Big Apple Parent May 2019

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BigApple igApple Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM MAY 2019

Nix Teens’ Bad Habits How to help your older children get healthier • Plus, find doctors, dentists, orthodontists, and more

Let’s Get Organized! Tips from the experts to get your home in order

Specialty Camps Dance, art, theater, sports, academic, and more!

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

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Happy. Healthy. Loved. These are the dreams we have for our children. So we cherish the moments when little giggles fill the room, imaginations take us on great adventures, and when it seems our hearts could burst with pride and love. Here and now, we’d stop time if we could. Because when kids are being kids, we all feel better.

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contents table of

may 2019

10 21

Educating Others About Your Child’s Asthma and Allergies 5 ways to prepare the adults in your child’s life to act in an emergency situation

Family Activities Calendar

Find something fun to do with your family every day of the month!

health 12 Bye, Bye, Bad Habits 16 Is That Normal? 18 What Parents Need to Know About Life Insurance 19 Health Directory

34

Let’s Get Organized

From kids’ rooms to bathrooms and the kitchen, easy solutions to keep your home clutter-free.

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs, 8 A Successful Start with Your New Nanny 10 Educating Others About Your Child’s Asthma and Allergies 36 Specialty Camp Directory 38 Camps at-a-Glance Chart 42 Party Central 43 Open Houses, Professional Services 45 Advertisers’ Index, Party Planner

20 Family Fun a Ride Away

34 Let’s Get Organized

21 Family Activities Calendar 46 Moon Sand

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 12 Nix Teens' Bad Habits 34 Let’s Get Organized 19 Specialty Camps facebook.com/nymetroparents

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


Award -Winning Summer STEM Programs For Teens

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raising kids editor’s note MAY 2019 • Vol.34 • No.4

Here’s to You!

H

appy Mother’s Day to all of you lovely readers! Whether your family is planning an elaborate brunch out or a classic, yet cozy breakfast in bed, or your partner is giving you a day of relaxation, we hope you have a day that truly celebrates you. If you’re a brand-new or expecting mom, you’ll want to turn to “Is That Normal?” (p. 16), in which we explore the various changes—physically, hormonally, emotionally—your body will go through postpartum. You’ll find out what’s normal and when you should seek help. If you’re a mom of a teenager or two (are your teens putting you through the paces?), we discuss how you can encourage your child to nix the bad habits he has likely adopted and replace them with healthy ones (p. 12). As summer inches closer, we just seem to always have camp on our minds—and we’re getting more and more excited! If you’re looking for a dance, art, theater, sports, academic enrichment, music, or STEAM camp for your little one, you’ll want to check out our specialty camp descriptions (p. 36) and the at-a-glance comparison chart (p. 38). And to help you with the camp planning process even more, we’re re-issuing The Camp Planner by Big Apple Parent, which is full of great articles, descriptions of area camps, camp comparison charts, and open house schedules. So, if you’re looking for a lastminute registration, you won’t want to miss this ultimate, all-in-one, camp resource! You can find it at nymetroparents.com/campguide/manhattan! With spring in full force (are you sneezing up a storm too?) and spring cleaning on our minds, what better time to get your home a little organized? From the bathroom to your kids’ rooms, experts share insider tips to keep your living space clutter-free (p. 34). Happy organizing!

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling PRODUCTION EDITOR: Melissa Wickes ASSISTANT EDITORS: Jacqueline Neber, Anja Webb CALENDARS CALENDAR COORDINATOR: Whitney C. Harris EVENT RESEARCHERS: Lisa Fogarty, Kristina Johnson, Shara Levine DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke

ADVERTISING SALES

Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson, Manager Lauren Alperin Meirowitz, Managing Director Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Manager Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Lauren Anchin, Colleen Kearney Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Long Island Parent 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager Lisa Herlihy, Karen Shapiro, Gayle Sherman To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents To Submit News: nymetroparents.com/submitnews

STATEN ISLAND PARENT

Katelin Walling Editorial Director

EDITOR/PUBLISHER: Roselle Farina-Hecht 718-494-1932

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

MOMMYBITES

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Lauren Alperin Meirowitz 646-736-3609 EDITOR: Jennifer Rojas

Keep in Touch: @nymetroparents nymetroparents.com editor@nymetroparents.com

OPERATIONS

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS MANAGEMENT: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Elvins Cruz, Leonard Porter DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro MARKETING SERVICES MANAGER: Erin Jordan

PRODUCTION

DIRECTOR | PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT: Anthony Diaz DIRECTOR | DIGITAL CONTENT: Silvia Balu

Get Your 2019 Summer Camp Guide nymetroparents.com/campguide/manhattan

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MARKETING

ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER: Kristine Pulaski

FINANCE

CREDIT ASSISTANTS: Rosa Meinhofer, Dan Finnegan

Davler Media Group davlermedia.com

• 20 Lessons from Camp We Use Every Day • Camp Planning Timeline • What Camp Directors Wish Parents Knew • 8 Questions to Ask a Camp Director • Choosing a Camp for a Child with Special Needs • Is Your Child Ready for Sleepaway Camp? • 10 Things Counselors Wish Parents DIDN’T Do • Ready to Be a CIT?

Camp Directory • Open Houses • Camp Charts

CEO: David L. Miller GENERAL MANAGER: Thomas K. Hanlon CFO: David Friedman 213 W. 35th St., Suite 12W, New York, NY 10001 Phone: 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239

BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN • ROCKLAND PARENT, STATEN ISLAND PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2019, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher.


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Courtesy Advantage Camps

Day Camp in Midtown Offers STEAM and Reading Program

Children can attend the STEAM and Reading Program at Advantage Camps in the morning and enjoy physical activities in the afternoon such as swimming and training.

Who: Advantage Camps What’s New: STEAM and Reading Program, which is slated to begin July 8. Classes will be held Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm, for six weeks. Students will learn academic concepts including model building, real-life math problems, applying engineering to everyday life, exploring design, and thinking creatively and critically. Children will develop their reading skills around engaging themes and topics. Basic tutoring will be offered as well. The program is designed with 6- to 9-year-olds in mind so all reading material will be brief and age-appropriate. Want More Info: 281 Main St., Roosevelt Island; 212-935-0250; 522 W. 44th St., Midtown West; 646-884-9649; advantagecamps.net

Summer Camp on Long Island to Offer Intensive Tennis Programs Courtesy Hofstra University Summer Camps

raising kids new places, new programs

Hofstra’s Sports Academy camps are for serious players, but Hofstra offers a variety of options for students who are looking to try out a sport or activity.

Who: Hofstra University Summer Camps What’s New: Elite Tennis program, which is slated to begin July 1, and an Intensive Tennis Training Program, which is slated to begin Aug. 12. Experienced tennis players in sixth to 10th grades who are interested in a full day of tennis can participate in the two-week sessions from July 1-Aug. 9. An intensive training program will be offered for kids in seventh to 12th grades, Aug. 12-16, who want to prepare for the upcoming season with Division I coach Jason Pasion. The intensive tennis camp was added for students looking for something challenging that would prepare them for success during the year. Want More Info: Oak Street Center, 101 Oak St., Uniondale; 516-463-2267; ce/camp@hofstra.edu

raising kids child care

A Successful Start with Your New Nanny ››

Courtesy Mommybites.com

Y

ou just hired your new nanny! Everyone is very excited, and you are totally optimistic that she’s going to work out great. A nanny starting with a new family might feel very much like she has just arrived in a new “town.” Suddenly she is working—and oftentimes living—in a new home with a family she knows very little about. She doesn’t know the ins and outs, the routines, or the family dynamic. As a new employer, the most important thing you can do to ensure an easy transition is to act as a family interpreter; you need to teach your new nanny the “language” of your home.

information you can provide to help her adjust will go a long way toward making her feel more capable in her new job. Don’t forget lists of area activities and playdate contacts.

Be Patient

Explain Your Expectations

Describe in detail a typical day with your kids and be very specific about what role you expect her to play. Communicating these details clearly will ensure she understands what you expect of her.

Create a Family Manual

Provide your nanny with a written “guidebook” containing summaries of your family’s schedule, routines, preferences, and medical issues. Any

Your nanny is going to be in charge of the health, safety, and wellbeing of your children, so it’s in everyone’s best interest to facilitate mutually respectful dialogue if you need to raise any issues. It’s going to take time, patience, and effort—but eventually your nanny will be a fully integrated citizen of your “town.” And taking the time to be a helpful “interpreter” throughout the transition period will be the key ingredient to ensuring a happy and healthy relationship with your new nanny.

Mommybites’ nanny boards only feature postings from nannies’ current families. You can rely on their recommendations. If you need a nanny or babysitter, visit Mommybites.com.

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May 2019 | nymetroparents.com


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Educating Others About Your Child’s Asthma and Allergies ›› By Melissa Wickes

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Educate all adults in his life about the allergy or asthma. Everyone who interacts with your child—from coaches and teachers to babysitters and grandparents—should be well informed of the action plan, Dr. Parikh says.

NYMetroParents

Encourage your child to speak up when a reaction is occurring. Get advance notice on activities, When you’re not around, your child is her own best advocate. With the help of yourparticipate physician, teach your child to know what feelings in group discussions indicate she is having a reaction. This can mean itchy skin or rash, andvomiting, receivetummy special notices. difficulty breathing, aches, and more, depending on the child. Empower your child to speak up in these situations— and to speak up about any allergies when necessary.

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Create an action plan. Once it’s determined your child has a life-threatening allergy or asthma, be sure to talk to her physician www.facebook.com/nymetroparents about constructing an action plan, Dr. Parikh suggests. This should detail what an allergic reaction or asthma attack would look like, as well as what to do at the time, what medicines to administer, and when to call 911.

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aving a child with a life-threatening allergy is constantly scary. As much as you can prepare yourself for the worst, it adds extra comfort know the other adults in your child’s life are Gettoadvance notice on activities, also prepared to act in an emergency situation. Purvi Parikh, M.D., inNetwork, groupshares discussions an allergist withparticipate Allergy & Asthma what parents of children withand a life-threatening allergy should do to ensure their receive special notices. child is safe at all times—even when the child isn’t with the parent.

May 2019 | nymetroparents.com ACTIVITIES

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Ensure emergency medications are always available. All caregivers should have access to emergency medications. A doctor can generally prescribe EpiPens in bulk, according to Dr. Parikh, so give one to your child’s babysitter, teachers, coaches, and grandparents—and give one to your child to carry. Whomever is given the responsibility of holding the EpiPen should know how to properly use it (there are instructional videos online). If the child suffers from asthma, he must have quick-relief medication on hand and with all caregivers. Teach the child to use medications. While it is important for the adults in your child’s life to know how to administer emergency medications, it is equally, if not more, important for the child with the allergy to know how if she is older than 4, according to Dr. Parikh. This includes asthma pumps and antihistamines.


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Bye, Bye, Bad Habits!

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It’s not (only) about nixing your teen’s bad health habits, but replacing them with good ones By Karen Lo

W

hat’s the most annoying thing your teenager does? Is it that he’s constantly sleeping in and on the verge of being late for school? Maybe it’s that her hygiene habits, or lack thereof, force you to ask probing questions like, “When was the last time you took a shower?” Maybe it’s the fact that when phrases like “healthy habits,” “personal responsibility,” or “we need to talk,” come out of your mouth, the teenager in the room immediately responds by rolling his eyes or vanishing. If you’re currently the parent of a teenager, it’s probably all these things and more. Aside from loading up the car and booking an extended, adults-only getaway until she reaches “I should’ve listened to my parents” age, what can you do to help your teenager reach responsible adulthood without losing your mind? To tackle this big question, family therapists, psychologists, and doctors share easy-to-follow tips. But first, what exactly are these bad habits teens should nix asap? Ana Jovanovic, M.S., a psychologist and life coach from Parenting Pod, an online resource for parents on mental health and well-being, says they include: • Personal hygiene: Not showering often enough, not using deodorant, not flossing or brushing teeth, and not wearing clean clothes • Bedtime and morning routines: Staying up too late or sleeping in, which often leads to being late for school • Electronics: Spending too much time playing video games or scrolling through social media • Homework: Forgetting or not tracking assignments, 12 May 2019 | nymetroparents.com

poor time management, turning in assignments late, and procrastination • Fitness: Spending too much time on the couch or sitting • Diet: Avoiding healthy foods, eating unhealthy snacks, eating lots of sugar, eating late, and skipping breakfast

How These Habits Get Formed

“Bad habits are very rewarding,” Jovanovic says. “The rewards, satisfaction, and pleasure that bad habits provide are usually much more tangible and closer in time than the negative consequences. Impulse control, an area of executive functioning, is all about [foregoing] those short-term rewards for the sake of achieving a larger, more valuable reward that comes later on. But impulse control is not a skill that comes naturally.” It will take some time for tweens and teens to understand the consequences that ultimately come from giving in to those impulses, Jovanovic says. But for now, playing video games or scrolling through Instagram beats the danger of not getting into the dream college because of a low GPA and eating a double cheeseburger sounds far more tempting than eating a salad.

