Big Apple Parent August 2019 by City Guide NY

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Beyond the Bell Determining the right after-school programâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and when to start Plus, find the perfect activity for your kid!

Save on School Supplies 5 tips from an expert couponer

Encouraging Independence How to raise kids into self-sufficient young adults

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

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Pens? Check. Backpack? Check. Back-to-school health checkup? Check. While you’re checking things off your back-to-school

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list, don’t forget a wellness checkup for your child. We also recommend a flu shot. Remember, the more we see of you and your family, the more we can help you become your healthiest selves, and stay that way. Caring for the whole you. Schedule an appointment at ACPNY.com/school

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contents table of

august 2019

20 36

back to school 10 Shopping Smart for Supplies

Raising Independent Teens

Teaching your teen to be a successful, selfsufficient adult will take time and patience.

Where Fantasy Rules

Immerse yourself in a 16th-century Elizabethan village at the New York Renaissance Faire!

14 Beyond the Bell

16 Choose the Best After-School Activity for Your Child 18 Back-to-School Directory

Homeowner’s Insurance Check

Experts weigh in on which life events warrant an immediate review.

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs, We Asked, You Delivered 10 Benefits of Sharing a Nanny 12 Discover More Online 20 Raising Independent Teens 42 Party Central 43 Professional Services 45 Advertisers’ Index 46 Barefoot and Better for It

22 Family Fun a Ride Away

38 Plotting Your Return

23 Family Activities Calendar

40 Staying on Budget

35 Summer Classics

41 Homeowner’s Insurance Check

36 Where Fantasy Rules

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 10 Save on School Supplies 14 Beyond the Bell 20 Encouraging Independence facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

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raising kids editor’s note

Summer’s Out, School’s In

t feels like the summer just started and the kids were sent to their first days of camp. Believe it or not, though, right now is when many parents start thinking about the back-to-school season. Specifically, when’s the right time to enroll your child in an after-school activity—and which one should you choose (I was a band kid, flute and piccolo)? If you’re feeling stumped, or it seems like your child has multiple intrests and not enough time, you’ll want to check out our quiz on p. 16, which will help determine the type of activity best suited to your child. There’s also plenty of advice in “Beyond the Bell” (p. 14), which outlines when your child may be ready for an after-school class and how many he can likely handle. You’ll also find a guide of back-to-school resources, including after-school classes, schools, and resources for the season (p.18). The back-to-school season was always my favorite time of year, transitioning from shorts and tanks to jeans and flannel—and stocking up on fresh school supplies (I still have a problem with buying too many Post-it Notes, pencils, and notebooks). One of my nieces seems to have the same gene; she had stocked up on all of her school supplies by the time we celebrated July 4! If the thought of spending a lot of money on school supplies makes you groan, read the saving tips from Joanie Demer, co-founder of The Krazy Coupon Lady, on p. 10. While we’re already thinking of the summer ending, there’s still plenty of time to take advantage of the last days of warm weather. The Renaissance Faire is coming back to the area in mid-August (p. 36), there are plenty of kid-friendly events going on this month (p. 23), and maybe it’s time to take a day trip into the suburbs (p. 22). However you’re taking advantage of the last days of summer, we hope you make the most of them.

Katelin Walling Editorial Director Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

AUGUST 2019 • Vol.34 • No.7

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling PRODUCTION EDITOR: Melissa Wickes FEATURES EDITOR: Shana Liebman ASSISTANT EDITOR: Jacqueline Neber EDITORIAL INTERN: Laura D’Angelo CALENDARS CALENDAR COORDINATOR: Whitney C. Harris EVENT RESEARCHERS: Lisa Fogarty, Kristina Johnson, Shara Levine DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke COPY EDITOR: Christina Vercelletto

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARKETING

ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER: Kristine Pulaski

Our Editors Find You the Best Events! When it comes to finding weekend fun with your kids, we make it easy for you! Our editors spend hours scouring the community for the best events happening. And every Thursday, you’ll receive a curated list of the best of what’s happening that weekend in Manhattan—from sports and theater to festivals and petting zoos. Sign up today at nymetroparents.com/newsletter!

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

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BigAppleParent

Courtesy Cosmic Cubs

Educational App Developer Creates Coloring Page App

STEM Center in Manhattan Valley Offers Minecraft and Circuitry Summer Camp Courtesy Robofun

raising kids new places, new programs

Cosmic Cubs started as a line of stuffed animals sold in planetariums and evolved when creator Ann Kennis’s daughter suggested she move into the digital space.

Who: Cosmic Cubs What’s New: Cosmic Cubs- Color and Learn, available on the App Store and Google Play Aug. 12. The app will allow children ages 3 and older to color and learn about the solar system and the 3 R’s—reduce, reuse, and recycle. In addition to Cosmic Cubs’ three other educational apps, Color and Learn aims to make learning portable, more accessible, and more engaging, according to Ann Kennis, the creator of Cosmic Cubs. Other Cosmic Cubs apps include Space Puzzle, Eco Puzzle, and Dress Up, which is the brand’s most downloaded app. Want More Info: cosmiccubs.com; info@cosmiccubs.com; Instagram: @cosmiccubs; facebook.com/cosmiccubs

Robofun provides numerous hands-on opportunities for children ages 3-12 to explore the world of STEM.

Who: Robofun What’s New: Minecraft and Circuitry summer camp, which began June 17. In this summer camp, kids design electric circuits, light up buildings, and discover the various exciting properties of electricity using the popular software Minecraft. Kids do not have to be familiar with Minecraft to participate. Using the platform’s creative mode, campers will design machines, buildings, subway systems, and towns based on architecture from their own cultural backgrounds or interests. Students will also have the opportunity to work on hands-on projects with wires and motors. The camp is open to students in third-sixth grades. Sessions run Monday-Friday, 1-4pm, through Aug. 30. Want More Info: 2672 Broadway, Loft A, Manhattan Valley; 212-245-0444; robofun.org

We Asked, You Delivered!

››

NYMP Staff

raising kids cover contest

It’s official: The cutest kids live here! More than 1,000 of you, our dear readers, entered your adorable children in our annual Cover Kids Contest! Our editors had the tough job of reviewing every entry to pick nine finalists, and the 10th finalist was the Fan Favorite, the child whose picture received the most votes (699 this year!). The finalists are: • Anthony, age 3, from Suffolk • Ghianna, age 11, from Rockland • Henry, age 3, from Brooklyn • Jasper, age 2, from Manhattan • Jordan, age 13, from Nassau

• Leilani, age 9, from the Bronx • Nyla, age 5, from Brooklyn • Olivia, age 9, from Westchester • Teagan, age 7, from Suffolk • Zachary, age 4, from Queens

At the end of June, all 10 finalists were decked out in clothing from Macy’s Backstage for a photo shoot at Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company in Manhattan—and, boy, are we going to have a tough time selecting the two grand prize winners! The older than 6 winner will receive a scholarship and professional photo shoot at Barbizon, and the 6 and younger winner (in addition to the Fan Favorite) will receive a 2-night stay, plus 2 Paw Passes, at Great Wolf Lodge in Scotrun, PA. Keep an eye out for our September issue, which will feature all 10 kids—and announce our grand prize winners! Promotional Partners:

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Photographer Sarah Merians, of Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company, makes minor adjustments to Nyla’s outfit. Nyla was voted the Fan Favorite of the cover contest, securing 1 of 10 finalist spots.

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Shopping Smart for Supplies

very year the list seems to get longer: two bulk packs of Sharpies (thin points, please); Post-it Notes in assorted sizes, eight glue sticks. Parents can blow through hundreds of dollars on school supplies—and that’s before buying lunchboxes, new shoes, and backpacks. Joanie Demer, co-founder of The Krazy Coupon Lady, a leading money-saving site, shares savvy tips for back-to-school shopping. If you want to save big, she says, after school starts in the fall is the ideal time to buy for the following year. If you can’t plan a full year in advance, however, there are plenty of other ways to save on supplies. Host a Swap Send your elementary school-age kids on a scavenger hunt to find pencils, notebooks, crayons, and folders—anything that could be used at school—hiding around the house. Then invite some other parents and children over to trade unneeded supplies for the ones they can use. It’s a win-win! Watch for Penny Deals At this time of year, stores are known to sell school supplies as “loss leaders,” meaning they’re priced so low the store loses money on them. Stores do this to lure you into buying pricier items while you’re shopping. At Staples, for example, you can often get up to eight

›› By Shana Liebman

pencils for 1 cent. “The trick is to just buy the pencils and then walk away!” Demer says. Shop Around Comparison shop to find the best prices on the items you need. For instance, perhaps you “buy spiral notebooks, crayons, and glue sticks from Walmart, ballpoint pens and scissors at Target, and Dixon Ticonderoga pencils on Amazon,” Demer suggests. And don’t overlook dollar stores. They tend to be a great yearround source for name-brand supplies—think Crayola crayons, Elmer’s glue, Bic pens—at a lower cost than big box stores. Try Online Tricks There are a few online services that can help you save, Demer suggests. When you shop online through Paribus, it tracks the items you purchase and will help you get money back when the price drops. And when you shop via sites such as Ebates and RetailMeNot, you can earn up to 10 percent of your purchase in cash back from various retailers. Double Up If you see a great deal on basics from brand names, buy extra. You may need to replenish your kid’s stash mid-year. Plus, it’s likely that whatever is on this year’s list will be needed for next year too.

raising kids child care

The Benefits of Sharing a Nanny

››

Courtesy Mommybites.com

hat if we told you about a child care situation that provided more individualized attention than a day care—at a lower cost? Sound too good to be true? A nanny share, quite simply, is when two or more families share a nanny. It’s an arrangement with many benefits. Here are the top three:

Significant Savings

The cost is usually the nanny’s hourly rate, plus an extra fee, the total of which should be split between the families equally (based on the number of children from each family the nanny cares for). With this arrangement, each family pays less than they would alone, while the nanny gets a slightly higher salary.

Personalized Environment

Your child gets more individualized attention, plus a nanny share allows your little one to socialize with other kids. The smaller group size will ensure each child is well cared for. Bonus: Fewer children means less germs—and less chaos—than in your typical day care classroom.

Flexibility

A nanny share allows you much greater flexibility than a day care center or group provider. Staying late at work? Need someone to take your child to swim lessons? Having another baby? These are all things nannies are typically able (and willing) to take on—even in a share. A successful nanny share definitely takes a lot of advance planning and coordination, but it can be an excellent solution if you’re lucky enough to find the perfect nanny and a great family willing to share.

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.

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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Discover More Online

››

A peek at what’s happening on NYMetroParents.com! “As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, you probably have some great resources. If you want to share some of them with your child’s teacher, approach him or her with an attitude of: I know my child is challenging, and you are going to have your work cut out for you. But I found this great book, and it helped me and other teachers. If you think it would help you, I am happy to give you my copy.” —Barbara Boroson, LMSW, on being a respectful advocate for your child with autism; read the 10 do’s and don’ts of mainstreaming your child with ASD at nymetroparents.com/mainstream

“Book ownership does help raise levels of intelligence in kids. It raises curiosity, it raises their ability to feel conscious, aware, and motivated to keep on learning.” —Marley Dias, a 14-year-old from West Orange, who helped launch free book vending machines across NYC; read about it at nymetroparents.com/book-vending

“I imagined cooking all day, washing all the good dishes, having to clean the entire house. And who wants to turn on the oven in the summer? Suddenly, throwing food on a grill outside and using Chinet seemed so much easier. This, of course, was idiotic. The whole business is not, in fact, easier than turning on the oven.” —Christina Vercelletto, a Long Island mom who attempted to throw a backyard barbecue; read how it turned out at nymetroparents.com/bbq

nymetroparents Congrats to John Cronin, a 23-year-old from Long Island and founder of @johnscrazysocks, who made history as the first person with Down syndrome to win an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award!

LET’S CONNECT! Want to share some good news happening in your community— kids making a difference, new businesses opening, school news? Submit it at ›› nymetroparents.com/submitnews

DRY & SECONDARY DROWNING

Did you love a story you read, have an idea for an upcoming feature, or want to write for us? Email ›› editor@nymetroparents.com

These are two similar but technically different conditions that can affect anyone, although children are especially vulnerable. As the names imply, both affect their victims after they’ve left the pool, usually with no idea anything is wrong.

—Read about the symptoms of dry and secondary drowning—and how to prevent either from happening at ›› nymetroparents.com/dry-drowning

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

facebook.com/nymetroparents @nymetroparents

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Beyond the Bell

››

Choosing after-school activities for your children can make your head spin—art or theater, sports or chess, STEM or dance? Experts weigh in to help you determine which—and how many— extracurriculars to enroll your child in. By Anja Webb

ith the dizzying array of options—from academic enrichment to sports teams to special interest programs—how can you be sure you’ve found the right extracurriculars for your kid without spending a fortune going from activity to activity? Local after-school activity directors, moms, and child psychologists share their tips when it comes to finding the right program.

