therefore it is a much better option if you have a sweet tooth.

• Sugar-free gum: It leaves no sticky residue, which causes plaque, and it is sweetened with xylitol, a natural sugar on which bacteria is unable to form plaque.

—Timothy Chase, D.M.D., a practicing partner in SmilesNY, a leading cosmetic dentistry practice in New York City

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BigAppleParent 63

All photos courtesy Estée Pouleris

OUTINGS: Palisades Center

The carousel at the Palisades Center is located in the food court.

A Surprising Family Destination

Who knew there was a Mall of America-like shopping center in our own backyard? ›› By Estée Pouleris

S

pending the day in the mall has come a long way over the years. What used to be a place mostly for shopping, eating, and people watching has evolved, in many cases, to a full-blown family-fun destination.

The Palisades Center—located at 1000 Palisades Center Drive in West Nyack in Rockland County—has a huge range of fun offerings for all ages.

You can spend an entire day at Palisades Center with your family without stepping foot into a retail store if you don’t want to, and your kids will be delighted with the activities they can choose from. After all, it’s one of the largest malls in the U.S. and even has its own indoor Ferris wheel!

Billy Beez

Estée Pouleris’ daughter swings in Billy’s Rainforest, a 26,000-square-foot play arena at Billy Beez, located on level 1 of the Palisades Center.

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The sheer size of this indoor play space, along with its range of physical activities and intricate colorful obstacles, easily exceed kids’ expectations. The security and cleanliness at Billy Beez more than satisfy parents’ requirements.

When you pay admission, each guardian and child receives a wristband with a barcode printed with an ID number. Once all IDs are verified, you’re allowed access beyond the gated entry and into an expansive 26,000-square-foot play arena. No one is allowed to leave the facility without having their wristbands checked and matched to their guardians’.

February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Just inside the entrance is an area of storage cubes to stash your belongings and shoes. This area tends to get very busy, so to avoid the congestion we skipped the cubbies. Instead we piled our winter coats and shoes in our stroller then parked it in the very back of the facility.

This was also our designated meeting place if anyone got separated.

Many parts of the facility feel like a hamster’s maze of tunnels, which isn’t always a parent’s idea of a good time. However seeing the twinkle in my daughter’s eyes when experiencing this sensory wonderland made the adventure worth it.

Older kids can easily play together without a guardian tagging along. And with free Wi-Fi, many parents sat at the back tables with their laptops and seemed to tune out the frenzy of squeals around them.

Visit billybeez.com for pricing and hours.

Tips for Visiting Billy Beez • Bring socks.

•D ress in pants, jeans, or leggings for more comfortable crawling through tubes and less sticking on the slides.

• Pick a meeting spot at which to gather if you get separated.

•N o outside food our drinks allowed. They have a café with reasonable prices. I brought in our own water, which was not an issue.

• Monday to Friday are their quieter days.

• Free Wi-Fi is available.

•B illy Beez offers babysitting in 2-hour segments, but this has to be arranged 24 hours in advance. Great idea for a date night at the movie theater or bowling alley within the mall.

nymetroparents.com/outings

Food Court, Ferris Wheel, & Carousel

The main food court at the Palisades Center has typical restaurant options but the mall also has a welcome range of higher-end restaurants.

After working up an appetite we opted to eat in the food court.

There is a large Ferris wheel at one end of the food court and a charming double-decker carousel at the other end. It felt more like we were at an amusement park than a mall. Rides on both the Ferris wheel and carousel are $2.50 per person. Discounts are available for groups of five or more.

Palisades Ice Rink

After our meal we walked up to level 4 to the Palisades Ice Rink. This facility is huge and open to the public, so you can walk right into the skating arena and even watch for a while from the bleachers. The ice rink offers many public skate hours, along with private lessons and private events. Its rates are very reasonable and the quality of the ice was impressive. It has recently been renovated.

Admission for public skate hours is $9 adults; $7 children and seniors; and $4 for skate rental. Visit palisadescentericerink.com for public skate hours.

Palisades Climb Adventure

Claiming to be the world’s tallest indoor ropes course, kids and adults can navigate a network of obstacles within five levels of rope configurations, right in the middle of the mall. While climbing you’re surrounded by people walking around shopping and gawking at teetering participants on tight ropes and planks. It’s a very surreal experience, but was so much fun for us.

