Suffolk Parent March 2020 by City Guide NY

LongIsland SUFFOLK EDITION

Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

MARCH 2020

CHOOSING A CAMP • 10 Questions to Ask a Camp Director • Suffolk Camp Directory • Camp Comparison Chart

Birthday Hacks

5 tips for a low-stress party

What is cancel culture?

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LongIslandParent

inside

march 2020

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

14 Choosing a Camp 10 questions to ask a camp director

36 “You’re Canceled!” What you need to know about the current craze

38 Take a Birthday Breather Tips to throw a stress-free kids’ birthday party

39 Pic Tips How to take better pictures of your kids

40 Thumb Sucking 101 How to handle this common childhood habit

COLUMNS 6 Editor’s Note 9 News: What’s happening in the community 12 Baby: Rest Stops 13 Advice: Ask DadandBuried 46 Last Word: What is your darkest parenting secret?

THINGS TO DO 21 Family Activities Calendar 35 Outing: Building Brainpower

RESOURCES 16 Camp Directory 41 Party Central Chart

42 Camp Chart 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 MARCH 2020 • Vol.11 • No.10

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

Happy Spring!

t’s officially spring this month, which means summer is right around the corner. And summer, to us, means one thing: camp! Is your child returning to their beloved camp from last year, or are you on the hunt for a new summer program? If you’re in the latter group, you’re in luck! You’ll find plenty of Suffolk camp options right in this issue: Turn to p. 16 for descriptions of all the area camps, and on p. 42, you’ll find a side-by-side camp comparison chart. Once you’ve narrowed down the list of potentials, speak with the directors to get a full picture of the camp—check out the 10 questions to ask on p. 14. If you’re in the former group, you’ll still find plenty of fun and advice to help you be a better parent in this issue, whether you’re wondering how to talk to your teen about cancel culture (p. 36), how to get your toddler to stop sucking her thumb (p. 40), or how to throw a stress-free birthday party (p. 38). For us, spring is also a season of growth, whether it’s the flowers blooming, baby animals arriving at the local zoo, or seeing your child near the end of another school year (can we pause time, so they stay small for just a little longer?). One way we’re growing is by creating new partnerships with local, popular Instagrammers and bloggers to give you even more resources for great advice and ideas, including Pamela Pekerman, whom you can meet on p. 10! We’re excited to introduce you to more of them in the coming months! Here’s to this season growth—however happens looks for your family! Katelin Walling Editorial Director

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

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

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

ADVERTISING SALES

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

STATEN ISLAND PARENT

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

MOMMYBITES

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

OPERATIONS

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

PRODUCTION

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

MARKETING

Meet This Month’s Cover Kid!

ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER: Anastasiya Borunova

Our cover star is 3-year-old Jasper from Manhattan—a grand-prize winner in our 2019 Cover Kids Contest! A huge thanks to Macy’s Backstage for Jasper’s outfit, and an even bigger shout out to Sarah Merians of Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company (sarahmerians.com) for the great photo!

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

Want to know when the 2020 cover contest opens? Sign up for our newsletter at nymetroparents.com/newsletter!

FINANCE

CREDIT MANAGERS: Rosa Meinhofer, Dan Finnegan

Davler Media Group davlermedia.com

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

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March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy Six Flags Great Adventure

news

Six Flags for All

The Jackson, NJ amusement park has plans to become an inclusive environment all year long.

Six Flags Great Adventure has plans to earn a Certified Autism Center™ designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. This means at least 80 percent of the guestfacing staff at Six Flags must complete a training and certification program through IBCCES, complete onsite audits, and make a commitment to future training. The Jackson, NJ location already hosts annual Autism Days, during which the park transforms into a sensoryfriendly space with lowered light and noise levels, shorter lines, and decompression areas. But the company is working toward the designation because it understands that visiting new places or going on family vacations can be challenging and overwhelming for kids with autism, and it wants to be an inclusive fun space. “We are proud to partner with IBCCES to ensure that guests on the autism spectrum have the best possible experience when visiting our parks,” said Jason Freeman, the Six Flags vice president of safety. “The certification process will equip our team members with the tools and training needed to better serve guests with special needs. We want them to know Six Flags stands ready to welcome them with open arms.” Find out more details at nymetroparents.com/six-flags.

