Big Apple Parent June 2019 by City Guide NY

BigApple Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM JUNE 2019

Summer A Z 26 ways to have a blast with your kids Plus, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still time to register for summer programs!

Is Your Teen Ready for a Job? Learning to Live with a Picky Eater

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

BigAppleParent

Party packages include: • A fun theme, such as pilot, astronaut, marine or spy • Exploration of the ship and submarine • Hands-on activities • Lunch and birthday cake • Costumed party host

CONTACT OUR GROUP SALES TEAM AT GROUPSALES@INTREPIDMUSEUM.ORG OR 646-381-5010. PIER 86, WEST 46TH ST & 12TH AVE, NYC INTREPIDMUSEUM.ORG 2019 © Intrepid Museum Foundation. All Rights Reserved. Except as permitted under applicable law, this work may not be copied, published, disseminated, displayed, performed or played without permission of the copyright holder.

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

Let’s get every child covered. If your child needs health insurance, Fidelis Care is just a call, click, or visit away.

Call: 1-888-FIDELIS Click: fideliscare.org/everychildcovered Visit: A Fidelis Care community office near you. Search for locations at fideliscare.org/offices

1-888-FIDELIS • fideliscare.org (1-888-343-3547)

TTY: 711

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

BigAppleParent

contents table of

Original photo by ›› Big Apple Portraits (bigappleportraits.com) Clothing provided by Land’s End (landsend.com)

june 2019

41 27

Time to Sell?

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

Family Activities Calendar

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

summer fun 15 22 24 38

Summer A to Z Is Your Teen Ready for a Job? Summer Fun Listings Camps at-a-Glance Chart

My Baby Hates Tummy Time

Pediatricians weigh in on the most common questions about this activity.

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 10 New Places, New Programs 11 A Global Education in Manhattan 12 Fear of Carrots 13 The Nanny Search of 2019 42 My Baby Hates Tummy Time 43 Professional Services 44 Party Central 45 Advertisers’ Index 46 LGBTQ+ Books for Kids

27 Family Activities Calendar

40 Why You Need an Emergency Fund 41 Time to Sell?

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 12 Learning to Live with a Picky Eater 15 Summer A to Z 22 Is Your Teen Ready for a Job? facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

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BigAppleParent 5/28/19 9:32 AM5

raising kids editor’s note JUNE 2019 • Vol34 • No.5

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

Summer Daze

h, summer! With school vacation on the horizon and the start of camp quickly approaching, it’s the season our kids look forward to most. If your children are going to summer camp this year, or you’re still looking for the perfect dance, art, sports, or day camp, take a look the Camp Planner if you haven’t yet. It’s full of great advice to be the best camp parent possible—you won’t want to miss the best-kept secrets camp directors shared!—and local camp descriptions to find the right camp for your children. Read it at nymetroparents.com/campguide/manhattan. On the other hand, if your children are spending their summer days at home, you might be wondering what the heck you’re going to do to keep them from repeating the dreaded “I’m bored!” multiple times a day. Turn to p. 15 for “Summer A to Z.” We searched the area for 26 things to do with your kids—from minor league baseball games and amusement parks to strawberry festivals and making your own ice cream—all so you can spend your time doing what’s most important: having fun with your children. If your kids have aged out of summer camp and are looking for something to do, a part-time job may be on their minds. But is your really teen ready to take on the responsibility? Check out the four questions to gauge job readiness on p. 22 to see if the time is right for your child to fill out applications. Here’s to a fun, relaxing summer! Katelin Walling Editorial Director

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

ADVERTISING SALES

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

STATEN ISLAND PARENT

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

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

MOMMYBITES

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

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

OPERATIONS

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

PRODUCTION

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

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

MARKETING

ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER: Kristine Pulaski

FINANCE

CREDIT ASSISTANTS: Rosa Meinhofer, Dan Finnegan

Davler Media Group davlermedia.com

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

Camp Directory • Open Houses • Camp Charts

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

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

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

June 2019 | nymetroparents.com

BigAppleParent

raising kids new places, new programs

Who: A Class Act NY What’s New: Jason Earles to host On-Camera Camp, which is slated to run Aug. 19-23. This summer, Earles, of Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana and Kickin’ It, will be walking campers ages 9-19 through the real-life process of filming a television sitcom. Using actual scenes from Disney Channel and Nickelodeon shows, campers will recreate the filming process through auditions, rehearsals, table reads, screenplay re-writes, staging, and filming in front of a live studio audience made up of friends and family. In addition to performing, campers will get a glimpse behind the scenes working as production assistants and script supervisors as well as improvisation instruction, scene study, and on-camera skills. Want More Info: 200 W. 60th St., #28E, Upper West Side; 212-315-3010; aclassactny.com

Courtesy A Class Act NY

Former Disney Channel Star to Host On-Camera Camp

Students at A Class Act NY can learn all aspects of making a television sitcom from being on camera to backs tage production.

Courtesy 92nd Str

Who: 92nd Street Y What’s New: Parkour and Sports Adventure Camp, scheduled to begin June 24. Campers ages 5-12 can master the art of parkour through jumping, tumbling, and balancing for any or all of 10 weeks, while also participating in activities such as taekwondo, basketball, and swim. On Wednesday afternoons, young ninja warriors will participate in a special indoor obstacle course with lights and music, and parents are invited to watch. On Thursdays, campers will practice parkour skills in Central Park and participate in a Huddle Up Flag Football lesson. Campers will also learn about obstacle course creation, photography, and stop-motion animation in the parkour design lab. Camp will be held Monday-Friday, from 9am-5pm. Extended care is available from 8:15am-6pm. Want More Info: 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side; 212-699-7249; 92y.org

eet Y

92Y Launches Parkour and Sports Adventure Camp

igned to venture camp is des kour and Sports Ad build from there. and 92nd Street Y’s Par el lev ll ski her t at his or meet each participan

Who: MakerState What’s New: Robotics kits and coding and design software, slated to debut July 1. Younger campers (ages 6-10) will use the WeDo and older campers (ages 10-14) will use Mindstorms, both of which allow campers to build robots with Legos. The new coding software campers will use include Piskel, which teaches basic pixelated animation skills, Bloxel, a hands-on, physical board that corresponds to an app to teach 3-D graphics, and Micro:bit, a program used to teach the basics of coding. Campers will also be doing new activities using Scratch, a software that allows children to develop 2-D video games. Camp this summer will run July 1-Aug. 30, Monday-Friday, from 8:30am-4pm. Want More Info: 233 W. 77th St., Upper West Side; P.S. 6, 45 E. 81st., Upper East Side; 266 E. Broadway, Lower East Side; 718-780-2345; maker-state.com 10

June 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy MakerState

STEM Enrichment Camp Offers Robotics Kits and Coding Software

MakerState is a STEM-focused enrich ment center for children ages 6-14.

raising kids independent school spotlight

A Global Education in Manhattan ››

The British International School’s key to success is encouraging vigorous learning within a supportive environment. By Shana Liebman

7/01 - 7/05 7/07 - 7/12 7/15 - 7/19 7/22 - 7/26 7/29 - 8/02 8/05 - 8/09 8/12 - 8/16 8/19 - 8/23 8/26 - 8/30

Joshua Bright

espite its name, the British International School of New York is not just for Brits. Approximately one-third of the student body is from England, another third is American, and the rest come from more than 45 different countries. What unites this diverse group of nearly 300 students in Nursery 3s to 12th grades, however, is their excitement for intellectual rigor. “I think the heart of the school is fostering that love of learning and the decision to become passionate about what they’re studying,” says Head Master Jason Morrow. BIS-NY’s academic program—a unique combination of the English National Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate—is a good fit for ambitious students like sophomore Katharine Marsh-Nelson, who has been at the school since she was 4 years old. “Katharine is a great role model, and example of students here,” says Morrow, who teaches Katharine history, because of her “desire to understand and really investigate topics and issues. We can reach a greater depth of discussion than is typically the case at this stage of education.”

Katharine Marsh-Nelson in class at The British International School of New York

Katharine is currently taking her International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams and recently sat her Advanced Mathematics exam one year early. She is an avid swimmer, tennis player, and is a flutist in the Woodwind Ensemble. This summer, she will attend the Cambridge University Immerse to take classes in medicine. While her hard work has clearly paid off, Katharine attributes her personal success to the intimate and supportive environment at BIS-NY. “I feel like I’ve had a chance to let my personality blossom, and I’ve become more confident,” she says. “The teachers have always encouraged me to raise your hand even if you don’t quite know the answer. Just give it a shot, give it a try.”

Future Doctors Young Entrepreneur Architects & Structural Engineering Painters & Clay Masters Chemical Engineers Robotic Engineering w/ Cubelets Aviation and Flying Engineer Electrical Engineer Food Scientist Upper East Side 307 East 84th Street 212.737.3344

Tribeca 104 Reade Street 212.346.7737

East Village 437 East 12th Street 212.260.8020

ftkny.com BigAppleParent 11

raising kids voices

Shana Liebman

A Fear of Carrots ››

How I’m learning to live with my picky eater By Shana Liebman

e’ve all met this kid before. He only eats pasta with butter and plain oatmeal. Or Cheerios and french fries. Before I had children, it was impossible for me to imagine that I—a home cook, a frequent restaurant-goer, a lifetime subscriber to Gourmet—would call this kind of kid my own. But as fate would have it, I have a picky eater. His name is Nate, and he is adorable, smart, funny, warm, creative, talented, and a terrible, no good, very bad eater. His staples are hot dogs, cheese sticks, and pasta without sauce. He refuses all vegetables and fruits and anything slightly outside his comfort zone. Which is everything. It started when he was a baby (he was revolted by his first piece of avocado) and at age 4, he would rather forgo TV than eat a snap pea. I have gone through the stages of grief: 1. No way not me! 2. I can change him with my clever cooking. 3. I will punish him until he changes. 4. I don’t care. Let him starve. 5. I cracked the code! 6. I don’t care. Let him starve. 7. Help! For years, family dinners went something like this: 6:15pm: Nate refuses to even try the cauliflower with cheese sauce or hummus and carrots. He asks for ketchup. 6:18pm: Nate eats four strands of pasta and asks to be excused. We say no and he slides off his chair onto the floor, then tries to stick forks into water bottles. We tell Nate to join us; he cries. Nate goes to his room. We eat his dinner. 6:25pm: I clean up a million dishes. In 2014, Nate ate a carrot, and I got so excited that I served carrots with every meal and as a prerequisite for every treat. That is until Nate, under the adoring gaze of his grandparents, refused his one baby carrot. I pushed and threatened and 30 minutes later when he finally finished the tiny carrot, he made a weird gagging noise, came over to me, and threw it up in my lap. It wasn’t a lot of vomit—but it was the whole baby carrot, the one I made him eat, in regurgitated flecks on my lap. (My husband Michael and I later noted that this was a pretty brilliant move that we now refer to as “throwing up the carrot”—when a kid makes it almost impossible to continue to make him do something.) By then I was fully in stage eight, denial, so I soldiered on. I 12

June 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Nate, the picky eater who prefers hot dogs, cheese sticks, and plain pasta

tried all the tricks, including instituting schedules for meals and snacks, as Dina Rose recommends in her brilliant book It’s Not About the Broccoli. We tried mandatory tasting to no avail, and I had little success with the hide-the-veggies approach to recipes a la Jessica Seinfeld. My banana-peanut butter-spinach muffins were bland and dense. Nobody liked them…all 48 of them. There was one that was successful—Melissa Clark’s Carroty Mac and Cheese. Then in 2015, a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics claimed picky eaters had a higher tendency toward mental health problems: “Their sensory experience is more intense in the areas of taste, texture, and visual cues. And their internal experience may be more intense, so they have stronger feelings. They’re sensitive kids who may be anxious or a little depressed; so cutting up fruits into funny shapes is not going to do the trick for these kids.” While I hope Nate never suffers from anxiety or depression, the study hit home. I’d long noticed Nate’s aversion to foods was not remedied with games or tricks. It goes deep. Something about a texture or smell will completely disgust him. While I’ve fantasized that he will turn into a “super taster” or foodie with highly developed senses who actually excels at all things culinary, it’s probably more likely this extreme sensitivity will apply to other aspects of his life. Also, maybe this whole picky eating thing was beyond his control. Around then I heard a PBS investigation into the science of picky eating that seemed to support that theory. “Biologists have discovered that, out of the thousands of genes in our DNA, there’s one that determines if we like the taste of some healthy greens or if we can’t stand them,” explained NOVA host Neil DeGrasse Tyson. In other words: “It is biologically predetermined. They are innocent in this accusatory world.” Both of these studies urged parents to create positive experiences around eating. Family dinner should be more about family than dinner. And this is ultimately what became our solution. Lay off him. Make sure he gets a minimum of nutrients, gently urge him to try new foods and talk about something else. Five years later, he’s still a picky eater but at least we now eat dinner without tears.

raising kids child care

The Nanny Search of 2019 ›› REACH.

