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Queens Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM PARENTS.COM JUNE 2018

Here Comes Summer!

• Fun Ways to Keep Kids Learning • Savvy Tips to $ave on Vacations • Awesome Activities Near You

The Daddy/Baby Bond: Real Fathers Tell All

Is Your Home Safe?

10 Things to Do Before Traveling

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

QueensParent

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Magic g Day Camp

WE ACCEPT PARTICIPATING UNIONS

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QueensParent

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contents table of

Original photo by ›› PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com)

june 2018

32 46

Summertime Shine

Find nearby beaches, carousels, amuseument parks, and strawberry festivals for a fun June

Prep Your Home for Your Vacation Ten things to do before traveling to keep your house safe—and give you peace of mind

summer fun 16 Fun Ways to Stem the Summer Slide

50

20 Summer Fun Directory 28 Camps-at-a-Glance Chart

College Crash Course

Conversations to have with your teen before he heads off to college to ensure he has a successful four years

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Traveling With Your Pet 12 Drowning Devices…and Diversions 48 The Beauty of Daddy-Baby Bonding 50 College Crash Course 52 Party Central 54 Professional Services 56 Meet the Doctor 56 Open Houses 57 Family Resource Guide 57 Advertisers’ Index 58 Quotables

13 Freeze Style

44 Vacationing on a Budget

32 Summertime Shine

46 Prep Your Home for Your Vacation

33 Family Activities Calendar 42 Family Fun in Manhattan

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 16 Fun Ways to Keep Kids Learning 20 Awesome Activities Near You 44 Savvy Tips to $ave on Vacations 46 Is Your Home Safe? 48 The Daddy/Baby Bond facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

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raising kids editor’s note

JUNE 2018 • Vol.23 • No.11

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Deborah Skolnik MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf ASSISTANT EDITOR: Melissa Wickes

Summer, We’ve Missed You!

W

inter felt like it would never end. And then when it finally, finally did, the rain started. So we’re making no apologies for being extra-psyched for summer this year! That’s right: It’s time to haul out the cooler, unfold the lounge chairs, fire up the grill, and…did you think I was going to say relax? Come on, you’ve got kids!

If you slack off, your children probably will too. Research shows that on average in summer they lose a month’s worth of the knowledge they acquired during the school year. But don’t worry, we’ve got an easy solution: Turn to p. 16 to read “Fun Ways to Stem the Summer Slide” by Christina Vercelletto. It features eight fascinating places where kids can learn something new while having a uniquely entertaining time.

And how about overnight trips? Chances are you’re hoping to go on one with the fam this season. It can be tricky to plan a relaxing getaway that doesn’t put some stress on your finances, though. That’s why we hit up leading travel experts for their best moneysaving advice, shared in Melissa Wickes’ piece “Vacationing on a Budget” on p. 44. Read it and you’ll learn about secret sources of affordable travel packages, credit-card tricks that earn you deep discounts, and more. But don’t hit the road just yet! First have a look at “Prep Your Home for Your Vacation” on p. 46—security experts shared their best tips on how to keep your home burglarproof even while you’re away.

Of course we haven’t forgotten about Father’s Day. Dad power is a very real thing, and Jennie Russo’s feature, “The Beauty of Daddy-Baby Bonding” on p. 48, proves it. She got four real dads to dish on what makes fathers feel close to their newborns, and the things they did to build that all-important feeling of attachment. Speaking of powerful attachments, if you have a college-bound kid, you’re probably feeling kind of misty about his impending departure. Don’t miss “College Crash Course” (p. 50) by Caitlin Sawicki.

It gives the lowdown on some very important conversations you need to have with your child to assure his success as he heads for higher education.

Valerie Goldstein discusses how she got schooled—in the art of unplugging, that is—in her hilarious and touching essay, “Drowning Devices…and Diversions” on p. 12. When her toddler dropped her phone in the toilet, Valerie lost all her contacts for a while—but found herself in closer touch with her children and her sense of inner peace.

One last thing I want to mention: Time’s almost up for you to enter our contest to get your child on the cover of our magazines. Doesn’t your cutie deserve a shot at fame— and doesn’t your whole family deserve a great, FREE vacation? That’s the grand prize, and there’s more besides. Entering is easy—go to nymetroparents.com/covercontest and upload a favorite photo of your child, ages 2-16. Good luck!

Hoping your month is the very picture of happiness.

Deborah Skolnik Editorial Director, NYMetroParents

REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Whitney C. Harris (Manhattan, Westchester); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERN: Alana Coopersmith To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents

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

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BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN •ROCKLAND PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2017, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher.

Subscription rates per year, per publication: $39

Dr. Zweihorn is a board-certified orthodontist specializing in the treatment of children, teens and adults. Our team focuses on helping you achieve your best smile!

CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: 718.969.9234 • www.drzweihorn.com

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Safe & Nurturing Environment Story Telling & Creative Writing Music & Art Expression Literature Rich Setting Discovering Math & Science

Our focus is on the total child, academically and socially.

Reading Readiness, Comprehension and Phonics are a major component of our program. Staffed by two Certified Early Childhood Teachers with 28 years experience. Student to Teacher Ratio 3:1

Spacious Outdoor Play Area

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Call for a Visit 718-767-2776 • Lynne Braithwaite / Director • Whitestone, New York Braithwaitenurseryschool.com QueensParent

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Courtesy Young People’ s Day Camp

raising kids new places, new programs

Shoreham Day Camp to Offer STEM and Robotics Program Who: Young People’s Day Camp What’s New: A STEM enrichment program, which will be offered beginning in July.

The premium enrichment STEM program will run from July to August, for a total of four weeks. The program will consist of an elementary introduction to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math through a series of exciting, educational, and fun projects.

Each week will have a different theme, including bridges and towers; cars, trains, planes, and rockets; introduction to robotics; and forensic science. In introduction to robotics, campers will learn how to build a working robot and will be taught an introduction to coding and application to robotics.

Want More Info: 32 Sherwood Drive, Shoreham; 1-800-856-1043; queenscamp.com

Campers at Young Peo ple’s Day Camp go on a variety of fun and exciting field trips eve ry summer.

Courtesy Socce

Who: Soccer Friends USA What’s New: The Astoria and Long Island City locations of the children’s soccer school.

The school has several locations throughout the borough. The Astoria location, based at the 1,200-square-foot ACD Playspace on 38th Street, opened Feb. 5 and offers classes for children ages 18 months to 4 years.

Classes run on Sunday and Monday mornings from 9am-1pm.

In addition, Soccer Friends USA secured a summer program option for families who attend The Learning Center in Long Island City. Summer classes will take place in July and August at the 13,000-square-foot facility for children ages 2-4.

Soccer Friends USA is for children ages 18 months to 14 years who want to learn the skills of the sport.

Want More Info: Locations in Fresh Meadows, Kew Gardens, Rego Park, Forest Hills; 718-261-2403; 347-756-2568 (Spanish); soccerfriendsusa.com

r Friends USA

Soccer School Opened Astoria and Long Island City Locations

cer classes at Registration for soc locations is open.

all Soccer Friends

USA

Who: YMCA of Greater New York What’s New: A variety of summer programs, including progressive swim camps and science camps. Each camp activity will integrate health and wellness education.

The new camp programs being offered this year are swim camps, science camps, and performing art camps. All new programs aim to develop campers’ teamwork and self-confidence. Each program requires preregistration.

The YMCA will focus on incorporating the Social and Emotional Learning Character Development (SEL) and Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) Healthy Living curriculums within its camp activities, including the brand-new Teen Camp.

Want More Info: Jamaica YMCA, 89-25 Parsons Blvd., Jamaica; 718-739-6600; ymcanyc.org/jamaica 8

June 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy YMCA of Greater New York

NYC YMCA to Offer New Programs and Health Curriculum This Summer

Campers at YMCA’s camps will learn

a variety of lifelong skills.

A

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At The George Washington University Online High School, we offer highly personalized learning, and intensive college advising for 8th through 12th graders.

With our academically challenging education, your student will be well-prepared for college.

Learn more at an online information session.

Visit gwuohs.com/events or call 855.748.4731 for more details.

PARK DAYS & WORKSHOPS ART / DRAWING / MUSIC 2-8 WEEKS OPTIONS AVAILABLE JULY & AUGUST AGES 4 - 6 YEARS OLD

65-01 KISSENA BLVD. FLUSHING, NY 11367 TEL: (718) 460 - 6366

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70-44 KISSENA BLVD. FLUSHING, NY 11367 TEL: (718) 880 - 1888

104-70 QUEENS BLVD. FOREST HILLS, NY 11375 TEL: (718) 997 - 1997

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QueensParent

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raising kids in the know

Traveling With Your Pet ››

By Bethany Braun-Silva and Jeff Weber, D.V.M.

I

f you’ll be enjoying a getaway this summer, make sure to include Fido!

As overwhelming as traveling with a cat or dog may seem, it’s doable if you prepare. Jeff Weber, D.V.M., shares five things you should know about traveling with your furry friend. With proper planning and preparedness, traveling with your pets can be great fun and hassle-free!

Familiarize your pet with travel. If you’ll be taking a road trip, acclimate him to car rides through brief practice runs. Once the drive is complete, give praise and a treat. Increase the time gradually so he becomes accustomed. Use this same approach to get her used to a carrier or crate.

Make a thorough packing list. You’ll want to take along the essentials, of course, such as a leash, food bowl, medications your pet needs, a favorite toy, and litter box (if you have a cat). But don’t forget important documents as well such as his medical records and emergency information. Double-check that her collar-tag has your contact information in case you get separated, and that you have a photo of her on hand. Consider medications or supplements to help him with car or motion sickness; consult your veterinarian first. Dogs have sensitive GI tracts, so fill a gallon jug with your local water. At every stop, fill the jug back to the top so new water is gradually introduced.

Keep pets restrained in a car either with a harness attached to a seat belt, or a pet carrier anchored with a seat belt. Pets running

freely in a car distract the driver. Plan stops around feeding times and bathroom breaks. Make sure to connect the leash to his collar before opening the car door. Never leave her in a parked car. A parked car with a panting, nervous dog inside can get hot, very quickly.

Understand your airline’s pet policies. Not all airlines allow pets; others limit the number of animals per flight, in cabin and in cargo.

Be sure your pet’s physical condition is compatible with flight. Discuss illnesses, injuries, and health risks with your veterinarian. Certain dog breeds have special respiratory considerations.

Find pet-friendly accommodations. Let friends or family know you’re bringing your pet. There may be a resident animal that might not be so welcoming. Bring some new toys and help out with pet-related chores. Or find a pet-friendly hotel and ask about the size of animal allowed.

A graduate of the University of California Davis Veterinary School, Jeff Weber, D.V.M., established his Los Angeles-based clinic, Century Veterinary Group, in 1988. To learn more, visit drjeff.com.

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The New Highland Elementary School Established 1949

A Diverse, Co-Ed Non-Sectarian K-8 School Creating open minds and infinite possibilities New York State Accredited ROLLING ENROLLMENT: REGISTER NOW!!!

• Small Classes • Computer Classes • Music & Art • Foreign Languages • STEM Activities • Daily Gym & Recess

• Separate Kindergarten Floor • Smartboard Technology • Large Gymnasium • Outdoor Playing Fields • Extracurricular Activities • Early Morning Drop Off • After School Program • Transportation Available Affordable Tuition Accredited By The New York State Department of Education

CONSIDERING REGISTERING?

THURSDAY , JUNE 7th is a NYC School holiday, However, we are OPEN!!!

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OPEN HOUSE • 9AM-2PM or later • Call to RSVP Evening Tours are available by appointment.

193-10 Peck Ave. • Fresh Meadows, N.Y. 11365 718-357-4747 • www.thenewhighlandschool.com

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QueensParent 11

Courtesy Valerie Goldstein

raising kids voices

Drowning Devices…and Diversions ›› How I became a more mindful parent when my daughter flushed my phone

By Valerie Goldstein

I

t has been awhile since my cellphone took a memorable dive into the toilet. My then 14-month-old daughter took it, unbeknownst to me, and decided to play with it in the toilet like a sprightly kitten. Within the 2 minutes it took for me to give my son antibiotics for strep throat, that little nugget let my cellular device sink to the bottom of the bowl to its final porcelain resting place. She flushed my memories and contacts, but managed to give me a newfound freedom.

I did not possess one single ounce of anger or frustration (I could never be mad at that face, anyhow). I just prayed my photos from the past two years could somehow be restored. Who backs up their phone, right? Sigh. I envisioned myself without my phone for a couple of days. I didn’t have any upcoming phone conferences, so survival was possible.

In the first 24 hours sans phone, I would reach into my empty pocket to text someone, or want to take a photo of my children to preserve the memory. By day two, I lost the urge to do my daily Facebook check or read the news from a tiny screen. Not once did I hear, “Mommy, look at me!” I was already present and watching. There was no need to glance down at a text message, or investigate why I was receiving a “ping” every other minute. Oh, those group chats... I felt as if I were more tuned in to each child, and truly able to give each one my full attention.

In the couple of weeks following my phone’s complete engulfment into the washroom water abyss, each child made great strides. My then 4-year-old started reading three-letter words, my then 3-year-old was able to identify all of his shapes, as well as half of his letters and numbers, and my then 14-month-old said “purple” and something that resembles “caterpillar”. We regularly spend a great deal of time reading together, but for those few weeks, I was able to spend more time reading to them individually, as well as focusing on their age-appropriate skills. I could not help but wonder: Was my lack of phone contributing to these

Valerie Goldstein with her family

milestones? In addition, it felt like our 1-on-1 cuddle times were longer, and we spoke about the highlights of our day in detail.

Not to mention, our finger painting and rock-finding explorations were more frequent.

My mom commented that I seemed more relaxed without my cellphone. I felt less tense by not reading stress-inducing posts on social media sites or foreboding articles that made me fret. I found myself reading tangible articles, and reveling in the smell and touch of paper, like I always have (National Geographic Traveler is my newfound love). I checked Facebook on a couple of occasions, but my broken iPad is slower than the dial-up AOL I used in high school.

I’m glad it’s as slow as molasses because I think my mind had been craving a much-needed break from social media and other nonsensical outlets. I think we all need this, whether you have children or not.

Exactly three weeks after the incidental immersion, I received my new phone. While my contacts took an additional week to be restored, I was finally able to look up anything in an instant.

Surprisingly, I did not touch it until the following day. Maybe it’s like after Hurricane Sandy, when I still sat in the dark even though the power was restored. I was used to not having power for 14 days, so it took time for me to register that I could finally turn the lights on. I had grown used to not having my phone on me at all times, and deep down, I know I had a couple of great weeks without it. I did not miss the interruptions, or having my attention diverted from the important things in life.

With a phone back in my life, I am going to strive to put away electronic devices until my children are asleep. My objective will continue to be more mindful, present, and living in the here and now with my family. They are my everything, and each precious moment does not necessarily need to be captured through the lens of my phone. The sights, sounds, and sensations I take in by being in the moment will far surpass dozens of digital prints I deem as being perfect.

Valerie Goldstein is a freelance writer who lives in Northport with her husband and three children, ages 5, 4, and 2. She conducts presentations for preschool and elementary students on disabilities and those with different abilities to promote social awareness and inspire discussions on acceptance and diversity. She has been published in Woman’s Day and ADVANCE for Occupational Therapy Practitioners. She writes about being a mother with disabilities and other inspiring topics at myfiretoinspire.blogspot.com.

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June 2018 | nymetroparents.com

things to do

diy corner

Freeze Style

Nothing screams summertime and fun camp days to us quite like tie-dyeing T-shirts, but we’re ready for a new take on the multicolored tops. Enter Kid Made Modern’s galaxy-like T-shirt, which uses frozen cubes of dye that have been smashed up with a hammer. So prepare your materials and head outside for an afternoon of custom T-shirt making fun!

You will need: • Dye

• Hammer

• Ice cube trays

• Cloth for hammering

• Plastic sandwich bags

• Washed T-shirt

Step 1: Prepare dye colors and freeze them in ice cube trays.

Place the frozen cubes in plastic bags.

Step 2: Place the cloth on top of the bag and lightly break the cubes apart with the hammer.

Step 3: This part can get messy so best to do this outside.

Sprinkle the frozen dye onto the T-shirt as you like.

Step 4: Continue sprinkling the frozen dye onto the T-shirt until your design is complete.

Step 5: Watch the dye diffuse and blend and then shake the dye off when you feel the design is finished. Rinse and “set” per the dye instructions on the box.

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Project and images courtesy Kid Made Modern

QueensParent 13

PANCAKES FOR CAMP!

Sunday, June 3rd, 2018

A FUNDRAISER FOR SFY DAY CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS

Join us for breakfast served with a smile by your FAVORITE camp staff!

8 AM to 10 AM $12 per person

1985 Jericho Trunpike New Hyde Park

INCLUDES: PANCAKES, SCRAMBLED EGGS, & MORE!

GIVE THE GIFT OF CAMP BUY TICKETS ONLINE AT WWW.SFY.ORG/PANCAKES FOR MORE INFO & TO PURCHASE TICKETS, CALL ANDY GAVORA AGAVORA@SFY.ORG 718-225-6750 x261 This flyer is only intended for advertising purposes. Ticket valid for pancake event only.

Applebees menu items are not included as part of purchase.

SUMMER REGISTRATION

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REGISTER NOW • FREE FULL DAY UPK FOR CHILDREN BORN IN 2014 14

June 2018 | nymetroparents.com

online extras Itching for an unexpected New York adventure? Find 37 off-the-beaten-path things to do and see in NYC at ›› nymetroparents.com/unexpected There’s so much to do and see in the New York metro area, it can feel overwhelming. So check out our list of top 100 can’t-miss events, venues, and activities in the region at ›› nymetroparents.com/summer-100

Want to plan a family vacation that’s within driving distance? Read about eight of our favorite destinations all within a 3-hour car ride at ›› nymetroparents.com/nearby-vacations Keeping your kids safe from drowning while they’re in the water is important, but what about when they’re out? Read about dry and secondary drowning at ›› nymetroparents.com/dry-drowning

inside

raising kids summer fun

16 F un Ways to Stem the Summer Slide: Eight educational day trips to keep your kids entertained while learning all season long. ummer Fun Directory: 20 S Find summer classes, programs, activities, and excursions in Queens.