LongIslandParent

Courtesy Pamela Pekerman

news

It’s Story Time! In honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday, March 2 is National Read Across America Day! So grab your favorite books and snuggle up with the kiddos for an extra story time. If you want to go all out, only read books by tongue-twisting, rhyming master. Our favorite? Daisy-Head Mayzie!

Pamela Pekerman with her two children

Hustling Like a Mom Celebrate Spring March 19 at 11:50pm officially marks the arrival of spring, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac—bring on the warmer weather! To celebrate, we found the top 20 things to do this season on Long Island. Check them out at nymetroparents.com/ spring.

Got a Green Thumb? Get your hands dirty and cultivate your child’s green thumb by creating grassy gnomes (think: chia pets) to watch over your garden— or add some greenery to your life if you don’t have space for a garden. Visit nymetroparents.com/ gnomes for directions.

ou might recognize Pamela Pekerman from morning shows, where she appeared for a decade talking about style trends. And then she had kids and decided she didn’t want to travel as much. “So, I began to write about the real-life moments I was experiencing as a mom of two under two!” she says. Soon she was blogging about time-saving tips for busy moms, creating videos for Parents.com, and hosting events for moms. Her focus evolved into content and networking events that appeal to hustling mompreneurs. While she still does school pickup and drop-off every day, she says, “I’ve never felt more fulfilled by my work than I am now, as I grow a community of women that are redefining what it means to be a working mom.”

What’s the best parenting advice you ever received?

What do you think is a parent’s hardest job?

Listen to the crowd but go with your gut. Don’t silence your inner mama bear, as she truly knows what is best for her cubs. Sure, it’s nice to be a PTA mom, but that might not be on your priority list. …Parenting is hard, and you need to ensure you are coming at it from a place of inner contentment and confidence in your choices—because so many moments will challenge your sanity and your sense of self.

Being present. It’s a gift to the person you are speaking with, in this case your children, to be present, to not have your mind wander. In 2019, I found that replacing the phrase “I have to” with “I get to” gave me a dose of gratitude for that which was before me. I get to practice piano with my kids. I get to pick up my kids from school.

Read more from Pamela Pekerman—and learn about her next Hustle Like a Mom event—at nymetroparents.com/hustle.

Connect with Pamela Pekerman facebook.com/PamelaPekerman

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

@pamelapekerman

Pamela Pekerman

New Places, New Programs

Day Camp Offers Spring Enrichment Starting this spring, Kenwal Day Camp plans to offer tutoring and enrichment programs in math, science, reading, and test prep in conjunction with Sylvan Learning Center. The day camp also plans to work with Lil Athletes in West Hempstead to offer sports programs for ages 2-6 at Kenwal’s sports courts and fields. This summer, fourth grade campers can look forward to two new trips, and Extreme Teens (seventh to 10th grades) will enjoy a five-day trip to Niagara Falls. 100 Drexel Ave., Melville; 631-694-3399; kenwaldaycamp.com.

Circus Fun at Park Shore

Springing Forward

This summer, Park Shore Day Camp plans to offer a circus program with The National Circus Project for campers in first-fifth grades. The program will be offered for 3 hours in the morning and then campers will have the opportunity to continue the day with one of the many activities Park Shore has to offer. The Circus Program is offered in two, 2-week sessions or one, 4-week session, with the first session running July 13-24 and the second session July 27-Aug. 7. 450 Deer Park Road, Dix Hills; 631-499-8580; parkshoredaycamp.com/circus-academy.

Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 8, which means we lose an hour of our already limited sleep. While “springing forward” makes us more tired (cue the extra cup of coffee), it can turn our children into major grumps. To help your kids adjust (and be a little less grumpy), have them go to bed 15 minutes earlier over the next few nights to get them back on track, suggests Lisa J. Meltzer, Ph.D., a sleep expert and co-author of Pediatric Sleep Problems: A Clinician’s Guide to Behavioral Interventions.

The Importance of Sleep

When it’s Friday but it’s not 5 o’clock yet!! —Posted by @willzcrewnyc

Sleep is a pillar of health and is essential to human functioning, health, wellbeing, and healing. And for babies, sleep is essential to development. The growth hormone is released during sleep, causing your infant to gain weight, length, and head circumference; the brain develops and fosters better cognitive development; and it helps with social and emotional development. For more on the importance of sleep, and how it benefits the family unit as a whole, visit nymetroparents.com/sleep.

