Brooklyn Parent February 2020 by City Guide NY

Brooklyn Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

FEBRUARY 2020

CAMP COUNTDOWN • Month-by-month planning timeline • Camp comparison chart

YouTube & Kids

Safe streaming practices for families

Ask DadandBuried

Should I get my kid an iPhone?

Now Enrolling!

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inside

february 2020

Original photo by Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company (sarahmerians.com) Clothing courtesy Macy’s Backstage (macysbackstage.com)

14 YouTube & Kids Safe streaming practices for families

16 Dental Health by the Numbers What you need to know to keep kids’ smiles healthy

18 Camp Countdown A month-by-month timeline to plan for the summer

38 Discovering Diversity 9 books for kids in honor of Black History Month

40 Keeping the Peace How to reduce conflict when your kids share a room

COLUMNS 6 Editor’s Note 9 News: What’s happening in the community 12 Advice: Ask DadandBuried 13 Mommybites: Registry Secrets 42 Social Media: App Chat 46 Last Word: What do you really want for Valentine’s Day?

THINGS TO DO 21 Family Activities Calendar 34 Outing: Day Trip, Anyone? 36 Outing: Insta-Fun!

RESOURCES 20 Camp Chart 37 Meet the Health Care Professional

43 Professional Services, Open Houses 45 Advertisers’ Index

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

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

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editor’s note

Looking Ahead

re you dreaming of summer yet? We’re excited about the thought of the cold giving way to warmer days ahead, filled with beach days, family vacations, and summer camp. You may think it’s too early to consider your child’s summer plans when it isn’t even spring yet, but the experts disagree. In fact, the American Camp Association recommends attending camp fairs now if you’re in search of a new summer program for your child. Plus, a number of camps offer discounts for early registration! For other camp planning tips, turn to p. 18, and be sure to check out the camp comparison chart on p. 20 to help you choose the best camp for your child. Another thing we’re excited about? The redesign of NYMetroParents.com! We spend a lot of time thinking of ways to help you make the best decisions for your family, and we streamlined our site to make it even easier! Don’t worry: You’ll still find the same great articles, hundreds of things to do on any given day in our calendar, and the top resources in your community. Speaking of the Internet, did you know YouTube is the most-used online platform among tweens and teens? Regardless of how old your children are, you’ll want to check out “YouTube & Kids” on p. 14. It outlines how you can better keep your kids safe when they’re streaming videos, limit the inappropriate content they have access to, and improve their media literacy. And if you’re looking for things to do during the long Presidents Day weekend or midwinter recess, be sure to browse the family activities calendar on p. 21 and the roundup of area day trips on p. 34. Here’s to hoping Punxsutawney Phil doesn’t see his shadow!

Katelin Walling Editorial Director Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

FEBRUARY 2020 • Vol.17 • No.6

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

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

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

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

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

MARKETING

Meet This Month’s Cover Kid! Our cover star is 4-year-old Zachary from Queens—a finalist in our 2019 Cover Kids Contest! It’s a family tradition: His sister Emily was the winner of our 2014 cover contest! A huge thanks to Macy’s Backstage for Zachary’s outfit, and an even bigger shout out to Sarah Merians of Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company (sarahmerians.com) for the great photo! Want to know when the 2020 cover contest opens? Sign up for our newsletter at nymetroparents.com/newsletter!

ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER: Anastasiya Borunova

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CREDIT MANAGERS: Rosa Meinhofer, Dan Finnegan

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

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

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BooklynParent

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February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

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news

Tickets are on sale now for Trolls Live!, which will be at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden June 13-14.

A Troll-Tastic Time This hair-raising, interactive extravaganza will delight your little Trolls lover.

Warm up your singing voice: Trolls Live! is going on its first-ever live tour. What’s more, Vstar Entertainment Group and the Madison Square Garden Company recently announced our favorite Trolls are making a stop at the Hulu Theater at MSG! Poppy, Branch, Guy Diamond, Cloud Guy, Fuzzbert, and more Trolls friends will come to life on stage to save their beloved Hug Time. There will be singing, dancing, glitter, and plenty of hugs, along with special effects and plenty of surprises. Kids will love to sing-along to their favorite Trolls songs—and be enchanted by all-new songs! Trolls Live! will run June 13-14 with three performances each day, and tickets are currently on sale. Find out more details at nymetroparents.com/trolls-live.

BooklynParent

Danielle Guenther Photography

news

A Day to Indulge Celebrate World Nutella Day on Feb. 5 by serving your kids toast topped with the chocolatey hazelnut spread for breakfast. Just don’t let them see you sneak it by the spoonful, or else you’ll always be running out of it!

“Hold on a Sec,” from Danielle Sapienza’s Best Case Scenario series, which depicts real, raw, crazy moments of parenthood

Celebrating the Chaos of Parenting Liquid Gold Want to know how maple syrup is made (we’re talking the 100-percent pure liquid gold)? Head out to Hoyt Farm in Commack, Suffolk County, to see demonstrations of Native American and Colonial techniques and taste maple syrup. Sundays, Feb. 23-March 8, 1:30-3pm. Find more maple sugaring events at nymetroparents.com/ maple-sugaring.

Judgement-Free Zone 64% of parents said they’d most like to see mom shaming go away in 2020, according to a survey by Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. Now that’s a trend we can get behind.

anielle Sapienza is a NYC-based lifestyle photographer (@danielleguentherphotos) and artist who celebrates the chaos of parenting. Her photos are original and often hilarious—family scenes we can find humor and delight in imagining. As the mother of a 10-year-old and a newborn, she’s inspired by the energy of those little people that run our daily lives with such power, enthusiasm, and emotion.

How would you describe your images?

What’s the best parenting advice you ever received?

I capture the raw, real, crazy moments we have as parents, when we feel as if our heads are spinning. The children love to be involved in the rebellious fun, and everyone gets to act the scene! I also adore photographing families and documenting them in their everyday setting, whether that’s indoors at home or out on the street in the hustle of NYC. Our lives seem to pick up speed when we have children, and these little moments are soon forgotten. Photography is so special in the sense that we can always look back at these memories and we never forget.

“Just keep them alive. That’s all that matters.” It’s pretty true! As parents we have so much information floating around about every topic, it can make us INSANE! I try not to compare to other parents, and just go with what works. The hardest part of being a parent is trusting that you’re a good parent.

Amy Schumer for sure. She’s so real. Any parent that can be as honest, raw, and real as her...sign me up!!

Read more from Sapienza at nymetroparents.com/danielle.

Connect with us facebook.com/nymetroparents

Which famous parent would you like to have dinner with and why?

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

@nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

New Places, New Programs

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Upgrade Your Kid’s Style In November 2019, The Ridge Kids, a children’s boutique serving the families of Brooklyn, opened in Bay Ridge. The boutique is owned by a Brooklyn mom of two and former luxury clothing buyer. The Ridge Kids carries high-quality clothes from infant’s size 0 months to children’s size 14, as well as a carefully curated selection of books, toys, shoes, and arts and crafts. 8122 3rd Ave., Bay Ridge; 347-662-6103; theridgekids.com.

Super Bowl Snacks A Global School in Brooklyn Whittle School & Studios is a modern, global pre-K to 12th-grade school with campuses in Washington, D.C. and Shenzhen, China. It’s slated to open a campus in Downtown Brooklyn for the 2020 school year, welcoming early learners ages 3-5 for its inaugural year. In August, Whittle is slated to launch its Studios program with globally themed programming. 181 Livingston St., Downtown Brooklyn; 718360-9880; whittleschool.org/en/brooklyn.

While we don’t know who’s huddling up for Super Bowl LIV on Feb. 2, one thing’s for certain: You’ll need snacks. We’re serving up plenty of family-friendly, healthy—and even a few vegan—options over at nymetroparents.com/ football-snacks. We’re talking spinach garlic dip, sriracha chorizo deviled eggs, barbecue chickpea sliders, and more. And, hey, if you’re just watching for the commercials, the half-time show (Hello, JLo and Shakira!), and food, more power to you!

Game Day Fun for Kids

I’m glad this isn’t as good as it’s gonna get, there’s so much more goodness in raising you. #motherhood —Posted by @transparentcitymama

Keep the kids having fun with these craft, game, and dessert ideas! Warmup: Make paper pompoms to cheer on your team by cutting various colored tissue paper into small strips and having kids tape them to the ends of paper towel or toilet paper rolls. Regulation play: Look for objects during the game starting with letters of the alphabet. To make it challenging, designate a section of the alphabet to each quarter. Half-time entertainment: Make Super Bowl sundaes! Set up a station where kids can create their own sweet treat with toppings, sprinkles, sauces, and ice cream. Visit nymetroparents.com/ football-party for more ideas.

Want to see your child in our magazine? Tag us on Instagram (@nymetroparents) for a chance to be featured!

BooklynParent 11

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advice

Ask DadandBuried My son is 11 and says everyone in his class has an iPhone. I wasn’t planning on getting him one for several more years, but it sounds like he’s feeling left out and possibly bullied for not having one. Should I just buy him an iPhone or continue to resist? —Julianna B., Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn

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he struggle is real. I have a 9-year-old, and while not everyone in his class has an iPhone, some kids already do. We’re holding fast to our “no smartphone yet” policy, but it gets trickier every year. When he turns 12 or 13, we’ll be hard-pressed to deny him. Kudos to you for getting this far! At that age, there are some good reasons to consider giving in, although I’m not sure bullying is a great one. Peer pressure is rarely a good reason to do something, and we certainly don’t want to let the bullies win! That said, smartphones are a necessary evil, and as your kid gets older, the positives—for him and you—will eventually outweigh your reservations. I’m dying to have a way to communicate with my son when he’s on the bus, or to remind him to turn in a permission slip. I also need him to have his own Spotify account; I don’t want our future robotic overlords to think I worship Imagine Dragons! The fact is, smartphones are going to be a part of our kids’ lives for the foreseeable future. They see friends with them, and no doubt see their parents using them, which makes withholding one increasingly difficult. (If someone tried to take away my smartphone, it would get ugly fast. Just ask my wife!) The good news is there are services that can help monitor his activity and restrict certain apps and websites. If you wish, you can basically turn the phone into—gasp!—an actual phone. (For an example, check out Gizmo.) That way you can get the benefits of easier communication with your son and he can still feel like one of the “cool kids.” I would start signaling your capitulation but tie it into some kind of reward-based scheme. Make him earn the thing. And then get him his own Spotify account. Our advice column features the wise, humorous commentary of Mike Julianelle (aka @DadandBuried), a 40-something influencer with a popular podcast who lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two kids.

