Suffolk Parent February 2020 by City Guide NY

LongIsland SUFFOLK EDITION

Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

FEBRUARY 2020

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

YouTube & Kids

Safe streaming practices for families

Ask DadandBuried

Should I get my kid an iPhone?

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February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

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inside

february 2020

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

14 YouTube & Kids Safe streaming practices for families

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

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

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

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

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

THINGS TO DO 17 Summer Camp: LI Camp Fair Coming to Hofstra 21 Family Activities Calendar 36 Outing: Day Trip, Anyone? 42 Outing: Insta-Fun!

RESOURCES 20 Camp Chart 41 Open Houses

43 Party Central 44 Professional Services 45 Advertisers’ Index

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

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

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editor’s note

Looking Ahead

re you dreaming of summer yet? We’re excited about the thought of the cold giving way to warmer days ahead, filled with beach days, family vacations, and summer camp. You may think it’s too early to consider your child’s summer plans when it isn’t even spring yet, but the experts disagree. In fact, the American Camp Association recommends attending camp fairs now if you’re in search of a new summer program for your child. Plus, a number of camps offer discounts for early registration! For other camp planning tips, turn to p. 18, and be sure to check out the camp comparison chart on p. 20 to help you choose the best camp for your child. Another thing we’re excited about? The redesign of NYMetroParents.com! We spend a lot of time thinking of ways to help you make the best decisions for your family, and we streamlined our site to make it even easier! Don’t worry: You’ll still find the same great articles, hundreds of things to do on any given day in our calendar, and the top resources in your community. Speaking of the Internet, did you know YouTube is the most-used online platform among tweens and teens? Regardless of how old your children are, you’ll want to check out “YouTube & Kids” on p. 14. It outlines how you can better keep your kids safe when they’re streaming videos, limit the inappropriate content they have access to, and improve their media literacy. And if you’re looking for things to do during the long Presidents Day weekend or midwinter recess, be sure to browse the family activities calendar on p. 21 and the roundup of area day trips on p. 36. Here’s to hoping Punxsutawney Phil doesn’t see his shadow!

Katelin Walling Editorial Director Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

FEBRUARY 2020 • Vol.11 • No.9

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EDITORIAL

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

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

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February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Dan Norman Photography

news

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

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

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

LongIslandParent

Danielle Guenther Photography

news

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

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

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

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

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

How would you describe your images?

What’s the best parenting advice you ever received?

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

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

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

Read more from Sapienza at nymetroparents.com/danielle.

Connect with us facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

@nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

New Places, New Programs

Neuropsychology Office Offers More Hours Fontanetta Neuropsychology Huntington is expanding its schedule as of last month. It specializes in evaluations of children ages 1-26 with neurodevelopmental (including autism, ADHD, and dyslexia), medical, and psychiatric disabilities or symptomatology. The practice works with families, schools, and physicians to provide diagnoses, evaluate appropriateness of testing and classroom accommodations, and provide individually tailored recommendations corresponding to the child’s neuropsychological profile. 755 New York Ave., Suite 230, Huntington; 631-5053671; fontanettaneuropsychology.com.

Learn to Code Drones

A Drone Coding Program will be introduced to Future Stars Summer Camps’ STEAM Camps at the Farmingdale and Old Westbury locations this summer. Campers entering third-ninth grades can attend weekly sessions that aim to engage children through project-based learning. Students will learn the basics of block style coding through to more advanced Python programming, applying the fundamentals of math, science, and logic. They will then test their code on small drones that will fly autonomously. College at Old Westbury, 223 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury; 516226-2267; Farmingdale State College, 2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale; 631-769-2267; fscamps.com.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Super Bowl Snacks While we may not all be rooting for the same team on Feb. 2, there’s one thing we can all agree on: We’ll need snacks. We’re serving up plenty of family-friendly, healthy—and even a few vegan—options over at nymetroparents.com/ football-snacks. We’re talking spinach garlic dip, sriracha chorizo deviled eggs, barbecue chickpea sliders, and more. And, hey, if you’re just watching for the commercials, the half-time show (Hello, JLo and Shakira!), and food, more power to you!

Game Day Fun for Kids

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

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

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

LongIslandParent 11

advice

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

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

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

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

mommybites

Registry Secrets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

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

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

“

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

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

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

”

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

national children’s dental health month

Dental Health

by the

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

Numbers

40%

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

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

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

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

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

44%

3 months

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

6 months

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

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

2 minutes

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

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

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

summer camp

LI Camp Fair Coming to Hofstra Sunday, March 8

he Long Island Camp Fair & Activity Expo, hosted by Long Island Parent and NYMetroParents, will help you find the perfect camp for your child by bringing together dozens of directors from area camps and summer activities, including day camps, sleepaway camps, STEAM camps, and sports programs. While you meet with directors, learn about each campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s philosophy, and browse the activities and programs offered, your kids can participate in a variety of fun activities, such as arts and crafts, music, STEM projects, sports activities, dance, and a bounce house. Talk about a win-win!

Your kids can have fun trying out what local activities have to offer while you meet area camp directors at the Long Island Camp Fair & Activity Expo!

Long Island Camp Fair & Activity Expo will be hosted on Sunday, March 8 from 11am-2:30pm at Hofstra Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex, 245 Hofstra University, Hempstead. For more information, and to get your FREE ticket, visit licampfair.com.

Broadway Comes to Babylon! A literary and pop cultural phenomenon brought to life with infectious songs and non-stop adventure!

JAN 25th - FEB 23rd

Special Pricing! for kids C A L L

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MAR 21st - APR 19th

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34 w. main street, babylon ny 11702 | 631.230.3500 | argyletheatre.com LongIslandParent 17

summer camp

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

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

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

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

child won’t be shut out of the camp program he wants. Ask the camp if it offers payment plans, which can make it easier to pay for camp. Some camps also allow you to prepay the camp season and will give you a significant discount.

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

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

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

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

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SEPTEMBER 2012

NORTHVALE • NORWOOD • OLD TAPPAN • PARK RIDGE • RAMSEY • RIDGEWOOD • SADDLE RIVER/UPPER SADDLE RIVER • WALDWICK • WESTWOOD • WYCKOFF

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SLOW DOWN!

How to Manage Kids’ Schedules

+ 130 Family Events

(see our calendar, p. 32)

(see our calendar, p. 26)

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

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

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Events

Camp season is here!

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July and August

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Class Is In!