Help Your Teen Form Good Habits

If your teen sees no strong reason to stop his bad habits, he will continue with them. “The way these habits get broken down depends on what the habit is like, and what kind of satisfaction it brings to a person. However, the challenge is not only to let go of bad habits,


but to build new ones that a teen can really stick to,” Jovanovic says. For example, what might a dermatologist say about your teenager’s skincare routine? Perhaps a lot. Although an estimated 80 percent of teens deal with acne, 90 percent have not seen a dermatologist, according to Yoram Harth, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist and medical director of MDacne, an app that uses selfies to connect patients with customized treatments. “As a dermatologist, I believe that one of the worst habits teens have is picking on their acne,” Dr. Harth says. “Unfortunately picking on acne can leave lifelong scars that are very difficult to eliminate. Many parents think acne will go away by itself with age, but it won’t.” You could try to convince your teen not to pick at her skin by virtue of the fact that picking is bad for it, but that’s pretty hard to do since, in theory, she’s already well-aware. “The second, easier way is to help them treat and prevent their acne,” Dr. Harth recommends. “A lot can be done with small changes in behavior. If someone is dealing with acne breakouts on their forehead, they should avoid headbands, baseball caps, and hair gels. If the acne is on their body, they should avoid backpacks and too-tight clothing—and always wash their face after sweating, and shower at least once a day.” So, how can we help our teens make behavioral changes, like the ones mentioned above, that eliminate bad habits?

What doesn’t work?

Lecturing (for its own sake): “Teens are opinionated young people who are likely to stick to their own way of seeing things, even if they calmly nod when you’re telling them what they should or shouldn’t do,” Jovanovic says. “Chances are, they feel that you are too old, lame, or naive to really understand what they’re going through.” Impulsive reactions and a lack of reasoning behind your

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grounding system: “Though sometimes taking their phone away or having them go to their room may encourage them to actually do their homework or get to bed earlier, in most cases, teens will continue doing the same things, just to prove your punishment doesn’t make sense.” Figure out a system that is clear and makes her aware of the consequences—then stick to it. Comparing yourself to them: “Teen years are the years of questioning authorities,” Jovanovic reminds us. “This is a period when it’s psychologically desirable to be rebellious, as teens are starting to uncover who they want to be.” So, when you compare your habits to theirs, you’re implying your way is “the right way.” “One of my clients phrased it nicely: ‘My mom thinks she is living vicariously through me. I am my own person, which is why I intend to do most things differently,’” Jovanovic adds.

What does work?

Listen, understand, discuss, and walk the walk: Do all of these combined; one without the other is likely to be ineffective. “What I often hear from my teen clients is, ‘Parents are willing to listen only if you are saying what they want to hear,’” Jovanovic says. “And in the end, if you’re not doing what you preach, your teen is going to see right through you. My teen clients tell me, ‘My parents are on the phone all the time but call me addicted.’ Likewise, if you preach the importance of eating healthy or exercising, you have to lead by example.” Parents, quite often, can completely miss their own contributions to a bad family trait, notes Jennifer Johnston-Jones, Ph.D., a family therapist based in Los Angeles, CA. “For example, one of the most common bad habits for teens is negative self-talk, yet how many parents have looked in the mirror and said something negative about continued on next page

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their bodies in front of their child?…That’s why the personal growth of parents is the best way to teach good habits in our children,” she says. To that end, “model the good habit in yourself and let your teen know you are also working on it,” Dr. Johnston-Jones advises. If your teen is working on improving her sleep habits, help her by keeping a steady bedtime yourself, away from your phone. And most importantly, replace bad habits with healthy family habits. For Dr. Johnston-Jones, regular family meetings are a big part of the puzzle. Share the importance of creating a solution everyone can agree on. Try it for a week. If it needs revisiting, put it on the agenda again and come back to it. End the family meeting by talking about future plans or playing a game together, like charades, even if it’s just for 15 minutes, she suggests. Reach an agreement and stick to it: “There may be things you are not willing to let slide. Whatever that is—their GPA, exercise, sleeping habits, or personal hygiene—it’s important to let them know,” Jovanovic says. “Set up clear, unambiguous expectations. Let them know whether they can use your support or if they have any resources available.” When both sides come to an agreement, your teenager will have a stronger grasp of trust and accountability. Emphasize freedom of choice and leave them to it: “What I do in coaching is ensure that a teen I work with is familiar with all the choices they can make in a given situation, as well as the benefits and negative consequences. I help them weigh the options and once they make a decision to take ownership of it,” Jovanovic says. “What I see parents do with the intention to prevent bad things from happening is either making the choice for kids or trying to eliminate the consequence. It’s very important that they have the consequence and

the opportunity to deal with it. This is a necessary learning experience that builds resilience and problem-solving and coping skills.” Give useful feedback: “By ‘useful,’ I mean concrete, focused on behavior, and timely,” Jovanovic says. Instead of telling your teen to practice better hygiene, tell her to shower every evening and brush her teeth twice a day. Start small and offer praise: In reality, no matter how old you are, “changing a habit is a difficult task, and getting started on a change is usually the hardest step,” Jovanovic says. Start small and leave room to grow. If he hasn’t exercised in a while, don’t sign him up for an intensive three-week program. Start with a daily 30-minute walk around the neighborhood and join him if he’s up for it. “Parents tend to compare their own habits to the habits of their children,” Jovanovic notes. “Put the frustration on hold and focus on helping their behavior translate into a stable habit. Applaud their efforts and help them build up to new goals.” Build your relationship: Lastly, and most importantly, this is the key to shaping your teenagers into the adults you’d like them to be. “If the relationship isn’t good, chances are that your teen will ignore you, or do the opposite of what you suggest,” Jovanovic says. “What a coach (that’s you) does is invest time in listening and understanding the reasons behind the choices teens make. ...Consistency in the coach’s actions and attitude is what builds trust.” Once your teen trusts you and feels like you really know her, she’ll be ready to listen and take what you’re saying into consideration, Jovanovic says. Your teen will also feel less pressure and a lack of judgment, which will help him grow and find out what works for him. Karen Lo is a freelance writer living in Brooklyn.

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Is That Normal?

››

Medical experts share what new moms can expect—physically and emotionally— when they’re no longer expecting. By Jacqui Neber

W

omen are taught to expect numerous changes to their bodies during pregnancy; from weight gain to weird cravings to swollen feet, there are just some things we know might happen. However, we don’t talk about the changes that might happen to your body after your baby is born nearly as much, which can lead women to think what they’re experiencing isn’t normal. Since hormonal and emotional changes are common after delivery, it can be difficult to know when what you’re feeling could signify postpartum depression, which can also be frightening. In terms of physical changes, thinning hair, scar itching, breast engorgement, and more are usually completely normal ways your body adjusts to motherhood as hormones swing back to normal. Some changes are very common, especially when you reach six-seven months postpartum. Alyssa Dweck, M.D., a New York OBGYN and assistant clinical professor at Mount Sinai Hospital’s School of Medicine in Manhattan, who has been practicing for more than 20 years, says she sees a multitude of “abnormalities” in patients that are not cause for alarm. 16

May 2019 | nymetroparents.com

What’s Normal–and How to Know

“[Thinning hair and breast engorgement] are usually normal, although we always check for other problems that could be causing them. It is incredibly common for women to have significant hair loss at about six or seven months postpartum,” Dr. Dweck says. “It’s a very common thing to go in the shower and have clumps of hair falling out.” Dr. Dweck says many women also worry about hemorrhoids and weight gain, as well as itchy C-section scars, but these issues are relatively common too. “I don’t want to call [these experiences] normal. I want to call them not abnormal,” she says. “Some people have a C-section and never get a scar. Some people never get hemorrhoids. It’s individual.” Lindsey Scharfman, M.D., echoes that hair loss, engorged breasts, some bleeding, and dependent edema, where the body swells bilaterally, are all normal conditions to experience after having a baby. Her patients at Crystal Run Healthcare in West Nyack experience a spectrum of postpartum issues that wind up being nonissues.


Christine Catanzaro, R.N., a mother from Northport, had two children 17 months apart. She noted drastic physical differences in her body between having a boy and a girl. While she did not experience hair loss after her son was born, significant hair fell out after having her daughter. She also gained more weight, experienced more tearing in the labia region, and says her feet were more swollen. She experienced more emotional volatility after having her daughter, but partially attributes that to working nights, sleeping poorly, and having two very young children to parent. “You don’t have time to feel sorry for yourself,” Catanzaro says. “These extra side effects, I wouldn’t change for the experience of having my kids.”

What’s Not Normal—and What to Do

Doctors agree that certain “normal” symptoms can morph into abnormal ones after birth, and new mothers need to watch their symptoms carefully. Bleeding, for example, is normal, Dr. Scharfman says, but only to an extent. “Bleeding should be like a period or less,” she says. “If you’re going through one pad a day, that’s normal. But if it’s one to two pads every hour, that’s not normal, and you need to go to [the hospital]. It could be a postpartum hemorrhage.” New mothers who experience severe dizziness upon standing, feel weak and cold, or have racing heartbeats could be anemic. And if one leg, for example, is more swollen than the other, that could signify a blood clot. If a woman experiences blurred vision, a headache that doesn’t go away with pain medication, or upper belly pain, she could have pre-eclampsia. All of these conditions require immediate medical attention. There are also potentially less serious physical abnormalities that Dr. Dweck says need to be discussed with your doctor. “When is it not normal? So, hair loss where it doesn’t seem to stop, or you’re having huge, big bald spots…That needs to be addressed by your physician to make sure it’s not something other than just typical postpartum hair loss,” Dr. Dweck says. “As far as the itchy scar, [you just need to make sure] there’s no infection, that there’s no underlying skin condition…Any questions or concerns about it being ‘right’…It’s worth a check with your OBGYN.” Olga Tusheva, M.D., an OBGYN at Montefiore Nyack Hospital in Nyack, mentioned breast pain as another issue that could become abnormal. “If one breast is significantly bigger than the other, if there is swelling or redness, tenderness, [or if changes are] not proportional to [breast] appearance, then the woman should [see her OBGYN] to make sure everything is normal,” Dr. Tusheva says.

The 411 on Postpartum Volatility

Beyond bodily changes, new mothers should monitor their emotions and understand the signs of postpartum volatility. Dr. Dweck prefers not to call this issue “postpartum depression” because that terminology can be pejorative. She says it is one of the challenges women are most concerned about, after postpartum weight gain. “The emotional volatility that comes about after having a baby, in a good way and in not such a good way, is notable,” she says. “And this is combined with sleep deprivation, which doesn’t help. So, it becomes a concern: How am I going to manage everything?” Certain populations of women, Dr. Dweck says, are more prone to developing postpartum volatility. Among those most vulnerable are first-time mothers, women who are part of underserved populations, and women who have a history of anxiety or depression during pregnancy. If you start feeling down after having your baby, seek help as soon as possible, and try to get some sleep—it’s vital in managing these feelings, Dr. Dweck emphasizes.

Dr. Tusheva says “post-baby blues” are very common because mothers are often overwhelmed when they bring the baby home and the responsibilities of motherhood are fully realized. “It can happen to any woman, whether it’s her first time having a baby or third or fourth time being a mom,” she says. “We all can be overwhelmed by other people, the social pressure, [feeling] like we need to be the best mother we can be, and the attention imposed on us by our family—our moms, our husbands, mother-in-law, and other people who care about us.” But when post-baby blues stick around for longer than a short while, they can become more serious. It is imperative to seek medical help. “Once in a while the symptoms can persist and reach postpartum depression, which can be a very dangerous condition,” Dr. Tusheva says. “If she feels down, overwhelmed, stressed, if there’s any thought of harming herself or baby, all of those symptoms should be discussed with an obstetrician or a primary care physician or a psychiatrist. Someone who can help [her] feel better, as opposed to leaving the condition untreated and having it get worse.” Hospitals conduct postpartum screenings before sending women home with their new babies, but Dr. Tusheva says every woman should be aware of what PPD could potentially look like. Many things contribute to how a woman is feeling after giving birth, such as sleep, the baby’s health, the baby’s sleep patterns, the availability of support at home, socioeconomic status that relates to available support, or a history of anxiety or depression. “If a woman is finding herself feeling helpless, hopeless, if she is catching herself thinking any type of thoughts concerning harming the baby or giving the baby away or how much her life would be easier without the baby, if she finds herself just being sad and upset,” Dr. Tusheva says, “I would say for days in a row as opposed to moments of temporary feelings or temporarily upset, then all of those are the concerning factors for developing PPD.” Treatment for postpartum depression varies on an individual basis. The most important thing to do is seek help so your doctor and psychiatrist can help you feel better, sooner.

The Bottom Line

There are essential steps, Dr. Dweck says, that mothers can take in ensuring they remain healthy and happy after pregnancy. One of the most important things you can do is educate yourself about what to expect in the postpartum space. “Be conscious, be mindful. Women these days, particularly in the communities I practice in, take a lot of care and try to empower themselves with information and education, whether it’s online or with other moms or new moms or family members,” Dr. Dweck says. “But often times you get misinformation out there. So, I think the bottom line is just to always check if something is out of the ordinary with your health care provider.” Dr. Scharfman emphasizes the importance of sharing everything with your doctor—and speaking up if something doesn’t feel right. “Having a new baby is really hard,” she says. “If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. If you think something is wrong, don’t just tell the nurse, tell the doctor. Don’t be afraid to reach out.” When dealing with postpartum blues, Dr. Dweck says, do not be ashamed to talk about what you’re feeling. “And if you feel like you’re spiraling in that direction, please don’t suffer in silence. Get some assistance and talk to your health care provider,” she says. “It’s not a shameful situation. It is what it is, and it really is out of people’s control most of the time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. That’s my biggest advice.” BigAppleParent 17


What Parents Need to Know About Life Insurance ››

Experts share why taking out a policy is so essential for moms and dads—plus, how to get started. By Madeleine Burry

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here are many amazing aspects of parenthood, from sweet snuggles to watching your little one achieve big milestones. Not on that list? Getting life insurance. And yet, this task is incredibly important for every parent. “Life insurance protects a family financially,” says Paul Graham, senior vice president of policy development at American Council of Life Insurers. If you’ve put off this task, you’re probably not alone. After all, it’s not pleasant to think about worst-case scenarios, your own mortality, and the addition of yet another expense. But it’s worth noting the cost of a policy may be far lower than you anticipate, says Graham, who notes that according to LIMRA, a market research firm, millennials overestimate the cost of life insurance by five times its actual amount. “The fact is, it is possible to find a life insurance policy to fit within just about anyone’s budget,” Graham says. Here’s what parents need to know, and how to get started procuring life insurance. 18

May 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Why Parents Need to Prioritize Life Insurance

“Anyone who has somebody else depending on their income needs life insurance,” says financial expert Jean Chatzky, author of Women with Money and host of the weekly podcast HerMoney. “Think about life insurance as income insurance,” Chatzky says. “If you were to die, who’s going to be in trouble because your salary or your income is no longer there?” With life insurance, your beneficiary—most likely, your child’s other parent or guardian—will receive a payout, known as a death benefit, if you die. This money can cover the basic monthly expenses (think: after-school programs, grocery bills, and so on), allowing your family to maintain their standard of living, Graham says, along with paying the mortgage bill or monthly rent at your current home. Plans can also help send kids to college, he notes. But keep in mind what makes sense for one family, might not make sense for yours. “Everyone’s financial situation is unique, and everyone’s life insurance needs are different,” Graham says.