HAVE A QUESTION FOR DADANDBURIED? Send it to editor@nymetroparents.com with the subject “DadandBuried’s Advice.” 12

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

mommybites

Registry Secrets

Veteran moms share what to keep in mind when creating your wish-list, so you don’t get overwhelmed. By Christina Vercelletto

reating a successful baby registry can drive you a little crazy. You need the hindsight of a veteran mom to know what you really need—but you’re a rookie! To make the process a little easier, we spoke to moms who have learned the hard way about how to get the job done right. There is no ultimate authority on what you will need. While your best friend, who has a 1-year-old, might swear by the latest and greatest bottle warmer, “essential” is a highly subjective concept when it comes to baby gear. For example, fancy diaper pails and front carriers or slings are hated as much as they are loved. Better to tap the wisdom of all your new mom friends, then compare their lists to look for commonalities. Cast a wide net. Instead of registering at one store, set up a Pinterest board with images that link back to the respective shops. You can pin anything, including cleaning and spa services, meal deliveries, and handmade goodies on Etsy. Consider throwing in things like newmom yoga pants, wall art for baby’s room, or a new laundry basket. Ask that your shower invite include the link to your board. Divide and conquer. Creating a registry is an exhausting process—a solid 4 hours is not uncommon. Consider splitting the job into two sessions, with one devoted to the two items that most demand a clear head: the stroller and car seat. Include different price ranges. Those who aren’t invited to your shower—say a co-worker or your parents’ neighbor—will need under-$15 ideas, so check out board books, baby hats, bath toys, and those fun stickers (1-month, 2-month, etc.) that go on a baby’s shirt for photos throughout the first year. Entice friends and family to buy the functional items. Most shower guests don’t want to give a nasal aspirator or a vaporizer, which, while necessary, don’t make the gift-giver feel warm and

fuzzy. Take advantage of the “add a note” option that many registries let you attach to individual items and say something like: “I’d feel so much better if I had this on hand, knowing I could do everything possible to comfort my little one when he gets sick.” Some items in the store aren’t online, and vice versa. If you’re in a brick-and-mortar and can’t find an item, check the website for it and add it online. Don’t bother registering for outfits and blankets. If there is a particular swaddle or coming-home outfit you have your eye on, go for it. But beyond that, rest assured that you will receive plenty of teeny clothes and impossibly soft, pastel blankets—both before and after baby arrives. Think ahead. After this windfall, you’re on your own paying for all the accoutrements this kid will need. There’s no shame in adding a snowsuit or swimsuit sized a year (or two!) ahead, a toddler bed, or even a big kid booster car seat to your list. The scanning gun is addictive. To avoid registering for stuff that will lure gift-givers away from what you really need and/or want, make a list before you go, and stick to it. If you’re tempted to make an exception, sleep on it. You can always add it later online. You will be able to shop after the baby comes. Despite the horror stories you’ve heard about life as a new mom, you will leave the house. So please, don’t obsess over whether or not you’ve ticked off every single little thing you might possibly need. Registering for gift cards (or diapers, for that matter) is not tacky. It’s smart and will probably be a relief to a handful of your nearest and dearest. And you can use gift cards to acquire those necessary items that nobody will buy, no matter how gamely you talk them up in the “notes” section. Nursing pads, anyone?

Mommybites’ nanny boards only feature postings from nannies’ current families. You can rely on their recommendations. If you need a nanny or babysitter, visit Mommybites.com. BrooklynParent 13

& Kids This corner of the Internet can be a scary place, but there are ways to protect your kids. By Jacqueline Neber

t’s one of the biggest challenges facing parents today: How do you keep your kids safe online while still letting them explore? And YouTube is ground zero for this issue. In the last few years, we’ve heard about YouTube’s scandals—including Logan Paul filming a man who hanged himself in Japan or the debilitating work-lives of YouTube employees in the Philippines. At the top of the most-dangerous list is the inappropriate content readily available for, or even strategically aimed at, kids. Even though there is plenty of G-rated entertainment on YouTube, it’s no mystery why many parents are concerned about what their kids are viewing.

YouTube Kids allows parents to create profiles for their children, based on each child’s age, in an effort to limit inappropriate content.

Tackling the Tube There is no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with this issue, says Jill Murphy, vice president and editor-in-chief of Common Sense Media. One of YouTube’s biggest problems is the inability to control a child’s search results. “Searching YouTube is essentially like searching Google,” Murphy says. “The results are not only looking to offer you accurate information on what you’re looking for, but also suggest some unrelated, but often tempting, things to watch. With so much content and so many options, it can be hard for any age to stay focused.” One helpful option for families is YouTube Kids—launched in 2015—which allows parents to create profiles for their children who are preschool-age through 12 years old. Each type of kids account is designed to offer certain content: creative, playful, and exploratory videos for ages 4 and younger; songs, cartoons, crafts, and more for ages 5-7; and gaming, science, music, and more for ages 8-12. YouTube admits it cannot filter out all inappropriate content or manually review all videos, but parents can turn off the search function or only allow their kids to see videos that Mom and Dad approve. Despite these filters, Murphy says, there is still no guarantee your child will be 100-percent protected from questionable content because YouTube doesn’t delineate age guidelines for content consumption. For example, related videos that appear on your child’s screen are based on what he gravitates toward, and there are no safety precautions for those. Younger kids tend to love room tours, vlogs, and “unboxing” videos—in which YouTubers 14

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

show off the products they receive from brands—but there is no way to guarantee these are age-appropriate. The best way to strive for safety, Murphy says, is to discuss content-viewing guidelines with your kids. Many parents overhear their child watching something they don’t like, run over, and demand it all be shut down, she says. A better approach is to encourage open conversation. “Sit down, watch a few videos with your kid, and have conversations about what is or isn’t appropriate. Start media literacy at a young age,” she says. “Include [your kid] in your boundary- and rule-setting because, otherwise, it’s quite enticing for a kid to [watch] what they’re not supposed to watch.” Another tip is to watch the videos by content creators who your kids like, and who might be posting things your child shouldn’t see, Murphy adds. Understand why your kid wants to watch these videos and continue having conversations about them. (It’s also worth noting that creator videos are basically infomercials, so you might want to discourage this consumerism.) Keep in mind that some content creators post for shock value, which can have serious consequences for your kids. Ariella Toeman, a mom of three in Westchester County, watches YouTube together with her 8- and 10-year-olds. The kids are not allowed to freely browse, but her 12-year-old has a computer at school and a phone is his hand and can access the Internet anytime, Toeman says.

“Don’t tell me for a minute that YouTube doesn’t love kid content and will do everything it can to keep lots of it going, all while pushing the limits of child safety,” he says. Murphy agrees that YouTube doesn’t make it easy for parents to set parameters—so you need to get creative in figuring it out. She encourages parents to look to the parental controls on their kids’ devices before turning to third party systems. Plus, kids will always try figure out passwords and get around locks, Murphy points out. There are even TikTok channels dedicated to showing kids how to do so. For some kids, Murphy concedes, third-party parental controls might be necessary. For example, if your child has trouble distinguishing inappropriate content or if you suspect he might be the victim of cyberbullying, there is no shame in using third party parental controls or checking his search history. Set these boundaries if you need to, she continues, but try not to use them as a substitute for real conversations with your kids.

“

Sit down, watch a few videos with your kid, and have conversations about what is or isn’t appropriate. Start media literacy at a young age.

“We talk a lot about watching things that are appropriate. Once you see things, you can’t take them back out of your memory. You can’t take back those visuals—they stay with you forever,” she says. “So, we say, if things feel a little bit awkward, we don’t watch them. If things make us feel bad, we don’t watch them. If they feel weird, if we don’t really understand them, they’re not for us.”

Third Party Controls “I swear no one at Google has kids—but [YouTube] is the primary source of truth for kids,” says Doug Crawford, director of curriculum at Protect Young Eyes, an advocacy and education organization based in Michigan. (YouTube is a subsidiary of Google.) While YouTube offers a restricted mode (turned on in the user’s profile) for parents to control what kids see, “YouTube’s controls are configured differently on different devices, making it difficult for parents to always get it right, and then it’s hard to lock things in without some third-party parental control solution like CleanBrowsing, Mobicip, or Covenant Eyes,” he explains. While YouTube can be a great source of learning material, Crawford says parents need to keep in mind that its search function is inherently unsafe for kids—even if they’re watching kid-friendly content. Watching YouTube on restricted mode is the only method he recommends for kids.

”

YouTube Isn’t the Enemy—Necessarily Adults use Google to find what they need to know, while kids turn to YouTube, Crawford explains. The site is so pervasive that 82,248 videos are watched every second as of Jan. 15 (this stat is updated daily), according to internetlivestats.com. Protect Young Eyes’ surveys of high school students reveal that when given the option to choose their No. 1 online activity, teens choose YouTube over social media and gaming at a 3-to-1 ratio. Among tweens and teens, YouTube is the most-used online platform—not Instagram or Snapchat, as parents might believe. Murphy points out that because many parents didn’t have this technology growing up, they might be reluctant to let it into their kids’ lives. And parents’ lack of familiarity prevents them from understanding how important YouTube is as a social lifeline for kids. Despite all of this, YouTube doesn’t have to be an enemy. “All of their friends are talking about [YouTube]. Kids have devices at school. They’re going to watch it at school… so eliminating it without taking the time to talk about why something bothers you or hearing from your kid about why it’s appealing to them is not necessarily a path Common Sense [Media] would recommend,” Murphy says. “Teach your kids to live with it, rather than shutting it off.” Toeman, like many parents, acknowledges the struggle: “I’m trying to raise my children in an open-minded, realistic way that accepts technology as part of our lives, but doesn’t love it—which is a hard balance.” BrooklynParent 15

national children’s dental health month

Dental Health

by the

is the amount you—um, we mean the Tooth Fairy—leaves on average in our area, according to Visa’s Tooth Fairy Calculator (a free app in the iTunes app store), which tells you what other children in similar family situations are getting under their pillows.

Numbers

40%

of children ages 3-6 use too much toothpaste, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The age at which it’s recommended that kids stop sucking their thumbs to avoid future oral health issues that will require orthodontics, according to Larissa Davids, D.D.S., orthodontist and owner of Rego Park Orthodontics in Queens

The age at which a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste should first be used by a child, according to Marita Smith, D.D.S., a pediatric dentist at Smith’s Little Smiles in Pomona. For children younger than 3, a rice-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste should be used.

is how often the American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush—or more frequently if bristles are visibly matted or frayed.

is the number of times teeth should be brushed each day, according to the CDC. Before any teeth come in, wipe your baby’s gums with a soft clean cloth after the morning feeding and right before bed to wipe away bacteria—and get your child used to the habit, says Renuka Bijoor, D.D.S., who practices at Briarcliff Pediatric Dentistry in Briarcliff Manor. Once teeth start to come in, brush with a soft, small-bristled toothbrush.

44%

3 months

of U.S. children will have at least one cavity by kindergarten, according to Children’s Dental Health Project (cdhp.org).

6 months

is how long you or your child should go between dental visits, says Marc Adelberg, D.D.S., who practices at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry, which has four locations on Long Island.

The age at which your child should have her first dental exam

2 minutes

is the length of time teeth should be brushed for. You can either get a fun timer for your child, or look for an electric toothbrush, like Quip Kids (getquip.com), which has a timer built in.

( Looking for a pediatric dentist for your kids? Visit nymetroparents.com/health. ) 16

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

n Us For Come Joi , and music oga y , a b m d kid‛s zu ccredite NAEYC A ! m ra og Pr

Please call for details.

GO OUTSIDE TO GROW WITHIN ADVENTURE AWAITS! Registration is open for our 134th summer! Join us for DayCamp or Overnight Camp outdoor adventures.

Enroll today at trailblazers.org!