After-School Activities

Resource Guide

Plus: Learning to Let Go

Vaccines at Every Age Plus: Journaling for Your Child

Where-To Guide: Berry Picking

•

Dinosaur Fun

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

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Helping Parents Make Better Decisions LongIslandParent 19

East Hampton Sports Camp @ SPORTIME Amagansett East Hampton sportimeny.com/ehsc

Future Stars Summer Camps Farmingdale & Patchogue fscamps.com

Hofstra Summer Camps Uniondale hofstra.edu/camp

John McEnroe Tennis Academy Summer Training Camp Amagansett sportimecamps.com/jmta-am John McEnroe Tennis Academy Summer Training Camp Randall’s Island sportimecamps.com/nyc

Kids Country Day Camp Mount Sinai kidscountrydaycamp.com Knox Summer Adventures St. James knoxschool.org/summer

Long Island Voyagers Day Camp Wantagh livoyagersdaycamp.com

Posey School of Dance Northport Village poseyschoolofdance.com

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Fine Arts

Challenges Courses

Special Needs

Counselor-in-Training

Nature/ Petting Zoo

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Young People’s Day Camp of Suffolk Kings Park ypdc.com

YMCA of Long Island Bay Shore, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Huntington, Patchogue ymcali.org/camp

USDAN Summer Camp for the Arts Wheatley Heights usdan.org

Travel

Horseback Riding

Studio E Art Classes LLC Rocky Point studioeartclass.com

SPORTIME Quogue Summer Camps East Quogue sportimecamps.com/quo SPORTIME Randall’s Island Summer Camp Randall’s Island sportimecamps.com/nyc

SPORTIME Kings Park Summer Camps Kings Park sportimecamps.com/kp

Competitive Sports

Music/ Theater/ Dance

STEAM/ Academic Enrichment

Flexible Scheduling

PROGRAMS: Scholarship

Extended Hours

Camps R Us Deer Park, Farmingdale, St. James campsrus.org

Lunch

Transportation

Camp Chart

SERVICES:

R A D N E L CA

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2 WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

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

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

nymetroparents.com/register 22 Editor’s Hot Tickets 30 Educational Activities 24 NYC Events Worth the Trek, 31 Get Active Museums & Exhibits 32 Little Makers 26 Nature Lovers 34 Theater, Concerts, & Movies 28 Fairs, Festivals, & Markets,

Holiday Fun

EDITOR’S

T O H TICKETS

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

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 11am WHERE: CM Performing Arts Center, 931 Montauk Highway, Oakdale AGES: All WHAT: Bring the family to “The Greatest Show on Earth!” WHY WE LOVE IT: Admission includes face painting, popcorn, water, and games. WANT TO GO? $15. 631-218-2810. cmpac.com.

Chinese New Year

HOT TICKE T

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 2, 1:30-4:30pm WHERE: Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Educational & Cultural Center, 97 Main St., Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the New Year with festivities, including demonstrations, dancing, drumming, and crafts. Reservations required. WHY WE LOVE IT: The fun includes an authentic Shaolin kung fu lion dance, kung fu, taiko drumming, and more. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors and children younger than 12. 631-689-5888. stonybrookvillage.com.

Holtsville Hal’s Famous Prediction on Groundhog Day FREE

WHAT: The expo features a vast exhibitor hall containing tennis clubs and programs, camps, products, apparel companies, a kids’ zone, and so much more. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will have fun with a bouncy house, face painting, carnival games, mascots, and an activity zone with multiple tennis courts for playing. WANT TO GO? 516-231-4848. eventbrite.com/e/ 2020-new-york-tennis-expo-tickets-80904374161aff=efbeventtix&fbclid=IwAR23NJIYjAxZcUIFE7NnI6KlbU5FfeUKEhJWiCXTGUdW_ Y2LF7XA5BNkPp8.

‘Little Red Riding Hood’ WHEN: Through Feb. 22: see website for schedule WHERE: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Little Red Riding Hood learns a big lesson about safety in this modern musical telling. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s a great intro to theater for littlest ones! WANT TO GO? $10. 631-928-9100. theatrethree.com.

Toothpalooza!

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 2, 7-11am; 7:25am prediction WHERE: Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville AGES: All WHAT: Six more weeks of winter or an early spring? Holtsville Hal’s famous forecast will let us know! WHY WE LOVE IT: Following the ceremony, residents are welcome to enjoy some free hot chocolate and visit the animal preserve. WANT TO GO? 631-758-9664. brookhavenny.gov.

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 23, 11am-2pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Explore teeth large and small—including some of the largest teeth in the world—and go home with “toothy” crafts! WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids can check out a real whale tooth cavity, see a narwhal tusk, watch a puppet show, and meet the tooth fairy. WANT TO GO? $12 children; $6 adults; members half off. 631-387-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

2020 New York Tennis Expo FREE

‘The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley’

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 9, 10:30am-4:30pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, Home of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All

WHEN: Through Feb. 23: Saturday-Sunday, and Feb. 21, 10:30am WHERE: The Argyle Theatre, 34 W. Main St., Babylon Village AGES: All WHAT: The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley is filled with infec-

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

tious songs and non-stop adventure, making this a perfect show to introduce young audiences to the magic of theater. Sponsored by Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center. WHY WE LOVE IT: Based on the best-selling book series, Stanley folds his way around the world with his flat-tastic hijinks! WANT TO GO? $15. 631-230-3500. argyletheatre.com.

‘Blippi Live!’ WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 27, 6pm WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Blippi Live brings the energetic and loveable character Blippi off the screen and onto the stage with world-class production, audience engagement, and amazing music. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids flip for Blippi’s charismatic personality and parents love all the innovative lessons woven throughout the program. WANT TO GO? $19.50-$69.50. 516-299-3100. tillescenter.org.

Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure: ‘The Mystery of the Dinosaurs of the Deep’ WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 29, 3pm WHERE: Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: All WHAT: This immersive experience invites you to jump in and explore unknown ocean depths where prehistoric marine reptiles lived eons ago–and maybe live still today! WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s an amazing visual experience that connects young audiences to the real science of paleontology. WANT TO GO? $25-$55. 631-207-1313. patchoguetheatre.com.

Your Search for the Perfect Summer Camp is over!

SPORTIME 2020 SUMMER CAMPS PRESCHOOL UNDER 10 TENNIS TENNIS & SPORTS JMTA SUMMER TENNIS TRAINING VOLLEYBALL HOCKEY MORE!

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

Visit us online to select the camp for you www.SportimeCamps.com | 631-269-1055 Camp programs vary at each SPORTIME location

Camps start June but we have School Break Camps in February! Register Today!

ACTIVITIES

EVENTS

Thomas and Friends™: Explore the Rails WHEN: Through May 10: Tuesdays-Sundays, 10am-5pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Climb aboard a large model of Thomas the tank engine, race trains along a giant track, work together to sort and load cargo, and maintain engines. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids engage in a variety of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) challenges in this exhibit, from a simple sorting and shape identification to more complex engineering obstacles. WANT TO GO? $14; $13 seniors 65 and older; free for members. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

NYMetroParents Get advance notice on activities, participate in group discussions and receive special notices.

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EVENTS

‘The Gustafer Yellowgold Show’ WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 22, 11am WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: 5 and younger WHAT: Kids will love Gustafer Yellowgold and his friends—a pterodactyl, an eel who loves socks, and countless others! WANT TO GO? $14-$17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

‘Sesame Street LIVE!: Let’s Party!’ WHEN: Feb. 14-23, see website for showtimes WHERE: The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Seventh Avenue at 32nd Street, Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Learn new songs and sing along to familiar favorites with Oscar and Cookie Monster, build a snowman with Elmo, and more! WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 212-465-6741. msg.com.

NYC Events

WORTH THE TREK Thunderbird American Indian Dancers in Concert! WHEN: Through Feb. 2: Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 3pm and 8pm; and Sunday, 3pm WHERE: Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave., East Village, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: There will be dances, stories, and traditional music from Native Peoples of the Northeast, Southwest and Great Plains regions. WANT TO GO? $15. 212-254-1109. theaterforthenewcity.net.

Chinese New Year Family Festival WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 2, 12-4pm WHERE: China Institute: Downtown, 100 Washington St., Financial District, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Kick off the Year of the Rat, with a lion dance followed by New Year-themed workshops and activities, including dumpling making, lantern making, and treats! WANT TO GO? Free to enter; some events require fees. 212-744-8181. chinainstitute.org.