What’s the Right Insurance for You?

As a parent, your best bet is to get life insurance right away— that means before your baby is born, or immediately afterward. “You want to make sure that the need is covered when it exists,” Chatzky says. Plus, this is one task that rewards youth and good health. “Life insurance gets more expensive as you get older,” Chatzky says. And if you develop a health condition, it can be harder—and again, more expensive—to get insurance, she adds. Parents can choose between two categories of life insurance: permanent or term (that’s short for “terminate”). With term insurance, you’ll be covered for a set period of time (between 0 and 30 years, according to ACLI)—the policy will pay only if you die in that set timeframe. After the set time period, there is no payout. Permanent life insurance, by contrast, will give you lifelong protection—as long as you continue to pay the premiums, your beneficiaries will receive the death benefit. There are several versions of this type of insurance available, depending on your particular needs. Generally, Chatzky recommends term insurance, which is far cheaper than permanent. “In order for people to get as much insurance as they need, [term insurance is] often the only affordable way to do it,” she says. Plus, she notes, remember the whole point of getting this insurance: to cover your income. Once your income is no longer essential to your family’s way of life—for instance, 25 years down the road, when your kids are out of college and the mortgage is paid off—you no longer need the coverage of term insurance. That said, some parents will always have a need for insurance, Chatzky says. If there’s someone in your life who will depend on your financial support for your entire lifetime, such as a child or sibling with special needs, permanent insurance makes sense for you, she says. You can also use permanent insurance to leave your kids money in your estate, she notes. What if you want or need permanent insurance, but can’t afford it? “You can start with term insurance and then convert it to permanent insurance in most cases,” Chatzky says—just make sure your insurance policy provides an option to convert.

Avoid Two Common Pitfalls of Procuring Life Insurance

One of the biggest mistakes experts see parents make is only covering the parent who’s in the workforce and receiving a paycheck. Don’t downplay the work stay-at-home parents do— and the expense it would require to cover it. “If you’re the stay-at-home parent and if you were no longer there, someone would have to be hired and paid, then you also need life insurance,” Chatzky advises. Quantifying the amount may be easier for parents in the workforce, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only work that needs to be covered. Take some time to tally up the costs of the many responsibilities covered by a stay-at-home parent. “Cooking, cleaning, caring for children, transporting them to and from school and recreational activities, and the many other tasks performed by a stay-at-home parent cannot be easily replaced,” says Graham, noting that Salary.com estimates the median salary of a stay-at-home mom at a whopping $162,000 per year. “People should think very seriously about ensuring a stay-athome parent has coverage,” Graham urges. Neglecting coverage for nonworking parents isn’t the only pitfall out there. It’s also important to evaluate companyprovided life insurance, too, Graham says. Typically, it pays a

death benefit that’s equal to one or two times your annual salary, he says. “However, some experts recommend that people’s life insurance coverage should equal ten times their annual income. Needs could be higher or lower depending on a family’s situation,” Graham says.

How Much Insurance Do You Need?

Figuring this out comes down to doing some math and thinking through both your current and future financial situation—to help, you can search online for life insurance calculators (like the one offered by Nerdwallet). The biggest considerations to keep in mind are: 1. How much debt do you have? From repaying credit card bills to mortgage payments, your survivors will be on the hook to pay them off. 2. What’s your income, salary, or the cost to replace services you provide? As noted above, this math is easier if you make a set salary. Multiply this amount by the years of coverage you’ll want. For stay-at-home parents, consider the annual costs of replacing their work. 3. How long do you need the coverage? Do you want the coverage to extend until your children are through with higher education, or just until they’re 18? Will you feel comfortable timing the coverage to terminate when your mortgage is paid off? These are the kinds of questions you’ll need to think through. 4. Are there other expenses you want to cover? If you want to cover big expenses—such as your child’s college education—factor it into your coverage amount. Feeling overwhelmed? There’s no need to go it alone. You can reach out to friends and family for advice. Professionals can also help you make your decision. “A life insurance agent or financial advisor has the knowledge and expertise to help consumers determine what level of protection is right for them,” Graham says. The most important thing is not to let distaste for thinking about your mortality—or an aversion to doing the thinking and math required to determine the right policy for you— stand in the way of getting covered. As Graham says, “Life insurance is a critical part of a family’s financial wellness.” Madeleine Burry is a freelance writer and editor who has held staff positions at Parents. com, Scholastic, and About.com. Burry lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their cat.

Health Directory Affinity Health Plan

866-247-5678 affinityplan.org For more than 30 years, Affinity Health Plan has been offering New York state-sponsored free or low-cost health coverage to New Yorkers who have Medicaid or no health insurance at all. Our managed care programs meet the need for coverage among people who may find it hard to get health care.

BigAppleParent 19


things to do

outbound

Family Fun a Ride Away By Melissa Wickes

Image Credit Frank L. Fumelli

Courtesy Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery

In Suffolk County, LI...

Ichifujikai is a Traditional Japanese Dance that will be featured at the Cherry Blossom Festival at the Charles B. Wang Center.

Catch & Keep fishing is one of the interactive activities the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery has to offer.

Japan Center at Stony Brook

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery

Courtesy Six Flags Great Adventure

Six Flags Great Adventure will provide the services to ensure that all children can enjoy the kind of fun that may not have existed for them in the past.

Six Flags Great Adventure

On May 8, Six Flags Great Adventure will celebrate Autism Day with reduced noise, music, and flashing lights; more decompression areas with staff to help; an improved system for rating rides based on sensory and thrill levels; short lines for children unable to stand in line; and more in order to accommodate all children on the autism spectrum and their families. Visit It: 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson Township, NJ; 732-928-2000; customeducationfoundation.org/sixflags; sixflags.com 20

Learn about the freshwater ecosystems of New York at the location of the largest living collection of New York state freshwater reptiles, fish, and amphibians. Tour the two aquarium buildings and eight outdoor ponds or try Catch & Keep fishing. All moms can enjoy the hatchery and aquarium fun for free on Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 12) when visiting when accompanied by their children. Visit It: 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor; 516-692-6768; cshfishhatchery.org

Courtesy Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

You don’t have to travel to Japan to feast your eyes on the blooming of sakura (cherry blossoms), to listen to the sounds of taio drums, or to immerse yourself in Japanese culture this month. The Wang Center at Stonybrook University, an Asian American Cultural Center, will welcome spring on May 5, 12-5pm, with flower arrangements, tea workshops, origami, kimono dress-ups, and more at the Sakura Matsuri: Cherry Blossom Festival. Visit It: Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook; 631-632-4400; stonybrook.edu

May 2019 | nymetroparents.com

and beyo nd!

The Becky Thatcher is the riverboat that will take you and your family for a 75-minute cruise on the Connecticut River.

The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

This is the only steam train and riverboat connection in the country, and it offers a variety of rides that children and adults will love. On May 4 and 5, families can take a 25-minute ride on Thomas the Tank Engine during Day Out with Thomas! On any other day, your family will love the 12-mile, narrated train ride to Deep River Landing where a riverboat will then take you on a 75-minute cruise on the Connecticut River back to Essex station. Visit It: 1 Rairoad Ave., Essex, CT; 860-767-0103; essexsteamtrain.com


Ideas When You Need Them:

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Turn the page for details on Dance Parade (No. 7 on our list).

MAY

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CALENDAR

28 Mini Musicians, Kindness Crusaders We Can’t Believe It’s FREE! Animal Lovers, Crafty Kids 29 Movers & Shakers, Little Foodies The Great Outdoors 30 Smarty Pants Show Time! 31 Once Upon a Time Fun Fairs & Festivals, 32 Dance Party, Special Needs Holiday Fun

22 Editor’s Hot Tickets 23 24 25 26 WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar nyccalendar@davlermedia.com

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EDITOR’S HOT TICKET

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the nine 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!

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Bike Expo New York FREE

WHEN: May 3-4, Friday, 10am-8pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm WHERE: Basketball City, 299 South St., Lower East Side AGES: All WHAT: Nearly 100 exhibitors will represent biking brands and organizations, with programming for casual and serious cyclists alike. WHY WE LOVE IT: The fun includes a fashion show, demonstrations, and competitions. WANT TO GO? bike.nyc/events/bike-expo-new-york.

Urban Wildlife Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 4, 1-4pm WHERE: Fort Tryon Park, 741 Fort Washington Ave., Fort Washington AGES: All WHAT: Kids can get up-close and personal with owls, hawks, porcupines, and tortoises. WHY WE LOVE IT: The festival also promises relay races, animal-themed arts and crafts, and live music! WANT TO GO? 212-795-1600. whidc.org. 22

May 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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Children’s Day Festival

WHEN: Sunday, May 5, 11am-4pm WHERE: Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St., Midtown East AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Celebrate with a performance of Peach Boy (Momotaro) featuring storytelling, music, dance, taiko drumming, and audience participation. WHY WE LOVE IT: Continue the adventure with other authentic Kodomo no Hi activities. WANT TO GO? $18; $10 Japan Society members; free for children ages 2 and younger and Cool Culture members. 212-715-1258. japansociety.org.

LC Kids: ‘Shh...Bang!’

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WHEN: May 4-5, Saturday-Sunday, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Lincoln Center, Clark Studio Theater, 165 W. 65th St., 7th Floor, Upper West Side AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Two curious characters playfully explore the spaces between silence and noise. WHY WE LOVE IT: Young audience members are invited on stage to share in the experience, complete with leaps and cartwheels! WANT TO GO? $25. 212-957-1709. tickets.lincolncenter.org.


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Silent Voices: Lovestate

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WHEN: May 2-5, Thursday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday, 12pm and 4pm WHERE: The New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Soaring melodies, interlacing harmonies, and the ethereal voices of the Brooklyn Youth Chorus will echo through the theater. WHY WE LOVE IT: Driven by their own stories, these remarkable young singers harness the power of their voices to confront the challenges of racism and sexism. WANT TO GO? $17-$42. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.

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Mother’s Day at the Zoo

WHEN: Sunday, May 12, 9-10:30am WHERE: Central Park Zoo, East 64th Street, Upper Manhattan AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Meet a variety of zoo animal moms and their babies, make snacks for animal moms, and go on a scavenger hunt that concludes with meeting an animal. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will also make a special Mother’s Day craft and enjoy a yummy treat. WANT TO GO? $75 one child and one adult. 212-310-6600. centralparknyc.org.

Dance Parade FREE

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WHEN: Saturday, May 18, 1pm WHERE: 21st Street and Broadway, Gramercy AGES: All WHAT: The 13th annual Dance Parade returns as a celebration of dance with thousands of participants performing more than 80 styles of dance. WHY WE LOVE IT: Families can watch so many different dance styles including African, tango, salsa, hip-hop, contemporary, Irish, and Chinese. WANT TO GO? 929-222-3973. danceparade.org.

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Mamapalooza Festival FREE

WHEN: Sunday, May 26, 12-5pm WHERE: Riverside Park South, 72nd Street and Riverside Drive, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy music, family-focused vendors, wellness activities, face painting, art, and activism. WHY WE LOVE IT: The fun includes a Gymboree play area, a chair yoga session, and sun gazing with the Amateur Astronomers Association. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

World Science Festival NYC FREE

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. Pen America World Voices Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, see website for schedule WHERE: TownStages, 221 W. Broadway, Tribeca AGES: All WHAT: This international literary festival and offers story times and workshop for a number of genres. WANT TO GO? worldvoices.pen.org.

Drop in on Design FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 18, 11am-12:30pm and 1:30-3pm WHERE: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2 E. 91st St., Upper East Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: A beginner workshop in design! WANT TO GO? 212-849-8400. cooperhewitt.org.

Children’s Tennis Clinics FREE

WHEN: Through May 20: Mondays, 3-4pm for children ages 5-6, 4-5pm for children ages 7-8 WHERE: Washington Market Park, Greenwich and Chambers streets, Tribeca AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Participate in drills and games and learn the basics of the sport while having a great time! WANT TO GO? washingtonmarketpark.org.

Frieze at Rockefeller Center FREE

WHEN: Through June 28, daily, all day WHERE: Rockefeller Center, 45 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: More than 20 sculptures will give visitors the opportunity to enjoy and interact with renowned artwork. WANT TO GO? 212-332-6868. rockefellercenter.com.