GROW. ACHIEVE.

Courtesy Mommybites.com

Christopher Duggan

Rosalie O’Connor

Awaken your child’s potential through dance

BalletAcademyEast.com

ew things are as nerve-racking as choosing a person to watch your children for extended periods of time. Here are some of the most important things you should be thinking about during your nanny search.

Knowledge

Join Ballet Academy East Summerdance, June 24–August 15 BALLET ACADEMY EAST

1651 Third Avenue, 3rd floor New York, NY 10128

Once upon a time, the nanny-hiring process involved questions as simple as: “Can you feed and dress a child?” and “Can you put her to bed?” But in this digital age, the standards are higher. Your nanny should be well-versed in things like food allergies and baby development exercises. For example, he or she should be able to diagnose an itchy throat as a possible allergic reaction to pineapple and know that your 18-month-old has officially entered full-blown exploration mode.

German is for everyone!

Communication Skills

Your nanny should be able to relay important information to you regarding your child and his or her day. It’s also useful if your caretaker can explain complex subjects and engage in challenging conversations with your children.

Experience

Your 15-year-old niece might be a cute babysitter, but a trust-worthy nanny will require a solid recommendation. If you find yourself running out of options, consider reaching out to a local church, synagogue, pediatrician, or even—if you’re in the NYC area—the Mommybites Nanny Board! Whatever direction you choose for child care, make sure to go into the process with a plan in place, parameters set, and questions to ask.

After-School Program NY State Accredited Language Program

• Low tuition • No previous German necessary • Minimum age: 6 years

• Manhattan location: Upper East Side • Locations also in Franklin Square and Garden City (Long Island)

Mommy & Me: Age 4yrs Mommybites’ nanny boards only feature postings from nannies’ current families. You can rely on their recommendations. If you need a nanny or babysitter, visit Mommybites.com.

Classes start second week in September For more information see: www.German-American-School.org German Lessons Since 1897 for more information email: kidslearngerman@aol.com or go to german-american-school.org

BigAppleParent 13

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KNOW A KID WHO LOVES TO READ?

SPORTIME SUMMER CAMPS

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Thalia Book Club Camp is a unique program geared toward avid readers and writers ages 9–14.Campers meet with authors, take part in book discussions, engage in writing, drama, drawing, and go on cool book-related field trips around Manhattan. SYMPHONYSPACE.ORG/CAMP | 212.864.1414 X221

June 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Camp locations in NYC and Westchester, across Long Island, including in the Hamptons, and the Capital Region. We’ve got your summer fun covered!

Visit us online to select the camp for you www.SportimeCamps.com | 212-427-6150 Camp programs vary at each SPORTIME location

Camps start June and run throughout the summer! Register Today!

Summer A Work your way through the alphabet for 26 fun things to do with your kids this season!

By Katelin Walling and Shana Liebman

ith school coming to a close, you may be wondering what the heck you’re going to do to keep your kids entertained if they’re not going to summer camp this year (or they’re going for a week or two). We’ve got you covered! From boat rides and visits to the zoo to picnicking, watching movies outside, and a trip back in time to an Elizabethan England village, you’ll find 26 ideas for summer fun. Whether you start at A, Z, or somewhere in the middle, make sure to go through the whole alphabet for a summer of fun right here at home!

Anchors aweigh!

Don your sea legs and take a Circle Line (circleline.com) boat tour to see Manhattan from a different point of view. Family-friendly cruises from Pier 83 in Midtown include Best of NYC (2½ hours), which circumnavigates the city; Liberty (1 hour); Landmarks (1½ hours); and Harbor Lights (2 hours). Cruises departing from Pier 16 in Downtown Manhattan include Statue of Liberty Express and Statue by Night, both 1 hour.

Build sand castles at adjacent Brighton and Coney Island beaches. You’ll also find a 2.7-mile boardwalk, New York Aquarium, Luna Park (including the Cyclone rollercoaster), eateries, and outdoor spray showers. For more information, and more nearby beaches, visit nymetroparents.com/beaches.

Carry out a

random act of kindness!

Inspire your kids to hold the door open for a stranger, help an elderly person with his or her groceries, or pick up litter. Performing random acts of kindness can be contagious, especially when you turn it into a game. That’s where Boom Boom! Cards Family Edition ($14.99), which includes 26 RAKs, comes in handy. Each deck has a unique code that you register at boomboomcards.com. After performing an act of kindness, log in and tell your fellow “agents of altruism” about it; then pass along that particular card to another family. Via the website, you can track your friends’ acts of kindness, too.

June 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Day trip, anyone?

If you’re itching for an adventure and your family vacation is still weeks away, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled itineraries for the best day trips (all within 150 miles of NYC) with your family, whether you want to explore the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, Mystic Seaport in Mystic, CT, or the Crayola Experience in Easton, PA. Check it out at nymetroparents.com/day-trips.

Eat al fresco. There’s no better way to shake up meal time than dining al fresco, whether it’s at a restaurant that has outdoor seating, in your backyard, or on your apartment building’s rooftop terrace. We love spreading out a blanket and dining among nature (and other picnickers) at the neighborhood park.

Find fresh produce and baked goods at the farmers’ market.

The Rockefeller Center Greenmarket offers more than just fruits, veggies, and tasty treats. It also features cheeses, flowers, community activities, cooking demos, and more. For more information, and other markets in Manhattan, visit nymetroparents.com/farmers-markets.

Gobble up some strawberry treats

at the City Green Strawberry Festival. Located in nearby Clifton, NJ, this festival will feature crafts, games, face painting, and more! This year’s celebration will be held Saturday, June 1 from 10am-2pm at City Green’s Farm Eco-Center. For more strawberry festivals, visit nymetroparents.com/strawberries.

BigAppleParent 17

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! It’s especially important to drink plenty of water when you’re out and about with your family during the summer months, and you can’t go wrong with the tried-and-true Nalgene (nalgene.com) water bottles, which are manufactured in Rochester! From Grip-n-Gulps ($13) for toddlers to age 6, to Kids On-the-Fly ($14) and 16oz-32oz bottles for adults ($7-$16)— all of which come in an assortment of colors and prints—you’ll find a BPA-, BPS-, and phthalate-free bottle for everyone in your family.

Indulge in ice cream to beat the heat. While we love stopping by the local scoop shop for a dish of our favorite flavor, there’s nothing quite like making your own ice cream at home! For a sciencefilled recipe that will have your kids learning, visit nymetroparents.com/icecream-science. Or for a super-easy recipe that only calls for frozen bananas, peanut butter (optional), cocoa powder, and vanilla, visit nymetroparents.com/easy-icecream.

Jump, jump, jump around! The Big Bounce America is bringing 20,000 square feet of inflatable fun to Aviator Sports and Events Center in Marine Park, Brooklyn for two weekends: July 26-28 and Aug. 2-4. Trust us, the trip to Brooklyn is worth it! Find more information at nymetroparents.com/big-bounce. 18

June 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Kick back and relax with a book.

Visit your local public library branch, have each child in your family (and you!) pick out a book or two, check them out, and bring them home for a family story time.

Look at the stars. ©AMNH/D. Finnin

After your picnic, let the kids run around the park or play on the playground until dark, when you can lay back and look for shooting stars. Or, if you want to know what you’re looking at, visit the Hayden Planetarium at American Museum of Natural History (amnh.org) on the Upper West Side for a viewing of Dark Space, narrated by Neal deGrasse Tyson

Munch on peanuts and Cracker Jack while rooting for the Brooklyn Cyclones!

The New York Mets affiliate will host its home opener on Friday, June 14 against the Staten Island Yankees in Coney Island, Brooklyn. Plus, there are fireworks after Friday and Saturday home games, and kids can run the bases after home games on Sundays. Find more minor league baseball teams in the New York metro area at nymetroparents.com/baseball.

Nurture a passion for giving back. While some may only think of volunteering during the holiday season, we say lend a hand all year-round! Whether is at the library, a nursing home, or an animal shelter, volunteering helps your kids become global citizens—and helps the community. Find places to volunteer with your children at nymetroparents.com/volunteer.

Outdoor movies are one of summer’s greatest pleasures.

On Fridays in Greenwich Village, the Hudson Riverflicks series will show recent kid favorites: Spiderman: Into the Spider-verse, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Lego Movie, Trolls, and How to Train Your Dragon. Popcorn is free and other snacks are available for purchase. For more information, and other outdoor movies in Manhattan, visit nymetroparents.com/outdoor-movies.

Putt your way to a hole in one!

Mini-golf has something for everyone: from scenic views along the course to glow-in-the-dark pirates. Pier 25 Mini Golf in Tribeca has a challenging 18-hole course featuring a waterfall, a cave, and footbridges. For more information, and more mini golf courses in Manhattan, visit nymetroparents.com/mini-golf.

BigAppleParent 19

Quiet time is easier to come by in summer.

Take a couple hours off to find solace in peaceful outdoor places. Take a walk in the park, visit the serene Cloisters in upper Manhattan or bike one of the many beautiful trails in Rockland or Bergen counties. Whatever you choose, make sure you leave the noise behind.

Round & Round

we go!

Climb aboard your favorite fish and take a spin on the SeaGlass Carousel located in Battery Park in Lower Manhattan.This aquatic-themed carousel is made entirely of glass and steel and features 30 sea creatures under color-changing LED lights, making you feel like you are in an underwater garden. For more carousels in Manhattan, visit nymetroparents.com/carousels.

Scamper through the rain. Don your rain coats and boots to jump in puddles with your kids. Whoever makes the biggest splash wins!

Thrill your kids with a day at Victorian Gardens! Located at Wollman Rink in Central Park, this amusement park for kids (victoriangardensnyc.com) features six rides for kids shorter than 36 inches, four rides for kids taller than 36 inches, and three carnival games. Plus, on select days throughout the summer, your kids will be entertained by magicians, jugglers, circus performers, and comedians.

r e t a W r e d Un to cool urosuffits. e c la p t s e b e grab yo is th n bears down,

arby mmer su , and hit a ne When the su e restless kids to th s lly or ra do s, r el ei w open th and to ck and —all of which lo ol a po g in ity br un to m com forget er yone. Don’t anyone and ev a good book. 20 June 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Vitamin D? Yes, please!

But before you head outside, make sure everyone in the family slathers on the sunscreen—and re-applies it every hour. After all, we don’t want any sunburns to hamper our summer fun! We’re loving Supergoop’s new Sunnyscreen, three 100-percent mineral sunscreen formulas specifically for babies and kids ($24-$26; supergoop.com).

Wander

through Elizabethan England.

