Big Apple Parent August 2016 by City Guide NY

BigAppleParent AUGUST 2016

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

Making Melodies

All you need to know about kids’ music lessons

Behind the Thrills

PLUS: Find the best

after-school activities

How water parks keep everyone safe

Olympic Conversations Using the Summer Games to spark family discussions

WHERE TO PICK BERRIES

•

THE POWER OF PRESCHOOL

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

BigAppleParent

NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Contents

August 2016 ›› Features 14 Choose the Best After-School Activity for Your Child A flowchart to help you pick extracurriculars 16 It’s Music to Their Ears What you need to know about music lessons 26 Olympic Lessons How the Summer Games can spark important family conversations 44 Behind the Thrills A look at how water parks train lifeguards

46 Burgers Reinvented Three new takes on the grilled summer staple

49 Grilled Desserts? Yes, Please! Sweet treats to impress at your next barbecue

50 The Importance of Sleep Getting a good night’s rest does more than prevent cranky kids and tired parents 52 The Power of Preschool Pre-K is much more than just play time

Connections 6 Editor’s Note 8 Quotables 12 Voices: Respecting kids’ fashion choices 13 NYMP Q&A: Allyson Downey talks thriving in your career while raising children

Fun & Activities

Family Activities CALENDAR ›› Original photo by PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com) Clothing provided by Appaman (appaman.com)

10 Media Matters: Screen-Time Recommendations 11 DIY Corner: Mollusk Wind Chime 28 Outing: Prospect Park Zoo 31 Family Activities Calendar 42 Where-To Guide: Pick Your Own Berries

Directories 20 54 57 57 58

After-School Classes & Programs Preschools and Child Care Centers Open Houses Party Planner and Family Resource Guide Advertisers’ Index

››

ON THE COVER ›› 16 Making Melodies 20 Find the Best After-School Activities 26 Olympic Conversations facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

42 Where to Pick Berries

44 Behind the Thrills 52 The Power of Preschool

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

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7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO CHOOSE FROM! MANHATTAN • Columbia Prep School Gym • Hunter College Courts • Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club Courts • The Beacon School Gym • United Nations International School

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BigAppleParent

AUGUST 2016 • Vol.31 • No.8

NYMetroParents Publications EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress

EDITOR’S NOTE

Our Activities, Our Passions

hen I was little, I took piano lessons, but practicing was always a struggle, and I quit after a year. Some years later, I got it in my head that I wanted to play clarinet, and took several years of lessons before transitioning to saxophone, which I played in my high school orchestra. Despite all this, playing music was a constant struggle for me, and practicing held little interest. I stuck with it because I liked the idea of being a musician—but never got much out of it. Still, I have always been fascinated by those who can produce beautiful sounds from a musical instrument. I didn’t know until recently that one of those people is on my staff here at NYMetroParents. As you can read on p. 16, Samantha Neudorf, our assistant editor, is a longtime violinist. In addition to giving us a glimpse into her own personal musical experiences, she shares all the information parents need to know before starting their kids on musical lessons. While my kids have not learned instruments, my two oldest daughters have over the years taken swim lessons, ballet, art, a couple of different kiddie music and movement classes, chess, after-school enrichment, gymnastics at two different neighborhood schools, and… I am sure I am missing something. Balancing all the factors—schedules, costs, other siblings’ needs, homework time, and the need for downtime—is a challenge we face annually as we prepare for a new school year. But it is important to us that our kids participate in activities outside school and find outlets for their creativity, athleticism, and passions. In this issue, you will find our comprehensive guide to local after-school classes (p. 20) and a fun quiz to help you narrow down the choices (p. 14). While my older two children focus on choosing their after-school activities for this year, my youngest will be heading to school for the first time (cue the tears). It’s three mornings per week, and despite having had two older kids attend local nursery schools, we still toured a few, spoke with directors, and had a hard time deciding where to send her. Sure, preschool feels like it’s mostly play, but there’s a lot more that happens there. To find out why it’s so important, check out our story on “The Power of Preschool” (p. 52). For my oldest daughter, gymnastics has become her biggest after-school focus. She’s psyched to watch the world’s best gymnasts compete this month in the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The games provide a great, laid-back opportunity to engage your kids in discussions about important topics. To help you get started, we offer a guide to sparking these family conversations (p. 26). With all the talk of after-school activities and back-to-school prep, let’s not forget that it’s still summer! Fire up the grill and try one of our fantastic burger recipes (p. 46) or browse our calendar to find the perfect sunny day family event near you (p. 31). And enjoy the remaining weeks until the kiddos board those buses for school once again. Michael Kress Editorial Director

DEPUTY EDITOR: Bethany Braun MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling ASSISTANT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Catherine Patwell REGIONAL EDITORS: Karen Demeter (Fairfield, Suffolk); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Jamie McGillian (Westchester); Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Emma Steven (Manhattan); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERNS: Megan Bailey, Lauren Diaz, Melissa Wickes

ADVERTISING SALES Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239 Jeunesse Jackson, Linda Pierce Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Ellen Klein Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Randi Shulman, Merrill Sugarman, Mary Wender Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Ellen Klein, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Fairfield Parent 914-397-0200 Judy Samuels, Randi Shulman Long Island Parent, Nassau 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager, Dani Pollack Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Lisa Herlihy, Karen Shapiro To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Ray C. Guédez, Leonard Porter DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro TRAFFIC MANAGER: Alexis Brower

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Connect With Us Every Day Wherever and whenever you need parenting advice and resources, we are here for you. Find useful articles, local business directories, event listings, and much more 24/7 at nymetroparents.com, and connect with us at:

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UOTABLES Obviously, the goal of parenting is to raise well rounded human beings that are able to go off into the world and make smart decisions and have a life of their own, but the idea of my sweet boy not needing me as much really struck a chord in me today. —Allison Cooper, in a post entitled “When Independence Takes Over,” on her blog projectmotherhoodnyc.com

in an instagram 4+ hours. precisely what summer breaks are made of. #boys #childhoodunplugged #endlesssummer #summersixteen (Posted by @mommydelicious, aka Alicia Harper, who blogs at mommydelicious.com. The photo was taken at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6.)

WHEN MOM IS BOSS “I truly enjoy what I do on a daily basis and I’m unlocking the potential of the children in my community, making it a better place to live.”

in an instagram Ladies who lunch! #thisis6 #bff

—Natania Blumenkehl, in a post entitled “Tips for Balancing Life as a Mom and a Business Owner.” Read more at nymetroparents.com/mom-boss

(Posted by NYC mom @naomi_sixdegreesofmom, aka Naomi Schoenkin, who runs the private playdate community Six Degrees of Mom)

“There are a finite number of years when my voice will be louder than their friends, than magazines, than the rest of the world. So I hold tightly to this sliver of time. I take every opportunity I can to tell them that I think the world of them, that their bodies are perfect exactly the way they are, that they are beautiful and brilliant and creative and strong.” —Sarah Sandifer, in a post entitled “Why I Completely Overvalue My Kids,” on the site scarymommy.com

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS: SAND & SURF: Find the best beaches near you at nymetroparents.com/beaches. LUNCH TO GO: Discover the perfect picnic spot at nymetroparents.com/picnic. FRACTURE OR SPRAIN? Learn how to tell the difference at nymetroparents.com/fracture-sprain. WAXY FUN: Plan your visit to Madame Tussauds New York at nymetroparents.com/madame-tussauds.

Serving 3 months - 6 years of age ALL MEALS INCLUDED

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25 Market St @ Henry St (212) 577-2710

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2 South End Ave @W Thames (212) 786-1688 BigAppleParent

Media Matters: TV

Terrific Trucks

Recommended Age: 3+ H H H H H

Screen-Time Recommendations

Network: Sprout A delightful series that follows the adventures of real dirt movers.

Mouk

Recommended Age: 4+ H H H H

Network: Xfinity A gentle preschool series that promotes cultural diversity.

Voltron, Legendary Defender

Recommended Age: 8+ H H H H

Network: Netflix DreamWorks updates this ‘80s toon in tense but fantastic form.

Roots

Recommended Age: 14+ H H H H H

Network: History The reimagined slave epic is violent but stirs worthy questions.

In Theaters Aug. 12: Pete’s Dragon Parents need to know that Pete’s Dragon (2016) is Disney’s remake of the classic 1977 live-action/ animated movie that looks to be a fantasy story for all ages. Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has told children tales of a boy and his dragon for years, but his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), a forest ranger, never believed him. Then she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley), a 10-year-old orphan who claims he lives in the woods with his pet dragon, Elliot, which sounds eerily similar to the dragon in her dad’s stories. With the help of 11-year-old Natalie (Oona Laurence), Grace sets out to find out the truth behind Pete, his supposed dragon, and her father’s stories. Given the source material, this looks like a strong choice for families.

Our Partner: Common Sense Media An independent nonprof it that helps families make smart media choices. Check out thousands of ratings and reviews at commonsensemedia.org

See more at NYMetroParents.com/media

Your Children Should be 100% "Privately Tutored" Unlock Your Kids' Full Potential! Today, the savviest and most ambitious parents (especially the ultra-wealthy) are quietly pulling their children out of even the most prestigious of private schools in Manhattan. Hi, I’m Dan and I design comprehensive and customized educational plans for families who truly want to unlock their kids’ full potential. I implement a hybrid of local classes and actvities, some hands-on parenting, online courses and resources, self-teaching, rich experiences, world travel, and 1-on-1 private tutoring from the very best teachers available. The relative proportions of which vary somewhat from family to family, from sibling to sibling, and over time BUT the results are always PHENOMENAL - acceleration 3, 4, 5, and even 6 grade levels above normal and outrageous success in extra-curricular endeavors. I work directly with children and employ the same strategies that got my son to algebra by age 5, to finish the Harry Potter series at 6, and to calculus by age 7! Still only 11, now he’s also a chess champion, a piano prodigy, a web designer, and has his own podcast on iTunes (“The Johncast”).

For a FREE CONSULTATION on how you can hyper-accelerate your kids' education, text GENIUS to 44222, call 888-639-5512, or email Dan@EinsteinBlueprint.com *Remember, schools fail the smartest and most talented children...far more than any others.* 10

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

DIY CORNER BEACH CRAFT

Mollusk Wind Chime

A wind chime made from attractive mollusk shells will remind you of the seashore as it dances noisily in the breeze. When you visit the beach, search for shells that have a natural hole. Empty limpet shells, for example, may already have a neat, circular hole in the middle—made by the limpet’s predator—which means you can just thread the craft cord through the hole. Bivalve twin mollusks, such as mussels, cockles, and razor clams, are useful if the two halves of the shell are still attached to each other, because the cord for hanging each shell can be twisted and secured at the shell’s natural hinge. This means that you don’t have to tie a knot—how shellcrafty is this? What to Use: • 12 empty mollusk shells (such as limpets and bivalve mussels, cockles, or razor clams) • Bowl of warm, soapy water • Spray craft varnish (optional) • 12 lengths of colored craft cord, 10-12 inches in length • Colored plastic clothes hanger, driftwood, or stick • Large pieces of dulse (seaweed) (optional) What to Do: 1. Wash your selection of mollusk shells in a bowl of warm, soapy water and dry them carefully. 2. Spray the shells with craft varnish if you want glitzy shells, and leave to dry.

3. Attach each shell to a length of craft cord by threading the cord through the natural hole and trying a knot at one end. You can also just tie the cord around the shell, but this won’t be as secure. If you’re lucky enough to have joined bivalve shells, simply twist the cord around the hinge. 4. Arrange the threaded shells attractively and then tie the other end of each cord securely around the lower bar of the clothes hanger. Make sure you space the cords so the shells will bounce into each other in the breeze. Attach a larger piece of dulse for added color if you wish. The color of the seaweed will fade over time. 5. Hang the finished wind chime in front of an open window or perhaps in the garden. Let Your Kids Go Wild Outside by Fiona Bird; Ryland Peters & Small, $19.95; rylandpeters.com. Photography by Dylan Drummond and Terry Benson

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VOICES

Avoiding the Fashion Fight ››

Clothes are an expression of who we are—as my girls are well aware. I’ve learned to let go and respect my little fashionistas’ choices. By Jennifer Garry

y girls are fearless fashionistas. While their momma is perfectly content in a solid rotation of V-neck T-shirts, jeans, and TOMS that smell like they’ve been worn all summer, these daughters of mine treat getting dressed in the morning like a ceremony for the super fabulous. There is combing through closets. There are wardrobe changes. There are accessories. There are spritzes of perfume and lip gloss application and ballerina-like twirls in front of their fulllength mirror. Ellie, my 5-year-old, has even started quietly creeping out of bed like the bite-sized ninja she is and dressing herself fully (lip gloss, arm full of bracelets, and much more) before shaking me awake and asking in her best Valley girl voice if she looks beautiful. Where does a 5-year-old child pick up a Valley girl lilt in the first place?! As the start of a new school year barrels toward us, there is one thing I’m sure of: There is no way these opinionated ladies of mine will transition from the absolute freedom of summer to a rigid school-year wardrobe without a battle. Apparently, kids have their own personalities and opinions—I just wish someone had slipped me that memo when I was pregnant and daydreaming about what life with kids would be like. I’ve made it clear that there will be no makeup and there most certainly will be daily hair brushing by Mom. But the notion of me picking out their outfits and forcing them into submission? It’s not worth the struggle, even if that means Ellie shows up to kindergarten wearing fleece sweatpants with fluffy skirts and two completely different shoes with as many accessories as she can possibly pile on.

These girls already see their clothes as expressions of who they are. As long as it’s appropriate—meaning they’re not wearing four sweaters when it’s 80 degrees out or tank tops in the snow—why take that away from them? Who really cares if all of the colors and patterns clash violently and make me cringe? If they’re happy and confident, why do I care what anyone else thinks? Because, if we’re being honest, what other people think is the only real reason we battle with our kids over their mismatched hodgepodge outfits. But consider this: The clothes we wear tell a story. They are a form of self-expression, and allowing our children to show the world who they are and that they’re confident being that person is such an easy way to give them power. I consider it my job to let my girls shine—and I’d much rather allow them to express themselves freely and comfortably now, before I’m arguing with them about more permanent ways of expressing themselves later. Who am I to get in the way of them figuring out who they are and what they like? I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a struggle to get to the point where I can just let them be. In fact, it was really, really hard to let go of my control-freak tendencies and my desire to have my girls look like they came skipping from the pages of an expensive catalog. But I truly believe in the importance of teaching my girls that they can make the world a better place by being themselves. And as I watch them skip off in wild outfits of their choosing, I know that they’re confident and excited and feel like the best version of themselves. What more could a momma want?

Jennifer Garry is a freelance writer and Westchester mom. She writes about that ever-elusive struggle for balance on her personal blog, Cuddles and Chaos (cuddlesandchaos.com).

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

NYMP Q&A

Careers & Children ›› Allyson Downey experienced pregnancy discrimination at work and thought it was an anomaly. In doing research for her book, Here’s the Plan: Your Practical, Tactical Guide to Advancing Your Career During Pregnancy and Parenting, in which she lays the foundation to help you thrive in your career while raising children, Downey found that nearly one-third of women experienced some form of pregnancy discrimination.

Allison Hooban

By Katelin Walling

THERE’S ONLY ONE THING BETTER THAN THE BEST SUMMER EVER... NEXT SUMMER!

What are the most important things you want new mothers to take away from your book? I think the two biggest ones are speaking up for yourself and really building a professional support network, making as many connections as you can from the earliest point in your career. That is the network that is going to be there for you if you do run into problems like I ran into, but it’s also going to be there to help elevate your career if you don’t get into problems. What can mothers do to limit judgment from coworkers for having a different schedule? Every woman I talked to that was constrained by child care hours felt spectacular guilt every time she walked out of the office. Those women don’t want to talk about it because why would you want to bring up something that’s making you feel terrible? And the colleagues who are watching you walk out the door don’t want to bring it up because they don’t want to begrudge a mother’s time with her children. What no one is acknowledging is it’s making everyone unhappy. As hard and uncomfortable it can be, clearly tell your colleagues: I have to leave every day at 5pm for child care pickup. I hate walking out of here while all of you are still working. I am going to do everything I can to cram as much work into the 8 hours I am here, so you may see me decline meetings that aren’t absolutely critical for me to attend. State whatever accommodations you reasonably can make to ensure that you are able to stay on equal footing with your colleagues. What can men and women do to help change their work culture to be more accommodating to new parents? I think that we are at this really amazing point where there are all of these conversations happening in the media, and dozens of private companies are speaking up and talking about family leave. You can harness that energy and momentum. I think the most effective way to do that is to talk about why it’s good for your company. Talk in terms of the company’s ability to retain outstanding talent and its ability to recruit great talent because it’s progressive about family leave. Talk about all of the great press that companies are generating from the announcements they’re making about their new 16 weeks of paid leave for both men and women. ...It’s such an important signal that being a parent and taking care of a child is not women’s work. It’s work for parents.

SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR TODAY!

CAMPSETTOGA.ORG BigAppleParent 13

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 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Her favorite subject is...

Science

President

Your child’s room is...

English

Is he smarter than you?

Yes

Academic Enrichment

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.

Clean

Messy

What’s more important?

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.

Now Enrolling for Fall Semester

Programs for kids 4 months through 12 years ďŹ lled with movement, music, learning and laughter.

The Little Gym of Upper West Side www.TLGUpperWestSideNY.com 212-799-1225

The Little Gym of Upper East Side www.TLGUpperEastSideNY.com 212-787-1124

The Little Gym of Scarsdale www.TLGScarsdaleNY.com 914-722-0072

The Little Gym of Waldwick TLGWaldwickNJ@thelittlegym.com 201-445-4444

.!*0ÄĽ $%( Ĺ? ( //!/Ĺ?Ä&#x2018;Ĺ? .!ÄĄ Ĺ? 5)* /0% /Ĺ?Ä&#x2018;Ĺ? . !Ĺ? $++(Ĺ? 5)* /0% /Ĺ?Ä&#x2018;Ĺ? * !Ĺ?Ä&#x2018;Ĺ? . 0! ,+.0/Ĺ? '%((/Ĺ?Ä&#x2018;Ĺ? 3!/+)!Ĺ? %.0$ 5Ĺ? /$!/Ĺ?Ä&#x2018;Ĺ? .!*0/Ä&#x161;Ĺ? 1.2%2 (Ĺ? %#$0/Ĺ?Ä&#x2018;Ĺ? ),/ BigAppleParent 15

Sophia Lee

Christian and Jessica Li of Manhasset perform at the Music Institute of Long Island’s Gala Concert at Carnegie Hall in June.