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

LongIslandParent 11

mommybites

Rest Stops How to get baby to sleep anywhere By Christina Vercelletto

sleep routine is important for keeping your baby wellrested and happy—not to mention yourself! Although it can be tricky at times, sticking to that hard-won routine when you can’t be home all day (and when can you?) is well worth the effort, says Kim West, aka The Sleep Lady, an infant sleep coach. “A nap-deprived baby will have more difficulty going to sleep at bedtime and staying asleep,” West warns. “Plus, it will be easier for a well-rested baby to nap on the go than one who is already overtired.”

In the Bedroom It helps to have baby in a bedside bassinet for the first few weeks so you can keep middle-of-the-night feedings simple and in the dimmest light possible. “The biggest task in the first two months is helping with day and night confusion,” West says. “In the evening, keep the house quiet, and interactions with your infant brief and boring.”

In the Den, Kitchen…Anywhere A comfy, portable crib can be a huge help, especially in the early days, when your newborn’s internal clock can’t tell the difference between night and day. It will allow you to start dinner, put away groceries, or load the dishwasher while your baby naps nearby.

At Grandma’s House “Timing for naps is everything!” West insists. “It’s essential that you watch your baby’s wakeful windows so that he doesn’t stay awake long enough to get overtired.” Therefore, it’s wise to

always bring along a compact crib. Choose one with a canopy to block the sun and protect baby from insects so, even if you decide to go to the park, baby’s sleep schedule won’t have to miss a beat.

On a Walk Turn your stroller into a “napmobile” by reclining the seat so your child can stretch out. Some babies need constant motion to go to sleep and stay asleep. “If you stop moving, and your baby wakes up after too short of a nap, then start moving again,” West advises. Also, consider using a stroller shade to block out light and distractions. “This is especially helpful for alert babies who have a harder time shutting the world out to go to sleep.”

Hitting the Road Car seat naps can go a long way toward keeping your tot’s daily sleep requirements met. If possible, plan car rides at your baby’s regular nap times to make it easier for her to snooze, West advises. Play relaxing, soft music, if any, and consider putting up a shade on the car window next to your child’s seat.

On Vacation Bring a familiar piece of home—your little one’s favorite lovey or teether—to comfort and soothe her to sleep. West also recommends setting the scene: “quieting the environment, dimming the lights, playing soothing music, reading.” Finally, sticking to a consistent bedtime, eliminating noise, and slowing down with a low-key activity will cue baby’s body for sleep—and it works for parents, too.

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. 12

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

advice

Ask DadandBuried My son’s birthday is coming up. We used to host birthday parties in our home, but he’s in third grade, and his friend group has gotten bigger. I’m not sure I want to deal with decorating or cleaning up after 15 kids and their parents. So, I’m considering renting a play space—one of the bouncy venues. But I can’t decide!

WWW.BOUNCESYOSSET.COM

—Jean P., Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

his is a question I’ve wrestled with myself, multiple times. Is it better to host a birthday party at home or to have the party at a venue? Not an easy call—unless you’re among the 1 percent. I mean, if you’re one of the Kardashians and you have a palatial estate that you can decorate like mad, and install bouncy houses and games, complete with employees who will handle setup and cleanup? That’s the way to go. But if you’re just one of us regular folks? It’s convenience vs. cost. Going the venue route is super convenient. Everything—except maybe the birthday cake—is usually handled by the venue. The staff decorates, plans the games and activities on-site, and handles all the cleanup. It can be more expensive to secure those hours—especially for a venue in the NYC area—but it’s largely stress-free. That’s huge. Hosting at home can be cheaper, but it may cost your sanity. You’ll be stressed about decorations; you’ll need to provide food and drink and the fun. You’ll be stressed about cleaning before guests arrive; you’ll be stressed about cleaning after guests leave; there’s a lot of work involved! And while it should definitely cost less money, making sure everything is Pinterest-perfect may end up costing more than you suspect. (And if you enlist your arts and crafts-impaired spouse in the preparations, you might have to factor in the expense of the resulting divorce as well!) All the extra work—and its accompanying headaches—may counter the cost benefit. It ultimately comes down to which you prefer: saving money or peace of mind. One more thing: If you do host the party at home, I implore you to provide beer or wine for your fellow parents. Nobody needs to suffer through one of those things stone-cold sober! Though some venues do allow it, many don’t. In fact, that’s what ultimately tips the scales for me. Looks like we’ll be hosting the next birthday party at home! Our advice column features the wise and 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.”