The Benefits

While after-school classes are often seen as a means of beefing up resumes for college, there are many other advantages. One key perk is the opportunity for kids to socialize. In between classes at Studio B Dance Center in Eastchester, for example, students “sit together in their group. We don’t let them take their phones out, and they just talk for a few minutes in between the classes. It kind of develops these friendships and making eye contact and interacting,” says Nancy Solomon, owner of the dance school. “After-school activities provide an ideal environment in which to nurture social skills and confidence,” adds Shawna Stewart, program accounts specialist at MakerState LLC, a STEM enrichment program in Manhattan. “Numerous extracurricular activities work to teach children the value of working as a team to achieve a mutual goal—a skill that will benefit them in their future occupations.” Extracurriculars can also increase positive emotions and feelings of accomplishment. “By doing the recital and being part of it, they experience a lot of self-confidence and self-esteem,” Solomon says. Plus, “it teaches them listening skills and respecting adults… independence, how to make friends, how to share,” she adds. And each activity offers different benefits as well. “The benefits 14

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

of STEM enrichment specifically are fostering ingenuity and creativity, teaching problem-solving, building resilience, and encouraging experimentation, teamwork, knowledge application, tech use, and adaption,” Stewart says. The experiences kids have in their extracurricular classes can help shape their identity. “They have a story, when they say, ‘Hi, my name is Susie and I love to____.’ That’s who they are, that’s their interest, and that’s something to be celebrated once they do find that special interest,” Solomon says.

The Process

The timing is a fine line between starting her early enough that she has a chance to excel in her activity, but also ensuring she’s old enough to really get something out of the classes. “Any child who goes to school is old enough to begin after-school activities,” says Carole Lieberman, M.D., a psychiatrist and author of Lions and Tigers and Terrorists, Oh My! How to Protect Your Child in a Time of Terror. “[Kids] should begin by grades first, second, or third because the sooner you start enriching them with these activities, the better.” On the other hand, if your kid is not interested in after-school classes, rest assured there’s plenty of time for him to find what he enjoys. Maybe you have a budding cinematographer or robotics engineer—these interests will develop as your child gets older. “By middle school, if not before, students should be experimenting with a diverse set of after-school endeavors that align with any interests they express,” says Kat Cohen, Ph.D., college admissions counselor and founder of IvyWise, an educational consulting company.

The Options

When it comes to selecting an activity, Dr. Cohen says it’s important to provide a variety of options while ensuring your child is still pursuing her individual interests. For younger kids, a ranking system may prove useful in making choices. “Put together a list of possibilities in your neighborhood [including] arts and crafts, photography, dance, music, theater, Little League, and so on,” Dr. Lieberman recommends. “Then ask your child to rank them in the order they like best, so that they feel like they have chosen to do this.” If your little one isn’t interested in conventional after-school activities, find alternative ways to engage her passions, and eventually an appropriate extracurricular may develop. “I see what their interests are, and try to extrapolate from there. Do they have a sudden interest in Detective Pikachu? I’ll see if there’s some sort of sleuthing or mystery club they can do,” says Alexa DeKalb, a mother of three living in Manhattan. “I understand the Ivy League isn’t going to offer a scholarship for ‘Most Encyclopedia Brown Books Read,’ but that’s fine— if it makes my kid passionate, maybe it’ll lead to a junior internship with a police department, and that’s something they could write about!” In addition to personal interests, it’s also important to factor in logistics, such as time commitment, travel time, cost, and scheduling conflicts. Maybe your little one feels equally passionate about soccer and chess, but chess only meets once a week whereas soccer meets three days a week. Soccer will require certain, potentially costly, gear such as cleats, uniforms, and shin guards. You might have to drive out of town for games if he advances to the travel team. In this situation, your choice of extracurricular may come down to logistics.

The Ideal Number

When crafting your child’s schedule, it can be a balancing act between ensuring she can explore all of her interests without overwhelming her. It may be a case of trial and error to figure out what your kid’s individual threshold is. “Start with one afterschool activity, then gradually add more as your child seems able to handle a more intense schedule,” Dr. Lieberman suggests. During this time of testing the limits of your child’s energy and focus, it’s important to make sure he isn’t losing sight of the things that may be important to your family—academics, family dinners, religious practices, etc. “Older elementary children have great after-school options including music, theater, and sports, but also have a great risk of being over-scheduled,” says Elizabeth Malson, president of Amslee Institute, an online technical school specializing in child care. “Ideally, families should pick one or two activities at a time, ensuring plenty of time for academics and health.” Make sure activities he participates in aren’t infringing on his sleep schedule or friendships. Also, if one of your kids can balance a different activity each day of the week, it doesn’t necessarily mean her sibling will be able to do the same. “Every student is different, so there is no magic number of hours that should be devoted to after-school activities: One pre-teen might be able to balance three to four pursuits while another student might feel totally overwhelmed,” Dr. Cohen says. “At the end of the day, parents should sit down with their student, brainstorm a list of activities to pursue, and create a schedule that feels manageable for the student.” Communication and flexibility with your child are incredibly important when it comes to setting a schedule that works for both of you. After all, these activities can be the groundwork for a future degree, career, or lifelong interest.

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Choose the Best After-School Activity for Your Child With myriad activities available to children these days, it’s easy to get bogged down with all the options. Take this fun quiz to see which activity best suits your child. ››

Your child is a...

Social butterfly

Lone wolf

On the weekends your kid is...

Outside

Is he a picky eater?

Yes

Does he love being physical?

Yes

Sports

Your child is a ball of energy, so make sure you put it to good use. Team sports, such as basketball or soccer, are a great way to learn team work while also staying fit and active.

Your child’s dream job is...

Watching TV

Astronaut

Is she the leader of the pack?

Yes

What’s the first thing she does in the car?

Roll down window

The Arts

Turn on radio

Dance, drama, or a music class would be a great fit for your kid. She is creative and has a zest for life that just can’t be contained. You might have a potential triple-threat on your hands!

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Her favorite subject is...

Science

President

Your child’s room is...

English

Is he smarter than you?

Yes

Academic Enrichment

Clean

What’s more important?

Grades

Your smarty pants can’t get enough of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Many tutoring centers also offer enrichment classes, espeically during the summer. Get your Einstein learning all year long.

Messy

Experience

Art Class

If your child is constantly drawing or painting at home, save yourself the mess and get him into an art class. Art is a great way for your little Picasso to express himself.

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WELCOME

BIENVENIDOS!

HARLEM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS music • dance • theatre • art & design

THE STARS

SHINE BRIGHTEST IN HARLEM!

Bilingual. Multicultural. Diverse. Helping students gain the skills, confidence and compassion to contribute and thrive in today’s world.

Chinese and Spanish tracks: Pre-Nursery (age 2) - Grade 8. Limited placement still available in Pre-Nursery through Grade 4.

www.HSAnyc.org !

SCHEDULE A VISIT

645 St. Nicholas Avenue at 141st Street A•B•C•D to 145th Street

www.ianyc.org | 212-641-0260 4 East 90th Street New York, NY 10128

BigAppleParent 17

Back To School Resources AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT/ LANGUAGE

Collina Italiana

1556 Third Ave. (at 87th Street), Suite 603 212-427-7770 collinaitaliana.com info@collinaitaliana.com Set on the Upper East Side, our Italian classes allow children to benefit from a comprehensive approach to learning in an age-appropriate, inviting atmosphere. Children gather to share learned words and expressions through playful, skill-building activities such as games, songs, dances, and stories. For all the bellissimi details visit collinaitaliana.com!

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.

German-American School: Where Kids Learn German

212-787-7543 german-american-school.org germanamericanschool@verizon.net Our German language program is recognized by The NY State Board of Regents and is designed to lead students toward successful completion of the NY State FLAC exam. Our focus is to teach German language to children from all backgrounds. We also offer AP German and other nationally recognized exams.

Robofun

2672 Broadway 212-245-0444 robofun.org robofun@robofun.org Join Robofun for after-school classes and one-day workshops! Children in grades pre-K through sixth will have fun building and making with our robotics, coding, stop motion animation, and circuitry courses. Curriculum is designed to reach all learners and our teachers are trained to engage, excite, and challenge students.

Speakitaly NYC

49 W. 28th St., 3rd floor 212-603-9685

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

ART

Children’s Museum of the Arts

103 Charlton St. 212-274-0986 cmany.org Children’s Museum of the Arts is an art museum that offers workshops and classes for children ages 1 to 15. Taught by teaching artists specializing in a range of mediums, these courses encourage children to build critical thinking skills, develop an artistic voice, and express creativity. Learn more at cmany.org.

Future Star Music and Arts Center

646-828-5656 646-656-1083 futurestarnyc.com futurestarmusicarts@gmail.com Future Star Music and Arts Center provides all levels of music and arts education to children. Our instructors graduated from worldtop institutes with years of teaching and performing experiences. We will help children find and build their talents in music and arts. Find us, find the right choice!

DANCE

A Class Act NY

200 W 60th St, #28 E 212-315 3010 aclassactny.com A Class Act NY’s mission is to enrich lives through the performing arts. Instructors include Broadway, TV/film stars, talent reps, directors, and casting directors from NY and LA who provide actors with an invaluable education and industry connections. Programs range from kids–adults.

Ballet Academy East

1651 Third Ave. 212-410-9140 balletacademyeast.com Ballet Academy East, Young Dancer Division, unleashing children’s potential through dance. Ballet Academy East is home to aspiring dancers of all ages in its Young Dancer, Pre-Professional, and Adult Divisions. BAE is internationally recognized for exceptional dance training and is the Upper East Side’s ballet school of choice.

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens

37 W. 65th St. 3rd floor 212-582-9304 broadwaydancecenter.com Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens’ Program is offered in the fall and spring. Options are available Monday through Sunday. Dancers of all levels and ages can register for Ballet, Tap, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theater, Jumps and Turns, Breaking, Acro, Lyrical, and Triple Threat!

Ellen Robbins Modern Dance for Children and Teens

Two Locations: Soho and Chelsea 212-254-0286 ellenrobbinsdance.com dance_er@verizon.net Ellen Robbins dance classes for children do what dance is supposed to do: train their bodies in technique, attune their ears to great music, immerse them in the thrill of improvisation, and coach them in composition-the natural outcome of which is performance. Modern dance for ages 5-18: technique, composition, improvisation, and performance.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Collina Italiana

German-American School: Where Kids Learn German

Speakitaly NYC

49 W. 28th St., 3rd floor 212-603-9685 speakitalynyc.com info@speakitalynyc.com Speakitaly NYC offers high quality Italian language lessons for children and young learners ages 2 and older. Children are encouraged to experiment with the language through

engaging activities and start speaking Italian in a very natural way. Educational, fun, and professional native language teachers!

GYMNASTICS & CHEERLEADING

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 The Little Gym is an exercise and motor development center for children, offering gymnastic classes, sports skills development, dance, cheerleading, and karate classes for children ages 4 months to 12 years, in a loving, non-competitive environment. Qualified instructors implement programs designed to build selfesteem and confidence.

MARTIAL ARTS

Tiger Strong NYC

500 E. 77th St. 917-453-6503 tigerstrongnyc.com bill@tigerstrongnyc.com The Tiger Strong Program focuses on helping kids develop skills they can use in every part of their daily life. We challenge them to be the best they can be and help them learn how to learn by increasing focus and being confident about themselves while having fun and making new friends.

MUSIC

Future Star Music and Arts Center

646-828-5656, 646-656-1083 futurestarnyc.com futurestarmusicarts@gmail.com Future Star Music and Arts Center provides all levels of music and arts education to children. Our instructors graduated from world-top institutes with years of teaching and performing experiences. We will help children find and build their talents in music and arts. Find us, find the right choice!

Harlem School of the Arts

645 Saint Nicholas Ave. 212-926-4100 hsanyc.org/register Harlem School of the Arts offers world-class training and exposure to the arts across multiple disciplines. Secure your spot in new music, dance, theatre, and art and design classes for ages 18 months to 18 years. Children will stimulate creativity, build self-confidence, and add a dimension of beauty to their lives.

SWIMMING & WATER SPORTS

British Swim School Manhattan

Offering classes in Midtown West,

Herald Square, or at-home lessons in your building’s pool 917-727-9942 britishswimschool.com/manhattan goswimmanhattan@britishswimschool.com British Swim School offers a premier water survival, learn-toswim, and stroke development program. We provide lessons to children as young as 3 months and invite families to experience the BSS difference. Mommy-, Daddy-, and Caregiver-and-me classes for kids younger than 3 years. Great after-school activity. Small class sizes.

THEATER

Chickenshed NYC

7 E. 96th St. 646-569-5742 chickenshednyc.org Chickenshed NYC is an American cousin of London’s Chickenshed Theatre Company, which for more than 40 years has been a leader in creation of unique, inclusive theatre for children of all abilities and backgrounds. Inclusive theatre workshops are offered for ages 6-13, interactive puppet shows for kids ages newborn-6.

Harlem School of the Arts

Play On! Studios

Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew, 263 W. 86th St. 347-709-4149 playonstudios.com info@playonstudios.com Play On! Studios offers after-school programming in theater. Our classes meet weekly-the perfect solution for busy NYC kids in grades kindergarten-eighth! We keep class sizes small, so kids get the personal attention and non-competitive environment they need to do their best. Explore improvisation, playwriting, or put on a play in a theater.

TADA! Youth Theater

15 W. 28th St. (at Broadway) 3rd floor 212-252-1619 tadatheater.com customerservice@tadatheater.com All TADA! classes are team-taught by two professional teaching artists. Personal and creative growth takes place in a structured and supportive environment where ensemble methods are taught to encourage collaboration. All classes balance the process of skill development with the

joy of musical theater and culminate in a high-quality performance.

BACK TO SCHOOL SERVICES DOCTORS AdvantageCare Physicians

37 medical offices across the Metropolitan New York area. acpny.com AdvantageCare Physicians understands that a child’s total health picture includes how they are doing physically and emotionally, what their diet is like, and how active they are. We help you assess these important areas of your child’s health with wellness exams, regular checkups, sports physicals, and mandatory vaccinations.