My anxiety peaked while we were harnessed, waiting our turn to leave the comfort of the mall floor and step into the climbing structure. Once we entered the course, I was relieved, as it felt very safe and solid. We were securely strapped into a seat and Estée Pouleris and her daughter conquered the 85-foot-tall ropes chest harness, which connected course suspended above shoppers at to a guidable cable. You actually the Palisades Center. steer this cable along a track as you navigate through the course.

The harness is extremely secure and you can’t get the device out of the track, so there is really no risk of you falling. In addition, the metal platforms and stairs connecting all five levels provide many opportunities to take a deep breath as you strategize your next obstacle.

The course has varying obstacles and difficulty levels. You choose your own experience as you pick which turns you want to take along the way.

You can do all of the challenges or just portions. In total there are 75 challenges, including a tremor bridge, tension traverse, a cargo net, twoline rope bridge, a vertical rope ladder, an alternating spaghetti hand line, and a three-line lumber rope bridge.

My 4-year-old daughter surprised me with her level of confidence. She quickly picked up on how to steer the harness contraption, and showed only a little hesitation on her first tightrope walk. After the tightrope she eagerly embraced all of the challenges ahead. The staff commented that younger kids are often braver. In our case this was true, I was definitely more hesitant than she was.

Friendly staff members were stationed throughout the course. They were willing to jump in with encouragement and even held some frightened participants’ hands and harnesses across some obstacles when needed. There was a large age and size range of people on the course.

Admission is $16.99; $8.99 for the Sky Tykes course. Visit palisadesclimb.com for hours.

Tips for Visiting Palisades Climb Adventure •Y ou have to be 42 inches tall to participate in the main climbing course.

However, there is a smaller course option for kids shorter than 48 inches. Guardians have to accompany all minors and anyone shorter than 48 inches.

•N o one taller than 80 inches (6 feet, 8 inches) is allowed on the course, and the maximum weight limit is 300 pounds.

•W ear closed shoes. My daughter and I wore regular winter boots and they were fine.

• Wear pants or jeans, no skirts or dresses are allowed.

•A ll pockets have to be empty and no phones are allowed out on the course.

• There are free small lockers available for valuables.

•T here is no place for stroller parking unless someone in your party stays with it.

• It takes approximately 45-60 minutes to complete the course.

More Family Activities

By the time we conquered the ropes course, it was getting dark, and we were ready to call it a day to head home. But not before taking note of all the kid-focused things we wanted to try during our next visit: • A rock-climbing wall and laser tag at New York Sports Club • Dave & Busters • Lucky Strike Lanes bowling alley • AMC Theatres • Imax Theater • Levity Live Comedy Club • Build-A-Bear Workshop • Next up for the mall: The world’s largest indoor go-karting facility is set to open there soon.

Palisades Mall is a surprisingly fun family destination. We can’t wait to return for more adventures—and I have to admit, I can’t wait to go back to actually shop.

Estée Pouleris is the creator behind the blog familyroadtraveled.com. She lives in NYC with her boyfriend and their daughter.

Below: The Ferris wheel at the Palisades Center is located in the food court.

BigAppleParent 65

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Elan Kaufman, D.M.D., F.A.A.P.D., and Associates 103 St. Marks Place 212-432-KCDH (5234) 2120 Ocean Ave., Brooklyn 718-645-1588 Orthodontics: 718-645-8088 childrensdentalhospital.com drkaufman@kcdh.org

Dr. Kaufman leads a team of board-certified specialists who enjoy exclusively treating infants, children, and adolescents, as well as patients with special health needs. Our goal is to provide patients the most appropriate treatment, at the most appropriate time, in the most convenient and affordable way. We strive to make dental visits fun and interactive. For children who do not tolerate procedures well, sedation and general anesthesia is available. Our high-tech dental and ambulatory surgery facilities are highly accredited to provide advanced dentistry using unparalleled safety and hygiene.