28 Camps-at-a-Glance Chart

Photos courtesy New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Fun Ways to Stem the

Summer Slide

›› Keep your kids entertained while learning something new all season long. By Christina Vercelletto

S

ummer vacation. Those two words conjure up the happiest, most carefree memories of childhood. But aside from lazy, hazy days, summer brings something else: a phenomenon experts call “summer slide.” On average, student achievement scores decline over summer vacation by one month as compared to where they were in June, states a report by the Brookings Institution. And the loss was larger at middle and high school grades than in elementary school.

These days, between camp, vacations, birthday parties, and sports, kids don’t have much time to reinforce the academic skills they learned during the school year. And even if they did, there’s no way you’re actually going to make your kid do math worksheets instead of hitting the beach.

So, however understandable the summer learning loss is, the result is kids, and their teachers, have to play catch-up in September.

What’s a fun-minded, but achievement-conscious, parent to do?

Compromise, of course. We scoured our region to identify fascinating places you can take the kids that have an educational spin, yet still have that “school’s out!” vibe. No matter where you live, or what your kid’s personality is like, you’ll find the perfect idea on this list.

If he’s a nature-lover, explore Piermont Marsh & Pier Piermont, Rockland County dec.ny.gov A federal estuarine sanctuary, the Piermont Marsh (pictured above) spans 2 miles on the western shore of the Tappan Zee. “The pier is a great scenic 16

June 2018 | nymetroparents.com

walk and has a lot of history,” says Stephanie Mullen, a mom in Blauvelt.

Families can hike or bike the trails, kayak, or canoe. If you have a license, you can fish or crab off the mile-long pier while taking in views of the Hudson River and Palisades Ridge. Birds are everywhere; during the summer, keep an eye out for species such as double-crested cormorants, ruddy ducks, blue jays, yellow-rumped warblers, and bald eagles. Harbor seals and snapping turtles have also been spotted in the area. If you’d like to bring a picnic lunch, it’s allowed at adjacent Tallman Mountain State Park.

There’s also a fascinating historical aspect to this destination.

During World War II, more than half a million soldiers left for Europe from the pier, and those who came home returned directly to it. Every Memorial Day, a three-story high “watchfire” is lit for 24 hours at the end of the pier to symbolically light the way home for the soldiers who perished in the conflict.

If she thinks libraries are just for books, spend time at Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn bklynlibrary.org If your child stopped asking to go to the library when she was 5, this is the perfect place to reignite her interest. The Central Branch in Brooklyn, a 1941 art deco landmark, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

It rivals the better-known New York Public Library in the wow-factor,

thanks to the 50-foot-high entry portico and 15 bronze sculptures of famous characters and authors of American literature.

Far from being a storehouse of books overseen by a shushing librarian, BPL will surprise and delight any kid who hasn’t been to a library in a while. The Tech Loft houses 27 computers for children ages 16 and younger. The Universal Maker Space will inspire kids to put down their phone (for a few minutes, anyway) and get creative. With a parent’s supervision, kids can take over the amateur recording studio, equipped with an iMac editing workstation, DSLR camera, and microphone, to make their own audio or video masterpiece. High school students can learn new computer skills in a two-week summer technology institute, and then help patrons use library computers (fulfilling school community service requirements and polishing up college applications).

Before you go, duck into the Popular Library department and introduce your kid to ancient relics: a typewriter and a phone book.

If he has a big imagination, head to Old Bethpage Village Restoration 1303 Round Swamp Road, Bethpage, Nassau County, Long Island obvrnassau.com Long Island kids have been taking field trips to this Colonial Williamsburg-esque hamlet, snacking on root beer and pretzels at the Noon Inn bar and buying candy sticks at the Layton General Store, since the 1970s. The authentic homes and shops—the oldest built in 1730—will entrance any kid who likes to imagine what life was like in another time. A blacksmith hammers away in his shop, while across the way the hatter is putting the finishing touches on a man’s chapeau. Women are sewing and knitting, candles are being made, pottery is being shaped, and tin is being worked into housewares.

The village runs special programs year-round. Two of the most popular in the summer are the Civil War encampment weekends and baseball games played using 1860 rules and equipment. “Jack, who’s in little league, loved watching this old-time game!” shares Melissa Koehler of Seaford. If your kid is really enamored of the whole experience when you visit, you may want to sign him up for one of the summer “Junior Apprentice” weeks. He’ll go to school in an 1845 schoolhouse, make ice cream with a crank, do farm chores, make a scarecrow (a necessity, not a decoration), play 1860s games, and take part in military drills, something even 10-year-olds did back then.

If she hates art class, walk around Hudson River Museum 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers, Westchester County hrm.org Does your child think art period is a waste of time? Give her a boost (and make next year angst-free) with a visit to Hudson River Museum. The three summer exhibits running concurrently showcase art that isn’t exactly traditional.

Force Field displays the work of Brooklyn artist Christine Hiebert: line drawings, made with charcoal, graphite, and ink, and even dirt.

Artist Ellen Kozak and composer Scott D. Miller collaborated on Riverthatflowsbothways, a four-channel video installation. Taking its name from the translation of the Native American word for the Hudson River, the videos don’t show scenic views or much realism at all, but instead have viewers feeling the movement of a river.

Variations on a Theme displays the minimalist art of Donald Judd, a collection of 16 etchings. Judd wanted his art to be self-evident, meaning whatever the viewer sees is what it is. Your child will go home knowing she can be an artist after all.

Among the permanent exhibits, Red Grooms: The Bookstore, a funky, immersive, pop-art installation, is a kid magnet. “Every time we went there, Grace made a beeline for The Bookstore,” recalls Darcy Falcone, a mom of two in New Rochelle.

CAMP MARKETPLACE lished Estab ars 44 Ye

Summer Camp Register Now!

You May Sign Up for 1-5 Days Per Week Full Day / Half Day / Single Classes July 2nd-August 10th, Mon-Fri •Ages 3-14

Full Day Camp • 9:00am-5:00pm

Early drop off (8am) and Late pick up (6pm) Included

Half Day Camp/Theatre Camp 9:00am-1:30pm or 12:30pm-5:00pm

AIR-CONDITIONED ACTIVITIES: Art & Crafts, Gymnastics, Drama On Camera, Vocal & Dance All Boys Group Science & Math Enrichment THEATRE CAMP: Children will put on a favorite Broadway Musical

Summer Dance Classes Single Classes 5:30pm to 9:30pm

Summer Dance, Drama & Vocal Classes Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Creative Movement, Acrobatics, Drama & Vocal and Triple Threat

188-22 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, NY

718.479.8522

americandanceanddrama.net Amazing Birthday Parties Year Round

continued on next page ››

QueensParent 17

Countryside Montessori School

›› continued from previous page Courtesy New York Hall of Science

CAMP MARKETPLACE

An Education Where Children Thrive Under the Guidance of Great Teacher in an Environment that Stimulates Creativity and Individual Potential!

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER CAMP Connected Worlds shows kids how their actions impact the rest of planet Earth.

• Spacious Playground • Large Classrooms • Low Teacher Student Ratio • A proven system celebrating over 100 years of practice, research and worldwide recognition • Our fully equipped spacious classrooms offer the most enriched curriculum available for 18 months - 6 years.

• Fully affiliated with the American Montessori Society since 1998.

• Early drop-off and extended day available.

354 Lakeville Road • Great Neck, NY • 516-466-8422 Visit our website: www.CMSGN.com

Offering Classes in: Ballet Tap

Jazz/Contemporary Hip Hop Acrobatics

Summer Dance Intensive

Register NOW

For SUMMER 2018!!!

ALL STAR STUDIOS 108-21 72nd Ave (4th floor) Forest Hills, NY 11375 718-268-2280 allstarstudiosnyc@gmail.com allstarstudiosnyc.com

Come Try Our NEW Improv Dance Class!

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If he’s not interested unless it’s digital, visit New York Hall of Science 47-01 111th St., Corona nysci.org Presented in the Great Hall, Connected Worlds is an exhibit that shows kids, in real time, how even their slightest movements impact the rest of planet Earth. Six environments are fed by a 38-foot-high waterfall that flows across an interactive floor. It’ll be crystal-clear how what we do here has repercussions across the world, and vice versa.

“Our family had always visited the Hall of Science a few times a year, but now it’s one of the few places that still holds Joey’s interest,” says Camille Iorio, a mom of two teens in Forest Hills.

Mini (15-minute) interactive science demonstrations are happening throughout the summer, during which NYSCI Explainers demonstrate easy-to-grasp experiments in chemistry, physics, and biology.

If she says math is boring, visit National Museum of Mathematics 11 E. 26th St., Nomad, Manhattan momath.org Some kids can get turned off to math when they associate it with dull drills to find the right answer. The antidote? Seeing math for what it is: the patterns that undergird the world around us. Enter “MoMath” with its more than 30 interactive exhibits, including a laser beam “wall,” a Jumbotron floor that illuminates the spatial relationship of everyone standing on it, a design studio for creating 3-D designs, and a café devoted to digital puzzles. And good luck dragging your kids away from Robot Swarm, an interactive exhibit that has glowing, robotic creatures that resemble crabs reacting to their every move based on one of several directives.

If Stephen Hawking was his hero, go to The Vanderbilt Reichert Planetarium 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport, Suffolk County, Long Island vanderbiltmuseum.org Long Island parents with a kid who’s into astronomy need not truck in to the Upper West Side for stellar educational fun. The Vanderbilt’s Reichert Planetarium recently got a $4-million makeover. The theater offers top-notch educational programs for families, some developed by the most prestigious planetariums around the world. The sky shows recreate celestial events before your eyes on a 60-foot dome.

The rooftop observatory is open every Friday night, weather permitting. Led by a professional astronomy educator, you and your kids can look deep into the night sky through the Vanderbilt’s 16-inch Meade reflecting telescope.

Christina Vercelletto, a former editor at NYMetroParents, Parenting, Scholastic Parent & Child, and Woman’s Day, lives on Long Island with her kids, a chiweenie, Pickles, and a 20-pound calico, Chub-Chub.

CAMP MARKETPLACE

HILLCREST JEWISH CENTER DAY CAMP

Celebrating 60 Years Of Camp!!!

“The Camp Where Everybody Knows Your Name” SUNDAYS 10am - 12pm & WEDNESDAYS 7 - 9pm The Office Will Be Open For Tours and Registrations Program for Children 4-14 Years Old

• Extended Hours for Working Parents • Red Cross Swim Program • Sports (Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball) • Music & Arts and Crafts • Large Gymnasium & Recreation Room • Catered Kosher Lunches & PM Snacks

• End of the Summer Carnival • Day Trips (Adventureland, Laser Bounce, Splish Splash and more) • Early Morning Supervision • In Camp Overnight • Weekly Cookouts • Door to Door Transportation

rtial Full & Pa grams ro P n so a Se Available

LARGE INDOOR POOL!

New For 2018!

Special ½ Day Trips for Younger Campers (4-7 Years Old) Like us on

Follow us on

@hjcdaycamp

183-02 Union Tpke., Flushing 11366 • hjcdaycamp.org • daycamp@hillcrestjc.org • Call 718-380-4145 QueensParent 19

Summer fun ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS

BounceU of College Point

132-25 14th Ave., College Point 646-883-JUMP (5867) bounceu.com/college-point-ny collegepoint.ny@bounceu.com BounceU of College Point is “Where Birthdays Come to Life!” We’d love to kick off the summer with you. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or gathering with friends, classmates, teammates, or clubs, we provide the ultimate private party and play experience. We host field trips, school fundraisers, team parties, and of course, amazing birthday parties! We also offer Family Bounce Night and Open Bounce (Preschool, Family, and Cosmic) throughout the week. See our calendar for all open bounce times.

Come celebrate with us today!

Land of Make Believe

354 Great Meadows Road, Route 611, Hope, NJ 908-459-9000 lomb.com The No. 1 Amusement Park in northern New Jersey is the perfect day trip destination! A magical amusement park and a pirate-themed state-of-the-art water park features short lines, free parking, low prices, and awesome family fun. Ride the Scream Machine 360, our Ultimate New Thrill Experience this season! Bring your own food and enjoy our beautiful picnic grove. Safe, wholesome, family atmosphere is just minutes away. Open Memorial Day weekend, then weekends in June.

Open daily, 10am-6pm, from June 16-Sept. 3. Visit us on Facebook.

Laser Bounce – Family Fun Center

at The Shops at Atlas Park 80-28 Cooper Ave., Glendale 347-599-1919 laserbounce.net A hidden gem of an indoor amusement gala, Laser Bounce fuses your vintage arcade with trailblazing, state-of-the-art attractions. Open year-round, seven days a week, this ultimate 21st century playground features, among others, Hologate, an impressive virtual reality

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adventure, and Mini Rider, a piercingly vivid 3-D motion simulator. Divvy up the action with the whole family, as the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Walking Dead games amplify the escapism of Laser Bounce’s entree, the jumbo-sized Laser Tag Arena. Birthday parties at the Glendale location include the aforementioned, as well as a unique ball pit course dubbed Ballocity, neighbor to the bouncy house toddler paradise.

have a number of special events and shows that are sure to be hits with the entire family. Wild West City is a western heritage theme park that brings the old west back to life through portrayals of real-life western characters, legendary events, and a frontier town re-creation.

Featuring 22 different live-action shows throughout the course of the day, we offer visitors the chance to “live” in the old west!

Wheel Fun Rentals - Flushing Meadows Corona Park

All Star Studios

Flushing Meadows Corona Park at David Dinkins Circle, Meridian Road 929-343-2366 Flushing Meadows Corona Park at North Meadow Lake Meadow Lake Road West 917-231-5519 Marine Park Avenue U and East 33rd Street, Brooklyn 917-533-6196 Prospect Park LeFrak Center at Lakeside 171 East Drive, Brooklyn 718-462-0010 Bensonhurst Park 9000 Bay Parkway, Brooklyn 805-650-7770 wheelfunrentals.com Rent some fun with Wheel Fun Rentals! Take a spin around the park on our iconic, four-wheel, carriage-style bike called the Surrey.

Or feel the splash of the water on a pedal boat. No matter your age or riding ability, there is something for you. Rental products include specialty cycles, family bikes, twowheel bikes, bike attachments, pedal boats, kayaks, and standup paddleboards. Product fleet varies by location. Special group rates available for birthday parties and summer camp directors.

Convenient locations in Brooklyn and Queens. wheelfunrentals.com; 805-650-7770.

Wild West City

50 Lackawanna Drive, Stanhope, NJ 973-347-8900 wildwestcity.com Come on down to Wild West City: the perfect place for a fun, unique, and educational day trip for all. We

June 2018 | nymetroparents.com

PROGRAMS & CLASSES 108-21 72nd Ave., 4th floor, Forest Hills 718-268-2280 allstarstudiosnyc.com allstarstudios@gmail.com Sign up now for summer and fall classes—limited space available. All Star Studios’ program is designed to encourage and educate students on how to increase flexibility, improve coordination, focus on muscle strengthening, build poise, and have fun. All instructors have experience in both teaching and performing, to teach students the skills needed to pursue a career as a true artist as well as the compassion to help push them toward their goals, build their self-confidence, and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle. Visit allstarstudiosnyc.com.

American Dance & Drama

188-22 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 68-02 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village 718-479-8522 americandanceanddrama.net American Dance & Drama Studio is the original neighborhood school that was established more than 44 years ago at the same location. We offer quality teaching and an extremely professional staff, while maintaining a fun and exciting environment. Come visit our multi-level, high-tech studios—the largest in Queens at 7,000 square feet! We offer classes for ages 2 through adults in all types of dance, as well as gymnastics, drama, Zumba, and singing.

Our summer camp programs offer full-day, half-day, and single classes for ages 3-14. Call now to register!

CK Kids Summer Camps

68-02 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village 718-366-7454 Ages: 3-16 ctkny.org; jmichel@ctkny.org Don’t miss the summer fun at CK! Christ the King has four exciting summer camps to offer children of all ages. Camps appeal to all interests, including soccer, basketball, cheerleading, dance, drama, cooking, arts, water slides, and karate. On-site math and ELA programs available. Come for a week or the whole summer!

All activities take place on the CK Campus. Flexible scheduling, convenient location, and sibling and multiple-week discounts.

Countryside Montessori School

354 Lakeville Road, Lower Level, Great Neck 516-466-8422 cmsgn.com; info@cmsgn.com Countryside Montessori school runs a summer camp during July and August for children ages 18 months to 6 years. Camp has weekly themes that revolve around the projects and discussions the children have. Toddlers have playbased mornings spent in our playground. Primary (ages 3 years and older) spends part of the mornings doing academics then spends afternoons in the playground while toddlers nap. Camp is a great way to acclimate your child to a school environment. Please contact us for information on enrollment at 516466-8422 or info@cmsgn.com.

The Crayon Box Preschool

44-10 192nd St., Flushing 718-888-9341 crayonboxpreschool.com Children at The Crayon Box are encouraged to learn by doing.

The curriculum is planned by creative and dedicated professionals. Children experience the fun of learning by participating in activities designed to stimulate growth in a wide range of areas, including social and cognitive development, and gross and fine motor skills. The summer is no exception. Children have access to outdoor activities daily, and continued on page 22 ››

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Summer Day Camp Program

Ages 3-8

Camp in Session: July 2nd to August 17th Early Bird & Sibling Discounts

Summer Classes June 20- August 29th

Register Now!!!

70-11 Austin Street, 2nd Floor Forest Hills, NY 11375

racademyofballet@gmail.com | 718-520-0207 www.roseacademyofballet.com

SIGN UP NOW FOR

SUMMER CAMP! JUNE 25 – JULY 27

Discover new friends and ways to PLAY at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the US Open!

Highlights: Kids of all ages and abilities are welcome Featuring multi-sport activities REGISTER NOW AT:

NTC.USTA.COM Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Flushing, NY 11368

©2018 USTA. All rights reserved.

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water activities three days a week.

We invite you to come see us and decide if The Crayon Box Preschool is right for your child’s first educational experience.

The DanceSource ARTS DANCE MUSIC CAMP of Rego Park

98-11 Queens Blvd., at 65th Ave., Rego Park/Forest Hills 718-997-1278 dancesource.net info@dancesource.net info@vartamusic.com The Arts Dance Music Camp enters its second year of activities, hosted by The DanceSource. We invite campers between the ages of 8-16. This six week “bring your own lunch” camp will run July 9-Aug. 17. The hours will be Monday-Friday, 9am-4:30pm, with optional early arrivals and late pick-ups. We will offer arts, dance, and music, bringing in new instructors, new crafts, and new art forms to our palate. You can sign up for single days, single weeks, or the full six-week program.