Kids Week WHEN: Feb. 15-22, daily, 10am-5pm WHERE: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Join all week long for live animal shows, pop-up planetarium shows, maker spaces, live performances, and so much more! WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $33; $31 seniors; $24 children ages 5-12. 212-245-0072. intrepidmuseum.org.

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Museums & Exhibits The World of Sewing WHEN: Feb. 5-9, Wednesday, 10am-2pm; Saturday-Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Explore some introductory techniques while making heart pockets for yourself or your loved ones. WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. longislandexplorium.org.

Discovering Insects with Arts & Crafts WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 9, 10:30am WHERE: South Fork Natural History Museum, 377 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Kids will learn about insects, as well as their importance, by assembling their own model. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $3 material fee, plus admission: $10; $7.50 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger and members. 631-537-9735. sofo.org.

My Ears Can See WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 16, 10:30am WHERE: South Fork Natural History Museum, 377 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton AGES: 8 and older WHAT: Use your ears on this sensory walk. Call for reservations. WANT TO GO? $10; $7.50 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger and members. 631-537-9735. sofo.org.

Game of Bones WHEN: Feb. 18-20, Tuesday and Thursday, 2pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Excavate a shark tooth fossil and design a keepsake necklace. WANT TO GO? $12 per child; $6 adults; members half off. 631387-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Mid Winter Break WHEN: Feb. 17-21, daily, 10am-12pm WHERE: Long Island Maritime Museum, 88 West Ave., West Sayville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Take one class, or take them all, and have fun while learning about a range of wintery topics. Registration encouraged. WANT TO GO? $15 per class; discounts available for members and multiple classes booked. 631-447-8679. limaritime.org.

Kids’ Week at the Museum WHEN: Feb. 19-22, daily, 10am-4:30pm WHERE: Suffolk County Historical Society, 300 W. Main St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Play out life in the past with historic role-playing, old-world games, toys, crafts, and more. WANT TO GO? $5; free for children. 631-727-2881. suffolkcountyhistoricalsociety.org.

Open Studio for Families WHEN: Feb. 8-29, Saturdays, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Parrish Art Museum, 279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill AGES: All WHAT: Take a tour of the galleries and create art through handson activities. Drop in sessions are limited to 30 minutes. All ages must be accompanied by an adult. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $12; $9 seniors; free for children younger than 18 and members. 631-283-2118. parrishart.org.

Potato Printing WHEN: Feb. 26-March 1, Wednesday, 10am-2pm; Saturday-Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Design your own gift-wrapping paper and explore the technology of potato printing. WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. longislandexplorium.org.

Let’s Explore Backpacks FREE

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WHEN: Through April 30: Tuesday-Friday, 11am-3pm; SaturdaySunday, 12-3pm WHERE: Emily Lowe Gallery at Hofstra University Museum of Art, 112 Hofstra University, Hempstead AGES: 5-12 WHAT: The museum’s distinct Let’s Explore Backpacks program offers activity-filled ways for children and adult companions to explore the outdoor sculpture collection together. WANT TO GO? 516-463-5672. hofstra.edu.

The Great Art Caper FREE WHEN: Through April 30: Tuesday-Friday, 11am-3pm; SaturdaySunday, 12-3pm WHERE: Emily Lowe Gallery at Hofstra University Museum of Art, 112 Hofstra University, Hempstead AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Uncover clues to help solve an art caper mystery in the outdoor sculpture collection. WANT TO GO? 516-463-5672. hofstra.edu.

Cityguideny.com has coupons and discounts for NYC sightseeing attractions, restaurants, stores and more. Great New York deals, savings, special offers and deep discounts—for you and your family—are yours with just a click of the mouse. LongIslandParent 25

Winter Beach Walk WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8, 10:30am WHERE: Sagg Main Beach, 315 Sagg Main St., Sagaponack AGES: 5 and older WHAT: See what kind of beach life we can find this time of year. Call for more info, reservations, and directions to meeting places. WANT TO GO? $10; $7.50 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger and members. 631-537-9735. sofo.org.

Full Moon Hike with Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt FREE

Nature Lovers Junior Environmental Stewards FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 9, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: Long Pond Greenbelt Nature Center, 1061 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy this leisurely paced hike through open field trails and stay afterward for some light refreshments and conversation. Call for reservations and directions to meeting place. WANT TO GO? 631-537-9735. sofo.org.

SOFO to Mashashimuet & Back: Trail Walk with Frank

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 2-3pm WHERE: West Meadow Beach Pavilion, 100 Trustees Road, Stony Brook AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Help preserve the beach with activities that may include plantings, data collection and a glimpse into environmental fieldwork. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-451-8696. brookhavenny.gov.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 15, 11am WHERE: South Fork Natural History Museum, 377 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Join Frank on this all-day leisurely paced walk through The Long Pond Greenbelt. Call for more info. WANT TO GO? $10; $7.50 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger and members. 631-537-9735. sofo.org.

Family Program: Maple Sugaring

Andy Sabin’s Annual Eastern Tiger Salamander Search

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 10am-12pm and 1:30-3:30pm WHERE: Sunken Meadow State Park, Route 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This hands on program will teach you how to identify a maple tree, tap it, and make syrup! WANT TO GO? $4. 631-581-1072. parks.ny.gov.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 15, 7:30pm WHERE: South Fork Natural History Museum, 377 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton AGES: All WHAT: Don’t miss a rare opportunity to see the eastern tiger salamander. Bring a flashlight and wear boots. WANT TO GO? $10; $7.50 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger and members. 631-537-9735. sofo.org.

Meet the Salamanders WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 10:30am WHERE: South Fork Natural History Museum, 377 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Meet the museum’s salamanders and learn more about their fascinating life history! Advanced reservations required. WANT TO GO? $10; $7.50 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger and members. 631-537-9735. sofo.org.

Family Program: Tracks and Traces

Stars on Sundays FREE

Family Program: Historic House Tours

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 2, 6-8pm WHERE: Hofstra University Observatory, 826 Huntington Place, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Hofstra invites kids of all ages to view the moon, planets, star clusters, nebulae, and more with telescopes. RSVP online. WANT TO GO? 516-463-7777. hofstra.edu.

WHEN: Sundays, Feb. 2 and 16, 1-2pm WHERE: Connetquot River State Park Preserve, 3525 Sunrise Highway, Oakdale AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Tour the main house of the South Side Sportsmen’s Club and learn about the history of the tavern and the high society club. WANT TO GO? $4. 631-581-1072. parks.ny.gov.

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 15, 1:30-3pm WHERE: Sunken Meadow State Park, Route 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn how to ‘read the signs’ animals leave behind, then take a hike as you search for tracks and traces! WANT TO GO? $4. 631-581-1072. parks.ny.gov.

Whalers Wanted

February Winter Break

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 1pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Learn how black whalers changed whaling history in honor of Black History Month. Carve a scrimshaw box to take home. WANT TO GO? $12; $6 members. 631-387-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

WHEN: Feb. 17-21, daily, 11am-3pm WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Spend winter break doing different activities, such as making ice cream and gooey slime, and learning about animals. WANT TO GO? $7; $6 seniors; $5 kids age 3-12; free for members and kids younger than 3. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org.

Owl Pellets? What, Why & What’s Inside?