It’s Music to Their Ears

››

Your child wants to play an instrument—now what? We asked music instructors to weigh in on renting vs. buying, how to choose what to play, and the benefits of private and group lessons. By Samantha Neudorf

t was 1998 when I decided I wanted to play the violin. Only 5 years old, I was watching Disney’s Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra on TV with my parents when a violin soloist named Vanessa-Mae came on stage to perform “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s Turandot opera, and her own piece called “Storm” on the electric violin. She swayed back and forth with her eyes closed, evoking a fiery passion with every note. I turned to my mom, mesmerized and inspired, and declared, “I want to do that.” After 12 years of violin and three years of viola lessons, I can firmly say that my life changed for the better. Science has proven time and again that children who play musical instruments do better in school. That’s because while playing an instrument the brain exercises motor, auditory, visual, and emotional responses all at once, making it the “most complex and demanding cognitive challenges that the human mind can undertake,” according to a study published in the journal Nature Reviews Neuroscience. Brain stimulation is just the beginning of the benefits of music. It also helps children focus better in school and grasp new concepts easily. Sophia Lee of Manhasset is the mother of two children— Christian, 8, and Jessica, 6—who take piano lessons at the Music Institute of Long Island, also in Manhasset. Both of them began taking lessons at age 4 and got started because they looked up to 16

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Lang Lang, a Chinese concert pianist, and their grandmother, who also played piano. “Piano has also been a great method to be focused, structured, and has helped them academically with school,” Lee says. “[They have more] confidence [when] delivering presentations at school, and [it] has helped Jessica with dance, to be more artistic and graceful.”

Practice, Practice

Music lessons are a discipline because the only way to improve and advance is to practice, which can be hard if a child refuses to pick up her instrument regularly. “It’s a slow process, but kids have good days and bad days,” says Geri Kushner, director of the Music Institute of Long Island. “Not everybody is going to have an incredible day at a lesson and a practice at home. Slow and steady wins the race.” Whether parents want their children to play an instrument or a child chooses to, the child needs to first have an interest in learning about music. “If there is no interest, there is little chance that the child will study an instrument long-term,” says Karen Geer, executive director of the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Geer suggests that if a child is not ready to play an instrument, she can join a pre-instrumental class to try out different ones and learn about rhythm, pitch, and tempo.

Selecting an Instrument

When choosing an instrument, it is important that the child gets a say in what he wants to play. After all, he is the one who will be practicing it. Some children may have an idea of what they want to play. If not, most schools offer trial classes. “We say you have to give it at least a semester,” Kushner says. “Otherwise you’re never really going to know.” Other schools may have community outreach programs, such as “instrumental petting zoos,” for kids to try out their options. Parents and kids can also sit in to observe classes. Summer camp programs can also be helpful for families to tour the schools without making any commitments. If your child is still undecided, Rachael Carson, director of Bach to Rock in Mamaroneck, suggests either trying out voice lessons or playing piano because they are the foundation for a lot of instruments. “We also emphasize to kids that if you pick an instrument, it doesn’t mean that this is the only instrument that you will ever play,” Carson says.

COME MAKE A SPLASH IN NEW YORK’S FINEST SWIMMING POOL! The Cardinal Swim School is a learn-to-swim program operating

Renting vs. Buying

at the new Athletics & Wellness Center of the Convent of the Sacred Heart.

Most music instructors recommend renting an instrument if a child is just starting out—especially if she is young and can outgrow an instrument that fits her perfectly now. The only instrument that musicians recommend buying right away, if a family can afford it, is a piano because it is a timeless piece of furniture. “If you can get it in the beginning, you won’t have to worry about it again,” Kushner says. Otherwise, for piano players, a keyboard can suffice, as there are many decent ones available. Your music instructor can provide suggestions for affordable rental options. Carson strongly advises against buying instruments from eBay or other similar websites because they are poor quality, calling them “instrument-shaped objects.” “If your kid gets really serious and you bought an instrument that’s a beginner quality instrument, it’s going to end up hindering that child’s development on the instrument,” Carson says, adding that she did not buy her first violin until she was in high school. If your child continues to show an interest in playing his instrument years down the line, it could be worth investing in a high-quality instrument.

Musical Methods

Among the first decisions parents need to make when deciding on music lessons for their child is what teaching method to pursue. Many music teachers use the Suzuki method of teaching, developed by a Japanese violinist named Shinichi Suzuki, in which parents learn to play alongside their children. The child would take private lessons along with group classes. (This is the method that I studied.) Other methods include the Orff method, which engages kids in music using percussion instruments such as the glockenspiel or xylophone; and the Kodaly method, which enforces singing as the foundation of musicianship. Some music schools, such as Bach to Rock, offer the Suzuki method, along with their own curriculum for kids to learn a mix of classical, pop, and rock music. “Parents are surprised when they find out that a violin student can learn Katy Perry in addition to learning how to play ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’ on the violin,” Carson says. “One comment that I get all of the time is, ‘I can’t believe how fun this is!’” continued on next page ››

This program offers personalized instruction to children and adults in a beautiful 6-lane, 25-yard pool. The experiences of students in the Cardinal Swim School are enhanced by the “studio” feel of the facility, scholastic environment, and quality teaching. Our certified staff are dedicated to water safety and learning; they deliver lessons through focused sessions and play-based classes. Our curriculum takes students from pre-beginners all the way to competitive conditioning.

Convent of the Sacred Heart 406 East 91st Street, New York, NY 10128 • (212) 722-4745 ext. 618

The Diller-Quaile School of Music 24 E. 95th St. w New York, NY w 212-369-1484

Visit www.diller-quaile.org for a complete listing of Early Childhood, Instrumental & Vocal, Adult, and Community Programs for 2016-2017.

Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community & Precollegiate Arts Schools

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The Music Institute of Long Island offers Kindermusik classes for young children, a Germany-based curriculum designed to encourage musical play and movement.

Now Registering for the 2016-17 School Year

Private vs. Group Lessons

BALLET ACADEMY EAST

Pre-Professional Division Ages 6 - 19 Boys’ Scholarship Program

AUDTION DATES: Aug. 24 & Sept. 19 Sign up online or by phone.

Pre-Ballet, Tap and Modern Ages 3 - 6

Petit Dancers

Ages 18 months - 2 years

Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Zumba, Pilates and Yoga

Register Online, by Phone or In Person 1651 Third Avenue New York, NY 10128 212-410-9140 • info@baenyc.com www.BalletAcademyEast.com

learn

The Payoff

play share smile Upper West Side Lincoln Square

the mandell pre school 18

Rosalie O’Connor

Adult Open Classes

Children may be enrolled in both private or group lessons—or a mixture of the two—as both are beneficial and provide different experiences for the student. Young children might consider starting off by taking lessons with one or two other students, then transitioning to a private lesson around age 7. Private lessons are highly encouraged because the teachers can better review the students’ techniques, and one-on-one instruction tends to instill in kids a sense of responsibility. Group lessons allow kids to play as an ensemble, which teaches them to play cohesively and perform together. For example, the Music Institute of Long Island performs at nursing homes and other venues as a way to give back to people in the community, as well as to build confidence in playing for an audience. Bach to Rock holds a Battle of the Bands competition for its rock band program, in which the kids have the responsibility to listen to the members of their group and play at the same tempo. If a child is very eager to play, it is possible that she can begin at age 3. Otherwise, age 6 or 7 might be more appropriate, as that is when children begin learning how to read and are more focused and physically developed. When sitting in lessons, Kushner advises parents to record their children using a video camera or tape recorder and to take notes to make sure that the child takes the corrections from class and applies them at home. “Everything takes time,” Kushner says. “We improve and sometimes we plateau, just like in everything else. But if they’re not putting in the time, they can’t expect to do fabulously.”

West Village

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

to learn more visit MandellSchool.org

Something that most parents may be surprised to learn once their child begins music lessons is how much dedication and commitment is required. Just as a child might study over and over for a test, he must be ready to constantly practice his instrument to become more advanced. “If [children] take SATs, ACTs, math tutoring, English tutoring, and Kumon, [those teachers] expect them to work there,” Kushner says. “We expect them to work at a violin lesson or piano lesson, as well.” Parents can motivate and support their children by giving them words of encouragement. “The attitude of the parents, and just being ready to be a support and as enthusiastic as their kids, is important,” Carson says. As for me, my mom would encourage me to enter music competitions, and even though I only ever placed among the winners once in the 12 years I took lessons, the experience made me learn how to pick myself up from failure and move on. It was not until adulthood that I realized how valuable this was for me. Even if my parents and I butted heads when I did not want to practice, it disciplined me to refocus my energy to buckle down and chip away at improving, which showed that hard work and dedication can take you far. If it were not for music, I do not think I would have had the ambition and drive to push myself through Advanced Placement classes in high school, move 5,000 miles away from home for college, and make a living here in New York City, arguably the most competitive city in the world. All thanks to that unforgettable TV concert nearly 20 years ago.

LEARN FROM THE BEST REGISTER NOW FOR FALL CLASSES! Fall Semester Starts September 8 Soccer • Gymnastics • Basketball Dance • Rock Climbing • Camps Martial Arts • Flag Football Tennis • Baseball • Youth Fitness Competitive Travel Teams

212.336.6520 chelseapiers.com/fh

BAP Full FH 8-16.indd 1

19 BigAppleParent 7/13/16 4:58 PM

AFTER-SCHOOL CLASSES & PROGRAMS The Annual Directory of

County-wide resources to keep kids active & entertained when the school bell sounds

Advantage QuickStart

646-884-9644 Manhattan Columbia Prep School Gym 4 W. 93rd St. Hunter College Courts Lexington Avenue at 68th Street Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club Courts, 450 W. 43rd St. The Beacon School Gym 522 W. 44th St. United Nations International School, 2450 FDR Drive The Bronx New York Tennis Club Courts 3081 Harding Ave. Roosevelt Island Roosevelt Island Racquet Club Courts and Sports Park Gym 281 Main St., Roosevelt Island quickstartny.com jrichmond@ advantagetennisclubs.com Advantage QuickStart is “real tennis” customized for kids! Four distinct stages, based on age and ability, help your child grow with the program. We teach boys and girls ages 3-12, at many convenient locations across NYC. Classes are customized to address students’ ages and abilities. In every stage, kids play with appropriately sized racquets and slower bouncing balls—and there’s always something new to learn and enjoy. No equipment or experience necessary! For more information, visit quickstartny.com, or contact Joel Richmond at 646-884-9644 or jrichmond@ advantagetennisclubs.com.

All My Children Daycare and Nursery School

all our eco-friendly locations. Your child will be fed healthy snacks, participate in enriching activities and play, and be cared for by our highly experienced and caring staff. Pick up your child as late as 7pm. Our Ridge Street Manhattan center offers DropZone services for hourly care. For more information, please contact AMC at info@ allmychildrendaycare.com or call 212-466-6262.

The Amas Musical Theatre, Rosetta LeNoire Musical Theatre Academy

212-563-2565 amasmusical.org amas@amasmusical.org The Rosetta LeNoire Musical Theatre Academy is the flagship education program of award-winning Amas Musical Theatre. Saturday classes 9:45am-4:30pm begin Oct. 15 in singing, acting, and dance, and guest workshops taught by experienced professionals in a nurturing environment. In May 2017, students perform a fully produced off-Broadway musical. Classes are held at the JKO High School, West 46th Street. Thirty to 35 students ages 1420 are accepted by audition on the basis of talent and potential. Tuition for the Academy is $1,500. Scholarships available for eligible students. Visit amasmusical.org to register.

Atlantic Acting School

76 Ninth Ave., Suite 537 212-691-5919 atlanticactingschool.org teaster@atlantictheater.org The after-school program is a great introduction to storytelling, writing, acting, and improvisation. The Atlantic philosophy of ensemble and our commitment to creating your own work is deeply rooted in the creative acting experience

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

for all age groups. Younger children create characters and stories through creative play and improvisational exercises while older children are introduced to the Atlantic Technique as they approach their first scene work and monologues. All classes culminate in a workshop performance at the end of each semester. Classes begin Sept. 17.

Ballet Academy East

1651 Third Ave. 212-410-9140 balletacademyeast.com Ballet Academy East offers classes to children and adults of all ages and levels. The Pre-Professional Division for ages 7-19 trains dancers for professional careers in ballet. Enrichment classes are open to students ages 7 and older who wish to study ballet less intensively. The Young Dancers Division offers pre-ballet, tap, and modern to ages 3-6. In BAE’s Petit Dancers Program, children 18 months to 2 years, along with their parents or caregivers, share the joy of music and dance. Adult classes for all levels are available in ballet, tap, Pilates, Zumba, and yoga.

Book Nook

167 W. 81st St. (at Amsterdam Avenue) 212-873-BOOK (2665) booknooknyc.com Book Nook is a year-round literacy development program for toddlers, preschoolers, and grade school children. Once a week, children, grouped by age from the youngest (Lil’ Hoots) up to kindergarten and first grade (Wise Owls), learn and develop skills to reach milestones in areas such as social learning, language and communication, and cognitive thinking. Book Nook famil-

iarizes students with content taught in public and private schools focusing on reading, writing, and language concepts. Each class is specifically formed based upon the child’s age and taught in a small group setting. Visit booknooknyc. com for more information.

Capezio

Multiple locations throughout New York City 212-245-2130 capezio.com Capezio New York retail stores are the one-stop location for all dance dress code needs. The stores are conveniently located throughout Manhattan, making them the destination shops for dozens of dance studios, schools, and performing arts centers. All Capezio retail locations stock an extensive collection of ballet slippers, pointe shoes, tap shoes, jazz shoes, leotards, tights, and legwarmers. Make sure to check out the stores’ extensive line of accessories and fashion items to coordinate with your basic selections. Experience the rich, 129year history that defines Capezio as the “Icon of Dance.”

Cary Leeds Center Tennis camp

1720 Crotona Ave., Bronx 718-247-7420 caryleedstennis.org caryleedsinfo@nyjtl.org The Cary Leeds Center offers a tennis curriculum for players ages 4-18 with all skill levels. Depending on your child’s age and ability, we offer a full range of programs: 10U Pathway aims to develop the whole player, athletically, mentally, tactically, and technically from the beginning; Junior Pathway Program aims to develop the necessary tennis technique, improve consistency, and create basic patterns of play for

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PREMIER COLLEGE Preparatory School

The George Washington University Online High School offers small class sizes and personalized, intensive college advising for grades 6 –12. With GWUOHS’s academically challenging education, your student will be well-prepared for college. Our numbers tell the story!* • • • •

100% of our graduates are accepted to one or more colleges $2.7 million in college scholarships awarded to our graduates this year 1779 out of 2400—the average SAT score achieved by our students 75% of our students score 3 or higher on AP exams

Learn more at an online information session. Visit us at gwuohs.com/event for more details.

gwuohs.com

info@gwuohs.com

877.847.1165

*Based on responses of 2016 graduates who applied to college; 27 students taking the AP exams in the 2014- 2015 school year; the 29 students taking the SAT, under the 2400 highest score test, in the 2014 - 2015 school year(s); and cumulative total of all scholarships awarded to students accepted into college for the 2015- 2016 school year(s).

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effective point construction; Tournament Team is by invitation only. Evaluations are based on on-court skills and point situations. Applicants must be evaluated for proper placement in all programs.

Center For Architecture

536 LaGuardia Place 212-358-6133 cfafoundation.org info@cfafoundation.org The Center for Architecture offers engaging, hands-on design programs for children and families at our gallery and workshop space in Greenwich Village. Our 10-week after-school program for third- through fifth-graders begins Sept. 21, introducing students to architecture as they explore the local neighborhood and create their own building designs, culminating in a 3-D model of a city neighborhood. Families will enjoy learning, designing, and building together at our Saturday Family Day workshops for ages 5 and older. Programs cover a wide range of topics such as bridges, city planning, and stained glass design.

Children’s Museum of the Arts

103 Charlton St. 212-274-0986 cmany.org Children’s Museum of the Arts’ after-school program offers semester-long classes in a range of fine arts and media arts for young artists ages 5-15! Through weekly, immersive arts classes, children develop a portfolio of work as they explore a range of materials and art-making techniques. Teaching artists help your child develop their own artistic voice, refine their art techniques, and build critical thinking skills. Classes run Sept. 14-Jan. 10, 2017 from 4-5:30pm, with drop-off starting at 3:30pm and optional late pickup at 6pm.

Collina Italiana

1556 Third Ave. (at 87th Street), Suite 603 212-427-7770 collinaitaliana.com info@collinaitaliana.com Set on the Upper East Side and in the Financial District, our

Italian classes allow children to benefit from a comprehensive approach to learning in an age-appropriate and inviting atmosphere. Classes for children, which consist of three to eight students, include Girotondo, Il Giardino dei Bambini (dropoff on Monday, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 9am-12pm), and Art Workshop. Children gather around to share learned words and expressions through playful, skill-building activities such as games, songs, dances, and stories. For all the bellissimi details on Collina Italiana, call the Italian instructors today.

Convent of the Sacred Heart, Cardinal Swim School

406 E. 91st St. 212-722-4745 x719 Register at: cshnyc.org/ student-life/summer-programs cshnyc.org/athletics/aquatics cdecaprio@cshnyc.org Come make a splash in New York’s finest swimming pool! The Cardinal Swim School is a learn-to-swim program operating at the new Athletics and Wellness Center of the Convent of the Sacred Heart. This program offers personalized instruction to children and adults in a beautiful six-lane, 25-yard pool. Our certified staff is dedicated to water safety and learning; staff members deliver lessons through focused sessions and play-based classes. Our curriculum takes students from pre-beginners all the way to competitive conditioning.

Creative Steps Early Care & Education Center

4 Washington Square Village 212-982-2273 universitysettlement.org/ creativesteps Creative Steps, located on NYU’s campus, offers a nurturing, culturally diverse community for children and families. With the support of responsive adults and a low child-to-staff ratio, our child-centered, playbased approach to learning provides hands-on experiences and an opportunity for children ages 12 months through 4 years to make choices, and initiate and direct their own play. Our curriculum is supported by enrichment programs in lit-

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

eracy, art, music, and yoga. We have easy access to well-maintained and safe outdoor playgrounds. Early drop-off, after-school, and summer camp programs are available.