STORES & RESOURCES

Affinity Health Plan

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

imagiNATIONS - National Museum of the American Indian 212-514-3714 americanindian.si.edu/visit/ newyork/imagiNATIONS nmai-ny@si.edu Visit the National Museum of the American Indian’s new and interactive imagiNATIONS Activity Center and discover how Native STEM innovations continue to shape the modern world. Admission is free and imagiNATIONS is open daily from 10am-4:30pm. The museum is located at One Bowling Green in Manhattan.

Stuck On You

stuckonyou.us Personalized name labels save time and money. From iron on and stick on labels, personalized bag tags, lunch boxes and personalized school bags, Stuck On You has your family covered. Spend less time recovering lost property and more time getting on with the fun things in life this school time!

TUTORS & TEST PREP

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.

EDUCATION PAROCHIAL & RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS

The Epiphany School

Gramercy, Murray Hill Early Childhood Center: 152 E. 29th St. 212-725-7220 Lower School: 234 E. 22nd St. 212-473-4128 Upper School: 141 E. 28th St. 212-725-7220 theepiphanyschool.org admissions@theepiphanyschool.org Serving approximately 500 students of all faiths, age 2 through eighth grade, The Epiphany School provides a value-centered education that educates the whole child and inspires academic success. Low teacher-student ratios, bright, colorful classrooms, and outdoor play space provide students an inviting and comfortable environment to begin their educational journey.

First Presbyterian Church Nursery School 12 W. 12th St. 212-691-3432 fpcns.org First Presbyterian Church Nursery School was founded in 1952 in Greenwich Village. Our school offers a non-sectarian program, welcoming children and families of all configurations, religions, races, cultures, and economic backgrounds. FPCNS is dedicated to the development of the whole child in a warm and nurturing environment.

PRESCHOOLS The Epiphany School

Gramercy, Murray Hill Early Childhood Center: 152 E. 29th St. 212-725-7220 Lower School: 234 E. 22nd St. 212-473-4128 Upper School: 141 E. 28th St. 212-725-7220 theepiphanyschool.org admissions@theepiphanyschool.org Early Childhood classes at The Epiphany School utilize art, music, movement, learning centers, and socialization activities to support the growth of each child’s cognitive, linguistic, physical, and social emotional skills. Low teacher-student ratios, bright, colorful classrooms, and outdoor play space provide students an inviting, comfortable environment to begin their educational journey.

First Presbyterian Church Nursery School 12 W. 12th St.

212-691-3432 fpcns.org First Presbyterian Church Nursery School was founded in 1952 in Greenwich Village. Our school offers a non-sectarian program, welcoming children and families of all configurations, religions, races, cultures, and economic backgrounds. FPCNS is dedicated to the development of the whole child in a warm and nurturing environment.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Dwight School

291 Central Park West 212-724-6360 dwight.edu; admissions@dwight.edu Founded in 1872, Dwight is a leading nursery-12th grade private school dedicated to igniting the spark of genius in every child. Dwight has one of the lowest student-teacher ratios among NYC independent schools and was the first in the Americas to offer the comprehensive International Baccalaureate curriculum for ages 3-18.

International Academy of New York

4 E. 90th St. 212-641-0260 ianyc.org; info@ianyc.org The International Academy of New York is multi-cultural and diverse, developing culturally astute, confident, and empathetic students with fluency in Mandarin or Spanish, while excelling in literacy, math, and the arts. Pre-nursery (2s)-eighth grade, but accepting applications through fourth grade for 2019-20.

The Montessori School of New York International

347 E. 55th St., Sutton Place 212-223-4630 montessorischoolny.com In a lovingly, thoughtfully prepared environment, children explore academic dimensions at their own pace and interest level. Classes are equipped with didactic Montessori materials that encourage absorption of concepts through play, leading children to become well-rounded and confident. Program includes science, music, foreign language, musical theatre, swimming, dance, yoga, and chess.

Wetherby–Pembridge School

7 E. 96th St. 646-213-3400 wetherby-pembridge.org info@wetherbypembridge.org A British independent school for ages 3-14, our school vision is to awaken curiosity, cultivate high standards, and celebrate successes. Our curriculum is based on the rigorous English National Curriculum and combines the merits of single-sex and co-education, infused with our three school values of respect, responsibility, and resilience.

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raising kids teen

Raising Independent Teens

››

Teaching your teen to be a successful, self-sufficient adult will take time and patience, but it’s worth it (trust us!). By Emma Steven

ne minute you’re changing your kid’s diapers, and the next you’re arguing with her about curfew. Your baby has grown into a young person with strong opinions and a fierce desire to be independent. As a parent, it’s your job to teach him life skills. But, like everything with teenagers, it’s complicated. Raising independent teens starts in preschool, according to Julie Lythcott-Haims, former dean of freshmen at Stanford University and author of How to Raise an Adult: Break Free from the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success. “Kids don’t acquire life skills by magic at the stroke of midnight on their eighteenth birthday,” she writes. “Childhood is meant to be a training ground. Parents can assist, not by always being there to do it or to tell them how to do it via cellphone—but by getting out of the way and letting them figure it out by themselves.” Unfortunately, this isn’t happening as often as it should. We are in the midst of an overparenting era, Lythcott-Haims says, and our kids are suffering for it. The 2018 Cooperative Institutional Research Program Freshman Study by the Higher Education Research Institute reported the emotional and mental health of freshmen in 1,900 U.S. colleges has declined since 1985. While there are many factors at play, researchers have found a strong correlation between parents who are overinvolved in their kids lives and undergraduates who report poor psychological well-being, problems making friends, low self-efficacy, and anxiety. Lythcott-Haims warns that if we want our kids to be happy and successful adults, we urgently need to let them do more. “The narrative has to shift so we see that it is most loving to 20

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

be interested in our children learning skills for themselves,” she writes. “It feels unloving…in the moment, but when we remember that our job is to put ourselves out of a job, that’s actually the most loving thing we can do.”

Choose Chores

Doing tasks around the house from an early age is a predictor of success in adult life, according to Marty Rossmann, professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota. Yet the amount of time kids spend doing chores has been declining since the ’80s. Psychologists believe household work teaches kids how to look after themselves and develop a good work ethic. By 10 a child can take on laundry, change the bed, and mow the lawn. Highschoolers can manage most adult chores, such as shopping for and preparing meals and unclogging drains. Your kids will definitely complain, but at least they won’t be calling you asking how to vacuum after they’ve moved out.

Dollars and Sense

“It’s never too early, or too late, to begin teaching about financial literacy,” says Jennifer Myers, CFP and president of SageVest Wealth Management and SageVest Kids. “Kids can really begin to conceptualize money as tweens.” “Budgeting is the most important thing a parent can teach their child,” Myers says. “We always recommend attaching purchase responsibilities with allowances. It forces kids to learn about the importance of budgeting and saving.” By the teen years, kids

should be paying for outings with friends, makeup, clothing, and more (think things they want, not things they need), to help conceptualize real life costs, Myers suggests. Most money experts and psychologists recommend teens hold a part-time job (and not just during the summer). “It gives them the understanding that when they fill up the car tank it might cost five hours of work,” says Cary Siegel, author of Why Didn’t They Teach Me This at School: 99 Personal Money Management Lessons to Live By.

Change a Tire

Lauren Fix, the “Car Coach,” says American teenagers should be learning basic car maintenance—as they do in other countries. Not only will it give her confidence, it also saves money. All she needs is the owner’s manual, Youtube, and the local auto parts store. Teach him to check and change the oil, check tire pressure and add air, change a tire, fill the gas tank, replace basic parts (wiper blades and air filters), and what to do when the “check engine” light comes on.

Time Management

The recent admissions scandal is an extreme example of how far some will go to get their kid into the “right” college. More common, Lythcott-Haims says, is the helicopter parent who constantly monitors their child’s academics and chooses her classes and extracurricular activities. Parents doing homework is also not unusual. The average U.S. parent spends six hours a week helping their child with academics, according to the Varkey Foundation’s Global Parent’ Survey. While well-intentioned, micromanaging stops kids from experiencing the natural consequences of their actions, such as missing deadlines and getting good or bad grades. Lythcott-Haims also warns that it can leave children feeling like their parents have no faith in them, and that they are doing their homework for their parents, not themselves. “None of this is good for the child,” she says.

Let Them Struggle

Young adults have to be able to cope with the ups and downs of life and keep going. Learning to manage conflict, hurt feelings, and cope when things go wrong is important. If we try and solve every one of our child’s minor problems, we rob him of experiences that help to build resilience. As Mogel says: “When they come to you in distress, resist responding like a concierge, talent agent, or the secret police. Assume they are capable of figuring out—through trial and error— how to solve their own problems.” If you’re feeling a little behind, don’t worry! It’s never too late to start. Lythcott-Haims has this advice: “The first thing is to acknowledge to the kid, with a small bit of apology, ‘We realized that we are a bit behind when it comes to teaching you to be independent and it’s time for us to start teaching you a lot of things.’ A teen needs to hear that because otherwise they will view your shift with a lot of skepticism.” Let her choose which chores she’s going to take on. Then tell him you will stop asking him about school work all the time because you know he has it under control, and let him decide what skills, like money management or car care, he would like to learn first. The process will probably elicit an eye roll now, but her future self will thank you. Emma Steven is a British freelance writer living in Manhattan with her husband, two small kids, and two cats. She writes about parenting and New York City.

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Class Is In!

After-School Activities

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SLOW DOWN!

How to Manage Kids’ Schedules

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Back-to-School Resource Guide Pack a Smarter Lunch Ease the Morning Rush Advocate for Your Twins

What Makes a Good Mentor?

+ 174 Family

+ 130 Family Events

Events

(see our calendar, p. 32)

(see our calendar, p. 26)

Plus: Learning to Let Go

Vaccines at Every Age Plus: Journaling for Your Child

Where-To Guide: Berry Picking

•

Dinosaur Fun

Where-To Guide: Apple Picking • Outing: New York Hall of Science

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things to do

outbound

Family Fun a Ride Away Courtesy Space Farms Zoo & Museum

In Sussex County, NJ…

In between or after the fun, the whole family can refuel by grabbing a slice (or a whole pie) at Extreme Pizza, next door to Space Farms Zoo & Museum.

Space Farms Zoo & Museum

Experience the excitement of live animals including lions, tigers, bears, leopards, jaguars, lemurs, buffalo, sheep, deer, and snakes while immersing yourself in the history that nine large museum buildings bring you. Exhibits include more than 50 antique cars, motorcycles, old horse drawn carriages, and sleighs; antique dolls; old farm machinery; and Native American artifacts. Visit it: 218 County Road 519, Sussex, NJ; 973-875-5800; spacefarms.com

Give your family several hours to go through the many exhibits, view shows, and interact with the Wild West City reenactors.

Wild West City

This western heritage theme park takes families back in time to 1880s life in Dodge City, KS. You’ll have the opportunity to see museum-quality exhibits; take stagecoach, train, and pony rides; visit the barnyard zoo; and so much more. Walk down Main Street to see (and participate in) 22 live-action shows, visit the old-time candy store, or make a memory at the Old Time Photo Center dressed up in Western garb. Visit It: 50 Lackawanna Drive, Stanhope, NJ; 973-347-8900; wildwestcity.com

The Croc-O-Nile lazy river is the perfect way to relax in between high energy amusement rides.

Lake Compounce and Crocodile Cove

If your family is looking for a thrill or relief from the August heat, spend the day at Lake Compounce and Crocodile Cove. The oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America, Lake Compounce is home to more than 30 traditional amusement park attractions, and Crocodile Cove boasts water rides that kids of all ages will love. Visit It: 185 Enterprise Drive, Bristol, CT; 860-583-3300; lakecompounce.com

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Image Credit Fred Schaeffer

Courtesy Lake Compounce and Crocodile Cove

yond! e b d an

The Walkway Over the Hudson was originally built as a double-track railroad bridge and reopened as a pedestrian walkway in 2009.

Walkway Over the Hudson

Dubbed ‘The Great Connector,’ this linear park crosses over the Hudson River from the Town of Lloyd in Ulster County to the City of Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County. Your family will love the beautiful views of the Hudson while spending some time breathing in the fresh air of Hudson Valley. Though usually closed after dark, the bridge offers moonlight walks and movie nights on select evenings. Visit It: Highland entrance: 87 Haviland Road, Highland; Poughkeepsie entrance: 61 Parker Ave., Poughkeepsie; Elevator entrance at Upper Landing Park: 83 N. Water St., Poughkeepsie; 845-454-9649; walkway.org

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 NYC Unifest (No. 9 on our list).

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

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ents. ropar

AUGUST CALENDAR

24 Editor’s Hot Tickets

30 The Great Outdoors

25 We Can’t Believe It’s FREE! 31 Show Time!

WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

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

26 Crafty Kids

32 Smarty Pants

27 Dance Party

33 On Screen

28 Movers & Shakers

34 Once Upon a Time, Mini Musicians

29 Fun Fairs & Festivals

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the 10 events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to. Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!

Times Square West Spectacular FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 3, 10am-6pm WHERE: Eighth Avenue, from 42nd to 54th streets, Times Square AGES: All WHAT: Check out this street fair with food, vendors, and fun for all! WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s a great central spot to meet up with other families and friends! WANT TO GO? 212-843-9319. timessquarenyc.org.

New York Musical Festival

WHEN: Aug. 4, see website for schedule WHERE: See website for various locations AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Selections include My Real Mother and Head and Heart, created by an all-female team. WHY WE LOVE IT: The festival is a chance to see stylistically, thematically, and culturally diverse new musicals. WANT TO GO? See website for details. nymf.org.