Back in the Orange County town of Tuxedo for its 42nd season, the New York Renaissance Faire (renfair.com/ny) will be held Saturday-Sunday and Labor Day, Aug. 17-Oct. 6. The 65-acre village celebrates life in the 16th century with costumed performers, jousting tournaments, music, festive foods, magicians, rides, and more than 100 shops selling handmade wares. Don’t miss the Children’s Knighting Ceremony, the Enchanted Forest, or Kidsquest, where kids can participate in a 30-minute adventure in which they work together to help the fairies save their enchanted homes.

X-treme sports are not just for athletes. Warm weather and summer adrenaline can inspire even the most reluctant adventurers to get outdoors and try something new. Now’s the time to sign up for the group trapeze class or a ziplining trip. Get out there—it’s the season to explore!

Yard sales, flea markets, tag sales, oh my! Before spending a day browsing for treasures, make your own scavenger hunt with unique things like “the weirdest thing you found,” “a book with the letter z in the title,” “a gadget you’ve never seen before,” “a blast from the past (an old game system, old telephone, or typewriter).” Happy hunting!

Zoos are

easy family fun.

Check out Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park Zoo, where you can see daily sea lion feedings or visit the penguins at the Polar Circle exhibit. The exotic indoor Tropic Zone is home to many species of free-flying birds as well as reptiles and lemurs. Admission includes entry to the Tisch Children’s Zoo, where kids can feed and pet goats, sheep, llamas, and more. For more information, and more local zoos, visit nymetroparents.com/zoos. BigAppleParent 21

raising kids teen

Is Your Teen Ready for a Job?

››

Your high-schooler may need money, but that doesn’t mean jumping into the workforce is the right move. By Christina Vercelletto

arents of teens commiserate over many things, but if there is one universal they can all relate to, it is the phrase “I need money for….” The possibilities for the second half of the sentence are endless: new sneakers, a ticket for the school play, a team jacket, a friend’s birthday gift, a MetroCard. So, when your high-schooler brings up getting a job, it may be all you can do to resist shouting “Yesssss!” But your jubilation should be tempered with a bit of caution.

Four Questions to Assess Job Readiness

Teens may all need money, but not all of them are actually ready to handle a job. Whether seeking gainful employment was her idea or yours, here’s what to consider before you sign the working papers. Can he manage his time pretty well? This is one of the most fundamental skill sets for job readiness, affirms Alexandra Hamlet, Psy.D., at Child Mind Institute in Manhattan. “Teens who can show respect for their co-workers’ and boss’ time are on their way to becoming successful in their first job,” she says. If your kid is the one forever missing the bus, waiting on applying for that first job might be wise. How are her communication skills? “Communication skills development is key for many areas of life, and especially in the workforce,” Dr. Hamlet notes. If your teen seems comfortable holding conversations with adults, and is able to express her thoughts clearly, those are good signs she’s ready to respond to that help-wanted post. Kids who are afraid to ask questions (and tend to pretend they know more than they do to avoid looking “stupid”) would likely do well to work on breaking those habits before taking a job. Does he seem to have a solid sense of what’s appropriate in different situations? Professionalism is another key readiness factor that can be expressed in several ways: showing up in appropriate attire, coming prepared for the workday, and being able to maintain a respectful, friendly demeanor (even when he’s in a bad mood), Dr. Hamlet says. When deciding if your child has the ability to present himself appropriately, look to what happens at school. Does he wear clean, weather-appropriate clothes, or is he a wrinkled mess? Is he usually prepared with his school work? Does he follow the rules? Is she a team player? Most jobs these days, for students or grownups, require at least some teamwork. “Teaching your teen a teamwork ethic could be helpful,” Dr. Hamlet says. “This would include

June 2019 | nymetroparents.com

formation of overall leadership abilities, learning to be helpful and collaborative with others, and valuing contributions from members of the team.” If your child seems to work well during group projects, or has successfully been playing a team sport, those are good signs. Even if your teen seems to be coming up a bit short in one or two of these areas, it doesn’t necessarily mean she or he shouldn’t apply for a job. All of these job-readiness criteria are moderated by the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for planning complex cognitive behavior, decision making and impulse control, and moderating social behavior, which isn’t fully mature until the early 20s. “Waiting for them to be one-hundred percent in all of those areas would probably require you to wait until they graduate from college to allow them to have their first job!” Dr. Hamlet notes. “Working toward growth in each of these areas is more realistic.”

Know the Labor Laws

Your teen wants a job. You think he’s ready to handle it. The next step is applying, and it’s important to educate yourself about child labor laws. Make sure you understand the rules that apply to your child, because not every employer can be trusted to adhere to them. Christine Koehler’s daughter, Mari, was 15 when she was hired as a hostess for a pub-style restaurant near the family’s Long Beach home. “She loved it at first, but the owner kept giving her more and more hours,” Koehler recalls. “Before long, I was picking her up at [one in the morning] on Saturday nights. The owner didn’t really seem to care she was a young girl working nights with...the bar crowd.” “New York state has one of the strictest child labor laws in the country,” says Wendy Gildin, an attorney in Garden City specializing in issues surrounding students. Kids younger than 14 can’t work, period. Fourteen and 15-year-olds can’t work more than 3 hours on a school day, or more than 18 hours in any given week. There are also laws around how late at night minors can work on school vs. nonschool days, with some exceptions for babysitters, Gilden notes. New York state requires all 14- to 17-year-olds to file working papers. These are available through your child’s school. “Your child will have to have had a doctor’s exam in the last year,” Gildin adds. Our very first job is one we all remember, even if it wasn’t the perfect experience. Talk with your teen, about what he needs money for and how much, what the world of work entails, and how it can be part of his healthy march toward adulthood. Prepare him well, and his job will be a life-long memory, too.

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BigAppleParent 23

Summer Fun PROGRAMS & CLASSES Ballet Academy East

1651 Third Ave. 212-410-9140 balletacademyeast.com Ballet Academy East’s Summerdance is a fun-filled summer program for ages 3-8. Designed to foster imagination and inspire a love of the arts, the curriculum includes dance, art, musical theater, cooking, and swimming. Each session culminates with a special, in-studio performance highlighting the children’s accomplishments.

Boston Leadership Institute

781-431-2514 bostonleadershipinstitute.com The Boston Leadership Institute has been named among the top five science programs in the country. Award-winning teachers lead programs in state-of-the-art science and lab facilities. One- or three-week programs are available in engineering, science, medicine, and business. Day or overnight options are available.

Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex Summer Camps West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park Field House Registration Desk: 212-336-6500 x6520 Camps: 212-336-6846 chelseapiers.com/camp Chelsea Piers Summer Camp is NYC’s most flexible camp with up to 11 weeks and 16 sports to choose from. Our coaches are dedicated year-round to providing athletes with a fun and comprehensive camp experience. Transportation and after-care available. Camps run June 17-Aug. 30. Register online at chelseapiers.com/camps.

FasTracKids Summer STE(A)M+ Adventure

10 Locations around NYC - Three in Manhattan, four in Brooklyn, two in Staten Island, and one in Queens 347-983-2229 ftkny.com/summer-camp info@ftkny.com Exciting and educational one-week STEAM+ summer camps for ages 2-10. Campers can become future doctors, young entrepreneurs, architects, painters and clay masters, chemical engineers, robotic engineers, aviation engineers, electrical engineers, and food scientists. Summer academics can also be incorporated to keep their academic skills sharp and avoid summer brain drain!

June 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Future Stars Summer Camps

Purchase College 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase 914-273-8500 fscamps.com Weekly day sessions for ages 4-16 at stateof-the-art facilities in the heart of Westchester. Campers can choose and combine weeks from 19 individualized specialty programs including tennis, soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, football, multi-sports, field hockey, cheerleading, volleyball, circus arts, magic, softball, diving, horseback riding, swim, academics, STEAM education, and Rising Stars.

Girls With Impact Live-online academy

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

Hudson River Park Trust

353 West St., Pier 40, 2nd floor 212-627-2020 hudsonriverpark.org klevy@hrpt.ny.gov Hudson River Park offers free events and activities all summer long for kids of all ages. With everything from hands-on science learning to animated favorites screened against the sunset, there is something for everyone! Check our website for more information at hudsonriverpark.org.

Jodi’s Gym

244 E. 84th St. 212-772-7633 25 Hubbels Drive, Mount Kisco 914-244-8811 jodisgym.com Jodi’s Gym Summer Camp is a morning of nonstop, action-packed fun! Your child will run, jump, tumble, balance, stretch, sing, create, move, and groove, all under the supervision and care of our well-trained, enthusiastic, friendly, and certified staff. Join us in our 37th year! Offered for children ages 3-5. Flexible scheduling!

The Little Gym

2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets) Upper West Side 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.com Since 1977, The Little Gym has been promoting healthy and successful physical and mental development of children. Its “Anytime Summertime Kids Fun” includes parent and child classes (ages 4 months to 3 years), preschool and kindergarten classes (ages 3-6), and grade school gymnastics (noncompetitive!) for beginner, intermediate, or advanced gymnasts.

MakerState STEM Summer Camp

Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Lower East Side, and Park Slope 845-399-9300 maker-state.com info@maker-state.com MakerState STEM Summer Camp runs July 1-Aug. 30 (nine individual weeks), from 8:30am-4pm, for ages 6-14. Game Coding, 3-D Printing, LEGO Robotics, Rocket Science, Minecraft Engineering, plus outdoor play, Laser Tag, and Water Balloon Olympics are offered. Save $50 off with code: APPLESTEM.

Montessori International Summer Camp

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

Play On! Studios

Play On Studios Theater Camps Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew 263 W. 86th St. 347-709-4149 Lena Moy-Borgen, director playonstudios.com info@playonstudios.com Play On! Studios offers awesome theater camps for grades kindergarten to 12th on

the Upper West Side! In all of our camps, young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors and teaching artists, and build up their skills in a nurturing, noncompetitive environment.

SPORTIME Randall’s Island & JMTA Summer Camps - ages 4-17 212-427-6150 sportimecamps.com/nyc campsnyc@sportimeny.com John McEnroe Tennis Academy’s Summer Training Camp and SPORTIME’s 10 & Under Tennis Camp are designed for players who want to focus on playing and learning tennis, and becoming complete players. Every camp day includes tennis, field sports and cross training, tennis-specific athletic training, and NYCFC Soccer Camps.

Thalia Book Club Camp at Symphony Space

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

The Whale Camp

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

YMCA Summer Camps

ymcanyc.org rho@ymcanyc.org The YMCA of Greater New York is one of the largest providers of camp programs in the city, with 70 day camp sites across five boroughs, a sleepaway camp upstate, and more than a century

of experience giving kids the best summer ever! Where there’s a Y, there’s a way.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE great perk s for membe rs

ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS

Gymnastics, fun, friends and fitness since 1982!

Ninja Challenge •

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 Rs, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Download Cosmic Cubs apps including Planet Puzzles, 3 Rs Puzzles, Rockitect, and Storymaker. Download Cosmic Cubs apps at the App store, Google Play, and Amazon.

FunFuzion at New Roc City

29 LeCount Place (Exit 16 off I-95), New Rochelle 914-637-7575 funfuziononline.com Summer means big fun at FunFuzion! The biggest and best place in Westchester for bowling, glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, laser tag, billiards, or our exciting games and rides. Our funhouse features the new, free-roam VR Arizona Sunshine in a virtual reality arena! You won’t believe how real it feels!

Gymnastics •

Music • Playtime • Jodi’s To Go • For Kids 9 mos to 12 yrs

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25 Hubbels Dr. Mt. Kisco • 914.244.8811 244 E. 84th St. NYC • 212.772.7633

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Pier 86, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue 646-381-5010 intrepidmuseum.org groupsales@intrepidmuseum.org An exciting destination for camp groups that want to learn science, history, and innovation. Self-guided visits for outside groups can include private tours, scavenger hunts, lunch operations, and souvenir packages. Group rates and services only available with advanced registration and the group minimum is 15 people. Contact our group sales professionals.