The Diller-Quaile School of Music

24 E. 95th St. (between Madison and Fifth avenues) 212-369-1484 diller-quaile.org info@diller-quaile.org Since 1920, Diller-Quaile has been developing the innate musicality in each individual, inspiring participation for a lifetime. Diller-Quaile offers Early Childhood Classes (ages 3 months to 5 years); instrument and voice lessons, classes, and ensembles; adult programs; and teacher training/Dalcroze courses. Rug Concerts for young children, master classes, and faculty concerts occur throughout the year. Curricula emanate primarily from international folk music and classical music. Fall classes begin in September; visit diller-quaile. org to apply online. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Precollegiate Arts Schools.

Einstein Blueprint

888-639-5512 einsteinblueprint.com dan@einsteinblueprint.com I coach the most ambitious parents on how they can unlock their kids’ full potential. Whether you want to accelerate your toddler, drastically improve your child’s grades, set them up to ace the SATs, or cultivate high quality extracurricular activities, I can most certainly help you. I especially work with parents who educate their kids completely outside of schools via private tutoring or homeschooling. Call me for a free consultation, and I’ll reveal how I accelerate my students three, four, five, and even six years above grade level.

Ellen Robbins Dance

Three Locations: Soho, Chelsea, and PMT Studio at 14th Street and Sixth Avenue 212-254-0286 ellenrobbinsdance.com

dance_er@verizon.net Modern Dance classes with Ellen Robbins do what dance is supposed to do: train their bodies, enrich their minds, set free their imaginations. Robbins’ classes include technique, improvisation, and composition—the natural outcome of which is performance. At year’s end, students present their own solo compositions and participate in a group work choreographed by Robbins. Each child’s unique talent and personality shine through. Register now for fall classes with New York’s most acclaimed modern dance teacher for children aged 5 through teens. Soho, Union Square, and Chelsea areas. Call 212-254-0286 or visit ellenrobbinsdance.com.

Evolution Enrichment Preschool

38 Delancey St., 2nd Floor (enter from Forsyth Street) 212-375-9500 evolutionenrichment.com evolutionenrichment@gmail.com Evolution Enrichment Center believes that kids learn best through hands-on sensory experiences. Our after-school program features cooking, visual arts, creative writing, theater, science, and music. Our methodology and teaching techniques not only reinforce what students learn in the pre-K program, but also fulfill creative interests that might not be met in today’s average preschool classroom. Designed to amplify creativity, confidence, and curiosity, our after-school program offers options such as Mandarin Explorers, FasTracKids Explorers, Gifted and Talented Test Prep, Music Explorers, and Chess. Schedule a tour: 212-375-9500 or contact online at evolutionenrichment.com/ contact.

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, offering experienced classroom teachers and specialists in studio, music, movement, gardening, and a healthy snack program. Extended day, enrichment programming, and a summer camp are available for 4s students. FPCNS has large, airy classrooms, a rooftop playground, and indoor play space.

German-American School: Where Kids Learn German

212-787-7543 german-american-school.org germanamericanschool@verizon.net The NY State Board of Regents accredited German-American School in New York after-school program is offering a new class for children ages 5-6, a Sing! und Mal! Kindergarten. The course uses singing and drawing as pedagogical tools to

teach German as a foreign language. The school has four locations: Ridgewood (Queens), Manhattan, Garden City, and Franklin Square. Classes start the week of Sept. 12. No prior German is necessary to enter the kindergarten class. Classes are taught once a week from 4:30-6pm. For classes, registration, and scheduling, visit german-american-school.org or call 212-787-7543.

Hudson River Park Trust Hudson River Park’s ECO Learn and Play Activities

353 West St., Pier 40, 2nd floor 212-627-2020 hudsonriverpark.org ikaley@hrpt.ny.gov Calling all junior nature explorers! Come learn and play with us at Hudson River Park! We host outdoor family programming all summer long throughout the park’s 4-mile waterfront. From fishing to nature walks, we offer many engaging and enriching drop-in

programs for children young and old. Featured programs include our pop-up makerspace at which kids ages 8 and older can engineer and create in the outdoors, and our River Rangers Club in which children ages 4-9 explore the wonders of the river ecosystem through touch tanks and nature-inspired crafts. To learn more, visit hudsonriverpark.org.

JCC of Manhattan Nursery School

334 Amsterdam Ave. 646-505-4455 jccmanhattan.org/schoolage tshtulsaft@jccmanhattan.org JCC After-School offers a convenient pick-up service from many Upper West Side schools to the JCC. At the JCC, kids can participate in our After-School Clubhouse program, which includes snack, homework help, free play, and structured activities. Kids can also take classes such as swimming, fencing, and Tae

Kwon Do. We are also excited to announce new coding classes for kids at the JCC! For a full listing of class offerings, visit jccmanhattan.org/schoolage. For additional information, contact Tal Shtulsaft at ttshtulsaft@jccmanhattan.org.

Jodi’s Gym

244 E. 84th St. 212-772-7633 25 Hubbels Drive, Mount Kisco 914-244-8811 jodisgym.com Jodi’s Gym has been providing New York kids the highest level of fun and fitness for more than three decades! Its step-bystep, no-fail approach ensures that every child feels a sense of accomplishment. It offers gymnastics (ages 3-12), Ninja Challenge (ages 4-8), Game On! (ages 3-5), parent-and-child gym, Music Together, summer and holiday break camps, free playtime and perks for members, private lessons, and the best birthday ever! continued on next page ››

Opening in New York in September 2017 Wetherby-Pembridge School will be located on the Upper East Side, in a superb building next to Central Park on East 96th Street. The school will offer a bespoke curriculum model combining the rigorous British National Curriculum with New York’s

progressive student-centred teaching approach. Wetherby-Pembridge School is part of the prestigious Alpha Plus Group. It will bring to New York the rich traditions and academic excellence that are at the heart of its thriving UK schools.

Open House

5 October 7 2 r Octobe

www.wetherby-pembridge.org For further information on our Open House events or to register for a place please contact us on enquiries@alphaplusgroup.co.uk

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K12 The George Washington University Online High School

866-968-6463 877-382-2015 k12.com; gwuohs.com The George Washington University Online High School is an independent online private school for academically talented students in sixth to 12th grades who seek a rigorous yet flexible college preparatory program and are motivated to prepare for a life in which they can contribute significantly, responsibly, and respectfully in a global society.

The Little Gym

2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets), Upper West Side 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 207 E. 94th St. (between Second and Third avenues), Upper East Side 212-787-1124 tlguppereastsideny.com 28 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444 tlgwaldwicknj.com 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.com 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 envi-

ronment. Qualified instructors implement programs designed to build self-esteem and confidence. An emphasis on music and fun encourages both physical and emotional growth. The Little Gym also offers summer camp, holiday camp, Parent Survival Night, and Awesome Birthday Bashes.

Lucy Moses School at Kaufman Music Center

129 W. 67th St. 212-501-3360 kaufmanmusiccenter.org lucymosesschool@ kaufmanmusiccenter.org Lucy Moses School at Kaufman Music Center is your family’s home for music education! With a huge variety of classes and lessons, New York’s best teachers, and a convenient Upper West Side location, Lucy Moses School has something for everyone—from toddlers to tweens, teens, and adults at all levels of skills and experience. In addition to private instrument lessons with caring, expert educators, kids can participate in Suzuki and Dalcroze programs, take dance and theater classes, or join a chamber music or choral group.

The Mandell School

Upper West Side, Lincoln Square, West Village Preschool-Eighth Grade 775 Columbus Ave., Upper West Side 212-222-2925 150 Amsterdam Ave., Lincoln Square

B U Y O NE GET ONE 50%OFF Beginner Basic Shoes. Plus additional sales throughout August and September.

212-580-4500 160 Christopher St., West Village 917-512-2500 mandellschool.org The Mandell School is a coeducational, independent school, serving students in pre-nursery through eighth grade. Founded in 1939, we’ve been committed to providing a challenging educational environment through an integrated curriculum, a dedicated faculty, and innovative facilities.

Moving Visions Dance Dance for Children & Teens at Moving Visions Dance Studio in Tribeca for more than 20 years

19 Murray St., #4 212-608-7681 movingvisionsdance.com lthomasdance@aol.com Your child will greatly benefit from this joyous, healthy approach to dance. A unique dance experience, combining ballet with modern dance innovations, offering a well-rounded and seriously fun dance education. The focus of Modern Ballet class is on strong technique, positive body awareness, and expanding creativity. Choreography students make dances they present in recitals. Classes are taught in our peaceful, lovely Tribeca loft studio by highly-experienced, inspired professional dancers whose enthusiasm and love of dance is infectious. Performance opportunities for older students. Adult and

Capezio Flagship 1650 Broadway, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10019 | 212-245-2130

Capezio at 69th 201 Amsterdam Ave. New York, NY 10023 | 212-586-5140 Capezio at Peridance 126 E 13th St. New York, NY 10003 | 212-388-0876

Valid on 443, N625, 3800, EJ1, EJ2, and 205 only. Valid 8/1/16 - 9/30/16. Promo code: BOGO16.

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

professional programs too! movingvisionsdance.com.

NYC Admissions Solutions

347-709-2258 nycadmissionssolutions.com info@nycadmissionssolutions.com Feeling anxious about applying to NYC schools? Not getting the individualized, expert attention you deserve? Don’t have countless hours to understand the ins and outs of the admissions process? Look no further. With expertise in NYC public and private school admissions, we can help you save time, minimize anxiety, and improve your child’s chances of securing the best fit school. Our family-centered consultation process is customized for your family’s needs. Contact us today for a complimentary phone consultation.

Pine Street School and Battery Park Montessori After-School Explorers Club by Project Playdate at Pine Street School

25 Pine St. 212-235-2325 greenivy.com An experiential after-school program for children ages 3-8 that curates social and educational activities with NYC’s most esteemed institutions, most celebrated attractions, and most exciting enrichment partners. Select from classes offered by Berlitz Kids, Church Street School for Music and Art, Kids in the Game, Maker-

State, Physique Swimming, and Super Stars Tennis to customize a dynamic weekly schedule, all offered under one roof. Monday-Friday from 3-6pm. Open to the local community as well as Pine Street School students. Walk-over service from area schools available. Register at projectplaydate.org.

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

2121 Broadway at 74th Street, 4th Floor 212-874-3678 stepsnyc.com/school theschool@stepsnyc.com The School at Steps cultivates young dancers, ages 18 months to 18 years, from their first step into a dance studio through their pre-professional training. Students discover their individual artistic voices in a creative environment with the guidance of an internationally recognized faculty. Classes offered in ballet, pas de deux, tap, jazz, theater dance, hip-hop, character, Pilates, and stretch, with performance opportunities. School at Steps graduates go on to dance with professional companies, study at top college dance programs, and perform on Broadway. stepsnyc.com/school.

Sutton Place Family Center

spsnyc.org/familycenter The Sutton Place Family Center’s 2016 expansion will be offering new classes this fall! Programs for infants and toddlers include Mommy & Me Yoga, Little Maestros music, Toddler Program, and Kick & Play soccer. After-school programs for ages 2-6 include Super Soccer Stars, Little Maestros music, Cheflings cooking, and Music and Movement. For older children, we are pleased to be partnering with Writopia to offer creative writing workshops. Teens will love hip-hop with renown teacher Matt Lopez! Finally, we are offering a socialization playgroup for children receiving EI/CPSE services.

Tribeca Language

22 Harrison St., ground floor

212-219-9893 tribecalanguage.com admin@tribecalanguage.com Tribeca Language has uncovered the secret to making language acquisition fun and immediately gratifying for students of all ages. Hundreds of schools nationwide have started implementing Maurice Hazan’s brilliant QTalk Method for themselves. Come see why with a trial class! Parents and adult students rave about the results, and children beg to stay after class. See website for schedule.

University Settlement

184 Eldridge St. 212-674-9121 universitysettlement.org If you are a community group that is in need of free space, the Beacon program at East Side Community High School would like to help. It can offer the school’s auditorium, gym, classroom space, or soccer pitch from 6-9pm on Mondays-Fridays and 10am-6pm on Saturdays to any group that does not charge its members. There is a short application process and one member of the group must get fingerprinted by the DOE. If you are interested, please email vleventhal@ universitysettlement.org.

Battery Park Montessori

Where students practice all aspects of education through an individualized, child-centric program:

PRACTICAL

MATH

LANGUAGE

SENSORIAL

MUSIC

SCIENCE

ART

Visit us to learn more about our innovative elementary school preparatory program for children ages 2-6 years TOURS: September 21 & 28, October 5 & 12 from 9:30-10:30am

OPEN HOUSES: September 27 and October 20 from 5:30-7pm

21 South End Avenue | New York, NY 10280 212.235.2320 | BatteryParkMontessori.com

Upperline

150 Broadway, 20th floor 646-653-2633 upperlinecode.com info@upperlinecode.com Upperline School of Code brings fun, rigorous, and collaborative programming classes to high school students around New York City. Our after-school classes, private tutoring, and summer programs get your child writing real code from day one. Students build web and mobile applications using the same tools that professionals are using throughout the tech industry (Ruby, HTML, CSS, SQL, Javascript, and iOS development). We push our students to build real apps, learn coding best-practices, and get exposure to the technology sector through guest speakers and company visits. Enroll today!

How a child learns to learn will impact his or her life forever.

City and Country School Keeping the progress in progressive education. Two-Year-Olds – 8th Grade

Open House: Thursday, November 17, 6:00 - 8:00pm 146 West 13th Street, New York, NY 10011 Tel: 212.242.7802

www.cityandcountry.org BigAppleParent 25

John Cheng/USA Gymnastics

Gabby Douglas, a 2012 gold medalist for Team USA, competes in the 2015 World Gymnastics Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, one step in her journey to this summer’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Olympic Lessons

››

Watching the Summer Games together as a family can spark important discussions about your kids’ goals, values, and outlook on the world. By Melissa Kagan

ometimes the best, most in-depth conversations with kids happen while you’re all focused on something else, especially if your kids are relaxed and having fun while it happens. The Summer Olympics, taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Aug. 5-21, offers a chance for your entire family to enjoy watching sports together—while providing plenty of opportunities to engage your kids in discussions about topics such as following their passions, setting and achieving their personal goals, and choosing role models. In addition to cheering on your favorite athletes, it’s a great idea to use the competitions themselves and the personal stories behind the athletes’ hard work getting to Rio to spur your kids to reflect on and discuss some of the issues and values on display. Take advantage of the time you spend watching the games by asking open-ended questions and see where the conversation takes you. Here are some potential conversation starters: What inspires you to work hard at something? Let’s face it: Not everybody is going home a winner. Most of these

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

athletes will go home without medals, and that’s okay because the fact they made it to the Olympics at all should be reward enough. Is it the promise of a trophy or admiration from others that your kids want most? Or is it simply a personal goal or the satisfaction of improvement that drives them to push harder? Do you prefer team sports or individual sports? Why? You will have many opportunities to point out how everyone’s contribution is key to a team’s success while watching group sports such as volleyball, water polo, or basketball. Help kids make the connection between teamwork in sports and other collaborative efforts, such as group projects for school. On the other hand, viewing individual sports such as gymnastics or diving can also provide teaching moments about being your own toughest competitor and the opportunity each time you compete to beat your personal best. To achieve these results, you need a high amount of self-reliance, discipline, focus, and passion, all of which are on display at the Olympics and can provide fodder for discussion and inspiration.

Do you look up to athletes? Which ones, and why? What are the qualities that make an athlete a good role model? Not all athletes are responsible members of the community. Do your kids look up to professional sports figures because of their talent or because they contribute something to society, such as spearheading a charity or being the face of a cause? Keep in mind that many teens tune out authority figures—including parents or teachers—but a superstar athlete may be able to deliver a message of inspiration and hope to kids. How do you feel when you lose at a game or competition? Use the Olympics to talk about losing—and winning—gracefully. The emphasis on medals does not mean that winning is the most important thing. Watch the interviews with the various athletes and you’ll discover that they’re happy to be there, no matter what the outcome is. At some point during the event, you’ll witness athletes falling or fumbling, and yet they still persevere. You don’t see much foot stomping, storming away, or crying by the athlete who comes in fourth. Watch how the competitors react to winning and losing and how they treat their opponents and use this as an example for your kids to show the difference between good and bad sportsmanship. What do you dream you could do, and how do you think you can make that happen? Journalists covering the Olympics tend to focus on inspiring human-interest stories about athletes overcoming obstacles to reach their goals. These emotional stories can make watching an event all the more compelling and give you a chance to talk to your kids about perseverance. Kids often make a habit of trying an activity and then giving up when it doesn’t come easily to them or they aren’t excelling in it right away. Remind your children that Olympic competitors are not born; they are developed over years and years, through practice and more practice and even more practice.

Harlem Hebrew is a tuition-free dual-language public charter school focusing on an immersion approach to Modern Israeli Hebrew and the study of Israeli culture and history. As with all public schools, we are non-sectarian and do not teach religion. All are welcome! We have two-three teachers in a classroom throughout the day and provide our students with outstanding instruction across all curriculum areas. Come visit to learn more about us!

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What are some other cultures that fascinate you or that you’d like to learn more about? Aside from the competitions themselves, the greatest part of the Olympics is watching how countries from all around the world come together to share in their common language of sports. Parents can use this as a starting point for conversations about embracing other cultures. It’s one of those rare moments when you are able to see citizens from around the world join together as they celebrate their unique strengths and talents. Use a globe or a map to see where the competitors are from and discuss a variety of topics, such as traditions, language, flags, and relating to people who are different. Conversations build connections. Expose your kids this August to different sports and their rules, and explore the concept of teamwork, the power of practice, the values and traditions of other cultures, and the different components of competition, including effort, losing, and winning. When you pause and listen, you can get to know so much about your children and they may even learn a thing or two about themselves. Melissa Kagan is the former editor-in-chief of the now-defunct lifetimemoms.com. She is currently a freelance writer whose work has been featured on Mommy Poppins, and in Westchester Magazine and Westchester Family. She lives in Pelham with her husband and two children.

BigAppleParent 27

OUTINGS: Prospect Park Zoo

nymetroparents.com/outings

Explore Wildlife in the Heart of Brooklyn 1

Julie Larsen Maher © WCS

Home to a plethora of exotic animals, Prospect Park Zoo serves as an escape from the racing city life for families. ›› By Megan Bailey

1 You can see red pandas climbing trees or snoozing on branches on the zoo’s outdoor Discovery Trail. 2 A Jacob’s four-horn sheep lives in the zoo’s domestic Barn and Garden exhibit, where you can take a turn feeding grain to some of the animals. 3 The Australian dingo exhibit is also on the zoo’s Discovery Trail. 4 These tiny Juliana pigs can also be found in the Barn and Garden exhibit.