Second Winter Seal Walk at Cupsogue Beach County Park

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 1pm WHERE: South Fork Natural History Museum, 377 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn about the predator-prey relationship in this hands-on workshop! Call for more information and reservations. WANT TO GO? $3 material fee, plus admission: $10; $7.50 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger and members. 631-537-9735. sofo.org.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 22, 1:30pm WHERE: South Fork Natural History Museum, 975 Dune Road, Westhampton Beach AGES: 6 and older WHAT: Expect to see seals sunning themselves on this beach walk. Call for more info, reservations, and directions to meeting place. WANT TO GO? $10; $7.50 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger and members. 631-537-9735. sofo.org.

Marine Animals and Their Habitats FREE

Arctic Animals for Mini-Marine Biologists

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 20, 11-11:50am WHERE: Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library, 1 S. Country Road, Brightwaters AGES: 5-10 WHAT: Discover what adaptations these creatures have to help them survive. Meet some live reptiles, too! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-665-4350. bsbwlibrary.org.

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 23, 10am-12pm WHERE: Sport Fishing Education Center and Aquaculture Facility, Ocean Parkway, Babylon AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Explore the creatures that call the arctic and Antarctic home. Make a craft with your preschooler. Pre-registration required. WANT TO GO? $27 per child (includes 1 adult, each additional adult $5). 631-587-2873. ccesuffolk.org.

Family Program: Take a Hike!

Seatuck Family Nature Club

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 20, 1:30-3:30pm WHERE: Connetquot River State Park Preserve, 3525 Sunrise Highway, Oakdale AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Get outside and explore the trails! Registration required WANT TO GO? $4. 631-581-1072. parks.ny.gov.

WHEN: Sundays, Feb. 9 and 23, 1-2pm WHERE: South Shore Nature Center, 130 Bayview Ave., East Islip AGES: All WHAT: Here’s your family’s chance to get outside together and enjoy a nature fix after a long week. Register online. WANT TO GO? $4; free for members. 631-581-6908. seatuck.org.

Tiny Tots

Box Turtle at Long Pond–Storytime & Meet the Box Turtles

WHEN: Thursdays, Feb. 6-20, 10-11am WHERE: Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: These programs will connect children with nature through walks, animal visitors, and crafts. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $4. 631-265-1054. parks.ny.gov.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 29, 10:30am WHERE: South Fork Natural History Museum, 377 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton AGES: 3-5 WHAT: After a story time, meet two of SOFO’s box turtles up close. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $10; $7.50 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger and members. 631-537-9735. sofo.org.

Family Program: Meet the Animals WHEN: Friday, Feb. 21, 1:30-3pm WHERE: Connetquot River State Park Preserve, 3525 Sunrise Highway, Oakdale AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn about animals of the Long Island Regional Environmental Office. Registration required WANT TO GO? $4. 631-581-1072. parks.ny.gov.

Winter Learn and Play 2020 WHEN: Through March 16: select Mondays, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Explore the farm with activities, animal visits, and more. WANT TO GO? $14 per class (minimum of 4 classes); $7 siblings 1 and older; free siblings younger than 1. 631-852-4610. ccesuffolk.org.

LongIslandParent 27

Kitchen Table Conversations–East End Food Introduction & Tasting WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 22, 10:30am WHERE: East End Food Institute: Stony Brook Southampton Student Center, 39 Tuckahoe Road, Southampton AGES: 6 and older WHAT: Participants will learn about our regional food system, from farm to consumer, and the challenges it presents and participate in a hands-on activities. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $5. 631-537-9735. sofo.org.

Youth Film Day 2020 FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 29, 9am-5pm WHERE: Hofstra University, 1000 Hempstead Turnpike, Hempstead AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Workshops, screenings, and special programs for emerging filmmakers. WANT TO GO? 516-829-2570. goldcoastarts.org.

Holiday Fun Groundhog Day

Fairs, Festivals, & Markets Super Bowl Saturday FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 2-4pm WHERE: Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Enjoy some football festivities, including games and a special raffle prize. WANT TO GO? 631-941-4080. emmaclark.org.

Take Your Child to the Library Day FREE WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 20, 2-4pm WHERE: Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Children and caregivers are invited to drop in for carnival games, face painting, temporary tattoos, balloon sculpting, crafts, and more. WANT TO GO? 631-941-4080. emmaclark.org.

A Dose of Healthy Living FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 22, 12-5pm WHERE: Smith Haven Mall, 313 Smith Haven Mall, Center Court, Lake Grove AGES: All WHAT: There will be a free bounce house and face painting for the kids to enjoy, plus vendors promoting different types of health and wellness products and services. WANT TO GO? 516-621-1446. specialtyconnections.com. 28

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Feb. 1-2, Saturday-Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Celebrate Groundhog Day by exploring and experimenting with shadows. WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. longislandexplorium.org.

Pop-Up Valentine Cards FREE WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 6, 5-6pm WHERE: Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library, 1 S. Country Road, Brightwaters AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Make a pop-up Valentine card for someone special. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-665-4350. bsbwlibrary.org.

The Power of Food: Chicken Dell’Amore FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 11, 3:30-5pm WHERE: Brentwood Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Just in time for Valentine’s Day! Enjoy this red ingredient-only dish brought to you by Chef Robert Dell’Amore. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

Valentine Surprise FREE WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 13, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: Brentwood Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 2-5 WHAT: This fun and fast-paced preschool readiness program. Children will make and take home a special Valentine’s Day craft for someone they love. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

Family Fun Night: Valentine’s Potluck and Crafts! FREE WHEN: Friday, Feb. 14, 6-9pm WHERE: KiDS NEED MoRE, 600 Albany Ave. #14, Amityville AGES: All WHAT: Fun crafts for the kids, connections for parents, and a delicious potluck dinner for all! Please bring a dish to share. WANT TO GO? 607-272-0034. affcny.org.

Janine Stiene, M.A., President

Licensed Speech Pathologists & Myofunctional Therapists NOW HIRING the following positions: Speech Language Pahtologist, Clinical Fellow, Secretary, Medical Biller, Marketing Coordinator. To apply, send your resume to suffolkspeech@lispeech.com

Specializing in the Treatment and Correction of:

Kissing Booth Photos FREE WHEN: Feb. 9-14, Sunday, 4-6pm; Monday-Thursday, 11am5pm; Friday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Einstein’s Attic, 79 Main St., Northport AGES: All WHAT: Stop in and snap a pic or two in the new and improved kissing booth and backdrop. WANT TO GO? 631-261-7564. eventbrite.com/e/kissing-boothphotos-tickets-88248705253.

Language Disorders � Memory & Auditory Processing Dif�iculties � Fluency Feeding & Swalling Problems/Aversions � Motor Planning Disorders Voice Disorders � Deviate Swallowing � Thumb and Finger Sucking Articulation Disorders � Oral Facial Muscle Weakness � Tongue Thrust

Specialized Therapy Approaches Including: PROMPT Therapy � Individual Feeding Therapy Augmentative Communication Evaluations & Therapy

Colonial Crafts WHEN: Monday, Feb. 17, 1pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the birthday of George Washington and explore life in Colonial America, plus create a framed tinpunch craft. WANT TO GO? $12 participant fee, plus admission: $6; $5 seniors 62 and older, $5 children ages 4-18; free for members, active military with ID, and children younger than 3. 631-3873418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Celebrate President’s Week at the Fire Island Lighthouse WHEN: Feb. 17-21, daily, 11am-3pm WHERE: The Fire Island Lighthouse, 1 Burma Road, Fire Island AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Crafts for children from 10am-3pm, then visit the Fire Island Light Station Fresnel lens building, which houses an original first order Fresnel lens. Also visit the boathouse where you can view a collection of maritime history. WANT TO GO? Donation suggested. 631-321-7028. fireislandlighthouse.com.