Museum Village

1010 State Route 17M, Monroe 845-782-8248 museumvillage.org Museum Village is the perfect place for a fun, educational family day trip! Explore 19th-century life with more than 20 buildings including the school house, drug store, candle shop, broom shop, and printer. We also have one of three complete Mastodon skeletons in the world! Visit our website for special events.

Visit us at NYMetroParents.com BigAppleParent 25

MOVIES

FAMILY

HUDSON RIVERFLICKS FREE

BIG CITY FISHING FREE

JULY 7–SEPTEMBER 22 Learn how to fish while engaging with educators about river science.

MONDAYS on Pier 25 at N Moore St. THURSDAYS on Pier 62 at W 22 St. 4:00–4:45 PM

Spider–Man: Into the Spider–Verse

SUNDAYS JULY 7–SEPT 22, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Bilingual Birdies

Pier 25 at N Moore St.

JUNE 3 & 6

JULY 29 & AUG 1

JULY 12

SUNDAYS JULY 7–AUG 25, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Mike Messer and the Afterschool Special

The Pop Ups

JUNE 10 & 13

Suzi Shelton

FRIDAYS 8:30 PM (OR DUSK) Pier 46 at Charles St.

Ralph Breaks the Internet JULY 19

The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part JULY 26

Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation AUGUST 2

Incredibles 2 AUGUST 9

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World AUGUST 16

Trolls AUGUST 23

@HudsonRiverPark | #HRPK hudsonriverpark.org

ESTUARY LAB

June 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Pier 84 at W 44 St. MONDAYS JULY 1–AUG 26, 5:00–7:30 PM

Pier 25 at N Moore St. Pier 51 at Jane St.

HUDSON RIVERKIDS FREE

City Stomp

AUG 5 & 8

AUG 12 & 15

Drag Queen Story Hour

Kid Ace

JUNE 17 & 20

AUG 19 & 22

SATURDAY JUNE 1, JULY 13, AUGUST 10 12:00–4:00 PM Pier 84 at W 44 St. Dive into science with catch and release fishing, microscopic investigations, River-inspired crafts and more.

Tim Kubart and the Space Cadets

Children’s Museum of the Arts

SHELL-EBRATE OYSTERS FREE

Ramblin Dan and the Free Wheelin’ Band

SCIENCE SATURDAYS FREE

SUNDAYS JULY 7–SEPTEMBER 22 4:00–5:30 PM Pier 25 at N Moore St. Learn the incredible history of oysters and their ecological importance while working alongside Park staff to support oyster research efforts.

JUNE 24 & 27

AUG 26 & 29

Sweetbeatz JULY 1

JULY 8 & 11

Mister G JULY 15 & 18

Sweetbeatz SEPT 5

MC Veggie Fresh SEPT 9 & 12

Story Time in HRPK with Elisha Cooper SEPT 16 & 19

Ideas When You Need Them:

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

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Turn the page for details on 10th Annual NYC Multicultural Festival (No. 1 on our list).

JUNE

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

nyme

com/c

ents. ropar

CALENDAR

33 Holiday Fun, Special Needs We Can’t Believe It’s FREE! Animal Lovers, Crafty Kids 34 Movers & Shakers, Dance Party Mini Musicians, 35 Great Outdoors, Celebrate Pride On Screen, Show Time! Kindness Crusaders

28 Editor’s Hot Tickets 29 30 31 WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

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

36 Fun Fairs & Festivals

EDITOR’S HOT TICKET

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

10th Annual NYC Multicultural Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 1, 12-6pm WHERE: Saint Nicholas Avenue, between 141st and 145th streets, Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Watch live performances, participate in wellness activities, play giant video games, and sample global cuisines. WHY WE LOVE IT: The event will celebrate the cultural traditions that contribute to New York City. WANT TO GO? 347-938-9335. multiculturalfestival.nyc.

World Science Festival NYC FREE

WHEN: Through June 2: see website for schedule WHERE: Various locations around NYC AGES: All WHAT: A week packed with more than 60 events that take science out of the lab and into the city. WHY WE LOVE IT: The fun includes a fish count, stargazing, and a street festival with interactive demos. WANT TO GO? 718-222-9939. worldsciencefestival.com.

3 28

Figment NYC FREE

WHEN: June 1-2, Saturday, 10am-10pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: Lighthouse Park, 900 Main St., Roosevelt Island AGES: All WHAT: Roosevelt Island will transform into a large-scale collaborative artwork.

June 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHY WE LOVE IT: There will be art and activities in every medium including musical, visual, theater, and more. WANT TO GO? newyork.figmentproject.org.

26th Annual Taste of Times Square Outdoor Food & Music Festival FREE

WHEN: Monday, June 3, 5-9pm WHERE: Times Square, 46th Street between Broadway and Ninth Avenue, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Sample dishes from Times Square’s top restaurants and music from the city’s best musicians. WHY WE LOVE IT: Participating restaurants include Becco, Burger & Lobster, Dim Sum Palace, Hard Rock Cafe, and Toloache. WANT TO GO? 212-768-1560. tsq.org/taste.

Eid al Fitr Family Feast

WHEN: Tuesday, June 4, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Gather together with lights and decorations, special meals, and unique treats to give thanks. WHY WE LOVE IT: The celebration includes storytelling, a craft, and puppet making. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 seniors; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Get weekend activities delivered to you!

nymetroparents.com/register ››

Pride Cultural Festival

WHEN: Sunday, June 9, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Soho AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy workshops and performances celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. WHY WE LOVE IT: The fun includes story time, art workshops, performances, and interactive sing-alongs with themes like identity and love. WANT TO GO? $13; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Museum Mile Festival FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, June 11, 6-9pm WHERE: Fifth Avenue, between 82nd and 110th streets, Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: See special exhibitions and works from permanent collections, plus live music and art-making workshops. WHY WE LOVE IT: Some of the participating museums include El Museo del Barrio, Museum of the City of New York, and the Met. WANT TO GO? 212-606-2296. museummilefestival.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. Teen Fitness Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 8, 11am-1pm WHERE: Highbridge Recreation Center, 2301 Amsterdam Ave., Washington Heights AGES: 13-17 WHAT: This day of fitness includes stretching, step aerobics, medicine ball exercises, and an all-core workout. WANT TO GO? nyc.gov/parks.

Frieze at Rockefeller Center FREE

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

Art Force 5 FREE

Eggrolls, Egg Creams and Empanadas Festival FREE

WHEN: Sunday, June 16, 12-4pm WHERE: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., Lower East Side AGES: All WHAT: This festival celebrates the folk life of Eastern European Jewish, Chinese, and Puerto Rican communities through music, dance, crafts, ritual practices, and creative expressions. WHY WE LOVE IT: Have fun with al fresco Mah-jongg games, Jewish scribal arts, Puerto Rican lace making, and Chinese tea ceremonies. WANT TO GO? 212-219-0302. eldridgestreet.org.

Waterfront Festival FREE

WHEN: Sunday, June 23, 12-4pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy games, nature crafts, music, and a live performance by Arm-of-the-Sea Theater. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will have a blast learning science and playing with bubbles with Bubbledad! WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org/events/waterfront-festival.

WHEN: Through Aug. 4: Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Governors Island, ferries leave from 10 South St., Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Superheroes-in-training can make an action figure and customized cape. WANT TO GO? 212-440-2200. govisland.com.

Citi Summer in the Square FREE

WHEN: June 13-Aug. 8, Thursdays, see website for times (no programming July 4) WHERE: Union Square Park, Fourth Avenue and East 14 Street, Union Square AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy kid-friendly activities, music performances, and fitness for kids. WANT TO GO? 212-329-1408.

Hester Street Fair FREE

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

Drums Along the Hudson FREE

WHEN: Sunday, June 23, 11am-6pm WHERE: Inwood Hill Park, Isham Street and Seaman Avenue, Inwood AGES: All WHAT: An open-air powwow with the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers. WHY WE LOVE IT: Activities also include Native American crafts, storytelling, international cuisine, and a World Market Tent. WANT TO GO? 212-628-2345. nycgovparks.org.

BigAppleParent 29

CRAFTY KIDS Arts, Culture & Fun FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 7, 10-11:30am WHERE: Tony Dapolito Recreation Center, 3 Clarkson St., Greenwich Village AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Get creative with teaching artist Max Cohen and play in the indoor gym and playground. WANT TO GO? 212-242-5228. nycgovparks.org.

Folding Fun at MoMath with OrigamiUSA

WHEN: Saturday, June 8, 11am-1pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Nomad AGES: All WHAT: An origami expert will teach paper folding. WANT TO GO? $17; $14 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-542-0566. momath.org/upcoming-events.

ANIMAL LOVERS Meet the Scientist: Dagmawit Getahun FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 1, 2:15pm, 3pm, and 3:45pm WHERE: The American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Study how the evolution of monkeys might lead to insights about our own evolution. WANT TO GO? 212-769-5100. amnh.org.

Jackson Galaxy’s Cat Camp

WHEN: June 1-2, Saturday, 10am-7pm; Sunday, 9:30am-6pm WHERE: The Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St., Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: A weekend of education, feline fun, and special guests. WANT TO GO? $25; $15 for children ages 6-15; free for children younger than 6. 201-317-8003. catcampnyc.com.

Meet the Fishes FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, June 4, 4-7pm WHERE: Hudson River Park Pier 40, 92 Hudson River Greenway, Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: See fish, crabs, snails, and enjoy games, a raffle, and refreshments. WANT TO GO? 212-757-0981. hudsonriverpark.org.

Ocean Cube

WHEN: June 8-Aug. 18, 10am-8pm WHERE: 60 Grand St., Soho AGES: All WHAT: Ocean Cube is an immersive pop-up exhibit of a futuristic, undersea world. WANT TO GO? $24; $18 advance; $18 students; $14 children ages 2-21; free for children younger than 2. 646-480-4849. oceancubenyc.com.

Urban Farm Exploration Days FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 19: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: All WHAT: Explore crops, rice paddies, and fragrant herbs, and meet chickens! WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org. 30

June 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Let’s Explore Nautical Flags FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 14, 4pm WHERE: New York Public Library, Countee Cullen branch, 104 W. 136th St., Harlem AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn how to spell out your name in nautical flag code. WANT TO GO? 212-491-2070. nypl.org/locations/countee-cullen.

See and Sketch a Skyscraper

WHEN: Saturday, June 15, 10:30-11:45am WHERE: Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, Battery Park City AGES: 5-17 WHAT: After touring the museum, kids will grab art supplies and draw what they see! WANT TO GO? $5 per child. skyscraper.org.

Wildflower Walk and Plant Pressing Demo FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 22, 11am-12pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park, Touchdown 103rd Street Footbridge, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Tour the wildflower meadow and learn to make a simple plant press. WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org.

Banksy Art Class

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

Family Sundays: Celebratory Cups FREE

WHEN: June 2-30, Sundays, 1-4pm WHERE: Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17th St., Flatiron AGES: 3 and older WHAT: A project inspired by the drinking cups from 8th-century Tibet. WANT TO GO? 212-620-5000. rubinmuseum.org.

Art on the Farm FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 20: Saturday-Sunday, 2-4pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: All WHAT: Join for art projects inspired by the farm. WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org.

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Saturday Sketching

WHEN: Through Dec. 28: Saturdays, 10am-4pm WHERE: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Art materials are available for exploration of architectural shapes and spaces. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 students and seniors; free for children younger than 12. 212-423-3500. guggenheim.org.

Open Studio

WHEN: Through Dec. 29: Saturday-Sunday, 10:30am-3pm WHERE: Whitney Museum of American Art, 99 Gansevoort St., Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: Make your own art inspired by works on view. WANT TO GO? $25; $18 seniors and students; free for children younger than 18. 212-570-7713. whitney.org/events/families-open-studio.