The Story Pirates Family Flagship Show

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 10, 11am WHERE: Cherry Lane Theatre, 38 Commerce St., Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: During these shows, the NYC Story Pirates cast will take story ideas from the audience and turn them into hilarious musical sketch comedy. WHY WE LOVE IT: They’ll also perform songs from their awardwinning new album, Backstroke Raptor! WANT TO GO? $37. 212.989.2020. web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe.c/10436743. 24

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Bands that Rock: Suzi Shelton

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 10, 2pm and 3pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Catch a free concert by award-winning children’s recording artist Suzi Shelton, filled with upbeat, inspiring and powerful songs. Due to limited space, this free event is first-come, first-served. A line will begin at the entrance to the lower level “Let’s Dance!” exhibit 1 hour before the event. WHY WE LOVE IT: Suzi’s new album, Hand In Hand, is all about inclusion. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $15, free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Broadway in Bryant Park FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 15: Thursdays, 12:30-1:30pm WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: The most popular shows on and off Broadway perform their biggest hits. Join hundreds of fans on the lawn and enjoy favorite Broadway tunes. WHY WE LOVE IT: Arrive early and catch rehearsals! WANT TO GO? 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.

Summer Streets FREE

WHEN: Aug. 3-17, Saturdays, 7am-1pm WHERE: Between Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park, along Park Avenue and connecting streets (as far as East 72nd Street), Manhattan AGES: All

WHAT: Summer Streets attracts 300,000 people over three Saturdays in August. Park Avenue and Lafayette Street are closed to vehicles for 7 miles, creating car-free space from Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park. WHY WE LOVE IT: Families can roam free, run around, and practice biking and skating in the streets. WANT TO GO? nyc.gov.

Harlem Week FREE

Get weekend activities delivered to you!

nymetroparents.com/register ››

WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 24: see website for schedule WHERE: Various locations AGES: All WHAT: This year’s fest includes a Youth STEAM Hackathon on Aug. 1, a Children’s Festival on Aug. 17-18, and the Harlem Jazz and Music Festival from Aug. 24-31. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids also get to see a spelling bee, outdoor films, and an auto show! WANT TO GO? harlemweek.com.

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.

Harlem Meer Performance Festival FREE

Citi Summer in the Square FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 1: Sundays, 2-4pm WHERE: Central Park, Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, inside the park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues, Harlem AGES: All WHAT: The Harlem Meer Performance Festival brings the best local talent to Central Park! Enjoy a variety of performances featuring multicultural music and dance, family-friendly entertainment, and more while admiring the lakeside views. WHY WE LOVE IT: Shows spans genres such as jazz and blues, Gospel, Klezmer/Yiddish, Afro-jazz, Caribbean/hip-hop, R&B/funk/soul, and New York salsa. WANT TO GO? 212-860-1370. centralparknyc.org/events.

NYC Unifest FREE

WHEN: Aug. 29-Sept. 2, see website for schedule WHERE: Governors Island and various locations, ferries leave from 10 South St., Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: This festival brings together recreational riders, world-class performers, mountain and off-road unicycle enthusiasts, mono-wheel vehicle inventors, along with circus enthusiasts, extreme sports viewers, and anyone seeking an unusual sight—even for NYC! WHY WE LOVE IT: The main events on Governors Island include races, competitions, exhibitions, and a variety of unicycle sports including basketball, hockey, and sumo, plus DJ music. WANT TO GO? 212-440-2200. govisland.com.

SummerStage 2019 FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 24: see website for showtimes WHERE: SummerStage, Central Park, Rumsey Playfield, East 71st Street, Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: New York City’s largest free outdoor performing arts festival, bringing nearly 100 free and benefit shows to Central Park and 17 neighborhood parks throughout the five boroughs. WHY WE LOVE IT: You can expect some distinctly New York genres, such as salsa, jazz, and hip-hop, alongside indie, reggae, Afrobeat, soul, contemporary dance, and more. WANT TO GO? 212-360-2777. cityparksfoundation.org.

WHEN: Through Aug. 8: see website for times WHERE: Union Square Park, Fourth Avenue and East 14th Street, Union Square AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy kid-friendly activities, music performances, and fitness for kids. WANT TO GO? 212-329-1408.

Hudson RiverKids FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 19: see website for schedule WHERE: Hudson River Park, Pier 25 and Pier 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.

Kids Yoga with Sacred Sounds Yoga FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 19: Wednesday-Thursday, 10-10:45am WHERE: Washington Square Park, Washington Square North, Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: Kids can stretch and move to songs, rhymes, and more. WANT TO GO? worldsciencefestival.com.

CityParks PuppetMobile: Bessie’s Big Shot FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 1: see website for showtimes WHERE: Various locations, see website for details AGES: All WHAT: Come root for Bessie the Cow in this variety show as she attempts the impossible and searches for her special talents. WANT TO GO? cityparksfoundation.org/puppetmobile.

Hester Street Fair FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 26: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: Between Hester and Essex streets, Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: Peruse handmade goods, creative products, and artisanal food. WANT TO GO? hesterstreetfair.com. ›› BigAppleParent 25

Empowerment Costumes!

WHEN: Aug. 5-9, Monday, 12-5pm; Thursday-Friday, 12-6pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Hudson Square AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Design a costume, pose as your costumed character, and create an animated GIF. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $13; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Snowmen in the Summer

CRAFTY KIDS Make A Buddy!

WHEN: Aug. 1-2, Thursday, 12-6pm; Friday, 12-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Hudson Square AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Use cardboard and decorations to make a paper doll friend. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $13; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Floral Walk and Flower Crowns FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 3, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: All WHAT: Tour the Water’s Edge Garden and learn about the beautiful and diverse plants on the Island. Then make a flower crown. WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org.

Studio Sundays | Small-Scale Sculpting with Artist Rachel Grobstein WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 4, 10am-1pm WHERE: Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle, Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Led by MAD artists-in-residence, Studio Sundays are a drop-in, play-based experience for multigenerational visitors in a semi-structured art studio and gallery-based environment. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $16; free for children and teens. 212-299-7777. madmuseum.org.

Art Force 5 FREE

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.

Cycling in the City Family Program

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 7, 11am-2pm WHERE: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., East Harlem AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Visit the exhibition Cycling in the City: A 200-Year History to explore cycling cultures past and present. Then participate in a cycling related activity to take home with you. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $19 adults; free for children and teens. 212-534-1672. mcny.org. 26

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 10, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Hudson Square AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Where do snowmen go on vacation over the summer? Create a snowman on their own summer getaway! WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $13; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Con Edison Family Day: Beat the Heat with 19th Century Fans

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 10, 12-2pm WHERE: Morris-Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Terrace, Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Decorate a 19th-century fan to help beat the heat with a bit of personal flair! WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $10; free for children younger than 13. 212-923-8008. morrisjumel.org.

Family Afternoon: Flamboyant Fashion

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 11, 1-4pm WHERE: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-11 WHAT: Drop in for free, hands-on family fun around the theme Flamboyant Fashion. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $25 adults; free for children younger than 13. 212-535-7710. metmuseum.org.

DIY Temporary Tattoos

WHEN: Aug. 12-16, Monday, 12-5pm; Thursday, 12-6pm; Friday, 12-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Hudson Square AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Cut stencils out of cardstock, then apply skin-safe paints to sponges to blot the designs onto your skin! WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $13; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Mocacreate: Awesome Album Art

WHEN: Aug. 3-17, first and third Saturday, 1-4pm WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Little Italy AGES: All WHAT: Create your very own album art using collage techniques and colorful materials. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $12 adults; $8 seniors, students, and children 2 and older. 855-955-6622. mocanyc.org/families/mocacreate.

Architecture Shape Collage Family Program

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 17, 10:30-11:45am WHERE: The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, Battery Park City AGES: 2-7 WHAT: Kids will use cut-out geometric shapes to create colorful collages of their own ideal cities to explore concepts of geometry, density, and design. RSVP required. WANT TO GO? $5 per child, members free. 212-945-6324. skyscraper.org.

Light Painting

WHEN: Aug. 16-18, Friday, 12-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Hudson Square AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Use transparent film to make your own hanging sculptures and

watch what happens when light reflects off them. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $13; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Superhero Dances

WHEN: Aug. 19-23, Monday and Friday, 12-5pm; Thursday, 12-6pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Manhattan AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Create the dance of your favorite hero in Pixelation, a stop-motion method that captures our movement. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $13; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

3D Doodling FREE

WHEN: Mondays, Aug. 12 and 26, 4-5pm WHERE: Tompkins Square Library, 331 E. 10th St., East Village AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Create physical structures with 3Doodler pens. WANT TO GO? nypl.org.

Tie Dye Butterflies

WHEN: Aug. 1-30, Sunday-Friday, 1pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Use coffee filters and watercolor to create beautiful butterflies. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $15, free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Pop-up Skyscraper Card-making

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 31, 10:30am-11:45am WHERE: The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, Battery Park City AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate National Skyscraper Day by making pop-up cards of your own skyscraper design. RSVP required. WANT TO GO? $5 per child; members free. 212-945-6324. skyscraper.org.

Arts Island Outpost FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 27: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Governors Island, ferries leave from 10 South St., Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Travel to historic Governors Island for free hands-on art-making workshops and art-viewing experiences! WANT TO GO? 212-440-2200. govisland.com.

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., Meatpacking District 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.

DANCE PARTY Family Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 3, 11am-2:15pm WHERE: Hearst Plaza, Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Have a blast at this annual day dedicated to dancing, singing, and fun around the fountain, plus live graffiti! WANT TO GO? 212-721-6500. lincolncenter.org.

Silent Disco FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 10, 6-10pm WHERE: Pier I, Riverside Park South, Riverside Drive, between 65th and 72nd streets, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Don headphones and party on the pier to three live DJs spinning tunes of different genres. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

Battery Dance Festival FREE

WHEN: Aug. 11-16, daily, 7-9pm WHERE: Robert F. Wagner Park, 20 Wagner Place, Battery Park City AGES: All WHAT: Be amazed by New York City’s longest-running free public dance festival. WANT TO GO? 212-219-3910. batterydance.org.

Jam With Jamie @ Riverside Park (by GoBambino)

WHEN: Through Aug. 27: Tuesdays, 4:15pm WHERE: Riverside Park, 91st and Riverside, Upper West Side AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Get ready for an upbeat jam session with props and instruments, sing-along, and dancing. WANT TO GO? $29. 646-410-5743. gobambino.com.

West African Dance Workshop FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 29: Thursdays, 6:30pm-7:30pm (no class Aug. 15) WHERE: Sherman Creek Park, 3725 10th Ave., Inwood AGES: All WHAT: Learn the arts of West African dance. WANT TO GO? 212-333-2552. nyrp.org.

The 2019 Goya Foods New York International Salsa Congress

WHEN: Aug. 29-Sept. 1, Thursday-Sunday, 11am WHERE: The Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway, Times Square AGES: All WHAT: A multi-day Latin music and dance festival offering multi-level group workshops and boot camps for beginner and advanced levels, youth and adult performances, and live music. WANT TO GO? $20 and up. newyorksalsacongress.com. ››

Open Studio for Families

WHEN: Through Dec. 29: Sundays, 1-4pm 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. BigAppleParent 27

Flatiron Summer Series: Wellness Wednesdays FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 7: Wednesdays, 6-7pm WHERE: Flatiron South Public Plaza, Broadway between 22nd and 23rd Streets, Flatiron AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy free fitness classes on the Flatiron South Plaza. WANT TO GO? 212-741-2323. eventbrite.com.

Splash ‘n’ Play

MOVERS & SHAKERS Watson Adventures: Wizard School Scavenger Hunt 2: The Museum of Magical History WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 3, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Search for exhibits that echo characters, places, and enchanted objects in the books and movies of the Harry Potter universe. Advance purchase required. WANT TO GO? $29.50-$45. 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com.

Lower East Side Walk & Find

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 4, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., Lower East Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: On this neighborhood walking tour and scavenger hunt for families, step back in time and visit the Lower East Side spots that kids in the early 1900s knew and loved. WANT TO GO? $14; $10 children and seniors. 212-219-0302. eldridgestreet.org.

Le Carrousel Magique FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 4, 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.

Southampton Race of Hope 5K

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 4, 8:30am WHERE: Agawam Park, 25 Pond Lane, Southampton AGES: All WHAT: Lace up your sneakers for the Race of Hope to Defeat Depression. One-hundred percent of funds raised will go directly to research that will transform the way depression is viewed, diagnosed, treated, and prevented. WANT TO GO? $30-$50. 212-446-4205. raceofhopeseries.com.

Jackie Robinson Family Day

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 5, 11am-2pm WHERE: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., East Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Learn about Jackie Robinson’s career as the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball. Go on a scavenger hunt in the exhibition In the Dugout with Jackie Robinson to consider the challenges and successes he faced during his career. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $19 adults; free for children and teens. 212-534-1672. mcny.org. 28

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Through Aug. 8: Tuesdays, 3:30 WHERE: 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: An hour of summer fun, with water activities, spray bottles, and more. WANT TO GO? $20 for the first child; $15 for additional children. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.

Watson Adventures: Whodunit at the Met Family Scavenger Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 10, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Follow the trail of clues and answer tricky questions to solve a crime! Advance purchase required. WANT TO GO? $32.50-$44. 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com.

Picnic & Play FREE

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 16, 5:30-8pm WHERE: 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: All WHAT: Bring out your family and friends for fun games like giant Connect 4 and Jenga, art projects, and music. WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org.