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OPEN HOUSES 2016 The British International School of New York

20 Waterside Plaza 212-481-2700 x20 bis-ny.org ; info@bis-ny.org Join us for an open house on Feb. 2, 9–11am.

Please complete the following form: bis-ny.org/ admissions/open-houses. We look forward to welcoming you to our school!

Camp Na’aleh

424 W. 33rd St., Suite 150 212-229-2700 Summer location: 2276 Old Route 17, Windsor roshnaaleh@gmail.com We offer year-round programs that are a great way to get to know other kids before the summer! Feb. 7, Park Slope open house; Feb. 8 tour the Museum of Natural History!

Center For Architecture

536 LaGuardia Place 212-358-6133; cfafoundation.org Learn more about Summer@theCenter architecture camps at our open houses on Feb. 18, March 24, or April 28, 3-4pm. See our programs in action and learn about a typical week at camp.

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34 Avenue A, 2nd Floor, Manhattan 646-692-6155 chka.org; hello@chka.org Free trial martial arts class for Lil Turtles (3-4), Lil Ninjas (5-7), Junior Samurai (8-11), and Teens (1215). Consult online class schedule and call or email to reserve your spot today!

Deer Mountain Day Camp

63 Call Hollow Road, Pomona 845-354-2727 deermountaindaycamp.com info@deermountaindaycamp.com Please RSVP for a personal camp tour where prospective 2016 campers can participate in a fun slate of activities supervised by our fabulous staff members (snacks provided). Appointments between 10am and 4pm on Feb. 6, 21, and 27.

The Fashion Class

21 W. 39th St. 646-329-6663 thefashionclass.com

Join us for a camp open house and party to celebrate our new Singer® Sewing Machine sponsorship with free kid activities and raffle prizes. March 19, from 11am-1pm.

Good Shepherd School

620 Isham St. 212-567-5800 gsschoolnyc.org; josephsmith@gsschoolnyc.org General open house (all grades) on Saturday, Feb. 6 from 10am-12pm. Last tour at 11:30am. Early childhood open house on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 6pm.

Touring Tuesdays: Feb. 2 and 23, and March 8.

Wednesday, Feb. 3, from 6:30-8pm, at The Mandell School Theater, 795 Columbus Ave.

Oasis Summer Day Camps in Manhattan

Oasis Downtown Stacie Soto, camp director 718-596-4900 oasischildren.com; downtown@oasischildren.com Join us for an open house for Oasis Downtown, Wednesday Feb. 10, from 6:30-8pm, at P.S. 110, 285 Delancey St.

Pine Street School and Battery Park Montessori

12 E. 96th St. 212-369-3290 New location opening fall 2016: 432 W. 58th St. lascuoladitalia.org admissions@lascuoladitalia.org La Scuola cordially invites you to attend the upcoming open houses: Feb. 11, March 9, and April 14.

Pine Street School 25 Pine St. 212-235-2300 greenivy.com Battery Park Montessori 21 South End Ave. 212-235-2304 greenivyschools.com Pine Street School open house will be held on Feb. 4, 5-7pm.

Léman Manhattan Preparatory School

The Quad Preparatory School

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41 Broad St. (Lower School) 1 Morris St. (Upper School) 212-232-0266 lemanmanhattan.org admissions@lemanmanhattan.org Winter tours of the Léman Manhattan campus begin at 9am on Thursdays. Learn about our unparalleled approach to global education and personalized instruction. Reserve your spot at admissions@ lemanmanhattan.org.

The Mandell School-Cool Creations Summer Camp

795 Columbus Ave. 212-222-2925 mandellschool.org/summer-camp cool.creations@mandellschool.org Join us for an open house for Mandell’s Cool Creations Summer Camp (ages 5-10), Tuesday, Feb. 9, 5:30-6:30pm. Projects include building a rocket, developing a video game, and escaping the zombie apocalypse!

Oasis Summer Day Camps in Manhattan

Oasis in Central Park 718-596-4900 oasischildren.com; centralpark@oasischildren.com Join us for an open house for Oasis in Central Park,

325 E. 6th St. 646-649-3913 quadprep.org; info@quadprep.org Admissions open houses: March 4, 9am (early childhood); Feb. 12, 9am, (Prep School). Please email agreenberg@quadprep.org or call 646-6493913 to register.