Open Studio for Families

WHEN: Through Dec. 29: Sundays, 1-4pm (no session July 7) WHERE: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Enjoy a drop-in studio art-making program. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 students and seniors; free for children younger than 12. 212-423-3500. guggenheim.org.

MINI

MUSICIANS Very Young People’s Concerts: ‘Treble and Bass’

WHEN: June 2-3, Sunday, 12:30pm and 3:00pm; Monday, 10:30am WHERE: Merkin Concert Hall, 127 W. 67th St., Upper West Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Join Philippe the Penguin and musicians of the New York Philharmonic! WANT TO GO? $26-$31. 212-501-3330. kaufmanmusiccenter.org.

New York Scandia Symphony Presents: As Fit as a Troll FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 8, 2-3pm WHERE: Fort Tryon Park, Anne Loftus Playground, 741 Fort Washington Ave., Fort Washington AGES: All WHAT: Participate in exercises and try out musical instruments. WANT TO GO? 212-795-1600. whidc.org.

nymetroparents.com/register ››

CELEBRATE PRIDE Annual LGBTQ Pride Night FREE

WHEN: Thursday, June 6, 5:30-7:30pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate LGBTQ+ families with stories, crafts, movement, and story time. WANT TO GO? 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Rainbow Collage FREE

WHEN: Thursday, June 6, 3:30-5pm WHERE: New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, 476 Fifth Ave., Midtown AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Celebrate #Stonewall50 and Pride by creating a rainbow collage. WANT TO GO? 917-275-6975. nypl.org/locations/schwarzman.

New York City Opera: Pride Concert FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, June 12, 6-7pm WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: A diverse program of opera and musical theater, including a sneak peek of Stonewall. WANT TO GO? 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.

Pride Family Fun Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 15, 3-6pm WHERE: 14th Street Y, 344 E. 14th St., East Village AGES: All WHAT: Activities include face painting, arts and crafts, and a youth Pride march in the building. WANT TO GO? Suggested donation of $10 for adults. 212-780-0800. 14streety.org.

Heritage of Pride Family Movie Night FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 21, 6:30pm WHERE: Hudson River Park, Pier 45, Hudson River Greenway, Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy Disney and Pixar’s Coco. WANT TO GO? 212-627-2020. hudsonriverpark.org.

3rd Annual LGBTQ Teen Summit

WHEN: Wednesday, June 12, 8pm WHERE: Central Park, The Great Lawn and 85th Street, Central Park AGES: All WHAT: Hear the best classical music under the stars. WANT TO GO? 212-875-5656. nycgovparks.org.

WHEN: Thursday, June 27, 9am-3pm WHERE: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., East Harlem AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and history and commemorate the 50th anniversary of Stonewall. WANT TO GO? $18; free for anyone younger than 20. 212-534-1672. mcny.org.

Summer Garden Concerts

Kidding Around Pride Picnic FREE

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks FREE

WHEN: June 4-25, select Tuesdays, 6pm WHERE: Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden, 421 E. 61st St., Midtown East AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy music, the garden, and the evening sky. WANT TO GO? $15; $5 children younger than 13; free for babies younger than 1. 212-838-6878. mvhm.org.

WHEN: Saturday, June 29, 10am-1pm WHERE: The High Line, West 14th Street and 10th Avenue, Meatpacking District AGES: All WHAT: A celebration of LGBTQ+ families with carnival-style games, face painting, and a musical performance. WANT TO GO? 212-500-6035. thehighline.org. ›› BigAppleParent 31

‘Bout a Bout’

WHEN: Through June 9: Fridays, 4pm; Saturdays, Sundays, and select Thursdays, 10am, 1pm, 4pm WHERE: The Duke on 42nd Street, 229 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 3-5 WHAT: An piece of rope transforms into a hero who goes on an adventure. WANT TO GO? $20. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.

‘Rumpelstiltskin’

SHOW TIME! Ballet Academy East 20th Annual Spring Performance Series

WHEN: Through June 2: Saturday, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, 68th Street between Park and Lexington, Upper East Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: The program features Sleeping Beauty, Aurora’s Wedding, and some world premieres. WANT TO GO? $40-65. 212-772-4448. balletacademyeast.com.

‘Addy & Uno’

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

‘The Frog Prince’

WHEN: Through June 2: Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater, 74 Warren St., Tribeca AGES: All WHAT: A princess loses a gift from her father. In order to get it back, she must keep three promises to a frog. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaterny.com.

CityParks Foundation PuppetMobile: ‘Bessie’s Big Shot’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 8, 1-1:45pm WHERE: Bennett Park, Fort Washington Avenue and West 183 Street, Washington Heights AGES: All WHAT: Bessie attempts the impossible and searches for her special talents. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

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

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

‘Pulsar’

WHEN: June 4-9, daily, 10:30am and 12pm WHERE: Clark Studio Theater, 165 W. 65th St., 7th Floor, Upper West Side AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: This show invites little ones to explore their emergent creativity. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-546-2656. kids.lincolncenter.org.

June 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: June 8-16, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater, 74 Warren St., Tribeca AGES: All WHAT: See the fairytale come to life on stage! WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaterny.com.

Rooftop-a-Palooza With Joanie Leeds

WHEN: Thursday, June 20, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Sing and dance with Joanie Leeds! WANT TO GO? $18; $15 members advance tickets; $20 day of; free for children younger than 1. 646-505-5708. jccmanhattan.org.

Women in Theatre Festival 2019: ‘Sleeping Beauty’

WHEN: June 22-30, Saturday-Sunday, 12pm and 3pm (no 3pm show June 30) WHERE: Gural Theatre at the A.R.T./New York Theatres, 502 W. 53rd St., Hell’s Kitchen AGES: All WHAT: This take features a prince who prefers baking and a princess who likes fighting with swords. WANT TO GO? $20. art-newyork.org.

‘The Little Mermaid’

WHEN: June 22-July 7, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater, 74 Warren St., Tribeca AGES: All WHAT: See this story come to life on stage. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaterny.com.

Hudson RiverKids FREE

WHEN: June 3-Sept. 19, select Mondays and select Thursdays, 4-4:45pm WHERE: Hudson River Park, Piers 25 and 62, Tribeca AGES: All WHAT: Expect a multitude of interactive programs and performances including The Pop Ups, Suzi Shelton, and Bilingual Birdies. WANT TO GO? 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

City Parks Foundation Presents ‘Puss In Boots’

WHEN: Through Sept. 22: see website for schedule WHERE: Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park, West 81st Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: The tale of two friends who are tired of their penniless lifestyle. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 children younger than 12; free for children younger than 18 months. 212-988-9093. cityparksfoundation.org.

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

WHEN: June 29-Jan. 11, 2020, see website for schedule WHERE: Harlem Rep/Tato Laviera Theatre, 240 E. 123rd St., Harlem AGES: All WHAT: With its timeless score, this show is a magical experience. WANT TO GO? $10 general admission; $20 premium seating. 212-868-4444. wizardofozjazzmusical.com.

HOLIDAY FUN

SPECIAL NEEDS

Father-Daughter Dance Night FREE

Morning at the Museum FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, June 5, 6:30-8:30pm WHERE: Recreation Center 54, 348 E. 54 St., Midtown AGES: 3 and older WHAT: A father-daughter dance, plus poetry performances and refreshments. WANT TO GO? 212-754-5411. nycgovparks.org.

Flag Day Parade, Celebration, and Open House FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 14, 12-5pm WHERE: City Hall Park, Park Row and Chambers Street, Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Hundreds of participants march from City Hall to concluding festivities in front of Fraunces Tavern. WANT TO GO? 212-639-9675. nycgovparks.org.

Father’s Day Game Night FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 14, 5:30-7pm WHERE: J. Hood Wright Recreation Center, 351 Fort Washington Ave., Washington Heights AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Enjoy board games, billiards, and ping pong. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org/parks/j-hood-wright-park.

Living History: Juneteenth

WHEN: Saturday, June 15, 11am-4pm WHERE: DiMenna Children’s History Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Discover the origins of this emancipation day by meeting re-enactors. WANT TO GO? $21; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 5. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.

WHEN: Saturday, June 1, 9-10:30am WHERE: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2 E. 91 St., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: This program provides individuals with cognitive and sensory processing disabilities with early entrance, pre-visit materials, a gallery scavenger hunt, design activities, and a “take a break” space. WANT TO GO? 212-849-8400. cooperhewitt.org.

YAI’s Central Park Challenge

WHEN: Saturday, June 1, 8am WHERE: Naumburg Bandshell, Terrace Drive near West 72rd Street, Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Race or walk to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, followed by family fun and entertainment. WANT TO GO? $40 to race. 212-273-6100. centralparkchallenge.org.

Cerebral Palsy Soccer FREE

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

Celebrate Father’s Day

WHEN: June 15-16, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate dads with stories, crafts, and painting! WANT TO GO? $14; $11 seniors; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

The Amazing Father’s Day Scavenger Hunt

WHEN: Sunday, June 16, 2-5pm (1:30pm registration) WHERE: Slattery’s Midtown Pub, 8 E. 36th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Clues lead you around the NYC to perform physical and mental challenges. WANT TO GO? $25 per person. 718-344-8962. slatterysmidtownpub.com.

Kids Party Entertainment

Montessori International Summer Day Camp 347 East 55th Street • Swimming • STEM • Yoga • Arts & Crafts • Field Trips • Dance • Ice Skating • Hands-On Science • Drama • Academic Tutoring • SSAT/ISEE/ERB Exam Prep

Face Painting, Cotton Candy, Balloon Animals, Magic, Games & Dancing NYC Birthday Clowns • (646) 961-4808 NYCBirthdayClowns@gmail.com • www.NYCBirthdayClowns.com

Ages 2 to 14 “Wisdom through Knowledge”

212-223-4630 montessorinyc@aol.com www.montessorischoolny.com

BigAppleParent 33

Le Carrousel Magique FREE

WHEN: June 9-Aug. 4, daily, 2-3pm WHERE: Bryant Park Carousel, 35 W. 40th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Magicians perform fun-filled tricks. WANT TO GO? 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.

Family Yoga FREE

MOVERS & SHAKERS 15th Annual Hike the Heights FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 1, 11am-3pm WHERE: Highbridge Park, Sunken Playground, West 167th Street and Edgecombe Avenue, Washington Heights AGES: All WHAT: Explore and celebrate the area’s natural treasures. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

National Learn to Row Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 1, 10am-2pm WHERE: Peter Jay Sharp Boathouse, 3579 Harlem River Drive, Inwood AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Learn the basics of a new sport. WANT TO GO? 718-433-3075. rownewyork.org.

Watson Adventures: Grand Central Scramble Scavenger Hunt for Families WHEN: Saturday, June 8, 10:30am-1pm WHERE: Grand Central Terminal, 100 E. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn the secrets of this train station through a family scavenger hunt. WANT TO GO? $21.50; $17.50 children ages 7-17. 877-946-4868. grandcentralterminal.com/events.

Adventures NYC FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 15, 11am-4pm WHERE: Central Park Bandshell, 72nd Street Crosswalk, Upper West Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Get ready to paddle, climb, race, and glide! WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

Watson Adventures: Hamilton: The Family Scavenger Hunt

WHEN: Through Aug. 30: Wednesdays, 5:30-6:15pm WHERE: Inwood Hill Park, Isham Street and Seaman Avenue, Inwood AGES: All WHAT: Learn yoga poses, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques. WANT TO GO? 212-628-2345. nycgovparks.org.

Yoga in the Park FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 19: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: All WHAT: Stretch, breathe, and find inner peace. WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org.