Thomas Jefferson Track Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 24, 9am-3pm WHERE: Thomas Jefferson Park, 114th Street and First Avenue, East Harlem AGES: 3-16 WHAT: Show off your speed in several competitive running events for different age groups. Pre-registration required. WANT TO GO? 212-360-1319. nycgovparks.org.

Watson Adventures: Secrets of Central Park Family Scavenger Hunt WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 24, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Central Park, Fifth Avenue and 66th Street, Upper East Side AGES: 7 and older WHAT: Decipher a secret code by the pond seen in Home Alone 2, spot Cupid at the Carousel, unscramble a message in the sky, and find a witch turned to stone. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Advance purchase required. WANT TO GO? $17.50-$21.50. 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com.

Super Soccer Stars FREE

WHEN: Aug. 8-29, Thursdays, 9:30-10:30am WHERE: Riverside Park, 72nd Track and Lawn, Upper West Side AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Children learn soccer skills with Super Soccer Stars in a fun, non-competitive, educational environment to build self-confidence and to develop teamwork. WANT TO GO? 914-777-3127. pcfwalk.org.

Family Yoga FREE

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.

Watson Adventures: Wizard School Scavenger Hunt for Harry Potter Fans

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WHEN: Saturdays, Aug. 17 and 31: 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Young wizards will search for art that echoes characters and enchanted objects in the Harry Potter books. Advance purchase required. WANT TO GO? $32.50-$44. 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com.

Yoga in the Park FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 19: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: 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: Through Sept. 28: Saturdays, 9-9:45am WHERE: Fort Tryon Park, Abby’s Lawn, Broadway, between Dongan Place and Bennet Avenue, Fort George AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy yoga with a certified children’s instructor. WANT TO GO? 212-795-1388. nycgovparks.org.

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS Sweet Spot Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 3, 3-9pm WHERE: West Harlem Piers Park, West 125th Street, West Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Summer on the Hudson and Kindred Arts invite you to a family-friendly gathering of community, cultures, and music lovers of all ages. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

Lexington Avenue Summerfest FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 4, 10am-6pm WHERE: Lexington Ave, from 42nd to 57th streets, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Check out this street fair with food, vendors, and fun for all! WANT TO GO? iloveny.com.

Throwback Thursday FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 8: Thursdays, 11am WHERE: Flatiron Plaza, East 23rd Street, Flatiron AGES: All WHAT: Play cornhole, giant Jenga, Connect 4, and classic board games. WANT TO GO? 212-546-1222. findyourpark.com.

Bowling Green Park Fair FREE

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 9, 10am-6pm WHERE: Bowling Green Park, 1 Bowling Green, Downtown AGES: All WHAT: A day-long fair with food, vendors, and fun for all! WANT TO GO? iloveny.com.

Dominican Day Parade FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 11, 12pm WHERE: Sixth Avenue, 35th to 56th streets, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Dominican culture and heritage with a vibrant parade. WANT TO GO? dominicanparade.org

Leslie-Lohman Block Party FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 17, 2-6pm WHERE: Leslie-Lohman Museum, 26 Wooster St., Downtown Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy live music, art-making activities, food, and performances. WANT TO GO? leslielohman.org.

Fourth Annual NYC Math Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 17, 10am-4pm WHERE: Fosun Plaza, 28 Liberty St., Financial District AGES: All WHAT: Bring your friends and the entire family to enjoy hands-on math exhibits, entertaining mathematical games, and intriguing puzzles and brainteasers. WANT TO GO? 212-542-0566. momath.org.

FlyNY Kite Festival FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 18, 11am-3pm WHERE: Riverside Park South, 72nd Street and Riverside Drive, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Have some high-flying fun with kite demonstrations, kite-making workshops, origami instruction, and live music. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

Eighth Avenue Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 24, 10am-6pm WHERE: Eighth Avenue, from 42nd to 57th streets, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Head out to a fun street fair with food, vendors, and fun for all! WANT TO GO? iloveny.com.

Family Festival: Young Artists en Plein Air FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 24, 10am-1pm WHERE: The High Line, West 14th Street and Tenth Avenue, Meatpacking District AGES: All WHAT: Make art en plein air with High Line partner Children’s Museum of the Arts. Then join the parade to the Young Artists Dance Party from 12-1pm. WANT TO GO? 212-500-6035. thehighline.org.

Japan Performing Arts Festival FREE

WHEN: Aug. 30-31, Friday-Saturday, 7-9pm WHERE: Governors Island, ferries leave from 10 South St., Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Visitors will have hands-on Bon Odori dance sessions and more Japanese summer festival experiences here in New York. WANT TO GO? 212-440-2200. govisland.com. ›› BigAppleParent 29

WHAT: Observe river animals up close and interact with smaller critters in a touch tank. WANT TO GO? hudsonriverpark.org.

Big City Fishing FREE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Ceramic Stories FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 3, 11-11:30am WHERE: Sherman Creek Park, 3725 10th Ave., Inwood AGES: All WHAT: An inclusive gardening and storytelling workshop for children of all abilities. WANT TO GO? 212-333-2552. nyrp.org.

Evening Bat Walks

WHEN: Through Aug. 26: Mondays, 5pm WHERE: Hudson River Park, Pier 25 at North Moore Street, Tribeca AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn how to fish while engaging with trained environmental educators about river science topics. WANT TO GO? 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

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

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

WHEN: Through Aug. 9: Fridays, 8pm WHERE: The American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Aided by detectors that amplify otherwise inaudible high-frequency chirps, bat-watchers monitor and catalogue the species that call the city home. WANT TO GO? $40; $25 children younger than 13. 212-769-5100. amnh.org.

Hudson River Nature Walk FREE

Science Saturday at Pier 84 FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 22: Sundays, 4pm WHERE: Hudson River Park, Pier 25 at North Moore Street, Tribeca AGES: All WHAT: Learn the incredible history of oysters and their ecological importance while working alongside Park staff to support oyster research efforts. WANT TO GO? 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

WHEN: Through 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, microscopic investigations, and river-inspired crafts. WANT TO GO? 773-577-8763. hope.abta.org/nyc2015.

Discovery Walks for Families: Turtle Pond FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 17, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Belvedere Castle, mid-Central Park at 79th Street, Upper West Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Explore the Pond’s history and design, and hear about what it takes to maintain a healthy and beautiful waterbody through hands-on exploration and guided activities in your complementary Discovery Journal. WANT TO GO? 212-772-0288. centralparknyc.org.

Hudson River Park’s Open Field Lab FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 24: Sundays, 4pm WHERE: Hudson River Park: Pier 84, 12th Avenue and West 44th Street, Hell’s Kitchen AGES: All WHAT: Topics will rotate from week to week, and will include microplastics, oyster restoration, and environmental DNA. WANT TO GO? 773-577-8763. hope.abta.org/nyc2015.

Roving River FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 25: Sundays, 11am WHERE: Hudson River Park, Pier 40 at West Houston Street and Pier 25 at North Moore Street, Greenwich Village AGES: All 30

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Through 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.

Shell-Ebrate Oysters FREE

Summer on the Hudson: Sun Gaze FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 25, 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 and see sunspots and prominences. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

Urban Farm Exploration Days FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 19: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: 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.

Stargazing FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 29: Tuesdays at dusk WHERE: The High Line, West 14th Street and Tenth Avenue, Meatpacking District AGES: All WHAT: Peer through high-powered telescopes to see rare celestial sights. WANT TO GO? 212-500-6035. thehighline.org.

SHOW TIME! ‘Story Pirates’ FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 1, 11am-12pm WHERE: Union Square Park (South Plaza main stage), Union Square AGES: All WHAT: By using ideas from children in the audience, the Story Pirates show children how amazing their ideas really are! WANT TO GO? 212-329-1408. summerinthesquare.nyc.

Summer on the Hudson: Children’s Performance Series FREE

WHEN: Aug. 1, 10-10:45am WHERE: Pier I, Riverside Park South, Riverside Drive between 65th and 72nd streets, Upper West Side AGES: Newborn to 7 WHAT: This children’s series features music, storytelling, and theater for young audiences. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

Game Changers

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 1, 12pm and 2pm WHERE: TADA! Youth Theater, 15 W. 28th St., Chelsea AGES: 3 and older WHAT: No one’s ever won TV’s popular game show Game Changers. Will 1 of today’s 6 young contestants be the first to score enough points and conquer Mt. Victory? WANT TO GO? $30; $15 children. 212-252-1619. tadatheater.com.

Young Dancemakers Company Tour FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 4: see website for schedule WHERE: Various locations, see website for details AGES: All WHAT: Young Dancemakers Company, a unique company of 16-18 young dancers from New York City’s public high schools and selected by audition, puts on free performances throughout the summer. RSVP required. WANT TO GO? community.ecfs.org.

Rave Theater Festival: ‘Sweet Lorraine’

WHEN: Aug. 10-24, see website for schedule WHERE: Teatro Latea, 107 Suffolk St., 2nd Floor, Lower East Side AGES: 13 and older WHAT: A dramatic interpretation of the final conversation had between best friends Lorraine Hansberry and James Baldwin in Lorraine’s New York City hospital room in January 1965. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-529-1948. sweetlorrainetheplay.com.

Bard In The Park FREE

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 16, 7pm WHERE: Hudson River Park, West 54th to West 59th Streets, Clinton Cove AGES: All WHAT: Join local artists for A Midsummer Night’s Song. WANT TO GO? hudsonriverpark.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: Puss in Boots is 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: Through 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. ››

Summer on the Hudson: Play Dates! FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 10, 1-4pm WHERE: West Harlem Piers Park, 125th and Marginal streets, West Harlem AGES: All WHAT: August’s play date features a bilingual Latin music party with Flor Bromley, arts and crafts, and neighborhood fun! WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

Shakespeare in the Park Presents: ‘Coriolanus’ FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 11: see website for details WHERE: Central Park, Delacorte Theater, 81 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan directs a modern-day version of this riveting epic of democracy and demagoguery. WANT TO GO? 212-539-8500. publictheater.org.

‘The Perfect Fit, the Musical’

WHEN: Aug. 11-23, see website for schedule WHERE: LaTea Theater, 107 Suffolk St., Lower East Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: A story of triumph and a celebration of individuality written by 12-year-old professional actor, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Joshua Turchin. WANT TO GO? $25-$35. 212-529-1948. ci.ovationtix.com. BigAppleParent 31

WHAT: Learn about recent scientific work related to eclipses, international coordination of observations, and future plans. WANT TO GO? $15. 212-542-0566. momath.org.

Math Encounters: ‘The Wall of Fire Theorem: A Story of Mathematical Discovery’ with Jim Propp FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 7, 4-5:30pm and 7-8:30pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E 26th St., Nomad AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Researcher Jim Propp shares new mathematical results inspired by the Museum’s popular Wall of Fire exhibit, where you can slice a cube and find shapes that have three to six sides. WANT TO GO? 212-542-0566. momath.org.

Morgan Explorers: Family Drop-in Museum Experience

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 11, 1:30-3pm WHERE: The Morgan Library & Museum, 225 Madison Ave., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Discover art activities, handle touch objects, and answers from an educator. WANT TO GO? $22; $14 senior; $13 students; free for children younger than 13. 212-685-0008. themorgan.org.

SMARTY PANTS

Family Fridays at MoMath presented by Two Sigma: Mathematics Starring YOU with Sergio Belmonte Palmero FREE WHEN: Friday, Aug. 2, 6:30pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Nomad AGES: All WHAT: In this special event, audience members become the main characters in a special role-play with math. WANT TO GO? 212-542-0566. momath.org.

Building Blocks Bonanza!

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 3, 10:30-11:45am WHERE: The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, Battery Park City AGES: 5-17 WHAT: After a brief tour of the permanent exhibition, kids will test their knowledge to climb their way to the top as they become life-size game pieces in a skyscraper-themed board game. RSVP required. WANT TO GO? $5 per child; members free. 212-945-6324. skyscraper.org.

Revolutionary Summer: Deborah Sampson, Fighting Woman

WHEN: Aug. 3-4, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: DiMenna Children’s History Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Meet Deborah Sampson, the woman who disguised her gender to enlist in the Continental Army. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $21; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 5. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.

STEM Kids NYC FREE

WHEN: Aug. 3-4, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Governors Island, ferries leave from 10 South St., Lower Manhattan AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn the physics of making and flying kites, make polymers, and code an app. WANT TO GO? 212-440-2200. govisland.com.

Solar Eclipses: Math, Science, and Spectacle

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 6:30pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Nomad AGES: 9 and older 32

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Tween Primes, the MoMath book club for tweens and teens: The Writing on the Wall by Wendy Lichtman

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 11, 5:30-6:30pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Nomad AGES: 10-17 WHAT: Like to read? Like math or wish you did? Come to Tween Primes, the MoMath book club for tweens and teens. Enjoy pizza and good math reads. WANT TO GO? $15. 646-603-6869. momath.org

Unlimited, MoMath’s Mix-N-Mingle Program For Students in Middle and High School

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 11, 6:30-8:30 pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Nomad AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Hang out with old and new friends, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, and move to some great tunes. WANT TO GO? $15. 212-542-0566. momath.org.

Washington & Hamilton in New York City

WHEN: Aug. 10-11, Saturday, 11am; Sunday, 1pm WHERE: Fraunces Tavern, 54 Pearl St., Downtown AGES: All WHAT: This is an immersive tour for lovers of United States’ history and the musical Hamilton! WANT TO GO? $20. frauncestavern.com.

