BigApple igApple Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM PARENTS.COM JUNE 2018
Here Comes Summer! • Fun Ways to Keep Kids Learning • Savvy Tips to $ave on Vacations • Awesome Activities Near You
The Daddy/Baby Bond: Real Fathers Tell All
Is Your Home Safe? 10 Things to Do Before Traveling
HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS
“ANDREW LLOYD WEBBERREUTERS HAS BROADWAY ROCKING!” “FISTS OF ALL AGES SHALL BE PUMPING!” VANITY FAIR
BASED ON THE HIT MOVIE
SchoolOfRockTheMusical.com | WINTER GARDEN THEATRE | 50TH & BROADWAY ORIGINAL CAST RECORDING AVAILABLE ON WARNER BROS. RECORDS PHOTO BY DAVID PEROU © 2015 RUG LTD
SUMMER OF FUN MOVIES
HUDSON RIVERFLICKS FAMILY FRIDAYS FREE Pier 46 at Charles St. 8:30 PM (or dusk) Free popcorn!
Moana JUL 13 Wonder JUL 20 Jumanji (1995) JUL 27 Paddington 2 AUG 3 Spice World AUG 10 Karate Kid (1984) AUG 17 Coco AUG 24
SING-ALONG SCREENINGS FREE Clinton Cove at W 55 St. 8:30 PM (or dusk) Free popcorn!
Frozen AUG 23
KIDS
HUDSON RIVERKIDS
BIG CITY FISHING
Mondays at Pier 25 at N Moore St. Thursdays at Pier 62 at 22 St.
Learn to fish while engaging with educators about river science.
Kid Ace JUN 4 & SEP 6 City Stomp JUN 11 & 14 Alex and the Kaleidoscope
SUNDAYS JUL 1–SEP 30*
Tim Kubart and The Space Cadets JUN 25 & 28 Mister G JUL 9 Story Time with Nick Bruel JUL 12 Story Pirates JUL 16 & 19 Ramblin’ Dan & the Freewheelin' Band JUL 23 & 26 The Pop-Ups JUL 30 & AUG 2 Suzi Shelton AUG 6 & 9 Joanie Leeds AUG 13 & 16 Mike Messer Trio AUG 20 & 23 Penny Jones Puppets AUG 27 & 30 Bilingual Birdies SEP 10 & 13
MONDAYS JUL 2–AUG 20
FREE
JUN 18 & 21
For weather status updates, check: For information on times, locations and more fun events, check hudsonriverpark.org. *No program Sep 23
HRPK ESTUARY LAB
FREE
Pier 25 at N Moore St. SUNDAYS JUL 1–AUG 26
Pier 84 at W 44 St. Pier 25 at N Moore St. Pier 46 at Charles St.
NEW! SCIENCE SATURDAYS FREE
Experience hands-on activities such as experiments, microscopic investigations, nature-inspired crafts, and more! JUN 2, JUL 14 & AUG 11, 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
ROVING RIVER FREE
Observe river critters up close in this exhibit of Hudson River wildlife on wheels.
@HudsonRiverPark | #HRPK
SUNDAYS JUL 1–SEP 30*
@HudsonRiverPark
Tricycle travels between Pier 51 at Jane St. & Pier 25 at N. Moore St.
@HudsonRiverPark
contents table of
Original photo by ›› PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com)
june 2018
30 42 summer fun
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18 Fun Ways to Stem the Summer Slide 22 Summer Fun Directory
Summertime Shine
Find nearby beaches, carousels, amuseument parks, and strawberry festivals for a fun June
Prep Your Home for Your Vacation Ten things to do before traveling to keep your house safe—and give you peace of mind
College Crash Course
Conversations to have with your teen before he heads off to college to ensure he has a successful four years
raising kids
things to do
family life
6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Traveling With Your Pet 12 Drowning Devices…and Diversions 15 Independent School Spotlight 39 Open Houses 44 The Beauty of Daddy-Baby Bonding 46 College Crash Course 47 Professional Services 48 Party Central 49 Party Planner and Advertisers’ Index 50 Quotables
13 Freeze Style
40 Vacationing on a Budget
30 Summertime Shine
42 Prep Your Home for Your Vacation
31 Family Activities Calendar 38 Family Fun a Ride Away
NYMetroParents
Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 18 Fun Ways to Keep Kids Learning 22 Awesome Activities Near You 40 Savvy Tips to $ave on Vacations 42 Is Your Home Safe? 44 The Daddy/Baby Bond facebook.com/nymetroparents
@NYMetroParents Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!
N U E R F E ER TS H
R M A T M S U S
CAMPS START JUNE 18TH! Sign up for 1, 2 or more weeks.
CHELSEA PIERS SUMMER CAMPS Gymnastics • Ice Skating • Ice Hockey • Acceleration Hockey
THE AREA’S BEST YOUTH SPORTS DAY CAMPS FOR AGES 3 - 17 YEARS BAP Full Camp 6-18.indd 1
Basketball • Elite Soccer • Ninja + Parkour • Sports Academy Golf • Performance • Golf • Urban Adventure for Teens
chelseapiers.com/camps BigAppleParent 5/10/18 3:45 PM5
raising kids editor’s note
JUNE 2018 • Vol.33 • No.5
NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Deborah Skolnik MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf ASSISTANT EDITOR: Melissa Wickes
Summer, We’ve Missed You!
W
inter felt like it would never end. And then when it finally, finally did, the rain started. So we’re making no apologies for being extra-psyched for summer this year! That’s right: It’s time to haul out the cooler, unfold the lounge chairs, fire up the grill, and…did you think I was going to say relax? Come on, you’ve got kids! If you slack off, your children probably will too. Research shows that on average in summer they lose a month’s worth of the knowledge they acquired during the school year. But don’t worry, we’ve got an easy solution: Turn to p. 18 to read “Fun Ways to Stem the Summer Slide” by Christina Vercelletto. It features eight fascinating places where kids can learn something new while having a uniquely entertaining time. And how about overnight trips? Chances are you’re hoping to go on one with the fam this season. It can be tricky to plan a relaxing getaway that doesn’t put some stress on your finances, though. That’s why we hit up leading travel experts for their best moneysaving advice, shared in Melissa Wickes’ piece “Vacationing on a Budget” on p. 40. Read it and you’ll learn about secret sources of affordable travel packages, credit-card tricks that earn you deep discounts, and more. But don’t hit the road just yet! First have a look at “Prep Your Home for Your Vacation” on p. 42—security experts shared their best tips on how to keep your home burglarproof even while you’re away. Of course we haven’t forgotten about Father’s Day. Dad power is a very real thing, and Jennie Russo’s feature, “The Beauty of Daddy-Baby Bonding” on p. 44, proves it. She got four real dads to dish on what makes fathers feel close to their newborns, and the things they did to build that all-important feeling of attachment. Speaking of powerful attachments, if you have a college-bound kid, you’re probably feeling kind of misty about his impending departure. Don’t miss “College Crash Course” (p. 46) by Caitlin Sawicki. It gives the lowdown on some very important conversations you need to have with your child to assure his success as he heads for higher education. Valerie Goldstein discusses how she got schooled—in the art of unplugging, that is—in her hilarious and touching essay, “Drowning Devices…and Diversions” on p. 12. When her toddler dropped her phone in the toilet, Valerie lost all her contacts for a while—but found herself in closer touch with her children and her sense of inner peace. One last thing I want to mention: Time’s almost up for you to enter our contest to get your child on the cover of our magazines. Doesn’t your cutie deserve a shot at fame— and doesn’t your whole family deserve a great, FREE vacation? That’s the grand prize, and there’s more besides. Entering is easy—go to nymetroparents.com/covercontest and upload a favorite photo of your child, ages 2-16. Good luck! Hoping your month is the very picture of happiness. Deborah Skolnik Editorial Director, NYMetroParents
REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Whitney C. Harris (Manhattan, Westchester); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERNS: Alana Coopersmith, Allison Ingrum To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents
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At The Little Gym, we complement the traditional school experience with unique classes that revolve around active play. Our students are encouraged to jump, flip, and swing their way towards increased health, focus, knowledge, and happiness. Big Discoveries at The Little Gym. Find your kid's happy place with an Introductory Experience!
The Little Gym of Scarsdale tlgscarsdaleny.com 914-722-0072 The Little Gym of Upper West Side tlgupperwestsideny.com 212-799-1225
NOW
enrolling for Summer Classes and Camp
Parent/Child Classes • Pre-K Gymnastics Grade School Gymnastics • Dance Karate • Sports Skills • Awesome Birthday Bashes Parents’ Survival Nights • Camps BigAppleParent
7
p Summer Art Cam Courtesy Joan’s
raising kids new places, new programs
New Camp Teaches Art With Inspiration from Nature Who: Joan’s Summer Art Camp What’s New: Summer art camp for children ages 8-11. Children will create art using paint, mixed media, and clay, drawing inspiration from museum visits, art gallery visits, nature hikes, and swimming. The camp is small with only eight campers to two instructors, so each camper will get the individual attention and instruction they need. “Children need down time, relaxing time, in order to be creative,” says Joan Roberts Garcia, camp founder and artist. “That’s why we’re going to be doing things like swimming and hiking, and then reacting to these things in the studio.” Children will also create mobiles they can take home at the end of camp. The mobiles will be made of clay and materials the children find along their hikes. Want More Info: 55 Bethune St., West Village ; joanstudioschool.blogspot.com; 212-414-8419; 347-978-1045
es and other on from nature hik , drawing inspirati art ate cre l wil Children outdoor activities.
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June 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Courtesy Smithsonian National Muse um
Who: Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian What’s New: The museum’s interactive imagiNATIONS Activity Center, which opened May 17. Students can solve puzzles, perform experiments, and play state-of-the-art computer simulations. Students in preschool through high school can explore the Native-American culture through a variety of hands-on activities. “In this family-friendly, interactive space, visitors of all ages will explore Native scientific discoveries and inventions so ingenious many continue to affect the modern world,” says Gaetana DeGennaro, manager of the imagiNATIONS Activity Center. Want More Info: 1 Bowling Green, Lower Manhattan; degennarog@si.edu; nmai.si.edu; 212-514-3700
of the American Indian
Children’s Interactive Center Opens at Smithsonian’s American Indian Museum
Young visitors try out the Cropetition Challenge, an interactive video game that teaches about NativeAmerican farming and agri culture.
AUDITIONS Pre-Professional Program (ages 7-17) 2018-19 SCHOOL YEAR June 12: Ages 10-13* at 4:30pm June 13: Ages 7-9 at 4:30pm Ages 14-17* at 6:30pm
SCHOLARSHIP June 15: Ages 15-17* at 4:30pm *Previous ballet training required Dates subject to change
THE AILEY SCHOOL 405 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019 For more information and to register for an audition: TheAileySchool.edu or email juniordivision@alvinailey.org Advance registration required.
BigAppleParent
Photo by Rosalie O’Connor
JUNIOR DIVISION
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raising kids in the know
Traveling With Your Pet ›› By Bethany Braun-Silva and Jeff Weber, D.V.M.
I
f you’ll be enjoying a getaway this summer, make sure to include Fido! As overwhelming as traveling with a cat or dog may seem, it’s doable if you prepare. Jeff Weber, D.V.M., shares five things you should know about traveling with your furry friend. With proper planning and preparedness, traveling with your pets can be great fun and hassle-free! Familiarize your pet with travel. If you’ll be taking a road trip, acclimate him to car rides through brief practice runs. Once the drive is complete, give praise and a treat. Increase the time gradually so he becomes accustomed. Use this same approach to get her used to a carrier or crate. Make a thorough packing list. You’ll want to take along the essentials, of course, such as a leash, food bowl, medications your pet needs, a favorite toy, and litter box (if you have a cat). But don’t forget important documents as well such as his medical records and emergency information. Double-check that her collar-tag has your contact information in case you get separated, and that you have a photo of her on hand. Consider medications or supplements to help him with car or motion sickness; consult your veterinarian first. Dogs have sensitive GI tracts, so fill a gallon jug with your local water. At every stop, fill the jug back to the top so new water is gradually introduced. Keep pets restrained in a car either with a harness attached to a seat belt, or a pet carrier anchored with a seat belt. Pets running freely in a car distract the driver. Plan stops around feeding times and bathroom breaks. Make sure to connect the leash to his collar before opening the car door. Never leave her in a parked car. A parked car with a panting, nervous dog inside can get hot, very quickly. Understand your airline’s pet policies. Not all airlines allow pets; others limit the number of animals per flight, in cabin and in cargo. Be sure your pet’s physical condition is compatible with flight. Discuss illnesses, injuries, and health risks with your veterinarian. Certain dog breeds have special respiratory considerations. Find pet-friendly accommodations. Let friends or family know you’re bringing your pet. There may be a resident animal that might not be so welcoming. Bring some new toys and help out with pet-related chores. Or find a pet-friendly hotel and ask about the size of animal allowed. A graduate of the University of California Davis Veterinary School, Jeff Weber, D.V.M., established his Los Angeles-based clinic, Century Veterinary Group, in 1988. To learn more, visit drjeff.com.
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June 2018 | nymetroparents.com
E ARLY CHILD HOOD CENTER 17 months – 5 years | Half or Full Day Early Morning/Curbside Drop Off | After School Care Lunch Program | Afternoon Enrichments including Science, Learning with Numbers & Letters, and more
Registration for this academic year is still open. For more information contact Caryn Symons, Early Childhood Director 914.472.3300 x336 | symonsc@jccmw.org 999 Wilmot rd Scarsdale NY | www.jccmw.org BigAppleParent 11
Courtesy Valerie Goldstein
raising kids voices
Drowning Devices…and Diversions ›› How I became a more mindful parent when my daughter flushed my phone By Valerie Goldstein
I
t has been awhile since my cellphone took a memorable dive into the toilet. My then 14-month-old daughter took it, unbeknownst to me, and decided to play with it in the toilet like a sprightly kitten. Within the 2 minutes it took for me to give my son antibiotics for strep throat, that little nugget let my cellular device sink to the bottom of the bowl to its final porcelain resting place. She flushed my memories and contacts, but managed to give me a newfound freedom. I did not possess one single ounce of anger or frustration (I could never be mad at that face, anyhow). I just prayed my photos from the past two years could somehow be restored. Who backs up their phone, right? Sigh. I envisioned myself without my phone for a couple of days. I didn’t have any upcoming phone conferences, so survival was possible. In the first 24 hours sans phone, I would reach into my empty pocket to text someone, or want to take a photo of my children to preserve the memory. By day two, I lost the urge to do my daily Facebook check or read the news from a tiny screen. Not once did I hear, “Mommy, look at me!” I was already present and watching. There was no need to glance down at a text message, or investigate why I was receiving a “ping” every other minute. Oh, those group chats... I felt as if I were more tuned in to each child, and truly able to give each one my full attention. In the couple of weeks following my phone’s complete engulfment into the washroom water abyss, each child made great strides. My then 4-year-old started reading three-letter words, my then 3-year-old was able to identify all of his shapes, as well as half of his letters and numbers, and my then 14-month-old said “purple” and something that resembles “caterpillar”. We regularly spend a great deal of time reading together, but for those few weeks, I was able to spend more time reading to them individually, as well as focusing on their age-appropriate skills. I could not help but wonder: Was my lack of phone contributing to these
Valerie Goldstein with her family
milestones? In addition, it felt like our 1-on-1 cuddle times were longer, and we spoke about the highlights of our day in detail. Not to mention, our finger painting and rock-finding explorations were more frequent. My mom commented that I seemed more relaxed without my cellphone. I felt less tense by not reading stress-inducing posts on social media sites or foreboding articles that made me fret. I found myself reading tangible articles, and reveling in the smell and touch of paper, like I always have (National Geographic Traveler is my newfound love). I checked Facebook on a couple of occasions, but my broken iPad is slower than the dial-up AOL I used in high school. I’m glad it’s as slow as molasses because I think my mind had been craving a much-needed break from social media and other nonsensical outlets. I think we all need this, whether you have children or not. Exactly three weeks after the incidental immersion, I received my new phone. While my contacts took an additional week to be restored, I was finally able to look up anything in an instant. Surprisingly, I did not touch it until the following day. Maybe it’s like after Hurricane Sandy, when I still sat in the dark even though the power was restored. I was used to not having power for 14 days, so it took time for me to register that I could finally turn the lights on. I had grown used to not having my phone on me at all times, and deep down, I know I had a couple of great weeks without it. I did not miss the interruptions, or having my attention diverted from the important things in life. With a phone back in my life, I am going to strive to put away electronic devices until my children are asleep. My objective will continue to be more mindful, present, and living in the here and now with my family. They are my everything, and each precious moment does not necessarily need to be captured through the lens of my phone. The sights, sounds, and sensations I take in by being in the moment will far surpass dozens of digital prints I deem as being perfect.