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts

185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 631-643-7900; 844-818-6223 usdan.com Join Usdan for a visit and information session: Sundays, Feb. 7, March 6, or May 15, or Wednesday, April 27 (spring break), from 11am-2pm.

Winston Preparatory School

126 W. 17th St. Peter Hill, summer program director: 646-638-2705 x688 57 W. Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT 203-229-0465 winstonprep.edu Join us for an open house and tour, Tuesdays 9:15am, Feb. 23, March 1, March 15, April 5, or May 3. Please RSVP (name, number, attendance date), nyopenhouse@winstonprep.edu.

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February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

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ACROBATICS / GYMNASTICS Jodi’s Gym...................................................47 Little Gym ....................................................19 BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES 350degreef..................................................62 Big Apple Parent Party Planner.............69 Chelsea Piers..............................................17 Cozy Cuts.....................................................46 Crave.It.........................................................27 Jodi’s Gym ..................................................47 Little Gym ....................................................19 Radio Rocks................................................54 RoboFun.......................................................31 Sportime ....................................................14 CAMPS 92nd St Y......................................................18 All My Children Day Care........................28 Alvin Ailey School......................................48 Asphalt Green............................................51 Atlantic Acting School.............................44 Avenues The World School....................72 Battery Park City Parks Conservatory........................................43, 46 British International School of New York.....................................................34 Camp Clio.....................................................41 Camp Na’aleh.............................................49 Camp Pequot / Camp Sherwood...........51 Center for Architecture............................45 Chelsea Piers..............................................17 Children’s Museum of The Arts..............15 China Institute............................................57 Chinese Hawaiian Kenpo Academy.....59 Collina Italiana............................................25 Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum.........................................31 Crave.It.........................................................27 Deer Mountain Day Camp.......................23 Dwight School............................................45 Excelsior Speech Therapy......................59 Fashion Class (The) - NYC.......................41 French Institute Alliance Francaise......43 Future Stars................................................44 Green Ivy School.................................5, 7, 9 Greenwich House......................................57 Henry Street Settlement / Camp Henry....55 JCC of Manhattan.....................................39 Jodi’s Gym ..................................................47 Kaufman Music Center............................55 Léman Manhattan Preparatory School...40 LiceXchange...............................................53 Little Gym ....................................................19 Mandell School (The)...............................55 Manhattan Children’s Center..................55 Modeling Camp..........................................57 National Academy Museum & School....54 New 42nd Street........................................39 NYC Chess Inc............................................29 Oasis Children Services...........................33 Portledge Summer Adventures.............40 Radio Rocks................................................54 RoboFun.......................................................31 The New York International School......33

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The School at Peridance.........................54 The School at Steps..................................55 Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts.........................................Cover Wrap Voila Chocolat............................................67 Westchester Camp Fair...........................61 Wild Traveler (The)....................................49 Wildlife Conservation Society................49 Winston Preparatory School..................34 York Theatre Company (The)..................47 CHILD CARE / DAY CARE All My Children Day Care........................28 CLASSES Alvin Ailey School......................................48 Asphalt Green............................................51 Atlantic Acting School.............................44 British International School of New York.......................................................34 Center for Architecture............................45 China Institute............................................57 Chinese Hawaiian Kenpo Academy.....59 Collina Italiana............................................25 Crave.It.........................................................27 Empire Tae Kwon Do................................62 Fashion Class (The) - NYC.......................41 French Institute Alliance Francaise......43 Green Ivy School.................................5, 7, 9 JCC of Manhattan.....................................39 Kaufman Music Center............................55 Léman Manhattan Preparatory School...................................40 National Academy Museum & School..........................................................54 NYC Chess Inc............................................29 RoboFun.......................................................31 Smith, Jason A., Dr....................................54 The School at Peridance.........................54 York Theatre Company (The)..................47 DANCE Alvin Ailey School......................................48 The School at Peridance.........................54 The School at Steps..................................55 Third Street Music School......................37 DEVELOPMENTAL Camp Clio.....................................................41 Dwight School............................................45 Excelsior Speech Therapy......................59 Mandell School (The)...............................55 Modeling Camp..........................................57 National Academy Museum & School......................................................54 Play Fair.........................................................3 Quad Prepatory School............................67 Winston Preparatory School..................34 Young Child Expo.......................................55 EDUCATION All My Children Day Care........................28 Avenues The World School....................72 Bakshi Law..................................................66 British International School of New York.....................................................34