Summer SURF CAMP 2020 NEW YORK SURF SCHOOL PRESENTS

June 15th-Sept.25th M-F • 9:00AM-1:00PM B 69th St. Rockaway Beach • 50 minute subway ride from most parts of brooklyn • 1 day surf camps available • 2 hour surf lessons 7 days a week • all gear included TEXT/Call (718) 916-5359 www.surflessonsnewyork101.com

use the code “campexpo” and get 15% off!!

New York Surf School

NYsurfschool@gmail.com @NYSURFSCHOOL BrooklynParent 17

summer camp

Camp Countdown! A month-by-month timeline to get your child (and you!) ready for summer camp By Jess Michaels

t’s not too early to think about summer camp! If you are considering day or sleepaway camp, there are ways to research and plan for camp throughout the year. The American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey suggests the following month-by-month timeline with ways to plan for your child’s summer camp experience.

October and November Attend open houses. Many camps have open houses and fall festivals that provide opportunities to see the camp facilities and get a feel for the camp. It is also a good opportunity for you to get to know the camp director and ask questions about the camp philosophy and program while in the camp setting. Search for camp with your child. Take some time to look over a camp’s website, brochure, and video together. They will give you and your child a sense of what a particular camp is like. Most camp websites have photo slide shows, videos, virtual tours, and maps, which will give you a glimpse of the camp and the camp program. The more involved your child feels in the decision of choosing a camp, the more successful the camp experience will be. Look for camp early for savings. If you’ve already decided on a camp for your child, don’t wait to register. Many camps offer early-bird discounts. Registering early can be a real savings for parents—and it ensures your child won’t be shut out of the camp program he wants. Ask

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

the camp if it offers payment plans, which can make it easier to pay for camp. Some camps also allow you to prepay the camp season and will give you a significant discount.

December and January Talk to camp directors. Speaking with the camp director and asking some key questions is a good way to find out about a campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s philosophy and see if it matches your own. Get to know the camp director through phone calls, correspondence, and in person. Make sure to give the director an accurate picture of your child and what your specific goals are for her camp experience. Make camp part of holidays. Instead of purchasing another toy for your child, make camp a holiday gift. Prepare your child for overnights. If you are considering sleepaway camp, schedule sleepovers with friends and relatives and make sure these overnights are successful. If your child feels panicked and needs to come home in the middle of the night, he may not be ready for sleepaway camp.

February and March Schedule home visits and attend camp fairs. These are both good ways to get to know a camp director and a camp program. Ask about the campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission statement and what type of child is successful at camp. Camp fairs bring dozens of camps to a community and provide parents the opportunity to speak 1-on-1 with many different directors in one day. Often times, a camp director will come to you for a home visit, which allows you to get to know the director and for the director to get to know your family.

April and May Share positive messages. As camp approaches, talk to your child about the camp program and the activities she will be participating in. Let your child know you are confident in her ability to have a successful camp experience.

June Pack together. If your child is going to overnight camp, pack together. Your child will feel more secure if he knows what he is bringing to camp. Use this time talk with your child about how much fun camp is going to be. Mail a letter to camp. Send a letter to sleepaway camp, so your child has a letter the first day she is at camp. Let her know how much fun she is going to have at camp.

July and August Camp season is here!

Jess Michaels is the director of communications for the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey. She believes every child should have a summer camp experience.

BrooklynParent 19

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum intrepidmuseum.org/education/ campintrepid

New York Surf School Fort Greene surflessonsnewyork101.com

Dance

Arts & Crafts

Special Needs

Music

Day Trips

Academic Enrichment

Swimming

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Stepping Stones Bay Ridge steppingstones86.com

The Brooklyn Music School Downtown Brooklyn brooklynmusicschool.org

Park Slope Conservatory Park Slope parkslopeconservatory.com

The Learnatory thelearnatory.org

Trail Blazers Crown Heights trailblazers.org

Treasure Island Bay Ridge silbekidz@aol.com

YMCA Summer Camps Locations Across Brooklyn ymca.org/camp

Young Judaea Sprout Brooklyn Day Camp Red Hook sproutbrooklyn.org #BIGIDEA @Sprout Brooklyn STEAM Camp Red Hook sproutbrooklyn.org

Little Sprouts Preschool Gravesend facebook.com/ littlesproutspreschoolny

Park Slope Day Camp Park Slope. Windsor Terrace, Carroll Gardens, and Bay Ridge parkslopedaycamp.com Smart Start Early Childhood Center Inc. Bay Ridge smartstartecc.com

Theater

FasTracKids Locations throughout Brooklyn ftkny.com

Mill Basin Day Camp Mill Basin millbasindaycamp.com

STEAM/Robotics

Half Day Option

Flexible Scheduling

Extended Hours

Lunch

PROGRAMS:

Sports

CBE Kids Camp Park Slope cbebk.org/camp

Transportation

Camp Chart

SERVICES:

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February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

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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!

nymetroparents.com/register 22 Editor’s Hot Tickets 26 Nature Lovers, Get Active 23 Events Worth Leaving the City For 28 Theater, Concerts, & Movies 24 Museums & Exhibits, 30 Educational Activities Holiday Fun 32 Little Makers

EDITOR’S

T O H TICKETS Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the February 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! Treehouse Shakers’s ‘Hatched’

Winter Jam FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 11am-3pm WHERE: Rumsey Playfield at Central Park, enter at East 72nd Street, Central Park, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Partners from Gore Mountain will blow a mini mountain of snow in the heart of Manhattan, creating an urban wonderland for all to enjoy! Families will experience live ice carving, snowshoeing, curling, ice bowling, flag football, puppet making, photo ops, and a heated New York Public Library Reading Room. WHY WE LOVE IT: Enter the drawing for a chance to get free “Learn to Ski” lessons! WANT TO GO? 212-360-8213. nycgovparks.org.

22nd Annual BAMkids Film Festival

HOT TICKET

WHEN: Feb. 1-2, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4pm WHERE: BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene AGES: 3-12 WHAT: The festival includes 87 short film programs, hands-on interactive activities, special BAMcafé performances, and more. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will enjoy face painters, balloon artists, interactive juggler-stilt walkers, and an expert clown! WANT TO GO? $15; $10 children 13 and younger, seniors 65 and older, and members. 718-636-4100. bam.org/kids.

Big Apple Circus WHEN: Through Feb. 2: see website for showtimes WHERE: Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Catch the 42nd season of this world-renowned circus, celebrating the heartbeat, everyday delights, and spirit of New York City with astounding talent from around the world, led by Brooklyn-born singer and ringmaster Storm Marrero. WHY WE LOVE IT: All your classic circus delights in a climatecontrolled Big Top tent with tiered seating, perfect for families with young children. WANT TO GO? $35 and up; free for children younger than 3 (on lap). 212-721-6500. bigapplecircus.com. 22

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Feb. 7-10, Friday-Monday, 11am WHERE: BAM Fisher, 321 Ashland Place, Fort Greene AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Hatched is the original performance of a newborn chick emerging from her shell at sunrise to a strange and busy world. Told to the youngest of audience members, it is a first introduction to the theater. WHY WE LOVE IT: A puppetry workshop for kids ages 3 and older will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 12pm following the performance. WANT TO GO? $30; $15 for families in the Ticket Assistance Program. 718-636-4100. bam.org.

Lunar New Year Celebration with Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 15, 1-2pm WHERE: Brooklyn Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company celebrates the beginning of the Chinese zodiac cycle with acrobatic dancers and exquisite music. WHY WE LOVE IT: A colorful and vibrant production of dance and music to delight the whole family. Families will be given seating priority. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

President’s Week in Prospect Park: President’s Day Trivia WHEN: Monday, Feb. 17, 2pm and 3pm WHERE: Lefferts Historic House, 452 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Celebrate the birthdays of Presidents Washington and Lincoln with presidential trivia for kids and a special birthday cake for George and Abe. WHY WE LOVE IT: A little bit of history with a whole lotta fun! WANT TO GO? $3 suggested donation. 718-789-2822. prospectpark.org.

Lunar New Year WHEN: Feb. 1-29, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm WHERE: Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Lefferts Gardens AGES: All

WHAT: Celebrate the festival of the new moon and animals of the Chinese zodiac. Meet one of the tiniest rodents in the world, the Eurasian harvest mouse, and learn how the Wildlife Conservation Society is helping animals in China and Southeast Asia. WHY WE LOVE IT: Special activities and a zodiac scavenger hunt are part of the fun. WANT TO GO? $9.95; $7.95 seniors; $6.95 ages 3-12; free for children 2 and younger. 718-399-7339. prospectparkzoo.com.

Maple Syrup Saturdays FREE WHEN: Feb. 1-29, Saturdays, 1-3pm WHERE: Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, 2351 Veterans Road W., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Learn about the entire process of making maple syrup, from tap to table. Participants hike for up to an hour on Clay Pit Pond trails to find maple trees, drill holes, hang buckets, and collect sap. RSVP appreciated. WHY WE LOVE IT: A chance to bundle up as a family and spend some time the fresh air while learning about something yummy! WANT TO GO? 718-605-3970 x201. parks.ny.gov.

BAMKids Teknopolis 2020 WHEN: Feb. 22-March 8, see website for schedule WHERE: BAM Fisher, 321 Ashland Place, Fort Greene AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Today’s leading digital artists use virtual reality, augmented reality, projection mapping, and other innovative tools to create multisensory installations that are only fully realized through your participation. Create a living painting, play a rock concert using only household objects, and fly through a surreal dreamscape. WHY WE LOVE IT: These art installations are only fully realized with your child’s participation! WANT TO GO? TBA. 718-636-4100. bam.org/kids.

Target First Saturdays FREE WHEN: Feb. 1-June 6, first Saturday of each month, 5-11pm WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: The Brooklyn Museum hosts engaging and eclectic free art and entertainment every month! WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will feel like they’re skipping out on bedtime if you head out for a quick visit after dark. WANT TO GO? 718-344-8962. brooklynmuseum.org.

Worth Leaving

group, Chinese dancing and singing, and craft activity for the kids! WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors and children younger than 12. 631-689-5888. stonybrookvillage.com.

Red Firecrackers: The Legend of the First Chinese New Year! FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8, 2:30pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington, Nassau County, Long Island AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Through dazzling props, colorful costumes, mesmerizing music, fantastic acrobatics, and lively dance, Nai-Ni Dance Company showcases the legend and origins of the Chinese Lunar New Year traditions and celebration. WANT TO GO? 516-767-1384. landmarkonmainstreet.org.

Teatown Hudson River Eaglefest WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8, 9am-4pm WHERE: Croton Point Park, 1 Croton Point Ave., Croton-on-Hudson, Westchester AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the bald eagle with live bird-of-prey shows, educators with viewing scopes observing wild eagles, children’s activities, food trucks, and more than 25 environmental organizations—all in heated tents! WANT TO GO? $25; $22 in advance; $15 children 6-11; $13 children 6-11 in advance. 914-762-2912. teatown.org.

Dinosaur World Live! WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 9, 1pm and 4pm WHERE: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Meet a host of impressive creatures, including the tyrannosaurus rex, a triceratops, giraffatitan, microraptor and segnosaurus! Optional special meet-and-greet after the show offers brave explorers the chance to make a new dinosaur friend. WANT TO GO? $15-$39. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.