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Children’s Winter Vacation Workshop–Repurposed Art: Owl Sculpture WHEN: Friday, Feb. 21, 10am-12pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: 3-4 WHAT: Build a repurposed owl sculpture. Advanced registration is required. WANT TO GO? $20; $18 members. 631-854-5539. vanderbiltmuseum.org.

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AGES: 8 months to 5 years WHAT: Interactive fun includes singing, dancing, storytelling, a fun craft, and much more! Participants cannot be in kindergarten. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

Potato Astronaut WHEN: Feb. 12-16, Wednesday, 10am-2pm; Saturday-Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Design and test a space suit for a potato astronaut. WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. longislandexplorium.org.

‘The Magic of Amore’ FREE

Educational Activities Sportsmanship WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 10am WHERE: Act As If Etiquette & Protocol, 718 Walt Whitman Road, Suite #1138, Melville AGES: 7-12 WHAT: Have fun while learning the social skills necessary to face sporting situations with grace, integrity, and confidence! Registration required. WANT TO GO? $45. 800-827-4564. actasifetiquette.com.

Black History Experience FREE WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 6, 7-8pm WHERE: Brentwood Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 7-12 WHAT: Learn about the history and different styles of AfricanAmerican poetry. Then create your own poetry masterpiece to share. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

Beach Party Storytime FREE WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 6, 10:15-11am WHERE: Rogers Memorial Library, 91 Coopers Farm Road, Southampton AGES: 1½-5 WHAT: Join the library for some summer music, summer snacks, and even some summer stories. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-283-0774. myrml.org.

Tot’s Night Out FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 11, 7-8pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 1:30-2:15pm WHERE: Deer Park Public Library, 44 Lake Ave., Deer Park AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Audience volunteers will experience weightlessness and float in mid-air during the classic of magic titled The Levitation and attempt to escape from Houdini’s shackles and more! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-586-3000. deerparklibrary.org.

Magic Workshop FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: Deer Park Public Library, 44 Lake Ave., Deer Park AGES: 7-12 WHAT: Join the library for a workshop that introduces children to the fascinating world of magic and illusion. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-586-3000. deerparklibrary.org.

Snappy XO Robots WHEN: Feb. 17-23, daily, 1-5pm WHERE: Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Check out the SnappyXO robots! This workshop provides an authentic engineering experience in designing mechanisms, structures, and robots. WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. longislandexplorium.org.

I Have a Dream FREE WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 27, 7-8pm WHERE: Brentwood Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 6-12 WHAT: Create an “American dream” collage using quotes and pictures of famous African-Americans as well as images that show what you dream and envision for your life. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

BookHampton Story Time FREE WHEN: Through March 29: Sundays, 10:30am WHERE: BookHampton, 41 Main St., East Hampton AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Children’s bookseller Lauren will read from the latest and greatest picture books. WANT TO GO? 631-324-4939. bookhampton.com.

Get Active! Gravity Vault’s 3 Year Anniversary Party FREE WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 2, 9am-10pm WHERE: The Gravity Vault, 40 Melville Park Road, Melville AGES: All, must be 5 and older to climb WHAT: Celebrate The Gravity Vault’s third anniversary with free day passes and try-a-climb from 9am-12pm, food, and more. WANT TO GO? 516-777-9255. gravityvault.com.

Yoga with Miss Annie FREE WHEN: Monday, Feb. 3, 4-5pm WHERE: Rogers Memorial Library, 91 Coopers Farm Road, Southampton AGES: 7-10 WHAT: Learn calming, stretching, and strengthening techniques as well as how to focus, concentrate, and relax. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-283-0774. myrml.org.

Shake, Rattle and Roll FREE WHEN: Monday, Feb. 3, 10:15-11am WHERE: Rogers Memorial Library, 91 Coopers Farm Road, Southampton AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Get ready to wiggle and giggle, share songs, fingerplays, rhymes, and parachute play. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-283-0774. myrml.org.

Zumbini FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 10-10:45am WHERE: Bay Shore Brightwaters Public Library, 1 S. Country Road, Brightwaters AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Get ready to dance, laugh, and play with Miss Lauren. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-665-4350. bsbwlibrary.org.

Exploration Express FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 10:15-11am WHERE: Rogers Memorial Library, 91 Coopers Farm Road, Southampton AGES: 1½-5 WHAT: This sensory experience will help enhance your child’s handeye coordination and fine and gross motor skills development as they dig their hands into sand, water, and other exploratory activities. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-283-0774. myrml.org.

Everybody Dance FREE WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 10:15-11am WHERE: Rogers Memorial Library, 91 Coopers Farm Road, Southampton AGES: Newborn to 1½ WHAT: Grab some scarves and get ready to dance to some of your favorite songs! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-283-0774. myrml.org.

Parent’s Night Out WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8, 6-9pm WHERE: Tumbling Tunes, 212 Laurel Road, East Northport

AGES: 1-8 WHAT: Enjoy the night out while your kids have fun with crafts, pizza, gymnastics, and more. Reserve your spot online. WANT TO GO? $24 per hour for 3 siblings; $20 per hour for 2 siblings; $14 per child per hour. 631-697-1040. tumblingtunes.com.

Princess Tea Party WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 9, 10am-12pm, 12:30-2:30pm, and 3-5pm WHERE: Long Island Aquarium, 431 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Your little one will dance and sing with all of her favorite princesses, enjoy finger sandwiches and sweets, and get the photos to remember it all. WANT TO GO? $35.95; $31.95 ages 3-12; $5 children 2 and younger. 631-208-9200. longislandaquarium.com.

Let’s Dance FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 11, 7-7:45pm WHERE: Brentwood Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 5-7 WHAT: Join Great South Bay Dance for a fun and interactive dance class! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

Saturday Shake FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 15, 10:15-11am WHERE: Rogers Memorial Library, 91 Coopers Farm Road, Southampton AGES: 2-6 WHAT: Get ready to jump, dance, and be silly! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-283-0774. myrml.org.

NBA Tournament FREE WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 1pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Keep the basketball fun going with a mini East versus West basketball tournament. Registration required. WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Family Game Night FREE WHEN: Friday, Feb. 21, 6:30pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Enjoy some time with your family playing board games and video games at the library! WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

Babies Boogie FREE WHEN: Friday, Feb. 21, 10:15-11am WHERE: Rogers Memorial Library, 91 Coopers Farm Road, Southampton AGES: 3 months to 2 years WHAT: You and your child will explore rhythm and movement through the use of props such as colorful streamers, hula skirts, scarves, and beanbags. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-283-0774. myrml.org. LongIslandParent 31

Cannoli Ice Cream FREE WHEN: Friday, Feb. 7, 6:30pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Learn how to make a delicious recipe of cannoli ice cream to take home and freeze. Registration required. WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

ARTful Adventures

Little Makers Teen Open Studio FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Parrish Art Museum, 279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill AGES: 11-18 WHAT: Explore a variety of techniques with guidance from teaching artist Pamela Collins. Space is limited and advance registration is required. WANT TO GO? 631-283-2118 x130. parrishart.org.