Eye Level Queens

Eye Level Fresh Meadows 184-10 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows 917-563-5000, Alex Chan Eye Level Elmhurst 87-37 Justice Ave., Elmhurst 718-393-2428, Linda Li myeyelevel.com Many parents today are facing educational challenges and looking for answers to help their children succeed academically. Whether the immediate goal is for early

learning, remedial education, or academic advancement, Eye Level is the answer. Eye Level offers math and English programs for ages 3-14. Our instructors are able to tailor a curriculum by understanding the learning abilities of the students. With ongoing guidance of our instructors, each student will set attainable goals and learn at a comfortable pace.

With each success, the student grows more self-confident, self-motivated, and self-directed in the quest for knowledge.

Garden School

33-16 79th St., Jackson Heights 718-335-6363 gardenschool.org On-site swimming pool, super-flexible scheduling, lunch and snack included, and best program variety make Garden Summer Camp the easiest, best camp in Queens! Ages 1½-13! Choose art, math games, soccer, basketball, circus arts, robotics, graphic novel, and culinary arts. Try them all! Certified lifeguards for free swim and swim lessons twice a day, air-conditioned gym, game room, and fun weekly themes satisfy every camper! Young campers are in self-contained and fun classes with qualified teachers.

Optional extended day and doorto-door transportation. Open house every Wednesday at 9am or by appointment!

Girl’s & Boy’s Basketball and Beyond

55-11 Queens Blvd., Woodside 718-697-1699 girlsbasketballbeyond@gmail.com Our affordable summer camp

is taught by elite athletes and college professors. On the court, our professionals focus on a team-orientated, and individual skills-based approach to learning; while off the court, we use a holistic approach to teach your child about healthy habits. Unlike most basketball camps, our program offers two free additional components: fun, in-classroom, age-appropriate nutrition and sports lessons.

Each camper will receive a basketball composition notebook, a basketball pin, a Girl’s & Boy’s Basketball and Beyond T-shirt, and the top three campers will receive a pair of girls or boys basketball shoes!

Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp

183-02 Union Turnpike, Flushing 718-380-4145 hjcdaycamp.org daycamp@hillcrestjc.org The camp “where everybody knows your name” offers preschool, nursery, and kindergarten for ages 4-5; junior for ages 6-7; senior for ages 8-10; tween for ages 11-13; and a CIT program.

The age-appropriate programs include Red Cross swim instruction, arts and crafts, outdoor play and exercise, sports, tennis, field trips, Jewish culture program, organized games and activities, and weekly cookout. Teen lounge and late night trips offered for upper campers. Fee includes transportation, hot kosher lunch and afternoon snack, trip admission fees, T-shirt, and a group picture. A partial season program is available.

Holy Cross High School Athletic Camps and Summer STREAM Program

26-20 Francis Lewis Blvd., Flushing 718-886-7250 holycrosshs.org/summer Holy Cross High School is proud to offer a variety of activities available to boys and girls during the summer. Our combination of academic, athletic, and arts programs provides the opportunity to continue to develop the hearts and minds of young people over summer break. Lunch is available for purchase from the cafeteria, or can be brought from home.

Hug Music, Creative & Nurturing Music Lessons for Everybody Music Lessons and Music Therapy

112-01 75th Ave., Lower Level, Forest Hills 718-487-4309 hugmusicny.com contact@hugmusicny.com Hug Music’s mission is to nurture a love for music by promoting students’ musical growth and important life skills. All of our music teachers are board-certified music therapists. We offer various programs to all individuals including children with special needs. Hug Music provides baby and toddler music groups, dyad and private music lessons, and music therapy.

Our original method, Musicreative, is especially effective for children with autism and ADHD. Summer schedule will be announced online.

Five-week package is available for new students. Contact us today to schedule your first class!

CAMP MARKETPLACE

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Now Registering

for Summer and Fall at our BAYSIDE and Manhasset Locations.

Get Ready for Pre-School Ages 8 months to 3 years Where Children and GroWn-Ups learn and play ToGeTher

Mommy & Me, Partial Separation, Separation, Infant Class, ABC Enrichment Classes Narrow Age Span Maximum 10 Children Per Class • ARTS & CRAFTS • MUSIC • STORIES

• CREATIVE MOVEMENT • PLAY TIME • SNACK

(516) 433-0003

VISIT WWW.JUSTWEETWO.COM E-MAIL – INFO@JUSTWEETWO.COM OTHER LOCATIONS: MANHASSET, PLAINVIEW, BKLYN HTS., N. STAMFORD, GREENWICH, PARK SLOPE

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Discover the power of family music-making.

Astoria, Bayside, Forest Hills, and More

CAMP MARKETPLACE

m

m

ARTS • ACA D EMICS • SPO RTS • STEA M

June 25th - August 17th • Nursery - 13 years old Half / Full / Extended Days • 7:30am-6:00pm Customize your schedule to suit you and your camper Onsite swimming pool Lunch & snack included Special events

Lessons/Free swim 2 x daily Door-to-door transportation Drop-in available

ses: Openy WHedou nesday Ever M or in June at 9A ent

by Appointm

33-16 79th Street, Jackson Heights NY • (718) 335-6363 gardenschool.org/summer

m

Christ the King Royal's Soccer Camp For Boys & Girls Ages 7 - 16 Week #1 July 16 - July 20 Week #2 July 23 - July 27 Week #3 August 20 - August 24

Christ the King Royal's Basketball Camp

CK Kids' American Dance & Drama Camp For Girls & Boys Ages 3 - 14 July 2 - August 17

*No Camp July 4th

For Boys & Girls Ages 7 - 16 Boys Week #1 July 30 - August 3 Boys Week #2 August 6 - August 10 Boys Week #3 August 13 - August 17 Girls Week August 20 - August 24

Christ the King Royal's Cheerleading Camp For Girls Ages 7 - 16 August 20 - August 24

ALL GAMES AND CAMP ACTIVITiES TAKE PLACE ON THE CK CAMPUS Register online at www.ctkny.org CKKids@ctkny.org · 718.366.7454

68-02 Metropolitan Avenue Middle Village, NY 11379

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iCodingClub

35-30 Francis Lewis Blvd., Suite 204, Bayside 917-563-5655 icodingclub.com info@icodingclub.com iCodingClub recognizes the importance of the way the world is becoming. Technology is everywhere and it has only just begun.

With our summer program, students will create and manage their own websites by code. After learning the fundamentals of web design and front-end development, students will be able to continue learning on their own even after the summer program. All students leave our program with their own website based off their own name and also receive an email address off their own website. Contact us now to register!

Ivy Day School

65-01 Kissena Blvd., Flushing 718-460-6366 70-44 Kissena Blvd., Flushing 718-880-1888 104-70 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills 718-997-1997 ivydayschool.com dinam@ivydayschool Books and blocks, music and dance, art and creativity! At Ivy Day School (three locations), we provide our decade-long standard of academic excellence to children ages 2-5. We envision students will develop essential skills for a lifetime of achievements via fun, stimulating activities. We teach English, math, science, foreign language, social studies, music, and dance in our state-of-the-art facility, along with access to indoor and outdoor playgrounds. Call to ask about our special summer program for children ages 4-6. Your children are our priority, and we strive to enrich their minds and bodies in a safe and nurturing environment.

JEI Learning Centers

Auburndale: 347-408-4098 Floral Park: 718-347-3138 jei.com JEI Learning Centers have helped children achieve academic success around the world since 1977. We offer a variety of academic enrichment and tutoring programs for children in pre-K through ninth grade, including math, problem solving, English, reading, and writing. Our program is designed to elevate each student’s abilities to the next level and beyond. JEI’s

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scientific diagnostic system pinpoints the missing links in learning and prescribes individual study programs based on specific needs.

Our curriculum is aligned with the Common Core Standards. Call for information about our mini-break and summer programs.

Joffrey Ballet School

434 Sixth Ave., 5th Floor, Manhattan 888-438-3808 joffreyballetschool.com The Joffrey Ballet School offers classes in Musical Theater, HipHop, Jazz and Contemporary Ballet, and more. We specialize in dancers ranging in age from 2-18. We also offer superb adult evening dance fitness classes. The Musical Theater classes for kids are instructed by actual Broadway stars. Come and experience our more than 60 years of excellence in dance training. You will love the way we care for your child’s dance training. Come and grow with us.

Just Wee Two

Bayside, Manhasset, Plainview, plus Brooklyn and Connecticut 516-433-0003; 800-404-2204 justweetwo.com This specially developed program, for children ages 8 months through 3½ years and their parents, provides an environment that enables grown-ups to share the joy of a child’s early learning. Classes are limited to 10 children. Toddlers enjoy arts and crafts, creative movement, stories, and play time.

Children develop a sense of confidence and increase their communication and social skills. We also offer partial separation, separation classes, and enrichment classes with an emphasis on reading readiness. We are now registering for summer and fall sessions.

LIU Post Center for Gifted Youth

Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, director LIU Post, Brookville 516-299-2160 liu.edu/giftedyouth The Long Island University program for gifted children was established in 1979 in response to the increasing recognition of society’s special responsibilities for children with demonstrably superior intellectual ability. The LIU Center for Gifted Youth brings together two important elements of education for the gifted: extraordinary teachers recruited from leading schools in the metropolitan area and university-level facilities. These

June 2018 | nymetroparents.com

two factors, combined with an administrative and psychological team schooled in the needs of gifted children, give the program at LIU Post unique strengths in producing positive benefits for young people admitted to the program.

Magic Day Camp

216-15 Peck Ave., Bayside 718-634-8109 magicdaycamp.com Magic Day Camp, “Where Every Day Is Magical,” offers children ages 4-15 adventures and activities that stimulate and motivate a young person’s mind and physical ability. We are the only traveling camp that swims every day in an Olympic country club pool, in addition to a jam-packed fun day with professional adult counselors who work with and understand children.

With multiple exciting weekly trips, our rates also include door-todoor transportation, hot and cold healthy lunches, professional tennis, dance, and instructional sports programs for all children.

Mill Basin Day Camp

5945 Strickland Ave., Brooklyn 718-251-6200 millbasindaycamp.com Summers are times to spend with friends, make memories, and share experiences that last a lifetime. MBDC is dedicated to providing exciting and fulfilling camp experiences for children through fun, recreational, and safe activities. Our modern, air-conditioned, and private facility offers a wide range of activities for children entering pre-K through ninth grade. There are five individual camps, each with unique and innovative programming. Bring the family for a personal tour of the facility and discussion of the camp program.

Music Together® With Music and Me Licensed Provider of Music Together® Since 2003 Astoria, Bayside, Forest Hills, and Glendale

718-229-0033 Astoria at Gym-Azing!

Bayside at Bay Terrace Karate Center, Upper Level, Baybridge Commons Shopping Center Forest Hills at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills Forest Hills at the Church in the Gardens Glendale at Tiger Schulmann’s Glendale musictogetherwithmusicandme.com info@musictogetherwithmusicandme.com

Music Together®, is the internationally beloved early childhood music and movement program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grown-ups who love to participate! Join our weekly 45-minute joyful classes, led by our skilled registered Music Together® teachers. Build your child’s brain, grow your child’s heart, nurture their inner-musician, and watch the magic unfold before your eyes! Sing, dance, play, and learn where music learning supports all learning®. Schedule your free class today for our summer session!

Visit musictogetherwithmusicandme.com for more information and our free Summer Concert Series program schedule.

Nina’s Tutoring Center

8702 Grand Ave., Elmhurst 718-205-7508 92-22 Corona Ave., Elmhurst 718-606-1056 tutornina@hotmail.com We tutor kids in kindergarten to 12th grades. For the past nine years, we have provided quality education that helps kids excel in school. Our excellent, highly dedicated, and experienced tutors are very competent. We specialize in homework help and offer critical thinking and writing classes. We help improve skills in math, ELA, science, and social studies. We also have an intensive preparation program for ELA, math, and science, citywide and statewide exams.

We opened our second branch on Corona Avenue to serve our community better. Please call to find out more about the programs we run throughout the year.

Oasis Day Camp in Bayside

Queensborough Community College 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside 646-519-5055 oasischildren.com bayside@oasischildren.com Oasis Day Camp is for ages 3-15.

Early Start Imagination Camp for ages 3-5 (not yet started kindergarten). Socially, emotionally, and physically appropriate with traditional camp elements and sports, arts, music, pre-academics, and American Red Cross swim.

Traditional Day Camp for kindergarten-sixth grade. Designed to expose campers to new and exciting activities. Highlights include carnival, Olympics, theme days, choice activity time, sports, games, arts, and American Red Cross swim. continued on page 26››

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Call about our

SUMMER PROGRAMS

Create your website with HTML/CSS/JS/PHP. Grades: 5,6,7,8,9 Learn how to create your own website in one month.

GRAND OPENING!

917-563-5655 35-30 Francis Lewis Blvd.

Bayside, NY 11358

www.iCodingClub.com

LIU POST’S CENTER FOR GIFTED YOUTH

YMCA

FALL 2017 AND SPRING 2018 SATURDAY PROGRAM Oct 7th – Dec 16th and Feb 3rd – April 28th, 2018 for students entering grades K-8

Are You the Parent of a Gifted Child?

SUMMER CAMPS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

LIU Post’s Center for Gifted Youth announces its 37th annual fall and spring program for gifted children. The fall

program runs on Saturdays from October 7th to December 16th and the spring program runs on Saturdays from February 3rd to April 28th.

The program is open to gifted children entering grades K-8 in September 2017. The program expands

students’ knowledge, develops creative and critical thinking skills, and offers children the opportunity to learn in an exciting and accepting environment.

For information call 516-299-2160 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth Now find us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Admission is highly selective and enrollment is limited.

LIU Post • College of Education, Information and Technology • 720 Northern Blvd. • Brookville, NY 11548-1300 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth • Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, Director

NEW YORK CITY’S YMCA

ymcanyc.org/camp QueensParent 25

CAMP MARKETPLACE

The Crayon Box Preschool

Learning & Fun Rolled Into One! Great Teacher to Student Ratios W Registering NO for Summer & 18 September 20

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR PRICING AND SCHEDULING

WWW.CRAYONBOXPRESCHOOL.COM

Flexible schedule for working families

Prices to fit all budgets 44-10 192 Street, Flushing

Call Ms. Virginia

718.888.9341 Now

Offering a Gymnastics Program Full size gym on 2nd floor Outdoor Playground on premises. Come be a part of the best kept secret in Queens

Serving the Queens community for over 15 years!

FOR CHILDREN 2 - 5 YEARS. COME VISIT OUR BEAUTIFUL,

STATE OF THE ART FACILITY

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from page 24

Teen Travel for seventh, eighth, and ninth grade. Weekly trips are organized around a theme, allowing teens to choose what interests them most, and overnights!

RoboMindTech S.T.E.M. Education Center Creativity, Science, Robotics & L-E-G-O Learning Fun

185-10 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 718-264-ROBO (7626) Great Neck Kids Center 25 Cuttermill Road, #4, Great Neck 718-264-7626; 860-944-3654 robomindtech.com robomindtech@gmail.com Build a Lego® amusement park ride or play sports in the Robot Olympics! Channel your child’s creative energy into exciting projects in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) with our unique, handson curriculum. Home to NYC FIRST Lego® League and National World Robot Olympiad Champions, RoboMindTech is an award-winning STEM education center that inspires young minds with engineering. From robotics, video game design, and coding to Lego® creative play, we offer a variety of immersive weeklong summer camps, after-camp studios, group workshops, and after-school programs. Call to RSVP for our open house!

Rose Academy of Ballet

70-11 Austin St., Forest hills 718-520-0207 roseacademyofballet.com racademyofballet@gmail.com Located in the heart of Forest Hills, our dance program combines movement and music, while always leaving space for personal creativity.

Students gain physical strength, flexibility, confidence, and an increased body awareness, all while exploring dance and having fun.

We offer dance classes for ages 2 through adult. Join us for ballet, tap, musical theater, dance teams, and toddler groups. Don’t miss out on our flexible and fun dance camp. Extended care is available and registration is now open.

Samuel Field Y Day Camp

58-20 Little Neck Parkway, Little Neck 718-225-6750 x261 sfysummercamps.org agavora@sfy.org; dschaefer@sfy.org For more than 60 years, the Samuel Field Y, along with our

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caring and dedicated staff, have provided a profound and memorable summer camp experience to thousands of children and young adults. We remain devoted to our long-standing history of delivering a nurturing place where kids can be themselves, make best friends, and grow as individuals. Beginning at age 2, campers start their journey that will eventually lead to a range of exciting activities, trips, and overnights, along with an “unplugged” outdoor camp adventure, beginning in kindergarten.

Soccer Friends USA Inc.

106-06 Queens Blvd., 3rd Floor Gym, Forest Hills 718-261-2403 347-756-2568 (para Español) soccerfriendsusa.com soccerfriendsusa@hotmail.com SFUSA offers two types of soccer summer camps. The first option is a drop-off summer camp that can be booked on a weekly or daily basis. The second option is our Flexible Class Pass. You will have the entire six-week season to use up the number of classes you purchase. Go to the beach, hang out with family and friends—you will still have time to attend your classes and not worry about make-ups.

Tinker Lab at Latimer House Museum 3441 137th St., Flushing 718-961-8585 latimernow.org/tinker-lab ran.yan@latimernow.org Tinker Lab participants will explore design, hands-on making, circuitry, and programming using micro-controllers. Projects include biologically inspired robots, electronic instruments, and video game design incorporating arts and science. Lab activities are held at African American electrical pioneer Lewis H. Latimer’s former science lab. The Latimer House Museum won “Best in Class” with featured Tinker Lab activities at the 2016 Maker Faire NY. Parents are invited for the final presentation at the culminating event. Register for summer camp at latimernow.org/tinker-lab.

Tiny Footsteps

167-01 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 718-969-5500 tinyfootstepsny@yahoo.com Tiny Footsteps is the place to be for kids ages 1-5! Our hands-on curriculum is theme based allow-

ing for student growth, exploration, and creativity. Students are prepared academically and socially for the big step into elementary school. All of our educators are dedicated to the profession of early childhood with extensive experience. Nutritious, kosher meals are prepared on-site three times daily.

Free Pre-K for all for children born in 2014. Various schedules are available for busy parents. Call for more information and to find out about our summer program.

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Flushing Register now at: ntc.usta.com The USTA Billie Jean National Tennis Center offers year-round programs as well as fun-filled summer day camps for all ages and levels. We offer camps for the recreational student up to and including academy level players. Enrollment is available online at ntc.usta.com.