Parent and Me Yoga FREE

WHEN: June 1-Sept. 28, Saturdays, 9-9:45am WHERE: Fort Tryon Park, Abby’s Lawn, Broadway, between Dongan Place and Bennet Avenue, Upper Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy yoga with a certified children’s instructor. WANT TO GO? 212-795-1388. nycgovparks.org.

DANCE PARTY Duality: Anti-Prom 2019 FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 7, 6:30-9:30pm WHERE: New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, 476 Fifth Ave., Midtown AGES: 13-17 WHAT: An alternative, safe space regardless of your sexuality, gender identity, or any other reason. WANT TO GO? 917-275-6975. nypl.org/locations/schwarzman.

Harkness Dance Center Annual Children’s Dance Concert

WHEN: June 6-8, Thursday and Sunday, 6pm; Saturday, 1pm WHERE: 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: These concerts culminate the year of dedicated dance study. WANT TO GO? $10 and up. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.

WHEN: Saturday, June 22, 11am-1:30pm WHERE: Watson Adventures Meet-Up Location, Wall Street, Lower Manhattan AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Follow in Alexander Hamilton’s footsteps to discover the places where he worked, played, debated, fought, and planned his fatal duel. WANT TO GO? $21.50; $17.50 children ages 7-17. 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com.

Ballet Tech Kids Dance

Track & Field FREE

WHEN: June 13-22, see website for schedule WHERE: Various Dance Studios, 37 W. 46th St., 2nd Floor, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Ten days of free dance, fitness, and wellness classes at various studios. WANT TO GO? nycdanceweek.org.

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

June 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: June 6-9, Thursday-Sunday, 7pm; additional 2pm show on Saturday and Sunday WHERE: The Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Ave., Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: Young city dancers put on a show featuring new and old ballets. WANT TO GO? $10 and up. 212-242-0800. joyce.org.

NYC Dance Week FREE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS It’s My Park Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 1, 10am-1pm WHERE: Union Square Park, 14th Street and Union Square West, Union Square AGES: All WHAT: Learn about sustainability, nature, and gardening. WANT TO GO? 212-329-1408. animalalliancenyc.org.

Central Park Discovery Walk for Families: Harlem Meer FREE WHEN: Sunday, June 9, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Fifth Avenue between 104th and 105th streets, Harlem AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn about how the Harlem Meer has changed over time. WANT TO GO? 212-310-6600. centralparknyc.org.

Ladybug Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 15, 11am-12pm WHERE: Washington Market Park, Greenwich and Chambers streets, Tribeca AGES: All WHAT: Release ladybugs and keep the plants green! WANT TO GO? washingtonmarketpark.org.

Family Camping FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 7, 7pm to Saturday, June 8, 7am and Saturday, June 22, 6pm to Sunday, June 23, 7am WHERE: Inwood Hill Park, Isham Street and Seaman Avenue, Inwood AGES: All WHAT: Camp overnight in Manhattan’s last remaining natural forest. WANT TO GO? 212-628-2345. nycgovparks.org.

Science Saturday at Pier 84 FREE

WHEN: June 1-Aug. 10, select Saturdays, 12-4pm WHERE: Hudson River Park, Pier 84, Twelfth Avenue and West 44th Street, Hell’s Kitchen AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy catch-and-release fishing, river-inspired crafts, and more. WANT TO GO? 773-577-8763. hope.abta.org/nyc2015.

Summer on the Hudson: Stargazing FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 1, 8-11pm WHERE: Pier I, Riverside Park South, Riverside Drive between 65th and 72nd streets, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Expert stargazers help us see stars and planets. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

Hudson River Nature Walk FREE

WHEN: June 2-Sept. 22, Sundays, 9-10am WHERE: Hudson River Park, Pier 45, Hudson River Greenway, Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: Each nature walk offers a treasure hunt-like experience. WANT TO GO? hudsonriverpark.org.

Summer on the Hudson: Sun Gaze FREE

WHEN: Sunday, June 30, 1-4pm WHERE: Pier I, Riverside Park South, Riverside Drive between 65th and 72nd streets, Upper West Side AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Use solar telescopes to safely look at the sun. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

ON SCREEN

Movies Under the Stars: ‘Kung Fu Panda’ FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 7, 8-10:30pm WHERE: Columbus Park, Baxter and Mulberry streets, Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: The Dragon Warrior has to clash against Tai Lung as China’s fate hangs in the balance. WANT TO GO? 212-408-0243. nycgovparks.org.

Movies Under the Stars: ‘A Dog’s Way Home’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 15, 8-10:30pm WHERE: Playground 89, West 89th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: A puppy finds herslef on a 400-mile journey to reunite with her owner. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

Movies Under the Stars: ‘The Little Mermaid’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 15, 8-10:30pm WHERE: White Playground, East 105 Street and Lexington Avenue, East Harlem AGES: All WHAT: A reporter and his niece discover a what they believe to be a real mermaid. WANT TO GO? 212-360-1430. nycgovparks.org/parks/white-playground.

Third Annual Force Family Fun Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 29, 12-4pm WHERE: Chelsea Recreation Center, 430 W. 25th St., Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a movie, face painting, and a class to become a Jedi. WANT TO GO? 212-255-3705. nycgovparks.org.

KINDNESS CRUSADERS The 2019 Cheryl Diamond NYC 5K Schlep

WHEN: Sunday, June 2, 9am WHERE: Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park, 20 Battery Place, Financial District AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Come together to raise the hopes of those battling breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer. WANT TO GO? up to $36. 212-279-2522. 5kschlep.org.

Adoptive Family Playgroup: Ages 0 to 6

WHEN: Sunday, June 9, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Spence-Chapin Services to Children & Families, 410 E. 92nd St., 3rd Floor, Upper East Side AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Join for a playgroup with food, and an opportunity to connect with other adoptive families. WANT TO GO? $40 per family. 646-539-2167. spence-chapin.org.

Step Ahead 5K Run/Walk

WHEN: Saturday, June 15, 10am-1pm WHERE: Riverside Park, 103rd Street and Riverside Drive, Bloomingdale AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy fitness demos, vendors, music, food, family-friendly activities, and prizes to raise awareness and funding for CollegeBound Initiative. WANT TO GO? $5-$45. 646-677-8333. classy.org. ›› BigAppleParent 35

Multicultural Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 8, 11am-7pm WHERE: Jackie Robinson Park, 89 Bradhurst Avenue and West 146th Street, Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the traditions that contribute to the culture of NYC. WANT TO GO? 646-250-1178. multiculturalfestival.nyc.

The IDEAL School of Manhattan Block Party FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 8, 12-4pm WHERE: The IDEAL School of Manhattan, 314 W. 91st St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy performances by students, games, inflatables, food, and more. WANT TO GO? 212-769-1699. theidealschool.org.

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS P.S. 125 Spring Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 1, 12-4pm WHERE: P.S. 125 The Ralph Bunche School, 425 W. 123rd St., Morningside Heights AGES: All WHAT: Have fun with a bouncy castle and slide, touch-a-truck, Harlem Grown, face painting, arts and crafts, music and entertainment, and food! WANT TO GO? 212-666-6400. ps125pa.org.

BookCon

WHEN: June 1-2, Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Jacob Javits Center, 655 W. 34th St., Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: Interact with authors, publishers, celebrities, and creators of content. WANT TO GO? Saturday: $35 advance; $45 at door. Sunday: $30 advance; $40 at door. Saturday-Sunday: $10 kids ages 6-12; free for children younger than 6. 212-216-2000. bookcon.com.

Ethiopian Cultural Festival FREE

Puerto Rican Day Parade FREE

WHEN: Sunday, June 9, 11am WHERE: Fifth Avenue, between West 44th and East 79th streets, Midtown/Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Party at the largest demonstration of cultural pride in the nation. WANT TO GO? 718-231-4400.

Family Field and Game Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 15, 11am-3pm WHERE: Asser Levy Recreation Center, 392 Asser Levy Place, Kips Bay AGES: All WHAT: A day full of sports, obstacle courses, and water activities. WANT TO GO? 212-447-2023. nycgovparks.org.

NYC Kids Fest FREE

WHEN: June 15-16, Saturday-Sunday, 2-7pm WHERE: Morningside Park, Morningside Avenue and West 114th Street, Morningside Heights AGES: All WHAT: A festival full of entertainment, face painting, and art activities. WANT TO GO? 646-839-6486. nycgovparks.org/parks/morningside-park.

WHEN: Sunday, June 2, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Soho AGES: All WHAT: A festival featuring books by Ethiopian authors, traditional clothing and Eskista dance, music workshops, and a traditional coffee ceremony. WANT TO GO? $13. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Taste of Jewish Culture Street Festival FREE

Celebrate Israel Parade FREE

Family Midsummer Celebration

4th Annual Ri Ra Children’s Festival of Literature

Make Music Day FREE

WHEN: Sunday, June 2, 11am-4pm WHERE: Fifth Avenue, from 57th to 74th streets, Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Featuring floats, musical performers, marching bands, and marchers. WANT TO GO? 212-843-9223. celebrateisraelny.org. WHEN: Sunday, June 2, 12pm WHERE: Irish Arts Center, 553 W. 51st St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate work from contemporary Irish and New York-based children’s authors and illustrators. WANT TO GO? $5. 212-757-3318. irishartscenter.org/kids.

Family Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 8, 12-3pm WHERE: John Jay Park, East 78th Street and FDR Drive, Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Join for crafts, games, inflatables, face painting, and more! WANT TO GO? 646-354-9147. thebookblossoms.com. 36

June 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, June 16, 11am-6pm WHERE: Sixth Avenue, between 48th and 49th streets, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy food, music, dance, and family-friendly activities. WANT TO GO? 212-889-6800. circle.org. WHEN: Thursday, June 20, 5:30pm WHERE: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave., Murray Hill AGES: All WHAT: Make flower wreathes, learn songs, and decorate the maypole. WANT TO GO? $10. 212-779-3587. scandinaviahouse.org. WHEN: Friday, June 21, 10am-11:30pm WHERE: Various locations, see website for details, New York City AGES: All WHAT: Free outdoor concerts, music lessons, and jam sessions. WANT TO GO? 212-843-9342. makemusicny.org.

Summer Family Fair

WHEN: Sunday, June 23, 2-4:30pm WHERE: The Morgan Library & Museum, 225 Madison Ave., Midtown AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Interact with a poetry wall, and visit three different craft stations. WANT TO GO? $22; $14 senior; $13 students; free for children younger than 13. 212-685-0008. themorgan.org.