Hester Street Fair FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 26: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: Hester Street, Hester and Essex streets, Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: Peruse handmade goods, creative products, and artisanal food. WANT TO GO? hesterstreetfair.com. ››

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WHEN: May 28-31, see website for schedule WHERE: Various locations around NYC AGES: All WHAT: A week packed with more than 60 events that take science out of the lab and into the city. WHY WE LOVE IT: The fun includes a fish count, stargazing, and a street festival with interactive demos. WANT TO GO? 718-222-9939. worldsciencefestival.com. BigAppleParent 23


CRAFTY KIDS Studio Art Sessions: Line Drawing Portrait

ANIMAL LOVERS Go Fish FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wagner Park, 16 Battery Place, Battery City Park AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Join for catch-and-release fishing, an art project, nature walk, and dance party! WANT TO GO? 212-267-9700. bpcparks.org.

Special Sunday Story Time with the Author and Illustrator of ‘Abela’s Adventure’

WHEN: Sunday, May 12, 11:30am WHERE: DiMenna Children’s History Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: The story of a scarlet macaw who moves to New York. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Wild Bird Fund. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors, educators, and active military; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children ages 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.

American Museum of Natural History Presents: Milstein Science Series: Ocean Babies FREE

WHEN: Sunday, May 19, 11am-4pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Learn all about the baby animals in the sea and the parenting strategies used to keep them safe. WANT TO GO? $23; $18 students and seniors; $13 children ages 2-12. 212-769-5100. amnh.org.

The Butterfly Conservatory: Tropical Butterflies Alive in Winter

WHEN: Through May 27: daily, 10am-5:45pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: This exhibition features up to 500 live butterflies housed in a vivarium that approximates their natural habitat. WANT TO GO? $28; $22.50 students and seniors; $16.50 children ages 2–12. 212-769-5800. amnh.org.

T. rex: The Ultimate Predator

WHEN: May 1-31, see website for schedule WHERE: The American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: From fluffy hatchling to massive killing machine, AMNH’s new exhibition explores the life history, remarkable abilities, and ancient relatives of tyrannosaurus rex. WANT TO GO? $23; $18 student (with ID); $18 seniors; $13 children ages 2-12. 212-769-5100. amnh.org. 24

May 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, May 5, 1-4pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Explore different types of lines to create a portrait inspired by Leonard Cohen’s self-portraits. WANT TO GO? $18; $12 seniors 65 and older; $8 students; free children ages 18 and younger, and for all on Saturdays. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

Make Mom a Makeup Pouch Sewing Workshop

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, 3:30-5:30pm WHERE: The Fashion Class, 21 W. 39th St., 4th Floor, Midtown AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Kids will learn to sew a perfect gift for Mother’s Day! WANT TO GO? $50. 646-239-6663. midtown.thefashionclass.com.

KidJAM: Make Cool Accessories!

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, 10-11:30am WHERE: Made by We, 920 Broadway, Flatiron District AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn how to make a friendship bracelet or ear bud holders out of leather. WANT TO GO? $45 per child. 917-690-8287. craftjam.co.

Studio Art Sessions Imaginative Instrument Collage

WHEN: Sunday, May 12, 1-4pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Invent your own instrument using collage materials inspired by Leonard Cohen: A Crack in Everything. WANT TO GO? $18; $12 seniors 65 and older; $8 students; free children ages 18 and younger, and for all on Saturdays. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.


Second Sunday Family Tours

WHEN: Sunday, May 12, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Explore the museum with an interactive tour that includes handson gallery activities. WANT TO GO? $25 per family. 212-423-3500. guggenheim.org.

Family Afternoon: Heart Strings

WHEN: Sunday, May 12, 1-4pm WHERE: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Drop in for hands-on fun inspired by Play It Loud: Instruments of Rock & Roll. WANT TO GO? $25; $17 seniors; $12 students. 877-946-4868. metmuseum.org.

Sensational Senses Family Sundays FREE

WHEN: May 5-26, Sundays, 1-4pm WHERE: Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17th St., Flatiron AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Explore the power of touch by creating a sensory activity filled with color. WANT TO GO? 212-620-5000. rubinmuseum.org/familysundays.

School Break Program FREE

WHEN: Monday, May 27, 1-4pm WHERE: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Create works of art at The Met! WANT TO GO? $25; $17 seniors; $12 students; free for children younger than 12 with an adult. 212-535-7710. metmuseum.org.

Little Hands Arts and Crafts Class

WHEN: May 2-30, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-10:45am WHERE: The Craft Studio UES, 1657 Third Ave., Upper East Side AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Little artists dive deeper into art techniques and projects in a fun environment. WANT TO GO? $28. 212-831-6626. craftstudionyc.com.

Banksy Art Class

WHEN: Through June 25: Tuesdays, 3-4pm WHERE: Playday, 122 E. 25th St., Kips Bay AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Join this stencil class inspired by the works of Banksy. WANT TO GO? $35. 646-410-5743. playdaynyc.com.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Central Park Tour Discovery Walk for Families: Gardens FREE

WHEN: Sunday, May 5, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Gate at Conservatory Garden, Fifth Avenue between 104th and 105th streets, Upper East Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Enjoy a kid-friendly guided walk through thousands of blooms. WANT TO GO? 212-310-6600. centralparknyc.org.

Watson Adventures’ Super Powers Scavenger Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, 2-4pm WHERE: Grand Central Terminal, 89 E. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Visit places that have served as locations in famous superhero movies such as the Avengers, Spiderman, and the Fantastic Four. WANT TO GO? $17.50-$21.50. 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com.

Governors Island Opening Weekend FREE

WHEN: May 1-11, daily, 10am-7pm WHERE: Governors Island at Yankee Pier, 10 South St., Governors Island AGES: All WHAT: Take in the Island’s open and expansive park spaces with unforgettable views of New York Harbor. WANT TO GO? 212-440-2205. govisland.com.

Central Park Discovery Walk for Families: Harlem Meer FREE WHEN: Sunday, May 12, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Fifth Avenue between 104th and 105th streets, New York AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn about how the area has changed over time, the plants and animals that live there today, and how the Conservancy cares for this ecosystem. WANT TO GO? 212-310-6600. centralparknyc.org.

Watson Adventures’ Hamilton: The Family Scavenger Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, May 25, 11am-1pm WHERE: Watson Adventures Meet-Up Location, Broad Street and Exchange Place, Financial District AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Follow in Alexander Hamilton’s footsteps on a unique family scavenger hunt WANT TO GO? $17.50-$21.50. 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com.

Central Park Discovery Walk for Families: The North Woods FREE

WHEN: Sunday, May 26, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, 110th Street between Lenox and Fifth avenues, Upper East Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn how plants and trees contribute to the health of an urban woodland community. WANT TO GO? 212-310-6600. centralparknyc.org.

South Street Seaport Museum: Sail New York Harbor Aboard the Pioneer

WHEN: May 25-Sept. 8, see website for schedule WHERE: South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton St., Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Sail the New York Harbor aboard the historic 1885 schooner, Pioneer. WANT TO GO? $32; $28 children and seniors. 212-748-8600. southstreetseaport.com. ›› BigAppleParent 25


‘Old Turtle and the Broken Truth’

WHEN: May 4-19, Friday-Sunday, times vary WHERE: 14th Street Y, 344 E. 14th St., East Village AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A truth falls from the sky and breaks into two pieces, causing problems when the villagers discover only half of the truth. WANT TO GO? $14. 212-780-0800. 14streety.org.

‘Around the World in 80 Days’

SHOW TIME!

WHEN: May 10-19, see website for showtimes WHERE: The New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This theatrical romp is full of slapstick hilarity and comic bookstyle action scenes. WANT TO GO? $17-$42. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.

Harlem Children’s Theatre Festival FREE

‘Angelina Ballerina’ The Musical

WHEN: Saturday, May 4, 10am-1pm WHERE: Aaron Davis Hall, 138 Convent Ave., Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy age-appropriate plays and readings, written and produced by graduate students. WANT TO GO? 212-650-6900. ccny.cuny.edu/edtheatre.

Galli’s ‘Rapunzel’

WHEN: May 4-5, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater, 74 Warren St., Tribeca AGES: 3-8 WHAT: When a husband sneaks into a garden for his wife he makes a promise to a witch—will his daughter be doomed to live in a tower or will a prince come along and save her? WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.

‘Shh! We Have a Plan’

WHEN: Through May 19: selected Sundays and Saturdays, 11am and 1pm WHERE: Theater at Blessed Sacrament, 152 W. 71st St., Upper West Side AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Angelina and her friends will perform all types of dance, including hip-hop, modern dance, the Irish jig, and ballet! WANT TO GO? $49.50. 212-579-0528. theateratblessedsacrament.com.

Premiere of Galli’s ‘The Frog Prince’

WHEN: May 25-26, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater, 74 Warren St., Tribeca AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Through her adventure with the frog, a young girl learns the value of keeping her word and facing her fears. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.

‘Puss in Boots’

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, 11am WHERE: BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., Tribeca AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Follow madcap characters as they plan to capture a beautiful bird perched high in a tree. WANT TO GO? $30. 212-220-1460. tribecapac.org.

WHEN: May 1-31, Tuesday-Sunday, times vary WHERE: Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park, West 81st Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: A classic children’s fairy tale with a twist! WANT TO GO? $12; $8 children 12 and younger. 212-988-9093. cityparksfoundation.org.

Rhymes With Opera Presents the World Premiere of ‘The Impossible She’

‘Addy & Uno’

WHEN: May 10-18, daily, 8pm WHERE: 124 Bank Street Theatre, 124 Bank St., West Village AGES: 9 and older WHAT: The Impossible She dramatizes the relationship between two women in a world where men say they have little value. WANT TO GO? $20 general admission; $50 VIP tickets (includes special VIP reception with artists). 646-765-4773. rhymeswithopera.org/impossible.

‘Pinkalicious’ the Musical

WHEN: Through May 18: selected Saturdays, 11am WHERE: St. Luke’s Theatre, 308 W. 46th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: A musical based on the children›s book Pinkalicious. WANT TO GO? $49.50. 212-239-6200. vitaltheatre.org.

Galli’s ‘Princess and the Pea’

WHEN: May 11-19, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater, 74 Warren St., Tribeca AGES: 3-8 WHAT: After a failed attempt at speed dating, the right woman shows up at Prince’s door—but only the Royal Pea Test will reveal if she is a true princess. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.

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WHEN: Through June 2: Sundays, 12pm WHERE: Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Through puppets and soaring music, Addy & Uno celebrates big dreams and differences. WANT TO GO? $40. 212-239-6200. addyanduno.com.

‘The Wizard of Oz: A Jazz Musical for All Ages’

WHEN: Through June 8: dates vary, 3pm WHERE: Tato Laviera Theatre, 240 E. 123rd St., Harlem AGES: All WHAT: This production of the classic musical has a multiracial cast and a jazzy underscore. WANT TO GO? $10-$20. 212-868-4444. wizardofozjazzmusical.com.

‘Bout a Bout’

WHEN: May 31-June 9, Friday, 4pm; Saturday, Sunday, and select Thursdays, 10am, 1pm, 4pm WHERE: The Duke on 42nd Street, 229 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 3-5 WHAT: An ordinary piece of rope transforms into a hero who sets out on an adventure, brought to life through inventive puppetry. WANT TO GO? $20. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.


FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS Lincoln Center’s 60th Anniversary Block Party FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 4, 10am-2:30pm WHERE: Lincoln Center Campus, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate with live music, dance presentations, art-making and craft stations, film screenings, and tours! WANT TO GO? 212-875-5999. lincolncenter.org/60/show/block-party.

Calhoun School Spring Carnival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 4, 11am-5pm WHERE: The Calhoun School Main Building, 433 W. End Ave., Upper West Side AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Enjoy games, arts and crafts, face painting, bounce houses, and more. WANT TO GO? 917-566-9549. calhoun.org.

Columbia Greenhouse Nursery School Spring Fair 2019 FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 4, 11am-3pm WHERE: Columbia Greenhouse Nursery School, 404 W. 116th St., Morningside Heights AGES: All WHAT: The block becomes a kids’ wonderland of games, rides, and animals. WANT TO GO? columbiagreenhouse.com.

Cherry Blossom Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 4, 12pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: All WHAT: Paper flower making, kite making, Japanese folk dancing and drumming. WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org.

P.S. 84 Spring Fair FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, 11am-5pm WHERE: P.S. 84 Playground, 32 W. 92nd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy rides, crafts, and musical performances by the students. WANT TO GO? 84web.org.

New York Handmade Collective Spring Pop-up FREE

WHEN: Sunday, May 12, 10am-5:30pm WHERE: Grand Bazaar NY, 100 W. 77 St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Find handcrafted merchandise from artisans and designers from the area. WANT TO GO? 917-992-8857. nyhandmadecollective.org.

12th Annual Japan Day FREE

WHEN: Sunday, May 12, 9:30am-4pm WHERE: Central Park Bandshell, 72nd Street Crosswalk, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Family-friendly Japanese activities, cuisine, and live performances. WANT TO GO? 212-398-7145. japandaynyc.com.

The New York Baby Show

WHEN: May 18-19, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4pm WHERE: Pier 94, 711 Twelfth Ave., Hell’s Kitchen AGES: All WHAT: Meet more than 200 top global and local pregnancy and baby brands. WANT TO GO? $30 per family; $20 per individual; children are free. 212-268-3086. tickets.lupevents.com/The-New-York-Baby-Show.

Annual Children’s Festival FREE

Japanese Cultural Festival FREE

WHEN: May 18-19, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: National Museum of the American Indian, 1 Bowling Green, Lower Manhattan AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Explore the Taíno culture of the Caribbean WANT TO GO? 212-514-3700. americanindian.si.edu.