The Royal Hannenford Circus WHEN: Feb. 15-17, Saturday-Sunday, 10am, 2pm and 6pm; Monday, 10am and 2pm WHERE: Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains, Westchester County AGES: All WHAT: See a live traditional three-ring circus. WANT TO GO? $27-35. 914-995-4050. countycenter.biz.

THE CITY FOR Chinese New Year WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 2, 1:30-4:30pm WHERE: Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Educational and Cultural Center, 97 Main St., Stony Brook, Suffolk County, Long Island AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the New Year with festivities including an authentic Shaolin kung fu lion dance and kung fu demonstration, Manhattan taiko-taiko drumming, Long Island Chinese dance BrooklynParent 23

Five Cents To Dreamland: A Trip to Coney Island WHEN: Through June 14: Saturdays, 12-5pm; Sundays 2-5pm WHERE: The Coney Island Museum, 1208 Surf Ave., Coney Island AGES: All WHAT: This special exhibition explores Coney Island’s history from a new and unique perspective! WANT TO GO? $5; $3 for seniors, children younger than 12, and residents of zip code 11224. coneyisland.com.

Transit Tots

Museums & Exhibits ShopRite Kidz Cook WHEN: Fridays, Feb. 7 and 28, 3pm and 4pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Prepare and taste some of renowned African-American chef Edna Lewis’ signature recipes as the museum celebrates Black History Month. WANT TO GO? $8; free for members and children younger than 1. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

Drag Queen Story Hour WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8, 11am-12pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Join the museum for this interactive art and story time program that celebrates the uniqueness of all kids and families! WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $13; free for members and infants. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.

Con Edison Second Saturday Science WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8, 12-1pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Children will make their own beauty products while learning about Madam CJ Walker’s legacy as part of the museum’s Black History Month celebrations. WANT TO GO? $8; free for members and children younger than 1. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

Visual Arts Studio WHEN: Feb. 1-29, Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Construct work in honor of Betye Saar and learn about her life as the museum celebrates celebrate Black History Month. WANT TO GO? $8; free for members and children younger than 1. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org. 24

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Thursdays, 10:15-11am WHERE: New York Transit Museum, 99 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Young train enthusiasts explore themes such as animals underground, the people and buildings of NYC, colors and shapes, and the city’s subways and buses. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org.

Holiday Fun Groundhog Day FREE WHEN: Feb. 2, 7am WHERE: Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Bundle up for NYC’s official Groundhog Day celebration! Watch Chuck look for his shadow and determine if spring is near or if there are six more weeks of winter. There will be musical performances, keeper talks, and feedings in the aviary and fox areas. WANT TO GO? 718-442-3101. statenislandzoo.org.

ShopRite Kidz Cook Valentine’s Day WHEN: Friday, Feb. 14, 3pm and 4pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Savor delicious chocolate treats on this special day. WANT TO GO? $8; free for members and children younger than 1. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

The Rock And Roll Playhouse Presents Mardis Gras Celebration Ft. Black Tie Brass WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 16, doors open at 11am; event begins at 12pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Mardi Gras with the music of Black Tie Brass. WANT TO GO? $12-$14; free for children younger than 1. 718-963-3369. therockandrollplayhouse.com.

President’s Day Family Bowl WHEN: Monday, Feb. 17, 12-6pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: All

WHAT: Bowling begins at 12pm and will feature Brooklyn Bowl’s brunch menu and kids menu. WANT TO GO? $25 per lane per half hour; $4.95 shoe rental; up to 8 people per lane. 718-963-3369. brooklynbowl.com.

Mardi Gras Celebration ft. Black Tie Brass FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 22, 12:30-2pm WHERE: Industry City, 274 36th St., Courtyard 5-6, Sunset Park AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Babies and kids will rock out and enjoy games, movement, and stories during this Mardi Gras celebration. WANT TO GO? facebook.com/events/354849058696239/.

DIY: Mardi Gras Masks FREE WHEN: Monday, Feb. 24, 4-4:45pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Spring Creek, 12143 Flatlands Ave., East New York AGES: 12-18 WHAT: Enjoy a Mardi Gras mask making party! Decorate and celebrate Mardi Gras and learn about its history. WANT TO GO? 718-257-6571. bklynlibrary.org.

Gan Jewish Day Care 2901 Campus Road • Brooklyn, NY11210 718-968-7575 • ganhillel@gmail.com • ganpreschool.com

8122 THIRD AVENUE BROOKLYN NY 11209 P: 347.622.6106 E: Info@theridgekids.com @ theridgekidscloset CURATED ASSORTMENT OF CLOTHES SIZES 0-14, SHOES, ACCESSORIES + TOYS

Registration is open for 2020 school year and summer camp! Open House on January 22, 2020 at 10

Limited remaining availability for ages 2, 3, 4 | Free UPK if born by 2016

Q UA L I T Y

•

S A F E T Y

•

E D U C AT I O N

Licensed teachers • Individual attention • Over 25 years of experience

Paché Montessori offers authentic Montessori in Cobble Hill for children aged 3 months through Kindergarten Spanish Immersion is available Accepting applications for the 2020-21 school year Schedule a tour online Paché Montessori 292 Court Street Brooklyn NY 11231

PACHEMONTESSORI.COM BrooklynParent 25

Winter Weekdays FREE WHEN: Jan. 7-Feb. 28, Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4:30pm; open on Feb. 17 WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Experience the serenity and wonder of the garden with free weekday admission and programs for the entire family! WANT TO GO? 718-623-7200. bbg.org.

Park Slope Winter Farmers Market

nature lovers Survival of the Slowest WHEN: Through Feb. 2: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, 10am-6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-7pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Survival of the Slowest features 19 distinct habitats with live animals, including Roger the two-toed sloth, a blood python, and a roughneck monitor lizard. WANT TO GO? $13; free for members and infants younger than 12 months; pay as you wish Thursdays, 2-6pm, and Sundays, 4-7pm. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.

February Break Discovery Days FREE WHEN: Feb. 17-20, daily, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Explore habitats from around the world and have some hands-on science fun during the midwinter school break. WANT TO GO? 718-623-7200. bbg.org.

WHEN: Through March 1: Sundays, 10am-3pm WHERE: Down to Earth Markets, 5th Avenue at 4th Street, Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: The Park Slope Farmers Market brings small farms and local artisan food makers together every Sunday year-round. WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 914-923-4837.

Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket WHEN: Through Dec. 26: Saturdays, 8am-4pm WHERE: Greenmarket, Prospect Park West and Flatbush Avenue, West Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Shop fresh produce, flowers, and more. Drop off your food scrap compost and bring clothing to be recycled. WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 212-7887900. grownyc.org.

Cortelyou Greenmarket WHEN: Through Dec. 27: Sundays, 8am-3pm WHERE: Greenmarket, Cortelyou Road and Rugby Road, Ditmas Park AGES: All WHAT: Shop at the market, recycle old clothes, and drop off your food scrap compost. WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 212-7887900. grownyc.org. downtoearthmarkets.com.

President’s Week in Prospect Park: Wild in Winter FREE WHEN: Feb. 17-21, daily, 12-4pm WHERE: Prospect Park Audubon Center, 101 E. Drive, Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Join Prospect Park Alliance naturalists for the Great Backyard Bird Count and much more! WANT TO GO? 646-393-9031. prospectpark.org.

Build A Barn WHEN: Through Feb. 27: see website for schedule WHERE: Jewish Children’s Museum, 792 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Discover different kinds of kosher animals and have fun building a barn for your kosher animals in this new temporary exhibit! WANT TO GO? $13. 718-907-8833. jcm.museum. 26

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Get Active! Sing ‘n Schmooze on Shabbat! FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 4pm WHERE: Bay Ridge Jewish Center, Fourth Avenue and 81st Street, Bay Ridge AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Singing, games, refreshments, and schmooze time for parents. Led by the amazing Tkiya Music! WANT TO GO? 718-836-3103. brjc.org.

Stroller Tour–Arts of Asia and One: Xu Bing WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 10-11am WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn AGES: Newborn to 2, Adult

WHAT: This baby-friendly program features touchable objects, songs, exploration of the art in the galleries, and an opportunity to connect with other adults. WANT TO GO? $20; $16 in advance; $14 members. 718-6385000. showclix.com.

Family Fun: Salsa WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 15, 4:30pm WHERE: Mark Morris Dance Center, 3 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Learn the steps and rhythms of this favorite Latin social dance. WANT TO GO? $40 per family of 4-6; $30 per family of 2-3. 718624-8400. markmorrisdancegroup.org.

Kids Beginning Learn To Skate Class WHEN: Through Feb. 15: Saturdays, 11am WHERE: Dreamland Roller Rink, 445 Albee Square W., Downtown Brooklyn AGES: 7 and older WHAT: Kids will have fun while learning to skate. WANT TO GO? $18. eventbrite.com/e/kids-beginninglearn-to-skate-class-at-dreamland-roller-rink-city-pont-7tickets-77567982925.

Toddler Skate Party WHEN: Through Feb. 15: Saturdays, 10-11am WHERE: Dreamland Roller Rink, 445 Albee Square W., Downtown Brooklyn AGES: 6 and younger WHAT: You and your little one will skate and groove. WANT TO GO? $18. eventbrite.com/e/toddler-skateparty-at-dreamland-roller-rink-city-point-6-under-parentstickets-77538566941.

Sparkle Skate WHEN: Through Feb. 15: Saturdays, 12-2pm WHERE: Dreamland Roller Rink, 445 Albee Square W., Downtown Brooklyn AGES: 7 and older WHAT: Skate in this immersive roller disco experience! As soon as you step into the 10,000-square-foot roller rink you’ll be transported into a magical roller disco dreamland full of dazzling iridescent unicorns, retro rainbows, colorful dance floor lighting, and sparkling disco balls! WANT TO GO? $18; $12 guardian non-skating. eventbrite. com/e/sparkle-skate-at-dreamland-roller-rink-city-point-7tickets-77528595115.

IC Ice Rink WHEN: Through March 28: Wednesday-Friday, 4-8pm; Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: Industry City, 51 35th St., Sunset Park AGES: All WHAT: Courtyard 5/6 will house an ice rink for the cooler months. WANT TO GO? $10; $6 ages 12 and younger; $9 skate rental. 718-965-6450. industrycity.com.

Movers and Groovers Playgroup WHEN: Through June 29: Mondays, 12:30-2:30pm; Fridays, 1-2:30pm WHERE: The Wild, 272 Driggs Ave., Greenpoint AGES: 4 months to 1½ WHAT: This is an informal and unstructured playgroup for babies and a nice, comfy space to play and chat. WANT TO GO? $5. 718-576-3806. shop-thewild.com.

BYOBaby Play Date WHEN: Through Aug. 25: Tuesdays, 3:30-5pm WHERE: Bay Ridge Jewish Center, Fourth Avenue and 81st Street, Bay Ridge AGES: Newborn to 2, adult WHAT: A time for parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers to relax and mingle over wine and cheese while the kids play in our safe space with toys and books galore. WANT TO GO? $5. 718-836-3103. brjc.org.

Pilates with Babysitting Included! WHEN: Through Nov. 6: Fridays, 12:30pm WHERE: Alden Moves Dance Theater, 1203 Church Ave., Brooklyn AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: While an on-site babysitter minds the little ones, parents can focus on being fabulously fit. WANT TO GO? $25, 2 kids per adult. 347-365-6713. aldenmovesbk.com.