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LongIslandParent 13

Choosing

Camp

10 questions to ask a camp director By Jess Michaels

any parents select a camp based on a friend or relative’s rave reviews. But choosing your child’s summer experience based on hearsay or personal anecdotes is often problematic, according to the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey. Instead, it’s important to thoroughly research a camp in order to determine if it’s a good fit for your kid. The ACA suggests making an appointment with the camp’s director and asking the following 10 questions.

What is the camp’s mission or philosophy?

Who is the staff?

Each camp has its own. Make sure this particular camp’s mission matches your own family’s values.

Ask about the ages and backgrounds of staff members. Find out how they were hired and what kind of training and background checks they went through.

What is your background and experience?

Are you able to accommodate my child’s special needs?

Ask the camp director about his experience, years at the camp, and previous jobs. You want to make sure you find a commonality here. When you send your child to camp, you are forming a partnership with the director to ensure your child has a successful camp experience.

If your child has any special considerations, such as having food allergies or ADHD, or is wheelchair-bound, be completely upfront about her needs and make sure the camp is able to accommodate them.

What type of child is successful at the camp? Does it sound like she is describing your child? If not, this isn’t the camp for your child.

After pouring over websites and marketing materials, parents often start to feel like all camps look alike. Find out what makes this camp stand out from the others.

Can you describe the program?

How are conflicts handled?

Find out if the program is structured (has a set schedule) or elective (children choose their activities). Also inquire about how the program changes for older kids. For example: Do the elective choices increase with age?

While camps work hard to build a caring community, fights among campers can occur. Ask the camp director how the camp handles these types of conflicts.

What are the camp’s safety procedures?

Ask if you can call parents of campers currently enrolled at the camp, especially ones with kids who are the same ages as your children. They will be your next valuable source of information.

It’s important to know about emergency action plans, water safety, medical staff, and camper-to-staff ratios.

What makes your camp unique?

May I speak with references?

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.

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

There are hundreds of day camps and sleepaway camps in the New York area, which can make determining the just-right spot for your child overwhelming. Here’s advice from camp directors on how to create the perfect summer for your kid: Know What You—and Your Child—Want

Do Your Research

Consult with your child (it’s her summer after all!) but also consider what you want her to gain, whether that’s learning how to swim, making friends, or STEM skills.

Browse through websites—and involve your child, too. Same goes for when you visit camp fairs. As you research, pay attention to interactions with the staff, and the facilities, activities, and counselor-tocamper ratio.

Look into the Camp’s Accreditation It’s important that prospective camps are accredited by the American Camp Association—it’s a sign of approval that isn’t easy to achieve.

Keep Your Budget in Mind Look at the total all-in cost for each camp—including transportation, clothing, gear, etc. Then take all the camps that are over-budget off your list.

Don’t Forget About Day-to-Day Logistics Think about the location of pickup and drop-off. And, ask about whether the camp has flexibility if you want to take a family vacation.

Call or Visit the Camps on Your Shortlist Most directors recommend visiting your two to three finalist camps. Bring your child and make sure the camp seems clean and well-maintained. Calling the camp director is your next best option—try to dig into factors that aren’t mentioned on the website. The camp should be one your child can enjoy this summer, and for many summers to come. For more tips from camp directors on choosing a camp, visit

nymetroparents.com/choose-camp.

IS YOUR CHILD BORED OF THE SAME OLD TOWN OR SCHOOL CAMP?

AMAZING ACTIVITIES

SPORTS

SPECIAL EVENTS

Basketball Football Softball Volleyball Soccer Gaga

BBQ’s Luau Smores Day Summer ween Arts & Crafts Talent Shows Crazy Hair Day Sand Castle Competitions & So Much More!!