36th Annual Hippo Playground Spring Fair

WHEN: May 22-27, see website for schedule WHERE: The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, Midtown West AGES: All WHAT: Tour ships, watch the Parade of Ships, enjoy exhibits, military band concerts, and aviation events. WANT TO GO? 212-245-0072. militarynews.com/app/fleetweeknewyork.

WHEN: Sunday, May 5, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., West Village AGES: All WHAT: Performances and interactive arts workshops. WANT TO GO? 212-274-0986. cmany.org. WHEN: Sunday, May 5, 10am-4pm WHERE: Hippo Playground, W. 91st St., Upper West Side AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Have fun with pony rides, bouncy castles, a petting zoo, games, prizes, crafts, food, cupcake decorating, face painting, and entertainment. WANT TO GO? Prices vary. riversideparknyc.org.

Tribeca Film Festival

WHEN: Through May 5: See website for schedule WHERE: Tribeca Film Institute, Greenwich Street between Hubert and North Moore streets, Tribeca AGES: All WHAT: The Tribeca Film Festival is back with 10 days of groundbreaking, experiential storytelling. WANT TO GO? $55 and up; $12 matinee; $24 evenings and weekends. 212-941-2400. tribecafilm.com.

2019 NYC Preschool Fair FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, May 7, 4:30-6:30pm WHERE: St. Bart’s, 325 Park Ave., New York AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Representatives at independent and private preschools will provide information about the preschool admissions process. WANT TO GO? 212-737-7385. parentsleague.org.

Fleet Week NYC 2019 FREE

SPECIAL NEEDS ‘Olive and Pearl’

WHEN: May 9-11, Thursday-Friday, 10:30am and 11:45am; Saturday, 3pm WHERE: Ailey Citigroup Theater, 405 W. 55 St., Midtown AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy these relaxed performances of Olive & Pearl, the story of a young girl who is being raised by her Granny. WANT TO GO? $22-35. 212-868-4444. youngdancemakerscompany.com.

Access Family Workshop: Visitors with Learning or Developmental Disabilities FREE WHEN: Sunday, May 19, 2-4pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Visitors with learning or developmental disabilities and their families are invited to create art inspired by Leonard Cohen: A Crack in Everything. WANT TO GO? 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org. ››

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Sing!

WHEN: May 1-29, Wednesdays, 9:15-10am WHERE: 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Join in a fun sing-along of old-time favorites, folk songs, and childhood classics. WANT TO GO? $10. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.

Sunset Singing Circle Ft. Terre Roche FREE

MINI

MUSICIANS Crossing Bridges Music Fest

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, 7:30pm WHERE: Schimmel Center, 3 Spruce St., Financial District AGES: 9 and older WHAT: This festival bridges generations, styles, and boroughs. WANT TO GO? $39. 646-765-4773. schimmelcenter.org.

Carnegie Hall Family Concert: My City, My Song

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, 12pm and 3pm WHERE: Carnegie Hall, 881 Seventh Ave., Midtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Discover music from different parts of the world. WANT TO GO? $10. 212-247-7800. carnegiehall.org.

FunikiJam’s Music Garden: Spring Celebration!

WHEN: May 5-12, Sundays, 11am WHERE: Actors Temple Theatre, 339 W. 47th St., Midtown AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Explore European and South American cultures through songs, rhymes, and stories. WANT TO GO? $38. 347-913-5267. funikijam.com.

The Bronx Wanderers

WHEN: Saturday, May 18, 7:30pm WHERE: Schimmel Center, 3 Spruce St., Financial District AGES: 9 and older WHAT: The Bronx Wanderers delivers a high-octane ‘50s-’70s rock ‘n’ roll experience! WANT TO GO? $29 and up. 646-765-4773. schimmelcenter.org.

New York Philharmonic & Warner Bros. Present Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II

WHEN: May 17-18, Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2pm and 8pm WHERE: David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Classic Looney Tunes are projected, with their original scores performed by the philharmonic. WANT TO GO? $60 and up. 212-707-8566. lc.lincolncenter.org.

Jazz for Kids

WHEN: Through May 19: Sundays, 2pm WHERE: Jazz Standard, 116 E. 27th St., Kips Bay AGES: All WHAT: The visiting guests give a workshop to the band members in addition to providing the experience of playing with the top musicians on the scene. WANT TO GO? Suggested donation of $5. 212-576-2232. jazzstandard.com. 28

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WHEN: May 3-June 28, Fridays, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Wagner Park, 16 Battery Place, Battery City Park AGES: Adult WHAT: Singer/songwriter Terre Roche leads this weekly singing program. WANT TO GO? 212-267-9700. bpcparks.org.

KINDNESS CRUSADERS NYC Home Décor & Furniture Bazaar FREE

WHEN: Sunday, May 5, 10am-5:30pm WHERE: Grand Bazaar NYC, 100 W. 77th St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Shop for handmade, vintage, and antique home décor and furniture goods. All profits are donated to local public schools. WANT TO GO? 212-239-3025. grandbazaarnyc.org.

SandSational! in Riverside Park FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, 10am-1pm WHERE: Riverside Park, Enter at West 79th Street Boat Basin Rotunda, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Volunteer to move new sand into the playground’s sandbox. WANT TO GO? 914-777-3127. pcfwalk.org.

It’s My Park Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 18, 11am-12pm WHERE: Washington Market Park, Greenwich and Chambers streets, Tribeca AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Plant bulbs and flowers. WANT TO GO? washingtonmarketpark.org.


Bagels & Blox

WHEN: Sunday, May 19, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Spence-Chapin Services to Children & Families, 410 E. 92nd St., 3rd Floor, Upper East Side AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Join for a monthly adoptive family playgroup. WANT TO GO? $40 per family. 646-539-2167. spence-chapin.org.

Weekly Powerful Meditation to Manifest Your Best Life

WHEN: Through March 8, 2020: Sundays, 6-6:30pm WHERE: Bode NYC Upper Eastside, 173 E. 83rd St., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Donations benefit Super Happy Healthy Kids, a nonprofit, after-school program for NYC Public School children. WANT TO GO? $10 suggested donation. 917-369-0032. superhappyhealthykids.com.

MOVERS & SHAKERS Sunday Tummy Time

WHEN: Sunday, May 19, 1:30-2:15pm WHERE: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Help your baby reach developmental milestones while you connect with other parents. WANT TO GO? $18; $15 members. 646-505-5708. ebiz.jccmanhattan.org.

Sunday Crawlers Club

WHEN: Sunday, May 19, 12:30-1:15pm WHERE: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Help your crawler reach new milestones! WANT TO GO? $18; $15 members. 646-505-5708. ebiz.jccmanhattan.org.

Mission Solvers - Escape Room Games for Kids

WHEN: May 4-19, Saturday-Sunday, 10am WHERE: apple seeds, 10 W. 25th St., Flatiron District AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Race against the clock to complete challenges and puzzles, manipulate objects, and open locks. WANT TO GO? $36. missionsolvers.com.

Cerebral Palsy Soccer FREE

Yoga in the Park FREE

WHEN: May 2-Sept. 19, Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Stretch, breathe, and find inner peace at this yoga class. WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org.

LITTLE FOODIES Kids Food Fest FREE

WHEN: May 11-12, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4pm WHERE: Westfield World Trade Center, Oculus Plaza, 185 Greenwich St., Financial District AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Learn about making balanced food choices through food demos, performances, and sampling. WANT TO GO? Admission free; classes $25. kidsfoodfestival.com.

Essex Street Market Annual Birthday Block Party FREE WHEN: Saturday, May 18, 12-5pm WHERE: Essex Street Market, 88 Essex St., Lower East Side AGES: All WHAT: Grilling, chilling, and jamming with live music. WANT TO GO? essexstreetmarket.com.

Taste of Tribeca

WHEN: Saturday, May 18, 11:30am-3:30pm WHERE: Taste of Tribeca, 334 Greenwich St., Tribeca AGES: All WHAT: Taste dishes from Tribeca’s best-rated restaurants, and enjoy a Kids’ Zone and live entertainment. WANT TO GO? $45 and up. tasteoftribeca.com.

WHEN: Through June 15: Sundays, 1-3pm WHERE: West End Secondary School, 277 W. 61st St., Upper West Side AGES: 5-17 WHAT: This special program offers soccer training for kids with cerebral palsy, stroke, or traumatic brain injury who can walk and run independently. WANT TO GO? 347-328-3390. cpsoccer.us.

Ninth Avenue International Food Festival FREE

Track & Field FREE

Young Chefs

WHEN: Through June 23: Saturdays, 10am-12pm WHERE: Thomas Jefferson Park, East 112th Street and First Avenue, Harlem AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Learn the basics of the sport. WANT TO GO? 718-760-6999. cityparksfoundation.org.

WHEN: May 18-19, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: Ninth Avenue, between 42nd and 57th streets, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy global cuisines along with fine art and crafts, family-friendly children’s games, and entertainment. WANT TO GO? 212-581-7217. ninthavenuefoodfestival.com. WHEN: May 1-31, Monday-Thursday, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Freshmade NYC, 636 Broadway, Suite 516, Noho AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This hands-on cooking class teaches kids essential cooking techniques and kitchen safety. WANT TO GO? $45. 212-475-0500. freshmadenyc.com. ››

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AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn about the infrastructure of NYC, then design and construct a model of what lies below the streets. WANT TO GO? $6; $12 children. 212-358-6133. cfafoundation.org.

Tween Primes

WHEN: Sunday, May 5, 5:30pm WHERE: Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Nomad AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Use NUMB3RS as a springboard to learn mathematical techniques used by the FBI. WANT TO GO? $15-$20. 212-542-0566. piday.momath.org.

Unlimited

SMARTY PANTS Math Encounters: ‘Hot Hands: What Data Science Can (And Can’t) Tell Us about Basketball Trends’ with Lisa Goldberg FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, May 1, 4pm and 7pm WHERE: Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Nomad AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Hear all about a data-driven approach to whether or not the hot hand in basketball is a cognitive illusion. WANT TO GO? 212-542-0566. piday.momath.org.

Watson Adventures’ The Museum Strikes Back Scavenger Hunt for Star Wars Fans

WHEN: Saturday, May 4, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Explore the museum in search of artifacts that echo the characters, creatures, and planets of Star Wars. WANT TO GO? $29.50-$45. 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com.

Sewer in a Suitcase FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 4, 11am-12:30 pm; 1:30-3pm WHERE: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2 E. 91st St., Upper East Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Explore the mysterious workings of NYC’s water infrastructure through hands-on activities. WANT TO GO? 212-849-8400. cooperhewitt.org.

Forms in Nature

WHEN: Saturday, May 4, 10:30-11:45am WHERE: The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, Battery Park City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Learn about structures built by animals and how they inspire architect’s designs, then design and build your own structures. WANT TO GO? $5. 212-968-1961.

Take Two Film Workshop: Sound Effects and Foley FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 4, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: West End Secondary School, 227 W. 61st St., Upper West Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Explore the world of the foley artist and create sounds that match the actions on screen. WANT TO GO? 917-546-6816. taketwofilmacademy.com/take-two-talks.

Family Day at the Center for Architecture: Underground New York

WHEN: Saturday, May 4, 11am-1pm, 2-4pm WHERE: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, Greenwich Village

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WHEN: Sunday, May 5, 6:30pm WHERE: Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Nomad AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Kids can hang out with friends, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, and dance to popular music. WANT TO GO? $15 student; $20 two students. 212-542-0566. piday.momath.org.

Kids Eat History: The Story of School Lunch

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Henry Street Settlement Parent Center, 281 E. Broadway, Lower East Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Explore the history of school lunch in public schools and its impact on the kids of the Lower East Side. WANT TO GO? $18; $10 children. 212-471-2400. henrystreet.org.

Robotics for Kids

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, 11am-12:30pm ages 5-7; 12:30-2pm ages 8 and older WHERE: New York Live Arts, 219 W. 19th St., Chelsea AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Students will be introduced to robot building and programming. WANT TO GO? $30; $20 for siblings in the same class. 212-691-6500. newyorklivearts.org.

Dig Drop-In

WHEN: Sunday, May 12, 3-4pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Enjoy a simulated archaeological dig. WANT TO GO? $18; $12 seniors 65 and older; $8 students; free for children ages 18 and younger, and for all on Saturdays. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

Family Workshop: Tea Ceremony

WHEN: Sunday, May 12, 2:30-4pm WHERE: Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St., Midtown AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Participate in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony. WANT TO GO? $15; free for children ages 2 and younger. 212-715-1258. japansociety.org.

Bump Bash

WHEN: Thursday, May 16, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper East Side AGES: Adult WHAT: Enjoy mocktails and connecting with other parents-to-be, plus discussions with experts in sleep, breast-feeding, and other relevant topics. WANT TO GO? $15. 646-505-5708. ebiz.jccmanhattan.org.


Mandarin Seeds Open House FREE

WHEN: Friday, May 17, 9:30-10:30am WHERE: Mandarin Seeds, 23 Warren St., Store 11, Tribeca AGES: 3-8, adult WHAT: Find out why the Ya-Ya Immersion program is the most popular program for families who are passionate about Chinese language and culture. WANT TO GO? 646-580-4769. mandarinseeds.com.

Watson Adventures’ Wizard School Scavenger Hunt for Harry Potter Fans WHEN: May 12-18, Sunday-Saturday, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., New York AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Young wizards will enjoy searching for art that echoes characters and enchanted objects in the Harry Potter books. WANT TO GO? $31-$42. 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com.

Monthly Youth Stamp Club FREE

WHEN: Through May 18: select Saturdays, 10-11:30am WHERE: Collectors Club of New York, 22 E. 35th St., Murray Hill AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Stamp collecting is a hobby that provides learning opportunities about myriad topics. WANT TO GO? 212-683-0559. collectorsclub.org.