Family Bowl WHEN: Through Feb. 29: Saturdays, 11am-5pm; Sundays, 12:30-6pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: Make bowling a family event. WANT TO GO? $25 per lane per half hour; $4.95 shoe rental; up to 8 people per lane. 718-963-3369. brooklynbowl.com.

BrooklynParent 27

Teen Movie Night: ‘The Sun Is Also a Star’ FREE WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 5-7pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Spring Creek, 12143 Flatlands Ave., East New York AGES: 13-18 WHAT: Watch The Sun is Also A Star. There will be snacks! WANT TO GO? 718-257-6571. bklynlibrary.org.

One Love ft. Music of Bob Marley for Kids + More FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8, 12:30-2pm WHERE: Industry City, 274 36th St., Courtyard 5-6, Sunset Park AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: The Rock and Roll Playhouse the music of Bob Marley for kids to celebrate Marley’s 74th birthday. WANT TO GO? facebook.com/events/2606049586168536.

Theater, Concerts, & Movies Karina’s Funk Revue for Kids FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 12:30-2pm WHERE: Industry City, 274 36th St., Courtyard 5-6, Sunset Park AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: The Rock and Roll Playhouse offers its core audience of babies and kids games, movement, and stories and an opportunity to rock out. WANT TO GO? facebook.com/events/730879767404932.

Oran Etkin: Timbalooloo Jazz For Kids Duo Series WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 11am WHERE: National Sawdust, 80 North Sixth St., Williamsburg AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Children will be singing along, drumming, and learning new dances as they become friends with Clara Net and her instrument friends from around the world. WANT TO GO? $20; $5 children. 646-779-8455. info@nationalsawdust.org.

BMS Musical Theatre Presents ‘Annie Kids’ WHEN: Feb. 1-2, Saturday, 5pm; Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Brooklyn Music School, 126 St. Felix St., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: See the culmination of the talented students hard work during the fall semester and enjoy a truly magical performance. WANT TO GO? $18; $15 in advance; $5 kids in advance. 718-638-5660. brooklynmusicschool.org.

The Rock and Roll Playhouse: The Beatles for Kids WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 2, doors open at 11am; event begins at 12pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: This concert for kids and families shares the music of The Beatles with a new generation of music lovers. WANT TO GO? $12-$14; free for children younger than 1. 718-963-3369. therockandrollplayhouse.com.

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

The Rock and Roll Playhouse: Grateful Dead for Kids WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 9, doors open at 11am; event begins at 12pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: This concert for kids and families shares the music of The Grateful Dead with a new generation of music lovers. WANT TO GO? $12-$14; free for children younger than 1. 718-963-3369. therockandrollplayhouse.com.

‘Stomp, Clap & Sing with Conroy Warren’ FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 11, 11am-12pm WHERE: Brooklyn Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy jazz, calypso, and reggae through singing and dancing. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

Tot Shabbat FREE WHEN: Friday, Feb. 14, 5:30-6:30pm WHERE: Bay Ridge Jewish Center, Fourth Avenue and 81st Street, Bay Ridge AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Laugh, jump, sing along, and welcome Shabbat with stories, music, challah, and grape juice, led by the amazing Tkiya Music. WANT TO GO? 718-836-3103. brjc.org.

WonderSpark Puppets: ‘The Little Red Hen’ FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 15, 11am-12pm WHERE: Beyond at Liberty View, 850 Third Ave., Sunset Park AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Join WonderSpark Puppets as they perform The Little Red Hen. WANT TO GO? 929-305-3821. bedbathandbeyond.com.

Pop-Up Performance: Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 16, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: The Orchestra in Residence will fill the galleries with a family-friendly range of classical music from across the globe. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $16; $10 students and seniors; free for ages 19 and younger. 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.

WonderSpark Puppets: ‘The Lion & the Mouse’ FREE WHEN: Monday, Feb. 17, 11am-12pm WHERE: Beyond at Liberty View, 850 Third Ave., Sunset Park AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: WonderSpark Puppets perform The Lion & the Mouse. WANT TO GO? 929-305-3821. bedbathandbeyond.com.

9th Annual 90-Second Newbery Film Festival FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 22, 1-2pm WHERE: Brooklyn Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: Kid filmmakers create short movies that tell the entire stories of Newbery award-winning books in about 90 seconds. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

Dr. Alex & Friends FREE WHEN: Feb. 3-24, select Mondays, 10-11am WHERE: Beyond at Liberty View, 850 3rd Ave., at 31st Street, Sunset Park AGES: All WHAT: Join in for a sing-along and 40 minutes of big energy fun! WANT TO GO? 929-305-3821. bedbathandbeyond.com.

Stomp, Clap & Sing with Shine and the Moonbeams FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 25, 11am-12pm WHERE: Brooklyn Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Shine and the Moonbeams take rhythmic elements of popular music to give audiences a soulfully satisfying experience. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

‘Superpower Dogs 3D’ WHEN: Through May 31: time TBD WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: All WHAT: Experience the life-saving superpowers and extraordinary bravery of some of the world’s most amazing dogs. WANT TO GO? $6 adults; $5 children, plus museum admission: $16 adults; $13 children, students, and senior citizens. nysci.org.

Sing-Along with Debbie Deane WHEN: Through June 24: Wednesdays, 11am-12pm WHERE: Lark Cafe, 1007 Church Ave., Flatbush AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Sing, dance, play percussion, and listen to a story or two. WANT TO GO? $10 suggested. 718-469-0140. larkcafe.com.

Sing-Along with Hannah from The Buttons Band WHEN: Through June 25, Thursdays, 3:30-4:15pm WHERE: The Wild, 272 Driggs Ave., Greenpoint AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Join Hannah for a lively song and dance party to keep you moving through your afternoon! WANT TO GO? $20. 718-576-3806. shop-thewild.com.

Sing-Along with Hannah WHEN: Through June 25: Thursdays, 11am-12pm WHERE: Lark Cafe, 1007 Church Ave., Flatbush AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Sing-along and dance with Hannah from The Buttons band! WANT TO GO? $10 per family. 718-469-0140. larkcafe.com.

Movies @ the Library FREE

Sing-Along with Willie DeVargas

WHEN: Feb. 1-29, Saturdays, 1-3pm (no session Feb. 15) WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Spring Creek, 12143 Flatlands Ave., East New York AGES: All WHAT: See a movie and enjoy theater-style snacks. WANT TO GO? 718-257-6571. bklynlibrary.org.

WHEN: Through June 27: Saturdays, 10:30-11:15am WHERE: The Wild, 272 Driggs Ave., Greenpoint AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Dance, clap, and smile to the original music of this awardwinning NYC teacher and artist. WANT TO GO? $15. 718-576-3806. shop-thewild.com.

‘Curious, Unusual, and Extraordinary!’

Sing-Along with Amy Miles

WHEN: Feb. 1-March 7, first Saturdays, 4pm WHERE: Barbes, 376 9th St., Park Slope AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Quirky author and composer Michael Hearst, along with his band, presents songs about unusual creatures, extraordinary people, and curious constructions. WANT TO GO? $10. barbesbrooklyn.com.

WHEN: Through June 28: Sundays, 10am and 11am WHERE: Lark Cafe, 1007 Church Ave., Flatbush AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Amy brings her quirky, country rock and casual style. WANT TO GO? $10 per family. 718-469-0140. larkcafe.com.

‘Alice in Wonderland’ WHEN: Through April 5: Saturday-Sunday, and Feb. 17-21, 12:30pm and 2:30pm WHERE: Puppetworks Inc, 338 Sixth Ave., at 4th Street, Gowanus AGES: 3 and older WHAT: See Alice in Wonderland in a whole new way. WANT TO GO? $11; $10 children. 718-965-3391. puppetworks.org.

Rocking Chair Music Sing-Along WHEN: Through June 30: Tuesdays, 11:30am-12:15pm and 12:301:15pm WHERE: The Wild, 272 Driggs Ave., Greenpoint AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Local musician and dad of two Greg Stare leads the class with the help of his guitar, harmonica, shakers, and drum. He plays all-time favorites, classics, and unexpected kid-friendly tunes. WANT TO GO? $15. 718-576-3806. shop-thewild.com.

BrooklynParent 29

Story Time: Megan Reid presents ‘Althea Gibson: The Story of Tennis’ Fleet-of-Foot Girl’ FREE WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 2, 11:30am and 1:30pm WHERE: Greenlight Bookstore PLG, 632 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Lefferts Garden AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Debut author Megan Reid presents her spirited picture book biography of Althea Gibson, the first black Wimbledon, French, and U.S. Open tennis champion. WANT TO GO? 718-246-0200. greenlightbookstore.com.

Kids Create: Little Bits FREE

Educational Activities Sibling Magic

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 3, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Kensington, 4207 18th Ave., Kensington AGES: 6-18 WHAT: In this free workshop, kids will get to make basic robots and more. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 718-436-0545. bklynlibrary.org.

Raising Sexually Healthy Children: Infants to Toddlers

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 10:30-11:15am WHERE: The Wild, 272 Driggs Ave., Greenpoint AGES: Adult WHAT: Learn all about how to support young siblings as they grow together. Register online. WANT TO GO? $60 per couple; $45 per person. 718-576-3806. shop-thewild.com.

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 6, 6-8pm WHERE: The Wild, 272 Driggs Ave., Greenpoint AGES: Adult WHAT: This workshop is designed and facilitated by sex educator and local parent PK Brewster to give parents focused time to learn and think about how to talk to children about their bodies and more. WANT TO GO? $60 per couple; $45 per person. 718-576-3806. shop-thewild.com.

Children’s Musical Story Hour with The Nightingale Fam Co-hosted by PLG Arts FREE

Story Time: Kevin Noble Maillard presents ‘Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 11:30am WHERE: Greenlight Bookstore PLG, 632 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Lefferts Gardens AGES: All WHAT: The Nightingale Fam performs an eclectic program of family-friendly music based on the classic baseball poem “Casey at the Bat” by Ernest Thayer and Wilhelmina Harper’s “The Gunniwolf,” preceded by a family sing-along. WANT TO GO? 718-246-0200. greenlightbookstore.com.

READ with Flash Gordon! FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 9, 11:30am and 1:30pm WHERE: Greenlight Bookstore PLG, 632 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Lefferts Gardens AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This book is a celebration of old and new, traditional and modern, similarity and difference that also highlights the great diversity of Native peoples. WANT TO GO? 718-246-0200. greenlightbookstore.com.

Finding the Fun in Feeding: Strategies For Your Picky Eater

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 12:30-1:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Heights, 109 Remsen St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Flash Gordon, a certified therapy dog, loves to listen to kids read. Sign up for a 15-minute slot at the customer service desk. WANT TO GO? 718-623-7100. bklynlibrary.org.

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 13, 6:30-7:45pm WHERE: The Wild, 272 Driggs Ave., Greenpoint AGES: Adult WHAT: Learn the differences between picky eating and problem feeding behaviors, strategies to improve mealtime, and more. Register online. WANT TO GO? $35 per couple; $30 per person. 718-576-3806. shop-thewild.com.