Valerie Goldstein is a freelance writer who lives in Northport with her husband and three children, ages 5, 4, and 2. She conducts presentations for preschool and elementary students on disabilities and those with different abilities to promote social awareness and inspire discussions on acceptance and diversity. She has been published in Woman’s Day and ADVANCE for Occupational Therapy Practitioners. She writes about being a mother with disabilities and other inspiring topics at myfiretoinspire.blogspot.com.
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things to do
diy corner
Freeze Style
Nothing screams summertime and fun camp days to us quite like tie-dyeing T-shirts, but we’re ready for a new take on the multicolored tops. Enter Kid Made Modern’s galaxy-like T-shirt, which uses frozen cubes of dye that have been smashed up with a hammer. So prepare your materials and head outside for an afternoon of custom T-shirt making fun!
You will need: • Dye
• Hammer
• Ice cube trays
• Cloth for hammering
• Plastic sandwich bags
• Washed T-shirt
Step 1: Prepare dye colors and freeze them in ice cube trays. Place the frozen cubes in plastic bags. Step 2: Place the cloth on top of the bag and lightly break the cubes apart with the hammer. Step 3: This part can get messy so best to do this outside. Sprinkle the frozen dye onto the T-shirt as you like. Step 4: Continue sprinkling the frozen dye onto the T-shirt until your design is complete. Step 5: Watch the dye diffuse and blend and then shake the dye off when you feel the design is finished. Rinse and “set” per the dye instructions on the box.
Now Open
at the National Museum of the American Indian Free admission A family-friendly, interactive space where the focus is Native innovations throughout history that shape the modern world. Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian One Bowling Green | New York City AmericanIndian.si.edu
Project and images courtesy Kid Made Modern
BigAppleParent 13
Independent School Spotlight
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June 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Courtesy Wetherby-Pembridge School New York
raising kids independent school spotlight
British Rigor Meets American Warmth for an Exceptional Education
Students enjoy traditional yet forward-thinking schooling at this English transplant. ›› By Deborah Skolnik Name of school: Wetherby-Pembridge School New York Grades: Preschool-Kindergarten Size of student body: 30-40 Educational approach or philosophy: “Whilst setting high educational standards Wetherby-Pembridge also focuses on inspiring the individual to gain confidence and reach success,” reads the school’s website. The “whilst” is one clue children will have a British-influenced experience at Wetherby-Pembridge, the nearly 2-year-old American outpost of a group of English schools. Yet don’t confuse British with stuffy; “the one message we are keen to get across is that we’re very warm,” says Kate Bailey, head of school. “We are about building the child and the student on every level.” Wetherby-Pembridge, which will begin its second year in September and plans to expand through eighth grade, also embraces academic rigor. “We are geared up to exit our grade eight children into top boarding schools and high schools,” Bailey says. Classes are designed to help children excel in secondary-school entrance exams, including the International Student English Exam.
Wetherby-Pembridge hails from a longstanding tradition of schools in the UK.
What makes the school unique: Wetherby-Pembridge follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, which is the early-years portion of the English national curriculum. Children are introduced to numeracy and literacy earlier than in most American preschools, and some English and math classes are single-sex to accommodate boys’ and girls’ different learning styles. And in keeping with the school’s core values—resilience, respect, and responsibility—teachers cultivate the children’s manners, conversational skills, and public speaking ability. Students are also encouraged to be well-rounded by pursuing extracurricular activities such as sailing, cooking, and chess. Gymnastics, soccer, T-ball, year-round swimming, and other activities are on offer. Parents attend a monthly themed family assembly. And each week two student awards go out: one for academics and one for character. “We are sowing success in everything we do,” Bailey says.
Independent School Spotlight
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Preparatory School
At The George Washington University Online High School, we offer highly personalized learning, and intensive college advising for 8th through 12th graders. With our academically challenging education, your student will be well-prepared for college.
Learn more at an online information session. Visit gwuohs.com/events or call 855.748.4731 for more details. BigAppleParent 15
Independent School Spotlight
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Get on the list for newest offerings mommybites.com/newyork Connecting moms and moms-to-be with parenting resources, education, and support since 2006
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June 2018 | nymetroparents.com
online extras Itching for an unexpected New York adventure? Find 37 off-the-beaten-path things to do and see in NYC at ›› nymetroparents.com/unexpected There’s so much to do and see in the New York metro area, it can feel overwhelming. So check out our list of top 100 can’t-miss events, venues, and activities in the region at ›› nymetroparents.com/summer-100
Want to plan a family vacation that’s within driving distance? Read about eight of our favorite destinations all within a 3-hour car ride at ›› nymetroparents.com/nearby-vacations Keeping your kids safe from drowning while they’re in the water is important, but what about when they’re out? Read about dry and secondary drowning at ›› nymetroparents.com/dry-drowning
inside
raising kids summer fun
18 F un Ways to Stem the Summer Slide: Eight educational day trips to keep your kids entertained while learning all season long. ummer Fun Directory: Find 22 S summer classes, programs, activities, and excursions in Manhattan.
Photos courtesy New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Fun Ways to Stem the
Summer Slide
›› Keep your kids entertained while learning something new all season long. By Christina Vercelletto
S
ummer vacation. Those two words conjure up the happiest, most carefree memories of childhood. But aside from lazy, hazy days, summer brings something else: a phenomenon experts call “summer slide.” On average, student achievement scores decline over summer vacation by one month as compared to where they were in June, states a report by the Brookings Institution. And the loss was larger at middle and high school grades than in elementary school. These days, between camp, vacations, birthday parties, and sports, kids don’t have much time to reinforce the academic skills they learned during the school year. And even if they did, there’s no way you’re actually going to make your kid do math worksheets instead of hitting the beach. So, however understandable the summer learning loss is, the result is kids, and their teachers, have to play catch-up in September. What’s a fun-minded, but achievement-conscious, parent to do? Compromise, of course. We scoured our region to identify fascinating places you can take the kids that have an educational spin, yet still have that “school’s out!” vibe. No matter where you live, or what your kid’s personality is like, you’ll find the perfect idea on this list. If he’s a nature-lover, explore Piermont Marsh & Pier Piermont, Rockland County dec.ny.gov A federal estuarine sanctuary, the Piermont Marsh (pictured above) spans 2 miles on the western shore of the Tappan Zee. “The pier is a great scenic 18
June 2018 | nymetroparents.com
walk and has a lot of history,” says Stephanie Mullen, a mom in Blauvelt. Families can hike or bike the trails, kayak, or canoe. If you have a license, you can fish or crab off the mile-long pier while taking in views of the Hudson River and Palisades Ridge. Birds are everywhere; during the summer, keep an eye out for species such as double-crested cormorants, ruddy ducks, blue jays, yellow-rumped warblers, and bald eagles. Harbor seals and snapping turtles have also been spotted in the area. If you’d like to bring a picnic lunch, it’s allowed at adjacent Tallman Mountain State Park. There’s also a fascinating historical aspect to this destination. During World War II, more than half a million soldiers left for Europe from the pier, and those who came home returned directly to it. Every Memorial Day, a three-story high “watchfire” is lit for 24 hours at the end of the pier to symbolically light the way home for the soldiers who perished in the conflict. If she hates art class, walk around Hudson River Museum 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers, Westchester County hrm.org Does your child think art period is a waste of time? Give her a boost (and make next year angst-free) with a visit to Hudson River Museum. The three summer exhibits running concurrently showcase art that isn’t exactly traditional. Force Field displays the work of Brooklyn artist Christine Hiebert:
line drawings, made with charcoal, graphite, and ink, and even dirt. Artist Ellen Kozak and composer Scott D. Miller collaborated on Riverthatflowsbothways, a four-channel video installation. Taking its name from the translation of the Native American word for the Hudson River, the videos don’t show scenic views or much realism at all, but instead have viewers feeling the movement of a river. Variations on a Theme displays the minimalist art of Donald Judd, a collection of 16 etchings. Judd wanted his art to be self-evident, meaning whatever the viewer sees is what it is. Your child will go home knowing she can be an artist after all. Among the permanent exhibits, Red Grooms: The Bookstore, a funky, immersive, pop-art installation, is a kid magnet. “Every time we went there, Grace made a beeline for The Bookstore,” recalls Darcy Falcone, a mom of two in New Rochelle. If he has a big imagination, head to Old Bethpage Village Restoration 1303 Round Swamp Road, Bethpage, Nassau County, Long Island obvrnassau.com Long Island kids have been taking field trips to this Colonial Williamsburg-esque hamlet, snacking on root beer and pretzels at the Noon Inn bar and buying candy sticks at the Layton General Store, since the 1970s. The authentic homes and shops—the oldest built in 1730—will entrance any kid who likes to imagine what life was like in another time. A blacksmith hammers away in his shop, while across the way the hatter is putting the finishing touches on a man’s chapeau. Women are sewing and knitting, candles are being made, pottery is being shaped, and tin is being worked into housewares. The village runs special programs year-round. Two of the most popular in the summer are the Civil War encampment weekends and baseball games played using 1860 rules and equipment. “Jack, who’s in little league, loved watching this old-time game!” shares Melissa Koehler of Seaford. If your kid is really enamored of the whole experience when you visit, you may want to sign him up for one of the summer “Junior Apprentice” weeks. He’ll go to school in an 1845 schoolhouse, make ice cream with a crank, do farm chores, make a scarecrow (a necessity, not a decoration), play 1860s games, and take part in military drills, something even 10-year-olds did back then. If she thinks libraries are just for books, spend time at Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn bklynlibrary.org If your child stopped asking to go to the library when she was 5, this is the perfect place to reignite her interest. The Central Branch in Brooklyn, a 1941 art deco landmark, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It rivals the better-known New York Public Library in the wow-factor, thanks to the 50-foot-high entry portico and 15 bronze sculptures of famous characters and authors of American literature. Far from being a storehouse of books overseen by a shushing librarian, BPL will surprise and delight any kid who hasn’t been to a library in a while. The Tech Loft houses 27 computers for children ages 16 and younger. The Universal Maker Space will inspire kids to put down their phone (for a few minutes, anyway) and get creative. With a parent’s supervision, kids can take over the amateur recording studio, equipped with an iMac editing workstation, DSLR camera, and microphone, to make their own audio or video masterpiece. High school students can learn new computer skills in a two-week summer technology institute, and then help patrons use library computers (fulfilling school community service requirements and polishing up college applications). Before you go, duck into the Popular Library department and introduce your kid to ancient relics: a typewriter and a phone book.
CAMP MARKETPLACE
YMCA
SUMMER CAMPS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
NEW YORK CITY’S YMCA
ymcanyc.org/camp
Teen Creative Writing Classes in NYC & Online GOTHAMWRITERS. COM
continued on next page ››
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›› continued from previous page Courtesy National Museum of Mathematics
CAMP MARKETPLACE summer 2018
SUNYPURCHASECOLLEGE
Harmony of the Spheres at the National Museum of Mathematics is an interactive musical sculpture.
WEEKLY SESSIONS daily swimming • boys & girls ages 4-16 door to door transportation available
TENNIS • SOCCER • BASEBALL • BASKETBALL • FOOTBALL • LACROSSE • CHESS • RISING STARS DIVING • ACADEMIC • CHEERLEADING • FIELD HOCKEY • SWIM • HORSEBACK RIDING • MAGIC S.T.E.A.M. EDU • CIRCUS ARTS • VOLLEYBALL • SOFTBALL • MULTI-SPORTS • ADVENTURE
914.273.8500
fscamps.com
If he says math is boring, visit National Museum of Mathematics 11 E. 26th St., Nomad, Manhattan momath.org Some kids can get turned off to math when they associate it with dull drills to find the right answer. The antidote? Seeing math for what it is: the patterns that undergird the world around us. Enter “MoMath” with its more than 30 interactive exhibits, including a laser beam “wall,” a Jumbotron floor that illuminates the spatial relationship of everyone standing on it, a design studio for creating 3-D designs, and a café devoted to digital puzzles. And good luck dragging your kids away from Robot Swarm, an interactive exhibit that has glowing, robotic creatures that resemble crabs reacting to their every move based on one of several directives. If she’s not interested unless it’s digital, visit New York Hall of Science 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens nysci.org Presented in the Great Hall, Connected Worlds is an exhibit that shows kids, in real time, how even their slightest movements impact the rest of planet Earth. Six environments are fed by a 38-foot-high waterfall that flows across an interactive floor. It’ll be crystal-clear how what we do here has repercussions across the world, and vice versa. Mini (15-minute) interactive science demonstrations are happening throughout the summer, during which NYSCI Explainers demonstrate easy-to-grasp experiments in chemistry, physics, and biology.
AGES 4-12
Day camp for boys and girls Enter code BAP18 to receive a 10% discount It’s not too late to register!
dwightsummercamp.org | 917.551.6424 20
June 2018 | nymetroparents.com
If Stephen Hawking was his hero, go to The Vanderbilt Reichert Planetarium 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport, Suffolk County, Long Island vanderbiltmuseum.org Long Island parents with a kid who’s into astronomy need not truck in to the Upper West Side for stellar educational fun. The Vanderbilt’s Reichert Planetarium recently got a $4-million makeover. The theater offers top-notch educational programs for families, some developed by the most prestigious planetariums around the world. The sky shows recreate celestial events before your eyes on a 60-foot dome. “The Vanderbilt has been one of our go-tos for ages,” says Ruthie Bein, a mom of four in Babylon. “And when you’re done with the planetarium, there’s an interesting museum and mansion on the same beautiful property.” The rooftop observatory is open every Friday night, weather permitting. Led by a professional astronomy educator, you and your kids can look deep into the night sky through the Vanderbilt’s 16-inch Meade reflecting telescope. Christina Vercelletto, a former editor at NYMetroParents, Parenting, Scholastic Parent & Child, and Woman’s Day, lives on Long Island with her kids, a chiweenie, Pickles, and a 20-pound calico, Chub-Chub.
CAMP MARKETPLACE
COME AND LEARN FROM THE MASTERS OF BROADWAY MUSICAL THEATER INTENSIVES AGES 8-18 NEW YORK CITY
JUNE 11 – JULY 13 (1 - 5 Week Sessions)
LONDON
JULY 16 – JULY 20, 2018 (1 Week Session)
h t tps://su mmer.joffrey balletsch ool.com/#mu sical-theater
OTHER INTENSIVES AGES 8-25 BALLET, JAZZ & CONTEMPORARY, HIP-HOP, CHARACTER & TAP
h ttps://su mmer.joffrey balletsch ool.com/
J o ffre y Ba l l e t S c h o o l | 434 Aven u e of th e Amer icas, N Y N Y 10011
JULY KIDS CAMPS & TEEN WORKSHOPS AGES 4-7
AGES 13-18
GREEK MYTHOLOGY CAMP
MUSICAL THEATER AUDITION TECHNIQUES
July 23 -27
Vocal: Tuesday, July 10 Dance: Tuesday, July 24
AGES 7-9
MY LIFE: THE MUSICAL
Michael Heller
Teaching Artist: Kristen Poulakis Kids Camps 9:30 am-12:30 pm Daily
July 16-20
Teaching Artist: Bay Street Theater’s Education Coordinator, Michael Canestraro
SHAKESPEARE’S CLASSIC SCENES
Teaching Artist: Kristen Poulakis
AGES 9-12
Tuesday, July 31 Teaching Artist: Tony Tambasco
MY LIFE: THE MUSICAL July 9 -13 Teaching Artist: Kristen Poulakis
Teen Workshops 10:30 am-1:30 pm
For full July/August schedule log on to baystreet.org
baystreet.org
631-725-0818 BigAppleParent 21
Summer fun ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS
Cosmic Cubs
cosmiccubs.com support@cosmiccubs.com Cosmic Cubs apps are fun and engaging while teaching children 3 and older about the solar system and the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Download Cosmic Cubs apps including Planet Puzzles, 3 Rs Puzzles, Rockitect, and Storymaker. Each small step can become a giant leap in learning! Blast off to a Cosmic Cubs galaxy of learning fun! Explore the universe with the Cosmic Cubs! Cosmic Cubs is KIDSAFE certified. Download Cosmic Cubs apps at the App store, Google Play, and Amazon. Download educational coloring pages at cosmiccubscoloring. com, and visit cosmiccubs.com.
Hudson River Park Trust
353 West St., Pier 40, 2nd floor 212-627-2020 hudsonriverpark.org ikaley@hrpt.ny.gov Celebrate 20 years of piers at Hudson River Park with our 20th Anniversary Summer of Fun season! From May–September relax, play, and explore with us in your west side backyard. Start the week off with Healthy on the Hudson fitness classes for every level, show your moves off at Sunset Salsa, bring the whole family together for movies and music at Hudson RiverKids and Hudson RiverFlicks, and cap it off by soaking in live music of all genres at Sunset on the Hudson on Pier 45 and Jazz at Pier 84. Details at hudsonriverpark.org.
IMAX VR AMC KIPS Bay 15
570 Second Ave. amctheatres.com/imaxvr 2195@amctheatres.com IMAX VR is a mind-shattering virtual reality experience center based at AMC Kips Bay 15. It is a unique combination of premium technology and world-class content that lets users see, feel, move, and play in new worlds in a powerfully immersive and realistic way, much like IMAX theatres offer moviegoers a differentiated and best-in-class film experience.