In the late 1800s, Prospect Park Zoo first operated a tiny menagerie with livestock and limited wildlife—sheep, cows, rabbits, birds—up until its first public opening in 1935. Since then, the zoo has made quite an impression on city residents. There is something for every animal-lover to enjoy, from sea lions to red pandas to baboons.

Year-Round Fun

If you decide to do a simple self-guided tour, there are five exhibits you should check out. Animal Lifestyles includes the nocturnal and furry Pallas’ cats, as well as birds, lizards, and fish. At Barn and Garden, you can feed animals grain as if it’s a normal thing to do in New York City. Here, you can see sheep, cows, horses, chickens, and two unique species of farm animals that are sure to be crowd-pleasers: a Zebu calf and three little Juliana pigs. In the outdoor Discovery Trail, you will find red pandas hanging on tree branches, a black-tailed prairie dog roaming around, and the North-American river otter exhibit. In the unique Hall of Animals exhibit, children can enjoy smaller 28

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

creatures, whether it’s a dwarf mongoose, dart frog, or Madagascar jumping rat. A visit to the zoo isn’t complete without stopping by the Sea Lion Court, a popular exhibit at the heart of the park. At the Discovery Center, children can interact with animals up close in a fun yet educational space. This can be through playing pretend as a veterinarian or utilizing any of the classroom and laboratory equipment available to learn about the art of zoology. The Discovery Center is open Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm.

Special Activities

At the Sea Lion Court, there is an opportunity to participate in Sea Lion Training Sessions, daily at 11:30am, 2pm, and 4pm. Guided tours are available for Scout troops, during which they will learn more about wildlife and environmental conservation, and can even earn the Prospect Park Zoo Patch. Teachers: If you are looking for an exciting and educational field trip, the Prospect Park Zoo is a great opportunity. You may bring groups on self-guided

tours, receive an official tour from a park guide, or participate in classes.

Annual Attractions

Prospect Park Zoo’s Summer Camp gives children ages pre-K to eighth grades the opportunity to explore wildlife in a weeklong session. This includes live animal encounters, creative art projects, interactive games, science experiments, exhibit visits and meeting zookeeper staff, role-play, and theatrical exercises. Campers are split into groups by age. Cost, session dates, and times vary for each group.

Details

Address: 450 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn Directions: Take the B or Q train to the Prospect Park stop Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday and holidays, 10am-5:30pm Admission: $8; $6 seniors ages 65 and older; $5 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger For more information: 718-399-7339 or prospectparkzoo.com

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BigAppleParent 29

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August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Ideas When You Need Them:

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

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Turn the page for details on Summer Streets 2016 featuring Vita Coco Beachside Slide (No. 2 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

32 Editor’s Hot Tickets 34 We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Fun Fairs & Festivals 35 The Great Outdoors 36 Crafty Kids WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar

EDITOR: EMMA STEVEN nyccalendar@davlermedia.com

37 Mini Musicians, Dance Party

38 Smarty Pants, Movers & Shakers 40 Show Time!, Once Upon a Time 41 On Screen

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!

SummerStage: Shine and the Moonbeams FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 14, 4pm WHERE: East River Park Amphitheater, East River Promenade, Lower East Side AGES: All WHAT: Legendary DJ and producer DJ Spinna, celebrates Earth, Wind and Fire. Followed by a performance by family favorite Shine and the Moonbeams. WHY WE LOVE IT: A feel-good show that will appeal to both older and younger generations. WANT TO GO? 212-360-2777. cityparksfoundation.org.

Summer Streets 2016 featuring Vita Coco Beachside Slide FREE

WHEN: Aug. 6-20, Saturdays, 7am-1pm WHERE: Between Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park along Park Avenue and connecting streets, Lafayette Street and Park Avenue up to 72nd Street, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Part block party, part outdoor activities day, 7 miles of Manhattan’s streets will be closed off to traffic, giving you the chance to explore and take part in the numerous fun activities on offer. WHY WE LOVE IT: There’s a giant water slide, a zip line, climbing wall, and so much more. WANT TO GO? nyc.gov.

FlyNYC Kite Flying Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, 12-5pm WHERE: Pier I, Riverside Park South, enter the park at 68th Street and Riverside Boulevard, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Come and fly a kite at this fun festival for all ages. Kite-making kits will be provided for children and live music groups will play all day. WHY WE LOVE IT: A chance for city kids to fly a kite. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org. 32

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Battery Dance Festival FREE

WHEN: Aug. 14-20, daily, 6:30-8:30pm WHERE: Robert F. Wagner Park, 20 Battery Place, Lower Manhattan AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Enjoy international dance performances in the scenic setting of Wagner Park. WHY WE LOVE IT: New York’s longest running public dance festival features dance companies from around the world, diverse dance backgrounds, and styles. WANT TO GO? 212-219-3910. batterydance.org.

Harlem Week FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 21: Saturday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: West 135th Street, Between Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell Junior boulevards, Harlem AGES: All WHAT: An annual festival that celebrates this vibrant area. WHY WE LOVE IT: The highlight is the weekend of Aug. 20-21, which features two days of performances, a children’s festival, shopping, dance, a film festival, fashion show, and more. WANT TO GO? harlemlocal.com.

Outdoor Movie Night: ‘Inside Out’ FREE

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 26, 8-10pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Head over to Randall’s Island for a movie under the stars. Bring your family and friends to an evening of free entertainment. WHY WE LOVE IT: Pixar’s latest blockbuster, featuring the voices of Amy Poelher and Mindy Kaling. WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org.

FringeJR and FringeHigh

WHEN: Aug. 12-28, daily, see website for times WHERE: Various theaters, see website for locations, Lower East Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Don’t miss this year’s kid- and teen-friendly picks from The 20th annual New York International Fringe Festival, the largest multi-arts festival in North America. WHY WE LOVE IT: A great chance to see the next big show before anyone else. Previous hits include last year’s Commedia Rapunzel that went on to become one of the most popular kids’ shows of 2015 WANT TO GO? $18; $13 for children younger than 12. 917-745-3397. fringenyc.org.

Museum of Ice Cream

WHEN: Through Aug. 31: Monday, Wednesday-Saturday, 11am-9pm; Sundays, 11am-8pm WHERE: 100 Gansevoort St., Meatpacking District AGES: All WHAT: This pop-up museum is dedicated to all things ice cream and features a swimmable sprinkle pool and ice cream sandwich swing. WHY WE LOVE IT: Ice cream is included in the admission ticket price! WANT TO GO? $18; $12 for children younger than 10 and seniors. museumoficecream.com.

German

WHEN: Through Aug. 31: Monday-Thursday, Sunday, 9am-10pm; Friday-Saturday, 9-12am WHERE: Madame Tussauds New York, 234 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Madame Tussauds has launched two experiences to celebrate the brand new Ghostbusters movie. Experience scenes from the movie, including a spooky NYC subway, then suit up in proton packs. WHY WE LOVE IT: As well as classic Madame Tussauds fun there is also an exciting virtual reality experience. WANT TO GO? $36.99-$57. 866-841-3505. ghostbusters. madametussauds.com.

CMA’s Art Island Outpost FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 27: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Governors Island, Nolan Park Building 14; ferries leave from 10 South St., Financial District, Manhattan AGES: 1-15, adult WHAT: Popular hands-on art workshops. WHY WE LOVE IT: All of the workshops are led by CMA teaching artists in the beautiful setting of Governors Island. Kids get to have fun in the sun, while exploring their creativity. WANT TO GO? 212-274-0986. cmany.org. ››

Lessons Children

for

Ghostbusters Experience and Ghostbusters: Dimension

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Classes start second week in September For more information see:

www.German-American-School.org Teaching German for 119 years! or call 212-787-7543

Twin Parks Montessori Open House Events

Central Park

Park West

Riverside

Oct 25th 9:30 am

Oct 20th 9:30 am

Nov 1st

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Nov 17th 9:30 am

Dec 6th 9:30 am

Jan 12th 9:30 am

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RSVP enroll@ twinparks.org

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RSVP admissions@ twinparks.org

Nov 16th 9:30 am Jan 18th 9:30 am

Twin Parks Montessori Schools are accredited by AMS, MSCES, and are members of ISAAGNY, NYSAIS, the Parents League and are affiliates of Columbia University.

After-School & SAturdAy clASSeS regiSter Now! Performers (Ages 4-5) Creators (Ages 6 – 9) Saturday Youth Program (Ages 7 – 10) Intro to Musical Theater (Ages 8-10) Performance & Playwriting (Ages 9 – 13) Improv. Workshop (Ages 10-13) Young Actors (Ages 10 – 15) Teen Scene Study & Technique (Ages 14 – 18) Summer Camps (Ages 4 – 18)

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BigAppleParent 33

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS Hindu Lamp Ceremony FREE

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

WHEN: Through Aug. 15: Mondays, 6:30pm WHERE: Pier 25, Hudson River Park, North Moore Street, Tribeca AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy the best of family entertainment for free. Acts include musicians, magicians, and storytellers. August shows include the fantastic Story Pirates and Rolie Polie Gucamole. WANT TO GO? 212-561-7462. hudsonriverpark.org.

Uptown Bounce FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 17: Wednesdays, 6-9pm WHERE: Museum of the City of New York and Museo El Barrio, Fifth Avenue and East 104th Street, East Harlem AGES: All WHAT: A collaboration between the Museum of the City of New York and Museo El Barrio that turns East 104th Street and Fifth Avenue into a block party. Enjoy music, food, art making, break-dancing, and gallery talks. WANT TO GO? 212-534-1672. mcny.org.

Game Days FREE

WHEN: Aug. 2-31, Tuesday-Wednesday, 10am-2pm WHERE: West Harlem Piers Park, West 125th Street, Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy old school fun for all ages with games such as giant tictac-toe, lawn bowling, hopscotch, jump rope, and more. WANT TO GO? 212-628-2345. nycgovparks.org.

Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, 11am WHERE: Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk, Coney Island AGES: All WHAT: Professional sculptors will build remarkable sculptures, while amateurs from the community will challenge each other for cash prizes. WANT TO GO? 718-310-5600. coneyislandfunguide.com.

Make it Splashy! FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 27, 10am-2pm WHERE: High Line, West 14th Street passage, West Village AGES: All WHAT: Get your hands dirty in the High Line garden, create a large-scale art installation with an artist, hear stories, and watch an outrageous variety show from Whoop Dee Doo. This month’s theme is water. WANT TO GO? 212-843-9394. thehighline.org. 34

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 6, 4-8pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pebble Beach, Main and Plymouth streets, DUMBO, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Help bring peace and harmony to the shoreline. Aeilushi Mistry performs the traditional Hindu Aarti ceremony at the park. WANT TO GO? 718-624-4719. brooklynbridgepark.org.

Sweet Spot Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 6, 2-9pm WHERE: West Harlem Pier Park, Henry Hudson Parkway between St. Clair Place and West 135th Street, Harlem AGES: All WHAT: A gathering of community, cultures, music lovers of all ages, featuring reggae, soulful house, disco, and afro-beat music. WANT TO GO? 917-993-2387. nycgovparks.org.

Hudson RiverStage FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 6, 2pm WHERE: Hudson River Park, Pier 97, West 57th Street, Midtown West AGES: 9 and older WHAT: This month’s event features William Bell, The James Hunter Six, George Porter Jr., Taylor McFerrin, Jonathan Toubin, and more. WANT TO GO? 212-561-7476. hudsonriverpark.org.

26th Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival FREE

WHEN: Aug. 6-7, Saturday-Sunday, 9am-5pm WHERE: Meadow Lake at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 53-51 111th St., Flushing, Queens AGES: All WHAT: A Hong Kong tradition drawing more than 200 teams from around the world. This event features exciting racing, food, entertainment, and arts and crafts. See website for complete event schedule. WANT TO GO? 718-767-1776. hkdbf-ny.org.

Summer in the Square FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 11: Thursdays, 9am-6pm WHERE: Union Square, 33 E. 17th St., Union Square AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy crafts, meet animals, listen to stories, and watch children’s entertainers. Features Josh and the Jamtones and The Story Pirates. WANT TO GO? 212-460-1200. unionsquarenyc.org.

Dragon Boat Family Festival

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 12-4pm WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Little Italy AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate and learn about the Dragon Boat Festival. WANT TO GO? $10; free for children younger than 2. 212-619-4785. mocanyc.org.

Ecofest FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 14, 10am-6pm WHERE: Times Square, Broadway between 42nd and 44th streets, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Get information, get involved, find products, learn about services, and be entertained by people who care about the environment. WANT TO GO? 212-496-2030. ecofest.com.

The 11th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party

WHEN: Aug. 13-14, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Governors Island; ferries leave from 10 South St., Financial District, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra invite you to a Prohibition era-inspired party, including a kids’ carnival and dance lessons. WANT TO GO? $35 and up; free for children 12 and younger. 212-4402200. jazzagelawnparty.com.

Governors Island Storytelling Festival FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 3: Sundays, 1-3pm WHERE: Nolan Park, Building 10, Governors Island; ferries leave from 10 South St., Financial District, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Features award-winning stories, puppets, and marionette shows. WANT TO GO? 347-425-7770. brooklynartery.com.

23rd Annual Harlem Meer Performance Festival FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 4: Sundays, 2-4pm WHERE: Central Park, Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox avenues, Central Park AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy local talent at this Central Park festival. WANT TO GO? 212-860-1370. centralparknyc.org.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Garden Camp

WHEN: Aug. 1-5, Monday-Friday, 10am-12pm WHERE: Morris-Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Terrace, Harlem AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Kids will learn about gardening, science, and animals through crafts and a chance to explore the mansion. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $5 per day. 212-923-8008. morrisjumel.org.

Governors Island: The Hills

WHEN: Through Sept. 25: Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-7pm WHERE: Governors Island; ferries leave from 10 South St., Financial District, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Slide Hill will rise 40 feet and includes four slides, one of which will be the longest slide in New York City. Discover Hill has a site-specific sculpture, by British artist Rachel Whiteread, in the form of a cabin. WANT TO GO? $2 ferry round trip fee. 212-440-2200. govisland.com.

Dynamic H2O

WHEN: Through Sept. 30: Sunday-Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturdays, 10am-7pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: This outdoor exhibit is perfect for a hot day, featuring a 16-foot interactive water table and the chance to learn about water in NYC. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 1; seniors pay as you wish. 212-721-1223. cmom.org. ››

Explore. Imagine. Create.

Art in the Garden: Musical Mobiles and Wind Chimes FREE

Cre ati ve S teps

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 10, 6pm WHERE: Siempre Verde Garden, 181 Stanton St., Lower East Side AGES: All WHAT: Create wind chimes out of terra cotta pots and recycled materials. WANT TO GO? 212-602-5300. nypl.org.

Sunset Ecocruises to the Harbor Heron Islands

Early Care + Education Center

WHEN: Through Aug. 17: Wednesdays, 7-9pm WHERE: South Street Seaport Pier 16, 89 South St., Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Learn about conservation and history of these abandoned islands. WANT TO GO? $35; $25 children ages 3-12. 212-742-1969. nywatertaxi.com/audubon.

Our play-based & child-centered program offers:

Weekly

music, movement, and art enrichment programs

Big City Fishing FREE

Flexible

full-day programs for children 12 months - 4 years

WHEN: Through Aug. 21: Sundays, 12-4pm WHERE: Pier 25, Hudson River Park, 225 West St., Soho AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn how to fish. Rods, reels, bait, and instruction are provided. WANT TO GO? 212-627-2020. hudsonriverpark.org.

Sail Pioneer!

WHEN: Aug. 14-31, Wednesday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: South Street Seaport, Pier 16, 89 South St., Lower Manhattan AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Board the 1885 schooner Pioneer and take a 2-hour sail. WANT TO GO? $32; $28 for children younger than 12. 212-732-8257. southstreetseaportmuseum.org.

Low

Easy

staff-to-child ratio, with 3 teachers per classroom

access to well-maintained, safe outdoor playgrounds

To learn mo re, co n tact us to s ch edule a to ur! 4 Washington Square Village 212.982.2273 creativesteps@universitysettlement.org WWW.UNIVERSITYSETTLEMENT.ORG/CREATIVESTEPS

BigAppleParent 35

Madison Square Kids: Art FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 23: Tuesdays, 10am-12pm and 1-3pm WHERE: Madison Square Park, Oval Lawn, 25th Street and Fifth Avenue, Flatiron District AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Children will explore Martin Puryear’s sculpture Big Bling, and be inspired to create their own art projects. WANT TO GO? 212-538-1884. madisonsquarepark.org.

Summer Art in the Park FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 26: Monday-Friday, 10am WHERE: Hippo Playground, Riverside Park, West 91st Street, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Come and have fun and make some art with your friends at this class in the park. WANT TO GO? 212-870-3070. riversideparknyc.org.

Saturday Sketching for Teens

CRAFTY KIDS Gallery Workshops for Families: Knights

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 7, 1pm WHERE: Metropolitan Museum of Art: The Cloisters Museum and Gardens, 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park, Fort Washington AGES: All WHAT: Find medieval knights in painting, glass, and stone at The Cloisters. Learn about the lives and training of these noble warriors and hear about their adventures. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $25; $17 seniors; $12 students; free for children younger than 12. 212-650-2280. metmuseum.org.

Celebrate Japanese Culture at CMA

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 14, 12-4pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Japanese culture through performances and workshops. Learn about The Flower Hat Dance, take part in a parade, construct your own zen garden, and have fun with origami. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 1; seniors pay as you wish. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

MOCACREATE: Playful Props

WHEN: Aug. 6-20, Saturdays, 1-4pm WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Learn about set design and create life size props in this workshop for all ages. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $10; $5 seniors and students; free for children younger than 12. 855-955-6622. mocanyc.org. 36

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Through Aug. 27: Saturdays; 1-4pm WHERE: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Prepared drawing boards and themes help teens explore their drawing skills in the famous Frank Lloyd Wright building. August’s theme is perspective. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $25; $18 seniors and students; free for children younger than 12. 212-423-3500. guggenheim.org.

Open Studio

WHEN: Aug. 6-28, Saturday-Sunday, 10:30am-3pm WHERE: Whitney Museum of American Art, 99 Gansevoort St., Meatpacking District AGES: All WHAT: Families are invited to make their own art based on works in current exhibitions. Each week is a different art making project. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $22; $17 students and seniors; free for children 18 and younger. 212-570-3600. whitney.org.

Family Sundays at the Rubin Museum: Anatomy Collage FREE WHEN: Aug. 7-28, Sundays, 1-4pm WHERE: Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17th St., Chelsea AGES: 3 and older WHAT: A family tour and workshop exploring medicine and the human body. WANT TO GO? 212-620-5000. rubinmuseum.org.