Mindfulness for Families with Gala Narezo

WHEN: Sunday, May 19, 11:30am-1pm WHERE: Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17th St., Flatiron AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Gala Narezo, an artist, educator, and mindfulness meditator, teaches coping tools through the expression of art. WANT TO GO? $48; $2 children. 212-620-5000. rubinmuseum.org/familysundays.

Caring for Your Newborn Grandbaby

WHEN: Thursday, May 30, 4-6pm WHERE: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper East Side AGES: Adult WHAT: Get a refresher on topics such as bathing, dressing, preparing your home for visits, and handling a colicky baby. WANT TO GO? $30; $20 members. 646-505-5708. ebiz.jccmanhattan.org.

‘Let’s Go on Safari!’: Book Reading and Signing FREE

WHEN: Thursday, May 9, 4:30pm WHERE: Bank Street Bookstore, 2780 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: A book encouraging kids everywhere to advocate for wild animals! WANT TO GO? 212-678-1654. bankstreetbooks.com.

Sunday Story Time: ‘Carmela Full of Wishes’

WHEN: Sunday, May 12, 11:30am WHERE: DiMenna Children’s History Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Listen to Carmela Full of Wishes followed by a dandelion-making project. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors, educators, and active military; $6 kids ages 5-13; free for children ages 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.

Sunday Story Time: ‘Elizabeth’s Constellation Quilt’

WHEN: Sunday, May 19, 11:30am WHERE: DiMenna Children’s History Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Celebrate Astronomy Day while reading Elizabeth’s Constellation Quilt. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors, educators, and active military; $6 kids ages 5-13; free for children ages 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.

Sunday Story Time: ‘One Sunday Morning’

WHEN: Sunday, May 26, 11:30am WHERE: DiMenna Children’s History Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Discover what Minho and his father explore during their day in the park, followed by a puppet-making craft. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors, educators, and active military; $6 kids ages 5-13; free for children ages 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.

German Story Time FREE

WHEN: Through June 7: Fridays, 4:30pm WHERE: Book Culture on Broadway, 2915 Broadway, Morningside Heights AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Hear classic and new picture books in German and sing a song or two. WANT TO GO? 646-403-3000. kinderbooks.nyc/german-story-time. ››

ONCE UPON A TIME Sunday Story Time: ‘Mae Among the Stars’

WHEN: Sunday, May 5, 11:30am WHERE: DiMenna Children’s History Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Hear Mae Among the Stars and children and learn about her adventure in becoming an astronaut, then craft a rocket ship! WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors, educators, and active military; $6 kids ages 5-13; free for children ages 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.

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HOLIDAY FUN Celebrate Israel

WHEN: Sunday, May 5, 11am-6pm WHERE: West 88th Street, between Broadway and West End Avenue, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Israel’s Independence Day with music, dancing, food, kids’ activities, and crafts. WANT TO GO? up to $15. 347-604-3964. jccmanhattan.org/uwsisrael.

Mother’s Day at the Museum

DANCE PARTY Shabbat Sing-Along FREE

WHEN: Friday, May 3, 9-9:25am WHERE: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Bring little ones to welcome Shabbat with singing and dancing. WANT TO GO? 646-505-5708. ebiz.jccmanhattan.org.

18th Annual Irish Dance Festival FREE

WHEN: Sunday, May 5, 1-7pm WHERE: Riverside Park South, 72nd Street and Riverside Drive, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy performances from top Irish dance companies, workshops, music sessions, céilís, Irish language lessons, children’s crafts, and face painting. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

New York City Ballet Children’s Workshops

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, 12:45-1:45pm WHERE: Samuel B & David Rose Building, 165 W. 65th St., 7th Floor, Upper West Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: A 45-minute pre-performance exploration of the music, movement, and themes of a ballet. WANT TO GO? $14. 212-496-0600. nycballet.com.

WHEN: May 11-12, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a weekend full of art and gift making. WANT TO GO? $14 children and adults; $11 seniors; $11 visitors with disabilities; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

The Amazing Mother’s Day Scavenger Hunt

WHEN: Sunday, May 12, 2-5pm WHERE: Slattery’s Midtown Pub, 8 E. 36th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: A series of clues leads you around the city performing physical and mental challenges along the way. WANT TO GO? $25. 718-344-8962. slatterysmidtownpub.com.

InterSchool Orchestras of New York (ISO) Mother’s Day Spring Concert

WHEN: Sunday, May 12, 4pm WHERE: BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., Tribeca AGES: All WHAT: Hear the music of Beethoven, Wagner, Haydn, and Respighi, plus the “Harry Potter Symphonic Suite”. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-220-1460. tribecapac.org.

Infants & Young Children Family Shabbat Dinner

WHEN: Friday, May 17, 5:30-7pm WHERE: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Celebrate Shabbat with appetizers, an interactive sing-along, blessings, and a delicious dinner. WANT TO GO? $18 per person; free for children younger than 2. 646-505-5708. ebiz.jccmanhattan.org.

Celebrate Ramadan!

WHEN: Sunday, May 12, 3pm WHERE: The Flea Theater, 20 Thomas St., Tribeca AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Join the company for an all-ages and -levels movement class and a special champagne and chocolate reception. WANT TO GO? $12-$27. 212-352-3101. elisamontedance.org.

WHEN: May 25-26, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Explore the holiday of Ramadan with storytelling, a navigation station, and paint activity. WANT TO GO? $14 children and adults; $11 seniors; $11 visitors with disabilities; free for children ages 1 and younger. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

New York City Ballet Family Saturdays

Memorial Day at the Museum

Mothers Day with Elisa Monte Dance

WHEN: Saturday, May 25, 11am-12pm WHERE: David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Join for a 1-hour interactive presentation featuring excerpts from New York City Ballet’s diverse repertory. WANT TO GO? $22-$32. 212-496-0600. nycballet.com. 32

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WHEN: May 25-27, Saturday-Monday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Make a star-spangled wind chime. WANT TO GO? $14 children and adults; $11 seniors; $11 visitors with disabilities; free for children ages 1 and younger. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.


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family life home

Let’s Get Organized!

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From kids’ rooms to bathrooms and the kitchen, experts share easy solutions to keep your home clutter-free. By Lambeth Hochwald

T

his time of year is not only the ideal time to do a big day (or two) of spring cleaning, it’s also one of the most ideal times to look at each room of the house in a different way, especially if it feels like there’s a little mess in every room. Interestingly, those messes usually take hold because we don’t have any method of staying organized—and this is key to keeping the house tidy. “Often we create messes because we don’t know exactly where to put something or the item itself doesn’t have a home,” says Piper Gore, owner of PS de Resistance, a home organizing company in New York City. “Even a pile of loose papers that need to be looked at some point should have a specific place—and only one place—that it’s kept in the home. The good news is, once you and your family know where things go, you’ll save time, find things faster, and spend less time organizing as you will already be doing it as you go along.” Read on as we guide you around your house, room by room, with some helpful organization tips that will forever change the way you stack your towels and keep every last Lego tidy.

All Hail a Tidy Kitchen

No matter how large (or compact) your kitchen is, it’s easier than you think to keep it organized, says Natalie Schrier, owner of Cut the Clutter, an organizing company in New York City. And, since this is the one room that can easily get disorganized—fast—Schrier shares three of her favorite tips for what is often the hub of the house: 34

May 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Double your shelf space. “To do this, shop around for freestanding shelves that will fit in your existing kitchen cabinets,” Schrier says. Rethink your spice rack. “A tiered spice rack paired with printed labels on bottle tops makes it easy to find seasonings in a snap. To make things even easier, hang your measuring spoons on the door inside the cabinet in which your spices are stored,” Schrier says. Stand frying pans upright. “This will save space and make it easier to retrieve what you need,” she says.

Kids Rooms Can Be Streamlined

If it feels like your kids’ rooms are bursting at the seams—your kids are in a major growth spurt and some clothes fit and some don’t and toys are strewn every which way—it’s time to sort, dump, or store. Here are four tips to get this room under control: Corral hand-me-downs. “It can be hard to keep kids’ clothes under control since they outgrow them so quickly,” says Lisa Zaslow, owner of the NYC-based Gotham Organizers. “My best tip: Keep a spare shopping bag in the closet to stash too-small clothes and shoes as soon as you realize they don’t fit,” she says. “When it’s full, donate, sell, or give those items away. If you’re saving items for a younger child to grow into, use a zippered clothing storage bin and label it with the size.”


Divide—to conquer—drawers. “When it comes to underwear and socks, it’s almost impossible to have kids keep those drawers organized,” says Jennifer Nevins, founder of Savor, a Manhattanbased company that designs and manufactures organizational boxes. “Dividers make it easy...to see what you have and stay organized.”

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Have the right organizational tools. To get your kids’ room looking streamlined, use a label maker to indicate what’s in which storage box, put a cheery laundry hamper in your child’s room to ensure socks don’t end up on the floor, and never underestimate the space below the bed, a perfect place to tuck under-bed storage boxes. Do a regular toy review. “One thing we see people struggle with is the fact that toys usually end up all over the house,” says Ben Soreff, owner of House to Home Organizing in Norwalk, CT. “Step one is gathering all the toys and games for review. Some may be broken or missing pieces and should be recycled. Others have been aged out of and should be donated (preschools make great toy donation spots) and some may be keepsakes.” As for storage, “one or two baskets with handles make for good traveling toy carrying bins for when you have company over and need to take the toys out of the living room,” Soreff says.

Bathrooms Can Feel Zen-Ready

The bathroom is another room in the house that can easily become a dumping ground for everything from washcloths and oversized bottles of mouthwash to cleaning products and bath towels. Here are three ways to transform this room into more of spa-serene space: Baskets are everything. “Storage baskets, boxes, and crates are key ways to keep the bathroom organized,” Gore says. “It doesn’t matter which you use, though I prefer to use pretty baskets whenever possible.” A lazy Susan isn’t just for the kitchen. “These spinning trays are heaven-sent when you’re trying to reach things on a shelf,” Gore says. “If you have lots of supplements or lots of bathroom products, these work anywhere there are lots of little jars, bottles, or vials. One tip: Try placing one on a shelf where you haven’t already implemented the basket strategy.” Keep items low enough for kids to reach. “Hooks are super helpful ways to stay organized, but they have to be hung at the right level,” Nevins says. “Height is important—our bathroom hooks were hung at adult size and that meant our kids couldn’t reach them.”

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Expand Whatever Closets You Have

If it seems like every time you open a closet door something falls down and hits you in the head, not to worry, say our organization experts. Here are three tips for making your closets seem spacious even if they’re packed. Think vertically. “One way to maximize your vertical space is by either stacking labeled boxes or using risers on a shelf,” says Katy Winter, owner of Katy’s Organized Home in Chappaqua. Use the wall. “The easiest and least expensive option to use the space you have is to use peel and stick hooks,” says Jamie Novak, owner of Novak Organizing in Scotch Plains, NJ. Maximize your closet door(s). “Over-the door organizers work beautifully to give you tons of pockets where you can stash things and then find them again,” Novak says. “Even if you can’t use it over the door you can still hang it on a wall or from a hanger.” Lambeth Hochwald is a New York City-based journalist covering trends, relationships, and life in New York City.

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Specialty Camps

BOLD Arts

Upper East Side and Upper West Side 419-349-2465 bold-arts.com info@bold-arts.com BOLD invites children ages 4-14 to join in weeklong dance camps, which culminate in a high-energy, original performance to live music. Participants are immersed in a thought-provoking theme used to inspire their show. Together we build a performance using student-made scenery, costumes, and dances created by the group.

Boston Leadership Institute

781-431-2514 bostonleadershipinstitute.com Multiple award-winning summer STEM programs are just hours away. Boston is a student Mecca and renowned for higher education, biotech, and leading medical centers. Medical and Surgical Research, Entrepreneurship, DNA Science, Chemistry, Robotics, Anatomy, Architecture, Engineering, Investment Banking, and more than 30 other options are available. One-week or three-week sessions.

Breakaway Hoops

646-776-2021 x0 office hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm breakawayhoops.com info@breakawayhoops.com Breakaway Hoops is a Manhattan-based basketball company offering youth (ages 5-15) fundamental basketball instruction through camps, leagues, and clinics year-round. We offer weekly, themed, summer day basketball camps from June-August. Weekly camps consist of Shooting Camp, Core Skills Camp, Triple Threat Camp, and NBA Player Camps.

Bricks 4 Kidz®

646-927-9129 bricks4kidz.com/450 bricks4kidzny@gmail.com Bricks 4 Kidz NYC Camps are fun and educational! Inspire your child to dive into their imagination and demonstrate creativity with awesome, educational builds and activities. We will take a thrilling journey through Jurassic Brickland, Galaxy Far Away, Brick

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City Engineers, Mining and Crafting, Transformation Creation, Super Hero Academy, and Robotics!

Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens

37 W. 65th St. 3rd floor 212-582-9304 broadwaydancecenter.com Move, learn, and grow with Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens this summer! Our one-week dance camps are the perfect way for children to learn about dance, make new friends, and create memories. Designed for movers of all levels, our camps give students the opportunity to try a variety of styles.

Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex

Summer Camps West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park Camps: 212-336-6846 chelseapiers.com/camp Chelsea Piers Summer Camp is NYC’s most flexible camp with up to 11 weeks and 16 sports to choose from. Our coaches are dedicated year-round to providing athletes with a fun and comprehensive camp experience. Transportation and aftercare available. Camps run June 17–Aug. 30. Register online at chelseapiers.com/camps.