February 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Carucci Consulting, LLC Tutor Doctor................................................59 Center for Architecture............................45 China Institute............................................57 Collina Italiana............................................25 Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum.........................................31 Dwight School............................................45 Excelsior Speech Therapy......................59 Good Shepherd School ...........................10 Green Ivy School.................................5, 7, 9 Kids Week: Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum..........................................13 Léman Manhattan Preparatory School...................................40 Mandell School (The)...............................55 One Day University....................................63 Play Fair.........................................................3 Quad Prepatory School............................67 Smith, Jason A., Dr....................................54 The New York International School......33 Third Street Music School......................37 Wild Traveler (The)....................................49 Wildlife Conservation Society................49 Winston Preparatory School..................34 Young Child Expo.......................................55 FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS / OUTINGS 350degreef..................................................62 Chelsea Piers..............................................17 Children’s Museum of The Arts..............15 Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum.........................................31 French Institute Alliance Francaise......43 Inn at East Hill Farm (The)........................59 Kaufman Music Center............................55 Kids Week: Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum..........................................13 Loews Hotels & Resorts............................2 Play Fair.........................................................3 Ski Butternut...............................................63 Sportime ....................................................14 Voila Chocolat............................................67 Wildlife Conservation Society................49 York Theatre Company (The)..................47 FAMILY TRAVEL Inn at East Hill Farm (The)........................59 Wild Traveler (The)....................................49 FITNESS Battery Park City Parks Conservatory.............................43, 46 Chinese Hawaiian Kenpo Academy.....59 Empire Tae Kwon Do................................62 Jodi’s Gym...................................................47 Little Gym ....................................................19 HEALTH Fidelis Care New York..............................11 Kaufman Children’s Dental Hospital...53, 66 LiceXchange...............................................53 HOME SERVICES Geico Insurance........................................68 LiceXchange...............................................53

LEGAL SERVICES Bakshi Law..................................................66 MUSIC Greenwich House......................................57 Henry Street Settlement / Camp Henry................................................55 Kaufman Music Center............................55 Third Street Music School......................37 Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts...................................... Cover Wrap PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING Atlantic Acting School.............................44 Henry Street Settlement / Camp Henry............................................................55 Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts...................................... Cover Wrap RELIGIOUS Camp Na’aleh.............................................49 Good Shepherd School ...........................10 RESTAURANT / FOOD SERVICES 350degreef..................................................62 Crave.It.........................................................27 RETAIL Cozy Cuts.....................................................46 Crave.It.........................................................27 Voila Chocolat............................................67 SPECIAL EVENTS Kids Week: Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum..........................................13 One Day University....................................63 SPECIAL NEEDS 92nd St Y......................................................18 Bakshi Law..................................................66 Manhattan Children’s Center..................55 New 42nd Street........................................39 Quad Prepatory School............................67 Young Child Expo.......................................55 SPORTS 92nd St Y......................................................18 Asphalt Green............................................51 Battery Park City Parks Conservatory.............................43, 46 Camp Clio.....................................................41 Camp Na’aleh.............................................49 Camp Pequot / Camp Sherwood...........51 Empire Tae Kwon Do................................62 Future Stars................................................44 Good Shepherd School ...........................10 JCC of Manhattan.....................................39 New 42nd Street........................................39 The School at Steps..................................55 THEATER Kaufman Music Center............................55 TUTORS Carucci Consulting, LLC Tutor Doctor................................................59 Smith, Jason A., Dr....................................54

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Language immersion should always be fun.

Over the summer, it should be a blast.

That’s why Summer@Avenues takes language immersion out of the classroom and brings it to the chef’s kitchen, the urban garden, the amusement park and a whole host of other settings that make learning Spanish or Chinese more fun than ever.

With customization for every level of proficiency in the language they’re studying and new surprises every week, campers can sign on for a session or a summer. It’s the kind of fun they’ll talk about all year long—in the language of their choice.

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