What a Pittie! FREE WHEN: Monday, Feb. 3, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: Brentwood Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Take part in a special art-themed project to bring positive exposure to pitbulls. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

Canvas Wars FREE WHEN: Monday, Feb. 3, 7-8pm WHERE: Brentwood Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 8-12 WHAT: Everyone will vote for their favorite creation and prizes will be awarded to first and second place. Dress for mess! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

Polar Bear Cupcakes FREE WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 7-8pm WHERE: Brentwood Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 6-12 WHAT: Make three adorable polar bear cupcakes to take home and enjoy. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

Kente Cloth Wall Hanging FREE WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 3-4pm WHERE: Brentwood Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Design and weave your very own kente cloth wall hanging! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8, 11:30am-1pm WHERE: Emily Lowe Gallery at Hofstra University Museum of Art, 112 Hofstra University, Hempstead AGES: 5-10 WHAT: Bring your child to the museum to look at and discuss art and then engage in a hands-on art project. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 in advance. 516-463-5672. hofstra.edu.

Cooking with Rob Scott: Make a Fortune FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8, 2:30-3:30pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 5-8 WHAT: To celebrate Chinese New Year, make super-sized fortune cookies using tortillas seasoned with cinnamon and sugar. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-288-3335 x112. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Baby Yoda, You Will Paint! WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 9, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Key to My Art, 10 W. Oak St., Amityville AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Learn to paint Baby Yoda. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $20. 631-608-9048. keytomyart.com.

How to Draw Kawaii Art FREE WHEN: Monday, Feb. 10, 6-7pm WHERE: Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library, 1 S. Country Road, Brightwaters AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Learn to draw kawaii characters! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-665-4350. bsbwlibrary.org.

Toddler Tuesdays and Thursdays: ‘Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party’ WHEN: Feb. 11-13, Tuesday and Thursday, 10:30-11:45am WHERE: The Baking Coach, Inc., 320 Broadway-Greenlawn Road, Huntington AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Read Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party by Kimberly and James Dean, then make and enjoy—or take home—a 9-inch round pizza with parent or caregiver. WANT TO GO? $30. 631-543-8608. bakingcoach.com.

Fireside Fondue FREE WHEN: Friday, Feb. 14, 6:30pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Enjoy some gooey and delicious cheese and chocolate with bread and strawberries. Registration required. WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Family Program: Bayberry Candles WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 16, 1:30-3pm WHERE: Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn about the origins of the bayberry candle and make one to take home. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $4. 631-265-1054. parks.ny.gov.

Children’s Winter Vacation Workshop: Mixed Media Deep Sea Collage WHEN: Monday, Feb. 17, 10am-12pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Create a mixed media deep sea collage. Advanced registration required. WANT TO GO? $20; $18 members. 631-854-5539. vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Winter Wonderland: The Magic of Clay FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 4-5pm WHERE: Rogers Memorial Library, 91 Coopers Farm Road, Southampton AGES: 5-10 WHAT: Create imaginative snow people, magical animals, and more with festive decorations and self-hardening clay. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-283-0774. myrml.org.

Vacation Ventures WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 10am-12pm WHERE: Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Create winter themed art using various media from watercolor to collage. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. WANT TO GO? $25; $20 members. 631-751-0066. longislandmuseum.org.

Cheerio Bird Feeders WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 3pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Help keep the birds fed this winter with this simple bird feeder craft. Registration required. WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Children’s Winter Vacation Workshop–Repurposed Art: Kinetic Fish Sculpture WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 20, 10am-12pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Children discover creatures on land and in the deepest seas when educators lead them on tours and have fun making a craft. Advanced registration required. WANT TO GO? $20; $18 members. 631-854-5539. vanderbiltmuseum.org.

February Break Workshops WHEN: Feb. 18-20, daily, 9-11:45am and 1-3:45pm WHERE: The Baking Coach, Inc., 320 Broadway-Greenlawn Road, Huntington AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Learn to make your favorite dishes and desserts! WANT TO GO? $45 per session; $80 for both; $225 both sessions for all three days. 631-543-8608. bakingcoach.com.

Art Party WHEN: Through Feb. 20: Thursdays, 4-4:45pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the East End, 376 BridgehamptonSag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton AGES: 3-5 WHAT: This program provides creative and social opportunities as kids explore art techniques through personal and collaborative projects. Registration encouraged. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 members. 631-537-8250. cmee.org.

Glow-in-the-(Not-So)-Dark Paint Week WHEN: Feb. 17-20, see website for select days and times WHERE: Key to My Art Amityville, 10 W. Oak St., Amityville AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Learn to paint characters like Techno Troll, LOL Doll Neonlicious and Neon Q.T., SpongeBob, Sonic the Hedgehog, Spider-Man, and LOL Pet Neon Hammy. WANT TO GO? $20. 631-608-9048. keytomyart.com.

‘Frozen’ Party WHEN: Friday, Feb. 21, 5-7pm WHERE: Tumbling Tunes, 212 Laurel Road, East Northport AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Kids will make fake snow, have a “Let It Go“ freeze dance, create a glittery craft, and eat a marshmallow Olaf for dessert. WANT TO GO? $30; sibling discounts available. 631-697-1040. tumblingtunes.com.

Minion on a Cupcake FREE WHEN: Friday, Feb. 21, 10-11am or 11:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Deer Park Public Library, 44 Lake Ave., Deer Park AGES: 5-10 WHAT: Decorate a minion cupcake and then meet a very special guest to take pictures with. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-586-3000. deerparklibrary.org.

LongIslandParent 33

‘Mary Poppins Jr.’ WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8, 11am and 3pm WHERE: Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: All WHAT: Mary Poppins Jr. is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, and breathtaking dance numbers. WANT TO GO? $20-$28. 631-207-1313. patchoguetheatre.com.

Chinese Acrobatics with Li Liu FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8, 1-2pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: Acrobat Li Liu will bring you joy with her balancing skills, bicycle routine, and more! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-288-3335 x112. westhamptonlibrary.net.

‘Bodytraffic’

Theater, Concerts, & Movies Met Opera Live In HD: The Gershwins’ ‘Porgy And Bess’ WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 12:55pm WHERE: Staller Center Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: James Robinson’s stylish production transports audiences to Catfish Row on the Charleston waterfront, vibrant with the music, dancing, emotion, and heartbreak of its inhabitants. WANT TO GO? $22; $20 seniors; $15 children and students. 631632-2787. stallercenter.com.

The Mickmags FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 11-11:45am WHERE: The Smithtown Library–Nesconset Building, 148 Smithtown Blvd., Smithtown AGES: 2-6 WHAT: The Mickmags combine music and puppets to entertain not only children, but to reach the child in all of us. Registration is limited to families with children in this age range. WANT TO GO? 631-360-2480 x213. search.livebrary.com.

Monster Jam WHEN: Feb. 1-2, Saturday, 1pm and 7pm; Sunday, 1pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, Home of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: See skilled athletes compete head-to-head in Monster Jam trucks, speedsters and ATVs, tearing up the dirt in Freestyle, the 2 Wheel Skills Challenge™, and several racing competitions. WANT TO GO? $20-$95. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8, 8pm WHERE: Staller Center Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: The internationally recognized company is one to see! WANT TO GO? $48. 631-632-2787. stallercenter.com.