El Museo Del Barrio Pop-Up Arte FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 31: Wednesdays, 3-4:30pm WHERE: Various parks in Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Every Wednesday throughout the summer, El Museo will host free art workshops in a different playground each week. WANT TO GO? 212-408-0243. elmuseo.org.

NYC Souvenir Design Studio

WHEN: Through Aug. 31: daily, 10:30am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: A fun new art studio at CMoM gives kids the chance to create New York City souvenirs to take home. Have fun with the subway map and metro ticket, and celebrate the NYC “wildlife” with the hilarious sounding Pizza Rat and Pigeon Eating a Bagel key chain projects. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children 1 and younger. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

MINI

MUSICIANS SummerStage Kids: Moona Luna FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 2, 10:30am WHERE: Columbus Park, 55 Mulberry St., Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: One of the few kindie rocker groups that sings in two languages! Moona Luna is a bilingual hit, singing in English and Spanish with songs that will get kids up and dancing. WANT TO GO? 212-360-1399. cityparksfoundation.org.

SummerStage: Phillip Phillips, Matt Nathanson, and Great Big World WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 3, 5pm WHERE: Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, 69th Street and Fifth Avenue, Upper East Side AGES: 13 and older WHAT: See three popular singer-songwriters perform their hits. WANT TO GO? $46-$50. 212-360-2777. cityparksfoundation.org.

Summer on the Hudson: Children’s Performance Series FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 4, 10am WHERE: Pier I, Riverside Park South, Riverside Drive between 65th and 72nd streets, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Grammy-award nominated, folk musician Alastair Moock performs. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

10th Annual Great Jazz on the Great Hill FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 4-7pm WHERE: Great Hill, Central Park West and West 106th Street, Central Park AGES: All WHAT: Spend an afternoon enjoying a free jazz at this festival with performances by The Jimmy Heath Big Band and special guests. WANT TO GO? 646-208-4111. centralparknyc.org/greatjazz.

Blues BBQ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, 2pm WHERE: Hudson River Park, Pier 97, West 57th Street, Midtown West AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy music from some great blues and roots performers while you chow on barbecue from New York City’s favorite restaurants. WANT TO GO? 212-561-7476. hudsonriverpark.org.

Sunset Jam on the Hudson FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 26: Fridays, 6:30-8pm WHERE: Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park, 20 Battery Place, Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: A drumming circle led by master drummers. Instruments are provided, you may also bring your own. WANT TO GO? 212-267-9700. bpcparks.org.

Family Music with Coyote Pups FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 31: Tuesdays, 6pm WHERE: Inwood Hill Park, Indian Road Lawn, 218th Street and Indian Road, Inwood AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: A music and movement class for kids to learn about the world. WANT TO GO? 212-569-4112. nycgovparks.org.

DANCE PARTY SummerStage Kids: Joseph Webb: Dancing Buddhas FREE WHEN: Monday, Aug. 1, 10am WHERE: Morningside Park, 110th Street and Manhattan Avenue, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: A performance by international award-winning dancer, choreographer, actor, educator, and poet Joseph Webb. WANT TO GO? cityparksfoundation.org.

Brazilian Family Dance FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 6:30-8pm WHERE: Battery Park, Esplanade Plaza, Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Try out Brazilian dance at this event featuring a performance of forro music from rural northeast Brazil. WANT TO GO? 212-267-9700. bpcparks.org.

SummerStage Kids: Ray’s Old School New School Hip-Hop FREE WHEN: Monday, Aug. 15, 10:30am WHERE: Morningside Park, 110th Street and Manhattan Avenue, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Watch hip-hop dancing from Ray F. Davis, a performer, choreographer, and teacher born in Kingston, Jamaica who currently resides in the Bronx. WANT TO GO? 212-360-2777. cityparksfoundation.org.

SummerStage: Kalabanté Circus, Iron Skulls & Quim Moya, and Sxip’s Hour of Charm FREE

WHEN: Aug. 20-21, Saturday-Sunday, 7pm WHERE: Marcus Garvey Park, 18 Mount Morris Park West, Harlem AGES: All WHAT: See experimental dance, avant garde art, and circus performances. WANT TO GO? 212-360-2777. cityparksfoundation.org.

B-Boy Royale II

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 22, 7-10pm WHERE: Skirball Center for the Performing Arts at NYU, 566 LaGuardia Place, East Village AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Eight award-winning East Coast crews battling it out for a $5,000 grand prize at the city’s largest annual breakdance competition. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-352-3101. mcdonaldsnytristate.com. ›› BigAppleParent 37

Family Program

WHEN: Aug. 6-28, Saturday-Sunday, 11am WHERE: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, Hell’s Kitchen AGES: All WHAT: Workshops include learning about how space capsules fall to earth and taking a trip inside the planetarium. WANT TO GO? $24; $20 seniors and students; $19 children ages 7-17; $12 children ages 3-6. 212-245-0072. intrepidmuseum.org.

Countdown to Totality

SMARTY PANTS STEAM Summer Camp with Storefront Science FREE

WHEN: Aug. 8-12, Monday-Friday, 10am-12pm WHERE: Dyckman Farmhouse Museum, 4881 Broadway, Inwood AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Learn about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math) subjects in the open air at this five-day camp. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 212-304-9422. dyckmanfarmhousemuseum.org.

Designing Sound for Animation

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 10am-12pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This family workshop is all about soundtracks, and you’ll have a chance to use GarageBand as well as learn about sound effects and how important music is to films and animation. WANT TO GO? $22 with admission: $12; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Family Astronomy Night FREE

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 19, 6:45pm WHERE: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, New York Harbor AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Astronomy night and talk from a former astronaut turned children’s book author, Tom Jones. WANT TO GO? 212-245-0072. intrepidmuseum.org.

Pop Up Maker Space FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 21: Sundays, 4:30pm; Thursdays, 5pm WHERE: Hudson River Park, Pier 84, 555 Twelfth Ave., Hell’s Kitchen AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Join the outdoor Maker Space for free workshops challenging participants to design and construct solutions to real-world problems. WANT TO GO? 212-627-2020. hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com.

Summer of Hamilton

WHEN: Through Aug. 28: Tuesday-Thursday and Saturdays, 10am6pm; Fridays, 10am-8pm; Sundays, 11am-5pm WHERE: The New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: A museum-wide celebration of the life and legacy of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. The museum features exhibits, films, and family-friendly programing, including Living History Weekends during which kids can meet soldiers and civilians from 250 years ago. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 seniors, educators, and active military; $12 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212873-3400. nyhistory.org. 38

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 30, 7pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th Street, Upper West Side AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Aug. 21, 2017 will bring the first complete solar eclipse for the lower 48 states since 1979. Learn how to safely observe this event and get a “sneak preview” of what it will look like using the Hayden Planetarium’s Zeiss IX Star Projector. WANT TO GO? $15. 212-769-5100. amnh.org.

The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems

WHEN: Through Sept. 25: Tuesday-Thursday and Saturdays, 10am6pm; Fridays, 10am-8pm; Sundays, 11am-5pm WHERE: New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: An ambling journey across a career that started on Sesame Street and led to a laundromat in Park Slope. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $20; $15 seniors, educators, and active military; $12 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

Star Trek: The Starfleet Academy Experience

WHEN: Through Oct. 31: Sunday-Thursday, 10am-8pm; FridaySaturday, 10am-9pm WHERE: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, New York Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Find out if you’ve got what it takes to be the next James T. Kirk or Spock at this immersive exhibition. Experience life as a Starfleet Academy cadet with interactive activities and many props and costumes from the TV show. WANT TO GO? $25; $23 seniors; $18 children; free for children 4 and younger. 212-245-0072. intrepidmuseum.org.

MOVERS & SHAKERS Squirt Gun Fight FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 1-4pm WHERE: Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk, Coney Island Boardwalk, Coney Island, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Break out those sweet ’90s Super Soakers for a proper water fight. WANT TO GO? 718-965-8993.

New York City Challenge Race

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 8am-3pm WHERE: Randall’s Island, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: 5 and older WHAT: An urban obstacle course featuring cars to jump over, cargo net, rope climb, and more. Main race open to ages 12 and older, with a kids race at 2pm. WANT TO GO? $25-$90. 305-905-7629. citychallengerace.com.

Learn to Ride for Kids FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 11am-2pm WHERE: Poor Richard’s Playground, East 109th Street between Second and Third avenues, East Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Learn to ride at this class. Bring your own bike and helmet. WANT TO GO? 718-408-0243. nycgovparks.org.

2016 Summer Playstreets Program FREE

Kids Yoga FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 31: Wednesdays, 10am WHERE: Washington Square Park, Fifth Avenue, Waverly Place, West 4th and Macdougal streets, Greenwich Village AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Bring your little ones to a yoga class for kids. Bring your own mat. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

WHEN: Through Aug. 19: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm WHERE: See website for locations, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: The Police Athletic League will close off streets, playgrounds, and parks to provide children with safe, supervised places to enjoy outdoor sports, arts and crafts, games, music, and dance. WANT TO GO? 212-477-9450. palnyc.org.

Summer Sports Experience FREE

City Parks Foundation Free Summer Sports FREE

Youth Basketball Clinics FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 26: See website for registration and activity times WHERE: Various parks around New York City AGES: 5-17 WHAT: This sports program provides tennis, golf, soccer, track and field, and fitness instruction with the use of equipment for more than 14,000 children during the summer months. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 212-353-9585. cityparksfoundation.org.

Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day

WHEN: Through Sept. 17: Saturdays; 11am-2pm WHERE: Chelsea Field in Chelsea Park, Tenth Avenue and West 27th Street, Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: A friendly, small group introduction to softball on a drop-in basis. WANT TO GO? 212-408-0243. nycgovparks.org. WHEN: Through Oct. 29: Saturdays, see website for times WHERE: North Meadow Recreation Center, Central Park, 97th Street Transverse, Upper West Side AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Learn and enhance your skills in the game of basketball through small group instruction and competitive games in this highenergy, interactive clinic. WANT TO GO? 212-348-4867. centralparknyc.org. ››

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 27, 9:30am WHERE: USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows Corona Park Road, Flushing, Queens AGES: All WHAT: The day features a ticketed Stadium Show, concert, and a free Grounds Festival, which includes interactive games, face painting, music and tennis clinics, and a chance to get an up close and personal look at the biggest stars of tennis. WANT TO GO? $10-$25 concert tickets; free for all other events. 718760-6200. arthurashekidsday.com.

Kayaking

WHEN: Through Aug. 30: See website for schedule details WHERE: Hudson River Park, Piers 96, 66, 40, 84, and 26, Tribeca, Greenwich Village, Clinton, Chelsea, and Hell’s Kitchen AGES: All WHAT: Kayak on the Hudson River. There are five different locations you can get your feet wet, with many offering lessons as well as rentals. WANT TO GO? Price varies with some locations offering free kayaking. hudsonriverpark.org.

Upper West Side and Lower East Side locations

over 20 years experience

allmychildrendaycare.com/uws | 212-419-5416 Servicing children from 3 months to 5 years BigAppleParent 39

shows to nonprofit and educational organizations, with the aim of giving kids access to theatre who might otherwise not get a chance. WANT TO GO? 212-279-4200. theatreworksusa.org.

‘Pinkalicious The Musical’

SHOW TIME! ‘The New York Spring Spectacular’ Starring The Radio City Rockettes WHEN: Through Aug. 7: See the website for show times WHERE: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Ave., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: The last chance to catch The Rockette’s summer show, featuring song and dance numbers set at iconic Big Apple landmarks. WANT TO GO? $39-$130. 866-858-0007. radiocity.com.

New York Musical Theatre Festival 2016

WHEN: Through Aug. 7: daily, see website for times WHERE: Various locations, Theater District, Times Square AGES: 5 and older WHAT: The festival showcases the best new musicals and musical theater talent. This year there are six family-friendly shows. WANT TO GO? $27.50. 212-664-0979. nymf.org.

‘The Nose: A Preposterous New Family Musical’

WHEN: Aug. 5-7, Friday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: The WorkShop Theater, 312 W. 36th St., Fourth Floor, Midtown West AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Petty bureaucrat Kovalyov has always prided himself on his good looks and laughed at disfigurement in others, but his tune changes when his nose runs away. WANT TO GO? $20. 866-811-4111. thenosemusical.com.

CityParks Puppetmobile: ‘Puss In Boots’ FREE

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 8, 10:30am WHERE: Morningside Park, Morningside Heights AGES: All WHAT: Your last chance to catch the puppeteers from Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater and their awesome production of Puss in Boots. WANT TO GO? cityparksfoundation.org.

SummerStage Kids: Central Park Zoo Wildlife Theater FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 9, 10:30am WHERE: Columbus Park, 55 Mulberry Street, Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: Traveling from the Central Park Zoo, these performers will teach about the rainforest and conservation with their fun show. WANT TO GO? 212-360-1399. cityparksfoundation.org.

106.7 Lite FM’s Broadway in Bryant Park 2016 FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 11: Thursdays, 12:30-1:30pm WHERE: Bryant Park, Sixth Avenue between 40th and 42nd streets, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: The series showcases New York City’s popular Broadway and off-Broadway shows. August includes Avenue Q and Phantom of the Opera. WANT TO GO? 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.

‘Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School’ FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 19: daily, see website for times WHERE: Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher St., Greenwich Village AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Every year, Theatreworks partners gives away free tickets to its 40

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Through Aug. 28: See website for show times and dates WHERE: Theater at Blessed Sacrament, 152 W. 71st St., Upper West Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Will Pinkalicious ever return to her normal color or is she destined to have Pinkititis forever? WANT TO GO? $49.50-$59.50. 212-579-0528. pinkaliciousthemusical.com.

Central Park Conservancy Family Performance Festival FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 4: Sundays, 12-1:30pm WHERE: The Great Hill, Central Park West between West 103rd and 106th streets, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Learn how to look after the planet. See Native American storytelling, the Catskill Puppet Theater, and Grammy-award nominated Billy Kelly. WANT TO GO? 646-208-4111. centralparknyc.org/fpf.

ONCE UPON A TIME Word for Word Storytime FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 16: Tuesdays, 10:30am WHERE: Bryant Park, 42nd Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Bryant Park AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy tails, meowsic, and arts and crafts, hosted by Cali Co Cat. WANT TO GO? 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.

Storytime at The Battery FREE

WHEN: July 5- Aug. 18, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30am WHERE: The Battery Labyrinth, Battery Place, Battery Park AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Enjoy storytime in the scenic surroundings of Battery Park. WANT TO GO? thebattery.org.

Bryant Park Reading Room FREE

WHEN: Aug. 6-20, Saturdays, 12pm WHERE: Bryant Park, West 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Reading and music events for kids, such as Comic Con Kids and performance by Funkytown Playground Band with Aly Sunshine. WANT TO GO? 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.

Madison Square Kids: Reads FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 24: Wednesdays, 10am WHERE: Madison Square Park, Sparrow Lawn, Madison Avenue and 23rd Street, Flatiron District AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: This series introduces kids to literature with themes including public art, animals, and flowers. Regular storytellers will be joined by special guests including Story Laurie and The Story Pirates. WANT TO GO? 212-538-1884. madisonsquarepark.org.

MADreads

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 25, 10:15am WHERE: Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle, Midtown West AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Kids will learn about innovative uses of color with a story time reading The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Darwal, followed by gallery activities. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $16; $14 for seniors; $12 for students; free for children. 212-299-7777. madmuseum.org.

Reading into History Family Book Club Meeting: ‘Alexander Hamilton: the Outsider’ by Jean Fritz

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 28, 2pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Learn about American history with Jean Fritz’s middle-grade biography, Alexander Hamilton: the Outsider, and see historic documents. WANT TO GO? $19; $15 seniors, educators, and active military; $12 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212873-3400. nyhistory.org.

Get in the Game: Be a Library All Star! FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 31: Wednesdays, 4pm WHERE: New York Public Library, George Bruce branch, 518 W. 125th St., Harlem AGES: 5-12 WHAT: A summer reading club. WANT TO GO? 212-662-9727. nypl.org.

Storytelling in the Park FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 24: Saturdays, 11am-12pm WHERE: Central Park, Hans Christian Andersen Statue, 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue entrance, Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Two storytellers will read folk stories, fairy tales, fables, and more. WANT TO GO? storytelling-nyc.org.

Yippee Skippy Puppet Theater Presents Fractured Fables FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 25: Sundays, 1pm WHERE: Bank Street Bookstore, 2780 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: An improvised, audience-participation puppet show with live music. WANT TO GO? 212-678-1654. bankstreetbooks.com.

Story Time: Tales on Sugar Hill

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 2-3pm WHERE: Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art and Storytelling, 898 St. Nicholas Ave., Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Share in the history of Sugar Hill and Harlem. WANT TO GO? $7; $4 students and seniors; free for children 8 and younger. 212-335-0004. sugarhillmuseum.org.

ON SCREEN

Intrepid Summer Movie Series 2016: ‘Big Hero 6’ FREE

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 5, 7pm WHERE: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, Hell’s Kitchen AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Movies on the flight deck. Bring lawn chairs, picnics, and blankets. WANT TO GO? 212-245-0072. intrepidmuseum.org.

WHAT: A movie under the stars. Bring blankets, chairs, and food. WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org.

Hudson RiverFlicks: Big Hit Wednesdays FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 17: Wednesdays, 8:30pm WHERE: Pier 63, Hudson River Park, West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park, Chelsea AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Watch mega hits in the open air including The Martian. WANT TO GO? hudsonriverpark.org.

Hudson RiverFlicks: Family Fridays FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 19: Fridays, 8:30pm WHERE: Pier 46, Hudson River Park, Charles Street and West Side Highway, Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: This outdoor series features family-friendly movies at dusk. August movies are Penguins of Madagascar, Goosebumps, and The Princess Bride. WANT TO GO? 212-627-2020. riverflicksnyc.com.

HBO Summer Film Festival: ‘Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan’ FREE

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 22, 8pm WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Arrive early to secure a spot. This movie is the last of the series. WANT TO GO? 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.

KIDFlix Film Festival FREE

WHEN: Aug. 5-26, Fridays, 7pm WHERE: Fulton Park, Chauncey Street between Lewis and Stuyvesant avenues, Bedford-Stuyvesant AGES: All WHAT: This annual event draws hundreds of families to experience kid-friendly features, documentaries, and television programming by filmmakers of the African Diaspora. See website for full schedule. WANT TO GO? 718-230-0492. mocada.org.