Infant, Child and Adult CPR Training and Certification

Brooklyn Beanstalk Storytime FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 2, 1-3:30pm WHERE: The Wild, 272 Driggs Ave., Greenpoint AGES: Adult WHAT: Learn prevention, recognition, and treatment of first aid emergencies in children. WANT TO GO? $85 and up. 718-576-3806. shop-thewild.com. 30

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 15, 3-4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy this storytime in French and Spanish! WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

Story Time: Rachel Brian presents ‘Consent (for Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of You’ FREE WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 16, 11:30am and 1:30pm WHERE: Greenlight Bookstore PLG, 632 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Lefferts Gardens AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Rachel Brian shares her book in an insightful and empowering story time at the bookstore! WANT TO GO? 718-246-0200. greenlightbookstore.com.

Financial Planning For New Parents FREE WHEN: Monday, Feb. 17, 6-7:30pm WHERE: The Wild, 272 Driggs Ave., Greenpoint AGES: Adult WHAT: This seminar is designed for new and upcoming parents. RSVP: jiani.bai@barnumfg.com. WANT TO GO? 718-576-3806. shop-thewild.com.

Mindful Potty Training WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 22, 3-4:30pm WHERE: The Wild, 272 Driggs Ave., Greenpoint AGES: Adult WHAT: Learn about toilet training from a developmental perspective. WANT TO GO? $45. 718-576-3806. shop-thewild.com.

Staff Story Time: 25th Anniversary of ‘Guess How Much I Love You!’ FREE

Have Fun With Haiku! FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 29, 2-3pm WHERE: Berl’s Brooklyn Poetry Shop, 141 Front St., Dumbo AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Hear Amy Losak read from her mother’s book, H Is For Haiku, an A to Z—a compendium of poems that brings out the fun in everyday city moments. Amy will also lead a haiku-writing workshop. WANT TO GO? 347-687-2375. berlspoetry.com.

Chess Club FREE WHEN: Through March 25: Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Heights, 109 Remsen St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Play a game with other kids in the neighborhood! WANT TO GO? 718-623-7100. bklynlibrary.org.

Story Play FREE WHEN: Feb. 7-March 27, Fridays, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Williamsburgh, 240 Division Ave., Williamsburg AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: During this program the group will read a couple of stories, sing a few songs, and then it’s toy time! WANT TO GO? 718-302-3485. bklynlibrary.org.

Story and Play FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 23, 11:30am and 1:30pm WHERE: Greenlight Bookstore PLG, 632 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Lefferts Gardens AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Celebrate 25 years of this book with a story time reading, plus some exciting activities and giveaways! WANT TO GO? 718-246-0200. greenlightbookstore.com.

WHEN: Feb. 3-March 30, Mondays, 10-11am WHERE: Brooklyn Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Hear wonderful stories, play with toys and make new friends at this fun and informal program. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

Toc Toc Spanish FREE

Spanish Music Sing-a-Long

WHEN: Feb. 3-24, select Mondays, 11am-12pm WHERE: Beyond at Liberty View, 850 Third Ave., Sunset Park AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Join for story time, dancing, and games for your children! WANT TO GO? 929-305-3821. bedbathandbeyond.com.

WHEN: Through June 26: Fridays, 10-10:45am WHERE: Busy Bodies, 1004 Fulton St., Brooklyn AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy Anza’s Spanish songs, animal puppets, and bubbles! WANT TO GO? $20. 929-337-6584. busybodiesbrooklyn.com.

Discovery Table FREE

¡Bienvenidos! Spanish Sing along with Lucy Kalantari!

WHEN: Feb. 3-24, Mondays, 10-11am (no session Feb. 17) WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, McKinley Park, 6802 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Dyker Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Discovery table fun with LEGO or train sets. WANT TO GO? 718-748-8001. bklynlibrary.org.

WHEN: Through June 29: Mondays, 11am-12pm WHERE: Lark Café, 1007 Church Ave., Flatbush AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Learn Spanish in song with Grammy Award-winning children’s artist Lucy Kalantari. WANT TO GO? $10. 718-469-0140. larkcafe.com.

Chess for Kids FREE

Tuesday Nursing Support Group

WHEN: Feb. 3-24, Mondays, 4-5pm (no session Feb. 17) WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, McKinley Park, 6802 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Dyker Heights AGES: All WHAT: Open chess for kids of all ages. (No instruction.) WANT TO GO? 718-748-8001. bklynlibrary.org.

WHEN: Through June 30: Tuesdays, 9:30-11am WHERE: The Wild, 272 Driggs Ave., Greenpoint AGES: Newborn to 2, Adult WHAT: LaShanda Dandrich, IBCLC, offers hands-on support and information on breast-feeding. Register in advance if possible. WANT TO GO? $35. 718-576-3806. shop-thewild.com. BrooklynParent 31

Teen Night: Windows of the Soul FREE WHEN: Friday, Feb. 7, 5-7:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: 14 and older WHAT: Get inspired by themes in JR: Chronicles and explore photography, street art, and urban activism to ask: how can we shift perspectives to reveal our humanity? WANT TO GO? 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.

Unicorn Dreamcatchers

Little Makers Family Art Workshop: Snow Globes WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 1-3pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Learn how to make your very own snow globes using a variety of materials provided. WANT TO GO? $8; $5 students and seniors 62 and older; $2 children ages 2-12; free for members. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

F.A.M. (Family Art Magic) WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 2, 11am-12:30pm and 1:30-3pm WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: 4-6 WHAT: Children and their adult companions explore together to discover the world through art, play fun gallery games, and create their own masterpieces in the studio. WANT TO GO? $29. 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.

Teen Manga Club FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, McKinley Park, 6802 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Dyker Heights AGES: 10 and older WHAT: Read manga, make origami, draw anime characters, and play with washi tape. WANT TO GO? 718-748-8001. bklynlibrary.org.

Anime Club FREE WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 6, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Spring Creek, 12143 Flatlands Ave., East New York AGES: 10-17 WHAT: Watch episodes of anime voted by members, make animeinspired crafts, and more! WANT TO GO? 718-257-6571. bklynlibrary.org. 32

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Private Picassos, 237 Fifth Ave., Park Slope AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Create your own colorful dream catcher, using wooden embroidery hoops, ribbon, yarn, felt, and glitter unicorn horns! WANT TO GO? $40. 718-215-0589. privatepicassos.com.

Open Studios: Glass in the City WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8, 12-4pm WHERE: UrbanGlass Studio, 647 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: Participate in hands-on activities for all ages, and tour the incredible space, learning about glass and the many ways it is used. WANT TO GO? $15-$70. 718-625-3685. urbanglass.org.

Book Adventures for Kids: Limited Time Only! FREE WHEN: Feb. 5-12, Wednesdays, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: 6-12 WHAT: Join the library for bookish fun as you read a book together and do an activity or craft based on the book! WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

Kids Create: Knitting & Crocheting FREE WHEN: Feb. 5-12, Wednesdays, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Kensington, 4207 18th Ave., Kensington AGES: 7 and older WHAT: Learn everything you will need to crochet or knit your own hat, scarf, or cool bag design by yourself. WANT TO GO? 718-436-0545. bklynlibrary.org.

The Knights: Family Show WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 15, 2pm WHERE: BRIC Arts Media, 647 Fulton St., Downtown Brooklyn AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: At this 1-hour show, your little ones will be introduced to classical music in a fun, relaxed, and interactive setting. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 in advance. 718-855-7882. ww.bricartsmedia.org.

Build with LEGO FREE WHEN: Feb. 4-18, Feb. 4 and Feb. 18, 4pm

WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Spring Creek, 12143 Flatlands Ave., East New York AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Have fun building with LEGO and Duplo blocks. WANT TO GO? 718-257-6571. bklynlibrary.org.

President’s Week in Prospect Park: Coming in from the Cold WHEN: Feb. 18-21, 1-3pm WHERE: Lefferts Historic House, 452 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Park AGES: All WHAT: Learn about salve and then make a small jar of your own scented salve to take home. WANT TO GO? $3 suggested donation. 718-789-2822. prospectpark.org.

First Five Years Kids Create FREE WHEN: Feb. 3-24, Mondays, 11am-12pm (no session Feb. 17) WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, McKinley Park, 6802 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Dyker Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Fun arts and crafts projects! WANT TO GO? 718-748-8001. bklynlibrary.org.

DIY for Teens FREE WHEN: Feb. 11-25, Tuesdays, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, McKinley Park, 6802 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Dyker Heights AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Learn how to make useful and fun crafts using your creativity and skills while socializing with other teens! WANT TO GO? 718-748-8001. bklynlibrary.org.

Kids Create FREE WHEN: Feb. 5-26, Wednesdays, 4-4:45pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Spring Creek, 12143 Flatlands Ave., East New York AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Have fun and create a project to bring home with you. WANT TO GO? 718-257-6571. bklynlibrary.org.

Kids Create FREE WHEN: Through Feb. 27: select Thursdays, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: 6-12 WHAT: Get creative with art projects. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

Game On! FREE WHEN: Feb. 7-28, Fridays, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, McKinley Park, 6802 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Dyker Heights AGES: 6-12 WHAT: Enjoy board games, card games, LEGOs, and puzzles at the library! WANT TO GO? 718-748-8001. bklynlibrary.org.

Write Stuff Wednesdays FREE WHEN: Through March 25: Wednesdays, 3-4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Brownsville, 61 Glenmore Ave., Brownsville AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Get feedback or just get your creative juices flowing in a supportive environment. WANT TO GO? 718-498-9721. bklynlibrary.org.

Kids Create: Arts and Crafts FREE WHEN: Feb. 6-March 26, Thursdays, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Williamsburgh, 240 Division Ave., Williamsburg AGES: 4 and older WHAT: Visit the library and make a new craft project every week! WANT TO GO? 718-302-3485. bklynlibrary.org.

DIY: Creative Writing Club FREE WHEN: Feb. 7-March 27, Fridays, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Kensington, 4207 18th Ave., Kensington AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Led by the NY Writer’s Coalition, teens work on their creative writing process in a welcoming and encouraging environment. WANT TO GO? 718-436-0545. bklynlibrary.org.

Teen Time: DIY and Gaming FREE WHEN: Through March 30: Mondays, 4-5pm (no session Feb. 17) WHERE: Brooklyn Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: 12 and older WHAT: Teens can join the library every week for crafts, table-top gaming, and more! WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

Teen DIY: Arts and Crafts FREE WHEN: Feb. 3-March 30, Mondays, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Eastern Parkway, 1044 Eastern Parkway, Crown Heights AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Enjoy getting creative using crafting materials of your choice! WANT TO GO? 718-953-4225. bklynlibrary.org.

Build with LEGO FREE WHEN: Feb. 4-March 31, Tuesdays, 4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: 6-12 WHAT: Meet and friends and have fun building with LEGO. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

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Courtesy Howe Caverns

outing

Day Trip, Anyone? 5 family weekend getaways that aren’t too far from home Go spelunking at Howe Caverns in Cobleskill in Schoharie County for a look at a 6-million-year-old cave in upstate New York.

ome say you never know what you’ll find in your own backyard. The saying holds true for our proverbial backyard, where there is much to explore and discover with the family. Since many schools in our area have a long weekend for Presidents Day (or even a week off of school!), we’ve put together a list of some worthy attractions just outside your local radius.