Kid Flicks Two–New York Int’l Children’s Film Festival WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8, 11am WHERE: Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington AGES: 8 and older WHAT: See short films from around the world as part of the New York International Children’s Film Festival. WANT TO GO? $12; $7 members; free for children 12 and younger. 631-423-7611. cinemaartscentre.org.

‘Once Upon a Mattress’ WHEN: Feb. 7-9, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: See this show based on the famous fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea. WANT TO GO? $18. 631-288-1500. whbpac.org.

‘The Little Mermaid’ WHEN: Saturdays, Feb. 8 and Feb. 15, 2pm WHERE: BayWay Arts Center Children’s Theatre, 265 E. Main St., East Islip AGES: All WHAT: Journey “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends in a magical underwater kingdom. WANT TO GO? $13; $11 in advance. 631-581-2700. broadhollow.org.

TAO Drummers WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 15, 7pm

WHERE: Staller Center Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: The performers of TAO create an energetic and unforgettable production. WANT TO GO? $52. 631-632-2787. stallercenter.com.

AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Experience this live, on-stage drama about the links between the Underground Railroad, secret codes hidden in quilts, and the strength of the human spirit in the struggle for freedom. WANT TO GO? $12. 631-689-5888. stonybrookvillage.com.

MUMMENSCHANZ: ‘You & Me’

Met Opera–Live In HD: ‘Agrippina’

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 7pm WHERE: Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: All WHAT: This silent show will reverberate with a wonderful ease even after the end of the show! WANT TO GO? $20-$45. 631-207-1313. patchoguetheatre.com.

Elephant and Piggie’s: ‘We Are in a Play!’ WHEN: Feb. 18-20, daily, 11:30am and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy a musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved, award-winning, best-selling children’s books. WANT TO GO? $9-$12. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Disney’s ‘Frozen Jr.’ WHEN: Through March 1: see website for schedule WHERE: John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport AGES: All WHAT: This enchanting musical features all of the memorable songs from the hit Disney film and will thaw even the coldest heart! WANT TO GO? $15. 631-261-2900. engemantheater.com.

‘Shrek Jr. The Musical’

Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ WHEN: Through: Feb. 23: Thursday-Friday, 7:30pm; Saturday, 2:30pm and 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm; and Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 7:30pm WHERE: The Argyle Theatre, 34 W. Main St., Babylon Village AGES: All WHAT: This fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World.” WANT TO GO? $35-$79. 631-230-3500. argyletheatre.com.

‘Running Scared, Running Free’ WHEN: Feb. 1-28, call for dates and times WHERE: Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Educational & Cultural Center, 97 Main St., Stony Brook

DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE ON LONG ISLAND! SUNY COLLEGE FARMINGDALE AT OLD WESTBURY STATE COLLEGE 516.226.CAMP 631.769.CAMP

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 29, 12:55pm WHERE: Staller Center Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: The all-star cast features mezzo-soprano Kate Lindsey as Agrippina’s son and future emperor Nerone. WANT TO GO? $22; $20 seniors; $15 children and students. 631632-2787. stallercenter.com.

ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE PATCHOGUE 631.572.0232

WHEN: Feb. 1-March 1, see website for schedule WHERE: Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown AGES: All WHAT: See the show based on the beloved film. WANT TO GO? $18. 631-724-3700. smithtownpac.org.

‘Hansel And Gretel’ WHEN: Feb. 29-March 15, see website for schedule WHERE: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson AGES: All WHAT: Go into the woods for an outrageous adventure with the world’s most famous brother and sister team. WANT TO GO? $10. 631-928-9100. theatrethree.com.

Learn More or Enroll Today! FLEXIBLE WEEKLY SESSIONS FSCAMPS.COM

LongIslandParent 35

Courtesy Howe Caverns

outing

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

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

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

Nearby Attractions • Just 3 miles outside Cooperstown is the Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard, where you can take a tour, feed the ducks and geese on the pond, and relax while the kids play in Tractorland. • Take the 8-mile drive out of town to Glimmerglass State Park, where you’ll find beaches, picnic areas, camping sites, hiking, and nature trails. 36

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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LongIslandParent 37

black history month

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

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

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

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

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jobs Board Exciting Opportunities for Moms (and Dads) mommybites.com/jobs Companies who understand parents’ requirements are looking for great people.

Check out the jobs today Receive weekly email about new jobs

LongIslandParent 39

kid’s life

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

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

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

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

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

openHOUSES

Want to know the Best Activities Future Stars Summer Camps forat OldFamilies? The College Westbury

The College at Old Westbury 223 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury 516-876-3490 Farmingdale State College 2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale St. Joseph’s College 155 West Roe Blvd., Patchogue fscamps.com Stop by Future Stars Summer Camps Open Houses in Old Westbury, Farmingdale, and Patchogue on Saturday, Feb. 1. View the facilities, meet the staff, and take advantage of enrollment savings.

Subscribe to our family activity email newsletter.

Kids Country Day Camp

37 Crystal Brook Hollow Road, Mount Sinai 631-331-5351 kidscountrydaycamp.com Join us for a Kids Country Day Camp and Kids of Mount Sinai school open house March 28, April 25, May 16, and June 13 from 11am-2pm.

Knox School Summer Adventures

541 Long Beach Road, St. James 631-686-1640 knoxschool.org/summer/overview; camp_info@knoxschool.org See why parents love Knox at an open house on Feb. 8 from 10am-1pm. Waterfront location for kayaking, paddleboarding, Red Cross swim lessons, sports clinics, day and travel programs.

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Dr. Markham also urges parents to be flexible— you’re not going to be able to set up the situation and leave it until your kids move out or you’re able to move to a home or apartment with more rooms. Communicate frequently with your children and make adjustments according to what works best for them. And remember, sharing a room is teaching your children to be resilient and adaptable—and they’ll likely grow up to be better sleepers.

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

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outing

Insta-Fun! These NYC pop-up museums will provide hours of entertainment—and some great pics for social! Our editors had a ball when they visited The Color Factory!

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

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

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

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

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

You can reserve the sprinkle pool for a 1-hour swim at The Museum of Ice Cream.

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium Cold Spring Harbor cshfishhatchery.org

Goodie Bags

Accomodate Dietary Restrictions

Accessible/ Sensory-Friendly

Changing Tables in Bathrooms

Dynamic Beat Entertainment Serving Long Island dynamicbeat.com

Gravity Vault Melville Melville gravityvault.com/ locations/melvilleny

Key to My Art, Inc. Amityville keytomyart.com

Long Island Aquarium Riverheard longislandaquarium.com

Long Island Nets Uniondale longisland.gleague.nba. com/birthday-partypackage

Main St. Board Game Cafe Huntington mainstboardgamecafe.com

My Gym Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fitness Babylon, Huntington, Stony Brook mygym.com

Studio E Art Classes LLC Rocky Point studioeartclass.com

Long Island Explorium Port Jefferson longislandexplorium.org

Urban Air Lake Grove Lake Grove urbanairlakegrove.com

Atendee Parents Can Stay

Food & Cake

Set Up & Clean Up

Plates, Cups, & Utensils

Bring Your Own Food

Invites & Thank You Notes

celebrationsinthekitchen.com

Private Party Room

Celebrations in the Kitchen Hicksville

Entertainment

Bounce U Farmingdale Farmingdale bounceu.com/ farmingdale

Party Place

Party Central

LongIslandParent 43

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

DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS Horizon Orthodontics

Dr. Larry Friedman 1150 Portion Road No. 13, Holtsville 631-698-2424 Find us on Facebook: @horizonorthodontics Our practice’s top priority is to provide you the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. We utilize the latest technological advances in the industry, such as invisible ceramic braces and Invisalign®, along with the latest in computer technology.