Campers work on tennis techniques, tactics, sports conditioning, and strategy geared to maximizing learning while having fun. As the students develop, they are advanced to more challenging groups. Our camp also offers cross-training activities, such as soccer, softball, basketball, and many field trips to venues located nearby.

mer camp! For more information, please visit our website at wcs.org/ parks/camps, call 800-433-4149, or email qzeducation@wcs.org.

YMCA Summer Camps

ymcanyc.org/camp bit.ly/2FgUwLs rho@ymcanyc.org At YMCA Summer Camps, children learn leadership skills and develop self-confidence in a safe, accepting, and stimulating environment. They also build robots, go on field trips, shoot hoops, learn to swim, make new friends, and laugh all summer long! Our creative,

educational camp programming— structured around the Y’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility—helps campers reach their fullest potential, physically, mentally, and emotionally. With six locations in Manhattan and the Bronx, find the perfect camp for your child! Visit us at ymcanyc. org/camp to learn more today!

Young People’s Day Camp of Queens 800-856-1043 queenscamp.com Since 1972, our family-run camp has provided safe, funfilled summers for thousands of

Queens youngsters. YPDCQ is accredited by the American Camp Association. YPDCQ provides a dynamic, diversified, and professionally supervised program enabling children to see, try, and experience many activities.

Activities include swimming, sports, arts and crafts, music and dance, nature science, academics, educational and recreational field trips, as well as many other special events. Ages 4-15. Free transportation. Ask about our Premium Enrichment Programs.

New For 2018: robotics, sibling discounts, special union rates!

CAMP MARKETPLACE

At Oasis I will...

Bayside

Try New Things Unplug & Connect with Nature

Play, Learn & Grow

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Zoos and Aquarium

1-800- 433-4149 The Bronx Zoo 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx 718-220-5132 Central Park Zoo 830 Fifth Ave., Manhattan 212-438-6583 Queens Zoo 53-51 111th St., Corona 718-271-7361 Prospect Park Zoo 450 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Park 718-399-7327 New York Aquarium 602 Surf Ave., Coney Island 718-265-3457 wcs.org/education/programs Summer just got wild! Send your animal lover to summer camp at the Queens Zoo! Campers will enjoy up-close animal experiences, Wildlife Theater performances, and age appropriate, hands-on STEM activities. Explore Queens Zoo like you never have before!

Use promo code NYMETRO to receive an exclusive 10-percent discount off your purchase of sum-

Be Part of a Unique Community

Gain Confidence Have Positive & Supportive Role Models

Build Lifelong Friendships

Oasis Offers • Programs for Ages 3-15 • 8:30am-5:30pm • Extended day available • Hot Lunch Option • Flexible Enrollment: 2-8 weeks • AC Transportation • American Red Cross Swim Instruction • Carnivals & Tie Dye • Special Events

Join us for an Info Session & Camp Tour on Sunday, June 3rd and Sunday, June 24th at 10:00 am - meet in Library Building Room 15 Queensborough Community College (222-05 56th Ave. in Bayside)

Register Online - Check out our BRAND NEW website! www.oasischildren.com • 646-519-5055

@oasisdaycamps

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All Star Studios allstarstudiosnyc.com

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American Dance & Drama americandanceanddrama.net

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Arts Dance Music Camp of Rego Park dancesource.net

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Billie Jean King National Tennis Center ntc.usta.com

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Blue Dolphin bluedolphincamp.com

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Arts & Crafts

Special Needs

Music

Academic Enrichment

Day Trips

Swimming

Sports

Theater

STEAM/Robotics

PROGRAMS: Half-Day

Flexible Scheduling

Extended Hours

Lunch

Transportation

Camp Guide

SERVICES:

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Camp Clio campclio.org

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Camp Huntington camphuntington.com

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Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning caryleedstennis.org CK Kids ctkny.org

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Clover Prep - FasTracKids & JEI Learning Center - Fresh Meadows cloverprep.com

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Countryside Montessori School cmsgn.com Cunningham Tennis cunninghamtennis.com Garden School gardenschool.org

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Girl’s & Boy’s Basketball and Beyond girlsbasketballandbeyond.com

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Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp hjc.org

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CAMP MARKETPLACE REGISTER for SUMMER CAMP at latimernow.org/tinker-lab now!

Winner of “Best in Class” at 2016 Maker Faire!

The DanceSource Have you ever tried a Dance Class?

The Lewis H. Latimer House Museum

Tinker Lab at Latimer House Museum • ran.yan@latimernow.org 3441 137th St. Flushing, NY 11354 • 718-961-8585

HUG MUSIC

MUSIC THERAPY Improve attention, communication fine-motor and music skills.

NEW: SOCIAL SKILLS GROUP PIANO, GUITAR & VOICE Lesson Flexible music instruction tailored to each student Private and Duo classes ; Annual student recital HUG MELODY®: Groups for 6 months to 4 years old REGISTER TODAY FOR SUMMER AND FALL SEMESTERS!

HUG MUSIC Forest Hills HugMusicNY.com 718.487.4309 contact@hugmusicny.com

Our smaller classes provide more attention in class, and more detail provide for each dancer.

The Dancesource Offers

Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Gymnastics, Zumba, Hip-Hop, Classical Barata Nathyam, Modern, Ballroom (Latin & Classics), Bollywood, Georgian Dance, and Private Wedding Classes, Bat/Bar Mitzvah, Quincinera Dances, Birthday Parties Offered.

Administration available after school Monday-Thursday 4:30-7:30pm | Saturday 9:30am-2pm Sunday 9:30am-12:30pm | Rental space is available.

98-11 Queens Blvd at 65th Avenue • Rego Park, NY Tel: 718-997-1278 • info@dancesource.net www.dancesource.net • Check out our website!

SOC SOCCER Ages 18 Months & Up

Year-Round Soccer Program General Classes After School Summer Camp Futsal League Travel Team Birthday Party All Girls Class Soccer in Spanish

NINA’S TUTORING CENTER Private Tutoring by Experienced Tutors.

For All Subjects | School Homework | All School Tests

INTENSIVE SUMMER PROGRAM | 8 Weeks Complies with Common Core Standards • STUDY AHEAD FOR THE NEXT GRADE • MATH CLASSES • READING COMPREHENSION AND WRITING CLASSES • PREP. CLASSES FOR SHSAT,TACHS, SAT, REGENTS, CITY/STATEWIDE TESTS

Two Week Sections ONLY $599!

GIRL’S & BOY’S BASKETBALL AND BEYOND Basketball, Nutrition & Sports Education Camp for ages 5-16 years old July 9th – August 24th

Summer Camp

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • LOOK FOR YELLOW SIGN 87-02 GRAND AVENUE, ELMHURST, NY | Phone: 718-205-7508 92-22 CORONA AVENUE, ELMHURST, NY | Phone: 718-606-1056

QueensParent 29

JEI Learning Center Auburndale-Whitestone auburndale.jeilearning.com

JEI Learning Center Floral Park jeifloralpark.com Kon Gen International Preschool

Mill Basin Day Camp millbasindaycamp.com

Oasis Camp in Bayside Queens oasischildren.com

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YMCA Summer Camps ymcanyc.org Young People’s Day Camp of Queens queenscamp.com

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Wildlife Conservation Society: Queens Zoo queenszoo.com World of Discovery Day Camp worldofdiscovery.org

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Soccer Friends USA soccerfriendsusa.com

Tiny Footsteps tinyfootstepsny.com

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Rose Academy of Ballet roseacademyofballet.com

The Kew-Forest School kewforest.org

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Suoerkickers Sports superkickers.com

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Robert Mann Dance Centre robertmanndance.com

Samuel Field Y Summer Camp sfysummercamps.org

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Music Together® with Music and Me musictogetherwithmusicandme.com Noah’s Ark Summer Camp noahsarkschool.com

STEAM/Robotics

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Lewis H. Latimer House Museum latimernow.org Magic Day Camp magicdaycamp.com

PROGRAMS: Half-Day

Flexible Scheduling

Lunch

Transportation

SERVICES:

Day Trips

from page 28

Extended Hours

Camp Guide

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RENT SOME FUN!

Planning an Activity or Event for Children or Families?

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Bike & Boat Rentals Get $5 off your rental total when you present this ad. Not valid holidays, holiday weekends or with any other offer. Limit 1 per person.

wheelfunrentals.com • (805) 650-7770

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St. Sebastian Catholic Academy BUILDING STRONG VALUES Nursery through Grade 8

18 27 26 25

Submit your entries online to

NYMetroParents.com/submitevent All entries subject to editor’s review and acceptance.

Announce it to more than 100,000 parents who are visiting NYMetroParents.com every month.

Be featured on the largest family activities Calendar in the metropolitan New York area.

Come to one of our Walk-in Wednesdays 9am to 10:30am in May and June 39-76 58th Street Woodside, NY 11377 718-429-1982 www.stsebastianacademy.org

• FREE Universal Pre-K for All • FREE After School Academic/Recreational Programs daily for students in 6, 7 & 8 sponsored by Maspeth Town Hall.

• Partnership with Monsignor McClancy High School for advanced classes • Over the last three years our graduating classes have earned an average of over $600,000 in Catholic high school scholarship money and were accepted into the finest high schools in New York City.

Students may be eligible for tuition assistance QueensParent 31

things to do

✿

Summertime where-to guide

Shine

✿

Compiled by Samantha Neudorf

It’s finally summer, which means it’s time to do all of your favorite outdoor activities! Nothing screams summer quite like that first drive to the beach to sit in the sand and dip your toes in the ocean. Summer also means trips to amusement parks or carousels (if your child is not ready to take on the big roller coasters).

Finally, June marks the beginning of strawberry season, with festivals and fairs happening in and around the New York City area. Grab your hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water, and get out there to enjoy the warm weather because school’s out for summer!

CAROUSELS

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Forest Park Carousel Northwest Entrance (Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive), Forest Park 718-788-2676; forestparkcarousel.com Hours: June 19-Sept. 5: daily; Sept. 6-Nov. 26: weekends and holidays. Hours vary; see schedule on the website.

Price: $3.50 for one ticket (one ride); $10 for three tickets; $30 for 10 tickets Created in 1890, this is the only carousel that is a Designated New York City Landmark. Take a spin on 1 of 36 horses or ride in a chariot as you listen to vintage organ music.

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/carousels

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BEACHES

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/beaches

STRAWBERRY FESTIVALS

Jim McDonnell

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Jones Beach State Park Wantagh, Long Island 516-785-1600 parks.ny.gov/parks/jonesbeach Hours: Open year-round. Check website for swimming hours.

Cost: $10 parking Attractions: Ocean beach, showers, recreation programs, pool, playground, picnic tables, performing arts theater, museum and visitor center, marina, golf, gift shop, food, and fishing. No pets allowed.

Located alongside the famous Coney Island Boardwalk, Luna Park offers mild to extreme thrill rides.

AMUSEMENT PARKS

Nassau County Strawberry Festival Bellmore BOCES School, 2351 Jerusalem Ave., Bellmore nassaucountystrawberryfest.com Hours: May 31-June 3: Thursday, 6-10pm; Friday, 6-11pm; Saturday, 12-11pm; Sunday, 12-6pm Come to Long Island to get your strawberry on! Take in some live music and other entertainment while delighting in strawberry shortcake, strawberry cheesecake, strawberry daiquiris, and other strawberry goodies! Ride on the carnival attractions and check out the craft and gift show after a juicy treat.

Luna Park at Coney Island 1000 Surf Ave., Coney Island, Brooklyn 718-373-5862; lunaparknyc.com Hours: May 25-Sept. 3: daily; hours vary. Sept. 8-Oct. 28: weekends. Check online for full details.

Pricing: $1 per credit; 48 credits: $40; 75 credits: $60; and 140 credits: $100; $42 and up for Any Day Luna Pass, which includes unlimited rides for any day of the week, and 1 ride entitlement on Go Karts and Slingshot; $29 and up for Fixed Date Luna Pass.

Check online for additional deals.

Mild to extreme thrill rides, games, and dining. New attraction this year: Astro Tower is a 137-foot tall tower that drops and bounces you up and down with sunning views from the top of the ride.

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/strawberries

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/amusementparks

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

Turn the page for details on Quiet Clubbing (No. 7 on our list).

JUNE

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

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WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar EDITOR: GAIL WARREN qpcal@davlermedia.com

CALENDAR 34

Editor’s Hot Tickets

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Special Needs, Show Time!

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We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!

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Mini Musicians

The Great Outdoors, Animal Lovers

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Little Foodies, Smarty Pants, Movers & Shakers

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On Screen, Crafty Kids

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Holiday Fun, Fun Fairs & Festivals

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EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the nine events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to.

Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!

1

World Science Festival: New York City Fish Count FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 1:30-4pm WHERE: Gantry Plaza State Park, 49th Street and Center Boulevard, Hunters Point AGES: All WHAT: Top marine biologists and scientists work with families and kids to discover and count the many species of fish and marine creatures right here in our own city waterways. Everything is provided, including waders.

WHY WE LOVE IT: See a variety of marine life, including seahorses!

WANT TO GO? 212-348-1400. worldsciencefestival.com.

Queens Green Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 12pm WHERE: Socrates Sculpture Park, 35-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City AGES: All WHAT: This inaugural celebration focuses on local ecological initiatives, food justice, gardening, urban farming, and healthy living including bike safety and advocacy. Includes interactive presentations complemented by a variety of art-making, activities, food demonstrations, and more.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A celebration of all things green.

WANT TO GO? 718-956-1819. socratessculpturepark.org.

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Little Orchestra Society: ‘Henry the Steinway: A Star Is Born’ by Sally Coveleskie FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, June 5, 4pm WHERE: Astoria Library, 14-01 Astoria Blvd., Long Island City AGES: All WHAT: Ana, Alec, Lilly, and Buzzy see where Henry was

June 2018 | nymetroparents.com

born when they visit the factory and learn how pianos and beautiful music are made.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Children will learn about the history of music made right in Astoria and other parts of Queens.

WANT TO GO? 718-278-2220. queenslibrary.org.

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What A Wonderful World: 50th Anniversary Celebration featuring David Ostwald’s Louis Armstrong Eternity Band FREE

WHEN: Thursday, June 14, 6:30pm WHERE: Flushing Library, 41-17 Main St., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: One of the few traditional New Orleans-style bands on the contemporary jazz scene, it breathes new life into classic works by Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton, and Bix Beiderbecke without missing a beat, always true to the joy and heart of the music!

WHY WE LOVE IT: This is a song inspired by the Great Satchmo’s life in Queens—a song that still inspires millions of people around the world!

WANT TO GO? 718-661-1200. queenslibrary.org.

Make Music New York 2018 FREE

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WHEN: Thursday, June 21, 2pm WHERE: Louis Armstrong House Museum, 34-56 107th St., Corona AGES: All WHAT: The Louis Armstrong House Band will perform selections from the Great American Songbook in Louis’ garden. Pack a bag lunch and enjoy.

WHY WE LOVE IT: An afternoon of music in Satchmo’s garden... enough said.

WANT TO GO? 718-478-8274. louisarmstronghouse.org.

Get weekend activities delivered to you!

nymetroparents.com/register ››

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WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE

Flamenco Latino 2018: Más Allá Series

WHEN: June 22-23, Friday-Saturday, 8pm WHERE: Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, 161-04 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica AGES: 9 and older WHAT: This innovative project combines flamenco and tap dance with music from the Black America and the Caribbean.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Feel the beat and learn all about these rhythmic dances.

WANT TO GO? $20; $15 seniors and students. 718-658-7400. jcal.org.

Quiet Clubbing FREE

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WHEN: Thursday, June 28, 5pm WHERE: Victory Field, Forest Park, Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive, Woodhaven AGES: All WHAT: This family-friendly headphone party has music for every generation to enjoy. Three live DJs will be playing songs from genres such as Top 40, 80s/90s throwbacks, Motown, and funk.

Reservations required.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Dance and have fun together without loud music!

WANT TO GO? 718-235-4100. nycgovparks.org.

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Queens Jazz Orchestra’s 10th Year Anniversary

WHEN: Friday, June 29, 8-10pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: FTH’s Queens Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Jimmy Heath, has performed and featured established jazz heroes and the next generation of jazz greats since 2008. This celebration will honor Jimmy Heath and his life’s journey through jazz.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A chance to honor the music made popular by jazz icons who called Queens their home.

WANT TO GO? $42; $20 students; free for students 13-19 with ID. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

Rockaway Beach Super Boardwalk Street Fair FREE WHEN: Saturday, June 30, 10am WHERE: Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk, Beach 86th Street and Shorefront Parkway, Rockaway Beach AGES: All WHAT: Craft and gift vendors will be selling handmade and handpicked items, and service vendors will be provide valuable information about homes, businesses, and lifestyles.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A day of fun on the boardwalk.

WANT TO GO? 516-442-6000. nycgovparks.org.

9

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

Toddler Time FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 1, 11am WHERE: Bowne Park, 158th Street and 32nd Avenue, Flushing AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Run through the sprinklers, play with balloons, and have a snack.

WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

Outdoor Bazaar FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 9, 10am-6pm WHERE: Sunnyside Reformed Church, 48-03 Skillman Ave., Sunnyside AGES: All WHAT: This outdoor event features a variety of treasures for purchase.

Stop by, browse the tables, and enjoy some homemade goodies, too.

WANT TO GO? 718-426-5997. sunnysidenyc.rcachurches.org.

We Make the Future Block Party FREE

WHEN: Sunday, June 17, 1-4pm WHERE: The Rubin Museum, 150 W. 17th St., Chelsea, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the spirit of the community at the Rubin Museum’s annual Block Party. Join thousands of other New Yorkers at this outdoor event on Father’s Day, featuring art and activities for all ages inspired by the Rubin’s yearlong exploration of the future.

WANT TO GO? 212-620-5000. rubinmuseum.org.

Queens Must-Sees! Book Talk FREE

WHEN: Sunday, June 17, 4:30pm WHERE: King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Bring Dad for a book talk with Joe DiStefano—author of 111 Places in Queens That You Must Not Miss, food writer, culinary tour guide, and champion of Queens—to learn about the lesser known snapshots of history and culture in Queens.

WANT TO GO? 718-206-0545. kingmanor.org.

Summer Solstice Celebration FREE

WHEN: Thursday, June 21, 5pm WHERE: Socrates Sculpture Park, 35-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City AGES: All WHAT: Mark this midsummer phenomenon with art-making workshops, and join artist/storyteller Satya Celeste to transform the grove of trees into a communal art piece. At sunset, gather around the hill for Urban Shaman Mama Donna’s annual waterfront Solstice ritual uniting all in reverence and positive energy.