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With groundbreaking VR headset technology, 360 sound, and sophisticated room tracking, players will be instantly transported into new virtual worlds that are more realistic than anything imaginable. For more information: amctheatres. com/imaxvr or email 2195@ amctheatres.com.
Land of Make Believe
354 Great Meadows Road, Route 611, Hope, NJ 908-459-9000 lomb.com The No. 1 Amusement Park in North Jersey is the perfect day trip destination! A magical amusement park and a pirate themed state-of-the-art water park features short lines, free parking, low prices, and awesome family fun. Ride the Scream Machine 360, our Ultimate New Thrill Experience this season! Bring your own food and enjoy our beautiful picnic grove. Safe, wholesome, family atmosphere is just minutes away. Open Memorial Day weekend, then weekends in June. Open daily, 10am-6pm from June 16-Sept. 3. Visit us on Facebook.
Palisades Climb Adventure
4590 Palisades Center Drive, Level 4 of the Palisades Center, West Nyack 845-727-3500 palisadesclimb.com Palisades Climb Adventure offers the world’s tallest indoor ropes challenge course. Standing 85-feet tall, it has five levels and 75 unique challenge elements to explore, climb, and conquer including a new Zip Line. More advanced athletes will find a challenge, while “just for fun” climbers will experience a sense of athletic accomplishment. Our Sky Tykes kids’ ropes course is designed for ages 2-7, 48 inches tall and shorter. Both courses are available for camp and other groups, birthday parties, and special events.
Wild West City
50 Lackawanna Drive, Stanhope, NJ 973-347-8900 wildwestcity.com Come on down to Wild West City, the perfect place for a fun, unique, and educational day trip
June 2018 | nymetroparents.com
for all. We have a number of special events and shows that are sure to be hits with the entire family. Wild West City is a western heritage theme park that brings the old west back to life through portrayals of real-life western characters, legendary events, and a frontier town re-creation. Featuring 22 different live-action shows throughout the course of the day, we offer visitors the chance to “live” in the old west!
PROGRAMS & CLASSES Arts in Action Visual Art Program
Angela Tripi-Weiss, program director 711 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side 917-741-2297 artsinactionvap.org Arts in Action Visual Art Program’s Fun Fine Art Summer Camp, a three-time Blackboard Award Winner for Art Education Excellence offers children, ages 5-16, a dynamic, sequential, fine art curriculum in small groups where campers can enjoy learning art skills in a variety of mediums in our sunny Upper West Side studio! Morning camp offers explorations in drawing, painting, assemblage, and park sketching. Afternoon camp offers sketching at the Metropolitan Museum, Central Park, studio drawing, painting, and sculpting. For additional information, contact program director, Angela Tripi-Weiss.
Aspire Higher
917-518-4446 aspirehighercoachingnyc@gmail.com Aspire Higher specializes in 1-on-1 home tutoring as well as online distance learning for students in kindergarten through 12th grades as well as college and ESL students, using research-based techniques. We begin with an assessment of each learner to gain a sense of his or her strengths and weaknesses. We then create an instructional plan to target the most appropriate method to affect growth and development. Certified childhood first-sixth, certified TESOL kindergarten to 12th, Orton Gillingham. Special needs, holistic approach, and personalized education plans. Let’s develop our most important asset: our children!
Atlas Foundation For Autism
252 W. 29th St., 3rd Floor 212-256-0846 atlasforautism.org info@atlasforautism.org The Atlas Foundation for Autism houses the Atlas School as well as speech, OT services, music, after-school classes, and weekend social skills groups! Atlas is different in its approach to working within modalities that address communication, emotional and social thinking, as well as behavior and self-esteem! People are welcome to join from every developmental level to play, learn, and grow together as a community!
Ballet Academy East
1651 Third Ave. 212-410-9140 balletacademyeast.com Ballet Academy East’s Summerdance is a fun-filled summer program for girls ages 3-9. Designed to foster imagination and inspire a love of the arts, the curriculum includes dance, art, drama, cooking, and swimming. Led by gifted instructors who specialize in teaching young children, each session culminates with a special in-studio performance highlighting the children’s accomplishments. Students may enroll in Summerdance for either four or eight weeks, or customize their own schedule.
Baruch Summer Camp at Baruch College
55 Lexington Ave. 646-312-5096 athletics.baruch.cuny.edu/ sports/2006/1/9/summercamp.aspx summercamp@baruch.cuny.edu The Baruch College Camp is coed for children ages 5-15. Campers are placed in small groups according to age and supervised by qualified counselors. The program features fun recreational activities, such as arts and crafts, games, computer, and enrichment classes. The sports program includes fitness and sports instruction. Swimming lessons are taught and supervised by certified lifeguards and Red Cross-certified water safety instructors. The camp offers field trips, theme days, and a talent show. The camp director, counselors, coaches, and specialists
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CAMP MARKETPLACE
Italian Summer Mini-Camp
Connecting families to the Bella Lingua of Italy...without leaving NYC! • Summer Mini Camp #1: June 12 – July 19 • Summer Mini Camp #2: August 14 – August 30
Register Now!
marine life up-close in their natural habitat. Explore a unique island ecosystem and make connections that will last a life time! Hands-on programs in marine science, oceanography, and whale research on beautiful Grand Manan Island in the Bay of Fundy. College credit program and $40,000 college scholarships available for high school students
For more information & FREE brochure, please visit: www.whalecamp.com
OUR SESSIONS STILL HAVE SOME SPACES OPEN. » REGISTER TODAY! «
• Ages 2-8 Italian Language Programs ograms using songs, stories, games andd arts & crafts • Ages 2-4 Morning drop off playgroup • Italian Art Workshop • Tutoring Services • Inquire about our Adult Classes 1556 Third Ave @ 87th, Suite 603, NY, NY • 212.427.7770 www.collinaitaliana.com • info@collinaitaliana.com
Children’s Museum of the Arts
Week-Long Hands On Art Making Day Camps For Ages 5 –15 • June 18 - September 7
LOOK
MAKE
SHARE
SUMMER ART COLONY at 103 Charlton and on historic Governors Island! REGISTER TODAY AT CMANY.ORG!
JOAN’s SUMMER ART CAMP
Two art professionals per 8 camper weekly session. Swimming, hiking, trips around the city, and making art in response to these experiences.
www.joanstudioschool.blogspot.com 55 Bethune St. C322 NYC | (347)-978-1045 | joanroberts909@gmail.com
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are selected for their child care experience, sport specific coaching experience, and passion.
Bay Street Theater
Main Street, Sag Harbor 631-725-9500 baystreet.org Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor offers educational camps and master classes for children (ages 4-12) and teens (ages 13-18) this summer. Weeklong camps for children include creating a musical, puppetry, improv, and exploring Greek Mythology. Teen Master Classes are offered in areas of audition technique, performing Shakespeare, and musical theater acting. By providing young actors with coaching, Bay Street Theater offers a valuable opportunity to personally engage with amazing performers and performance-makers. baystreet.org
Beis Shlomo Zalmen
262 Delancey St. 212-475-1860 bszpreschool.org lutowisker@gmail.com Beis Shlomo Zalmen is the bestkept secret in New York City. Located on Delancey Street in the Lower East Side of Manhattan it provides child care for Jewish children ages 2-4 in a warm and nurturing atmosphere. The children look forward to coming each day to learn through play. The price is reasonable, and breakfast, lunch, and snack are included in the price. The hours are Monday-Thursday, 8:30am2:30pm, and on Friday till 12pm. During the summer we have extended hours. For registration information, please contact us at 212-475-1860 or 917-600-2982.
Boston Leadership Institute
781-431-2514 bostonleadershipinstitute.com Multiple award-winning summer STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) programs are just several hours away. Boston is a student mecca and renowned for higher education, biotech, and leading medical centers. Award-winning teachers with M.D.s, Ph.D.s, and Ivy League degrees lead programs. Teens take STEM-themed field trips. Beautiful science labs provide a summer experience that is highly valued in college admissions. Biomedical and Surgical Research, DNA Science, Green Chemistry,
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Biomedical Engineering, Anatomy, Finance, Sports Statistics, and more than 30 other options are available. Teens from across the country and worldwide attend. Premium overnight options.
Bulldogs Manhattan Summer Camp 212-472-8344 bulldogballclub.com/camps Bulldogs Summer Camp is our sports program for children ages 6-15. A fun and instructional day includes skill work and game play. Instructional groups are separated to ensure appropriate instruction for beginners and experienced players alike. The camp features Bulldogs professional sports coaches who work year-round with all of our programs and high-level curriculum and techniques designed for positive youth development. Positivity, effort, perseverance, and sportsmanship are discussed each week in context of sports and teamwork. For more information, visit bulldogballclub. com/camps.
Camp SAY
646-735-1559 say.org; meg@say.org Camp SAY combines the highest-quality, traditional summer camp experience with comprehensive activities and innovative programs that empower young people who stutter (ages 8-18). Our two-week, American Camp Association-accredited, sleepaway camp helps kids and teens who stutter build self-confidence, communication skills, and friendships. Summer 2018 dates are July 30-Aug. 13 (shortened stays are available). Camp SAY is hosted at a state-of-the art camp facility in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Sliding scale tuition and travel. Learn more at campsay. org, or contact Meg Hart: meg@ say.org, 646-735-1559, to obtain an information package.
Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex Summer Camps
West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park Camps: 212-336-6846 chelseapiers.com/camp Located along the Hudson River, Chelsea Piers is a 28-acre sports village that offers NYC’s biggest and most flexible summer camp program! For 22 summers, athletes of all ages have enjoyed the most dynamic sports curriculum available. With up to 11 weeks
June 2018 | nymetroparents.com
and 15 sports to choose from, we have a camp for every athlete and schedule. Our coaches are dedicated year-round to provide athletes with a clean, safe, friendly, and fun environment. Transportation service from many Manhattan and Brooklyn neighborhoods and after care are available. Summer Camps run June 18-Aug. 31. Early bird pricing available through May 18.
Children’s Museum of the Arts
103 Charlton St. 212-274-0986 cmany.org/classes-and-activities/ art-colony/summer-2018-103-charlton Children’s Museum of the Arts spring and summer Art Colony Day Camps allow young artists, ages 5-15, to immerse themselves in full-day, innovative arts courses taught by professional teaching artists. Summer Art Colony camps run weekly from June 18-Sept. 7, from 9am-5pm. Young artists have a choice of more than 50 classes at two exciting locations: at the museum at 103 Charlton St. and on historic Governors Island. Each week offers a new and unique theme focused on either fine arts or media projects.
Collina Italiana
1556 Third Ave., at 87th Street, Suite 603 212-427-7770 collinaitaliana.com info@collinaitaliana.com Collina Italiana is pleased to announce its Italian Summer in the City 2018 on the Upper East Side. The program is designed for kids ages 3-6 (and parents) who want to absorb the warm and lively culture of Italy. The program includes Giochiamo in Italiano: learn Italian through play, music, theater, and games; Cinema Italiano: study Italian through animated movies and cartoons; Arte Insieme: be creative, make art, and speak Italian; Le Uscite: outings to museums to discover Italian art; and Il Tavolo in Italiano: summer school but more fun!
Dwight Summer Camp
144 Riverside Blvd. (ages 4-5) 2116 First Ave. (ages 6-12) 917-551-6424 dwightsummercamp.org Dwight ignites the spark of genius in every camper! We offer a wide range of age-appropriate, creative, and action-packed activities for children ages 4-12.
Campers enjoy well-rounded experiences in sports, the visual and performing arts, and technology. Campers can also focus on one specialty in our Spark Camps. With swim instruction in our indoor pool, trips to great destinations, theme weeks, and color war, the fun never ends! Chaperoned bus transportation with parent GPS and day passes are available. Choose the number of weeks you want; mix and match sessions to make this summer the best ever for your camper!
École Internationale de New York (EINY)
EINY Summer Camp Anthony Bernier and Caroline Bottasso, camp directors 206 5th Ave., Flatiron District 646-766-1843 einy.org; anthony@einy.org EINY’s 2018 Summer Camp offers a fun and enriching bilingual experience in French and English through a wide range of activities including art, music, games, sports, and cultural excursions as students are immersed in both French and English. Designed and tailored for different age groups ranging from ages 3-10, of all language backgrounds, from 9am-3:30pm, with an option of extended day from 8:30am-5pm. Located in the neighborhood of Flatiron.
Epiphany Community Nursery School STEAM-E Summer Days Camp at ECNS
510 East 74th St. 212-737-2977 ecnsnyc.org; info@ssdays.org Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, and Exercise all based around fun weekly themes: Pirates & Princesses Galore, Become Your Own Superhero, Island Explorers, Fun & Fitness, Camping Adventurers, and Futuristic Space Odyssey. Water play, gymnastics, and weekly specials: Collaborative Art and Science Discovery, Soccer with Soccer Shots, Music and Movement, Yoga with YogiBeans, and Fun and Fitness. June 4–Aug. 24, 9am12pm for ages 2-6. Five days, Monday-Friday: $700. Four days, Monday-Thursday: $600. Three days, Monday, Wednesday, Friday: $480. To enroll and for more information, email info@ ssdays.org. continued on page 26 ››
CAMP MARKETPLACE
ARTS IN ACTION Visual Art Program
FINE ART CAMP Ages 5 to 16
Teen Portfolio, Fun Museum & Park Sketching, Studio Drawing, Painting & Sculpting, AND MORE!
3 Time Blackboard Award for Excellence in Art Ed!
917-741-2297 www.ArtsinActionVAP.org
Looking for
FUN
while school’s out?
Join us for our Summer Youth Martial Arts Program!
• A Positive place for summer! • Get fit while having a great time • Build self-confidence & discipline • Improve focus for academic success • Meet and have fun with new friends
REACH. GROW. ACHIEVE.
Even if your child has never trained in a martial art, we guarantee they will learn basics of Muay Thai kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu this summer
9 WEEKS FOR ONLY $360!
@BaruchCamp
with a $199 new member registration fee (includes all uniforms)!
Week 1: BaruchSummerCamp Week 2: Week 3: Week 4: Week 5: Week 6: CO -ED! Week 7: AGES 5-15! Week 8: Fees Based on Enrollment: Up to 3 weeks $725 per week Up to 6 weeks $575 per week Up to 8 weeks $425 per week
6/25 - 6/29 7/2 - 7/6 7/9 - 7/13 7/16 - 7/20 7/23 - 7/27 7/30 - 8/3 8/6 - 8/10 8/13 - 8/17
Visit an Open House to learn our special discounted rates!
Awaken your child’s potential through dance
Rosalie O’Connor
CALL US TODAY! 212-964-9800 info@squarecirclenewyork.com www.squarecirclenewyork.com 80 Nassau St FiDi NYC
Christopher Duggan
nd thru July 2 30th st u g Au 3 es 4-1 for Ag
BalletAcademyEast.com Join Ballet Academy East Summerdance, June 25-August 16
To Advertise Call 212-315-0800
BALLET ACADEMY EAST
1651 Third Avenue, 3rd floor New York, NY 10128
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Fastbreak Kids Multi-Sport Summer Camp
212-724-3278 fastbreakkids.com Calling young athletes ages 3–11! Join Fastbreak’s Multi-Sport Summer Camp and try a variety of sports (such as basketball, baseball, soccer, football, hockey, tennis, and lacrosse). While younger campers have a fun-filled morning of sports, games, arts and crafts, and time in our ever-popular bounce house, our older full-day campers spend the morning playing sports under the sun and afternoons playing in the AC! Camp runs June 11-Aug. 31 with flexible daily and weekly options available and no consecutive minimums.
Future Stars Summer Camps Purchase College
Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase 914-273-8500 fscamps.com Weekly day sessions for ages 4-16, June 18-Aug. 24. Campers can choose and combine weeks from 23 individualized sports and specialty programs: Tennis, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Lacrosse, Football, Flag Football, Chess, Adventure, Multi-Sports, Field Hockey, Cheerleading, Volleyball, Circus Arts, Magic, Softball, Diving, Horseback Riding, Swim, Academic, STEAM Education, and Rising Stars (kindergarten-first grade). New additions for Summer 2018 include DV7 Overnight Soccer Camp and Youth Leadership Program! Supervised swimming is included, as is instructional swim for Rising Stars. Lunch option and door-to-door transportation from most of Westchester available.
Gotham Writers Teen Writing Classes
555 Eighth Ave., #1402 212-974-8377 gothamwriters.com contact@gothamwriters.com Pressure-free, creativity-stretching, not-like-school courses for writers ages 13-17, from the world-renowned Gotham Writers Workshop. Unbound: Teen Creative Writing. Unleash creativity and craft in both fiction and nonfiction. True Story: Teen Creative Nonfiction. Explore creative forms of nonfiction, such as memoir, essay, feature articles, and reviews. Action: Teen Script Writing. Learn the ropes of writing for movies, TV, and plays.