Central Park Film Festival FREE

WHEN: Aug. 24-27, Wednesday-Friday, 6:30pm WHERE: Central Park, between Sheep Meadow and the 72nd Street Terrace, Upper West Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Gates open at 6:30pm, with a live DJ. All movies begin at 8pm. WANT TO GO? centralpark.com.

Summer Movie Night: ‘The Incredibles’ FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 30, 8pm WHERE: 103rd Street Community Garden, 105 E. 103rd St., East Harlem AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Join this average family of undercover superheroes as they use their powers in their suburban town to save the world. WANT TO GO? 212-333-2552. nycgovparks.org.

Summer Movie Nights: ‘Fly Away Home’ FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 9, film starts at sunset WHERE: Sherman Creek Peninsula, Tenth Avenue, Harlem AGES: 9 and older WHAT: A father-daughter team attempts to lead a flock of orphaned Canada Geese south through the air. WANT TO GO? 212-333-2552. nycgovparks.org.

Coming up next month:

Outdoor Movie Night: ‘The Good Dinosaur’ FREE

SEPT. 4: West Side County Fair, Riverside Park, Upper West Side

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 14, 8-10pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: 9 and older

SEPT. 10: NYC Labor Day Parade, Midtown SEPT. 15: Feast of San Gennaro, Little Italy SEPT. 17-24: Morningside Lights, Morningside Heights BigAppleParent 41

WHERE-TO GUIDE

Pick Your Own Berries ››

Research by Melissa Wickes

Enjoy the sweet fruits of summer by picking your own berries at a local farm! Kids will love plucking fresh strawberries, blackberries, and even cherries straight from the bush. Many of these farms also have farm stands at which you can purchase pre-picked fruits, baked goods, and fresh juices. Want even more farm fun? Lots of our picks offer hayrides and activities to keep kids busy after they’ve collected their basket of fruit. Note that dates and availability are projected. We recommend calling ahead before visiting these farms.

NEW JERSEY Bergen County Demarest Farms 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale 201-666-0472 demarestfarms.com Open daily, 8am-6:30pm Pick your own peaches. Farm market with pre-picked seasonal fruits and vegetables for sale. Baby animal feeding at store.

Burlington County Johnson’s Corner Farm 133 Church Road, Medford 609-654-8643 johnsonsfarm.com Open daily, 8am-7pm Pick your own blueberries through midAugust; peaches through the end of

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

August; sweet corn late June through end of August. Hayrides offered MondayFriday, 10am-1pm, and Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4pm; plus Wednesday and Friday, 5-7pm (Wednesday and Friday evening hayrides mid-June through August are free). Farm market, bakery, and produce hours are 8am-7pm daily; ice cream window open until 9pm. Wednesday night is Family Fun Night from 5-8pm. Friday nights are Cruise Car Nights, when you can drive your classic car to the farm and receive a free ice cream.

Cape May County The Allen Family Farm 26 Tarkiln Road, Belleplain 609-861-3778 (Blueberry information) 609-412-1742 (Fresh produce information) Open daily from sunup to sundown; call ahead to verify hours

Pick your own blueberries, tomatoes, corn, green beans, sweet potatoes, and white potatoes, depending on the season. Produce is unsprayed.

Hunterdon County Califon Farm Stand & Orchard 472 County Road 513, Califon 908-832-2905; melickstownfarm.com Open daily, 9am-6pm Pick your own yellow and white peaches through September. On-site store with fresh produce, ice cream, and baked goods. Melick’s Town Farm Apple Orchard: 19 King St., Oldwick Strawberry Patch: Farmers Market at 170 Oldwick Road Peaches: 472 County Road 513, Califon 908-439-2318; melickstownfarm.com Open daily, 9am-6pm

nymetroparents.com/where-to Pick your own peaches July through September. Call about other seasonal pickings. Phillips Farms 290 Church Road, Milford 908-995-0022 phillipsfarms.com Open daily, 8am-6pm (U-Pick closed on Tuesdays) Pick your own black and red raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, peaches, and apples (call for availability). Farm stand with a variety of fresh produce. Schaefer Farms 1051 Flemington/Whitehouse Road (County Route 523), Flemington 908-782-2705 schaeferfarms.com Open Monday-Saturday,

9:30am-6pm; Sunday, 10am5pm (changes in the fall) Pick your own blackberries July-August and raspberries through August. Farm stand with homegrown sweet corn, a variety of vegetables, and Nutrena seeds. Farm-grown eggs, pork, chicken, duck, and beef also available. Valley Crest Farm 14 Allerton Road, Lebanon 908-238-9696 valleycrestfarmnj.org Open weekends, 10am-3pm (through Nov. 1) Pick your own peaches through September and apples through late October. Call for availability. Farm stand with pre-picked vegetables and fruit is located at 66 Allerton Road; open 9am-6pm daily.

yrs. of Fun, Frien ds, & Fitness!

Grea t Pe rks Fo r Me m be rs

Fo r K id s 9 mos to 1 2 y rs

Nothing Else Even Comes Close! Gymnastics • Ninja • Playtime • Summer Camps School Break Camps • Jodi’s To Go • Best Birthdays Ever

www.jodisgym.com

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

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

Dance for Children and Teens MovingVisions Dance Studio in Tribeca over 20 years

A Wise Choice for Your Child’s Dance Education Seriously Fun Classes with Experienced, Inspiring Teachers Modern Ballet – ages 3-16 Choreography class - ages 8-up Performance Workshop - ages 10 - 13 Professional Level Classes – ages 14 - 25 Contact us at: 212-608- 7681 • lthomasdance@aol.com www.movingvisionsdance.com

247 West 24th Street, New York, NY 10011

(212) 229-9340 www.thekidskornerpreschool.com

Nursery & Pre K Programs Open year round

Now Accepting 2016/2017 Admissions Applications School Tours on October 17th and October 24th by appointment only

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Courtesy Great Wolf Lodge

A lifeguard at Great Wolf Lodge measures a child to see which attractions would be safe for her at the water park.

Behind the Thrills

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It takes a dedicated and well-trained crew of lifeguards to keep everyone safe at a water park. Here’s how they do it. By Samantha Neudorf

“My name is Timmy. You may see me throughout the park today and you may see lifeguards rescuing me. When you see lifeguards rescuing me, it means they’re training to do their job better every day, so please applaud my performance when you see these rescues taking place.” Those are words you may have heard announced over the public-address system or posted on the walls at popular water parks across the country, and believe it or not, it’s a standard type of training for lifeguards. Timmy is a mannequin that looks like a little boy and is used as a form of training that takes place at water parks. A supervisor throws the mannequin into the water, and it is up to the lifeguards on duty to rescue it within a matter of seconds, as though it were an actual child drowning. “If [the lifeguards] don’t respond in time, the guards are retrained,” says Thatcher Robertson, corporate water park director of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania. “If it’s something that happens more than once, then we have to take a hard look at whether the guard needs to stay doing what they’re doing.”

Preventing ‘Deadly Sins’

Approximately 10 people in the U.S. die from unintentional 44

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

drowning every day, and of this number, nearly two of them are children ages 14 and younger, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lifeguards, often teenagers themselves, are employed at swimming pools and beaches across the country to keep swimmers safe and help those who find themselves in trouble. Water parks face additional safety challenges, including very large crowds, children eager for thrills, and activities, such as fast-moving slides, that heighten the risks. This is why water parks insist on extra training and drills for their lifeguards, and many pay an extra fee to receive third-party audits. At Great Wolf Lodge and Camelback Resort’s Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark—both also in the Pocono Mountains—the water parks receive third-party audits from Ellis & Associates Inc., an aquatic risk management firm dedicated to drowning prevention and accredited by International Aquatic Safety and Risk Management Consulting. Kalahari Resorts uses the American Red Cross for its audits. Three or four times a year, these third-party auditors will arrive at the water parks unannounced and record the lifeguards with a video camera. The footage is reviewed and the auditors will tabulate scores for individual lifeguard performances, along with other tests, to calculate the overall facility performance score. If a lifeguard fails an audit test, whether it is from an external

Courtesy Camelback Resort

A SAMPLING OF NORTHEAST WATER PARKS auditor or from an internal test, she will be dismissed from her job and will be placed in a different department of the park or will be asked to leave. “It’s something that we’d call a ‘deadly sin,’ if you will,” says Bill Colavito, general manager of Great Wolf Lodge. “We’re talking about an audit where you would potentially put somebody at risk, and we can’t stand for that.”

Becoming a Lifeguard

To become a lifeguard at a water park, one must be at least 16 years old and first take the lifeguard training program, which is part instructional and part skills training. The instructional portion takes place online, and the skills training involves approximately 30 hours at the facility to go over swimming and rescuing skills, CPR, and more. After passing the written and swimming exams, the lifeguard is certified and will be placed into his assigned section of the water park. Whether stationed at the shallow kiddie pool or wave pool, all lifeguards have the same certifications and training. Lifeguards are required to participate in in-service training on a weekly basis to reinforce their swimming skills, and sit in pre-shift meetings to go over anything that needs to be discussed, mainly pertinent to water safety. “That’s what really keeps lifeguards sharp,” says Wayne Franks, director of water park operations at Camelback Resort. “Knowing that they have [the] responsibility of not only the guests that are in the park [and] are swimming in the pools… there’s that opportunity that it could be catastrophic, [and] that trains for that awareness.” Most water parks have between 100-200 certified lifeguards on staff, but the number who are on duty at any one time varies, depending on the size of the park. Though there can be a lot of lifeguards working at once, the most important factor is that they do not take their eyes off of the water. At Great Wolf Lodge, the director of aquatics sometimes sets down a glass of water during the interview process and asks the candidate to stare at it for five minutes straight. “Sometimes it just gives people the perspective of how important it is no matter what,” Colavito says. “Even if there isn’t anybody in the water, you’re still watching water, and that’s how important the job is.”

Shared Responsibilities

When taking children to water parks, safety is not just the lifeguards’ responsibility—it, of course, starts with parents. The number-one tip that experts emphasized is to provide constant supervision to your children. Franks advises parents to enroll children in swimming lessons to make sure they can keep themselves afloat while in the water. Franks and Robertson both suggested that kids should wear life jackets even if they are strong swimmers. Robertson also stresses that parents should not allow their children to go down waterslides if they do not meet the height requirements, no matter how tempting it may be to give in to kids’ entreaties to allow them to skirt the rules. “Their kids may not be tall enough to ride that ride now, but they will be,” Robertson says. “There are reasons for the rules that are there.”

The wave pool at Camelback Resort’s Camelbeach

Camelback Resort Tannersville, PA camelbackresort.com Located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, Camelback Resort is home to Aquatopia, the biggest indoor water park in the Northeast, along with Camelbeach, home to 37 rides, slides, and attractions, making it Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor water park. CoCo Key Water Resort Mount Laurel, NJ mtlaurelcocokey.com Coco Key Water Resort and Hotel has 55,000 square feet of water park, an arcade, and endless fun for the whole family. Great Wolf Lodge Scotrun, PA greatwolf.com/poconos With tons of slides, water games and activities, an arcade, spas, and more, Great Wolf Lodge has something for everyone. Mountain Creek Waterpark Vernon, NJ actionpark.com From Adventure Ridge to Wild River Canyons to Park Central, Mountain Creek Waterpark has tube slides, body slides, and even Canyon Cliffs, where you can jump off a 23-foothigh cliff into the crystal clear “mountain spring.” Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Pocono Manor, PA kalahariresorts.com/ pennsylvania

Kalahari is a 100,000-squarefoot indoor water park with a retractable roof, so you can bodyboard, stand-up surf, or take a ride on the Anaconda water roller coaster in any kind of weather. Rocking Horse Ranch Highland, NY rockinghorseranch.com The Rocking Horse Ranch is home to an 85-degree yearround indoor water park, complete with a 250-footlong Gold Rush Flume. Sahara Sam’s Oasis West Berlin, NJ saharasams.com Float down the Congo Bongo Adventure River, take a dip in the tropical warming pool, or race down the five-story-high water slides at Sahara Sam’s. Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Water Park Queensbury, NY sixflagsgreatescapelodge.com Ride side by side with your family and friends on Glacier Run and Snow Shoe Falls, the tube-shaped water slides, take it easy on Tak-it-Eesi-Creek, or visit the beach and shallow activity pool designed just for young children. Split Rock Resort Lake Harmony, PA splitrockresort.com Split Rock is the perfect place for relaxing, dining, and of course indoor water fun at H2Oooohh! Water Park.

BigAppleParent 45

FOOD & NUTRITION

Burgers Reinvented

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Three recipes for when you need a new take on a barbecue staple at the end of the summer All-in-One Grilled Burgers

Why This Recipe Works: We love a burger that’s stacked high with add-ons, but we couldn’t help but wonder whether there was a way to take some of the “top” out of the toppings. We wanted to put the same bold flavors inside the burger instead. We started with some classic burger toppings: cheese, bacon, and mustard. Because the cheese and bacon added a good amount of fat to the meat, we switched from 80-percent lean ground beef, which is our usual favorite, to 90-percent lean for this recipe. We also found that we liked these burgers cooked until they were completely well-done. The additions to the meat kept it from getting dried out. We then went on to more adventurous flavor combinations using firm cheese and potent ingredients with minimal moisture (such as garlic, herbs, chiles, and powdered seasoning mixes). These burgers may not be piled high with colorful toppings, but one bite will prove that looks aren’t everything—it’s what’s inside that really counts.

Serves 4 We suggest cooking these burgers completely (to well-done); the extra ingredients tend to make them taste mushy if not cooked all the way through. If you like, toast the hamburger buns on the grill while the burgers rest. 8 slices bacon, chopped fine 1½ pounds 90-percent lean ground beef 46

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup) 4 teaspoons yellow mustard 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper 4 hamburger buns 1. Cook bacon in 12-inch skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until brown and crisp, 10-12 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate. 2. Break ground beef into small pieces in bowl, then add cheddar, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and bacon. Using your hands, lightly knead mixture until combined. Divide meat into four equal portions. Working with one portion at a time, lightly toss from hand to hand to form loose ball, then gently flatten into 1-inch-thick patty. Press center of patties down with your fingertips to create ¼-inch-deep depression. 3A. For a charcoal grill: Open bottom vent completely. Light large chimney starter filled with charcoal briquettes (6 quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash pour evenly over grill. Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent completely. Heat grill until hot, approximately 5 minutes. 3B. For a gas grill: Turn all burners to high, cover, and heat grill until hot, approximately 15 minutes. Leave all burners on high. 4. Clean and oil cooking grate. Place burgers on grill and cook, without pressing on them, until browned and meat easily

releases from grill, 4-6 minutes. Flip burgers and continue to grill until browned on second side and meat registers 150155 degrees (for well-done), 4-6 minutes longer. Transfer burgers to platter, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve on buns. Variations Ranch All-in-One Grilled Burgers Omit bacon, cheddar, mustard, and Worcestershire. Add 2/3 cup crumbled blue cheese, 4 teaspoons powdered ranch dressing mix (from packet), and 2 minced garlic cloves to burger mixture in step 2. Tex-Mex All-in-One Grilled Burgers Omit bacon, cheddar, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Add 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, 4 teaspoons minced canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce, and 4 teaspoons taco seasoning (from packet) to burger mixture in step 2. Italian All-in-One Grilled Burgers Omit bacon, cheddar, mustard, and Worcestershire. Add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard, and 2 minced garlic cloves to burger mixture in step 2.

Grilled Southern Shrimp Burgers

Why This Recipe Works: A good shrimp burger should be first and foremost about the shrimp. Unfortunately, many shrimp burgers are more reminiscent of fish-flavored rubber patties or overseasoned bread balls than shrimp. We set out to develop a recipe for our ideal shrimp burger: moist, chunky yet still cohesive, and with seasoning that complements the sweet shrimp flavor but doesn’t overpower it. After early testing we decided we needed a combination of finely chopped shrimp to help bind the burgers, as well as some larger, bitesize chunks. We achieved this texture with help from the food processor. We wanted to use as little binder as possible, to avoid the soggy, mushy results we’d seen in other shrimp burgers that frequently used a combination of mayonnaise, egg, and breadcrumbs. We kept the mayonnaise for the much-needed moisture and fat it added but left out the egg and decreased the breadcrumbs. Some minced scallion and parsley, lemon zest, and a touch of cayenne pepper round out the flavor of our burgers.

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Serves 4 Be sure to use raw, not cooked, shrimp here. Dry the shrimp thoroughly before processing, or the burgers will be mushy. Handle the burgers gently when shaping and grilling; if overhandled while being shaped, the burgers will be dense and rubbery, and if handled roughly during cooking, they will break apart. Serve with salad greens or toasted hamburger buns with tartar sauce. 1 slice hearty white sandwich bread, torn into large pieces ¼ cup mayonnaise 2 scallions, minced 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest ¼ teaspoon salt 1 /8 teaspoon pepper continued on next page ››

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BigAppleParent 47

›› continued from previous page

Pinch cayenne pepper 1½ pounds extra-large shrimp (21-25 per pound), peeled, deveined, and patted dry Vegetable oil 1. Pulse bread in food processor to coarse crumbs, approximately 10 pulses. Transfer to small bowl. Do not clean food processor. Combine mayonnaise, scallions, parsley, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and cayenne in large bowl until uniform. 2. Pulse shrimp in now-empty food processor until some pieces are finely minced and others are coarsely chopped, approximately seven pulses. Add shrimp to mayonnaise mixture and gently fold until just combined. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over mixture and gently fold until incorporated. 3. Scrape shrimp mixture onto small baking sheet, divide into four equal portions, and loosely pack each into 1-inch-thick patty. Cover and refrigerate patties for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 hours. 4A. For a charcoal grill: Open bottom vent completely. Light large chimney starter three-quarters filled with charcoal briquettes (4½ quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash, pour evenly over grill. Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent completely. Heat grill until hot, approximately 5 minutes. 4B. For a gas grill: Turn all burners to high, cover, and heat grill until hot, approximately 15 minutes. Turn all burners to medium-high. 5. Clean and oil cooking grate. Lightly brush tops of burgers with oil, lay them on grill, oiled side down, and lightly brush other side with oil. Cook burgers, without pressing on them, until lightly browned and cooked through, 10-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through grilling. Transfer burgers to platter, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Mediterranean-Style Portobello Burgers

Why This Recipe Works: For a vegetarian burger with unbeatable meaty taste, we turned to grilled portobello mushrooms. Scraping out the gills avoided any muddy off-flavors, and marinating the mushrooms in a simple vinaigrette boosted their complexity. Cutting a shallow crosshatch into the caps not only allowed the portobellos to soak up more marinade, but it also prevented the skin from turning chewy while cooking. Before grilling, we mixed together some toppings that complemented the mushrooms’ Mediterranean flavor profile. A combination of chopped roasted red peppers, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese made for a bright, briny accompaniment, and a quick basil-boosted mayonnaise promised a creamy component for our finished burgers. Keeping these two toppings close by, we grilled the mushrooms alongside ½-inchthick sliced red onions. Skewering the slices with toothpicks kept the onion rounds in place for tidy grilling and brushing them with the remaining marinade unified the flavors. Once the mushrooms had taken on plenty of rich char on both sides, we placed them on a platter and filled the gilled sides with the feta mixture. Returning to the grill, we gave the filled mushrooms a final blast of heat to warm them through and then toasted up sturdy Kaiser rolls. We assembled our flavor-packed finished product, stacking our stuffed mushrooms, sweet grilled onions, and some peppery baby arugula on top of our basil mayo–smeared buns. These burgers were perfectly rich, and juicy—no meat necessary.