NYMetroParents s d i K r e v o C

t s e t n Co 10 FINALISTS WILL BE ON OUR COVERS! 2 Easy Steps to Enter: 1. Go to nymetroparents.com/covercontest or facebook.com/nymetroparents 2. Upload your favorite photo (.jpg or .png) of your child (ages 2-16)

Prizes for Winners â&#x2DC;&#x2026; Family Vacation at Great Wolf Lodge â&#x2DC;&#x2026; Barbizon Scholarship &

Photo Shoot

Contest runs 5/20/19 - 6/12/19

Promotional Partners:

For a complete list of rules: nymetroparents.com/covercontestrules BigAppleParent 37

92Y Camps 92y.org

Apple Seeds appleseedsplay.com Asphalt Green Day Camp asphaltgreen.org

Ballet Academy East balletacademyeast.com

BlueStamp Engineering bluestampengineering.com

8 8

Breakaway Hoops breakawayhoops.com

Bricks 4 Kidz NYC bricks4kidz.com/450

Broadway Dance Center Children & Teens broadwaydancecenter.com

Dance

8 8

Calhoun Summer Camps calhoun.org

8 8

BOLD Arts bold-arts.com

Camp Henry at Henry Street Settlement henrystreet.org

8 8

Arts & Crafts

Special Needs

Atlantic Acting School atlanticactingschool.org

Camp Kids ‘N Comedy kidsncomedy.com

8 8

CAMP/pixel pixelacademy.org

Camp Settoga campsettoga.org

Chelsea Piers Summer Sports Camps chelseapiers.com

Children’s Museum of the Arts cmany.org

8 8

Collina Italiana collinaitaliana.com

China Institute chinainstitute.org

Music

Academic Enrichment

Day Trips

Swimming

Sports

Theater

STEAM/Robotics

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Half-Day

Flexible Scheduling

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Lunch

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SERVICES:

Downtown Day Camp downtowndaycamp.com

Dwight Summer Camp dwightsummercamp.org

Future Stars Summer Camps fscamps.com

Harbor Haven Day Camp harborhaven.com

June 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Imagine Works Youth Theatre imagineworksonline.com

Launch Math & Science Centers launchmath.com

8 8

Martial Arts Family martialartsfamilystudio.com

Dance

Arts & Crafts

Special Needs

Music

Academic Enrichment

Day Trips

Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden mvhm.org

8 8

New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts nycda.edu

8 8

Play On! Studios playonstudios.com

Summer Camp @Ross summercamp.ross.org

8 8

Tabor Summer Camp taborsummer.org

8 8

USC Gymnastics & Baseball Training Facility uscgymnasticsandbaseball.com

Portfolio School portfolioschool.org

Sprout Creek Farm sproutcreekfarm.org

Pusteblume International Preschool pusteblumenyc.org

8 8

MWS Student Camps mwscamps.com

Montessori International Summer Camp montessorischoolny.com

8 8

Wildlife Conservation Society wcs.org/parks/camps YMCA Summer Camps ymcanyc.org

Swimming

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Modeling Camp modelingcamp.com

8 8

MakerState STEM Summer Camps maker-state.com

The Whale Camp whalecamp.com

Kate Tempesta ktuga.com

SPORTIME Summer Camps sportimecamps.com

Jodiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gym jodisgym.com

Oasis Day Camps oasischildren.com

Sports

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum intrepid.org

Les Elfes International leselfes.com

Theater

STEAM/Robotics

PROGRAMS:

Half-Day

Flexible Scheduling

Extended Hours

Lunch

Transportation

Camp Guide

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8 8

8 BigAppleParent 39

family life finance

Why You Need an Emergency Fund ›› Also known as a rainy-day fund, the money in this savings account will tide you over in case you lose your income or have a major expense come up. By Niko Vercelletto

hink about this: If your family had an emergency that required a large amount of money—unexpected car repairs, job loss, or a major medical expense—would you have enough cash on hand to pay it? If you’re like most Americans, you would probably have a difficult time coming up with the money without selling something or taking out a loan. More than half of all Americans have less than $1,000 saved, according to a 2017 GoBankingRates survey. Even scarier, 39 percent have no savings at all. With the average household spending $60,000 in 2017, many aren’t even saving enough for weekly grocery bills, let alone car repairs and doctors’ visits. What’s causing this inability to save? There are many reasons, but the three biggest are high-cost of living, low salaries, and high debt balances. With a bachelor’s degree from a private university costing an average of $43,000 per year and the average adult racking up almost $7,000 in credit-card debt, it’s no wonder many aren’t saving. Even if there were no barriers to saving, banks aren’t exactly enticing customers to deposit money. The average interest rate on a savings account is a measly 0.10 percent (for every $1,000 you put in, you receive $1 per year), with many of the major banks offering even less. Yet despite the negativity surrounding savings rates and accounts in America, creating an emergency fund is one of the most important things you can do for financial stability and peace of mind. One of the biggest reasons you want this fund is in case of job loss. The latter half of 2018 saw 1.8 million people either laid off or discharged per month, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There is no way to know if, and when, a major change will occur, but an emergency fund can soften the blow. “Life happens,” says Todd Christensen, education manager at MoneyFit, a nonprofit based on Long Island that helps with debt and credit counseling. “[Things will go wrong] whether you are saving or not. Having an emergency fund just makes it less stressful.”

Choose an Emergency Fund Account

First, you need a place to save your money. The most important rule in choosing an account to deposit your funds is to make sure it’s easily accessible. This means do not invest your emergency fund into stocks, bonds, IRAs, or 401Ks; you don’t want to be cashing in bonds to pay for a trip to the emergency room. The most common choices are Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)-insured savings or checking accounts or a

combination of both. This means that if your bank goes out of business or loses your money, you are protected against that loss. Banks are not mandated to be FDIC-insured, but it’s become a point of competition among many. Another thing to consider is interest. Despite the aforementioned terrible rates, not all accounts are created equal; there are banks that offer upwards of 2 percent. Lastly, look for accounts that have no or low minimum balances, as well as ones that do not have annual or monthly fees. Some banks charge you simply for the privilege of opening a savings account.

How Much Should Be in My Emergency Fund?

The short answer, and general rule of thumb, is six months’ worth of expenses. The long answer? It depends on a number of factors, including how much debt you have and the stability of your income. A larger emergency fund (nine to 12 months) may be warranted if your income is variable or uncertain. However, no matter what your goal, you want to commit. “Too many parents are worried that they won’t be able to save the ten to fifteen percent of their income many experts recommend, so they do not even start,” Christensen says. “Initially, committing to save something (even five dollars) is more important than the amount you are saving.” The foundation of financial well-being is knowing what you’re spending your money on. If you don’t know how much you spend per month, you’ll need to create a budget and reduce expenses. Michele Lee Fine, president of Cornerstone Wealth Advisory in Manhattan and a financial representative with Guardian Life Insurance in Jericho, has tips for cutting expenses. “[First], examine current bills. See where the money is going and think of cutting out extras and finding cheaper alternatives. [Next], pay with cash. There’s something about the tactile quality of cash that makes it hard to part with. [Finally], adjust your habits. All of us have habits that we fall into that can be revised and made more financially healthy,” she says. If you have debts with interest rates higher than 10 percent, you should “focus the bulk of your discretionary cash on paying down your debts,” Christensen advises. “But still contribute something— even five or twenty-five dollars a month.” Figuring how to create an emergency fund can be scary; after all, the word “emergency” is in the name. However, the benefits of having one—financial, emotional, mental—all outweigh the slight headache that comes with budgeting and saving.

Niko Vercelletto is a New York native. His work can be found in publications such as Popular Mechanics, Realtor.com, NYMetroParents, and CityGuideNY.

June 2019 | nymetroparents.com

family life real estate

Time to Sell?

››

Experts share the top 9 things you should do in your home if you’re getting ready to put it on the market. By Lambeth Hochwald

If you’re getting ready to sell your house, experts suggest boosting the curb appeal by cleaning up the yard and making sure planters are full of flowering plants.

elling your home is stressful. In addition to loads of paperwork and prepping your kids for a new neighborhood, you have to present your house in its best light. This is where the experts come in—to help prioritize fix-ups and offer staging tips to make your home as attractive as possible to potential buyers.

a licensed real estate salesperson with the Friedman team at Compass in NYC. “In addition, if you’ve painted rooms a certain color that feels tired, repaint in nice, light, neutral colors. You can’t go wrong with white.”

Do a walk through—with a critical eye.

You may have ignored certain flaws in your home, but a potential buyer won’t be pleased with the cracked paint or drippy faucet. Now’s the time to make a room-to-room punch list of what needs to be fixed before the first open house, says Ted Karagannis, a real estate broker at Warburg Realty in New York City.

“I buy a fresh set of white towels and bathmats from Target and I don’t wash them so they remain fresh looking,” says Katy Winter, a professional organizer and founder of Katy’s Organized Home in Chappaqua, who adds that it’s super important for your home to smell good during walk-throughs. She recommends lighting scented candles or baking some chocolate chip cookies.

Clean from ceiling to floor.

Declutter and streamline décor.

“Use this as an opportunity to dust off that chandelier or ceiling fan you’ve neglected for years,” advises Shawn Wilson, a real estate broker at Compass Real Estate in NYC. “Wash the walls and baseboards. Clean the kitchen, especially the stove and refrigerator, to make the place look as turn-key as possible.”

Make easy DIY upgrades.

“Doing things like changing knobs on cabinets and closets can be a powerful way to create contrast and heighten a space,” says Nicolas Paredes, a broker at Warburg. “I like to stick with simple, organic color palettes like brushed nickel or ceramic knobs.”

Avoid doing major projects.

Undertaking major overhauls is not advisable, says Alison Bernstein, founder and president of Suburban Jungle, a real estate and lifestyle advisory firm dedicated to helping young families leave urban homes for suburban ones. “You are better off taking a discount rather than investing in additional construction or renovation costs as your tastes may very well be different than those of the potential buyers.”

Remove the outdated.

Get rid of window treatments, light fixtures, and any oversized furniture that isn’t retro in a cool way, says Lewis Friedman,

Draw inspiration from hotels.

“Buyers want to feel like the house is move-in ready, and this is especially important when it comes to kitchen and bathroom counters that shouldn’t be stacked with items that will look messy and disorganized,” Winter says. “Also, always keep bookshelves as simple and accessory-free as possible. Try to stay with the same color story—either display whites and neutrals or blues and grays.”

Refresh your outdoor space.

Outdoor space is the first impression of your home. Make sure your lawn looks shipshape and your planters are full of flowering plants. “You’ll want to take a close look at your front door, too, and make sure it’s painted in a fresh, inviting color,” Winter says. “And always put away outdoor clutter, whether that’s a bunch of scooters and bikes or grungy garbage cans.”

Focus on the light.

“Floor lamps or torchieres are a great way to shoot light up at the ceiling and then reflect it back down again,” says Steven Gottlieb, a broker at Warburg. “Those lights will enhance your walls, so make sure that every single wall is bright and clean. A fresh coat of paint will not only eliminate possible cracks from an older paint job, but lighter colors reflect the light and make rooms seem bigger, cleaner, and brighter.”

Lambeth Hochwald is a New York City-based journalist covering trends, relationships, and life in New York City.

BigAppleParent 41

raising kids baby

My Baby Hates Tummy Time! ›› All of your questions about this activity for infants are answered. By Emma Steven

f your baby hates tummy time, you’re not alone. We talked to the experts to find out why pediatricians recommend it, and the answers to the most-common tummy time questions.