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Also, 1-on-1 instruction available, including College Admission Essay Coaching. Words can change the world or change a person. Let your teen write this summer!
Grapplin’ Gorillas
Interim location: The Center at West Park, 165 W. 86th St. 917-273-1931 grapplingorillas.com grod@grapplingorillas.com Grapplin’ Gorillas is one of the few youth wrestling programs in Manhattan, but its summer camp offers more than grappling and takedowns. It’s all about movement! In addition to teaching wrestling fundamentals, the camp incorporates non-wrestling activities, bubble games, breakdancing, and yoga into each day. Wrestling groups are created by age and skill. The camp is open to boys and girls, 4-13 and takes place at The Center at West Park on West 86th Street. Outdoor activities such as nuke ‘em, kickball, and capture the flag are played in Central Park.
Joan’s Summer Art Camp
55 Bethune St., C322 347-978-1045; 212-414-8419 joanrobertsgarciart.com joanstudioschool.blogspot.com joanroberts909@gmail.com Designed and supervised by a working artist and educator and her art student assistant, also experienced with children, this is a uniquely intimate experience for only eight campers per week. Joan knows creativity comes with freedom, familiarity, and trust. Campers will take field trips to museums and cultural institutions, go on nature hikes, swim in the local pool, laugh, discover, and express all in art in Joan’s West Village studio.
Jodi’s Gym
244 E. 84th St. 212-772-7633 25 Hubbels Drive, Mount Kisco 914-244-8811 jodisgym.com Jodi’s Gym Summer Camp is a morning of nonstop, action-packed fun! Your child will run, jump, tumble, balance, stretch, sing, create, move, and groove, all under the supervision and care of our well-trained, enthusiastic, friendly, and certified staff. Come experience the joys of gymnastics, music, and art. It’s a mix your child is sure to love. Join us in our 36th year!
June 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Offered for children ages 3-5. Flexible scheduling (you choose days and weeks)!
Joffrey Ballet School
434 Sixth Ave., 5th floor 888-438-3808 joffreyballetschool.com The Joffrey Ballet School offers classes in Musical Theater, HipHop, Jazz and Contemporary Ballet, and more. We specialize in dancers ranging in age from 2-18. We also offer superb adult evening dance fitness classes. The Musical Theater classes for kids are instructed by actual Broadway stars. Come and experience our more than 60 years of excellence in dance training. You will love the way we care for your child’s dance training. Come and grow with us.
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 3½-8. Email us for a $50-off coupon code for our NYC summer programs. Going East this summer? We return to Montauk Downs State Park for our eighth season with expanded programs like Superbirdies, Day Eagles, and Early-Early Birdies! Children ages 3½ and older play golf on one of the finest courses. Register for one day or stay for the entire summer! For more information, visit ktuga. com/content/camps-and-specialprograms-summer.
The Little Gym
2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets), Upper West Side 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 207 E. 94th St. (between Second and Third avenues), Upper East Side 212-787-1124 tlguppereastsideny.com 28 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444; tlgwaldwicknj.com 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072; tlgscarsdaleny.com Since 1977, The Little Gym has been promoting the healthy and successful physical and mental development of children. Its “Anytime Summertime Kids Fun” includes parent and child classes (ages 4 months to 3 years), preschool and kindergarten classes (ages 3-6), and grade school gymnastics (non-competitive
only!) for beginner, intermediate, or advanced gymnasts. The Little Gym also offers its world-renowned “Anytime Summertime Kids Fun” camp for children ages 3-9 years, with flexible scheduling to work around your summer plans. Its unique theme-based curriculum takes children on weekly adventures. Half-day and full-day sessions available.
Metropolitan Music Academy
646-470-7246 metropolitanmusicacademy.org info@metropolitanmusicacademy.org A member of Steinway Educational Partnership Program, the academy boasts an extensive network of teachers in the New York metropolitan area including all areas of Manhattan and Brooklyn. All faculty members hold an advanced degree in their field such as masters of music and doctoral of music degrees. The programs include at-home weekly private lessons along with other classes and performance opportunities. Each student’s experience is personal and carefully tailored from the very beginning to provoke the musicality and individuality in each student. More info: metropolitanmusicacademy.org.
Modeling Camp
1535 Broadway 888-757-5575 modelingcamp.com modelingcamp@aol.com Modeling Camp invites all girls to discover the model in you this summer as we explore the world of modeling and fashion in NYC. From photo shoot to fashion shows, personal grooming to health and fitness, making TV commercials and meeting top model scouts, girls learn about the industry in a non-competitive environment while gaining valuable life skills at the same time. Featured on Good Morning America and NBC, this camp is a must for all fashionistas.
Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden 421 E. 61st St (between First and York avenues) 212-838-6878 mvhm.org/?events= history-weeks-summer-2016 info@mvhm.org History Weeks July 9-13 and July 16-20. Tucked away on East 61st Street, this 19th-century hotel museum transports kids back in time to rediscover life long ago.
continued on page 28 ››
CAMP MARKETPLACE
A life-changing 2-week sleep-away camp for young people who stutter. OUTSTANDING CAMPER TO COUNSELOR RATIO • ACA-ACCREDITED • SLIDING SCALE TUITION
CampSAY.org • Camp Director Meg Hart • Meg@SAY.org • 646.403.3522 Camp SAY provides an environment of inclusiveness, builds confidence, communication skills, friendships & community for kids and teens, ages 8-18. Camp SAY is ACA-accredited, and located in the Pocono Mountains, PA.
History Weeks at the Museum! Explore the Eat the kinds hid den nooks of of foods and ice the museum did kids cream 200 years ago
Make hand-made crafts: candles, silhouettes, games and more!
An adventure back through time!
Play games that kids loved in the 1800s
Wear the e clothes of th 19th century
Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden 421 East 61st Street • 212 838 6878 • mvhm.org
KATE TEMPESTA’S
Urban Golf Academy
Check out our golf programs for kids in NYC and Montauk Downs.
info@ktuga.com 917-270-7257 347-709-4149 playonstudios.com BigAppleParent 27
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from page 26
Each week is dedicated to an age group; kids explore the museum’s period rooms and verdant outdoor spaces, and become makers and doers, creating hand-made products like toleware and candles, and even harvesting heritage vegetables. They write with quill and ink and make foods popular in the 1800s, like pie and ice cream. For information, see mvhm.org.
Music for Aardvarks - Manhattan
manhattanaardvarks.com manhattanaardvarks@gmail.com Music for Aardvarks’ Summer in the Park classes meet outdoors and in the shade at 1 of 5 different locations on the UES and UWS. Instructors lead original Aardvarks songs with a guitar and various instruments provided for the children. The 45-minute classes are geared for kids aged 6 months to 3 years and incorporate singing, dancing, musical storytelling, and instrumental jam sessions. With influences of rock, blues, ballads, folk, jazz, and pop, Aardvark songs uniquely reflect and celebrate the lives of children growing up in New York City.
NYC Guitar School
646-485-7244 nycguitarschool.com/kids nycguitarschool.com/summer NYC Guitar School Summer Rock Band Camp for ages 8-17. Learn guitar. Play in a band. Perform in a show. Guitarists, bassists, drummers, vocalists, and keyboard players make music, friends, and memories in NYC’s ultimate Rock Band Camp. Boot Camp: absolute beginners learn to play in two weeks. Rock Band 101: rehearse and play a show. Advanced Rock Band: push your limits and reach your potential. Plus, songwriting and digital music electives. Professional rooms, passionate coaches, NYC club show,
pro lights and sound. Sign up at nycguitarschool.com/summer.
Oasis Summer Day Camps in Manhattan
Oasis in Central Park 795 Columbus Ave. 646-698-1800 Oasis in Downtown P.S. 110, 285 Delancey St. 649-519-5058 oasischildren.com Oasis Camp offers programs for children ages 3 years to sixth grade! With facilities in Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey, Oasis features mature staff with low camper-tostaff ratio and a warm environment where kids can participate in activities tailored to their interests. The Early Start camp for ages 3 years to kindergarten offers sports, daily Red Cross swim, arts, dance, theater, and a Ready for September enrichment program. The Traditional Camp (first-sixth grades) provides campers with sports, crafts, theater, dance, and Red Cross Swim. Teen Travel has daily trips, team building, and overnights.
Play On! Studios
263 W. 86th St. 347-709-4149 playonstudios.com info@playonstudios.com Play On! Studios offers awesome theater camps for grades K-12 on the Upper West Side and downtown! Our theater day camps are guaranteed to give kids a week (or more!) full of acting, music, and fun they won’t soon forget! 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, non-competitive environment. And, of course, play lots of drama games! Sign up for one week or more.
CAMP MARKETPLACE
Pusteblume
International School
212-206-1137 info@pusteblumenyc.org www.pusteblumenyc.org German and Spanish language immersion ●Preschool ●After School ●Camps ●Ages 2-12
a nurturing setting that cultivates the
!
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growth and development of your child June 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Pusteblume International Preschool and Afterschool Programs
244 W. 14th St. 212-206-1137 pusteblumenyc.org info@pusteblumenyc.org During the months of July and August we offer fun-packed weeks of activities, excursions, sprinkler fun, games, and a language immersion environment in the German and Spanish languages. Pick whatever weeks you like and however many weeks you need. Each week will include at least two sprinkler and water play days and one theme-related visit in our premises or out around town.
Smarter Toddler Nursery & Preschool 101 John St. 212-766-3222 smartertoddler.net Our STEAM Summer Camp is an interactive, fun-filled program for older toddlers and preschoolers. Due to the level of mobility and focus required, we are only able to offer admission to potty-trained toddlers and preschoolers ages 3 and older. Meals are included in the monthly rate and the option to add kindergarten test prep and skill building tutoring into your child’s daily flow is available, which is really advantageous for those transitioning older preschoolers.
Square Circle New York
80 Nassau St., Lower Level 212-964-9800 squarecirclenewyork.com info@squarecirclenewyork.com Looking for a positive place for your kids to learn valuable martial arts skills and have fun this summer? Check out SCNY’s Summer Youth Martial Arts Program (ages 4-13)! Our nineweek program begins Monday, July 2 and ends Thursday, Aug. 30. Monday-Thursday, 10-11am. Orientation is Monday, July 2 at 10am. Program cost is $360 with a $199 registration fee (uniforms are included). Call 212-964-9800 or email info@squarecirclenewyork. com. Enroll your child today! Address is 80 Nassau St., Lower Level. Private entrance is next to the UPS store.
The Whale Camp
610-399-1463 whalecamp.com The Whale Camp at the Fundy Marine Science Institute is dedicated to providing marine biology experiential educational programs and facilities for learning about the dynamic marine ecology of the
Bay of Fundy as well as the coastal, terrestrial, and human ecologies of Grand Manan Island. Our goal is to use hands-on, discovery-oriented marine science activities to increase awareness and understanding of these living systems and the systems of our oceans and planet. We help our campers foster connections between themselves, each other, and the natural environment.
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Zoos and Aquarium
1-800-433-4149 The Bronx Zoo 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx 718-220-5132 Central Park Zoo, 830 Fifth Ave. 212-438-6583 Queens Zoo 53-51 111th St., Corona 718-271-7361 Prospect Park Zoo 450 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn 718-399-7327 New York Aquarium 602 Surf Ave., Brooklyn 718-265-3457 wcs.org/education/programs Summer just got wild! Send your animal lover to summer camp at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and the New York Aquarium! Campers will enjoy up-close animal experiences, Wildlife Theater performances, and age appropriate, hands-on STEM activities. Join us at the aquarium for keeper chats, behind the scenes experiences, and exclusive early morning access to the new Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit. For more information, visit our website at wcs.org/education/programs, call 800-433-4149, or email edu@ wcs.org. Use code NYMETRO for 10 percent off one week of camp!
YMCA Summer Camps
ymcanyc.org/camp bit.ly/2FgUwLs; rho@ymcanyc.org At YMCA Summer Camps, children learn leadership skills and develop self-confidence in a safe, accepting, and stimulating environment. They also build robots, go on field trips, shoot hoops, learn to swim, make new friends, and laugh all summer long! Our creative, educational camp programming— structured around the Y’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility—helps campers reach their fullest potential, physically, mentally, and emotionally. With six locations in Manhattan and the Bronx, find the perfect camp for your child! Visit us at ymcanyc.org/ camp to learn more today!
g
CAMP MARKETPLACE
STEAM-E Summer Days Camp
Summer Camp for ages 2–6 years old • June 4 to August 24, 2018 • Enroll for 1 to 11 weeks 3 mornings (M, W, F), 4 mornings (M-Th), or 5 mornings STEAM-E Summer Days Camp at
Epiphany Community Nursery School 510 East 74th Street • New York, NY 10021 212-737-2977 • info@SSDays.org
As featured on
Modeling Camp
TM
Camps for girls ages 11-17
modelingcamp.com
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yrs. of Fun, Friend s, & Fitness!
Call for more info:
888-757-5575
Great Perks For Members
Gymnastics • Ninja Challenge • Music • Playtime • Jodi’s To Go •
For Kids 9 mos to 12 yrs
V is it O u r To ta Awes o mlly e New ly Ren ova te d Fa ci lity!
Summer & School • Break Camps Best Birthdays Ever •
NYC’s Summer Rock Music Camp for ages 8-17
Nothing Else Even Comes Close!
www.jodisgym.com
25 Hubbels Dr. Mt. Kisco • 914.244.8811 244 E. 84th St. NYC • 212.772.7633
Rehearse & Play A Show
Beginner to Advanced
NYCGuitarSchool.com/summer BigAppleParent 29
things to do
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Summertime where-to guide
Shine
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Compiled by Samantha Neudorf
It’s finally summer, which means it’s time to do all of your favorite outdoor activities! Nothing screams summer quite like that first drive to the beach to sit in the sand and dip your toes in the ocean. Summer also means trips to amusement parks or carousels (if your child is not ready to take on the big roller coasters). Finally, June marks the beginning of strawberry season, with festivals and fairs happening in and around the New York City area. Grab your hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water, and get out there to enjoy the warm weather because school’s out for summer!
CAROUSELS
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SeaGlass Carousel Battery Park (entrance at State and Water streets), Lower Manhattan 212-344-3491; seaglasscarousel.nyc Hours: daily, 10am-10pm Price: $5 This aquatic-themed carousel is made entirely of glass and steel. The unique carousel features 30 sea creatures under color-changing LED lights. This ride makes you feel like you are in an underwater garden.
Manhattan Beach Oriental Boulevard, between Ocean Avenue and Mackenzie Street, Brooklyn 718-646-5913; 212-639-9675 nycgovparks.org/parks/manhattanbeachpark Hours: daily, 10am-6pm; lifeguards on duty May 27 to Labor Day, 10am-6pm. Cost: Beach: FREE. Parking: $6 weekdays, $20 weekends and holidays. Attractions: Boardwalk, two playgrounds, large baseball diamond, tennis, basketball, and handball courts Find more>> nymetroparents.com/beaches
Jim McDonnell
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BEACHES
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Find more>> nymetroparents.com/carousels
Located alongside the famous Coney Island Boardwalk, Luna Park offers mild to extreme thrill rides.
AMUSEMENT PARKS
Alstede Farms Strawberry Harvest Festival 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 908-258-6245; alstedefarms.com/strawberry-harvest-festival Hours: June 2-24, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm Head out to the farm country and enjoy strawberries at their finest. There will be lots of strawberry-themed foods, such as ice cream, slushies, shakes, and cakes to try and take home. Enjoy a hayride down to the strawberry patch. Kids can have a blast on a pony ride or a tractor train. See the farm animals and the corn kingdom too! There’s lots of fun to be had and sweet strawberries to eat.
Luna Park at Coney Island 1000 Surf Ave., Coney Island, Brooklyn 718-373-5862; lunaparknyc.com Hours: May 25-Sept. 3: daily; hours vary. Sept. 8-Oct. 28: weekends. Check online for full details. Pricing: $1 per credit; 48 credits: $40; 75 credits: $60; and 140 credits: $100; $42 and up for Any Day Luna Pass, which includes unlimited rides for any day of the week, and 1 ride entitlement on Go Karts and Slingshot; $29 and up for Fixed Date Luna Pass. Check online for additional deals. Mild to extreme thrill rides, games, and dining. New attraction this year: Astro Tower is a 137-foot tall tower that drops and bounces you up and down with sunning views from the top of the ride.
Find more>> nymetroparents.com/strawberries
Find more>> nymetroparents.com/amusementparks
STRAWBERRY FESTIVALS
Ideas When You Need Them:
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Turn the page for details on 18th Annual Egg Rolls, Egg Creams & Empanadas Festival (No. 8 on our list).
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nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar
EDITOR: WHITNEY C. HARRIS nyccalendar@davlermedia.com
JUNE
CALENDAR 32
Editor’s Hot Tickets
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We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Little Foodies
34
Crafty Kids
35
Smarty Pants, Special Needs, The Great Outdoors
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Dance Party, Movers & Shakers
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Fun Fairs & Festivals, Show Time!
EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS
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!
1
Stars in the Alley FREE
WHEN: Friday, June 1, 1pm WHERE: Shubert Alley, 8th Avenue and Broadway between West 44th and 45th streets, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: A free outdoor concert with live music, produced by the Broadway League and sponsored by United Airlines. WHY WE LOVE IT: Catch a glimpse of musical performances including Aladdin, Anastasia, Frozen, Mean Girls, and School of Rock The Musical. WANT TO GO? broadway.org.
20th Anniversary Celebration FREE
2
WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 9am-10pm WHERE: Hudson River Park’s Pier 45, West 10th Street and Hudson River Greenway, Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: A full day of music, science learning, fitness classes, and a movie to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hudson River Park. WHY WE LOVE IT: Enjoy a nature walk, a Mad Science show, a magic show, and more. WANT TO GO? 212-627-2020. hudsonriverpark.org.
3
Drums Along The Hudson FREE
WHEN: Sunday, June 3, 11am-6pm WHERE: Inwood Hill Park, 218th Street and Indian Road, Inwood AGES: All WHAT: Manhattan’s only open-air powwow combines Native American heritage with the diversity of New York City. Activities include Native American crafts, storytelling, international cuisine, a World Market Tent, and an Environmental Tent. WHY WE LOVE IT: Families who ride their bikes to the park will enjoy a free bicycle valet. WANT TO GO? 212-627-1076 x10. drumsalongthehudson.org.
11th Annual World Science Festival 2018
4
WHEN: Through June 3: daily, see website for times WHERE: Various locations, see website for addresses, New York AGES: All WHAT: Through discussions and debates, performances, films, fireside chats, hands-on experiments, and outdoor explorations, festival-goers will travel with the world’s leading scientists to the very edge of knowledge. WHY WE LOVE IT: This year’s festival promises more than 70 events for curious minds of all ages. WANT TO GO? Prices vary. 212-348-1400. worldsciencefestival.com.
5
The Great Randall’s Island Treasure Hunt FREE
WHEN: Saturday, June 9, 10am-2pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Learn how to use a map and compass to navigate a fun course. There 32
June 2018 | nymetroparents.com
4 will be prizes, crafts, games, refreshments, a musical puppet performance, and an adult orienteering course from Hudson Valley Orienteering. WHY WE LOVE IT: If you only go to Randall’s Island once this month, this should be the day! WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org.
NYC Kids Fest FREE
6
WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 2-7pm WHERE: Morningside Park, 110th Street and Manhattan Avenue, Morningside Heights AGES: All WHAT: An uptown culture festival featuring performances and activities such as Zumba, the NY Arabic Orchestra, a theater workshop, and face painting. WHY WE LOVE IT: A free afternoon of family-friendly entertainment! WANT TO GO? nyckidsfest.org.
7
Adventures NYC FREE
WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 11am-4pm WHERE: Central Park, Naumburg Bandshell, Mid-Park at 72nd Street, Central Park AGES: All WHAT: Take part in a day of outdoor adventure with such activities as rock climbing, zip lining, mountain biking, yoga, obstacle races, and outdoor survival training. WHY WE LOVE IT: Half the fun is doing the activities, the other half is watching others! WANT TO GO? 718-760-6831. nycgovparks.org.
18th Annual Egg Rolls, Egg Creams & Empanadas Festival FREE
8
WHEN: Sunday, June 17, 12-4pm WHERE: The Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., Lower East Side AGES: All WHAT: Through folk art demonstrations, music, dance, and conversations with the featured practitioners, festival-goers will enjoy the rich interaction between the Jewish, Chinese, and Puerto Rican artists and performers. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will love tasting kosher egg rolls, egg creams, empanadas, and other traditional foods. WANT TO GO? 212-219-0008. eldridgestreet.org.
9
Father’s Day Duct Tape Creations
WHEN: June 17-18, Saturday, 10:30am-1pm and 2-6pm; Sunday, 10:30am-1pm and 2-4:30pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side
AGES: All WHAT: Create ties, picture frames, and wallets out of a variety of wacky patterns and awesome colors as a gift for Dad. WHY WE LOVE IT: What father wouldn’t love an unexpected gift made out of an unlikely material wrapped up in a trip to the museum? WANT TO GO? $14; $11 seniors; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
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. 9th Annual NYC Multicultural Festival FREE
WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 11am-7pm WHERE: Jackie Robinson Park Bandshell, 85 Bradhurst Ave., Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy live performances, arts and crafts, food and retail vendors, fashion, activities for children, wellness activities, slides, photo booths, giant video games, free giveaways, and more. WANT TO GO? 347-938-9335. multiculturalfestival.nyc.
New York Philharmonic: Concerts in the Park FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, June 13, 8pm WHERE: The Great Lawn, Mid-Central Park at 85th Street, Central Park AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Arrive early to secure a spot and listen to the orchestra perform. WANT TO GO? 212-875-5656. nyphil.org.
We Make the Future Block Party FREE
WHEN: Sunday, June 17, 1-4pm WHERE: The Rubin Museum, 150 W. 17th St., Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: Join thousands of other New Yorkers at this outdoor event on Father’s Day, featuring art and activities for all ages. WANT TO GO? 212-620-5000. rubinmuseum.org.
Pride Night at CMOM FREE
LITTLE FOODIES Scooper Bowl
WHEN: June 1-3, Friday-Saturday, 12-9pm; Sunday, 12-7pm WHERE: Bryant Park, Sixth Avenue and 41st Street, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: The nation’s largest all-you-can-eat ice cream festival returns for a second year with frozen delights from the nation’s leading companies and local craft creameries. Proceeds benefit the Jimmy Fund, which supports pediatric and adult cancer care and research. WANT TO GO? $20-$25. 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.
Taste of Times Square
WHEN: Monday, June 4, 5-9pm WHERE: Duffy Square, Broadway between 46th and 47th streets, Times Square AGES: All WHAT: An annual outdoor food and music festival organized by the Times Square Alliance where visitors can enjoy flavors from around the globe alongside street performances and live music. Participating restaurants include Havana Central, Le Rivage, Becco, Sake Bar Hagi 46, and Toloache. WANT TO GO? $1 food tickets; free admission. timessquarenyc.org.
Children’s Potions and Planting Tea Party
WHEN: Saturday, June 9, 10-11:30am WHERE: The McKittrick Hotel, 530 W. 27th St., Chelsea AGES: 5-12 WHAT: A family-friendly brunch at the hotel’s rooftop garden hideaway, Gallow Green, where parents and favorite stuffed animal or teddy bear are invited along with children. After refreshments, kids are treated to hands-on lessons in potions and planting. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-904-1880. mckittrickhotel.com.
Big Apple Barbecue Block Party
WHEN: June 9-10, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: Madison Square Park, Madison Avenue and 23rd Street, Madison Square Park AGES: All WHAT: Eat your way through 16 pitmaster teams representing some of the biggest barbecue legends from across the country. There will also be live music, beer and wine gardens, and interactive programming. WANT TO GO? Free admission; food prices vary. 212-661-6640. bigapplebbq.org.
Ice Cream Garden Social
WHEN: Thursday, June 21, 5:30-7:30pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: The Children’s Museum of Manhattan invites you to a special after-hours event in celebration of LGBTQ families, as well as LGBTQ adults with children in their lives. WANT TO GO? 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 1-3pm WHERE: The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum, 421 E. 61st St., Upper East Side AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Enjoy a Path Through History Afternoon of ice-cream making, historic tunes, and period games and toys. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 for children younger than 12. 212-8386878. mvhm.org.
Le Carrousel’s Magique FREE
Taste of the Terminal FREE
WHEN: June 10-Aug. 5, Sundays, 2-3pm WHERE: Bryant Park’s Le Carrousel, Bryant Park, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Fantastic illusions, sleight of hand, levitation beyond belief. It’s fun for the whole family when the world’s best magicians perform funfilled tricks for kids of all ages. WANT TO GO? 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.
WHEN: June 26-28, Tuesday-Thursday, 11am-2pm WHERE: Grand Central Terminal, Vanderbilt Hall, 89 E. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy tastings, treats, and special offers from various vendors, plus live performances by Music Under New York. WANT TO GO? 212-576-2700. grandcentralterminal.com. ›› BigAppleParent 33
Monstrous Masterpiece
WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 11am-1pm WHERE: The Morgan Library & Museum, 225 Madison Ave., Midtown AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Inspired by Medieval Monsters: Terrors, Aliens, Wonders, participants will join New York City-based artist Max Greis to create monstrous creatures. WANT TO GO? $20. 212-685-0008. themorgan.org.
Design Kids | Design a Puppet FREE
CRAFTY KIDS
WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 11am-3pm WHERE: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2 E. 91st St., Upper East Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Participants will engage in a hands-on theatrical puppet performance and design their own puppet with guest designers Cecilia Arana and Mindy Pfeffer from NYC Kids Project. WANT TO GO? 212-849-8400. cooperhewitt.org.
Beaded Buildings
WHEN: June 16-17, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Take inspiration from Sally Curcio’s bubble worlds in the gallery and create your own beaded buildings. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.
Special Saturday Art Workshop LEGO Hybrid Sculptures with Artists Pekka and Teija Isoryättyä
‘Up! Up! Up! Skyscraper’
WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 11am WHERE: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave., Murray Hill AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Create imaginary cyborg superheroes and hybrid animals by combining modeling clay and Lego Technics, and imagine the possibilities of bring new technological improvements to the living world. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-779-3587. scandinaviahouse.org.
WHEN: Saturday, June 23, 10:30-11:45am WHERE: Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, Battery Park City AGES: All WHAT: Young learners will be introduced to the basics of skyscraper construction through a group reading of Anastasia Suen’s picture book Up! Up! Up! Skyscraper. After the story, young architects will design their own skyscrapers. WANT TO GO? $5. 212-945-6324. skyscraper.org.
Sidewalk Art
Family Sundays: Spectacular Starscapes
WHEN: Saturday, June 9, 10:30-11:45am WHERE: Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, Battery Park City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Draw blueprints for buildings such as your home or school, then draw your masterpiece outside the museum to help create a unique, technicolor city on the sidewalk. WANT TO GO? $5. 212-945-6324. skyscraper.org.
Family Afternoon
WHEN: Sunday, June 10, 1-4pm WHERE: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Drop in for free, hands-on family fun. The afternoon’s theme is Travel Through Time. WANT TO GO? $25; $17 seniors; $12 students; free for children younger than 12. 212-535-7710. metmuseum.org.
Learning Through Art Presents A Year With Children 2018
WHEN: Through June 13: Monday-Wednesday and Friday, 10am5:45pm; Saturday, 10am-7:45pm; Sunday, 10am-5:45pm WHERE: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: An exhibition of more than 100 artworks by New York City public school students from across the five boroughs culminates a year of collaborative learning. WANT TO GO? $25; $18 seniors and students; free for children younger than 12. 212-423-3500. guggenheim.org. 34
June 2018 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: June 3-24, Sundays, 1-4pm WHERE: The Rubin Museum, 150 W. 17th St., Chelsea AGES: 3 and older WHAT: To complement the work of the Otolith Group, an art collective featured in the Rubin’s exhibition A Lost Future, families can create an imaginative, miniature world of their own inside a tiny bottle. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 seniors and students; free for children 12 and younger. 212-620-5000. rubinmuseum.org.
ArtSee: Kiki Smith
WHEN: Sunday, June 24, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., Lower East Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Take a closer look at the artist’s depictions of nature, from soaring golden birds to majestically rendered stars to cute cats, then prepare to get messy making your own works building on those same ideas. WANT TO GO? $14; $8 children; free for children younger than 5. 212219-0888. eldridgestreet.org.
Little Guggs
WHEN: June 6-27, Wednesdays, 10am-12pm WHERE: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Explore one or two works of art in the galleries and then make your own art in the studio. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $30. 212-423-3500. guggenheim.org.
SMARTY PANTS
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Unlimited
Summer on the Hudson: Underwater Neighbors of Riverside Park FREE
WHEN: Sunday, June 3, 6:30-8pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Gramercy AGES: 9-17 WHAT: A fun-filled, math-focused night for students in sixth to 10th grades. WANT TO GO? $15-$20. 212-542-0566. momath.org.
Identification Day
WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 5-8pm WHERE: Riverside Park South, The Plaza at 66th Street, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Join the educators from Hudson River Sloop Clearwater to catch, observe, and identify fish and invertebrates. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.
WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 12-4pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, 79th Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Get an up-close look at specimens from the museum’s rarely seen collections, while scientists attempt to identify your discoveries. WANT TO GO? $23; $18 seniors and students; $13 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-769-5100. amnh.org.
14th Annual Hike the Heights FREE
Chess Lecture and Simul Series: Grandmaster Lev Alburt FREE
Family Camping FREE
WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 11am WHERE: Chess & Checkers House, Mid-Park at 64th Street, Central Park AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn techniques from world-renowned chess experts. WANT TO GO? 212-227-1468. centralparknyc.org.
Watson Adventures’ Secrets of Central Park Family Scavenger Hunt WHEN: Sunday, June 17, 2-4pm WHERE: Central Park, Fifth Avenue and 64th Street, Upper East Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Kids and adults work together to explore the park below 72nd Street. WANT TO GO? $17.50-$21.50. 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com.
SPECIAL NEEDS Morning at the Museum FREE
WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 9-10:30am WHERE: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2 E. 91st St., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Individuals with cognitive and sensory processing disabilities are given pre-visit materials, early entrance, a “Take a Break” space, and more. WANT TO GO? 212-849-8400. cooperhewitt.org.
Autism Spectrum Tour: The Discovery Squad FREE
WHEN: Through Sept. 1: Saturdays, 9-10am WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, 79th Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Families with members with ASD can attend a tour led by specially trained guides, then spend some time exploring the Discovery Room. WANT TO GO? 212-769-5100. amnh.org.
Access+Ability
WHEN: Through Sept. 3: Sunday-Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm WHERE: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2 E. 91st St., Upper East Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: This exhibit displays more than 70 products, projects, and services developed by and with people with disabilities. WANT TO GO? $18; $12 seniors; $9 students; free for children younger than 18. 212-849-8400. cooperhewitt.org.
WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 11:30am-3pm WHERE: The Sunken Playground at Highbridge Park, 167th Street and Edgecombe Avenue, Washington Heights AGES: All WHAT: A community hike and celebration that promotes the use of the Giraffe Path, an urban trail that connects the Cloisters to Central Park. WANT TO GO? hiketheheights.org. WHEN: June 22-23, Friday-Saturday, 7pm-7am WHERE: Central Park, location to be revealed to campers, Central Park AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy the tradition of camping with Urban Park Rangers. WANT TO GO? 212-360-1444. nycgovparks.org.
Astronomy Live: Summer Skies
WHEN: Tuesday, June 26, 7pm WHERE: Hayden Planetarium Space Theater, 200 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Joe Rao and Ted Williams highlight the sights of the summer sky. WANT TO GO? $15; $13.50 seniors and students; $12 members. 212769-5100. amnh.org.
Central Park Tour Discovery Walk for Families: Gardens FREE
WHEN: Saturday, June 30, 10-11:30am WHERE: Vanderbilt Gate at Conservatory Garden, Fifth Avenue between 104th and 105th Streets, Upper East Side AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Discover the difference between the various flowers and landscapes that make up the park’s only formal garden. WANT TO GO? 212-310-6600. centralparknyc.org.
Picnic & Play FREE
WHEN: June 29-Aug. 17, Fridays, 5:30-8pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Bring your family and friends for fun games. Pack a picnic or purchase a burger at the pop-up grill. WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org.
Art on the Farm FREE
WHEN: Through Oct. 13, Saturdays, 2-4pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Use the farm for inspiration for creating seasonal projects. WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org.
Urban Farm Exploration Days FREE
WHEN: Through Oct. 14: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Explore the Urban Farm. Each month, the farm hosts a free, dropin workshop on topics ranging from gardening skills to cooking to crafts. WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org. ›› BigAppleParent 35
party space where families can dance, see live performances, and experience a nightclub environment in a safe, controlled daytime setting. WANT TO GO? $20-$25. 646-650-5266. cirkiz.com.
NYC Dance Week FREE
WHEN: June 14-23, daily, see website for times WHERE: Various New York City dance studios, see website for locations AGES: All WHAT: Expect free dance and fitness lessons for the community, along with performances to watch. Registration required. WANT TO GO? nycdanceweek.org.
Rooftop-a-Palooza with Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
DANCE PARTY Lincoln Center Kids Presents: ‘Grass’
WHEN: June 2-3, Saturday-Sunday, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Clark Studio Theater, Samuel B. and David Rose Building, 165 W. 65th St., 7th Floor, Upper West Side AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Explore the ground and all of its wriggly inhabitants in this quirky dance show for young children. Featuring worms, slugs, snails, and spontaneous outbreaks of ant dancing, Grass uses performance, puppetry, and projections to inspire children to look closely at the world around them, get mucky, and play. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-721-6500. kidsportal.lincolncenter.org.