Island Orthodontics

1990 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park 516-365-5300 • islandortho.com Our practice’s top priority is to provide you the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. We utilize the latest technological advances in the industry, along with the latest in computer technology.

The Tooth Pillow Dentistry

775 Park Ave, Suite 340, Huntington 516-317-2476 toothpillowny.com Your child will leave our office with all of their dental work completed, free from pain and bad memories. Trust your child with the experts in pediatric dental sedation.

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 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Nassau: 516-2161791 Queens: 718-640-6767 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.

FINANCIAL PLANNING & INSURANCE Bankers Life - Kimberly WilliamsRegnier

Serving NYC Metro Area, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and Westchester 347-0247-7293

bankerslife.com kimberly-williams.regnier@bankerslife.com Our goal is simple, to offer solutions that meet your needs today and for the life of your retirement. Our agents begin by asking you a few questions. Knowing what’s most important to you, we can provide solutions.

LEGAL SERVICES Fersch LLC

Serving all of NYC and surrounding areas 11 Broadway, Suite 550 212-422-2660 pffamilylaw.com familylaw@pffamilylaw.com Fersch LLC practices exclusively in matrimonial and family law. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and determined advocates for our clients. We provide care and attention to clients and their families of all income levels.

Law Offices of Brad H. Rosken, PLLC

534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He is also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law.

LICE Fairy LiceMothers

2463 South 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.

Lice Clinics of America - Long Island

47 Jackson Ave., Syosset 516-336-4099 566 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre 401 Hawkins Avenue, Ronkonkoma liceclinicslongisland.com Lice Clinics of America will remove lice in just one hour! All lice and eggs-even Super Lice are eliminated in a single, onehour treatment. Affordable treatments, no toxic chemicals.

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

SPECIAL NEEDS Alternatives For Children

1116 Main Road, Aquebogue 631-722-2170 600 South Service Road, Dix Hills 631-271-0777 14 Research Way, East Setauket 631-331-6400 168 Hill St., Southampton 631-283-3272 alternatives4children.org Licensed daycare, EI/Preschool Special Education evaluations provider for eligible children. Early childhood professionals create a natural learning environment, promoting a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Child Behavior Consulting, LLC

10 Janet Court, Nesconset 631-617-1958 childbehaviorconsulting.com lisa@childbehaviorconsulting.com Providing education, tools, and knowledge in teaching children cognitive skills to focus and remain calm. Specializing in challenges related to behavior, academic learning, and social-emotional development.

Law Offices of Brad H. Rosken, PLLC

Life’s WORC The Family Center for Autism 1501 Franklin Ave., Garden City 516-741-9000 familycenterforautism.org mreno@lifesworc.org The Family Center for Autism provides services and support for people with autism and their families. Programs include: insurance services, birthday parties, art, music, sports and culinary classes, camps, parent and sibling programs, social events, vocational programs, and behavior intervention.

Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy

The Tooth Pillow Dentistry

Long Island Tutorial Services

173 N. Main St., Sayville 631-316-0426 litutorialservices.com litutorialservices@gmail .com Long Island Tutorial Services (LITS) provides award-winning customer service and firstrate instruction to families island-wide. Call for a confidential consultation.

St. Patrick Youth Community- St. Patrick Tutoring Center

St. Patrick Church, 280 E Main St., Smithtown 631-724-1261 stpatsyouth.com spyouth@optonline.net St. Patrick Tutoring Center is here to assist your learner from grades kindergarten-12th with Catholic Entrance Exam Prep, SAT, Regents, or daily schoolwork.

St. Patrick Youth Community-Youth Enrichment Learning Center

St. Patrick Church, 280 E Main St., Smithtown 631-724-1261 stpatsyouth.com spyouth@optonline.net St. Patrick Youth Enrichment and Learning Center provides programs for your child ages 1½ years–sixth grade. A faith-based program offers a loving, caring environment.

Sylvan Learning Center of Huntington 1160 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington 631-424-5600 locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/huntington-ny sylvanlearning@optonline.net Sylvan of Huntington offers personalized tutoring programs in reading, writing, mathematics, SAT and ACT prep. Sylvan will help identify the right program for your child and exactly where your child needs to start to get the best results.

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 for gifted and talented students. We are a designated Johns Hopkins CTY and SAT testing center.

index birthday / party services

classes

health

Bounce U - Farmingdale .................................. 8

Posey School of Dance ................................... 12

Island Orthodontics .......................................... 7

Long Island Nets .............................................. 5

Studio E Art Classes........................................ 12

YMCA of Long Island ....................................... 5

performing arts / acting Argyle Theater at Babylon Village ................... 17

Urban Air.......................................................... 8

dance play spaces

camps

Posey School of Dance ................................... 12 Bounce U - Farmingdale .................................. 8

Camps ‘R’ Us.................................................... 8 Urban Air.......................................................... 8 Future Stars - Old Westbury ........................... 35

developmental

Hofstra Summer Camps ................................... 3

Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.......... 29

special events

Kids Country Day Camp.................................. 25

Knox School (The) - Summer Adventures .......... 3

Sportime ........................................................ 23

Studio E Art Classes........................................ 12

Argyle Theater at Babylon Village ................... 17

education Patchogue Theatre ........................................... 7 Kids Country Day Camp.................................. 25

Knox School (The) - Summer Adventures .......... 3

special needs Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.......... 29

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts ................... 2

family entertainment / YMCA of Long Island ....................................... 5

events / outings Young People’s Day Camps - Suffolk .............. 48 Argyle Theater at Babylon Village ................... 17

child care / day care

Bounce U - Farmingdale .................................. 8

Kids Country Day Camp.................................. 25

Long Island Nets .............................................. 5

sports Camps ‘R’ Us.................................................... 8 Long Island Nets .............................................. 5

theater Mommybites............................................. 37, 39

Patchogue Theatre ........................................... 7

YMCA of Long Island ....................................... 5

Urban Air.......................................................... 8

Argyle Theater at Babylon Village ................... 17 Patchogue Theatre ........................................... 7

NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area! LongIslandParent 45

last word

What do you really want for Valentine’s Day?

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

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

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

—Pamela Pekerman (@pamelapekerman), Manhattan

rsky Quee

— Margot Luba

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

Connect with us 46

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February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

@nymetroparents

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

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

@NYMetroParents

NG I BR OUR Y Y MIL FA

Sunday, March 8, 11am-2:30pm

Hofstra University David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex

Hosted by

Fun For Kids Activities • Crafts • Games • Sports

Great For Parents Meet directors from camps, summer programs, destinations, local programs and more.

Free family ticket at licampfair.com LongIslandParent 47

*Based on an 8 Week Program

Boys & Girls, 4-14 • 2-8 Week Programs • Operated by Licensed Teachers & Administrators • All Union Rates Accepted • Weekly Field Trips Swimming • Sports & Karate • Arts & Crafts And Much, MUCH MORE!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29TH • 10AM TO 1PM East Islip Lanes Bowling Alley 117 E Main Street • East Islip, NY 11730

Call Now for Pre-Season Rates: 516-729-0690 •• ypdc.com ypdc.com