WANT TO GO? 718-956-1819. socratessculpturepark.org. ›› QueensParent 35

Jazz At Socrates: Clifton Anderson Second Thursdays FREE WHEN: Thursday, June 14, 6:30pm WHERE: Socrates Sculpture Park, 35-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City AGES: All WHAT: Trombonist Clifton Anderson brings his stellar quintet to Socrates for a night of swinging originals, calypso, funk, and American songbook standards.

WANT TO GO? 718-956-1819. socratessculpturepark.org.

Global Mashup #5: Texas Meets Peru

MINI

MUSICIANS Global Mashup #4: Balkans Meets El Barrio

WHEN: Friday, June 1, 7pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Raya Brass Band thrills audiences with intense, soul-shaking Balkan wedding music and Spanglish Fly returns with irresistible grooves that play ’60s soul inspired by Latin boogaloo. Each band plays a set, then the two meet and jam.

WANT TO GO? $16; $10 students. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

Concert for the Environment Featuring the Band Gathering Time WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 7:30pm WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Finish off World Environment Day with a folk-rock celebration with the band Gathering Time. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $15. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

WHEN: Friday, June 15, 7pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: It’s a mash-up of two cultures on one stage with an open dance floor. Featuring Brian Clayton and The Green River Band, comprised of six country musicians, and Corina Bartra Afro Peruvian Band playing Afro-Peruvian music.

WANT TO GO? $16; 10 students. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

Only In Queens Summer Stage Concert: Kool and The Gang FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 5pm WHERE: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Kool & The Gang performs bulletproof funk and tough jazz arrangements with songs such as “Celebration,” “Cherish,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Summer Madness,” and “Open Sesame.”

WANT TO GO? 718-352-1769. nycgovparks.org.

Queens Symphony Orchestra Family Concert: ‘A Thousand and One Nights’ FREE

WHEN: Sunday, June 17, 3pm WHERE: LeFrak Concert Hall, 153-49 Reeves Ave., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Listen to the music of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, based on the folktales of the One Thousand and One Nights.

WANT TO GO? 718-997-3800. kupferbergcenter.org.

Those Whose Backs (Are Against The Wall) FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 9, 7pm WHERE: Sunnyside Reformed Church, 48-03 Skillman Ave., Sunnyside AGES: All WHAT: Carol Sudhalter’s 17-piece Astoria Big Band plays compositions from Besame Mucho to Lullaby of the Leaves, all composed by women.

Show includes vocalist Marti Mabin.

WANT TO GO? 718-426-5997. sunnysidenyc.rcachurches.org.

WHEN: Friday, June 22, 7pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Saxophonist and composer Tyrone Birkett presents a musical work giving voice to the dispossessed, acknowledging circumstances caused by dehumanization and “otherness” by using jazz improvisation and language, minimalism, soul and funk, 21st century hymn-lining, and spoken word.

WANT TO GO? 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

‘What A Wonderful World’: Akoko Nante Ensemble FREE

Two Women, One Passion

Women Composers of Popular Music FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 9, 3pm WHERE: Jackson Heights Library, 35-51 81st St., Jackson Heights AGES: All WHAT: A Pan-African percussion/vocal group based in Queens presents music that has been harvested from the continent of Africa and through its diaspora. They will offer their rendition of “What a Wonderful World,” as well as songs from locales as diverse as the court of the royal palaces of Ghana, the groves of old Haiti, and the seaside shanties of Cuba.

WANT TO GO? 718-899-2500. queenslibrary.org.

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June 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, June 30, 7pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: In partnership with Festival de las Flores, pianist Teresita Gómez and soprano Delcy Yanet Estrada—two performers of the symphonic music of the Antioquia Region in Colombia—present a special repertoire for the intercultural community of New York as part of the Flower Festival.

WANT TO GO? $16; $10 students. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

MOVERS & SHAKERS 6th Annual Cruise for a Cause

WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 12-4pm WHERE: Skyline Cruises Flushing Marina, 1 World’s Fair Marina, Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Families will enjoy a luncheon and cruise around Manhattan with games, live music, and dancing. All proceeds benefit the Y Annual Campaign.

WANT TO GO? $50. 718-551-9300. ymcanyc.org/cruise.

Family Yoga: Celebrate Summer

LITTLE FOODIES Connecting Through Food FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 9, 12-3pm WHERE: Socrates Sculpture Park, 35-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City AGES: All WHAT: Join The Connected Chef for cold prep food demonstrations, during which parents will learn to cook with their kids and everyone will learn how to make easy and healthy meals to enjoy in the summertime.

WANT TO GO? 718-956-1819. socratessculpturepark.org.

Young Chefs: Mouthwatering Desserts

WHEN: Saturday, June 9, 10:30am WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Make Cheesecake Pops and Strawberry Shortcake Lasagna that are easy to replicate at home. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $24. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

SMARTY PANTS Queens Library & Sciencetellers Rock with the Wild West: ‘The Mystery of the Golden Piano’ FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 1, 4pm WHERE: Jackson Heights Library, 35-51 81 St., Jackson Heights AGES: All WHAT: Throughout this absolutely wild adventure story, volunteers from the audience will explore the fascinating science behind chemical reactions, combustion, air pressure, inertia, and more. Don’t miss this classic action-packed western with ‘notes’ of science!

WANT TO GO? 718-899-2500. queenslibrary.org.

Queens Library Rock! with the Rappin Fireman FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 3pm WHERE: BambooMoves, 10740 Queens Blvd., Suite 206, Forest Hills AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Participants will move, talk about their experiences at the beach, and explore ideas they can incorporate into their trips to the beach.

WANT TO GO? $25; $5 each additional child. 718-263-0788. bamboomovesfh.com.

Relay For Life of Middle Village FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 23, 4pm WHERE: Juniper Valley Park, 7401 Juniper Blvd. N., Middle Village AGES: All WHAT: The community comes together in unity to show their support for those that are fighting and have fought against cancer. There will be games, performances, fundraisers, and workshops.

WANT TO GO? 800-227-2345.

Air Hockey Mondays FREE

WHEN: June 4-25, Mondays, 4pm WHERE: Arverne Library, 312 Beach 54 St., Arverne AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kids can battle their friends for the top spot.

WANT TO GO? 718-634-4784. queenslibrary.org.

Yoga FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 15: Saturdays, 9:30am and 11am; Sundays, 10am WHERE: Socrates Sculpture Park, 35-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City AGES: All WHAT: Vinyasa yoga presented by three practioners with varying styles.

WANT TO GO? 718-956-1819. socratessculpturepark.org.

Rocket Park Mini Golf

WHEN: Through Oct. 28: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Kids will putt their way through a nine-hole mini-golf course that teaches the science of spaceflight. Players will explore key science concepts such as propulsion, gravity, escape velocity, and gravitational assist.

WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children and seniors with museum admission: $16; $13 children, students, and seniors. 718-699-0005. nysci.org. ››

WHEN: Friday, June 8, 4pm WHERE: Jackson Heights Library, 35-51 81 St., Jackson Heights AGES: 5-12 WHAT: The “Rappin Fireman” John Ruiz engages and teaches children about fire prevention and fire safety. This event encourages audience participation.

WANT TO GO? 718-899-2500. queenslibrary.org.

Mad Science Presents: SPIN, POP, BOOM FREE

WHEN: Thursday, June 14, 6pm WHERE: Buddy Monument, Park Lane South & Myrtle Avenue, Richmond Hill AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Ready for some fun science? Witness amazing feats of chemistry and explore all sorts of spectacular reactions.

WANT TO GO? 718-235-4100. nycgovparks.org.

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SHOW TIME! The Music, Bubble, and Comedy Show: Born To Read FREE

SPECIAL NEEDS ASD Workshops: Sink or Float FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 2, Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm; SaturdaySunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Explore the properties of water. Play with ice and watercolors, find out what sinks and floats, and more at this workshop specially designed for children with autism spectrum disorder and their parents and siblings. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Sensory Friendly Screening: ‘The Kid’

WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 11am WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: 5-12 WHAT: The Kid is a silent gem that remains a hilarious delight.

This screening will be snsory-friendly with the lights dimmed and volume lowered.

WANT TO GO? 718-777-6888. movingimage.us.

ASD Workshops: Rockets FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 9, Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm; SaturdaySunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Discover the wonders of outer space as you build and launch your own high-flying rocket that is out of this world. This workshop is specially designed for young children with autism spectrum disorder and their parents and siblings. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Mornings @ MoMI

WHEN: Saturday, June 30, Saturday, 9:30-10:30am WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: All WHAT: This early access hour, before the museum is open to the general public, will allow visitors of all ages to explore the exhibitions and participate in art making projects, facilitated by museum educators.

Reservations required.

WANT TO GO? $5; free for children younger than 3. 718-777-6888. movingimage.us.

Autism Spectrum Tour: The Discovery Squad FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 1: Saturdays, 9-10am WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, 79th Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Families with members on the autism spectrum can attend a 40-minute tour led by specially trained guides, then spend some time exploring the Discovery Room before the museum opens to the public.

WANT TO GO? 212-769-5100. amnh.org.

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June 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Tuesday, June 12, 4pm WHERE: Bellerose Library, 250-06 Hillside Ave., Bellerose AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Join Queens Library and Turtle Dance Music in this music, bubble, and comedy show where children will be engaged with songs, comedy, bubbles, music technology, and original stories about why libraries rock.

WANT TO GO? 718-831-8644. queenslibrary.org.

‘Zoongoro: A Mexican Musical Tale’ FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 15, 12pm WHERE: LeFrak Concert Hall at Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: A family-friendly workshop production about a girl who braves great challenges with the help of animals who transform into musical instruments, based on the book Zoongoro Bailongo by Zenen Zeferino Huervo. After the performance, the participants will have the opportunity to give the creative team their feedback, which will be valuable as the actors continue to revise the production.

WANT TO GO? 718-793-8080. kupferbergcenter.org.

‘Princess Particular’

WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 2:30pm WHERE: The Secret Theatre, 44-02 23rd St., Long Island City AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: The spirited and feisty Princess Particular is used to getting what she wants, when she wants it. Today she wants to be a ballerina, but King Loadsadough and Queen Patience want their daughter to practice curtseying. Fortunately, her four maids, the Chancellor, and the Lady-inWaiting are on hand to help the princess to follow her dream.

WANT TO GO? $15; $10 children. 718-392-0722. secrettheatre.com.

‘The Emperor’s Nightingale’ by Pan Asian Repertory Theatre

WHEN: Sunday, June 17, 3pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: This family-friendly adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s humorous story The Nightingale, set in 18th-century China, brings to light the youthful exploits of the future Emperor Qianlong, who finds a magical bird to help him learn what he must do to be king.

WANT TO GO? $10; free for students 13-19 with ID. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

Plaza Theatrical Presents ‘The Wizard of Oz’ FREE

WHEN: Thursday, June 21, 6pm WHERE: Sobelsohn Playground in Forest Park, Park Lane South and Abingdon Road, Kew Gardens AGES: All WHAT: Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Cowardly Lion as they come to life in this theatrical performance of this movie classic.

WANT TO GO? 718-235-4100. nycgovparks.org.

Metropolitan Opera Recital FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 29, 7pm WHERE: Socrates Sculpture Park, 35-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy an evening of sunset opera on the waterfront, featuring talented young Met singers performing arias and duets from a variety of operas. Produced in association with SummerStage and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.

WANT TO GO? 718-956-1819. socratessculpturepark.org.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS ANIMAL LOVERS World Environment Day Guided Walk FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 3pm WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: All WHAT: Explore the ecodiversity of APEC’s nature trails with a guided nature walk. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

2018 QBG Bird Walks with NYC Audubon

WHEN: Through June 9: Saturday-Sunday, 9:30-10:30am WHERE: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Register for a nature walk with NYC Audubon.

WANT TO GO? $6; $2 children ages 4-12; free for children younger than 3. 718-886-3800. qbgbirdwalks2018.eventbrite.com.

Kayaking from Socrates Sculpture Park Beach at Hallets Cove FREE

WHEN: June 3-17, Sundays, 1-4pm WHERE: Socrates Sculpture Park, LIC Boathouse, 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City AGES: All WHAT: A comfortable introduction for families to kayaking during a short trip to the shallow waters of Hallets Cove, no experience is required.

WANT TO GO? 718-228-9214. licboathouse.org.

Science in the Park: Science in the Woods FREE

WHEN: Through June 23: Saturdays, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Alley Pond Park, Springfield Boulevard and 76th Street, Douglaston AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Nature-based programming that includes birding, catch and release, crafts, a nature hike, and more. Registration recommended.

WANT TO GO? 718-229-4000. alleypond.org.

Science In The Park: Science in the Bay FREE

WHEN: Through June 24: Sundays, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Little Bay Park, Utopia Parkway and Cryders Lane, Whitestone AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Programming includes wadding and netting, crafts, and outdoor fun. Registration recommended and children should know how to swim.

WANT TO GO? 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

Governors Island Open Season

WHEN: Through Oct. 31: Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm; SaturdaySunday, 10am-7pm WHERE: Governors Island, Ferries leave from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6 and 10 South St., New York Harbor, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: It’s time to hop on the ferry to Governors Island to enjoy lush landscapes and a calendar full of concerts and free programming.

WANT TO GO? $3; free for children younger than 13; free for all passengers Saturday-Sunday until 11:30am. 212-440-2200. govisland.com.

Pajama Story Time: An Animal Tale

WHEN: Friday, June 1, 5:30pm WHERE: Queens Zoo, 53-51 111th St., Flushing AGES: 3-8, adult WHAT: Explore the marsh and aviary to learn about the birds, meet some of their farm animals, and see some other animals up close. Then enjoy cookies and milk and hear a story under the tent.

WANT TO GO? $35. 800-433-4149. queenszoo.com.

World Environment Day: World Wildlife with Animal Embassy

WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 10am WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Animal Embassy will take families on a journey around the globe with live Animal Ambassadors. This interactive animal presentation will allow participants to connect with the natural world.

WANT TO GO? $14. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

Outragehiss Pets

WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 1pm WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: An exciting and safe way for kids to discover, imagine, and explore the world of animals. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $14. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

Family Breakfast: Keeping Up With The Keepers

WHEN: Sunday, June 3, 9:30am WHERE: Queens Zoo, 53-51 111th St., Flushing AGES: 3-12, adult WHAT: Future zookeepers and their parents will enjoy this early morning look into the world of animal care at the zoo. Meet a keeper and learn about what it takes to care for some amazing animals.

WANT TO GO? $35. 718-271-1500. queenszoo.com.

Turtle & Shell Show and Tell

WHEN: Sunday, June 3, 1-1:30pm WHERE: Wave Hill, 649 W. 249th St., Bronx AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Youngest visitors and their families are invited to drop by this informal info station to see turtle shells, eggs, and meet a live turtle.

WANT TO GO? $8; $4 students and seniors; $2 children ages 6-18; free for children younger than 6. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org. ››

Socrates Mini Market FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 17: Saturdays, 11am-4pm WHERE: Socrates Sculpture Park, 35-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a freshly brewed ‘cuppa’ from Henley Coffee, sample a selection of fresh-cut produce and small-batch products, and more.

WANT TO GO? 718-956-1819. socratessculpturepark.org QueensParent 39

Children’s Friday Matinee FREE

ON SCREEN ‘Wonder Woman’ Screening FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 8, 8pm WHERE: Astoria Park Main Lawn, 19th Street between Astoria Park South and Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria AGES: All WHAT: Join in for a screening of Wonder Woman. Pre-show will feature the musical stylings of FogoAzul NYC, an all-female Brazilian drumline, and a limited amount of free popcorn. Bring your own blankets and picnics.

WANT TO GO? 516-455-0234. astoriaparkalliance.org.

Family Movies FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 9, 2:30pm WHERE: Bayside Library, 214-20 Northern Blvd., Bayside AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Come watch The Incredibles together with family and friends.

WANT TO GO? 718-229-1834. queenslibrary.org.

‘Finding Nemo’

WHEN: June 16-17, Saturday-Sunday, 11am WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 35-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Marlin, a clownfish in the Great Barrier Reef, must find his son Nemo when he is picked up by a fishing boat. While Nemo ends up in a fish tank in the city planning his escape, his father sets out on an adventure with the help of other fish and sea creatures to find and rescue his son.

WANT TO GO? $15; $11 seniors with ID; $7 children ages 3-17; free for children younger than 3. 718-777-6888. movingimage.us.

Science and Film Shorts for Kids

WHEN: June 23-24, Saturday-Sunday, 11am WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 35-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: A program of kid-friendly short films from museum’s Sloan Science & Film collection, supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation’s nationwide film program. Each film integrates scientific or technological themes.

WANT TO GO? $15; $11 seniors with ID; $7 children ages 3-17; free for children younger than 3. 718-777-6888. movingimage.us.

Movie Nights in Rockaway: ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ FREE

WHEN: Thursday, June 28, 8pm WHERE: O’Donohue Park, Beach 17th Street and Seagirt Boulevard, Far Rockaway AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Luke Skywalker’s peaceful and solitary existence gets upended when he encounters Rey, a young woman who shows strong signs of the Force.

WANT TO GO? 718-318-4000. nycgovparks.org.

Family Movie Afternoon FREE

WHEN: June 1-29, Fridays, 3pm WHERE: Howard Beach Library, 92-06 156 Ave., Howard Beach AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Enjoy screenings of Professor Marston & the Wonder Women on June 1; Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle on June 8; Paddington 2 on June 15; Pitch Perfect 3 on June 22; and Roman J. Israel, Esq. on June 29.

WANT TO GO? 718-641-7086. queenslibrary.org.

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June 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: June 1-29, Fridays, 3:30pm WHERE: Mitchell-Linden Library, 31-32 Union St., Flushing AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Don’t miss screenings of children’s movies, including The Emoji Movie on June 1; Early Man on June 8; Sing! on June 15; My Little Pony on June 22; and Wreck-it Ralph on June 29.

WANT TO GO? 718-539-2330. queenslibrary.org.

Family Movie: ‘Wonder’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 30, 2:30pm WHERE: Brairwood Library, 85-12 Main St., Brairwood AGES: All WHAT: A 10-year-old boy with a facial deformity attends school for the first time starting in the fifth grade. With the support of his parents, he learns how to make friends and adjust to his new environment.

WANT TO GO? 718-658-1680. queenslibrary.org.