‘Hooray for the Zany – Beverly Blossom is in Town!’
WHEN: June 1-3, Friday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 3pm WHERE: The 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: The artistry of Beverly Blossom (1926-2014) will be celebrated with live performances, a panel discussion, guest artists, and rarely seen films at the 92nd Street Y. WANT TO GO? $10-$25. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.
Boogie Down at the Bronx Zoo
WHEN: Through June 3: Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4:30pm WHERE: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate wildlife and the diverse culture of the Boogiedown Borough with performers in the realms of hip-hop, doo wop, and salsa. WANT TO GO? $36.95; $31.95 seniors; $26.95 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 2. 718-220-5100. bronxzoo.com.
Ballet Tech Kids Dance FREE
WHEN: June 7-10, Thursday-Sunday, 7pm; Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: The Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Ave., Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: Performances of works by Eliot Feld, including two premieres, and a repeat of last season’s “It’s the Effort That Counts.” WANT TO GO? 212-691-9740. ballettech.org.
CirKiz, A Cool Kid’s Dance Party w/ DJ Alden
WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 1-5pm WHERE: FREQ NYC, 637 W. 50th St., Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A nightclub is transformed into a unique kid-centric daytime 36
June 2018 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Thursday, June 28, 4-5pm WHERE: Marlene Meyerson JCC, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Sing and dance with Joanie Leeds. Share a relaxing and entertaining summer afternoon as a community with music, food, and fun. WANT TO GO? $13-$18; free for children younger than 1. 646-5055700. jccmanhattan.org.
25th Annual Harlem Meer Performance Festival FREE
WHEN: June 17-Sept. 2, Sundays, 2-4pm WHERE: Central Park, Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox avenues, Central Park AGES: All WHAT: Expect a variety of performances featuring multi-cultural music and dance, family-friendly entertainment, and more. WANT TO GO? 212-860-1370. centralparknyc.org.
MOVERS & SHAKERS Bite of the Big Apple Scavenger Hunt
WHEN: Sunday, June 3, 1:30pm WHERE: Slattery’s Midtown Pub, 8 E. 36th St., #3, Murray Hill AGES: All WHAT: A series of clues leads you around the city. WANT TO GO? $39. 718-344-8962. pogoevents.com.
Anti-Prom 2018: Under the Sea FREE
WHEN: Friday, June 8, 6:30pm WHERE: The New York Public Library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, 476 Fifth Ave., Midtown AGES: 13-17 WHAT: An alternative, safe space for teens, regardless of sexuality, gender identity, or any other reason. WANT TO GO? 917-275-6975. nypl.org.
‘Show Up, Kids!’
WHEN: Through July 1: Saturday-Sunday, 12pm WHERE: The Kraine Theater, 85 E. 4th St., East Village AGES: 3-12, adult WHAT: Improviser Peter Michael Marino will make up a show on the spot and have the kids (and adults) help write, direct, and design it. WANT TO GO? $15; $5 for children younger than 10. 917-825-3549. showuptheshow.com/kids.
Citi Summer in the Square 2018 FREE
WHEN: June 14-Aug. 9, Thursdays, see website for times WHERE: Union Square, 33 E. 17th St., Union Square AGES: All WHAT: Stop by for a changing line-up of fitness classes, family-friendly activities and shows, live music and dance performances, and movie nights. WANT TO GO? 212-460-1200. summerinthesquare.nyc.
FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS SHOW TIME! BookCon 2018
‘The Three Little Pigs’
Celebrate Israel Parade FREE
‘The Ugly Duckling’
WHEN: June 2-3, Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Javits Center, 655 W. 34th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: An immersive experience that features Q-and-As, autographing sessions, photo ops, special screenings, interactive experiences, and more. WANT TO GO? $10-$45. 203-840-5632. thebookcon.com. WHEN: Sunday, June 3, 11am-4pm WHERE: Fifth Avenue, from 57th to 74th streets, Midtown to Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Fifth Avenue will turn blue and white as more than 30 floats, 15 marching bands, and 40,000 marchers entertain spectators. WANT TO GO? 212-843-9223. celebrateisraelny.org.
West African Cultural Festival
WHEN: Sunday, June 3, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate West African culture with performances and workshops inspired by West African artistic traditions and contemporary artists. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.
Pride Cultural Festival
WHEN: Sunday, June 10, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: Ten-year-old drag kid Desmond Napoles, “Desmond is Amazing,” will host this year’s festivities as CMA’s Pride Mayor. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.
Flag Day Parade FREE
WHEN: Thursday, June 14, 12-2pm WHERE: Fraunces Tavern Museum, 54 Pearl St., Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Hundreds of participants from NYC schools, organizations, and various historic societies will march through Lower Manhattan. WANT TO GO? 212-425-1778. frauncestavernmuseum.org.
The 36th Annual Mermaid Parade FREE
WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 1pm WHERE: Coney Island USA, 1208 Surf Ave., Coney Island, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: This year’s Queen Mermaid and King Neptune are Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman. WANT TO GO? 718-594-7895. coneyisland.com.
Make Music New York FREE
WHEN: Thursday, June 21, see website for times WHERE: Various venues citywide, see website for addresses, New York AGES: All WHAT: This festival features more than 1,000 outdoor concerts, music lessons, and jam sessions in public spaces across the five boroughs. WANT TO GO? 917-779-9709. makemusicny.org.
Throwback Thursdays FREE
WHEN: June 21-Aug. 9, Thursdays, 11am-7pm WHERE: Flatiron North Public Plaza, East 23rd Street between Fifth and Madison avenues, Flatiron District AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy giant games, board games, and cornhole sets. WANT TO GO? 212-741-2323. flatirondistrict.nyc/summer2018.
WHEN: June 2-3, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater, 357 W. 36th St., 2nd Floor, Midtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Three pigs leave home and must build houses of their own, but only one makes a house that stands up to the persistence of a certain wolf. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com. WHEN: June 9-10, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater, 357 W. 36th St., 2nd Floor, Midtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: A duckling meets animals and realizes that it is not ugly, only different. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.
Rennie Harris: ‘Funkedified’
WHEN: June 1-10, Fridays, 7pm; Saturdays, 2pm and 7pm; Sundays, 12pm and 5pm WHERE: The New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Puremovement breaks the boundaries of popping, hip hop, and more. WANT TO GO? $16 and up. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.
‘Central Park the Musical’
WHEN: Sunday, June 17, 11am-12pm and 2-3pm WHERE: Marlene Meyerson JCC, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: An original musical about Manhattan’s favorite green oasis. WANT TO GO? $15-$20. 646-505-4444. jccmanhattan.org.
Premiere of ‘Cinderella’
WHEN: June 16-24, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater, 357 W. 36th St., 2nd Floor, Midtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Cinderella is joined by a new stepmother and stepsisters, but they turn out not to be as nice as she had hoped. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.
Vital Theatre Company’s ‘The Wizard of Oz’
WHEN: June 3-24, Sundays, 11am WHERE: Theater at Blessed Sacrament, 152 W. 71st St., Upper West Side AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Little ones will enjoy this rendition featuring adorable munchkin puppets, a magical kingdom, and songs such as “Over the Rainbow.” WANT TO GO? $25-$59.50. 212-579-0528. vitealtheatre.org.
‘Cindy’
WHEN: June 3-24, Saturdays and Sundays, 2pm WHERE: IRT Theater, 154 Christopher St., Greenwich Village AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Cindy wants to be a pilot but the ghost of her dead mother and the charming fairytale prince have other plans to keep her grounded. WANT TO GO? $15. 212-206-6875. witfestival.projectytheatre.org.
Coming up next month: JULY 4: 42nd Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks along the East River, Lower Manhattan to Midtown JULY 9-AUG. 5: New York Musical Festival at the Theater District, Times Square JULY 24-AUG. 12: Lincoln Center Out of Doors at Damrosch Park, Upper West Side BigAppleParent 37
things to do
outbound
Family Fun a Ride Away Courtesy Cradle of Aviation Museum
Courtesy The WaterFront Center
In Nassau County, NY…
A Grumman F-11A Tiger Blue Angel on display at the Cradle of Aviation museum.
The Cradle of Aviation Museum
Sailing classes are available for children in fourth grade and older.
The WaterFront Center
There’s something for everyone at the WaterFront Center, which offers a variety of programs and activities for people of all ages and abilities. Take a tour of the harbor, go on a sunset cruise, learn about Oyster Bay marine life, or even go for brunch on the bay. The WaterFront Center is a perfect way to get your family on the water and learning about what lives in it. Visit It: 1 W. End Ave., Oyster Bay; 516-922-SAIL (7245); thewaterfrontcenter.org
This museum has so much to offer you have to see it for yourself. Explore more than 150,000 square feet featuring 75 air and spacecraft from a hot air balloon to an Apollo Lunar Module. The eight exhibit galleries on display teach visitors all about aviation, about Long Island’s role in aviation, and more. Listen to aerospace stories told by volunteer docents, climb into half a dozen cockpits, and explore more than 30 hands-on exhibits. Visit It: Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City; 516-572-4111; cradleofaviation.org
Courtesy Fantasy Fliers
Courtesy Field Station Dinosaurs
o and bey nd!
The Field Station: Dinosaurs exhibits are realistic-looking and life-sized.
Fantasy Fliers has been flying over the Lower Hudson Valley for more than 30 years.
Field Station: Dinosaurs
Fantasy Balloon Flights
This prehistoric attraction combines the work of creative artists with innovative science to create an educational and exciting experience for the whole family. The exhibit has more than 30 life-sized, robotic dinosaurs made by the collaborative efforts of roboticists and artists. Children can view the awesome display in Overpeck Park surrounded by natural woods, as well as participate in workshops and activities to learn all about dinosaurs. Visit It: Overpeck County Park, Leonia, NJ; 855-999-9010; fieldstationdinosaurs.com 38
June 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Really get away from the hustle and bustle with your family on an affordable hot air balloon ride with Fantasy Balloon Flight. The full-service hot air balloon company has been flying over the Lower Hudson Valley area since 1984. Ken and Lana Smith, the business owners, are Federal Aviation Administration-certified licensed commercial pilots with more than 65 years of combined flight experience. Rides are offered May-November. Visit It: Randall Airport, Airport Road, Middletown; 845-856-7103; fantasyfliers.com
OPEN HOUSES 2018
DESTINATION MARKETPLACE Family Owned & Operated for 62 Years!
Baruch Summer Camp at Baruch College
55 Lexington Ave. 646-312-5096 athletics.baruch.cuny.edu/sports/2006/1/9/summercamp.aspx summercamp@baruch.cuny.edu We are planning some exciting events for our “Kickoff to Camp” event. Please join us on June 16 from 12-2pm. Location to be announced.
Music for Aardvarks - Manhattan
manhattanaardvarks.com; manhattanaardvarks@gmail.com Music for Aardvarks is now offering free demo classes leading up to its “Summer in the Park” session. Schedule a demo online and see what makes Aardvarks unique.
NYC Guitar School
646-485-7244 nycguitarschool.com/kids; nycguitarschool.com/summer Mass Appeal Guitars 2018. Join hundreds of guitarists, enjoy kids rock bands, and win guitar prizes at NYC’s family-friendly free open guitar jam. June 21, 6pm at Union Square, meetup.com/mass-appeal-guitars.
Oasis Summer Day Camps in Manhattan
Oasis in Central Park: 795 Columbus Ave. 646-698-1800 oasischildren.com Join us for an open house for Oasis in Central Park on June 5 at 6pm at The Basis Independent School, 795 Columbus Ave.
New Jersey's Only Western Theme Park! LIVE ACTION SHOWS • TRAIN, STAGECOACH & PONY RIDE MEET LEGENDS OF THE WEST • EXPLORE FRONTIER LIFE FAMILY FUN • AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Come Join the Fun! OPEN WEEKENDS MAY 5th, Including Memorial Day, thru JUNE 17th
OPEN DAILY
OPEN WEEKENDS
June 18th – Labor Day
Labor Day – Columbus Day
N
LESS THA NY RS FROM
2H CITY AREA FREE PARKIN G!
FAMILY OF 4 ADMISSION WITH PRINTOUT OR MENTION OF NYMETROPARENTS. OFFER EXPIRES COLUMBUS DAY, 2018 MAN
(973) 347-8900 WildWestCity.com
Oasis Summer Day Camps in Manhattan
Oasis in Downtown: P.S. 110, 285 Delancey St. 649-519-5058 oasischildren.com Join us for an open house for Oasis Downtown on June 6 and 14 at 6:30pm at P.S. 110, 285 Delancey St.
$5.00 OFF
50 LackawannA Dr. Stanhope, NJ 07874
Pusteblume International Preschool and Afterschool Programs
244 W. 14th St. 212-206-1137 pusteblumenyc.org; info@pusteblumenyc.org German and Spanish immersion preschool programs for ages 2-5. Tours are given every Friday between the hours of 9:30-11am. Contact us to schedule your visit. info@pusteblumenyc.org.
Square Circle New York
80 Nassau St., Lower Level 212-964-9800 squarecirclenewyork.com; info@squarecirclenewyork.com Join us at Square Circle New York for our Grand Opening starting in June! Ask us about our free week of martial arts classes! Call 212-9649800 or email info@squarecirclenewyork.com.
ESCAPE REALITY
HOST YOUR NEXT SPECIAL EVENT IMAX VR at AMC KIPS BAY 15
Contact us today! AMC Kips Bay 15
$40/Person
570 2nd Ave
Contact us today to discuss a full buyout
New York , NY 10016
For more information contact
AMCTheatres.com/IMAXVR
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The IMAX VR at AMC experience is not appropriate for children under the age of 7. Children age 7 to 12 may participate only if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, but may be restricted from some experiences. Those age 13 to 17 are welcome to participate with the written permission of their parent or guardian, but children under 17 may be restricted from some experiences. IMAX VR® is a registered trademark of IMAX Corporation. © 2018 IMAX Corporation.
LOOKING FOR
GREAT DEALS?
Saving money on a New York City family day is easy! Cityguideny.com has coupons and discounts for NYC sightseeing attractions, restaurants, stores and more. Great New York deals, savings, special offers and deep discounts—for you and your family—are yours with just a click of the mouse.
BigAppleParent 39
family life finances
Vacationing on a Budget
››
Family trips can be relaxing, but they can put unwanted stress on your wallet. By Melissa Wickes
V
acations are something we look forward to the whole year. They provide a rare chance to wind down, go on fun adventures, and spend quality time with the ones we love. Unfortunately, vacation expenses add up, and planning a trip in the most cost-effective way can be overwhelming. In fact, New York University’s 2017 Family Travel survey revealed that 30 percent of the middle-income families and 25 percent of the high-range income families who participated found affordability to be their main challenge when planning a trip. If both groups of respondents found affordability to be a challenge, what does this mean? Low cost is not necessarily the ultimate goal; the expected “bang for your buck” is. Whether that translates into using only credit card points for a flight with a ton of legroom or finding a decently priced hotel room with a great ocean view, planning an affordable family vacation is a daunting task. So how do we maximize our families’ fun without dipping into our savings? Read on for insider advice from leading travel experts.
More Bang for Your Buck
There are many travel-planning websites, apps, and services. In fact, the sheer number can make the process harder to navigate than airport security. Lyla Gleeson, an NYC mom and founder of GlobetrottingMommy.com, has whittled down those sites and apps into an easy-to-navigate A-list: TripAdvisor: By comparing the prices of more than 200 websites, this site helps families book the best hotels, airlines, attractions, and restaurants for the lowest cost. TripAdvisor also hosts an online travel community, providing a place to read reviews and ask questions about your upcoming trip. 40
June 2018 | nymetroparents.com
“TripAdvisor is my favorite website for planning a vacation in terms of activities and lodging,” Gleeson says. “I love reading hotel reviews to gain the inside scoop on rooms to request and rooms to avoid.” Travelzoo: This site recommends deals that pass Travelzoo’s high quality standards from the best companies. The deals listed are not based on what the travel companies pay Travelzoo; they’re featured because Travelzoo considers them to be genuinely good travel or entertainment deals. Groupon: The deals offered on Groupon are available in 15 countries and more than 500 markets globally, including savings on activities, attractions, and dining. Users can buy deals on the site or the app. When you’re visiting a new city, the best thing to do beforehand is check Groupon for discounts on amusement parks and other family-friendly local activities, according to Gleeson. Hopper: If you want to know the best time to buy a flight, this mobile app will clue you in. You can even “follow” a flight, enabling notifications when the price changes. “I always use the Hopper app to track prices and alert me when to buy,” Gleeson says. HotelTonight: This mobile app makes it easy to book last-minute hotel rooms at amazing rates for tonight, tomorrow, and next week. The unsold rooms in a hotel go onto the app, which can score you some heavy discounts, Gleeson says. If you’re not looking to risk it with a last-minute deal, Gleeson recommends booking your travel plans at least three to six months in advance for vacations during a school break or holiday week.