Baseball Hall of Fame 25 Main St., Cooperstown, NY 888-425-5633 • baseballhall.org Hours: Daily, 9am-5pm; Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day: daily, 9am-9pm Admission: $25; $20 seniors ages 65 and older; $15 children ages 7-12; free for children ages 6 and younger At this mecca for fans of the great American pastime, you can relive the history of Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, and women in baseball, and take in the new display of historic baseball cards. Kids can visit the Sandlot Kids’ Clubhouse, an interactive educational area devoted to Little Leaguers who want to learn about the big league. There are also special events throughout the summer, including the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend.

Nearby Attractions • Just 3 miles outside Cooperstown is the Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard, where you can take a tour, feed the ducks and geese on the pond, and relax while the kids play in Tractorland. • Take the 8-mile drive out of town to Glimmerglass State Park, where you’ll find beaches, picnic areas, camping sites, hiking, and nature trails. 34

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Crayola Experience 30 Centre Square, Easton, PA 610-515-8000 • crayolaexperience.com/easton Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm Admission: $22.99 ($19.99 online); free for children 2 and younger Discover the magic of color with 25 attractions at Crayola Experience. Kids can explore four floors of family fun to create custom crayons and markers, bring their drawings to life on the big screen, star in their own coloring pages, paint with melted wax, or “doodle in the dark” on an interactive floor. Grab a colorful concoction from Café Crayola and take home one-of-akind souvenirs from the official Crayola Store.

Nearby Attractions • Take a tour of ancient underground caverns, then come back to the surface to picnic, hike the nature trails, and shop for gemstones at Lost River Caverns.

Dinosaur State Park 400 West St., Rocky Hill, CT 860-529-8423 • dinosaurstatepark.org Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-4:30pm Admission (for exhibit center): $6; $2 children ages 6-12; free for children 5 and younger Pack your sunscreen for a day of outdoor adventure. For a small fee, visitors can mine for gems and fossils or make their own cast of a dinosaur footprint. The Discovery Room includes a Connecticut Geologic Treasures exhibit, Life Through Time Fossil exhibit, and more.

Nearby Attractions • Visit The Children’s Museum for hands-on science and nature exhibits, a wildlife sanctuary, movie screenings, and planetarium shows. • Soar over to the New England Air Museum to learn about the science and history of flight, take a cockpit tour of a vintage aircraft, virtually fly an aircraft, and view more than 65 aircrafts. • See one of the largest collections of antique carousel pieces at The New England Carousel Museum, then take a spin on the Bushnell Park Carousel.

Lorem Ipsum

Howe Caverns 255 Discovery Drive, Cobleskill, NY 518-296-8900 • howecaverns.com Hours: Friday-Sunday, 10am-3pm Traditional Tour: A 90-minute walking tour with boat ride: $25; $21 children ages 12-15; $13 children ages 5-11. Family Flashlight Tour: A 2-hour tour with flashlights and headlamps offered on Sunday evenings (for ages 5 and older): $45; reservations required. Lantern Tour: A 2-hour tour with lanterns on Friday and Saturday evenings (for ages 16 and older): $45; reservations required. Signature Rock Discovery Tour: A 2½-hour spelunking tour that reveals a portion of the cave that was closed for more than 100 years (for ages 14 and older): $155; reservations required. Journey more than 150 feet below the Earth’s surface, where you’ll take a tour of an underground cavern 6 million years in the making. You’ll see stalactites and stalagmites, limestone formations, and the underground Lake of Venus. Above ground, Howe High Adventure activities include a four-tower zip line, ropes course, rock wall, air jumper, and gem mine at the Howe Caverns Mining Company. The H2OGO Ball gets visitors rolling down a hill in a 12-foot inflatable ball filled with 5 gallons of water. With a café and motel on premises, visitors can turn their day trip into a weekend getaway.

outdoor activities + Cultural trips Ages 5-8

Dance • Jazz • Rock Band • Hip Hop • Orchestra 126 St. Felix Street | www.brooklynmusicschool.org | (718) 638-5660

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4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 215-581-3181 • pleasetouchmuseum.org Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm Admission: $19.95; $16 parking Explore two floors of interactive exhibit zones including Roadside Attractions, Wonderland, River Adventures, and the Imagination Playground. The museum encourages touching the exhibits as a means of learning. Other programs include story time, music and movement, STEM activities, and theatrical experiences designed with tiny tots in mind.

Saving money on a New York City family day is easy!

Nearby Attractions • Visit The Betsy Ross House to experience colonial Philadelphia and “meet” the woman who sewed the first American flag. • The Franklin Institute hosts daily exhibits, shows, and demonstrations in the spirit of Benjamin Franklin’s passion for science and technology. • Stop by the Philadelphia Zoo to meet nearly 1,300 animals, ride the carousel or PZ Express train, take a ride on the Zooballoon, and steer a swan boat. • Take a tour of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell at Independence National Historic Park.

Cityguideny.com has coupons and discounts for NYC sightseeing attractions, restaurants, stores and more. Great New York deals, savings, special offers and deep discounts—for you and your family—are yours with just a click of the mouse. BrooklynParent 35

outing

Insta - Fun! These NYC pop-up museums will provide hours of entertainment—and some great pics for social!

as your Instagram feed been inundated with pictures of kids playing in a pool of sprinkles, swimming in a sea of light blue balls, or playing with endless vats of slime? Yes? Ours too. And snapping your own pics for Instagram is just a subway ride away. So, if you’re itching for an adventure with your kids, head over to Soho to spend the afternoon at one—or all—of these Insta-worthy pop-ups. Our editors had a ball when they visited The Color Factory!

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

The Color Factory 251 Spring St., Soho colorfactory.co/nyc 347-378-4071 Hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 9:30am-6pm; FridaySaturday, 9:30-8pm; Sunday, 9:30am-7pm Admission: $38; $28 children ages 3-12; free for children 2 and younger Fast Company calls this 20,000-square-foot space the “most Instagrammable place on earth”! You can take a self-guided tour through colorful installations from several amazing artists. Each exhibit encourages curiosity, discovery, and play, and will engage both kids and parents in unexpected ways. Tickets for busy time slots frequently sell out, so plan in advance!

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Sloomoo Slime Institute 475 Broadway, Soho sloomooinstitute.com Hours: Monday-Wednesday and Thursday, 10am-8pm; FridaySaturday, 10am-9pm Admission: $38; $68 for the Sloomoo Falls Enhanced Experience This playground centered around slime provides a slime-tastic experience for the whole family. Visitors will interact with many different kinds of slime that stimulate all five senses. There’s a glow-in-the-dark cove, an EEG machine that shows you your brain “on slime,” seemingly endless vats of slime, a 150-foot-long DIY bar where you can make your own slime, an immersive ASMR tunnel, and more. The Sloomoo Enhanced Falls Experience allows visitors to splash into Sloomoo Falls, where slime rains down upon you! Sloomoo will only be in the city for six months and opened this fall, so make sure you get there to experience the full array of slimey fun before it’s too late.

The Museum of Ice Cream 558 Broadway, Soho museumoficecream.com/new-york-city Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:30am-10pm Admission: $39; free for kids 2 and younger Every part of this three-story, ice cream-filled experience is immersive, from the giant slide to the sprinkle pool you can reserve for 1-hour swims. Kids and parents will both have fun tasting ice cream; learning about the sweet treat’s history; riding the cleanest, prettiest subway ever; visiting the banana room and the room full of playgrounds; and more! Tickets are on currently on sale through May 4—don’t miss out on the best chilly experience you’ll have this year!

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Check out the jobs today Receive weekly email about new jobs You can reserve the sprinkle pool for a 1-hour swim at The Museum of Ice Cream.

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black history month

Discovering Diversity 9 books for kids that explore significant moments and important figures in black history By Kirsten Clodfelter

o matter how big they get, reading with my kids remains one of my favorite activities. And while reading together helps us feel close, it’s also a valuable tool for starting big conversations. Sometimes books provide a mirror, and we see ourselves reflected in a story’s pages. Other times books offer a window—a lens through which we’re able to see characters and experiences that might otherwise be unfamiliar or even inaccessible to us. As a white parent, I have a responsibility to help de-center my kids from every narrative—to give them more windows. Filling our shelves with books that feature protagonists of varying races, identities, or backgrounds is only one small step toward these larger conversations, but I hope they’re helping my daughters pave the way for a more inclusive future. In honor of Black History Month, here are nine books—for kids ages 3-17—by black authors that explore significant historical moments and important black figures. And, of course, these books are also great reading during any other month of the year.

A is for Activist Inspire preschool readers with this ABC board book by Innosanto Nagara. The rhyming and alliteration will keep young learners engaged while sharing a message that calls children to action in support of justice and equality in their communities. (Ages 3-5; Triangle Square; $11.95)

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History This New York Times bestseller from authorillustrator Vashti Harrison features 40 kid-friendly biographies of black women who impacted history. The project began with a series of posts Harrison shared to her Instagram (@vashtiharrison) during Black History Month, before growing into the wildly popular book it is today. (Ages 4-10; Little, Brown Young Readers; $16.99)

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Hidden Figures This picture book by Margot Lee Shetterly, adapted from her New York Times bestselling book (and a popular movie), tells the true story of four black women with STEM talents who changed the course of history, and helped launch the first humans into space during their time at NASA. (Ages 4-10; HarperCollins; $17.99)

A Girl Named Misty In this compelling biography from the American Girl series, young readers will learn the journey of the talented Misty Copeland, who made modern history when the American Ballet promoted her to principal dancer—the first black woman to hold the title in the company’s history. (Ages 7-10; Scholastic; $4.99) Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History Looking for a companion to Harrison’s beautifully written children’s book debut? Dive into her most recent book, Little Legends, for more engaging, compelling, and accessible primers on some of American history’s most exceptional black men. (Ages 4-10; Little, Brown Young Readers; $10.99)

Young, Gifted and Black In one- and two-page vignettes, this brightly illustrated book illuminates 52 exceptional black figures from the past and present, including such greats as Maya Angelou, W.E.B. DuBois, Langston Hughes, Nina Simone, Beyoncé Knowles, Simone Biles, Shirley Chisolm, and Serena Williams. (Ages 7-10; Wide-Eyed Editions; $23.99)

March (Books 1-3) In this award-winning and intimate graphic novel trilogy, Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) shares his firsthand account of key events during the Civil Rights Movement. He approaches complex subjects in a way that’s accessible and meaningful, making this series a must-read for middle- and high-school students looking to learn more about black history. (Ages 13 and older; Top Shelf Productions; $14.95-$19.99)

A Child’s Introduction to African American History: The Experiences, People, and Events That Shaped Our Country Young readers with an interest in history and culture will enjoy this one by Jabari Asim, which focuses not only on key figures but on significant events that shaped America—from the slave trade to today’s Black Lives Matter movement. (Ages 10-15; Black Dog & Leventhal; $19.99)

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March Learn about a significant milestone during the Civil Rights Era from someone who lived it. This memoir, by Lynda Blackmon Lowery, brings history to life as she recounts her time as the youngest protestor in the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery in support of voting rights for African Americans. (Ages 12-17; Speak; $9.99)

Kirsten Clodfelter is a Midwest-based freelance writer, the co-founder of Rise Marketing Inc., and a mom of three. Learn more at kirstenclodfelter.com or follow her on Instagram: @icanmotheranyway.