Wet Water Lab Program

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 12, 11am-2pm WHERE: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., East Harlem AGES: 5-12 WHAT: What’s in your water? Join for an exploration of our major water sources, the ways we use water, and filtration systems in the city. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $19 adults; free for children and teens. 212-534-1672. mcny.org.

Stroller Tour

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 13, 3-4pm WHERE: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: Newborn to 2, adult WHAT: Enjoy a special stroller-friendly tour for children and their caregivers. Led by museum educators, this interactive exploration of current exhibitions includes touchable objects, art-making, and adult conversation. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-423-3500. guggenheim.org.

Math Gym, A Workout For Your Brain FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 13, 3:30- 4:30pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Nomad AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Spend an hour at MoMath independently working on engaging and beautiful math problems, hand-selected by MoMath’s advisory council of math Ph.Ds. WANT TO GO? 212-542-0566. momath.org.

The Amazing Work of Kokichi Sugihara

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 13, 6:30-7:30 pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11. E. 26th St., Nomad AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Be amazed as Dr. Sugihara demonstrates how his clever illusions fool the brain and how math underlies the engineering of each paradoxical illusion. WANT TO GO? $14. 212-542-0566. momath.org.

Garbage, Garbage Everywhere!

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 14, 11am-2pm WHERE: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., East Harlem AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Explore the Future City Lab, part of the acclaimed exhibition New York at Its Core, and see the ways that climate change and your personal trash are connected. Registration suggested, but not required. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $19 adults; free for children and teens. 212-534-1672. mcny.org.

Ocean Cube

WHEN: Through Aug. 18: daily, 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.

Chess Lecture and Simul Series: Woman Grandmaster Sabina Foisor FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 24, 11am-3pm (registration at 10am) WHERE: Chess & Checkers House, Mid-Park at 64th Street, Central Park AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn techniques from world-renowned chess experts. Then put your new skills to the test against a grandmaster while they challenge 30 participants—simultaneously! WANT TO GO? 212-794-4064. centralparknyc.org.

Revolutionary New York Walking Tour

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 26, 1pm WHERE: City Hall Park, Broadway and Murray Street, Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Visit the site where the Declaration of Independence was first read to a New York audience, the graves of a Revolutionary War General, and where President George Washington gave his Inaugural Address. WANT TO GO? $25; $20 seniors and students. bigonion.com.

Intrepid Adventures

WHEN: Through Dec. 29: Saturday-Sunday, 12pm WHERE: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, West 46th Street at Twelfth Avenue, Hell’s Kitchen AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Each Adventure is inspired by a Museum exhibition. Register in advance. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $33 adults; $24 children ages 5-12; free for children younger than 5. 212-245-0072. intrepidmuseum.org.

ON SCREEN ‘The Lion King’ Experience at Dolby SoHo FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 4: daily, 1-8pm WHERE: Dolby Soho, 477 Broadway, Soho AGES: All WHAT: The sights and sounds of Disney’s The Lion King will transport you from deep inside the jungle to the top of Pride Rock. Feel the power of a lion’s roar like never before! WANT TO GO? 646-500-7652. soho.dolby.com.

Summer Movie Night: ‘Finding Dory’ FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 7-10pm WHERE: Sherman Creek Park, 3725 10th Ave., Inwood AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a movie under the stars, along with free popcorn! WANT TO GO? 212-333-2552. nyrp.org.

Movie Nights FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 12: Mondays, lawn opens at 5pm, movies begin at sunset WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Bring a blanket and sit on the Lawn to enjoy great food, friends, and a feature film. WANT TO GO? 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.

Central Park Conservancy Film Festival FREE

WHEN: Aug. 13-15, Tuesday-Thursday, gates open at 6:30pm WHERE: Central Park, 14 E. 60th St., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Festival films include Back to the Future, Moonstruck, and Black Panther. WANT TO GO? 212-310-6600. centralparknyc.org.

Summer Outdoor Movie Nights FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 15: Thursdays, 8:30pm WHERE: Stuyvesant Square, Rutherford to Perlman places, East 15th to East 17th streets, East Village AGES: All WHAT: Bring a blanket and snacks or get comfortable on one of many benches that allow for comfortable viewing and wheelchair access. August movies include Captain Marvel, Wall-E, and Dumbo. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

Summer Movies Series FREE

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 16, doors open 5pm, movies begin at sunset WHERE: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, West 46th Street at Twelfth Avenue, Hell’s Kitchen AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy views of the Hudson River and city skyline while you watch some old and new favorites on the ship’s flight deck. WANT TO GO? 212-245-0072. intrepidmuseum.org.

Outdoor Movie Night FREE

WHEN: Aug. 11-18, Sundays, 8:15pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park Alliance, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy free popcorn while supplies last and fun activities before the movie! Aug. 11 features Crazy Rich Asians (PG-13) and Aug. 18 features Ralph Breaks the Internet (PG). WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org. ›› BigAppleParent 33

MINI

MUSICIANS Carnegie Hall Citywide FREE

ONCE UPON A TIME Le Carrousel Story Time FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 10: Saturdays, 2-3pm WHERE: Bryant Park Carousel, 35 W. 40th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Cali Co Cat and her carousel pals get you jumpin’ and leapin’ with fun, games, and stories. WANT TO GO? FREE. 2127684242. bryantpark.org.

Musical Storytime FREE

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 16, 10:30am WHERE: Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, 421 E. 61st St., Upper East Side AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Bring the little ones for historically themed stories, role-play with the Museum’s Touch Collection, and a 19th-century craft or game. WANT TO GO? 212-838-6878. mvhm.org.

‘Right on! Read on!’: Children’s Book Costume Characters

WHEN: Through Aug. 19: Sunday-Monday, 11:30am, 12pm, 3:30pm, and 4:30pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy special story times and visits featuring your favorite children’s book characters. WANT TO GO? $15; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Storytime in Nolen Library FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 20: Tuesday-Thursday, 3-3:30pm; Sunday 2-2:30pm WHERE: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Look, listen, sing, and have fun with picture books. WANT TO GO? 212-535-7710. metmuseum.org.

Fairy and Folk Tales from Around The World! FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 28: Saturdays, 11am-12pm WHERE: Central Park, Hans Christian Andersen Statue, 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue entrance, Upper East Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Hear fairytales, folk stories, and stories, told by professional storytellers. WANT TO GO? storytelling-nyc.org.

Pop Up Library FREE

WHEN: Aug. 17-18, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm WHERE: Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, Roosevelt Island AGES: All WHAT: Sit outside, read, draw, enjoy the view, and explore a curated collection of books and hands-on materials. WANT TO GO? 212-204-8831. fdrfourfreedomspark.org.

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 2, 6-7:30pm WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: A free concert that features outstanding artists in a range of musical genres. WANT TO GO? 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.

Go: Organic Orchestra And Brooklyn Raga Massive FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 10, 1pm and 3pm WHERE: Governors Island, ferries leave from 10 South St., Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: This ambitious project brings together Brooklyn Raga Massive and Go: Organic Orchestra into a synergistic exploration of raga, India’s classical music and contemporary creative music. WANT TO GO? 212-440-2200. govisland.com.

Mad. Sq. Kids Concerts FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 14: Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30am WHERE: Madison Square Park, Madison Avenue and 23rd Street, Flatiron District AGES: All WHAT: Children can dance, jump, clap, and sing-along to an eclectic mix of today’s top children’s performers. WANT TO GO? 212-520-7600. madisonsquarepark.org.

Bands that Rock: Vered and Rob

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 17, 2pm and 3pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Award-winning children’s musician Vered will be playing with her longtime bandmate Rob Jost, who plays for the Sesame Street band and on the hit Broadway show Dear Evan Hanson. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $15; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Mitchell Hutchings Voice Studio In Concert

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 17, 7:30pm WHERE: Marc Scorca Hall at The National Opera Center, 330 Seventh Ave., Chelsea AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Come hear these young singers perform operatic standards and new music accompanied by two elite pianists on Placido Domingo’s 9-foot Hamburg Steinway! WANT TO GO? $15. 212-796-8630. eventbrite.com.

Kids Music or Family Sign Language FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 30: Tuesdays, 6-6:30pm WHERE: Inwood Hill Park, Isham Street and Seaman Avenue, Inwood AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Learn American Sign Language through songs and play. WANT TO GO? 212-628-2345. nycgovparks.org.

Jam Band

WHEN: Through Aug. 31: daily, 10:15-10:45am WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Use tambourines, maracas, bells, and rhythm sticks to collaborate and make beats. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $15; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Summer Classics things to do

where-to guide

Compiled by Melissa Wickes

Before back-to-school shopping and carpool planning become your reality, enjoy the final days of summer with your family by getting outdoors as much as you can! Ride a wave and build a sandcastle at one of the best beaches in Manhattan or embrace the fun of red-stained fingers when picking strawberries, blueberries, and more at a nearby farm. Looking to go for an adventure? Spend the day riding roller coaster at a local amusement park or take a horse out for a trot at one of the many stables in our area. However you soak up the last of the summer sun, make sure the whole family has proper protection from UV rays!

AMUSEMENT PARKS Victorian Gardens Wollman Rink, Central Park victoriangardensnyc.com 212-982-2229 Hours: Through Sept. 9: Monday-Thursday, 11am-7pm; Friday, 11am-8pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-8pm Admission: $8.50 weekdays; $9.50 weekends and holidays; free for children shorter than 36 inches (with a paying adult). $24.50 for unlimited-ride wristbands on weekdays; $27.50 on weekends. $4 additional charge for games. Enjoy rides and games for the whole family, plus live entertainment every weekend. Soar in circles on the Kite Flyer and play the tried and true Whack-A-Mole game.

BEACHES Manhattan Beach Oriental Blvd. between Ocean Ave. and Mackenzie Street nycgovparks.org 718-646-5913 or 212-639-9675 Hours: Daily, 10am-6pm. Lifeguards on duty daily, 10am-6pm, through Labor Day Admission: Beach: FREE. Parking: $6 weekdays, $20 weekends and holidays. Features a boardwalk, two playgrounds, large baseball diamond, and tennis, basketball, and handball courts. Find more>>nymetroparents.com/beaches

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/amusementparks

BERRY PICKING

Ochs Orchard 4 Ochs Lane (off Reservoir Road, Route 94), Warwick ochsorchard.net 845-986-1591 Hours: Picking: Daily, 9am-5pm. Farm store: daily, 9am-6pm. Pick your own sugar snap peas, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, peaches, apples, blueberries, blackberries, tomatoes, and raspberries through October (subject to availability). Farm store with ice cream, jams and jellies, honey, apple cider, fresh eggs and much more Find more>> nymetroparents.com/berries

HORSEBACK RIDING

Central Park Sightseeing Central Park West at West 67th Street, next to Tavern on the Green Intersection of Warner LeRoy Place and West Drive centralparksightseeing.com You and your kids can ride down the bridle trail and view all that Central Park has to offer. Each ride is 1 hour, and each rider must be at least 10 years old and weigh less than 250 pounds. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/horseback-riding

renaissance faire

All photos: Deborah Grosmark

things to do

Where Fantasy Rules

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he New York Renaissance Faire is back in the Orange County town of Tuxedo for its 42nd season! This 65-acre Elizabethan village celebrates life in the 16th century with jousting, theater, acrobatics, magicians, music, shows, games, food, and more. Read on as Estée Pouleris shares what her first experience at the New York Renaissance Faire was like. Three years ago, I hadn’t attended this event before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. My then 4-year-old daughter Brooklyn, her dad, and I made the scenic 45-minute drive from upper Manhattan to see what the Renaissance Faire is all about. And we experienced a show you may find yourself looking forward to each and every year. Once we arrived, the faire completely blew my mind. It is set up as a 65-acre Elizabethan village, and it feels like being on a movie set. This celebration of the 16th century is filled with hundreds of costumed performers, jousting tournaments, music, festive foods, magicians, manually powered rides, and more than 100 shops selling mostly handmade wares. To add to the fun, most of the attendees dress up, too. The venue even offers rental costumes if you feel inspired to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Renaissance Faire.

Queens, and Knights, and Fairies, Oh My!

We began our day around 3pm, and stopped first at the Queen’s Glade, where Brooklyn participated in the Children’s Knighting Ceremony. Here we were able to spend some time with “her majesty” and her court. It was a cute ceremony led by costumed knights who taught the kids about knighthood and their job to protect the realm. Brooklyn received a certificate of knighthood for her extraordinary courage, honor, and truthfulness, and was renamed Lady Brooklyn. Our next stop was The Enchanted Forest, where Brooklyn settled in and fell in love with the fairies. Fairies don’t talk, but Brooklyn quickly found a way to communicate with them: They made gestures back and forth and mimicked each other’s facial expressions. Some fairies even gave away treasures such as buttons and pixie dust. Several times throughout the day, this area is also turned into Kids’ Quest, where kids can participate in a 30-minute adventure in which they work together to help the fairies save their enchanted homes.