CRAFTY KIDS Pretty in Paint Workshop for Children FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 4pm WHERE: Far Rockaway Library, 1637 Central Ave., Far Rockaway AGES: 5-12 WHAT: This paint workshop will encourage children to unleash their creativity as they create a masterpiece to take home. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 718-327-2549. queenslibrary.org.

Hands On History: Make Your Own Clay Pot FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 1pm WHERE: King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica AGES: 3-12, adult WHAT: Two hundred years ago, an enslaved man named Dave working as a potter inscribed beautiful, insightful poems into his finished clay pots.

History remembers him for his skill as both potter and poet. Come listen to his story and make a pot to take home.

WANT TO GO? 718-206-0545. kingmanor.org.

Saturday Sculpture Workshops FREE

WHEN: June 9-30, Saturdays, 12-3pm WHERE: Socrates Sculpture Park, 35-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City AGES: All WHAT: Every Saturday, attend a craft workshop with a different theme each week. Participate in Sculpture In Motion on June 9; Means of Production/Methods of Repair on June 16; Oaxaca Marionettes on June 23; and Neighborhood Heroes on June 30.

WANT TO GO? 718-956-1819. socratessculpturepark.org.

How to Be a Puppeteer Family Workshop

WHEN: Saturday, June 30, 1pm WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 35-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Puppeteer Noel MacNeal will lead an interactive demonstration on professional puppet manipulation and families will try their “hand” at lip-sync (aka how a puppet talks). After the demonstration, he will lead a workshop in making origami puppets that participants can color, fold, and take with them.

WANT TO GO? $15; $11 seniors with ID; $7 children ages 3-17; free for children younger than 3. 718-777-6888. movingimage.us.

HOLIDAY AFUN Father’s Day Book Display Craft FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 3pm WHERE: Queensboro Hill Library, 60-05 Main St., Flushing AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children will help design a colorful Father’s Day craft for the library’s Father’s Day book display.

WANT TO GO? 718-359-8332. queenslibrary.org.

Broad Channel Flag Day FREE

WHEN: Thursday, June 14, 5pm WHERE: Broad Channel Park, East 16th Road to East 18th Road on Cross Bay Boulevard, Broad Channel AGES: All WHAT: In celebration of Flag Day, enjoy an evening of children’s activities, arts and crafts, face painting, entertainment, music, refreshments, and giveaways.

WANT TO GO? 718-318-4000.

Father’s Day Crafts for Kids FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 15, 3:30pm WHERE: Maspeth Library, 69-70 Grand Ave., Maspeth AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kids can color their own “All About Dad” posters to show dad some love and appreciation for Father’s Day. WANT TO GO? 718-639-5228. queenslibrary.org.

Celebrate Father’s Day

WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 3pm WHERE: BambooMoves, 10740 Queens Blvd., Suite 206, Forest Hills AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Celebrate all dads this special class that will include asana, breath work, and mindfulness.

WANT TO GO? $22; free for dads. 718-263-0788. bamboomovesfh.com.

Swingtime Big Band FREE

WHEN: Sunday, June 17, 5pm WHERE: George Seuffert Bandshell, Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive, Woodhaven AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Celebrate Father’s Day with this exciting 20-piece big band featuring hits by Count Basie, Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, The Andrews Sisters, Joe Williams, and Frank Sinatra.

WANT TO GO? 718-235-4100. nycgovparks.org.

Pops for Pops

WHEN: Sunday, June 17, 12-4pm WHERE: Louis Armstrong House Museum, 34-56 107th St., Corona AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Father’s Day in Satchmo style with free admission for the Pops in your life.

WANT TO GO? $10; $7 seniors, students, and children; free for children younger than 5. 718-478-8274. louisarmstronghouse.org.

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS BookCon 2018

WHEN: June 2-3, Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Javits Center, 655 W. 34th St., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: An immersive experience that features interactive, forward-thinking content including Q-and-As with the hottest talent, autographing sessions, photo opps, special screenings, interactive experiences, and more. BookCon is the ultimate celebration of books, where your favorite stories come to life.

WANT TO GO? $10-$45. 203-840-5632. thebookcon.com.

Make Music New York FREE

WHEN: Thursday, June 21, see website for times WHERE: Various venues citywide, see website for addresses, New York AGES: All WHAT: This annual festival features more than 1,000 free outdoor concerts, music lessons, and jam sessions in public spaces across the five boroughs.

WANT TO GO? 917-779-9709. makemusicny.org.

12th Annual Rockstock and Barrels Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 23, 10am-6pm WHERE: Beach 90th Street off Shorefront Parkway, Rockaway Beach AGES: All WHAT: Rockaway rocks with family fun, which includes surf contests, a local arts and crafts shopping village, skateboard demos, and live music.

WANT TO GO? 718-318-4000.

Queensboro Dance Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 30, 6pm WHERE: Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk, Beach 17th Street and Boardwalk, Rockaway AGES: All WHAT: An annual tour of performances and community dance activities featuring dance companies all from Queens.

WANT TO GO? 718-393-7370. queensborodancefestival.com.

Father’s Day Classic Car Show

WHEN: Sunday, June 17, 11am-3pm WHERE: Astoria Park, Shore Boulevard, Astoria AGES: All WHAT: Walk down Shore Boulevard to explore dozens of classic cars from around the region. Live music, family activities, and food vendors will also stretch along “The Strip.”

WANT TO GO? $15 per vehicle entry; free to the public. 713-818-9622. astoriaparkalliance.org.

Coming up next month: JULY 4: Hot Jazz/Cool Garden Summer 2018 at Louis Armstrong House Museum, Corona JULY 18: Classic Car Cruise at The Shops at Atlas Park, Glendale JULY 27-29: 40th Annual Thunderbird American Indian Powwow at Queens County Farm Museum, Floral Park

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things to do

outbound

Family Fun a Ride Away Courtesy Cradle of Aviation Museum

Courtesy The WaterFront Center

In Nassau County, NY…

A Grumman F-11A Tiger Blue Angel on display at the Cradle of Aviation museum.

The Cradle of Aviation Museum

Sailing classes are available for children in fourth grade and older.

The WaterFront Center

There’s something for everyone at the WaterFront Center, which offers a variety of programs and activities for people of all ages and abilities. Take a tour of the harbor, go on a sunset cruise, learn about Oyster Bay marine life, or even go for brunch on the bay. The WaterFront Center is a perfect way to get your family on the water and learning about what lives in it.

Visit It: 1 W. End Ave., Oyster Bay; 516-922-SAIL (7245); thewaterfrontcenter.org

This museum has so much to offer you have to see it for yourself. Explore more than 150,000 square feet featuring 75 air and spacecraft from a hot air balloon to an Apollo Lunar Module. The eight exhibit galleries on display teach visitors all about aviation, about Long Island’s role in aviation, and more. Listen to aerospace stories told by volunteer docents, climb into half a dozen cockpits, and explore more than 30 hands-on exhibits.

Visit It: Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City; 516-572-4111; cradleofaviation.org

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The Field Station: Dinosaurs exhibits are realistic-looking and life-sized.

Fantasy Fliers has been flying over the Lower Hudson Valley for more than 30 years.

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This prehistoric attraction combines the work of creative artists with innovative science to create an educational and exciting experience for the whole family. The exhibit has more than 30 life-sized, robotic dinosaurs made by the collaborative efforts of roboticists and artists. Children can view the awesome display in Overpeck Park surrounded by natural woods, as well as participate in workshops and activities to learn all about dinosaurs.

Visit It: Overpeck County Park, Leonia, NJ; 855-999-9010; fieldstationdinosaurs.com

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June 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Really get away from the hustle and bustle with your family on an affordable hot air balloon ride with Fantasy Balloon Flight. The full-service hot air balloon company has been flying over the Lower Hudson Valley area since 1984. Ken and Lana Smith, the business owners, are Federal Aviation Administration-certified licensed commercial pilots with more than 65 years of combined flight experience. Rides are offered May-November.

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family life finances

Vacationing on a Budget

››

Family trips can be relaxing, but they can put unwanted stress on your wallet. By Melissa Wickes

V

acations are something we look forward to the whole year. They provide a rare chance to wind down, go on fun adventures, and spend quality time with the ones we love. Unfortunately, vacation expenses add up, and planning a trip in the most cost-effective way can be overwhelming. In fact, New York University’s 2017 Family Travel survey revealed that 30 percent of the middle-income families and 25 percent of the high-range income families who participated found affordability to be their main challenge when planning a trip.

If both groups of respondents found affordability to be a challenge, what does this mean? Low cost is not necessarily the ultimate goal; the expected “bang for your buck” is. Whether that translates into using only credit card points for a flight with a ton of legroom or finding a decently priced hotel room with a great ocean view, planning an affordable family vacation is a daunting task.

So how do we maximize our families’ fun without dipping into our savings? Read on for insider advice from leading travel experts.

More Bang for Your Buck

There are many travel-planning websites, apps, and services. In fact, the sheer number can make the process harder to navigate than airport security.

Lyla Gleeson, an NYC mom and founder of GlobetrottingMommy.com, has whittled down those sites and apps into an easy-to-navigate A-list: TripAdvisor: By comparing the prices of more than 200 websites, this site helps families book the best hotels, airlines, attractions, and restaurants for the lowest cost. TripAdvisor also hosts an online community, providing a place to read reviews and ask questions.

“TripAdvisor is my favorite website for planning a vacation in terms of activities and lodging,” Gleeson says. “I love reading hotel reviews to gain the inside scoop on rooms to request and rooms to avoid.”

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June 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Travelzoo: This site recommends deals that pass Travelzoo’s high quality standards from the best companies. The deals listed are not based on what the travel companies pay Travelzoo; they’re featured because Travelzoo considers them to be genuinely good travel or entertainment deals.

Groupon: The deals offered on Groupon are available in 15 countries and more than 500 markets globally, including savings on activities, attractions, and dining. Users can buy deals on the site or the app.

When you’re visiting a new city, the best thing to do beforehand is check Groupon for discounts on amusement parks and other family-friendly local activities, according to Gleeson.

Hopper: If you want to know the best time to buy a flight, this mobile app will clue you in. You can even “follow” a flight, enabling notifications when the price changes.

HotelTonight: This mobile app makes it easy to book last-minute hotel rooms at amazing rates for tonight, tomorrow, and next week. The unsold rooms in a hotel go onto the app, which can score you some heavy discounts, Gleeson says.

If you’re not looking to risk it with a last-minute deal, Gleeson recommends booking your travel plans at least three to six months in advance for vacations during a school break or holiday week.

“If you’re planning a big holiday trip or family reunion, a year or two in advance is the norm for popular hotels and cruises, especially for Christmas,” Gleeson says. “Always be flexible when booking air and hotels because sometimes moving a trip by a day or two can save hundreds of dollars. ...You will get the best deals when you travel mid-week.”

You can also score various deals through corporate employee dis-

counts. Ask the human resources contact in your office if your company is partnered with any corporate discount websites such as Plum Benefits for deals on shows, hotel stays, and more.

There are also lesser-known discounts that you may not have considered, and they’re easy to claim.

Birthday, senior citizen, teacher, and military discounts are a no-brainer!

Costco and AAA sometimes offer special savings to their members as well. Have a museum junkie in the family? Ask your library if members can receive any free museum offerings, and do a quick search online to see if any museums at your destination offer pay-what-you-wish or free-admission days.

For even more savings, cashback sites like Ebates.com will pay you a percentage of what you spend on certain other sites.

Some of the above resources, such as Groupon, frequently partner with these sites.

cards, such as the IHG Rewards Club Premium, offer a free onenight hotel voucher each year if you spend a minimum annually, McNutt says. Chase Sapphire Preferred and Amex Platinum have travel perks including credits for Uber and refunds for TSA Pre Check enrollment, Gleeson says.

“Points and miles are a currency, and should be treated with the same value in mind that you have when dealing with cash,” McNutt says. “Usually, you’ll get the best value out of redeeming your points or miles for free travel.”

When planning a Disney trip, the Chase Disney credit card is convenient, according to Lauren Holt, a member of Disney Parks Mom’s Panel, a group of people that are experienced in planning Disney trips.

For every Disney trip you book using this card, you get six months to pay it off, interest free. The card also helps you garner reward credit at the park, including discounts on tours, restaurants, and merchandise.

What many people don’t know is, not every travel rewards program locks you into a certain airline based on the card you have.

While certain cards, such as a Delta co-branded Amex card, only allow you to fly with that particular airline, many offer greater flexibility.

Though planning ahead can help you save money and stress, Holt suggests leaving some room during your trip for spontaneity.

“The planning can be very helpful, but don’t feel like you need to have an itinerary for every single minute,” Gleeson says.

“Leave room for unscripted moments.” The unexpected fun you may have will add extra value to your already affordable vacation!

Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School

Planning with Points

You’re going to spend money on your vacation, so why not get rewarded for it? The best part is, these days you don’t even need a credit card to earn rewards.

“Although credit cards are the fastest way to rack up points and miles, you can earn them just by flying, shopping, dining, and more,” says Emily McNutt, news editor at The Points Guy, the travel advice blog. “If you have a frequent-flyer account, you can earn miles by flying with that airline or partner airlines. Or, if you want to earn miles without flying, you can do online shopping through an airline shopping portal, granting you bonus miles for every dollar spent.”

This is good news because while credit cards require certain credit scores, balances, and other qualifications, none of that applies to collect miles through an airline’s program.

While you’re at it, check to see if the airline has retail partners.

For instance, if you link your JetBlue TrueBlue account to your Lyft app, you can earn miles each time you take a Lyft to and from an airport.

Of course, don’t write off credit card rewards either. Some

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Educating in the tradition of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart QueensParent 45

family life home

Prep Your Home for Your Vacation

››

Ten things to do before traveling to keep your house safe—and give you peace of mind By Barbara Russo

S

ummer is fast approaching, which means it’s time for sun, fun, and a family vacation. Unfortunately, it’s also busy season for criminals who take advantage of the fact that homeowners will be away for days or weeks at a time. Most home burglaries take place in July and August, when windows are more likely to be left open and families leave for excursions, according to information from Esurance.

As if property theft wasn’t enough to threaten your house while you’re away, plumbing and other utility mishaps could result in property damage and big financial problems when you return.

The good news? There are some simple things you can do to prepare your house before you leave to help prevent these catastrophes from occurring. The below list of tips from home-protection experts will help you enjoy a stress-free and relaxing holiday without worrying about things back home.

erty, and huge repair bills. You can also do a quick search for leaks or cracks in water lines that lead to sinks and toilets, and get them fixed before you leave.

And make sure gutters, downspouts, and drains are clear. “If water overflows from its proper channels, it can seep under siding and flood the basement,” says Kristie Bergey, a leasing and sales agent at Very Real Estate in Philadelphia.

Make Your House Look Occupied

Do a double check before you leave to unplug small appliances, especially ones you’ll be using right before you walk out the door. “Make sure you unplug things like hair curlers, irons. You’re packing and you’re in a rush, you can leave something plugged in that is potentially a dangerous situation,” says Anthony Marino, a licensed associate real estate broker based in southwest and downtown Brooklyn.

The simplest yet most effective thing you can do to thwart burglars is to leave a few lights on around the house, giving the appearance that someone is home. Dale Martin, co-vice president of claims at Franklin Mutual Insurance, recommends setting interior and exterior lights on an automatic timer.

Another telltale sign no one is home is a full mailbox. “Have a family member or trusted neighbor collect the mail, newspaper, and packages, or have the post office put a temporary hold on delivery,” Martin says.

Arrange for Yard Care

An unkempt lawn can be another clear indicator that a house is empty. Mow your lawn before you leave, or “ask a trusted neighbor or lawn service to keep the yard cut and maintained while you’re away,” Martin advises.

Prevent Potential Water Damage

Avoid a plumbing disaster by turning off the main water supply valve to your home before you head out, Martin recommends.

Doing so will help prevent small leaks that may occur from turning into a nightmare scenario of a flooded house, destroyed prop46

June 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Run the Dishwasher

“After the cycle has finished, empty the dishwasher, then leave the door open,” Bergey recommends. “That will allow the interior to dry, and it won’t smell musty by the time you get home.”

Bergey also recommends flushing the toilet and leaving the lid up so the water doesn’t become stagnant.

Unplug Appliances

Pay Your Bills

Or make sure you schedule payments so you don’t miss important due dates. Travelers often use credit cards, so it’s especially important to make sure those bills are paid. “Sometimes, if you don’t pay your credit card on time, they’ll lock your account until it’s paid. Then, all of a sudden you’re making calls or having to pay over the phone,” Marino says.

It’s also a good idea to let your credit card companies, bank, and cellphone service know in advance you’ll be traveling. Otherwise, your out-of-town purchases can look like suspicious activity, resulting in a hold being placed on your cards.

Arm the Alarms

Bergey advises homeowners to let their security companies know they’ll be away. “Give a family member or friend your alarm code,

the security company’s phone number, your itinerary, and contact numbers,” she says.

“Press the test button on your smoke alarms to make sure they work, and change the battery if necessary.”

Consider Smart-Home Technology

Smart home cameras and surveillance systems are all the rage in home security these days. They tend to be easier to install than full-fledged security systems, and being wire-free, it’s much harder for a burglar to take apart the system before attempting to break in. The technology works through your cellphone or tablet, allowing you to see what’s going on back home. “When people go on vacation, they tend to make changes to household care routines to make sure things run smoothly while they’re gone, like coordinating with the house cleaner and keeping the dog walker on a tighter schedule,” according to Alex Teichman, CEO and co-founder of Lighthouse AI, which manufactures a 3-D sensing smart-home security camera. “Smart home cameras ensure your home continues to run normally while you’re away on holiday or even if you’re traveling locally.”

Move the Car

If you’re going away without your car, make sure you’re parked for alternate side of the street laws. You don’t want to come back with a bunch of tickets on your windshield.

“Depending on how long and when you’re going to be away, try to find a place where you can either park and have it okay for the week, or have someone, like a family member, potentially move your car for you,” Marino says.

If your house has a driveway, have that be your car’s home while you’re away. If you have a garage, Bergey recommends parking your car outside against the doors to block ac-

cess. “Remove garage door remotes from the car and unplug the electric door opener—the box unit attached to the garage ceiling—so that the door can’t be opened while you’re away,” she says. “Make sure to lock the car and garage doors.”

be dangerous. Most home-security experts will agree that announcing you’re not home on social media is an open invitation to burglars. Wait until you return to post that selfie of you with a palm tree or exploring the Grand Canyon.