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Serves 4 Our favorite feta cheese is Mt. Vikos Traditional Feta from Greece. If the mushrooms absorb all the marinade, simply brush the onions with olive oil before grilling them in step 4. 4 portobello mushroom caps (4 to 5 inches in diameter), gills removed ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 garlic clove, minced Salt and pepper 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (1 cup) ½ cup jarred roasted red peppers, patted dry and chopped ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, patted dry and chopped ½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup chopped fresh basil 4 (½-inch-thick) slices red onion 4 Kaiser rolls, split 1 ounce (1 cup) baby arugula 1. Using tip of paring knife, cut ½-inch crosshatch pattern on tops of mushroom caps, 1/16 inch deep. Combine oil, vinegar, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper in 1-gallon zipper-lock bag. Add mushrooms, seal bag, turn to coat, and let sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour. 2. Combine feta, red peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes in bowl. Whisk mayonnaise and basil together in separate bowl. Push 1 toothpick horizontally through each onion slice to keep rings intact while grilling. 3A. For a charcoal grill: Open bottom vent completely. Light large chimney starter filled with charcoal briquettes (6 quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash, pour evenly over grill. Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent completely. Heat grill until hot, approximately 5 minutes. 3B. For a gas grill: Turn all burners to high, cover, and heat grill until hot, approximately 15 minutes. Turn all burners to medium-high. 4. Clean and oil cooking grate. Remove mushrooms from marinade, reserving excess. Brush onions all over with reserved mushroom marinade. Place onions and mushrooms, gill side up, on grill. Cook (covered if using gas) until mushrooms have released their liquid and are charred on first side, 4-6 minutes. Flip mushrooms and onions and continue to cook (covered if using gas) until mushrooms are charred on second side, 3-5 minutes. 5. Transfer onions to platter; remove toothpicks. Transfer mushrooms to platter, gill side up, and divide feta mixture evenly among caps, packing down with your hand. Return mushrooms to grill, feta side up, and cook, covered, until heated through, approximately 3 minutes. 6. Return mushrooms to platter and tent with aluminum foil. Grill rolls cut sides down until lightly charred, approximately 1 minute. Spread basil-mayonnaise on roll bottoms and top each with 1 mushroom and 1 onion slice. Divide arugula evenly among burgers, then cap with bun Excerpted with permission tops. Serve. from Master of the Grill from America’s Test Kitchen.

FOOD & NUTRITION

Grilled Desserts? Yes, Please! ››

Prepare one of these sweet treats to wow the guests at your next barbecue. By Danielle Bennett

Blueberry-Lemon Cobbler

Makes: 8-10 servings • Prep: 30 minutes • Cook: 1¼ hours Cobblers are heartwarming to me, and they’re such a simple dessert to make—a bit of dough and some berries, peaches, or other fruit. Let it bubble away ’til golden and sumptuous. That’s it. Perfectly easy for anyone to do. Over the years, I have had countless varieties of cobblers at picnics, backyard bashes, and barbecue competitions. Play with different types of fruit—fresh or frozen—and make something you love. Sugared Lemon Slices 2 lemons, sliced ¼ cup granulated sugar Filling 6 cups fresh or frozen wild blueberries ¾ cup granulated sugar 1 lemon, zested and juiced ¼ cup water 3 tbsp. cornstarch Topping ¼ cup granulated sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 can (12 oz.) Texas-style or regular refrigerated biscuits (10 biscuits) 2 tbsp. whole milk 1. Prepare your grill for indirect cooking and preheat it to medium-high (375°F to 450°F).

S’more Better Dip

Makes: 6-8 servings • Prep: 20 minutes • Cook: Approximately 45 minutes Everyone loves toasting s’mores over a campfire. But for a big crowd, it’s easier to make a tray of this s’more dip. You can dunk just about anything in the sweet treat, from fresh fruit, cake cubes, and cookies to salty pretzel sticks. I love using Skor toffee bits in this recipe, but feel free to add anything—chopped nuts, crushed cookies—to make it uniquely your own. Ingredients 2 cups milk chocolate chips 1½ cups heavy (whipping) cream 1 package (14½ oz.) graham crackers 15 jumbo marshmallows, halved ½ cup Skor toffee bits

2. For the Sugared Lemon Slices, sprinkle the lemon slices with sugar. Place on the cool side of the grill. Cook until the lemon slices are dried out and caramelized on top, approximately 45 minutes. Remove the lemon slices from the grill and set aside. Leave the grill on. 3. For the filling, mix together the blueberries, sugar, and lemon zest and juice in a 9-inch cast iron skillet. 4. Whisk together the water and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the blueberry mixture and stir well. 5. Place the skillet on the hot side of the grill. Watching closely and stirring often, cook until the mixture is bubbling and the juices have thickened, approximately 10 minutes. Move the skillet to the cool side of the grill. 6. For the topping, mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Arrange the biscuits on top of the blueberry mixture. Brush the biscuits with milk. Sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon and sugar. 7. Bake on the cool side of the grill until the biscuits are thoroughly cooked and browned on top, approximately 20 minutes. 8. Remove the skillet from the grill. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving. 9. Garnish the cobbler with the Sugared Lemon Slices.

Directions 1. Mix together the chocolate chips and cream in a microwavesafe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high in 30-second increments, stirring after each one, until the chocolate chips are melted. Stir until smooth. 2. Prepare your grill for indirect cooking and preheat it to 300°F. 3. Arrange some of the crackers in a single layer in a 12-by-10inch disposable aluminum pan to cover the base of the pan completely. Pour the chocolate mixture evenly over the crackers. Top with marshmallow halves. Sprinkle with Skor bits. 4. Place the pan on the cool side of the grill. Cook until bubbling, 35-45 minutes. 5. Serve immediately with the remaining graham crackers. Excerpted from Diva Q’s Barbeque by Danielle Bennett. Copyright © 2016 Danielle Bennett. Photography Copyright © 2016 Ken Goodman. Published by Appetite by Random House, a division of Random House of Canada Ltd., a penguin Random House company. All rights reserved.

BigAppleParent 49

The Importance of Sleep

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Getting a good night’s rest does more than prevent cranky kids and tired parents. By Katelin Walling

leep. We all need it. But why is it so important? Sleep is a pillar of health, and is essential to human functioning. “Sleep is critical for health and well-being. While you sleep, your bodies are healing, your bodies are processing,” says Lisa J. Meltzer, Ph.D., Sleep Education Fellow for the National Sleep Foundation.

How Healthy Baby Sleep Impacts Babies

Dr. Meltzer says sleep is so important for babies because they develop in a number of different ways when they sleep: Physical Development: One of the first things to happen when a child falls asleep is the growth hormone is released. “Children literally grow in their sleep, as do teeth, which is why teething is so disruptive to sleep,” Dr. Meltzer says. “Increased duration of sleep is associated with those important outcomes that you get when you go to the pediatrician: weight gain, length, head circumference. Healthy sleep in the first year also lowers the risk for becoming overweight or obese in childhood.” Brain Development: When they’re sleeping, babies’ brains are constantly reorganizing and processing, which fosters better cognitive development. “It’s one of the most critical things that happen within the first year of life,” Dr. Meltzer says. “They’re learning to form new memories, they’re learning how to say words, and they’re learning important motor skills like crawling and walking.” Emotional and Social Development: Babies who don’t get enough sleep are fussy, cranky, and irritable. And science shows what every parent knows: A baby who sleeps more cries less. “Healthy baby sleep is related to better social skills and improved maternal-child interactions,” Dr. Meltzer says. “Healthy sleep during the first year serves as a protective factor to future problems in attention and learning during preschool.”

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

How Healthy Baby Sleep Impacts the Family

Other than being able to sleep for longer periods of time, healthy baby sleep is important for the family as a whole: Immune Systems: Our immune system fights off illnesses and infections when we sleep, which is important for babies and critical for exhausted parents. “Studies have shown that adults who regularly sleep less than 7 hours per night are three times more likely to develop the common cold, compared to adults who regularly get more than 7 hours of sleep per night,” Dr. Meltzer says. Less Depressed Mothers: “Science clearly shows that babies who learned to sleep by the age of 11 months have mothers who are less depressed when their child is age 2,” Dr. Meltzer says. “Moms who sleep better are happier and interact with their child more.” Healthy Family Functioning: Babies live within a family system. In order for that system to function at its best, the whole family needs healthy sleep. Plus, Dr. Meltzer says, parents who sleep more are more productive at work and are at less risk for driving-while-drowsy accidents. “By helping babies sleep, we help the families be at their best. I spend a lot of time talking about this with parents who come into my clinic, in particular mothers who say to me I feel guilty and selfish that I want my baby to sleep so that I can sleep,” Dr. Meltzer says. “That’s not selfish. Sleep is essential for health and well-being, and sleep deprivation is not a good thing.” Learn about the bedtime routine that is proven to make babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer at ›› nymetroparents.com/baby-sleep

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BigAppleParent 51

The Power of Preschool

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Experts discuss the importance of early childhood education. It’s much more than just play time! By Melissa Wickes

ids play together, sit in a circle with their teachers and sing songs, eventually moving to the table for a snack. Maybe they discuss the weather outside or the calendar, or learn about letters and numbers. From the outside, you’d be forgiven for seeing preschool as a nice-to-have, rather than a necessity—and, for those not in public pre-K programs, a potentially expensive option at that. Indeed, some parents have argued that preschool is simply a glorified day care, that anything taught there can easily be learned at home. There is, however, more going on in that classroom than the untrained eye might observe. Educators and child development experts say that early childhood education offers kids advantages long after they leave the colorful walls of their preschool classroom and helps set them up for success in school and beyond. We’ve been hearing a lot about preschool from our political and educational leaders in recent years, as exemplified by New York City’s much-heralded push to provide universal pre-K. There is good reason that policymakers have zeroed in on this as an area where kids’ lives can be influenced for the better regardless of their backgrounds and situations. Research shows that the benefits of preschool are tangible and visible in more ways than one. Preschool not only provides more opportunities for children, it helps them learn how to face social interactions as well, according to Rina Patel, a former preschool teacher and director of the early childhood enrichment program Book Nook, which is located on the Upper West Side. There are, as a result, big differences between at-home learning and in-school learning. 52

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

“There’s a different expectation at home when there is a parent with a child versus a teacher with a child,” Patel says. “Children do naturally develop skills, but at home they are only exposed to a certain amount of materials, toys, or learning products. School is open to a whole different variety of learning materials from programs to class trips.”

Trained Teachers and Groups of Peers

Schools provide teachers who are professionally trained to be molding young minds and are equipped with certain skills parents alone may not have. An important aspect of in-school learning is instilling in kids the ability to interact successfully with other people. It may seem very straightforward, but getting along with others, especially at 2-4 years old, is not so easy. Being in a classroom with multiple children their own age allows children to develop social and emotional skills that cannot be learned solely at home, Patel says. At preschool, children become accustomed to being in group settings, separating from parents, and making decisions on their own—even if those decisions are as simple as, “Do I want to play with Legos or finger paint today?” All of the social experiences children undergo in preschool contribute to their overall confidence, according to Tovah Klein, Ph.D., author of How Toddlers Thrive and director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development. “People think of it as the ABCs and 123s, but it’s much, much more than that,” Dr. Klein says. “Children gain a lot of confidence by being able to handle themselves away from their parents and then reuniting with them later in the day.”

The Rosetta LeNoire Musical Theatre Academy Preschool classrooms also teach kids a great deal about resiliency and curiosity, according to Dr. Klein. Being able to handle disappointment and moving on from it, learning to be proud of your own work, and the ability to make decisions all play into a child’s curiosity and overall desire to learn.

Preparing Kids to Learn

Beyond the realm of confidence and social skills, going to preschool prepares children for life in various other ways, such as getting them ready to learn in school. This has become increasingly true in recent years as the kindergarten curriculum has been revamped. Today, skills such as reading are generally being taught earlier, prompting one study to ask, “Is kindergarten the new first grade?” With so much more expected of children at the kindergarten level, early education becomes crucial as preparation for the new rigors of kindergarten. Various studies have shown that early education programs for 3and 4-year-olds improve language skills, literacy, and mathematics. Attending preschool has been shown to improve children’s IQ, their receptive and expressive vocabulary skills, and early reading and math skills. By enrolling your child in a preschool program, you are preparing him to acquire academic skills that he will be expected to use as early as kindergarten, and offering him a head start in his academic career. Studies show that a crucial part of preschool education lies in stimulating interactions between students and their preschool teachers. By supporting their students emotionally and academically, teachers help children learn to develop skills, respond both verbally and physically, and enjoy learning. Young children often struggle with the transition from a play environment to a learning environment, which can cause a “learning anxiety,” or fear of learning, according to Patel. By introducing your child to this learning environment as early as preschool, you eliminate the anxiety as early as possible, preparing her for future learning.

SEEKING TALENTED TEENS 14-18 for Saturday Performance Program

Hone your musical theatre skills with classes in singing, dancing and acting, with special guest workshops. Program culminates in May with a fully produced Off-Broadway musical. Classes begin October 17th, 2016

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS NOW at www.amasmusical.org or call Amas Musical Theatre at (212) - 563 - 2565

The Cathedral School

A Classical Education for the Modern World Space is still available in select grades for the 2016-2017 school year.

Founded in 1949, The Cathedral School is a Nursery-8th grade co-ed day school that offers a rigorous academic education in an intimate learning environment.

319 East 74th Street, New York City www.cathedralschoolny.org To inquire contact or call (212) 249-2840 info@cathedralschoolny.org

Teaching Kids Routine

Preschool also helps children develop and understand the concept of a routine. The school day is structured, which helps acclimate children into a daily routine and a learning environment in a gentle and enjoyable way. Being accustomed to a routine helps children prepare for higher levels of grade school, college, and a professional life, according to Patel. “When I was in a kindergarten classroom with children who didn’t go to preschool prior to entering, they were experiencing social anxiety and learning anxiety simply because they didn’t know what to expect,” Patel says. “Preschool fills those separation and learning anxieties so your child has a better idea and is better prepared for the future.” In the process of preparing a child for a routine, parents likewise become accustomed to enforcing and sticking to that routine. The earlier you start bringing your child to a structured program such as preschool every day, Patel says, the earlier you learn the importance of an everyday routine for your child. An aspect that is also beneficial for parents is that the earlier you begin, the earlier you can decide what works for you and your child and what doesn’t. By sending your child to preschool, experts say, he will be provided the resources necessary for proper academic preparation, and social and emotional development. Plus, she will learn more about herself than she could ever do from your living room. BigAppleParent 53

PRESCHOOLS AND CHILD CARE CENTERS All My Children Daycare and Nursery School

Various locations; call for information or check us online Manhattan: 212-419-5416 Brooklyn: 347-708-7827 Queens: 347-708-7827 allmychildrendaycare.com info@allmychildrendaycare.com All My Children Daycare and Daycamp welcomes you to our eco-friendly locations throughout Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. Your child will be fed healthy meals and snacks, participate in enriching educational activities, art, and play, including water activities and trips in summer. We offer the finest care by our highly experienced and devoted staff. Our Ridge Street Lower Manhattan center offers DropZone services for hourly care. For further information, visit allmychildrendaycare.com or call 212-419-5416 to schedule a visit.

Battery Park Montessori

21 South End Ave. 212-235-2320 greenivy.com Tucked away on the Hudson River with a garden terrace in South Battery Park City. The perfect setting for a modern Montessori education. Students practice math, language, music, science, and art in an individualized, child-centric, elementary school preparatory program. Certified Montessori teachers spark individual passions and foster a life-long love of learning. Our children cultivate their curiosity to know more and the confidence to ask meaningful questions while developing into brave, compassionate students. Offering half-days for ages 2-3 and full-days for ages 3-6 years. Inquire at batteryparkmontessori.com

Book Nook

grade (Wise Owls), learn and develop skills to reach milestones in areas such as social learning, language and communication, and cognitive thinking. Book Nook familiarizes students with content taught in public and private schools focusing on reading, writing, and language concepts. Each class is specifically formed based upon the child’s age and taught in a small group setting. Visit booknooknyc.com for more information.

The Cathedral School A Classical Education for the Modern World

319 E. 74th St. 212-249-2840 cathedralschoolny.org info@cathedralschoolny.org Founded in 1949, The Cathedral School is a nursery-eighth grade coed day school that offers a rigorous academic education in an intimate learning environment. Space is still available in select grades for the 2016-2017 school year. To inquire, contact info@ cathedralschoolny.org or call 212-249-2840.

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan

The Tisch Building, 212 W. 83rd St. 212-721-1223 cmom.org The Museum Preschool Program at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (212 W. 83rd St.): Explore arts and culture with a magical first museum experience in our early childhood classes. We embrace play as a key to learning and take advantage of the museum’s interactive environments to engage young minds and prepare children for school. Our approach to teaching supports all learning styles from ages 14 months to 4 years. Fall classes begin Sept. 14. Learn more at cmom.org/classesforkids. We also offer birthday parties themed around our popular exhibits! Visit cmom.org.

Creative Steps Early Care & Education Center

4 Washington Square Village 212-982-2273 universitysettlement.org/ creativesteps Creative Steps, located on NYU’s campus, offers a nurtur-

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

ing, culturally diverse community for children and families. With the support of responsive adults and a low child-to-staff ratio, our child-centered, play-based approach to learning provides hands-on experiences and an opportunity for children ages 12 months through 4 years to make choices and initiate and direct their own play. Our curriculum is supported by enrichment programs in literacy, art, music, and yoga. We have easy access to well-maintained and safe outdoor playgrounds. Early dropoff, after-school, and summer camp programs are available.