Renaissance Fare and Fun

Next, we tried the amusement rides. There are about a half dozen manually powered rides spread throughout the grounds. We rode the Dragon Swing, Bedlam Barrel, Crow’s Nest, and carousel. These are all unique, hand crafted, and pushed or spun by hard-working faire employees, all dressed in character. As much fun as these were, I think the highlight was the games, including axe throwing, a maze, ring toss, darts, strength tests, and dragon slaying. Brooklyn and her dad played four rounds of archery, both eventually hitting the bullseye! We refueled with delicious food. The faire offers a smorgasbord of treats, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. We ended up with sausage on a stick, pizza, and dragon chips. All were deliciously greasy and perfect fair food. While eating we watched dancers and performers while many attendees joined in on the fun. It was a great break in our day and gave us a moment to take in the spirit of the festival and see how much fun everyone was having. 36

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Royal Entertainment

Our next stop was Teatro Del Sol, where we caught an act by the famous Gypsy Geoff. He’s known for juggling, fire manipulation, and other circus acts. We’ll never forget this show because he ended up inviting Brooklyn onstage to do some tricks with him. She held sticks while a plate spun on one and a metal bin on the other. Geoff then began playing them like drums. To top it off, he poured a pitcher of water in the spinning metal bin, giving Brooklyn a little shower. We all laughed about it, and since it was 90 degrees out, she was happy for the refreshing spray. Our last planned stop for the day was the Royal Joust at the Roselawn Tournament Field. This event is free and offers a lot of great seating, including a VIP option. Jousting is intense, so I had to reassure Brooklyn that the competitors were unharmed. We all enjoyed it, though, and even got to meet the riders and horses afterward. As the jousting tournament ended, the faire started closing down for the day. Brooklyn asked if she could be the leader to show us the way out, when a performer by the name of Daniel Liberti stepped by her side and said, “I’ll lead!” He asked her name and if she likes to make wishes. He put a pebble in her hand, told her to squeeze her hands and eyes as tight as she could, and make a wish. She announced her wish for a unicorn. He then took his staff and touched her hands with it, and told her to open her eyes and hands—well, there was no unicorn, but there was a crystal marble. It was such a fun, spontaneous experience, so much in line with the vibe of a Renaissance Faire. We made our way toward the exit around 7pm and noticed all the performers gathering along the hills and paths on our route. A band started playing live Renaissance-style music, and everyone started dancing. Performers and attendees all danced together and celebrated a wonderful day of fantasy. My daughter found her favorite fairy up on the hill and they danced together until it was time to call it a day. It’s official: I am now a Renaissance Faire fan, and I will likely visit this one every year.

Tips for Visiting •

• • • • • • • • •

•

The Renaissance Faire hosts themed weekends all season, including Pirate Weekend, Time Travelers’ Weekend, and Celtic Weekend. Plus, various entertainers stroll the grounds all season, so you’re never without something fun to see! There is free parking about ¼ mile from the faire, and free shuttle buses take visitors back and forth. There is $10 parking closer to the faire, but the lot fills quickly. The grounds are very stroller and wheelchair friendly. Diaper changing stations are in men’s and women’s bathrooms. Wagons are available to rent if you don’t bring a stroller but realize you should have. Pets are not allowed, though service animals are welcome. You can get a stamp if you leave the park to return later that day. Outside food is not allowed, but you can return to your car for a picnic if you would prefer your own food. Many shows are not appropriate for kids. All of these are indicated on the schedule or online. However, overall, this is a very kid-friendly venue. Nearly all activities, with few exceptions (such as the shows and performances), require additional fees. Activities and food stands don’t accept credit cards. There are ATMs around the faire, but bringing cash is helpful. There is direct bus transportation provided by Shortline from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan to the faire. It offers either a round-trip bus-only ticket to the faire or a day-trip package that includes round-trip bus ticket, plus faire admission and a program. Contact Shortline for more details: shortlinebus.com or 800-631-8405.

Want to Go?

Address: Sterling Forest, 600 Route 17A, Tuxedo, Orange County Hours: Aug. 17-Oct. 6, Saturday-Sunday and Labor Day, 10am-7pm Admission: $29.95; $25.95 seniors (62 and older) and military personnel with identification; $13 ages 5-12; free for ages 4 and younger. Check website for discounts and promotions. More info: renfair.com/ny or 845-351-5171

erience. e yourself in the exp want to fully immers you if es tum cos t ren son (left), and you can g tournaments all sea goers can see joustin reFai ce san ais Ren New York BigAppleParent 37

raising kids baby

Plotting Your Return ››

The transition from maternity leave to being back at work isn’t always smooth, but the good news is you can make it easier on you and your family. By Madeleine Burry

ere’s the thing about maternity leave: It’s finite. You may have several months or just a few weeks of 1-on-1 time with your new baby, but eventually, you’ll return to your workplace. That transition isn’t always easy. “New moms may feel a range of feelings when returning to work,” says Dana Dorfman, Ph.D., psychotherapist and co-host of the podcast 2 Moms on the Couch. Those feelings can include everything from guilt to sadness to excitement. Then there is the sheer volume of logistical questions to tackle: Who will care for your baby? Where and when will you pump if you’re breast-feeding? Do your professional outfits still fit? With each question that hits you, heading back to work feels more intimidating. Since countless other working moms have dealt with these same concerns, we spoke to some of them, as well as human resources professionals and psychologists, to find the best strategies for your return to work.

Securing Child Care

Don’t delay when it comes to sorting out child care. Day care spots fill up early, and interviewing potential nannies will take longer than you think. “Secure child care early in the pregnancy,” recommends Angel Montfort, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist at the Center for Maternal Mental Health in Florida. Or at least put child care on the top of your transitional to-do list, and consider these factors as you evaluate your options. Location matters. “If you are looking for a day care for your child, remember the most important factor is location, location, location!” says Eirene Heidelberger, certified parent coach and founder of GIT Mom (Get It Together, Mom!). Your time will be precious, she points out—don’t waste it adding an extra leg to your commute. Plus, you’ll appreciate a location near home (or your office), especially if you have to pick up a sick little one in the middle of your workday. Caregiver rapport is important. The best way to feel comfortable about your baby being away from you is to be able to visualize how each day is spent. “I encourage moms to spend time with caregivers prior to returning to work,” Dr. Dorfman says. That might mean 38

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

shadowing a nanny or sitter for a few days or long visits to the day care. (If the day care you’re considering seems to frown on “surprise” visits as opposed to scheduled tours, keep looking!) Schedule this time a few weeks before you head back to work— that way, if need be, you will have time to find an alternative. “Ideally, this time together will enhance mom’s connection and trust with a caregiver,” Dr. Dorfman says. Open communication is key. Moms should feel comfortable speaking with caregivers about their family’s needs. “It’s advisable to have regular check-ins to discuss concerns and mitigate potential conflicts,” Dr. Dorfman says. It can be as casual as chatting with the day care staff at drop-off or as formal as a weekly meeting with your nanny. A backup plan is a must. Babies get sick. Nannies do too. And sometimes, day care is closed when your workplace is open. Along with your partner, think through how you’ll handle these moments—maybe you have family or a trusted friend who can help out, or perhaps you and your partner can alternate caretaking.

Plan Your Return

Although you began strategizing before you went on leave (setting up a return date, etc.), be open to the possibility that your notion of what makes sense for you and your family may shift during maternity leave, Dr. Montfort urges. “As much as we try to plan ahead, it’s important to be adaptable and work together to find a plan that makes sense for everyone,” says Marshall Stanton, human resources director at Aeroflow Healthcare. The following expert tips can help you navigate this process: Prepare for a mix of emotions. “It’s normal to feel excited, scared, anxious, sad, or anything else…as your first day back approaches,” Stanton says. And don’t discount the possibility that you’ll welcome going back, Dr. Dorfman adds. “Often, work can be a welcome reprieve from allconsuming child care,” she says, noting that it’s a return to interacting with adults and reconnecting with your pre-motherhood identity. Know your rights. Legally, your employer needs to provide a private space and reasonable break time for you to pump, Stanton says. If the

space is bedraggled—say, an old supply closet with a rickety folding chair—schedule a time to meet with your manager about it. “I think most people will find their companies really want to support them but often just don’t fully understand what a new mom needs,” he adds. Do a trial run. Your morning routine likely looks quite different these days. Before your first day back at work, try a test run. Wake up, do your routine with baby, put on a work outfit, and commute to the office. This might reveal aspects that need adjustment— such as waking up earlier so you have time to change your shirt after it’s covered in spit-up. Skip Monday your first week back. A short week will make the transition easier on you. In addition, some moms at Stanton’s company work a modified schedule for the first few weeks back in the office. If that’s financially feasible, you may want to check if a flexible work schedule is an option at your workplace. Make a schedule. If you are pumping at work, try to schedule your day around it, Stanton suggests. If you need a firm exit time in place to avoid late fees from your caregiver, make sure to put that on your calendar so you don’t get pulled into a surprise 5pm meeting.

Smithsonian

A family-friendly, interactive space where the focus is Native innovations throughout history that shape the modern world.

National Museum of the American Indian One Bowling Green | New York City | Free Admission

Ask for what you need. “A mom must advocate for herself because no one else will,” Heidelberger says. Seek to negotiate expectations in a way that’s mutually beneficial, she advises. For example, a workfrom-home day may help you get more work done, while also being able to accommodate your nanny’s schedule. Find peers in and out of the office. It’s hard to overestimate the value of an in-office support system. These people really get it—and can often help you navigate new HR situations. “Finding a few fellow parents in the office who understand...what you’re going through is one of the best ways to help moms transition back smoothly,” Stanton says. Moms particularly benefit from other moms’ support, Dr. Dorfman says. “Those who are in the same phase of working motherhood can commiserate and deeply understand the way a mom feels,” she adds. In addition, find like-minded friends to add to your social circle. “Build your village so you can have a reality-check when you need it,” Heidelberger recommends. Turn to professionals. “Seek therapy if you need help navigating the emotional transition of returning to work,” Dr. Montfort says. A therapist provides a safe space to explore your feelings, and allows you to think through your new identity, she says. Ask for help—and accept it too! If the people in your life offer help with this transition or to care for your little one, take them up on it, Dr. Montfort says. After all, it really does take a village. Prioritize yourself. Experts agree: Mom guilt is hard for any mom to avoid, frankly. But “just because a mom may feel guilt, it doesn’t mean that it’s warranted,” Dr. Dorfman points out. Caring for yourself may help alleviate some of that guilt—and keep you sane. So take the time to figure out what you need for yourself. Maybe it’s an hour to attend a weekly yoga class, watching your favorite TV show, or a coffee date with a friend. “These restorative moments help moms to be more present with baby and more productive at work,” Dr. Dorfman observes. “They do wonders for the psyche and soul.” Madeleine Burry is a freelance writer and editor who has held staff positions at Parents.com, Scholastic, and About.com. Burry lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with her husband and their cat.

Tiger Strong karate! Our core philosophy is to teach children skills that they can use in their normal everyday life. We help develop a child’s core athleticism and physical skills through basic gymnastics and martial art techniques using music, skill-based activities and games in fun, safe and nurturing environment. Kids are introduced to the basics of karate including the correct and safe method for punching and kicking.

Tiger Strong NYC 917-453-6503 tigerstrongnyc.com ellen robbins Modern Dance Technique, Improvisation, Composition. Ages 5 - Teens Classes meet in: Soho & Chelsea

212-254-0286

www.ellenrobbinsdance.com

Visit us at NYMetroParents.com BigAppleParent 39

family life home

Staying on Budget ››

While it’s easy for home renovations to cost more than you were anticipating (old wiring, anyone?), it is possible to stay within your original budget. By Jacqueline Neber

enovating your home can be exciting—there are so many ways to make your vision come to life. Unfortunately, it can also be incredibly stressful—and one of the most challenging aspects is staying within your budget. We polled contractors and designers for tips and tricks to contain the costs from start to finish.

Start with a Realistic Budget

People often come up with an arbitrary budget number they believe makes sense for their project, says Chip Wade, a host and designer for HGTV and DIY Network and owner of WadeWorks Creative. That number, however, is usually inaccurate. “Where a lot of us go wrong is, even if we have a general scope of the project, we want what we want,” Wade says. “And we want our budget to buy what we want, but that’s just not reality.” Uzi Ovadia, president and owner of Oz General Contracting in Bellmore, agrees. “People sometimes think they’re smarter than the contractor, and that’s not necessarily the case,” he says. He has seen renovators buy materials themselves and then bring in a cheap contractor to finish the job, which never seems to cut costs. On the other hand, many homeowners sign on with contractors too early, before they’ve brought in a designer or made a finite plan. “You actually have no idea of the scope that captures the overall essence of your design,” Wade says. “And that’s because you’re not designing first. You’re just doing a rough scope pricing, which is very dangerous.” And oftentimes, people wind up busting their budgets because they can’t stick to a plan, says Ann Marie Little, who runs Little John Remodeling Inc. in Northport. “They get their numbers, and then they change the plan as they go or add things on the fly, and they don’t think things through. Sometimes it’s because they’re not waiting for the right person. They’ll take whomever is available and make their decisions hastily.”

Plan with a Pro

One of the most important steps for a renovator is to create a full design plan before they call a contractor, and before assigning their project a budget. The best way to do this is to bring in a designer who can map out all of the materials, fixtures, and the scope of work to scale so there’s no ambiguity. WadeWorks Creative pairs renovators with designers to create a “full-scale, comprehensive design and construction set” that can 40

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

be brought to multiple contractors to ensure they are comparing apples to apples when giving quotes. Wade says this is key. Renovators should also pick out all of their materials and know exactly what they are willing to pay for different aspects of their project. “The general homeowner has no idea if two-thousand dollars is going to buy the lighting fixtures that they want,” Wade says. “So go ahead and select, and have an exact number.” Some contractors, such as Oz General Contracting, source materials in-house and never use subcontractors, which allows them to provide a more accurate cost estimate. At Oz, after several design sessions, clients “will find out exactly to the penny where [their project] will be,” Ovadia says.