China Institute - Children’s Immersive Summer Day Camp

40 Rector St., 2nd floor 212-744-8181 x110 chinainstitute.org China Institute offers a unique camp experience in Lower Manhattan. Full- and half-day sessions are offered for ages 2-14. Interactive Chinese language and culture instruction offered to students of all levels. Language instruction is led by experienced Chinese language teachers with exciting historical themes designed to inspire learning, participation, and engagement.

Collina Italiana

1556 Third Ave. (at 87th Street), Suite 603 212-427-7770 collinaitaliana.com info@collinaitaliana.com Italian Summer in the City on the Upper East Side is for kids 3-6 who

May 2019 | nymetroparents.com

want to absorb the culture of Italy. The program includes Giochiamo in Italiano-learn Italian through play; Cinema Italiano-study Italian through animated movies; Arte Insieme-make art, speak Italian; Le Uscite-outings to museums; Il Tavolo in Italiano–lunch time!

FasTracKids Summer STE(A)M+ Adventure

10 Locations around NYC: Three in Manhattan, four in Brooklyn, two in Staten Island, and one in Queens ftkny.com/summer-camp info@ftkny.com Exciting and educational oneweek STEAM+ summer camps for ages 2-10. Campers can become future doctors, young entrepreneurs, architects, painters and clay masters, chemical engineers, robotic engineers, aviation, electrical engineers, and food scientists. Summer Academics can also be incorporated to keep their academic skills sharp and avoid summer brain drain!

Girls With Impact Live-online academy 917-355-1317 girlswithimpact.com ops@girlswithimpact.com The ultimate college-prep program gives teen girls (ages 12-18) skills and confidence to stand out from the crowd. Six weeks, 12 live-online classes. Join from home, vacation, or the road. We equip her with vital skills for the future and help her launch her own high-impact project. Class options evenings and weekends.

Imagine Works Youth Theatre - Camp Imagine Summer Theatre Intensive The Players Theatre West Village 347-878-3813 imagineworksonline.com imagineworksinfo@gmail.com Camp Imagine is a summer theatre intensive for tweens and teens running July 9-26 at the Off-Broadway Players Theatre. Final performances of a Broadway musical are produced on their professional stage. Great for beginning or very experienced young performers with small class sizes in voice, drama, and dance.

JCC Manhattan Summer Camps Camp Settoga

646-505-4430 jccmanhattan.org/campsettoga Your summer of adventure awaits at Camp Settoga! Nestled in the foothills of Harriman State Park, JCC Manhattan celebrates day camp excellence. It’s everything you’ve come to expect from the JCC, with enriching programs in the arts, Red Cross Learn to Swim Program, an adventure course, sports, and outdoor cooking!

Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy

917-270-7257 ktuga.com/content/camps-and-special-programs-summer mari@ktuga.com Join KTUGA in Central Park for seasonal classes, mini camps, or bi-weekly lessons. Perfect for children ages 3-8. Going East this summer? We return to Montauk Downs State Park for our ninth season! Children ages 3 and older play golf at one of the finest courses.

Launch Math + Science Centers

Multiple Manhattan locations: Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and Tribeca 212-600-1010 launchmath.com info@launchmath.com Launch Math + Science Centers offer exciting and educational one-week STEM summer camps for kids from kindergarten-seventh grade. Campers create digital media, explore forensic biology, tinker with electronics, program autonomous robots—and that is just the beginning! Launch camps feature a 4-to-1 camper-to-instructor ratio with multiple locations around Manhattan.

The Little Gym

2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets) Upper West Side 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.com Since 1977, The Little Gym has been promoting 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 (noncompetitive!) for beginner, intermediate, or advanced gymnasts.

MakerState STEM Summer Camp

Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Lower East Side, and Park Slope 845-399-9300 maker-state.com info@maker-state.com MakerState STEM Summer Camp runs July 1-Aug. 30 (nine individual weeks), from 8:30am4pm, for ages 6-14. Game Coding, 3-D Printing, Lego Robotics, Rocket Science, Minecraft Engineering, plus outdoor play, laser tag, and Water Balloon Olympics are offered. Save $50 with code: APPLESTEM.

Modeling Camp

1535 Broadway 888-757-5575 modelingcamp.com modelingcamp@aol.com Modeling Camp invites girls to discover the model in you this summer as we explore the world of modeling and fashion in NYC. From photo shoots to fashion shows, personal grooming to health and fitness, making TV commercials and meeting top model scouts—girls learn about the industry in a noncompetitive environment.

Montessori International Summer Camp

347 E. 55th St., Sutton Place 212-223-4630 montessorischoolny.com Montessori International proudly offers “Sights and Sounds of New York City” for children ages 2–14. Centered on NYC’s world-renowned museums and cultural destinations, children participate in field trips, art projects, academic activities, and weekly barbecues. Children also enjoy dance, arts and crafts, musical theatre, foreign language, STEM, bowling, ice skating, and swimming.

Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden

421 E. 61st St. (between First and York avenues) 212-838-6878 mvhm.org info@mvhm.org

History Weeks 2019- tucked away on East 61st Street, this 19th-century hotel museum transports kids back in time. Each week is dedicated to an age group; kids explore the museum, create handmade products like toleware and candles, and garden outdoors. They write with quill and ink and make foods popular in the 1800s.

Play On! Studios Theater Camps

Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew 263 W. 86th St. 347-709-4149 Lena Moy-Borgen, director playonstudios.com info@playonstudios.com Play On! Studios offers awesome theater camps for grades kindergarten to 12th on the Upper West Side! In all of our camps, young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors and teaching artists, and build up their skills in a nurturing, noncompetitive environment.

Weekly day and sleepover camps for ages 5-14, from June 24–Aug. 16. Our STEAM camps are ‘SEED-totable’ experiential adventures! Explore a life-changing encounter fostering an appreciation for the earth, its beings, and our responsibility for its care. Located just off the Taconic State Parkway in the scenic Hudson Valley.

Summer Camp @Ross

18 Goodfriend Drive, East Hampton 631-907-5000 summercamp@ross.org Located in East Hampton, Summer Camp @Ross offers a unique and beautiful environment that nurtures and fosters a child’s curiosity, imagination, and creativity. Offering courses in athletics, performance, the sciences, outdoors, media studies taught by experts in each field, and lunches in our renowned Ross Café.

Thalia Book Club Camp at Symphony Space

95th and Broadway 212-864-1414 x221 thaliabookclubcamp@symphonyspace.org Know a kid who thinks authors are more interesting than YouTube stars? Thalia Book Club Camp is a unique program for avid readers and writers ages 9-14. Campers meet with authors, take part in book discussions, engage in writing, drama, drawing, and go on book-related field trips.

The Whale Camp

610-399-1463 whalecamp.com The Whale Camp provides experiential marine biology programs and facilities for learning about the dynamic ecologies of the Bay of Fundy and Grand Manan Island. Our goal is to use hands-on activities to increase awareness and understanding of natural systems. Campers build confidence, connect with the natural environment, and make lasting friendships.

Speakitaly NYC

49 W. 28th St., Floor 2 212-603-9685 speakitalynyc.com info@speakitalynyc.com Speakitaly NYC offers high-quality Italian language lessons for children and young learners ages 3 and older. Children are encouraged to experiment with the language through engaging activities and start speaking Italian in a very natural way. Educational, fun, and professional native language teachers!

SPORTIME Randall’s Island & JMTA Summer Camps - 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, and NYCFC Soccer Camps.

Sprout Creek Farm Summer Camp 34 Lauer Road, Poughkeepsie 845-485-8438 sproutcreekfarm.org camps@sproutcreekfarm.org

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Get Close to ‘La Bella Lingua’, without leaving Manhattan!

Montessori International Summer Day Camp 347 East 55th Street

Italian Summer Mini Camp:

• Swimming • STEM • Yoga • Arts & Crafts • Field Trips • Dance • Ice Skating • Hands-On Science • Drama • Academic Tutoring • SSAT/ISEE/ERB Exam Prep

Ages 2 to 14 “Wisdom through Knowledge”

(917) 355 1317

June 11 - July 18

212-223-4630

August 6 - 22

montessorinyc@aol.com www.montessorischoolny.com

Private and Group classes available

- Giardino dei Bambini: Italian

morning drop-off (Ages 2-4)

- Girotondo Giallo e Rosso: Italian Playgroup (Ages 2-3, 4-5)

Adult Classes 1556 Third Avenue,

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@87th Street,

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Inquire about

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Suite 603

Info@collinaitaliana.com

212.427.7770 BigAppleParent 39


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8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

Portfolio School portfolioschool.org

Sprout Creek Farm sproutcreekfarm.org

8

8

8

8

8

Pusteblume International Preschool pusteblumenyc.org

8

8 8

MWS Student Camps mwscamps.com

8

8

8

Montessori International Summer Camp montessorischoolny.com

40

Swimming

8

8 8

Modeling Camp modelingcamp.com

8 8

MakerState STEM Summer Camps maker-state.com

The Whale Camp whalecamp.com

8

8

Kate Tempesta ktuga.com

SPORTIME Summer Camps sportimecamps.com

8

8

Jodi’s Gym jodisgym.com

Oasis Day Camps oasischildren.com

Sports

8

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum intrepid.org

Les Elfes International leselfes.com

Theater

STEAM/Robotics

PROGRAMS:

Half-Day

Flexible Scheduling

Lunch

Transportation

SERVICES: Extended Hours

Camp Guide ‹‹ continued from pg. 38

8 8

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CAMP MARKETPLACE

DISCOVER HISTORY WEEKS! Paint, Plant, and Explore a different world as you experience life 200 years ago.

Mount Vernon Hotel Museum • 421 East 61st Street 212 838 6878 • www.mvhm.org July 8 - 12 • 8:30 - 3:00 Ages 9 - 12 July 15 - 19 • 9:00 - 12:00 Ages 6 - 8 More info: n.sokolova@mvhm.org

Check out our golf programs for kids ages 3 to 12 in NYC! ktuga.com

eatre

Imagine Works Youth Th

Summer Camp for Tweens & Teens at a Professional Off-Broadway Theatre

» REGISTER TODAY «

for our Main-Stage Musical Production!

347-878-3813 • www.imagineworksonline.com

Pusteblume

Summer Day camp Kids ages 2 to 14 years old

International Preschool

212-206-1137 info@pusteblumenyc.org www.pusteblumenyc.org German and Spanish language immersion

Join us for Summer Camp fun!

NEW for the 2019/20 school year: Afternoon Preschool Programs BigAppleParent 41


PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT BOLD ARTS Upper East Side and Upper West Side 419-349-2465 bold-arts.com info@bold-arts.com

BOLD Arts offers fun and personalized dance birthday parties for children ages 4 and older! You provide the space and BOLD will provide a memorable, high-energy dance party. BOLD Birthdays are a unique way to celebrate with dance and friends.

CLOWNS.COM Proudly serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000, 718-971-5862 clowns.com

We are a family-owned and -operated entertainment company, offering a wide range of party and entertainment services including clowns, inflatable bounce houses, characters, magicians, princesses, magic shows, face painting, and party concession rentals.

DAVE’S CAST OF CHARACTERS 914-235-7100 davescast.com

Make your party a special one! Dave’s entertainment services include more than 100 costumed characters. From princesses and super heroes to pirates and tea parties, there’s something for everyone.

MYSTERY & MAYHEM 212-260-2295 mysteryandmayhem.com mitzvahzoe@aol.com

Mystery & Mayhem offers hilarious, interactive, age-appropriate, dress-up mystery parties in which guests ages 8-18 become suspects in a crime. Choose from five mysterious, winning dramas or a Nancy Drew, Sherlock Holmes, or Harry Potter theme.

NYC BIRTHDAY CLOWNS 646-961-4808 nycbirthdayclowns.com nycbirthdayclowns@gmail.com

New York’s favorite kids party entertainment! We come to you with two entertainers, face painting, balloon animals,

cotton candy, games, dancing, bubbles, a crowning ceremony, music, and magic. Best value in New York! PARTY PLACES 92Y 1395 Lexington Ave. 212-415-5710 92y.org/birthday parties@92y.org

Gymnastics party, dance party, pool party, or kids channeling their inner Cirque du Soleil in an epic, afternoon penthouse bash. Talk to us about the many possibilities for celebrating your little one’s next big day.

42

May 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources.

BALLET ACADEMY EAST 1651 Third Ave. 212-410-9140 Danielle Cortier, birthday party coordinator balletacademyeast.com

Birthday parties begin with a personalized ballet class with live piano accompaniment. Refreshments are served in a separate studio after the class. Parties are staffed with teachers, a party host, and pianist. A party favor for guests, balloons, and table and chair rental included.

BREAKAWAY HOOPS 646-776-2021 x0 office hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm breakawayhoops.com info@breakawayhoops.com

Breakaway Hoops offers birthday packages for your child’s special occasion. Come celebrate the special day with us and we will make it memorable.

BRICKS 4 KIDZ® 646-927-9129 bricks4kidz.com/450 bricks4kidzny@gmail.com

Celebrate your child’s next birthday with a fun and exciting Lego® party! We offer several party packages that include Lego® games and builds, plus bricks galore to keep your little builders happy.

BROADWAY DANCE CENTER CHILDREN AND TEENS 37 W. 65th St., 3rd floor 212-582-9304 broadwaydancecenter.com Your birthday dancer and guests are sure to love a birthday party set in our beautiful, spacious studios. Choose a favorite theme and party package that fits your needs.

CHELSEA PIERS SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park Field House Registration Desk: 212-336-6500 x6520 chelseapiers.com/birthday Chelsea Piers parties are action-packed, entertaining, and hassle-free, with more sports, activities, and fun than any other party venue in NYC!