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kid’s life

Keeping the Peace How to reduce conflict and foster strong sibling relationships when your children share a room By Jaimie Seaton

e can’t all live in luxury duplexes or spacious houses. In fact, the vast majority of New Yorkers in the metro area live in small apartments, which means families have to get creative with how they use their space—and siblings might have to share a room. Laura Markham, Ph.D., founder of Aha! Parenting and author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings, advises parents start by explaining the situation. Tell your children: “We do need you to share a room with your brother/ sister. I realize that’s asking a lot of you, and I want you to always feel like you can come and talk to me if you get upset by anything. And we’ll put on our thinking caps and find a way to solve whatever the problem is.” There are bound to be ups and downs, so Dr. Markham shares 10 tips for reducing conflict in a tight space.

Expect bumps and don’t give up. There will be a transitional time when you first put your kids together, so expect difficult nights and have a back-up plan. If your baby is used to sleeping with you, first move her to a crib in your room. When she moves to the elder sibling’s room, and if she cries excessively, move her to the living room for the night so the elder child can sleep. Put sleep first. If you’re moving a baby into an older sibling’s room, make sure the baby can sleep through the night so he’s not waking the older child. Consider using a white noise machine to help both children sleep. Start during vacation. If you are transitioning baby or simply putting two siblings together for the first time, try to make the change over a

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

long weekend or vacation when everyone can sleep in and there is less pressure. Let young children share a bed. When your youngest child is old enough to sleep safely with a sibling, push two twin mattresses together on the floor. This can be a great way to foster closeness, and when the children get older and want their own bed, you can pull the beds apart. Secure their treasures. We want to teach our kids to share, but they should also have a place where their prized possessions (such as a model they built or a favorite book) are just theirs. Have a locked cabinet where each child can store their treasures. This is especially important when one of the siblings is a toddler or young child who may not understand boundaries. Designate the bedroom a quiet space. Sometimes one child needs more downtime than the other. Defining the bedroom as a quiet place and relegating louder activity to family spaces can go a long way toward a peaceful home. Create separate spaces. The most common reason kids have a hard time when they share a room is privacy. Set up play tents or bed canopies with curtains, so each child can feel they have their own cocoon. With older siblings or siblings of different genders who need even more privacy, divide the room in half using bookcases or even a sheet to create a temporary wall. Validate their feelings. If your kids want privacy, it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong. Your children shouldn’t be made to feel disloyal to each other if they want space. Let them know it’s okay. Work to solve conflicts. If kids are having an irreconcilable difference, some family counseling might be in order. If you have teenagers who are at each other’s throats, counseling can help to uncover the underlying issues. It can also help them develop the ability to communicate safely and express their needs. If all else fails, separate them. If you absolutely have to, consider giving the living room to one of the kids, or the parents, until the living situation changes (the older child goes to college or you move to a larger space). Dr. Markham also urges parents to be flexible— you’re not going to be able to set up the situation and leave it until your kids move out or you’re able to move to a home or apartment with more rooms. Communicate frequently with your children and make adjustments according to what works best for them. And remember, sharing a room is teaching your children to be resilient and adaptable—and they’ll likely grow up to be better sleepers.

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Jaimie Seaton has been a journalist for more than 20 years and is a former foreign correspondent for Newsweek. Her essays and reported stories on divorce, parenting, dating, and a wide range of topics have been featured in the Washington Post, New York Magazine, Parents and many other publications. Follow her on Twitter @JaimieSeaton.

BrooklynParent 41

social media

App Chat

8 social media apps your kids are likely using By Kathryn Sheridan and Melissa Wickes

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

nstagram, Snapchat, Kik, TikTok, House Party—the list goes on. There are so many social media apps these days, it can be confusing, overwhelming, and stressful to keep track of what exactly your kids are doing behind their screens. To help keep things straight, here’s a list of the popular social media apps many kids are using nowadays and how each of them work so you can decide what is and what is not appropriate for your kids.

TikTok The most popular social media app right now, TikTok is a video-sharing app that offers comedy, music, dance, and drama videos ranging anywhere from 5 seconds to 1 minute long, according to Rafael Sales, data strategist at Sparkloft Media, a social media creative agency. Users often mimic “challenges” they see on the app and then post their own version. Due to the strength of the app’s algorithm, the users feed is highly curated to her interests, which is a positive if you are concerned about your child viewing mature content. The app requires users to be at least 13 years old and receive a guardian’s approval if they are younger than 18.

Instagram This photo-sharing app allows users to document their lives through picture or video posts, stories, and even Instagram Live. Users can follow friends, family, celebrities, influencers, and brands to create their own curated feed of what the people they care about are posting. By default, your Instagram profile and pictures are public, which means anyone can view them, so it’s important your child’s security settings are set to private if you want only his followers to

have access to his profile. Instagram also allows users to add a location tag to any image, so be aware of the way your kids are using this feature.

Snapchat This app offers is a way to stay in touch with friends that is more casual and fleeting than a permanent social media post. Users can take a picture or video and add captions, drawings, filters, locations, stickers, and gifs before sending it to specific friends, or posting it on their story for 24 hours for her whole friend list to see. The user chooses the amount of time their friend will be able to view the snap (anywhere from 1 second to unlimited seconds) before it disappears. It’s important to encourage your kids to use good judgement when posting and sending Snapchats or taking screenshots of others’ snaps, because nothing on the Internet truly disappears.

Houseparty - Group Video Chat With this app, two to eight people can be in a video chat together at the same time, according to Common Sense Media. You are able to lock a chat so no one new can join, but if someone who is not a direct friend joins an unlocked video chat, you will receive an alert. It is important for parents to note that users can take screenshots during the chat and that there is no moderator Like FaceTime, anything can happen in a live video chat.

GroupMe This direct and group message service has no fees or limits. Users can send photos, videos, and calendar invitations. The app is best for older teens because the gif and emoji functions include some adult themes, according to Common Sense Media. Also noteworthy: The app allows teens to be constantly connected, due to the unlimited messaging ability.

WhatsApp Similar to GroupMe, WhatsApp is a free, cross-platform messaging service allowing users to send texts and voice messages, make voice and video calls, and share messages, documents, locations, and other media. The app is for users ages 16 and older.

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CBE Kids Day Camps

guest artist Tovi Wayne on Feb. 4 from 5-6:30pm. The master class is free and will focus on acting and dancing.

openHOUSE 718-768-3814 x210 cbebk.org/camp; camp@cbebk.org Join us for a camp fair on Feb. 9 from 12-3pm.

The Park Slope Day Camp

Mill Basin Day Camp

Ronny Schindler, executive director 718-788-7732 • parkslopedaycamp.com Join us for an open house on Feb. 8 at 1 and 2:30pm.

5945 Strickland Ave. 718-251-6200 • millbasindaycamp.com Bring the whole family for a tour and discussion of the camp program for children entering pre-K through ninth grade. Feb. 1 and 16 from 1-3pm.

Trail Blazers

394 Rogers Ave. 212-529-5113 trailblazers.org; registration@trailblazers.org Join us for a camp info session at our main office (397 Rogers Ave.) on Tuesday, Feb. 4 from 7-8pm. Please RSVP at trailblazers.org/ overnightcamp.

Park Slope Conservatory

77 Sterling Place, Suite 1 973-885-5034 • parkslopeconservatory.com Join us for an open house with Broadway

Discord This is a free voice, video, and texting app for users ages 13 and older. It was originally created to unite gamers, according to the app’s website, and it allows users to join a chat they’ve been invited to or to create their own to discuss games. Users have a variety of security options such as choosing who can message them, who can add them as a friend, which servers they want to join, who they want to block, and to scan and delete messages with explicit content.

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Kik This app is another free alternative to texting app built specifically for teens. There has been a lot of controversy and negative conversation surrounding the app regarding communication with strangers and covert marketing. The app has allegedly been used in high-profile crimes, including murder and child pornography, according to Common Sense Media.

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Smart Start..................................................... 12

Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum ................. 3

Beat The Bomb .............................................. 25

Treasure Island ............................................... 17

Llingsworth Music........................................... 25

Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum ................. 3

classes camps

Brooklyn Music School ................................... 35

CBE - Travel Camp ........................................... 7

gan preschool ................................................ 25

Fastrackids Bklyn / SI ........................................ 8

NY Surf School................................................ 17

health Allergy & Asthma Care of Bklyn...................... 43 Maimonides Medical Center ............................ 8

music Little Sprouts Preschool .................................... 7

Smart Start..................................................... 12 Brooklyn Music School ................................... 35

Mill Basin Day Camp ........................................ 5

NY Surf School................................................ 17

The Learnatory................................................ 19 Llingsworth Music........................................... 25 YMCA of Greater New York ........................... 47

retail

Park Slope Day Camp ..................................... 48

education Smart Start..................................................... 12 Fastrackids Bklyn / SI ........................................ 8 Sprout Brooklyn Day Camp ............................ 12

Llingsworth Music........................................... 25 The Ridge Kids Bay Ridge ............................... 25

gan preschool ................................................ 25 The Learnatory................................................ 19 Higher Ground Education - Guidepost Trail Blazers Summer Camp ............................ 17

special events

Montessori ...................................................... 2 Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum ................. 3

Treasure Island ............................................... 17

Little Sprouts Preschool .................................... 7

YMCA of Greater New York ........................... 47

Pache Montessori ........................................... 25 Treasure Island ............................................... 17

child care / day care

sports NY Surf School................................................ 17 YMCA of Greater New York ........................... 47

gan preschool ................................................ 25

family entertainment /

Little Sprouts Preschool .................................... 7

events / outings

tutors

Pache Montessori ........................................... 25

Beat The Bomb .............................................. 25

Fastrackids Bklyn / SI ........................................ 8

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last word

What do you really want for Valentine’s Day?

“Every Valentine’s Day I want those around me to feel loved, so I usually don’t think about what I want. I guess in a perfect world where I get what I want, I would ask for what I request on my birthday, Christmas, etc.: a nap. That’s really all I want. Just a nap. A nice long nap.” —Jason Greene (@thejasongreene), Manhattan

“To me, there is nothing more romantic or sentimental than feeling loved and appreciated. To be really noticed for all the invisible work moms do daily. I don’t need any physical presents, but I do love experience gifts. A family activity, a date night, concert, cooking class, comedy show, or a play are always top on my list.”—Katy Winter (@katys_organized_home), Westchester County “A whole 24 hours of silence—a night to sleep, a morning to only think about myself. And, then, after 24 hours of silence, I want sex. Because to have good sex you need a peaceful, uncongested mind, and that is hard to do when you’ve been jumping from mom-mode to entrepreneur-mode all day.”

“I want a day of f, at home . with no kids And a box of chocolatesns.”

—Pamela Pekerman (@pamelapekerman), Manhattan

rsky Quee

— Margot Luba

“A nice bottle of red wine, good dark chocolate, and my kids to stop interrupting for one second so I can have an actual conversation with my husband.” —Jessica Reese, Westchester County

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As we just moved into a new house, I’m dreaming of pretty linens (napkins and placemats) for our new table and all the parties I am hoping to plan but may never get around to doing so.” —Lisa Miller, Brooklyn

“I want an experience— something that feels special and maybe a little lavish… something I can get out of my mommy clothes for!” —Stella Leo (@StylishlyStella), Manhattan

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