Stay on Track

Wade stresses that renovators should give their contractors incentives to finish the job on time. He recommends putting down only 35-40 percent of the budget for the project at first, then adding another 30 percent when the plumbing, electric, and framing are in and the project is ready for drywall. Don’t pay that last 30 percent until final walkthrough, he says, because leaving the company with only 10 percent of the money left to make before they’re finished means they might get caught up in other jobs. “Any contractor that wants fifty to sixty percent down, that puts you at a disadvantaged position,” Wade says. “Whoever controls the money, controls the job.”

Do Your Homework

It is essential that renovators do their homework, do their homework, do their homework, Ovadia stresses. One way to do this, according to Little, is to make a list of every last thing you want from your renovation—before hiring a contractor, designer, or making any product selections. She recommends using home product sites, such as Kohler.com or Moen.com, to price out the fixtures you’d like rather than going by a third-party seller’s estimates. Then take your list to a professional who knows each and every product you’ll need for your renovation. Most importantly, she says, as you move through the process, cross things off that you can’t afford—and do not deviate from the list. “If the plan is to redo the bathroom and take out a window, that’s the plan,” Little says. “Stick to the plan!”

family life insurance

Homeowner’s Insurance Check ››

Your policy should be sized up on a yearly basis (at least), but which life events warrant an immediate review? By Melissa Wickes

hen a disaster strikes your home—flood, burglary, fire, or worse—the last thing you want to worry about is whether your homeowner’s insurance is up to date. Even if you review your coverage annually, there are several life-changing events that may require policy modification—big purchases, home renovation, or family changes. With a little help from local homeowner’s insurance experts, we explain how and when to make the necessary adjustments.

Big Purchases

Homeowner’s insurance is not just meant to protect your physical home (the bricks, walls, and roof). It should also cover what’s inside your home—everything from furniture to designer handbags. “It is extremely important to check in with your insurance agent when you make significant purchases to ensure everything is covered,” says Christina Trapani, senior branch manager at Liberty Mutual Insurance in Valley Stream. “For high-valued items, like engagement rings, artwork, consumers should look into ‘scheduling’ the property,” Trapani suggests. “Scheduling is an insurance term meaning the item is on a ‘schedule’ and insured separately—it is not covered under the general personal property limit.” A vacation might also warrant a change in policy. “Say you have a big trip coming up this summer, maybe overseas. We should talk about if you have off-premise theft (coverage). Meaning, if you’re in the airport and your luggage is stolen, where does your coverage end and begin?” offers Christina Shaw, an Allstate agent in Wantagh. Making a purchase that could be considered high-risk—such as a pool or a new trampoline—is another reason to review your policy. Another example? A pet. “Getting a dog is a good reason to call your agent because you want to make sure your liability coverage on your homeowner’s insurance policy includes if your dog bites a neighbor or something like that,” explains Kelly Qu, homeowners insurance agent for Allstate in Manhattan.

Home Renovations

A renovation should absolutely trigger a policy review—what if the construction itself damages your property or someone gets hurt on the job? Even if your neighbor trips over lumber that was left in your yard from your kitchen extension, liability coverage can help pay for the medical costs.

Another policy to re-read before renovating your home is your umbrella policy—which is excess liability that sits on top of your home (and auto) insurance and will kick in if your homeowners insurance runs out before the issue is financially resolved, according to Shaw. If the neighbor who fell over some lumber in your backyard ends up needing an ambulance, an overnight stay in the ER, and additional medical care, your liability coverage might be spent before you can even think about the legal fees you’ll have to pay if he sues you for pain and suffering. “If your liability is exhausted, the umbrella policy will kick in for an additional million [dollars] or more, depending on what you purchase,” explains Shaw, noting that those with equity in their home or large incomes should be aware of it. “Really, it’s a shield between you and your assets.” Finally, if your home reno includes upgrades that will greatly increase your overall home value, you want to make sure your ‘new’ residence is not underinsured. For example, if you recently replaced your cabinets, make sure a claim will cover the new ones, not the 30-year-old cabinets that were there when you first [purchased the policy],” Qu says.

Family Changes

You should review your policy if you get married, divorced, or if your spouse passes away. “The policy should have the same names as the title of your home,” says Rosa Mejias, exclusive agent at Allstate in Yonkers. And take a look at your plan when a new baby joins the family, or even a few months before. A new baby can mean new furniture, toys, electronics, and other expenses that might put you over your current coverage limits. If this is the case, consider a rider—an optional addition to your homeowner’s policy, which can be used to cover things that aren’t covered by your standard home policy, according to Trapani. A money-saving trick? Bundle. Some insurance companies will allow you to purchase bundles for a discount on your home and auto insurance, per Shaw. No matter what is going on in your life, homeowner’s insurance does not stop at the end of your driveway. It should be reviewed on a regular basis, especially if any life-changing events have occurred. And if you’re unsure about whether changes should be made, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call your agent to discuss them. BigAppleParent 41

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

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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

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PARTY PLACES 92Y 1395 Lexington Ave. 212-415-5710 92y.org/birthday; parties@92y.org

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BALLET ACADEMY EAST 1651 Third Ave. 212-410-9140 Danielle Cortier, birthday party coordinator balletacademyeast.com 42

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, 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: 212336-6500 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. 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

FunFuzion is the only place where kids can “Fuze the Fun” for their fantastic day! Come celebrate at the home of the world’s greatest birthday party!

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

GALLI THEATER 74 Warren St. 212-731-0668 gallitheaternyc.com; galliny@gmail.com Party with the Galli Theater New York. Your child loves the theater and would love to be on stage? Are they dreaming of a birthday party their friends will rave about for years to come? Allow your child to experience the most amazing theater party in town!

INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM Pier 86, W. 46th Street and Twelfth Ave. 646-381-5010 intrepidmuseum.org groupsales@intrepidmuseum.org Celebrate your child’s birthday with a one-ofa-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.

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

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

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

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

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

TIGER STRONG NYC 500 E. 77th St. 917-453-6503 tigerstrongnyc.com bill@tigerstrongnyc.com

Tiger Strong Parties gives your child a unique birthday party experience they will remember forever. We offer a wide variety of options to fit every budget. The kids will have a great time, get lots of exercise, and leave feeling like black belts.

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!

ROBOFUN 2672 Broadway 212-245-0444 robofun.org; robofun@robofun.org

Celebrate your child’s next birthday party making robots, video games, or animations! Robofun birthday parties are the perfect combination of fun and creativity!

THE SUGAR FACTORY The Sugar Factory - Meatpacking District 835 Washington St. The Sugar Factory - The Row 700 8th Ave. The Sugar Factory - Upper West Side 1991 Broadway 212-414-8700 sugarfactory.com; sfny@sugarfactory.com Party where the stars play! Here at The Sugar Factory, we offer pre-fixed and customizable party packages for any celebration and budget! From private large-scale events to private dinners for two, a Sugar Factory celebration is one you will never forget!

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

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

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

Professional services

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 high quality 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 Saving money on The LawLOOKING Offices of Andrew M.FOR Cohen can help you achieve your objectives through a New York careful special needs legal planning, regardless of the size of your estate.City All clients are provided with high quality service at a reasonable cost.

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The First Presbyterian Church Nursery School 12 West 12th Street, New York, NY 10011 212.691.3432 | www.fpcns.org

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BigAppleParent 43

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Davler Media Group Fax: 212.271.2239 • Call: 914.290.4716 Email: Distribution@davlermedia.com 213 W 35th St. Suite 12W, New York, NY 10001

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

Broadway Dance Center ............................................ 48

music

Little Gym ..................................................................... 2

Ellen Robbins Dance................................................... 39

Future Star Music & Arts Center...................................11

Harlem School of the Arts ........................................... 17

birthday / party services

Harlem School of the Arts ........................................... 17

Children’s Museum of The Arts ...................................11 Little Gym ..................................................................... 2

performing arts / acting developmental Cosmic Cubs Club ........................................................ 9

camps

Harlem School of the Arts ........................................... 17 Tada! Youth Theater ..................................................... 9

Dwight School ............................................................. 13

education

Epiphany School (The) ............................................... 15

Cosmic Cubs Club ........................................................ 9

Little Gym ..................................................................... 2

Dwight School ............................................................. 13

Montessori School of NY International ....................... 15

Epiphany School (The) ............................................... 15

Speakitaly NYC .......................................................... 43

First Presbyterian Church Nursery School.................. 43 German American School ............................................. 5

child care / day care

International Academy of New York ............................ 17

First Presbyterian Church Nursery School.................. 43

Montessori School of NY International ....................... 15

Mommybites.................................................................. 7

National Museum of the American Indian.................... 39 Speakitaly NYC .......................................................... 43

classes

Chickenshed NYC ...................................................... 43

Wetherby-Pembridge School....................................... 13

religious Epiphany School (The) ............................................... 15 First Presbyterian Church Nursery School.................. 43

research National Museum of the American Indian.................... 39

retail Stuck on You ................................................................ 3

Ballet Academy East ..................................................... 9 British Swim School......................................................11

family entertainment /events /

Broadway Dance Center ............................................ 48

outings

Chickenshed NYC ...................................................... 43

Children’s Museum of The Arts ...................................11

National Museum of the American Indian.................... 39

Special Needs Chickenshed NYC ...................................................... 43

sports British Swim School......................................................11

Collina Italiana .............................................................. 9

Dwight School ............................................................. 13

Ellen Robbins Dance................................................... 39

financial planning /insurance

Future Star Music & Arts Center...................................11

Affinity Health Plan ..................................................... 47

Tiger Strong NYC ....................................................... 39

RoboFun ....................................................................... 5

fitness

theater

Speakitaly NYC .......................................................... 43

British Swim School......................................................11

Ellen Robbins Dance................................................... 39

German American School ............................................. 5

Tada! Youth Theater ..................................................... 9

Tiger Strong NYC ....................................................... 39

health dance

Advantage Care Physicians of NY ............................... 3

tutors

Ballet Academy East ..................................................... 9

Affinity Health Plan ..................................................... 47

Cosmic Cubs Club ........................................................ 9

BigAppleParent 45

raising kids voices

Barefoot and Better for It ››

How speaking the language of yoga is good for my family By Peshie Needleman

like my Nikes. I like my kettlebell. I like my sweatband, child of the ’80s that I am. I especially like my medicine ball. I do cardio, weight training, and high intensity interval training. I also have six kids, so when I do have time to go to the gym, I only sign up for very sweaty, very intense workouts. But then came a week with a weird schedule of randomly timed appointments and early school dismissals. I wasn’t able to fit in my usual classes—but I could make it to a yoga class. I had never tried yoga before. When I showed up and saw I was the only one wearing sneakers, I felt like a fish out of water. But I do like new experiences, so I removed my socks and stuffed them deep into my Nikes. I found a studio mat and took my place. I did the best I could, sometimes acing the pose, sometimes struggling through the pose, very often getting my rights and lefts mixed up until I realized I was supposed to mirror the instructor. By the end of the class, I liked yoga, but I was absolutely, totally, positively in love with the yoga language. It was a revelation—this incredibly validating and encouraging talk is soothing and positive. In my life, with kids who range in age from 4-23 and a husband, my interactions consist of me telling others what to do or others telling me what to do. “Fill out the forms and sign by the X.” “Pick up your pajamas from the bathroom floor. If they need to be washed, put them in the hamper. If not, put them on your pillow.” “Pick up my dry cleaning. Please.” “Add cottage cheese to the list.” Even my regular workout sounds like orders: “Sit ups. Starting at one, two, three. Go!” Everything is instructions and facts, black and white, statements and requests. But yoga talk is a murmuring brook of suggestions. “Perhaps you would like to join us in downward dog.” “Pedal your legs if that feels good to you.” “You’re welcome to join us in plank.” Of course, I appreciated the other parts of yoga—the reminder

to unclench my jaw and stay present in the moment. The idea of “coming to stillness” for even 2 minutes during my busy day made me feel tethered to the calm feeling I had captured in class. But more than the mindfulness and the grounded feeling yoga gave me, its language appealed to my inner being (which apparently wants to be spoken to in a gentle voice). After that class, I was easier on myself. “If it feels like the right thing to do, turn on the radio. But if you think checking the news is going to up your stress level, feel free to keep the radio turned off.” And I was easier on others. That night, when I told my 5-yearold to brush his teeth, I peppered our conversation with terms of endearment. “Get up on the stepstool, honey, and tell me if you want the Paw Patrol Bubble Yum Toothpaste or the Minion Mint?” And to my daughter: “Hey, princess, remember to put your empty lunch containers in the sink, sweetie.” With my older kids, my kids-in-law, and my husband, I sprinkled on the sweetness with a light touch, so as not to make them think an alien had somehow taken over my brain. Just a little “honey” tacked on to the beginning or end was a gentle reminder that my suggestions and instructions are coming from a place of love. As I enjoined my family to do this or that in yoga speak more often, they actually started to listen. “You might want to take the trash out as you’re leaving,” I said with a smile—and bit my lip to keep myself from adding a snarky “before our kitchen starts smelling like a landfill!” “What do you think about finally getting rid of the old car seat, so the garage looks less crowded?” “I wonder if your morning might go easier for you if you packed your Color War shirt in your backpack tonight. How does that sound to you?” It’s going to take me some time and patience to master camel pose, but I will definitely be going to a yoga again. Yes, it’s good for my core, but more importantly, it’s good for my family.

Peshie Needleman lives in Rockland County with her husband and their six children. She writes two humor columns for local magazines. In her spare time, she enjoys…wait. Actually, she doesn’t have any spare time.

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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INTENSIVES & GUEST CL ASSES

Dance Intensives and Guest Teacher Classes designed for intermediate-advanced dancers! AGES 8+

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