“If you’re planning a big holiday trip or family reunion, a year or two in advance is the norm for popular hotels and cruises, especially for Christmas,” Gleeson says. “Always be flexible when booking air and hotels because sometimes moving a trip by a day or two can save hundreds of dollars. It isn’t always doable, but you will get the best deals when you travel mid-week.” You can also score various deals through corporate employee discounts. Ask the human resources contact in your office if your company is partnered with any corporate discount websites such as Plum Benefits for deals on shows, theme parks, hotel stays, and more. There are also lesser-known discounts that you may not have considered, and they’re easy to claim. Birthday, senior citizen, teacher, military, and kids eat or stay free discounts are a no-brainer! Costco and AAA sometimes offer special travel savings to their members as well. Have a museum junkie in the family? Ask your local library if members can receive any free museum offerings, and do a quick search online to see if any museums at your destination offer pay-what-you-wish or free-admission days. For even more savings, cash-back sites like Ebates.com will pay you a percentage of what you spend on certain other sites. Some of the above resources, such as Groupon, frequently partner with these sites.
Planning with Points
Though planning ahead can help you save money and stress, Holt suggests leaving some room during your trip for spontaneity. “The planning can be very helpful, but don’t feel like you need to have an itinerary for every single minute,” Gleeson says. “Leave room for unscripted moments.” The unexpected fun you may have will add extra value to your already affordable vacation!
German
Lessons Children
for
You’re going to spend money on your vacation, so why not get rewarded for it? The best part is, these days you don’t even need a credit card to earn rewards. “Although credit cards are the fastest way to rack up points and miles, you can earn them just by flying, shopping, dining, and more,” says Emily McNutt, news editor at The Points Guy, the travel advice blog. “If you have a frequent-flyer account, you can earn miles by flying with that airline or partner airlines. Or, if you want to earn miles without flying, you can do online shopping through an airline shopping portal, granting you bonus miles for every dollar spent.” This is good news because while credit cards require certain credit scores, credit balances, and other qualifications to apply, none of that applies to collect miles through an airline’s program. And while you’re at it, check to see if the airline has retail partners. For instance, if you link your JetBlue TrueBlue account to your Lyft app, you can earn miles each time you take a Lyft to and from an airport. Of course, don’t write off credit card rewards either. Some cards, such as the IHG Rewards Club Premium, offer a free one-night hotel voucher each year if you spend a minimum annually, according to McNutt. Chase Sapphire Preferred and Amex Platinum have travel perks including credits for Uber and refunds for TSA Pre Check enrollment, Gleeson says. “Points and miles are a currency, and should be treated with the same value in mind that you have when dealing with cash,” McNutt says. “Usually, you’ll get the best value out of redeeming your points or miles for free travel—flights or hotel stays.” When planning a Disney trip, the Chase Disney credit card is very convenient, according to Lauren Holt, a member of Disney Parks Mom’s Panel, a group of people that are experienced in planning Disney trips. For every Disney trip you book using this card, you get six months to pay it off, interest free. The card also helps you garner Disney reward credit at the park, including discounts on tours, restaurants, and merchandise. What many people don’t know is, not every travel rewards program locks you into a certain airline based on the travel card you have. While certain cards, such as a Delta co-branded Amex card, only allow you to fly with that particular airline, many offer greater flexibility.
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family life home
Prep Your Home for Your Vacation Ten things to do before traveling to keep your house safe—and give you peace of mind
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ummer is fast approaching, which means it’s time for sun, fun, and a family vacation. Unfortunately, it’s also busy season for criminals who take advantage of the fact that homeowners will be away for days or weeks at a time. Most home burglaries take place in July and August, when windows are more likely to be left open and families leave for excursions, according to information from Esurance. As if property theft wasn’t enough to threaten your house while you’re away, plumbing and other utility mishaps could result in property damage and big financial problems when you return. The good news? There are some simple things you can do to prepare your house before you leave to help prevent these catastrophes from occurring. The below list of tips from home-protection experts will help you enjoy a stress-free and relaxing holiday without worrying about things back home.
Make Your House Look Occupied
The simplest yet most effective thing you can do to thwart burglars is to leave a few lights on around the house, giving the appearance that someone is home. Dale Martin, co-vice president of claims at Franklin Mutual Insurance, recommends setting interior and exterior lights on an automatic timer. Another telltale sign no one is home is a full mailbox. “Have a family member or trusted neighbor collect the mail, newspaper, and packages, or have the post office put a temporary hold on delivery,” Martin says.
Arrange for Yard Care
An unkempt lawn can be another clear indicator that a house is empty. Mow your lawn before you leave, or “ask a trusted neighbor or lawn service to keep the yard cut and maintained while you’re away,” Martin advises. 42 June 2018 | nymetroparents.com
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By Barbara Russo
Prevent Potential Water Damage
Avoid a plumbing disaster by turning off the main water supply valve to your home before you head out, Martin recommends. Doing so will help prevent small leaks that may occur from turning into a nightmare scenario of a flooded house, destroyed property, and huge repair bills. You can also do a quick search for leaks or cracks in water lines that lead to sinks and toilets, and get them fixed before you leave. And make sure gutters, downspouts, and drains are clear. “If water overflows from its proper channels, it can seep under siding and flood the basement,” says Kristie Bergey, a leasing and sales agent at Very Real Estate in Philadelphia.
Run the Dishwasher
“After the cycle has finished, empty the dishwasher, then leave the door open,” Bergey recommends. “That will allow the interior to dry, and it won’t smell musty by the time you get home.” Bergey also recommends flushing the toilet and leaving the lid up so the water doesn’t become stagnant.
Unplug Appliances
Do a double check before you leave to unplug small appliances, especially ones you’ll be using right before you walk out the door. “Make sure you unplug things like hair curlers, irons. You’re packing and you’re in a rush, you can leave something plugged in that is potentially a dangerous situation,” says Anthony Marino, a licensed associate real estate broker based in southwest and downtown Brooklyn.
Pay Your Bills
Or make sure you schedule payments so you don’t miss important due dates. Travelers often use credit cards, so it’s especially important to
make sure those bills are paid. “Sometimes, if you don’t pay your credit card on time, they’ll lock your account until it’s paid. Then, all of a sudden you’re making calls or having to pay over the phone,” Marino says. It’s also a good idea to let your credit card companies, bank, and cellphone service know in advance you’ll be traveling. Otherwise, your out-of-town purchases can look like suspicious activity, resulting in a hold being placed on your cards.
Arm the Alarms
Bergey advises homeowners to let their security companies know they’ll be away. “Give a family member or friend your alarm code, the security company’s phone number, your itinerary, and contact numbers,” she says. “Press the test button on your smoke alarms to make sure they work, and change the battery if necessary.”
Consider Smart-Home Technology
Smart home cameras and surveillance systems are all the rage in home security these days. They tend to be easier to install than fullfledged security systems, and being wire-free, it’s much harder for a burglar to take apart the system before attempting to break in. The technology works through your cellphone or tablet, allowing you to see what’s going on back home. “When people go on vacation, they tend to make changes to household care routines to make sure things run smoothly while they’re gone, like coordinating with the house cleaner and keeping the dog walker on a tighter schedule,” according to Alex Teichman, CEO and co-founder of Lighthouse AI, which manufactures a 3-D sensing smart-home security camera. “Smart home cameras ensure your home continues to run normally while you’re away on holiday or even if you’re traveling locally.”
Move the Car
If you’re going away without your car, make sure you’re parked for alternate side of the street laws. You don’t want to come back with a bunch of tickets on your windshield. “Depending on how long and when you’re going to be away, try to find a place where you can either park and have it okay for the week, or have someone, like a family member, potentially move your car for you,” Marino says. If your house has a driveway, have that be your car’s home while you’re away. If you have a garage, Bergey recommends parking your car outside against the doors to block access. “Remove garage door remotes from the car and unplug the electric door opener—the box unit attached to the garage ceiling—so that the door can’t be opened while you’re away,” she says. “Make sure to lock the car and garage doors.”
Don’t Post Your Trip on Social Media
It may be tempting to tell the world about your upcoming tropical getaway or camping experience, but doing so could be dangerous. Most home-security experts will agree that announcing you’re not home on social media is an open invitation to burglars. Wait until you return to post that selfie of you with a palm tree or exploring the Grand Canyon. Some things seem obvious to do before you say, “bon voyage,” but a gentle reminder can’t hurt. If possible, ask a trusted neighbor or family member to check in on the house every so often. And of course, make arrangements for your beloved pets and plants, and take the time to make sure all your doors and windows are locked. A double check for peace of mind before you get going is a good idea, too. It’ll make lounging on the beach much more relaxing. Barbara Russo is a freelance writer who holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the City University of New York. She enjoys playing guitar, following current events, and hanging out with her pet rabbits.
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The Beauty of Daddy-Baby Bonding
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Forming close ties with a newborn can be difficult for fathers, but that relationship has lasting benefits. Four dads weigh in. By Jennie Russo
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et’s face it: Parenthood is scary for both new mothers and fathers. One of the scariest moments of all, in fact, comes when they’re handed their infant in the hospital. What happens next can be very different for women versus men. Mothers tend to bond with their newborns immediately, but some fathers struggle to feel that special closeness. So what makes for a rough start to fatherhood? It isn’t only about biology: Social stereotypes, the workplace, and gender role expectations are all partly to blame. Although the U.S. Department of Labor says that paternity leave—especially longer leaves of several weeks or months—can promote parent-child bonding, improve outcomes for children, and even increase gender equality at home and work, many new fathers don’t take it. While New York’s paid family leave is certainly encouraging more new dads to step off from the workplace for a little while, there is still a serious imbalance between maternity and paternity leave. Fathers are pressured by society and employers to return to work much sooner than they should. They are seen as breadwinners, not caregivers, unless they have the option to be a stay-at-home dad. Unfortunately, according to the DOL, fewer than half the countries in the world provide men with access to paid leave to care for a new child, while virtually all provide paid maternity leaves. On average, 70 percent of new fathers take 10 days or fewer after their baby is born—not nearly enough time to adjust to parenthood and create that everlasting bond with their child.
Confidence and Patience Are Key
“The process of bonding with a new baby is natural for most mothers,” says Mary Beth Steinfeld, M.D., developmental and behavioral pediatrician at University of California Davis Medical Center and University of 44
June 2018 | nymetroparents.com
California Davis Children’s Hospital. A mother’s instincts generally kick in immediately as she starts to differentiate her baby’s cries, wants, and needs based on body language alone. But not all women jump right into motherhood knowing exactly what to do and when. In those instances, “giving the father time to bond with the baby can be a crucial step,” says Christina Johnson, mother of an 8-month-old. A father may also be able to take the lead when a mother has a complicated delivery such as an emergency C-section, which was the case for Johnson. “For the first few days I wasn’t able to do anything,” she says. “He was the one who fed and changed her.” In situations like this one, a father has an opportune moment to step in and not only help the mother but create his own bond starting right after delivery. Even when the moment arises, though, “fathers often feel less confident than new mothers,” according to Dr. Steinfeld. Here is what most people don’t realize: Fathers “can become just as nurturing as mothers,” and “are capable of a strong bonding attachment to their infants during the newborn period,” says William Sears, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics at University of California Irvine School of Medicine. In fact, there’s scientific evidence to back up that statement. Although dads are not involved in some of the physical aspects of child rearing, research has discovered they show elevated levels of oxytocin that match the oxytocin levels in mothers. Oxytocin plays a major role in making “a healthy father-baby bond,” says Ruth Feldman, Ph.D., a professor of developmental social neuroscience at Bar-Ilan University in Israel. A baby’s instant attachment to mom may seem like a blockade for some dads, but for Brandon Foltz, Salvatore Ferro, John Fountain, and Chad Patoray, it was never an issue. These dads say they were just happy to be
fathers. Although they may not be the ones who gave birth, they’ve been more than capable of connecting with their children on a mental and emotional level, as well as participating in their newborn’s care.
A Relationship Worth the Work
Although not all fathers find it easy to bond with their baby right from The Cathedral School birth, it’s worth working at the relationship, experts say. A study by the 319 East 74th Street, New York City Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing found that when fathers delay bonding with their newborns, they risk altering the longA Classical Education term course of paternal involvement as the infant progresses throughout for the Modern World childhood and adolescence. Delayed bonding also increases the risk that a dad will experience postpartum depression, the study discovered. Perseverance is key. “For dads, it sometimes seems difficult to bond with their newborns because they always seem to want their mom,” Dynamic preschool program offering half-day and full day options Ferro explains. “What I used to do is if the baby started crying, inKindergarten through 8th grade co-educational day school with advanced curriculum stead of my wife holding him, I would pick him up, cradle him, talk or sing to him, and wait for him to fall asleep. As he got a little older, Apply Now whenever he would cry he would reach his arms out for me.” Infants aren’t always the most exciting to watch or interact with, LEARN MORE AND SCHEDULE A VISIT: 212.249.2840/admissions@cathedralschoolny.org/www.cathedralschoolny.org which may make it frustrating to find a way to connect. “When your child is an infant, it’s tough for a male to bond. At first, he just lies there for and does nothing,” Foltz admits. His advice? “Take it in because he is always changing and molding. My baby, at six weeks, doesn’t even look the same as when he was born. His habits are always changing too.” As the baby continues to grow and form a personality, the relationship between father and baby will become more lively and obvious. Metropolitan Music Academy Other things Fountain, Foltz, Ferro, and Patoray did to bond with their Take Private Instrumental Lessons babies include taking their infants for a walk, talking to them, holding At Your Home this summer! them as much as possible, playing with them, sleeping next to them, All Areas of Manhattan & Brooklyn Violin-Viola-Cello-Piano-Flute-Clarinet having skin-to-skin contact, doing tummy time together, and giving hugs and kisses. Additionally, mothers can hand off feeding duties to Dad. (If they’re breast-feeding, Mom can pump and allow Dad to bottle-feed the Summer Program Period: June 18 - August 31 baby.) This way Dad gets the same intimate bonding time as Mom.
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Bonding Beyond Infancy
As infants get older, the way fathers bond with them naturally shifts, too. Foltz, Fountain, Patoray, and Ferro share ideas for continued father-child closeness: • Shoulder a fair share of chores. Foltz stresses the importance of taking over some tasks such as bath time and diaper changes. • Be there for the child. Patoray urges fathers to “not miss a thing,” from major milestones to little moments. • Resist taking the easy way out. Fountain advises fathers to play with their kids, not just put them in front of the TV. • Use interests as a way to connect. Ferro says passing down his love for soccer gave him and his son a common interest in later years. Johnson agrees that the little things, like changing a stinky diaper or reading a story, “go a long way.” These are all moments that matter in children’s development and bond creation with their father. As unsatisfying as it may seem at the time, it ultimately adds up to a wonderful father-baby relationship. Jennie Russo, a graduate of the College of Saint Elizabeth and New York University, is a freelance writer and editor and full-time marketing associate.
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raising kids teen
College Crash Course
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How to help your teen prepare for—and succeed in—his first year of higher education By Caitlin Sawicki
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Since attending college is likely the first time your teen will be on his own, give him more independence this summer. Have her practice for college by letting her have a later curfew or not “checking in” with her as often as you normally would. It could make the transition to being in charge of his own schedule easier. “If they make a mistake, you want them to make it while they’re still at home, so you are there for them,” Fireborn says.
they’re the reasons your teen is there, after all. College courses tend to have more rigorous syllabi than high school, so it can be difficult for some students to keep up. But the scare tactics some high school teachers love to use about professors only caring about their paycheck and not their students are often false and can lead to discouragement. “Professors are not in the business of wanting to fail students,” says Rogernelle Griffin, director of William Paterson University’s Academic Success Center. “If students don’t have a grasp of the material or [are] intimidated, they’ll withdraw [from the class] and not be engaged.” But students have to be the one to initiate contact, according to Griffin. A professor won’t know if a student is struggling unless the student approaches her and takes advantage of her office hours. Parents should encourage self-advocacy and tell their teen it’s okay to ask for help, Griffin says. Many academic advisors and tutoring centers have open door policies and can answer any questions students may have. If your teen is struggling, Griffin recommends asking him, “Have you visited the academic success center?” instead of pressuring him by saying, “I’m paying all this money.” And just talking about it isn’t enough, Fireborn says. It is also important for teens to check their school’s resources as soon as possible, especially if your teen has learning disabilities. “By being aware of what’s offered, if something arises, you know where to go for help,” Fireborn says. In addition to encouraging their teen to speak up for herself, parents should suggest she get involved in clubs and activities on campus. Students who are involved in extracurricular activities tend to get better grades, says Zoe Ragouzeos, Ph.D., LCSW, executive director of Counseling and Wellness Services at New York University.