Evolution Enrichment Preschool

38 Delancey St., 2nd Floor (enter from Forsyth Street) 212-375-9500 evolutionenrichment.com evolutionenrichment@gmail.com Looking for a preschool for your toddler? We offer a unique opportunity to enroll ages 2-3 in our exceptional private program on the Lower East Side. Our 15,000-squarefoot early education center features bright and spacious classrooms with natural light, outdoor playground, dance studio, and an air-conditioned gym. Pre-K for All and afterschool program with options including Mandarin Explorers, FasTracKids, Gifted and Talented Test Prep, and Music Explorers. Open 8am–6pm, Schedules: full-time, part-time, and half-day, competitive tuition. Schedule a tour: 212-375-9500 or evolutionenrichment.com/ contact.

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, offering experienced classroom teachers and specialists in studio, music,

movement, gardening, and a healthy snack program. Extended day, enrichment programming, and a summer camp are available for 4s students. FPCNS has large, airy classrooms, a rooftop playground, and indoor play space.

Harlem Hebrew Language Academy Charter School

147 St. Nicholas Ave. 212-866-4608 Harlem Hebrew Language Academy Charter School is a free public charter school in Manhattan’s CSD 3 that provides students with the foundation to successfully pursue advanced studies and achieve continued personal growth as global citizens. We have two to three teachers in each class. We offer a nurturing, rigorous curriculum featuring intensive instruction in the Modern Hebrew language. Our social studies curriculum explores Israeli history and culture and Harlem’s history as a focal point of migration and immigration. Like all public schools, we are non-sectarian and do not teach religion. All are welcome!

Iken Science Academy

351 E. 74th St. 914-476-3876 ikenscienceacademy.com admin@ikenscienceacademy.com Exciting things are happening at Iken Academy, home to enrichment workshops for children 2½-5 years, full-day STEM program, after-school programming for school-age children with pick-up from local public and private schools within walking distance, summer camp, and birthday parties! Come visit our state-of-the-art, beautiful facility on the Upper East Side. We are currently accepting registration for all programs. In September, the Iken Stem Science Academy Nursery School will open in Jericho, Long Island offering Mommy and Me classes and a full-day or half-day nursery school following in the tradition of the Manhattan location.

The Kid’s Korner Preschool

247 W. 24th St. 212-229-9340 kidskorner.nyc kidskornernyc@gmail.com continued on page 56 ››

AfterSchool@theCenter

Neighborhood Design Discover your inner architect in this AfterSchool@theCenter

weekly after-school program for 3rd to 5th graders. We’ll explore a different aspect of architecture each week as we study local buildings, learn about structure and design, and create our own architectual masterpieces.

Discover your inner architect in this weekly after-school program for 3rd to 5th graders

Wednesdays 4–5:30 pm

DAnCe CLAsses 18 mos.–18 yrs.

Begin Sept 2016

March 30, April 6, April 13, April 20, May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25, June 1, June 8 Fee: $350/Student Photo: Eduardo Patino.NYC

LUCY MOSES SCHOOL

536 LaGuardia Place, NYC cfafoundation.org/afterschool 212-358-6133 info@cfafoundation.org

Your Child Can Soar to New Heights at Lucy Moses School

Training the dancers of tomorrow 2121 Broadway @ 74th St, NYC 10023 • 212.874.3678 • StepsNYC.com/school

SAS_BigAppleParentAug2016.indd 1

7/21/16 9:14 AM

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Nursery School

Hurry,

classes filling up quickly.

Enroll Today for the Fall Classes & private lessons for all ages start in September. Located on the Upper West Side. KaufmanMusicCenter.org/LMS • 212 501 3360

A NON-SECTARIAN PROGRAM WELCOMING ALL CHILDREN SINCE 1952 Dedicated to children’s Specialists for music, movement, studio, growth and learning gardening & healthy Experienced, nurturing snack program staff Large airy classrooms, Children ages 2.3 to 5.3 rooftop playground & indoor play space The First Presbyterian Church Nursery School 12 West 12th Street, New York, NY 10011 Call 212-691-3432 or visit our website www.fpcns.org

Kathleen Cook, Director

ellen robbins Modern Dance Technique, Improvisation, Composition. Ages 5 - Teens Classes meet in: Soho, Chelsea & Union Square 212-254-0286

www.ellenrobbinsdance.com BigAppleParent 55

‹‹ continued from page 54

Chelsea’s best-kept secret, The Kid’s Korner Preschool, is a NAEYC-accredited preschool and nursery school, whose intimate, small classrooms are designed to provide a sense of warmth and acceptance for children. A backyard brings the country to the city—”paved” with fake grass so that children can take off their shoes, lie down, and look at the clouds. The calm, quiet space is decorated with birds, butterflies, and sunflowers.

The Mandell School

Upper West Side, Lincoln Square, West Village 775 Columbus Ave., Upper West Side 212-222-2925 150 Amsterdam Ave., Lincoln Square 212-580-4500 160 Christopher St., West Village 917-512-2500 mandellschool.org The Mandell Preschool, established in 1939, serves children ages 2-5. We nurture and engage our children through inquiry, exploration, and social emotional development, enabling them to become curious and joyous lifelong learners. Our exceptional faculty teaches with an awareness of the individuality of each child, incorporating collaboration, integrated curricular themes, and project-based and hands-on experiential learning, with an emphasis on the whole child. Our warm environment, small classes, and close community foster our children’s ability to take risks, explore new concepts, and discover the joy of mastery.

Montclare School

747 Amsterdam Ave. 212-865-4020 montclareschool.org info@montclareschool.org Nestled in a landmark building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Montclare Children’s School’s community plays a vital role in our school and in our children’s lives. Montclare’s dedicated, nurturing early childhood educators support our enriched, balanced curriculum and teacher-guided approach, promoting the highest levels of cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Enrich-

ment includes our art studio, library, two gyms, climbing wall, Imagination Playground blocks, rooftop playspace, gymnastics, yoga, music, movement and PE. Preschool programs are available for children ages 2-5 and our Toddler Program for ages 12-24 months.

The New York International School 4 E. 90th St. 212-641-0260 nyis.org info@nyis.org The New York International School offers a world-class education for American and international families, from pre-nursery through eighth grade. Our program offers a challenging curriculum with an international perspective, the highest academic standards with a focus on attaining excellence in English, math, and science, and a dual-language immersion program in either Spanish or Mandarin.

Pine Street School

Pine Street School 25 Pine St. 212-235-2325 For kids who want to make their mark! At New York City’s only Spanish and Mandarin immersion preschool-fifth grade IB World School, even the youngest students make amazing experiences happen every day. Part of a 5,000-school strong world class network, Pine Street School in FiDi inspires critical thinking and creative discovery to nurture academic resilience in young problem-solvers with a passion for doing big things. Students develop the knowledge, leadership skills, and characterbuilding behaviors that will shape the next generation of global thinkers and change-makers. Visit pinestreetschool.com.

Preschool of America

2109 Broadway at 73rd Street 212-877-1388 101 West End Ave. at 64th Street 212-362-0135 25 Tudor City Place at 41st Street 212-681-4671 1190 Park Ave. at 93rd Street 212-410-1100 1501 Lexington Ave. at 97th Street 212-987-3700 345 W. 42nd St. at Eighth Avenue 212-262-4545

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

600 Sixth Ave. at 18th Street 212-255-6911 39 Eldridge St. at Canal Street 212-925-0998 25 Market St. at Henry Street 212-577-2710 46 Market St. at Madison Street 212-346-9868 2 South End Ave. at West Thames 212-786-1688 Preschool of America provides an exciting and safe learning environment for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. We value the multicultural and diverse neighborhoods we serve. With hands-on experiences and manipulatives, our students are learning social skills as they interact, and cognitive skills as they problem-solve. Our playgrounds and gyms allow an abundance of gross motor opportunities. Nutritious meals are provided daily for the growth of the body and mind. We are learning every day and having fun every minute.

Sutton Place Family Center

Tribeca Language

22 Harrison St., ground floor 212-219-9893 tribecalanguage.com admin@tribecalanguage.com Our 2-hour Bilingual Preschool Prep classes for ages 2-3½ help to prepare children for New York’s top preschools and kindergartens by providing an array of bilingual activities that stimulate learning through exploration, discovery, creation, and play. Each session is split into two 50-minute segments with a nut-free snack break in between. Classes are conducted

in a gradual immersion environment that allows children to comprehend and speak in the target language unlike any other program, all the while exposing them to the routines and curriculum of traditional preschool prep. Gentle separation available.

Twin Parks Montessori Schools

Park West Montessori School 435 Central Park West 212-678-6072 twinparks.org pwadmissions@twinparks.org Riverside Montessori School 202 Riverside Drive 212-665-1600 admissions@twinparks.org Central Park Montessori 1 W. 91st St. 212-595-2000 enroll@twinparks.org One School. Three Campuses. Twin Parks Montessori Schools are accredited by the American Montessori Society and the Middle States Commission on Elementary Education, are members of NYSAIS, the Parents League, and ISAAGNY, and are affiliate schools of Columbia University. Twin Parks Montessori Schools, with the glorious backyards of Central Park and Riverside Park, provide nurturing, child-centered settings for children ages 3 months to 6 years. The schools are committed to building and fostering a community of lifelong learners using proven Montessori methodology, which has been successful for the past 100 years.

Wetherby–Pembridge School

wetherby-pembridge.org rossella.proscia@alphaplusgroup.co.uk Wetherby–Pembridge School opens in New York, September 2017, on the Upper East Side, next to Central Park on East 96th Street. It will bring to New York the rich traditions and academic excellence at the heart of its thriving UK schools. Wetherby-Pembridge School will offer a bespoke curriculum model combining the rigorous British National Curriculum with New York’s progressive student-centered teaching approach. Our vision is to awaken curiosity, cultivate high standards, celebrate successes, and encourage children to continually question and create in the world around them.

OPEN HOUSES 2016

HELP WANTED! NYMetroParents is looking for experienced temporary help in our midtown Manhattan office.

Evolution Enrichment Preschool

38 Delancey St., 2nd Floor (enter from Forsyth Street) 212-375-9500 evolutionenrichment.com; evolutionenrichment@gmail.com Join us for an open house Aug. 8, 3-4pm. Come for a free demo and receive 25 percent off of a Mandarin Immersion Program Aug. 8-12 and 15-19, 3-5pm.

The Kid’s Korner Preschool

Projects Include: • Data Entry • Customer Service • Operations/Ad Hoc Projects

247 W. 24th St. 212-229-9340 kidskorner.nyc; kidskornernyc@gmail.com Nursery and pre-K programs open year-round. School tours on Oct. 17 and 24, by appointment only.

• Magazine/Flyer Distribution

Flexible Schedules & Earn Extra Income!

Montclare School

747 Amsterdam Ave. 212-865-4020 montclareschool.org; info@montclareschool.org Join us for an open house: Sept. 13, 16, 22, 27, 30, 9-10am; Oct. 6, 6-7pm; Oct. 19, 9-10am; Nov. 3, 9-10am; Nov. 10, 6-7pm; Nov. 30, 9-10am; or Dec. 9, 9-10am.

PARTY PLANNER 100+ CHARACTERS, INTERACTIVE DJ’S FROZEN & NEW KIDS BAND ‘THE HONEY BEATS’ PHOTO BOOTHS NEW! ROBOTIC ANIMALS (ROBO ZOO)

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

COMPLETE CARNIVAL & PARTY PLANNING

914-235-7100

www.davescast.com

Please email resume or work history to:

projectwork@davlermedia.com

FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE

To advertise: 212-315-0800 or nympads@davlermedia.com

HEALTH

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Nutritional advice with a French twist.

START YOUR CHILD PLAYING PIANO

Bring some ‘joie de vivre’ to your family’s plate! Healthy food workshops & nutritional advice with Huguette.

Responsive teacher for all levels. Masters/Music & Mannes College Diploma Special pre-piano activities for tots! East Village Studio or your home. Affordable Call Richard 212-966-3297 typhoodynose@gmail.com

Huguette Lelong Healthy Life

Nutritional Consultant huguettelelonghealthylife.com + 1 917 916 3743

Visit Us at NYMetroParents.com

Need to plan the perfect party? FIND venues, entertainers, suppliers, and other ideas to create the ideal party in our online Parent Resources Directory.

NYMetroParents.com

BigAppleParent 57

AD INDEX

NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY Metropolitan area!

ACROBATICS / GYMNASTICS

Diller-Quaile School of Music.................17

City & Country School ...........................25

Jodi’s Gym..............................................43

Ellen Robbins Dance..............................55

Creative Steps Early Care &

Little Gym ..............................................15

Evolution Enrichment Center..................21

Education Center....................................35

HOME SERVICES

George Washington University

Diller-Quaile School of Music.................17

Geico Insurance.....................................30

Online High School ................................21

Dwight School......................................... 11

LiceXchange...........................................47

German American School.......................33

Einstein Blueprint....................................10

Stuck On You............................................3

Green Ivy Schools............................25, 47

Evolution Enrichment Center..................21

Immaculate Conception School .............51

First Presbyterian Church Nursery.........55

MUSIC

JCC of Manhattan...................................13

George Washington University

Amas Musical Theatre............................53

BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES Big Apple Parent Party Planner..............57 Chelsea Piers.........................................19 Children’s Museum of the Arts................29 Cozy Cuts...............................................51 Jodi’s Gym .............................................43 Little Gym ..............................................15 CAMPS Advantage Tennis.....................................5

Kid’s Korner Preschool...........................43 Moving Visions Dance............................43 Tribeca Language...................................51

Ballet Academy East...............................18

Online High School ................................21

Diller-Quaile School of Music.................17

German American School.......................33

Hudson River Park Trust......................2, 7

Green Ivy Schools............................25, 47

Kaufman Music Center...........................55

Upperline, LLC........................................51

Harlem Hebrew Language Academy Charter School........................................27

PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING

DANCE

Immaculate Conception School .............51

Atlantic Acting School............................. 33

JCC of Manhattan...................................13

Ellen Robbins Dance..............................55

All My Children Day Care.......................39 Atlantic Acting School.............................33

Amas Musical Theatre............................53 Ballet Academy East...............................18

Kid’s Korner Preschool...........................43

Jodi’s Gym .............................................43

Chelsea Piers.........................................19

Mandell School (The).............................18

LiceXchange...........................................47

Ellen Robbins Dance..............................55

NYC Admissions Solutions.....................43

Little Gym ..............................................15

Kaufman Music Center...........................55

Park West Montessori School................33

Mandell School (The).............................18

Moving Visions Dance............................43

Preschool of America................................9

The School at Steps...............................55

University Settlement - Early Childcare...... 29

Capezio/Ballet Makers Inc......................24

Upperline, LLC........................................51

Dwight School......................................... 11

CHILD CARE / DAY CARE

Wetherby-Pembridge School..................23

All My Children Day Care.......................39

DEVELOPMENTAL

Creative Steps Early Care & Education Center....................................35

Cathedral School....................................53

Evolution Enrichment Center..................21

Creative Steps Early Care & Education Center....................................35

Children’s Museum of Manhattan...........55

First Presbyterian Church Nursery.........55 Green Ivy Schools............................25, 47

Dwight School......................................... 11

Inn at East Hill Farm (The).....................53

Center for Architecture............................55

Kid’s Korner Preschool...........................43

Einstein Blueprint....................................10

Park West Montessori School................33

Harlem Hebrew Language Academy Charter School........................................27

Preschool of America................................9 Tribeca Language...................................51

LiceXchange...........................................47

Mandell School (The).............................18

University Settlement - Early Childcare....29

NYC Admissions Solutions.....................43

CLASSES

Preschool of America................................9

Atlantic Acting School.............................33

Tribeca Language...................................51

Book Nook..............................................27

University Settlement - Early Childcare....29

Park West Montessori School................33

Capezio/Ballet Makers Inc......................24

Wetherby-Pembridge School..................23

Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning...................................29

Moving Visions Dance............................43 RELIGIOUS First Presbyterian Church Nursery.........55 Harlem Hebrew Language Academy Charter School........................................27 Immaculate Conception School .............51 JCC of Manhattan...................................13 RETAIL

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS / OUTINGS Hudson River Park Trust......................2, 7 Land of Make Believe.............................53 FAMILY TRAVEL Inn at East Hill Farm (The).....................53 Land of Make Believe.............................53 FITNESS Advantage Tennis.....................................5 Little Gym ..............................................15

Cozy Cuts...............................................51 SPECIAL EVENTS Hudson River Park Trust......................2, 7 SPORTS Advantage Tennis.....................................5 Ballet Academy East...............................18 Capezio/Ballet Makers Inc......................24 Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning...................................29 Convent of the Sacred Heart - NY..........17 The School at Steps...............................55

Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning...................................29

THEATER

EDUCATION

Jodi’s Gym..............................................43

Amas Musical Theatre............................53

Center for Architecture............................55

All My Children Day Care.......................39

Chelsea Piers.........................................19

Kaufman Music Center...........................55

Chelsea Piers.........................................19

Book Nook..............................................27

Children’s Museum of Manhattan...........55

Cathedral School....................................53

HEALTH

TUTORS

Children’s Museum of the Arts................29

Center for Architecture............................55

Affinity Health Plan.................................60

Einstein Blueprint....................................10

City & Country School ...........................25

Children’s Museum of Manhattan...........55

Convent of the Sacred Heart - NY..........17

NYC Admissions Solutions.....................43

Convent of the Sacred Heart - NY..........17

Children’s Museum of the Arts................29

Licenders................................................29

Upperline, LLC........................................51

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY! NYMetroParents.com is parents' Party Central—one-stop shopping for the best in: H Party Places (for the trendiest, newest, or most classic locale) H Entertainers (clowns, balloon twisting, magicians, spa parties & so much more!) H Gift-Giving (from charitable ideas to the best presents for every age) H At-Home Party Themes (think pirates, princesses, superheroes, Harry Potter…) H Planning Help H Tips & Tricks from the Pros (…and parents who’ve been there!) Bergen•RocklandParent NORTH

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

How to Manage Kids’ Schedules

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Where-To Guide: Berry Picking

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

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Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

BigAppleParent 59

When your little angel thinks heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a daredevil...

Better have a good pediatrician. Make sure your kids are covered.

Contact Affinity Health Plan at 866.247.5678 to obtain more information about Child Health Plus, a free or low-cost health insurance program sponsored by New York State for kids under the age of 19. To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 855.355.5777.

AffinityPlan.org/CHP