Don’t Post Your Trip on Social Media

Some things seem obvious to do before you say, “bon voyage,” but a gentle reminder can’t hurt. If possible, ask a trusted neighbor or family member to check in on the house every

It may be tempting to tell the world about your upcoming tropical getaway or camping experience, but doing so could

so often. And of course, make arrangements for your beloved pets and plants, and take the time to make sure all your doors and windows are locked. A double check for peace of mind before you get going is a good idea, too. It’ll make lounging on the beach much more relaxing.

Barbara Russo is a freelance writer who holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the City University of New York. She enjoys playing guitar, following current events, and hanging out with her pet rabbits.

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The Beauty of Daddy-Baby Bonding

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Forming close ties with a newborn can be difficult for fathers, but that relationship has lasting benefits. Four dads weigh in. By Jennie Russo

L

et’s face it: Parenthood is scary for both new mothers and fathers.

One of the scariest moments of all, in fact, comes when they’re handed their infant in the hospital. What happens next can be very different for women versus men. Mothers tend to bond with their newborns immediately, but some fathers struggle to feel that special closeness.

So what makes for a rough start to fatherhood? It isn’t only about biology: Social stereotypes, the workplace, and gender role expectations are all partly to blame. Although the U.S. Department of Labor says that paternity leave—especially longer leaves of several weeks or months—can promote parent-child bonding, improve outcomes for children, and even increase gender equality at home and work, many new fathers don’t take it. While New York’s paid family leave is certainly encouraging more new dads to step off from the workplace for a little while, there is still a serious imbalance between maternity and paternity leave.

Fathers are pressured by society and employers to return to work much sooner than they should. They are seen as breadwinners, not caregivers, unless they have the option to be a stay-at-home dad. Unfortunately, according to the DOL, fewer than half the countries in the world provide men with access to paid leave to care for a new child, while virtually all provide paid maternity leaves. On average, 70 percent of new fathers take 10 days or fewer after their baby is born—not nearly enough time to adjust to parenthood and create that everlasting bond with their child.

Confidence and Patience Are Key

“The process of bonding with a new baby is natural for most mothers,” says Mary Beth Steinfield, M.D., developmental and behavioral pediatrician at University of California Davis Medical Center and University 48

June 2018 | nymetroparents.com

of California Davis Children’s Hospital. A mother’s instincts generally kick in immediately as she starts to differentiate her baby’s cries, wants, and needs based on body language alone. But not all women jump right into motherhood knowing exactly what to do and when. In those instances, “giving the father time to bond with the baby can be a crucial step,” says Christina Johnson, mother of an 8-month-old.

A father may also be able to take the lead when a mother has a complicated delivery such as an emergency C-section, which was the case for Johnson. “For the first few days I wasn’t able to do anything,” she says. “He was the one who fed and changed her.” In situations like this one, a father has an opportune moment to step in and not only help the mother but create his own bond starting right after delivery.

Even when the moment arises, though, “fathers often feel less confident than new mothers,” according to Dr. Steinfield. Here is what most people don’t realize: Fathers “can become just as nurturing as mothers,” and “are capable of a strong bonding attachment to their infants during the newborn period,” says William Sears, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics at University of California Irvine School of Medicine.

In fact, there’s scientific evidence to back up that statement. Although dads are not involved in some of the physical aspects of child rearing, research has discovered they show elevated levels of oxytocin that match the oxytocin levels in mothers. Oxytocin plays a major role in making “a healthy father-baby bond,” says Ruth Feldman, Ph.D., a professor of developmental social neuroscience at Bar-Ilan University in Israel.

A baby’s instant attachment to mom may seem like a blockade for some dads, but for Brandon Foltz, Salvatore Ferro, John Fontain, and Chad Patoray, it was never an issue. These dads say they were just happy to be

fathers. Although they may not be the ones who gave birth, they’ve been more than capable of connecting with their children on a mental and emotional level, as well as participating in their newborn’s care.

A Relationship Worth the Work

Although not all fathers find it easy to bond with their baby right from birth, it’s worth working at the relationship, experts say. A study by the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing found that when fathers delay bonding with their newborns, they risk altering the longterm course of paternal involvement as the infant progresses throughout childhood and adolescence. Delayed bonding also increases the risk that a dad will experience postpartum depression, the study discovered.

Perseverance is key. “For dads, it sometimes seems difficult to bond with their newborns because they always seem to want their mom,” Ferro explains. “What I used to do is if the baby started crying, instead of my wife holding him, I would pick him up, cradle him, talk or sing to him, and wait for him to fall asleep. As he got a little older, whenever he would cry he would reach his arms out for me.”

Infants aren’t always the most exciting to watch or interact with, which may make it frustrating to find a way to connect. “When your child is an infant, it’s tough for a male to bond. At first, he just lies there and does nothing,” Foltz admits. His advice? “Take it in because he is always changing and molding. My baby, at six weeks, doesn’t even look the same as when he was born. His habits are always changing too.”

As the baby continues to grow and form a personality, the relationship between father and baby will become more lively and obvious.

Other things Fontain, Foltz, Ferro, and Patoray did to bond with their babies include taking their infants for a walk, talking to them, holding them as much as possible, playing with them, sleeping next to them, having skin-to-skin contact, doing tummy time together, and giving hugs and kisses. Additionally, mothers can hand off feeding duties to Dad. (If they’re breast-feeding, Mom can pump and allow Dad to bottle-feed the baby.) This way Dad gets the same intimate bonding time as Mom.

Bonding Beyond Infancy

As infants get older, the way fathers bond with them naturally shifts, too. Foltz, Fontain, Patoray, and Ferro share ideas for continued father-child closeness: • Shoulder a fair share of chores. Foltz stresses the importance of taking over some tasks such as bath time and diaper changes.

• Be there for the child. Patoray urges fathers to “not miss a thing,” from major milestones to little moments.

• Resist taking the easy way out. Fontain advises fathers to play with their kids, not just put them in front of the TV. • Use interests as a way to connect. Ferro says passing down his love for soccer gave him and his son a common interest in later years.

Johnson agrees that the little things, like changing a stinky diaper or reading a story, “go a long way.” These are all moments that matter in children’s development and bond creation with their father. As unsatisfying as it may seem at the time, it ultimately adds up to a wonderful father-baby relationship.

Jenny Russo, a graduate of the College of Saint Elizabeth and New York University, is a freelance writer and editor and full-time marketing associate.

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raising kids teen

College Crash Course

››

How to help your teen prepare for—and succeed in—his first year of higher education By Caitlin Sawicki

C

Since attending college is likely the first time your teen will be on his own, give him more independence this summer. Have her practice for college by letting her have a later curfew or not “checking in” with her as often as you normally would. It could make the transition to being in charge of his own schedule easier.

“If they make a mistake, you want them to make it while they’re still at home, so you are there for them,” Fireborn says.

they’re the reasons your teen is there, after all. College courses tend to have more rigorous syllabi than high school, so it can be difficult for some students to keep up. But the scare tactics some high school teachers love to use about professors only caring about their paycheck and not their students are often false and can lead to discouragement.

“Professors are not in the business of wanting to fail students,” says Rogernelle Griffin, director of William Paterson University’s Academic Success Center. “If students don’t have a grasp of the material or [are] intimidated, they’ll withdraw [from the class] and not be engaged.”

But students have to be the one to initiate contact, according to Griffin. A professor won’t know if a student is struggling unless the student approaches her and takes advantage of her office hours.

Parents should encourage self-advocacy and tell their teen it’s okay to ask for help, Griffin says. Many academic advisors and tutoring centers have open door policies and can answer any questions students may have. If your teen is struggling, Griffin recommends asking him, “Have you visited the academic success center?” instead of pressuring him by saying, “I’m paying all this money.”

And just talking about it isn’t enough, Fireborn says. It is also important for teens to check their school’s resources as soon as possible, especially if your teen has learning disabilities. “By being aware of what’s offered, if something arises, you know where to go for help,” Fireborn says.

In addition to encouraging their teen to speak up for herself, parents should suggest she get involved in clubs and activities on campus. Students who are involved in extracurricular activities tend to get better grades, says Zoe Ragouzeos, Ph.D., LCSW, executive director of Counseling and Wellness Services at New York University.

Advocating for Academic Success

Staying Healthy

ollege is a brand-new experience for teens, and while it can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming. The number one thing parents can do to prepare their teen for her first semester is to talk to her and let her know it’s okay to experience a range of conflicting emotions.

Katherine Fireborn, parenting expert and head of the Fireborn Institute, which helps students thrive in school through parent education, says teens are likely experiencing a lot of emotions about the transition and tend to focus on the negative.

“You really want to talk about preparing for college,” Fireborn says. “It is totally different than anything they’ve ever experienced.

Ask what they’re looking forward to, what they’re scared of.”

But don’t be overbearing or push the subject too hard with your teen since it can lead to feelings of uncertainty, Fireborn notes. If your teen seems to be uninterested in talking, it can help to share fun stories with him about your college experience and what you were excited for, such as going out with friends during the week or extracurricular activities.

Having conversations with your teen about what to expect and how to handle herself will go a long way to ensuring she is successful at college.

Slowly Letting Go

Classes and academic work are essential to the college experience— 50

June 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Talking to your teen about his physical and mental health while he’s

in school is important to his success. A good mental health discussion for parents to have with their teen is the importance of eating well, getting adequate sleep, and setting time aside to unwind, Dr. Ragouzeos says. But decide how much you’re going to do for your teen once she’s in college, she advises. There is a line between advocating for your teen and not teaching him how to be his own advocate.

Megan Hener, certified personal trainer and owner of Meg Hener Fitness in Clifton, NJ, believes lack of structure is the number one culprit for deteriorating physical and mental health in college students, along with exhaustion from over scheduling. “Sometimes meal prepping takes time and a lot of college students do not want to invest the time out of their already packed schedules. The same goes for workouts,” she says.

But a healthy lifestyle is so important. “There are no negatives to living a healthy lifestyle and it’s setting the stage for the rest of your life,” Hener says. “When you do something for yourself daily, it gives you an opportunity to clear your head and feel good about yourself.”

Share these tips with your teen to help her stay healthy: Find on-campus resources. If your teen is on medication and/or is seeing a therapist prior to college, have her connect with and learn about her school’s resources before she arrives, Dr. Ragouzeos recommends.

Make time for fitness. A busy lifestyle is no excuse to neglect physical wellbeing. Hener’s an entrepreneur and mom of two, yet still clears one to two hours a day for her workouts. “I set aside that time no matter what, whether it’s not scheduling clients or waking up extra early,” she says.

Choose healthier options. Eating fresh, full, and balanced meals with healthy proteins and fats cuts down on snacking and latenight binge eating. “Packing healthy snacks [helps to avoid] hitting the vending machines,” Hener says. “Looking at menus before going out to eat and knowing what you will order can reduce giving into peer pressure to make an unhealthy choice.”

Long Long Island Island Speech Speech & Myofunctional & Myofunctional Therapy Therapy

718-640-6767 • 516-216-1791 www.LISpeechandMyo.com

Licensed Speech Pathologists & Myofunctional Therapists Specializing in the Treatment and Correction of: • Language Disorders • Memory & Auditory Processing Difficulties • Fluency • • Voice Disorders • Motor Planning Disorders • Deviate Swallowing • Tongue Thrust • • Feeding & Swalling Problems /Aversions • Thumb Sucking • Articulation Disorders • Oral Facial Muscle Weakness •

Specialized Specialized Therapy Approaches Approaches Including: Including PROMPT Therapy • Individual FEEDING Therapy Augmentative Communication Evaluations & Therapy

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Speech Pathology and Swallowing Disorder Services of Long Island 444 Lakeville Road Lake Success, NY 11042

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516-221-3653

516-216-1791 • 718-640-6767

Get a workout buddy or register for a group workout. Once you get into a groove of incorporating workouts into your daily life, it becomes something you actually look forward to.

Drink in moderation if you are of legal age. Avoiding alcohol may not feel like an option to some college students, but refraining from drinking every night and choosing a light beer over sweeter drinks is a way to watch sugar intake.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Many schools have anonymous hotlines and can connect students to external sources if needed.

Being Safe at Parties

It is important to remind your child that movies depicting college party scenes are not reality. Give her these tips for having fun wisely: Have a designated driver. This person should be determined before she and her group of friends go to the party. Ask if she has Uber or Lyft on her smartphone for easy access. (She should always double check that the driver and license plate match what’s on her phone.)

Have a buddy system. Be sure your teen knows to arrive at and leave the party in the same Uber, Lyft, or designated driver’s car as his friends.

Keep an eye on your drinks, even nonalcoholic ones. This will decrease any chances of her drink being tampered with.

Summer Camp at Holy Cross High School!

Summer STREAM & Athletic Programs Holy Cross High School is proud to offer a variety of activities available to boys and girls during the summer Boys and Girls Basketball Cheerleading Coding Science of Cooking Artist’s Studio TV Production Intro to Instrumental Techniques Music Lab

Though you may not be ready to talk about your child leaving the nest just yet, having discussions with your teen about these topics can prevent future issues. “You don’t want to wait until there is a problem or scramble at the last minute,” Dr. Ragouzeos says.

Please visit www.holycrosshs.org/summer to register today!

Caitlin Sawicki, a former NYMP editorial intern, is a recent college graduate.

Holy Cross High School ��-�� Francis Lewis Blvd, Flushing NY ����8

For more information contact Mr. Robert Botero ’�� (��8) 886-���� ext ��8 or email rbotero@myhchs.org

QueensParent 51

PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT CLOWNS.COM Proudly serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000 718-971-5862 clowns.com We are a family-owned and -operated entertainment company, offering a wide range of party and entertainment services including clowns, inflatable bounce houses, characters, magicians, princesses, magic shows, face painting, and party concession rentals.

POPARAZZI BALLOONS & EVENT SPACE 61-19 Fresh Pond Road, Middle Village 347-204-5252 poparazzievents.com Follow us on Instagram: @poparazziballoons poparazziballoons@yahoo.com Making magic happen with balloons!

Turn your dream party into a reality with POParazzi! We custom design your ideas to create the ultimate experience.

PARTY PLACES @ PLAY AMUSEMENTS 229 NY-110, Farmingdale 631-815-5355 atplayamusement.com info@playamusement.com Have your next party at the newly renovated @ Play Amusements!

It offers 40,000 square feet of fun ranging from 92 arcade games, inflatables, and bumper cars to a roller coaster, carousel, disco room, and laser tag!

AMERICAN DANCE & DRAMA 188-22 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 68-02 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village 718-479-8522 americandanceanddrama.net We are one of Queens’s largest and most exciting birthday party locations, offering dress-up, disco, and gymnastics parties. We also offer bubbles and fog machines, cotton candy, plus crazy craft, and princess parties!

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BOUNCEU OF COLLEGE POINT Whitepoint Center 13225 14th Ave., College Point 646-883-JUMP (5867) bounceu.com/college-point-ny collegepoint.ny@bounceu.com BounceU of College Point is where birthdays come to life! We provide the ultimate private party and play experience.

Come celebrate with us today!

CELEBRATIONS IN THE KITCHEN 63 E. Old Country Road, Hicksville 516-396-2193 celebrationsinthekitchen.com celebrationsinthekitchen@gmail.com The most unique, fun-filled, joyous event!

We have created a true baking experience for everyone to enjoy, including sugar cookie baking, all about pizza, cupcakes from scratch, doughnuts, and chocolate and candy projects. Come in, call, or visit celebrationsinthekitchen.com for more information on parties.

CK KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTIES 68-02 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village 917-602-6271 ctkny.org; jmichel@ctkny.org We know your child’s birthday is a special day, so we only book one party at time! Private party room available with two bounce houses, ball pit, disco lighting, cotton candy, face painting, tattoos, music, and games!

CUNNINGHAM TENNIS 196-00 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 718-740-6800 cunninghamtennis.com info@cunninghamtennis.com Facebook: @cunninghamtennis Instagram: @cunninghamtennis Celebrate your birthday at Cunningham Tennis! Enjoy 1½ hours of tennis and a pizza party that guarantees to serve up tons of fun!

FANTASY FOREST AMUSEMENT PARK 718-788-2676 Fantasy Forest Amusement Park at the Flushing Meadows Carousel 111th Street and 55th Avenue, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park next to the Queens Zoo fantasyforestnyc.com info@nycarousel.com Give your child the best birthday with our VIP Birthday Party Package at Queens’ No. 1 destination for family fun! Book

June 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources.

our custom birthday package and personalize it with our exclusive food and entertainment add-ons.

FOREST PARK CAROUSEL AMUSEMENT VILLAGE Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive, Woodhaven 718-788-2676 forestparkcarousel.com info@nycarousel.com Give your child the best birthday with our VIP Birthday Party Package at “The Crown Jewel of Queens!” Book our custom birthday package and personalize it with our exclusive food and entertainment add-ons.

THE LANYARD LADIES 433 Merrick Road, Oceanside 516-578-2248 thelanyardladies.com info@thelanyardladies.com The Lanyard Ladies friendship bracelet and lanyard birthday parties bring the party to you, or you can come to their brand-new party place! Many amazing themes and packages to choose from.

LASER BOUNCE: FAMILY FUN CENTER at The Shops at Atlas Park 80-28 Cooper Ave., Glendale 347-599-1919 laserbounce.net NYC’s Premiere Indoor Fun Center featuring a gigantic arcade, laser tag, virtual reality, bouncers, 3D Simulator, and bowling. Specializing in private birthday parties for all ages. We have fun for everyone!

MUSIC TOGETHER® WITH MUSIC AND ME Celebrating our new look with our new name!

Wendy DeAngelis, center director (Mommy, Music & Me, Inc. since 2003) Gym-Azing in Astoria Shotokai USA Karate in Bayside The Reform Temple of Forest Hills in Forest Hills The Church in The Gardens in Forest Hills Tiger Schulmann’s MMA in Glendale 718-229-0033 musictogetherwithmusicandme.com info@musictogetherwithmusicandme.com We provide unique birthday party musical experiences for first through sixth birthdays. Call us to customize your child’s musical birthday. We can also come to your space.

POPARAZZI BALLOONS & EVENT SPACE 61-19 Fresh Pond Road, Middle Village 347-204-5252 poparazzievents.com Follow us on Instagram: @poparazziballoons poparazziballoons@yahoo.com Our enchanting, multi-level venue hosts all types of celebrations. Call us or stop by an open house and start planning your next event.