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE ARTS 103 Charlton St. cmany.org/about/birthdays-rentals/birthdays

Art-filled parties begin with time to explore the museum’s hands-on workshops. Experienced teaching artists lead children in your choice of private workshop. Parties end with food and cake.

FUNFUZION AT NEW ROC CITY 29 LeCount Place (Exit 16 off I-95), New Rochelle Party Central: 914-637-7575, option 1 funfuziononline.com

Calling all birthday superstars! You and your guests will be dazzled by a unique, interactive party experience!

GALLI THEATER 74 Warren St.

212-731-0668 gallitheaternyc.com; galliny@gmail.com

Party with the Galli Theater New York. We offer a party package for any need and budget! Whether you opt for a personally selected private performance or a workshop party showcasing your little one’s skills, a Galli Theater birthday is one you will never forget!

INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM Pier 86, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue 646-381-5010 intrepidmuseum.org groupsales@intrepidmuseum.org

Celebrate your child’s birthday with a one-of-a-kind party! The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum captivates groups of all ages and interests. Choose from exciting themes, value packages, and customization options to create an original birthday adventure they’ll never forget. Packages start at $30 per person.

JODI’S GYM 244 E. 84th St. 212-772-7633 25 Hubbels Drive, Mount Kisco 914-244-8811 jodisgym.com

Kids run, jump, climb, tumble, slide, bounce, and giggle to their hearts’ delight at Jodi’s Gym, where action-packed parties and unmatched experience have won children’s hearts for 35 years.

JUST KIDDING AT SYMPHONY SPACE 2537 Broadway 212-864-1414 x289 symphonyspace.org/events/series/77/just-kidding Just Kidding parties are artsy, imaginative, and fun, designed to make party planning easy and engaging! Through the show kids have the chance to interact with Just Kidding artists creating a once-in-a-lifetime birthday party experience.

KATE TEMPESTA’S URBAN GOLF ACADEMY 917-270-7257 ktuga.com/birthday-parties; mari@ktuga.com

KTUGA’s parties are customized to your child’s interests. Think Pirate Golf Fun to Princess Castle Chipping. Ideal for ages 3-8. Select from different activities to highlight our golf games including storytelling, shadow screen play, and music and movement.

THE LITTLE GYM 2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets) Upper West Side 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.com

A private party at The Little Gym is a perfect way to celebrate your child’s next birthday. Gymnastics, games, obstacle courses, trampoline, sports, and music are tailored to your child’s interests!


MAKERSTATE BUILDER BIRTHDAYS 917-780-2345 builderbirthdays.com parties@maker-state.com

Professional

PALISADES CLIMB ADVENTURE 4590 Palisades Center Drive, Level 4 of the Palisades Center, West Nyack 845-727-3500 palisadesclimb.com

Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals

Builder Birthday Parties are perfect for your budding engineer, Minecraft enthusiast, rocket scientist, robot artist, coder, circuit inventor, designer, and laser tag player!

Palisades Climb Adventure offers the world’s tallest indoor ropes challenge course with 75 unique challenge elements. Our Sky Tykes kids’ ropes course is designed for ages 2-7. Both courses are available for birthday parties. Book your party today!

USTA BILLIE JEAN KING NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Flushing 718-760-6200 x0 ntc.usta.com

Birthday party packages include one hour of court time with drills and games organized by our USTA Pro staff and one-hour private room for pizza.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY (WCS) ZOOS AND AQUARIUM 1-800- 433-4149 The Bronx Zoo: 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx Central Park Zoo: 830 Fifth Ave. Queens Zoo: 53-51 111th St., Corona Prospect Park Zoo: 450 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn New York Aquarium: 602 Surf Ave., Brooklyn wcs.org/birthdays

Make your wildlife lover’s birthday an unforgettable experience with a party at our zoos or aquarium! Parties include park admission, a private party room with host, special animal guests, visits to our exhibits, and hands-on activities to make your party animal’s birthday a truly unforgettable experience!

OPEN HOUSES 2019 Breakaway Hoops

646-776-2021 x0 office hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm breakawayhoops.com info@breakawayhoops.com Try a class today for free. Trial classes occur during the school year September-June.

MakerState STEM Summer Camp

Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Lower East Side, and Park Slope 845-399-9300 maker-state.com info@maker-state.com Join us for a Saturday Inventor’s Workshop Open House for ages 6-14, May 4 and June 1, from 9am–12pm, at 233 W. 77th St.

Pierce Country Day Camp

Mineola Ave., Roslyn 516-621-2211 piercecamps.com info@piercecamps.com See for yourself what makes Pierce a place that smiles! Stop in between 12–3pm, May 18 and 19.

Pusteblume International Preschool and Afterschool Programs

244 W. 14th St. 212-206-1137 pusteblumenyc.org info@pusteblumenyc.org Pusteblume offers tours every Friday between the hours of 9:30-11:30am or by appointment. Contact them at 212– 206–1137, or info@pusteblumenyc.com.

Ross School

18 Goodfriend Drive, East Hampton 631-907-5000 ross.org The best way to experience Ross School is to visit campus and see what makes our school extraordinary. Contact us at admissions@ ross.org or call 631-907-5400 to arrange a tour.

services LEGAL SERVICES

ANDREW COHEN, ESQ., LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW M. COHEN 250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can help you achieve your objectives through careful special needs legal planning, regardless of the size of your estate. All clients are provided with high-quality service at a reasonable cost. SHANNON MCNULTY, ESQ. LAW OFFICES OF SHANNON P. MCNULTY L.L.C. 1270 Sixth Ave., 7th Floor 212-431-7526 mcnulty-law.com shannon@mcnulty-law.com Attorney Shannon McNulty provides convenient, high-quality estate planning services for busy New York City parents. Ms. McNulty received her law degree from Georgetown Law and her LL.M. in Taxation from NYU School of Law.

SPECIAL NEEDS ANDREW COHEN, ESQ., LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW M. COHEN 250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can help you achieve your objectives through careful special needs legal planning, regardless of the size of your estate. All clients are provided with high-quality service at a reasonable cost.

TUTORS & TEST PREP EYE LEVEL MANHATTAN 437 E. 12th St., East Village 212-260-8020 eastvillage@myeyelevel.com 104 Reade St., Tribeca 212-346-PREP (7737) info@rsprep.com 307 E. 84th St., Upper East Side 212-737-3344 uppereastside@myeyelevel.com eyelevelny.com Eye Level offers math and English programs for ages 3-14. Whether the immediate goal is early learning, remedial education, or academic education, Eye Level is the answer.

BigAppleParent 43


2019

CAMP GUIDE

• Great Articles • Camp Listings

• Charts • Open Houses

INVALUABLE ADVICE NYMETROPARENTS.COM/CAMPGUIDE/MANHATTAN Available on Phone, Desktop or Tablet 44

May 2019 | nymetroparents.com


raising kids ad index NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area! acrobatics / gymnastics Jodi’s Gym....................................................................10 Little Gym ......................................................................9

birthday / party services

The Creative Kitchen .....................................................2 YMCA of Greater New York .........................................35

dance Bold Arts ......................................................................41

Big Apple Parent Party Planner....................................45 Breakaway Hoops .......................................................39 Bricks 4 Kidz - NYC......................................................39 Jodi’s Gym ...................................................................10 Little Gym ......................................................................9 Maker-State .................................................................39 NYC Birthday Clowns ..................................................15 Sportime ......................................................................37

developmental

camps

family entertainment / events / outings

Bold Arts ......................................................................41 Boston Leadership Institute ...........................................5 Breakaway Hoops .......................................................39 Bricks 4 Kidz - NYC......................................................39 Broadway Dance Center .............................................48 Chelsea Piers .............................................................. 11 China Institute ..............................................................41 Collina Italiana .............................................................39 Gifted Kids Inc./Eye Level Learning Centers ...............33 Girls With Impact .........................................................39 Imagine Works Youth Theatre .....................................41 JCC of Manhattan ........................................................35 Jodi’s Gym ...................................................................10 Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy ........................41 Little Gym ......................................................................9 Maker-State .................................................................39 Modeling Camp ...........................................................10 Montessori School of NY International ........................39 Mount Vernon Hotel Museum ......................................41 Play On! Studios ..........................................................41 Pusteblume International School..................................41 Ross School ..................................................................7 Sportime ......................................................................37 Symphony Space ........................................................33 Whale Camp ................................................................15 YMCA of Greater New York .........................................35

child care / day care

China Institute ..............................................................41 Hunter Syndrome.........................................................13

education Gifted Kids Inc./Eye Level Learning Centers ...............33 Montessori School of NY International ........................39 Pusteblume International School..................................41 Ross School ..................................................................7

Mount Vernon Hotel Museum ......................................41 NYC Birthday Clowns ..................................................15

financial planning / insurance Affinity Health Plan ......................................................47

fitness

PARTY PLANNER 100+ CHARACTERS, INTERACTIVE DJ’S FACE PAINTERS & MAGICIANS SUPERHEROES PHOTO BOOTHS NEW! TREASURE ISLAND “ZOOBOTS”

CARNIVALS & INFLATABLES CHARACTER SHOWS FAIRYTALE PRINCESS PARTIES THEME PARTIES SHOWS & ATTRACTIONS

COMPLETE CARNIVAL & PARTY PLANNING

914-235-7100

www.davescast.com

Sportime ......................................................................37

health Affinity Health Plan ......................................................47 Fidelis Care New York ...................................................3 Hunter Syndrome.........................................................13 The Creative Kitchen .....................................................2

performing arts / acting Broadway Dance Center .............................................48 Imagine Works Youth Theatre .....................................41 Play On! Studios ..........................................................41 Symphony Space ........................................................33

Want to know the best

activities for families? Subscribe to our family activity

email newsletter

religious JCC of Manhattan ........................................................35

special events New York Baby Show...................................................14 The Creative Kitchen .....................................................2

special needs

Mommybites.................................................................15

Hunter Syndrome.........................................................13

classes

sports

Bold Arts ......................................................................41 Boston Leadership Institute ...........................................5 Bricks 4 Kidz - NYC......................................................39 Broadway Dance Center .............................................48 Chelsea Piers .............................................................. 11 China Institute ..............................................................41 Collina Italiana .............................................................39 JCC of Manhattan ........................................................35 Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy ........................41 Maker-State .................................................................39 Play On! Studios ..........................................................41 Sportime ......................................................................37

theater

Breakaway Hoops .......................................................39 Chelsea Piers .............................................................. 11 Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy ........................41 Sportime ......................................................................37 YMCA of Greater New York .........................................35

Imagine Works Youth Theatre .....................................41 Symphony Space ........................................................33

tutors Gifted Kids Inc./Eye Level Learning Centers ...............33

NYMETROPARENTS.COM/REGISTER BigAppleParent 45


things to do

diy corner

Moon Sand

With warmer weather on the horizon, you and your little ones may be craving a beach day. Honestly, who doesn’t love building sand castles and getting just a little bit messy? For those days when the weather isn’t quite cooperating (because we all know the temperature can change in a New York minute), this craft brings the beach to you. This moon sand is easy to shape, easy to clean up, and even easier to have fun with! It’s messy to make but easy to clean. It’s part soap after all! It won’t store long. Enjoy it for a day, then throw it away! Maker Checklist • Big bag of baking soda

• Measuring cups

• A couple tins of baking powder

• Mixing bowl and spoon

• Liquid dish soap

• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions 1. Combine 2 parts baking soda and 1 part baking powder in a large mixing bowl. We used 2 cups of baking soda and 1 cup of baking powder, but you can use whatever measurement you have on hand, as long as you’re consistent in ratio! 2. N ow add 1 part (for us, 1 cup) of dish soap and stir well. You can start with a spoon, but as it combines, it’s more fun to use your hands. 3. Color with food coloring (optional) and play!

Reprinted with permission from More Curious Jane © 2019 Girls Dream Out Loud Inc. Published by Sterling Children’s Books. Photography by Caroline Kaye.

46

May 2019 | nymetroparents.com


Social Media Icons 2017:

BECAUSE TRUST IS IMPORTANT Child Health Plus offers the benefits kids need for a healthier future.

Call 866.206.1741 (TTY 711) AffinityPlan.org/CHP

To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 855.355.5777.

BigAppleParent 47


E C N A D S P M A C A G ES 3 - 1 4 2019

ê

ER I S TY G ! E R DA TO

5 W6 th S t 37 W 6 5

DATES

AGES 3-5

AGES 6-9 & 10-14

Week 1 June 24-28

Fairy Tales

All Styles

Week 2 July 1-5

Dance Around the World

Hip-Hop

Week 3 Jul 8-12

I <3 NYC

All Styles

Week 4 Jul 15-19

Superheroes

Hip-Hop

Week 5 Jul 22-26

On Broadway

Broadway

Week 6 Jul 29-Aug 2

Dance Through Decades

Hip-Hop

Week 7 Aug 5-9

Wish Upon a Star

Broadway

Week 8 Aug 12-16

Hollywood

All Styles

Discount Applied

No Classes on 4TH of July

ê

N YC

AMPS ANCE, 20C19 SUMJuMneER24 -ADug 30

Week 9 Aug 19-23

Magic & Mysteries

Hip-Hop

Dance Camps are back at Broadway Dance Center Children & Teens! Join us for another great summer of dance, games, crafts, making new friends, and creating lasting memories. All levels welcome!

Week 10 Aug 26-30

Under the Big Top

Broadway

SUMMER: Ten weeks to choose from (Mon-Fri)

B D C C h i l d r e n a n d Te e n s . c o m « 2 1 2 . 4 5 7. 0 0 3 5 « W 6 5 i n f o @ b w y d a n c e . c o m


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