What is tummy time? It’s the activity of placing your newborn baby on its stomach when he’s awake and supervised, according to the American Academy of Pediatricians. The AAP views this time as important as putting your baby on her back to sleep. Who should do it? All infants, unless instructed by a pediatrician, should be doing some form of tummy time as soon as they get home from the hospital, says Catherine Workman, M.D., developmental pediatrician at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone in Manhattan. “It doesn’t have to be a long amount of time at once, particularly at the beginning,” she says. “Start with just three to five minutes at a time and work up.” Isn’t putting an infant on his tummy dangerous? It’s complicated. In 1992, the AAP launched its Back to Sleep campaign, announcing what many pediatricians had believed for years: Putting a baby to sleep on his stomach was dangerous. The AAP recommended all babies sleep on their backs until the age of 1. Back to Sleep led to a dramatic reduction in the amount of SIDS deaths but an increase in anxiety in parents about baby being on her stomach. A 1995 study in the Journal of Pediatric Medicine found that a quarter of parents never put their babies on their front to play due to fear of SIDS. However, putting baby in this position is perfectly safe as long as he is awake and supervised. Why does my infant need tummy time? After the Back to Sleep campaign, doctors and physiotherapists began to notice it was taking babies a little longer to reach some developmental milestones such as sitting up, rolling over, and crawling. Studies also showed an increase in the number of babies with a condition called plagiocephaly, or flat spots on their head, caused by spending most of their time lying on their backs. After concerns were raised in 2003, the AAP made the recommendation that all babies should be placed on their tummies as much as possible when they are awake, and the term tummy time was officially born. The AAP then coined the phrase Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play. “Tummy time sets you up for strengthening and coordination,” 42

June 2019 | nymetroparents.com

says Amanda Math, MPT, C-SIPT, physical therapist and coowner of Jumping Jax Speech, Physical and Occupational Therapy, which has locations in Manhattan and Westchester County. Math treats babies and young children with developmental delays and is passionate about the benefits of daily tummy time. “When you strengthen those head-neck muscles, upper back muscles, and shoulder muscles early on, you’re going to start to get some head control, which points you in the direction of achieving all of your early developmental milestones.” How often do I do it? Whenever your infant isn’t feeding or sleeping, look for opportunities to put her on her stomach (under your supervision). The key is to start early, do it for frequent, short periods of time, and build up time gradually. “By four or five months you want them on their tummy for forty minutes to an hour a day cumulatively,” Math says. My baby is so busy sleeping, eating, and napping; how do I fit tummy time in? A common misconception is tummy time is a specific activity that’s scheduled every day at a set time. In fact, the best way to approach it is to build it into whatever you’re doing with your baby during the day (and night!). Anytime baby is leaning on his stomach counts. My baby screams so much, what do I do? Remember the old parenting adage: this too shall pass. “As the baby gets stronger, they will like the time more,” Dr. Workman says. “Kids eventually learn to roll over. Once they’re rolling over on their own it’s less of an issue, so it’s a time-limited problem.” When your baby gets upset during tummy time, it can be hard to distinguish between minor discomfort and distress, but you know your baby best. Math recommends watching for central nervous system reactions such as his face turning red, or holding his breath. A bit of frustration and discomfort at the beginning is normal, but don’t push a distressed baby. “Get down on your tummy yourself,” she says. “It’s hard when we put them down and they sense that we’re far away from them. Modified positions are great to help, and then you just do whatever you can. You sing songs, you’re silly, you move that rattle, and just do your best to encourage it because it really sets them up to be in the best developmental position.”

My baby has reflux, do I still have to do it? As a mother of two babies who suffered from severe reflux, I can still remember how difficult tummy time was. Lying down flat caused them to throw up and cry in pain, sometimes at the same time! Dr. Workman recommends having tummy time after a nap so a long period has passed since the last feeding. Math suggests using modified positions like using a bolster or on a caregiver’s chest as more reflux-friendly versions. My mom friend says her pediatrician told her not to force it if her baby hates it, but mine says it’s essential. Who is right? Although most experts recommend tummy time, there are some who view it as unnecessary and suggest parents instead let babies reach milestones in their own time. Studies suggest the delays in development are transient and resolve by 18 months. Michel Cohen, M.D., is a pediatrician with more than 25 years of experience and is founder of Tribeca Pediatrics. He is known for a low-intervention approach. His view? We should be letting babies develop their own muscles at their own pace. “Why are we tampering with nature?” he says, adding tummy time can even create more stress for parents: “The baby can end up liking it,” he says. “And they have a problem because now you have a two-month-old who likes being on his belly.” In his 2004 parenting book, The New Basics: A-Z Baby and Childcare for the Modern Parent, his simple, yet controversial, advice is, if baby hates it, skip it. “Since there’s no need to strengthen any specific muscle group, I advise you not to act as Lucy’s personal trainer. Skip the tummy time and tickle her tummy so she’ll exercise her giggling muscles instead.” As with everything in parenting, deciding what’s right for your child is a personal decision made between you and your pediatrician. Emma Steven is a British freelance writer living in Manhattan with her husband, two small kids, and two cats.

Professional services

EMPLOYERS Moms Make Great Part-Time Staff People LOOKING FOR STAFF? POST YOUR JOB MOMMYBITES.COM/POSTJOB

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

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

ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can help you achieve your objectives through careful special needs legal planning, regardless of the size of your estate. All clients are provided with highquality service at a reasonable cost. TUTORS & TEST PREP EYE LEVEL MANHATTAN 437 E. 12th St., East Village 212-260-8020 eastvillage@myeyelevel.com 104 Reade St., Tribeca 212-346-PREP (7737) info@rsprep.com 307 E. 84th St., Upper East Side 212-737-3344 uppereastside@myeyelevel.com eyelevelny.com Eye Level offers math and English programs for ages 3-14. Whether the immediate goal is early learning, remedial education, or academic education, Eye Level is the answer.

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PartyCentral Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources. PARTY ENTERTAINMENT BOLD ARTS Upper East Side and Upper West Side 419-349-2465 bold-arts.com info@bold-arts.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New York’s favorite kids party entertainment! We come to you with two entertainers, face painting, balloon animals, cotton candy, games, dancing, bubbles, a crowning ceremony, music, and magic. Best value in New York!

PARTY PLACES 92Y 1395 Lexington Ave. 212-415-5710 44

92y.org/birthday parties@92y.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BROADWAY DANCE CENTER CHILDREN AND TEENS 37 W. 65th St., 3rd floor 212-582-9304 broadwaydancecenter.com

Your birthday dancer and guests are sure to love a birthday party set in our beautiful, spacious studios. Choose a favorite theme and party package that fits your needs.

CHELSEA PIERS SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park Field House Registration Desk: 212-336-6500 x6520 chelseapiers.com/birthday 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. June 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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

FUNFUZION AT NEW ROC CITY 29 LeCount Place (Exit 16 off I-95), New Rochelle Party Central: 914-637-7575, option 1 funfuziononline.com Calling all birthday superstars! You and your guests will be dazzled by a unique, interactive party experience!

GALLI THEATER 74 Warren St. 212-731-0668 gallitheaternyc.com galliny@gmail.com

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

INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM Pier 86, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue 646-381-5010 intrepidmuseum.org groupsales@intrepidmuseum.org Celebrate your child’s birthday with a one-of-a-kind party! The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum captivates groups of all ages and interests. Choose from exciting themes, value packages, and customization options to create an original birthday adventure they’ll never forget. Packages start at $30 per person.

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

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

JUST KIDDING AT SYMPHONY SPACE 2537 Broadway 212-864-1414 x289 symphonyspace.org/events/series/77/ just-kidding

Just Kidding parties are artsy, imaginative, and fun, designed to make party planning easy and engaging! Through the show kids have the chance to interact with Just Kidding artists creating a oncein-a-lifetime birthday party experience.

KATE TEMPESTA’S URBAN GOLF ACADEMY 917-270-7257 ktuga.com/birthday-parties mari@ktuga.com KTUGA’s parties are customized to your

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

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

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

MAKERSTATE BUILDER BIRTHDAYS 917-780-2345 builderbirthdays.com parties@maker-state.com Builder Birthday Parties are perfect for your budding engineer, Minecraft enthusiast, rocket scientist, robot artist, coder, circuit inventor, designer, and laser tag player!

PALISADES CLIMB ADVENTURE 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!

USTA BILLIE JEAN KING NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Flushing 718-760-6200 x0 ntc.usta.com Birthday party packages include one hour of court time with drills and games organized by our USTA Pro staff and a one-hour private room for pizza.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY (WCS) ZOOS AND AQUARIUM 1-800- 433-4149 The Bronx Zoo: 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx Central Park Zoo: 830 Fifth Ave. Queens Zoo: 53-51 111th St., Corona Prospect Park Zoo: 450 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn New York Aquarium: 602 Surf Ave., Brooklyn wcs.org/birthdays Make your wildlife lover’s birthday an unforgettable experience with a party at our zoos or aquarium! Parties include park admission, a private party room with host, special animal guests, visits to our exhibits, and hands-on activities to make your party animal’s birthday a truly unforgettable experience!

raising kids ad index NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area! acrobatics / gymnastics

education

Jodi’s Gym....................................................................25

Cosmic Cubs Club .......................................................23

Little Gym ......................................................................7

birthday / party services Big Apple Parent Party Planner....................................45 FunFuzion.....................................................................48

Eye Level Learning Centers of Manhattan East Village and Upper East Side ................................................... 11 German American School ............................................13 Montessori School of NY International ........................33

Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum .............................2 Jodi’s Gym ...................................................................25 Little Gym ......................................................................7

family entertainment / events / outings

Maker-State .................................................................25

FunFuzion.....................................................................48

NYC Birthday Clowns ..................................................33 Sportime ......................................................................14

camps

Hudson River Park Trust..............................................26 Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum .............................2 NYC Birthday Clowns ..................................................33

Boston Leadership Institute .........................................14 Chelsea Piers ................................................................5 Future Stars .................................................................14

PARTY PLANNER

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

Girls With Impact .........................................................23 Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum .............................2

fitness

Jodi’s Gym ...................................................................25

Sportime ......................................................................14

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Little Gym ......................................................................7 Maker-State .................................................................25

health

Montessori School of NY International ........................33

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Fidelis Care New York ...................................................3

Sportime ......................................................................14

TVF Communications .................................................8,9

Symphony Space ........................................................14 Whale Camp ................................................................23

performing arts / acting

YMCA of Greater New York .........................................23

Play On! Studios ..........................................................25 Symphony Space ........................................................14

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child care / day care Mommybites.................................................................43

classes Ballet Academy East ....................................................13 Boston Leadership Institute .........................................14 Chelsea Piers ................................................................5 Eye Level Learning Centers of Manhattan East Village and Upper East Side ................................................... 11 German American School ............................................13

special events Hudson River Park Trust..............................................26

special needs TVF Communications .................................................8,9

sports Chelsea Piers ................................................................5

Hudson River Park Trust..............................................26

Future Stars .................................................................14

Maker-State .................................................................25

Sportime ......................................................................14

Play On! Studios ..........................................................25

YMCA of Greater New York .........................................23

Sportime ......................................................................14 YMCA of Greater New York .........................................23

dance Ballet Academy East ....................................................13

developmental

theater Symphony Space ........................................................14

tutors Cosmic Cubs Club .......................................................23

Cosmic Cubs Club .......................................................23

Eye Level Learning Centers of Manhattan East Village

TVF Communications .................................................8,9

and Upper East Side ................................................... 11

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raising kids stuff we like

LGBTQ+ Books for Kids

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By Katelin Walling

Come as You Are Jacob and Sophie don’t look like the other boys and girls in their class. They are gender non-conforming: Jacob has long hair and wears a dress to school, while Sophie has short hair and prefers to wear pants. Because of how they look, their peers chase them out of the boys’ and girls’ bathrooms. Jacob’s Room to Choose, by Sarah and Ian Hoffman, helps kids understand gender expression and stereotypes—and asks, if everyone needs to use the bathroom, why can’t bathrooms be for everyone? (Ages 5-8; APA/Magination Press; $17.99)

Parents are Parents Cultivating a culture of acceptance of everyone begins with the littlest citizens. Enter My Two Moms and Me and My Two Dads and Me, both written by Michael Joosten and illustrated by Izak Zenou. These board books celebrate LGBTQ+ parents and show incredible diversity in the families. Most importantly, the books illustrate the fact that children with two moms or two dads have just as much love as kids with a mom and a dad. (Ages newborn to 3; Doubleday; $8.99 each)

History Makers

Coming into Her Own Zenobia July is starting a new chapter in her life. She moves to Maine to live with her aunts after becoming an orphan, starts at a new school, and comes out of her shell to find her own community of new friends. The biggest change for her? She’s now living her life openly as the girl she always knew she was. But when someone anonymously posts hateful memes on the school’s website, Zen, who used to spend all her time coding and hacking, knows she’s the only one able to solve the cyber mystery. (Ages 10 and older; Viking; $17.99)

June 2019 | nymetroparents.com

The 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising is being commemorated in numerous ways this year, the biggest of which is the fact that New York City was chosen to host WorldPride this month. Another way the uprising is being honored? With Rob Sanders’ Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution. This picture book—told from the perspective of Stonewall Inn—takes readers through the history and significance of the Greenwich Village building that started out as a horse stable in the 1840s and is now part of the National Historic Monument, the first of which that honors the LGBTQ+ community. (Ages 5-8; Random House Children’s Books; $17.99)

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