SOCCER FRIENDS USA INC. 106-06 Queens Blvd., 3rd Floor Gym, Forest Hills 718-261-2403; 718-261-2400 347-756-2568 (para Español) soccerfriendsusa.com soccerfriendsusa@hotmail.com Soccer Friends USA wants to celebrate your child’s next birthday party with you! We offer soccer parties for children ages 2 and older at several fantastic locations.

SUPERKICKERS P.S. 69, Jackson Heights 718-350-1535 superkickers.com info@superkickers.com Superkickers Party consists of soccer games, bouncy house, two staff members, setup and cleanup, basic color paper goods, pizzas, and juice for each child. Party is for 20 kids plus the birthday child.

USTA BILLIE JEAN KING NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Flushing 718-760-6200 x0 ntc.usta.com Birthday party packages include 1 hour of court time with drills and games organized by our USTA Pro staff and 1 hour private room for pizza.

WHAT’S COOKING? 30 E. Main St., Oyster Bay 516-922-COOK (2665) whatscookingny.com info@whatscookingny.com Martha Stewart, Newsday, and News 12 boast What’s Cooking? is a No. 1 Choice Birthday Party Place where children can explore their creativity in culinary arts.

Funtastic cookie, cupcake, Cupcake Wars, chocolate, or pizza party can be customized in our spacious party room making your party memorable!

WHEEL FUN RENTALS - FLUSHING MEADOWS CORONA PARK Flushing Meadows Corona Park at David Dinkins Circle, Meridian Road 929-343-2366 Flushing Meadows Corona Park at North Meadow Lake, Meadow Lake Road West 917-231-5519 Marine Park Avenue U and East 33rd Street, Brooklyn 917-533-6196 LeFrak Center at Lakeside 171 East Drive, Prospect Park 718-462-0010 9000 Bay Parkway, Bensonhurst Park 805-650-7770 wheelfunrentals.com Wheel Fun Rentals is the perfect place for birthday parties! Kids and adults can explore the area on one of our specialty bikes, or go on a Surrey Scavenger Hunt!

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY (WCS) ZOOS AND AQUARIUM Bronx Zoo 800-433-4149 bzeducation@wcs.org Central Park Zoo 212-439-6551 cpzbirthdayparties@wcs.org New York Aquarium 800-433-4149 nyaeducation@wcs.org Prospect Park Zoo 718-399-7339 x327 ppzbirthdayparties@wcs.org Queens Zoo 718-271-1500 x313 qzeducation@wcs.org wcs.org/birthdays If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime birthday adventure, we have you covered! Our birthdays combine live animal meet and greets, visits to our exhibits, and hands-on activities to make your party animal’s birthday a truly unforgettable experience!

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Professional services

Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS REGO PARK ORTHODONTICS LARISSA DAVIDS, D.D.S. 98-41 Queens Blvd., Suite 1A, Rego Park 718-275-2006 davidsorthodontics.com Rego Park Orthodontics welcomes children and adults of all ages for a free orthodontic exam and consultation. The office is equipped with the most recent digital technology to make the experience of orthodontic treatment as relaxed as possible.

ZWEIHORN ORTHODONTICS: “ALL FOR A SMILE” Office hours include Sundays and evenings 150-25 Union Turnpike, Flushing 718-969-9234 drzweihorn.com Dr. Zweihorn is a board-certified orthodontist specializing in the treatment of children, teens, and adults. Our team focuses on helping you achieve your best smile!

DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Queens: 718-640-6767 Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with her group of therapists, supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders.

LICE FAIRY LICEMOTHERS 2463 S. Long Beach Road, Oceanside 866-561-0492 1755 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park 866-561-0492 679 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Head 866-561-0492 fairylicemothers.com; fairylicemothers@gmail.com Our treatment centers are kid-friendly and our products are 100-percent non-toxic. Treatments include two free re-checks. Whether or not you use our service, we are here to help you.

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June 2018 | nymetroparents.com

SPECIAL NEEDS HUG MUSIC, CREATIVE & NURTURING MUSIC LESSONS FOR EVERYBODY MUSIC LESSONS AND MUSIC THERAPY 112-01 75th Ave., Lower Level, Forest Hills 718-487-4309 hugmusicny.com contact@hugmusicny.com We offer various fun and nurturing music classes, including music lessons on multiple instruments, music therapy for children with special needs, and baby-toddler music classes.

LITTLE OPTICS INC. 192-07 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 53-15 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside 718-468-7500 hablamos Español littleopticsinc@yahoo.com We provide eyeglasses and professional eye care for children, including infants, and young adults.

We also alleviate any self-esteem issues associated with the stigma of wearing glasses. When your child leaves Little Optics, rest assured that they will feel confident.

LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Queens: 718-640-6767 Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with her group of therapists, supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders.

STEPS TO SOCIALIZATION 13 S. Bayles Ave., Port Washington 516-767-0266 Steps to Socialization was created to help children who have difficulty socializing. We teach children how to think socially, step by step. Working in small groups, we cover a variety of topics, including how to establish and maintain friendships and initiating and maintaining conversations.

SPECIALTY APPAREL BRAVO! DANCE BOUTIQUE 108-12 72nd Ave., Forest Hills 718-309-9787 bravodanceboutique.com bravodanceboutique@gmail.com Bravo! Dance Boutique understands the value of community. Our mission is to be able to provide local families the convenience of obtaining dance apparel at competitive prices.

THERAPY & COUNSELORS COMPREHENSIVE CONSULTATION PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES, P.C. 114-20 Queens Blvd., Suite CS 2, Forest Hills 180 E. 79th St., Suite 1C, Manhattan 1-888-441-0015 comprehendthemind.com Dr. Sanam Hafeez, an expert in diagnosing and treating all childhood psychological and learning conditions, has a refreshing approach: direct, warm, and competent.

These qualities have made her sought after in the field of neuropsychology and child development.

TUTORS & TEST PREP EYE LEVEL QUEENS Eye Level Fresh Meadows 184-10 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows 917-563-5000, Alex Chan Eye Level Elmhurst 87-37 Justice Ave., Elmhurst 718-393-2428, Linda Li myeyelevel.com Eye Level offers math and English programs for ages 3-14. Whether the immediate goal is for early learning, remedial education, or academic education, Eye Level is the answer.

VILLAGE EAST GIFTED - ENRICHMENT CENTER FOR THE GIFTED LEARNER Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights 631-549-2313 villageeastgifted.com info@villageeastgifted.com Village East Gifted provides after-school enrichment and private tutoring. Enriching every qualified, gifted child. We are also a John Hopkins CTY info and SAT testing center.

NYMetroParents

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Meet the

Health Care

Professional

Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Queens: 718-640-6767 • Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, is owner and operator of Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. Along with her group of therapists, she supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders (adults and children). Intensive feeding therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions, and FEES—Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing—are also offered. There is a total of seven affiliated offices across Long Island, all participating with most major health insurance companies and offering evening and Saturday hours.

Rego Park Orthodontics Larissa Davids, D.D.S 98-41 Queens Blvd., Suite 1A, Rego Park 718-275-2006 davidsorthodontics.com

Rego Park Orthodontics welcomes children and adults of all ages for a free orthodontic exam and consultation. The office is equipped with the most recent digital technology to make the experience of orthodontic treatment as relaxed as possible for our patients. Patients can choose from different types of braces for treatment: metal braces that come with colors of their choice, ceramic braces without colors, or simply be treated with free clear aligners like Invisalign.

OPENHOUSES 2018 The Edward K. Ellington Magnet School of Science, Technology and the Arts: A STEAM Magnet School, PS 140Q

166-01 116th Ave., Jamaica 718-657-4760 kcobos@schools.nyc.gov Join us for an open house on Friday, June 1 from 9-10am. Now accepting new student enrollment for first-fourth grades.

Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp

183-02 Union Turnpike, Flushing 718-380-4145 hjcdaycamp.org daycamp@hillcrestjc.org Open houses offered on Sundays from 10am-12pm, and on Wednesdays from 7-9pm. Tours, registration, slideshow presentation, and Q-and-A sessions available. No appointment necessary.

The New Highland Elementary School

Hug Music, Creative & Nurturing Music Lessons for Everybody Music Lessons and Music Therapy

Oasis Day Camp in Bayside

112-01 75th Ave., Lower Level, Forest Hills 718-487-4309 hugmusicny.com contact@hugmusicny.com Hug Music will host open house registration on Saturdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 9am5pm. Please contact us for more information.

Magic Day Camp

216-15 Peck Ave., Bayside 718-634-8109 magicdaycamp.com Come to our open house sessions on Sundays, June 3 and 10 from 1-3pm at Jib Lanes. Summer magic is here with swimming daily and three trips each week!

Mill Basin Day Camp Zweihorn Orthodontics Office hours include Sundays and evenings 150-25 Union Turnpike, Flushing 718-969-9234 drzweihorn.com

Dr. Zweihorn is a board-certified orthodontist specializing in the treatment of children, teens, and adults. His focus is on helping you get your best smile, paying close attention to your concerns and the specific requirements that are most important to you. Dr. Zweihorn brings to you the experience of more than 10 years of private practice, and offers a wide variety of orthodontic options using state-of-the-art technology. At Zweihorn Orthodontics, we have the most kind and helpful team in town. Come and see for yourself!

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June 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Forest Hills at the Church in the Gardens Glendale at Tiger Schulmann’s Glendale musictogetherwithmusicandme.com info@musictogetherwithmusicandme.com Call or go online and click to schedule a free trial class with your family at one of our open house classes and get ready to make Music Together® with Music and Me!

5945 Strickland Ave. 718-251-6200 millbasindaycamp.com Join us for an open house on June 3 or 16 from 11am-2pm.

Music Together With Music and Me Licensed ®Provider of Music Together Since 2003 Astoria, Bayside, Forest Hills, and Glendale ®

718-229-0033 Astoria at Gym-Azing!

Bayside at Bay Terrace Karate Center, Upper Level Baybridge Commons Shopping Center Forest Hills at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills

193-10 Peck Ave., Fresh Meadows 718-357-4747 thenewhighlandschool.com Considering registering? Your child is welcome to spend a day at Highland on Thursday, June 7 from 9am-2pm. Call for an appointment.

Queensborough Community College, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside 646-519-5055 oasischildren.com bayside@oasischildren.com Join us for an open house tour on June 3 and 24 at 10am at Queensborough Community College in the Library Building.

RoboMindTech S.T.E.M. Education Center: Creativity, Science, Robotics & L-E-G-O Learning Fun

185-10 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 718-264-ROBO (7626) Great Neck Kids Center 25 Cuttermill Road, #4, Great Neck 718-264-7626; 860-944-3654 robomindtech.com robomindtech@gmail.com Join us for an open house and free trial class at our Fresh Meadows location on Sunday, June 10 from 11am-12pm and 4:30-5:30pm. RSVP via email or phone.

Samuel Field Y Day Camp

58-20 Little Neck Parkway, Little Neck 718-225-6750 x261 sfysummercamps.org agavora@sfy.org dschaefer@sfy.org Camp is less than a month away!

Call or email Andy at 718-2256750 x261, agavora@sfy.org to schedule a private tour of our beautiful Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds!

FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE TUTORS

TUTORING MATH 1+2=3

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NYMetroParents.com

Call Anita at 917-754-6678 A2+B2=C2

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

All Star Studio........................................18

birthday / party services

American Dance & Drama.....................17 BounceU - College Point.......................43 Christ the King Continuing Education....23 Laser Bounce - Glendale.........................5 Lewis Latimer House Museum..............29 Mommy Music & Me Inc........................22 Soccer Friends, USA Inc.......................29 USTA BJK National Tennis Center........21 Wheel Fun Rentals................................31 YM-YWHA - Samuel Field ....................14

camps

All Star Studio........................................18 American Dance & Drama.....................17 Christ the King Continuing Education....23 Countryside Montessori School.............18 Crayon Box (The)..................................26 DanceSource (The)...............................29 Garden School.......................................23 Girl’s & Boy’s Basketball and Beyond...29 Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp........19 Holy Cross High School.........................51 Hug Music..............................................29 iCoding Club..........................................25 Ivy Day School.........................................9 JEI Learning Systems Inc. - Queens.....60 Joffrey Ballet School..............................10 Lewis Latimer House Museum..............29 Magic Day Camp.....................................2 Mill Basin Day Camp.............................19 Mommy Music & Me Inc........................22 Nina’s Tutoring ......................................29 Oasis Children Services........................27 RoboMindTech.......................................26 Rose Academy of Ballet........................21 Soccer Friends, USA Inc.......................29 Tiny Footsteps.......................................14

USTA BJK National Tennis Center........21 YMCA of Greater New York...................25 YM-YWHA - Samuel Field ....................14 Young People’s Day Camp - Queens......3

child care / day care

Braithwaite Nursery School ....................7 Crayon Box (The)..................................26 Ivy Day School.........................................9 Mommybites..........................................49 Tiny Footsteps.......................................14 YM-YWHA- Samuel Field -Early Childhood..................................... 11

classes

Eye Level Learning Center - Corporate...5 iCoding Club..........................................25 Just Wee Two........................................22 LIU Center for Gifted Youth...................25 RoboMindTech.......................................26 Steps To Socialization...........................13

dance

All Star Studio........................................18 American Dance & Drama.....................17 Christ the King Continuing Education....23 DanceSource (The)...............................29 Joffrey Ballet School..............................10 Rose Academy of Ballet........................21

developmental

Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.......................................51, 56 Steps To Socialization...........................13 YMCA of Greater New York...................25 Young People’s Day Camp - Queens......3

education

Archbishop Molloy High School.............47 Braithwaite Nursery School ....................7 Christ the King Continuing Education....23 Countryside Montessori School.............18

Crayon Box (The)..................................26 Eye Level Learning Center - Corporate...5 Garden School.......................................23 Highland Elementary School................. 11 Holy Cross High School.........................51 iCoding Club..........................................25 Ivy Day School.........................................9 JEI Learning Systems Inc. - Queens.....60 K12 .........................................................9 LIU Center for Gifted Youth...................25 Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School...........................................45 Nina’s Tutoring ......................................29 RoboMindTech.......................................26 St. Sebastian School.............................31 Tiny Footsteps.......................................14 YM-YWHA- Samuel Field -Early Childhood..................................... 11

family entertainment / events / outings

Land of Make Believe............................43 Laser Bounce - Glendale.........................5 Lewis Latimer House Museum..............29 Wheel Fun Rentals................................31 Wild West City.......................................43

family travel

Steps To Socialization...........................13 Zweihorn Orthodontics......................7, 56

music

Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp........19 Hug Music..............................................29 Just Wee Two........................................22 Mommy Music & Me Inc........................22

performing arts /acting

Joffrey Ballet School..............................10

play spaces

Laser Bounce - Glendale.........................5

religious

Archbishop Molloy High School.............47 Holy Cross High School.........................51 Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School...........................................45 St. Sebastian School.............................31

special needs

Hug Music..............................................29 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.......................................51, 56

sports

Girl’s & Boy’s Basketball and Beyond...29 Magic Day Camp.....................................2 Mill Basin Day Camp.............................19 Rose Academy of Ballet........................21 USTA BJK National Tennis Center........21

Christ the King Continuing Education....23 Garden School.......................................23 Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp........19 Magic Day Camp.....................................2 Mill Basin Day Camp.............................19 Soccer Friends, USA Inc.......................29 YMCA of Greater New York...................25 YM-YWHA - Samuel Field ....................14 Young People’s Day Camp - Queens......3

health

tutors

Land of Make Believe............................43 Wild West City.......................................43

fitness

Girl’s & Boy’s Basketball and Beyond...29 Rego Park Orthodontics........................56

JEI Learning Systems Inc. - Queens.....60 Nina’s Tutoring ......................................29

QueensParent 57

raising kids quotables

What are you most looking forward to doing with your kids this summer?

“Nothing! Having four kids means making four lunches and driving to four different after-school activities. I’m looking forward to taking a break and spending some quality time as a family doing nothing.”

—Sabrina Marquez, Haverstraw, Rockland County

“We take a trip every summer to the Poconos. This year my husband’s family will be joining too, and I’m so excited about slowing things down a bit and getting away from our busy Brooklyn neighborhood.”

—Corrina Inez, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

“My oldest daughter will be attending camp for the first time. I’m excited to visit her on Parent’s Day and learn about all the great things she is experiencing. Camp was such a special time in my life, and I’m happy to share that with my daughter.”

—Rachel Fisher, Manhattan

in an instagram “Long work weeks allow me to appreciate these moments that much more. I live for the moment that I get to unplug and sneak away with my little people to explore, discover, and take in the beauty of nature. What I have realized is minus the devices I barely have to use my motivational mom voice.”

“I love taking my kids to the playground in the summer, especially at dusk, when the sun is starting to set but it’s still warm out. It’s just one of those uniquely New York experiences, being outside in the city at night with kids. It’s almost magical.”

—Lisa Terk, Long Island City

“The beaches on Long Island are where it’s at during the summer.

This summer my kids are learning to surf, so I can’t wait to see them on their boards!”

—Christine Feldenberg, Smithtown, Long Island

(Posted by @geaninecilenti aka Bronx mom, Geanine Cilenti)

Because on those nights, when that sweet little girl asks for one more thing (whether it’s another glass of water or another book or another snuggle), she doesn’t understand.

She doesn’t understand that for the last two hours, you said “please eat your dinner” and “please stop falling off of your chair” and “yes, you need to eat at least once carrot” and “we don’t slap each other’s butts at the table”… and then you washed the hair of a small human who writhed in pain and spit fire at you as shampoo clearly is a form of torture and then wrestled him into pajama bottoms as he tried wriggling away in a 10-minute long game of pretending to be a slippery eel.

-Karen Johnson in a post entitled “Why I F*cking Hate Bedtime,” on scarymommy.com.

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June 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Stay Cool When It’s HOT Outside!

“Whenever high heat and humidity reach critical levels, any activities that last 15 minutes or more should not be too intense. Before prolonged physical activity (think baseball, soccer, or any kind of running), your child should be well hydrated. During the activity, make sure your child drinks periodically, even if he is not thirsty.”

—Danielle Sullivan in an article entitled “Outdoor Summer Safety For Kids”; read the whole thing at nymetroparents.com/ summer-safety.

More NYMetroParents.com Highlights: CELEBRATE DAD: Find tips for making Father’s Day extra special at nymetroparents.com/fathers-day.

DAY TRIP: Visit Hyde Park, home of President Franklin Roosevelt (nymetroparents.com/hyde-park).

ACTIVITY QUIZ: Plan the perfect day for your family at nymetroparents.com/activity-quiz.

FREE ADVICE: Download a helpful parenting guide at nymetroparents.com/freebies.

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