Advocating for Academic Success
Staying Healthy
ollege is a brand-new experience for teens, and while it can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming. The number one thing parents can do to prepare their teen for her first semester is to talk to her and let her know it’s okay to experience a range of conflicting emotions. Katherine Fireborn, parenting expert and head of the Fireborn Institute, which helps students thrive in school through parent education, says teens are likely experiencing a lot of emotions about the transition and tend to focus on the negative. “You really want to talk about preparing for college,” Fireborn says. “It is totally different than anything they’ve ever experienced. Ask what they’re looking forward to, what they’re scared of.” But don’t be overbearing or push the subject too hard with your teen since it can lead to feelings of uncertainty, Fireborn notes. If your teen seems to be uninterested in talking, it can help to share fun stories with him about your college experience and what you were excited for, such as going out with friends during the week or extracurricular activities. Having conversations with your teen about what to expect and how to handle herself will go a long way to ensuring she is successful at college.
Slowly Letting Go
Classes and academic work are essential to the college experience— 46
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Talking to your teen about his physical and mental health while he’s
in school is important to his success. A good mental health discussion for parents to have with their teen is the importance of eating well, getting adequate sleep, and setting time aside to unwind, Dr. Ragouzeos says. But decide how much you’re going to do for your teen once she’s in college, she advises. There is a line between advocating for your teen and not teaching him how to be his own advocate. Megan Hener, certified personal trainer and owner of Meg Hener Fitness in Clifton, NJ, believes lack of structure is the number one culprit for deteriorating physical and mental health in college students, along with exhaustion from over scheduling. “Sometimes meal prepping takes time and a lot of college students do not want to invest the time out of their already packed schedules. The same goes for workouts,” she says. But a healthy lifestyle is so important. “There are no negatives to living a healthy lifestyle and it’s setting the stage for the rest of your life,” Hener says. “When you do something for yourself daily, it gives you an opportunity to clear your head and feel good about yourself.” Share these tips with your teen to help her stay healthy: Find on-campus resources. If your teen is on medication and/or is seeing a therapist prior to college, have her connect with and learn about her school’s resources before she arrives, Dr. Ragouzeos recommends. Make time for fitness. A busy lifestyle is no excuse to neglect physical wellbeing. Hener’s an entrepreneur and mom of two, yet still clears one to two hours a day for her workouts. “I set aside that time no matter what, whether it’s not scheduling clients or waking up extra early,” she says. Choose healthier options. Eating fresh, full, and balanced meals with healthy proteins and fats cuts down on snacking and latenight binge eating. “Packing healthy snacks [helps to avoid] hitting the vending machines,” Hener says. “Looking at menus before going out to eat and knowing what you will order can reduce giving into peer pressure to make an unhealthy choice.” Get a workout buddy or register for a group workout. Once you get into a groove of incorporating workouts into your daily life, it becomes something you actually look forward to. Drink in moderation if you are of legal age. Avoiding alcohol may not feel like an option to some college students, but refraining from drinking every night and choosing a light beer over sweeter drinks is a way to watch sugar intake. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Many schools have anonymous hotlines and can connect students to external sources if needed.
Being Safe at Parties
It is important to remind your child that movies depicting college party scenes are not reality. Give her these tips for having fun wisely: Have a designated driver. This person should be determined before she and her group of friends go to the party. Ask if she has Uber or Lyft on her smartphone for easy access. (She should always double check that the driver and license plate match what’s on her phone.) Have a buddy system. Be sure your teen knows to arrive at and leave the party in the same Uber, Lyft, or designated driver’s car as his friends. Keep an eye on your drinks, even nonalcoholic ones. This will decrease any chances of her drink being tampered with. Though you may not be ready to talk about your child leaving the nest just yet, having discussions with your teen about these topics can prevent future issues. “You don’t want to wait until there is a problem or scramble at the last minute,” Dr. Ragouzeos says. Caitlin Sawicki, a former NYMP editorial intern, is a recent college graduate.
Professional services
Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals LEGAL SERVICES LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW 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. SPECIAL NEEDS LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW 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. LITTLE OPTICS INC. 192-07 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, Queens
53-15 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside, Queens 718-468-7500; hablamos Español littleopticsinc@yahoo.com We provide eyeglasses and professional eye care for children, including infants, and young adults. We also alleviate any self-esteem issues associated with the stigma of wearing glasses. When your child leaves Little Optics, rest assured that they will feel confident. THERAPY & COUNSELORS MR. SPEECH PATHOLOGY 347-399-4836 mrspeechpathology.com info@mrspeechpathology.com Eugene Chuprin is a bilingual (EnglishRussian) speech-language pathologist conducting evaluations and providing therapy in the New York City area. His specialty is treating pediatrics with language disorders, articulation disorders, and stuttering. TUTORS & TEST PREP SCIENTIA TUTORING Servicing Brooklyn and Manhattan scientia.brooklyn@gmail.com Experienced, understanding, compassionate, independent school teachers offer support for Spanish, Latin, French, English, essays, literature, physics, biology, chemistry, algebra, and geometry—all levels.
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PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT 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 superheroes to pirates and tea parties, there’s something for everyone. PARTY PLACES BREAKAWAY HOOPS 646-776-2021 x0 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. BROADWAY DANCE CENTER CHILDREN & TEENS 37 W. 65th St., 3rd floor 212-582-9304 broadwaydancecenter.com Broadway Dance Center Children & Teens loves a good dance party! Your birthday dancer and guests are sure to love these birthday parties set in our beautiful, spacious studios. Choose a theme and party package. Come celebrate with us! CHELSEA PIERS SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park Field House Registration Desk: 212-336-6500 x6520 chelseapiers.com/youth Why cross the bridge for your next birthday party? Because 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. 212-274-0986 cmany.org/about/birthdays-rentals/birthdays Art-filled parties begin with time to explore the museum’s handson 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! 48
June 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources.
GALLI THEATER NEW YORK 357 W. 36th St., Suite #202 212-731-0668 gallitheaternyc.com; galliny@gmail.com Party with the Galli Theater New York and experience the magic of live theater for your special event! Your child loves the theater and would love to be on stage? Allow your child to experience the most amazing theater party in town! IMAX VR AMC KIPS BAY 15 570 Second Ave. amctheatres.com/imaxvr; 2195@amctheatres.com Looking for a unique activity for that special birthday kid? Look no further—IMAX VR is a mind-shattering virtual reality experience center based at AMC Kips Bay 15. For more information please visit our website. 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 will captivate groups of all ages and interests. Choose from exciting themes, value packages, and customization options to create a birthday adventure they’ll remember forever! 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 34 years. JUST KIDDING AT SYMPHONY SPACE 2537 Broadway 212-864-1414 x289 symphonyspace.org/justkidding 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 207 E. 94th St. (between Second and Third avenues), Upper East Side 212-787-1124; tlguppereastsideny.com 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale
914-722-0072; tlgscarsdaleny.com 28 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444; tlgwaldwicknj.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! PALISADES CLIMB ADVENTURE 4590 Palisades Center Drive, Level 4 of the Palisades Center, West Nyack 845-727-3500; palisadesclimb.com 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! PIER 62 CAROUSEL Pier 62 at Hudson River Park (by Chelsea Piers) 718-788-2676 pier62carouselnyc.com; info@nycarousel.com Give your child the best birthday with our VIP Birthday Party Package at Hudson River Park’s whimsical carousel on the water! ROBOFUN 2672 Broadway 212-245-0444; robofun.org; robofun@robofun.org Celebrate your next birthday making robots, video games, or animations with robofun. Robofun birthday parties are the perfect combination of fun and creativity! SEAGLASS CAROUSEL AT THE BATTERY Water and State streets 718-788-2676 seaglasscarousel.nyc/birthdays; info@nycarousel.com Celebrate your next birthday at SeaGlass Carousel! VIP Birthday Packages start at $535 within your own exclusive party area. Book online: seaglasscarousel.nyc/birthdays. USTA BILLIE JEAN KING NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Flushing 718-760-6200 x0; ntc.usta.com Birthday party packages include 1 hour of court time with drills and games organized by our USTA Pro staff and 1 hour in a private room for pizza. WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY (WCS) ZOOS AND AQUARIUM Bronx Zoo: 800-433-4149; bzeducation@wcs.org Central Park Zoo: 212-439-6551 cpzbirthdayparties@wcs.org New York Aquarium: 800-433-4149 nyaeducation@wcs.org Prospect Park Zoo: 718-399-7339 x327 ppzbirthdayparties@wcs.org Queens Zoo: 718-271-1500 x313; qzeducation@wcs.org wcs.org/birthdays If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime birthday adventure, we have you covered! Our birthdays combine live animal meet and greets, visits to our exhibits, and handson activities to make your party animal’s birthday a truly unforgettable experience!
raising kids ad index NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area! acrobatics / gymnastics
Jodi’s Gym .................................... 29
birthday / party services
Big Apple Parent Party Planner .... 49 IMAX VR Kips Bay AMC ............... 39 Jodi’s Gym ................................... 29 Little Gym ...................................... 7 Palisades Climb Adventure........... 10
camps
Arts in Action VAP......................... 25 Ballet Academy East..................... 25 Baruch College Summer Camp .... 25 Bay Street Theater ....................... 21 Beis Shlomo Zalmen .................... 45 Boston Leadership Institute .......... 25 Bulldog Ball Club (The)................. 29 Camp SAY .................................... 27 Chelsea Piers ................................. 5 Children’s Museum of The Arts..... 23 Collina Italiana .............................. 23 Dwight Summer Day Camp .......... 20 Ecole Internationale de New York...23 Epiphany Community Nursery School ............................. 29 Fastbreak Kids.............................. 27 Future Stars .................................. 20 Gotham Writers ............................ 19 Grapplin’ Gorillas .......................... 27 JCC of Mid-Westchester............... 11 Joan’s Summer Arts Camp ........... 23 Jodi’s Gym ................................... 29 Joffrey Ballet School ..................... 21 Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy ................... 27 Little Gym ...................................... 7 Mabel’s Labels Inc. ......................... 9 Modeling Camp ............................ 29 Mount Vernon Hotel Museum ....... 27 Music for Aardvarks ...................... 29 New York City Guitar School ........ 29 Play On! Studios ........................... 27 Pusteblume International School .. 28 Smarter Toddler Nursery & Preschool..................... 11 Square Circle New York ............... 25 Whale Camp ................................. 23 YMCA of Greater New York .......... 19
child care / day care
Mommybites ................................. 16
classes
Alvin Ailey School (The).................. 9 Arts in Action VAP......................... 25 Ballet Academy East..................... 25 Boston Leadership Institute .......... 25 Bright Kids Inc. ............................. 43 Cathedral School .......................... 45 Chelsea Piers ................................. 5
Children’s Museum of The Arts..... 23 Collina Italiana .............................. 23 Cosmic Cubs Club ....................... 41 Epiphany Community Nursery School ............................. 29 Fastbreak Kids.............................. 27 German American School............. 41 Gotham Writers ............................ 19 JCC of Mid-Westchester............... 11 Joan’s Summer Arts Camp ........... 23 Joffrey Ballet School ..................... 21 K12 .............................................. 15 Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy ................... 27 Kumon Manhattan ........................ 52 Metropolitan Music Academy........ 45 Music for Aardvarks ...................... 29 New York City Guitar School ........ 29 Play On! Studios ........................... 27 Wetherby-Pembridge School........ 16
dance
Alvin Ailey School (The).................. 9 Ballet Academy East..................... 25 Joffrey Ballet School ..................... 21 Play On! Studios ........................... 27
developmental
Atlas Foundation for Autism.......... 14 Camp SAY .................................... 27 Cosmic Cubs Club ....................... 41 Dwight Summer Day Camp .......... 20 Pusteblume International School .. 28 Smarter Toddler Nursery & Preschool..................... 11 YMCA of Greater New York .......... 19
education
Aspire Higher ................................ 47 Atlas Foundation for Autism.......... 14 Beis Shlomo Zalmen .................... 45 Boston Leadership Institute .......... 25 Cathedral School .......................... 45 Cosmic Cubs Club ....................... 41 Ecole Internationale de New York.....23 Epiphany Community Nursery School ............................. 29 German American School............. 41 Gotham Writers ............................ 19 JCC of Mid-Westchester............... 11 K12 .............................................. 15 Kumon Manhattan ........................ 52 National Museum of the American Indian............................ 13 Pusteblume International School .. 28 Smarter Toddler Nursery & Preschool..................... 11 Wetherby-Pembridge School........ 16
family entertainment / events / outings
Bay Street Theater ....................... 21 Children’s Museum of The Arts..... 23
Hudson River Park Trust ................ 3 IMAX VR Kips Bay AMC ............... 39 Land of Make Believe ................... 39 Mount Vernon Hotel Museum ....... 27 National Museum of the American Indian............................ 13 School of Rock ............................... 2 Wild West City .............................. 39
family travel
Land of Make Believe ................... 39 Wild West City .............................. 39
fitness
Alvin Ailey School (The).................. 9 Dwight Summer Day Camp .......... 20 Palisades Climb Adventure........... 10 Square Circle New York ............... 25
home service
Aspire Higher ................................ 47 Metropolitan Music Academy........ 45
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music
Hudson River Park Trust ................ 3 Metropolitan Music Academy........ 45 Music for Aardvarks ...................... 29 New York City Guitar School ........ 29
religious
Beis Shlomo Zalmen .................... 45
special events
Hudson River Park Trust ................ 3 National Museum of the American Indian............................ 13
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special needs
Atlas Foundation for Autism.......... 14 Camp SAY .................................... 27
sports
Baruch College Summer Camp .... 25 Bulldog Ball Club (The)................. 29 Chelsea Piers ................................. 5 Fastbreak Kids.............................. 27 Future Stars .................................. 20 Grapplin’ Gorillas .......................... 27 Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy ................... 27 Palisades Climb Adventure........... 10 Square Circle New York ............... 25 YMCA of Greater New York .......... 19
theater
Bay Street Theater ....................... 21 IMAX VR Kips Bay AMC ............... 39 School of Rock ............................... 2
tutors
Aspire Higher ................................ 47 Bright Kids Inc. ............................. 43 Kumon Manhattan ........................ 52
NYMETROPARENTS.COM/REGISTER BigAppleParent 49
raising kids quotables
What are you most looking forward to doing with your kids this summer? “Nothing! Having four kids means making four lunches and driving to four different after-school activities. I’m looking forward to taking a break and spending some quality time as a family doing nothing.” —Sabrina Marquez, Haverstraw, Rockland County
“We take a trip every summer to the Poconos. This year my husband’s family will be joining too, and I’m so excited about slowing things down a bit and getting away from our busy Brooklyn neighborhood.” —Corrina Inez, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
“My oldest daughter will be attending camp for the first time. I’m excited to visit her on Parent’s Day and learn about all the great things she is experiencing. Camp was such a special time in my life, and I’m happy to share that with my daughter.” —Rachel Fisher, Manhattan
in an instagram “Long work weeks allow me to appreciate these moments that much more. I live for the moment that I get to unplug and sneak away with my little people to explore, discover, and take in the beauty of nature. What I have realized is minus the devices I barely have to use my motivational mom voice.”
“I love taking my kids to the playground in the summer, especially at dusk, when the sun is starting to set but it’s still warm out. It’s just one of those uniquely New York experiences, being outside in the city at night with kids. It’s almost magical.” —Lisa Terk, Long Island City, Queens
“The beaches on Long Island are where it’s at during the summer. This summer my kids are learning to surf, so I can’t wait to see them on their boards!” —Christine Feldenberg, Smithtown, Long Island
(Posted by @geaninecilenti aka Bronx mom, Geanine Cilenti)
Because on those nights, when that sweet little girl asks for one more thing (whether it’s another glass of water or another book or another snuggle), she doesn’t understand. She doesn’t understand that for the last two hours, you said “please eat your dinner” and “please stop falling off of your chair” and “yes, you need to eat at least once carrot” and “we don’t slap each other’s butts at the table”… and then you washed the hair of a small human who writhed in pain and spit fire at you as shampoo clearly is a form of torture and then wrestled him into pajama bottoms as he tried wriggling away in a 10-minute long game of pretending to be a slippery eel. -Karen Johnson in a post entitled “Why I F*cking Hate Bedtime,” on scarymommy.com.
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June 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Stay Cool When It’s HOT Outside! “Whenever high heat and humidity reach critical levels, any activities that last 15 minutes or more should not be too intense. Before prolonged physical activity (think baseball, soccer, or any kind of running), your child should be well hydrated. During the activity, make sure your child drinks periodically, even if he is not thirsty.” —Danielle Sullivan in an article entitled “Outdoor Summer Safety For Kids”; read the whole thing at nymetroparents.com/ summer-safety.
More NYMetroParents.com Highlights: CELEBRATE DAD: Find tips for making Father’s Day extra special at nymetroparents.com/fathers-day. DAY TRIP: Visit Hyde Park, home of President Franklin Roosevelt (nymetroparents.com/hyde-park). ACTIVITY QUIZ: Plan the perfect day for your family at nymetroparents.com/activity-quiz. FREE ADVICE: Download a helpful parenting guide at nymetroparents.com/freebies.
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BigAppleParent 51
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