Bounce Boomers Qzar Swimming Playhouse Gymnastics Laser Bounce for boys and girls ages 4-14 Ducks Game Roller Skating 516-238-4586 Paddle Boating livoyagersdaycamp.com Adventureland Sporting Events Fire Island/Beach White Post Farms Chocolate Factory e d, Children’s Museum C e rt iﬁ D E A , Aid . t .. s e r i t i F Tiki Adventure Park S CP R , rds o n a g) u in G in e a f Tr Li Atlantis Marine World lor in o unse Karts Indoor Amusements C.I .T. (C v ai l a ble A

LongIslandParent 15

CAMPS DIRECTORY CAMPS - Day Camps Camps ‘R’ Us Locations in Baldwin, Bellmore, Deer Park, East Rockaway, Farmingdale, Hicksville, St. James, Syosset, Valley Stream, and Williston Park 516-935-CAMP (2267) campsrus.org; info@campsrus.org We provide families with a safe, fun, and affordable summer day camp experience. Our award-winning camp programs offer children, ages 3 and older, a diverse summer experience, including sports, arts and crafts, gaming, GaGa, fitness, STEM, swimming, bowling, trips, and special events.

Future Stars Summer Camps Multiple locations across Long Island fscamps.com Future Stars Summer Camps offer weekly Sports, STEAM, and Specialty camp programs at multiple locations (The College at Old Westbury, Farmingdale State College, St Joseph’s College Patchogue, and Southampton Rec. Center). Programs are offered to children entering kindergarten-10th grade. A balanced camp day ensures the perfect blend of instruction and fun.

Hofstra Summer Camps

Kids Country Day Camp

101 Oak St., Uniondale 516-463-CAMP (2267) hofstra.edu/camp ce-camps@hofstra.edu Hofstra Summer Camps offer children, ages 5-17, more than 70 programs from theater to sports, gaming, art, music, STEM and STEAM, academics, culinary, dance, YouTube Studio, Adventure Education, and Super Hero Academy. At our camp, kids will explore their interests, learn valuable social skills, and have fun while gaining confidence.

37 Crystal Brook Hollow Road, Mount Sinai 631-331-5351 kidscountrydaycamp.com Children ages 3-12 take part in more than 50 fun exciting activities including field and court sports, arts and crafts, dance, karate, gymnastics, talent show, foam parties, giant water slide, sprinkler park, pedal karts, and challenge course. Camp program runs eight weeks. Various combinations of weeks and days available.

Kenwal Day Camp

Knox School Summer Adventures

100 Drexel Ave., Melville 631-694-3399 kenwaldaycamp.com kenwaloffice@kenwaldaycamp.com Kenwal is the camp where children can start at age 3, and still thrive at 16. Along their journey campers are nurtured and challenged in a fun, safe environment designed for success! Building self-esteem, and being “unplugged” are achieved regularly. From sandbox to overnights, Kenwal provides a fun-filled, safe summer!

541 Long Beach Road, St. James 631-686-1640 knoxschool.org/summer/overview camp_info@knoxschool.org Knox Summer Adventures is a multi-faceted day and travel camp with programs to satisfy all children from pre-K to 10th grade. We are located on more than 30 acres of Stony Brook Harbor waterfront just minutes from Nissequogue’s own Long Beach, and we pride ourselves on making your child love summer!

LET be your STEM destination!

STALLER CENTER for kids

Offering Innovative Education • Fostering Imaginative Thinking Celebrate Innovation & Invention for All Ages!

Saturday, June 6, 2020 10am - 5pm at Port Jefferson Harborfront

Early Bird Rates End May 1 PRODUCED BY:

Do not miss these upcoming camps! • Take part in cutting edge STEM Hacks and MakerSpace Projects • Explore and engage in Engineering design and 3D technology • Experience Art in Science • Participate in hands-on Coding and Robotics • Discover and develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges

Spring Break Camp April 6th - 10th. Summer Camps July - August 2020. Half and Full day options available. Check our websites for dates and rates.

CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY in the picturesque village of Port Jefferson at the Long Island Explorium. We offer a unique experience for children of all ages. Special STEM packages available. To register for these camps or for more information, call 631-331-3277 or visit www.longislandexplorium.org and www.longisland.makerfaire.com

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

y Back blar popu ! d deman

JACK AND FRIENDS return to Staller Center with a new festival of awesomeness.

JACK LICITRA: U ARE THE MUSIC! Sun, march 15, 2020

3:00 pm • recital Hall $20

USE CODE NYMP FOR

$5 OFF FOR KIDS

Cammy Q is getting ready to show you some of her incredible vocal chops and TrIfon is playing that funky bass.

(12 & UNDER)

Staller Center's education and outreach programming is fully funded by private donations to the Staller Educational Outreach Fund and the Barbara N. Wien Fund from individuals who value advancing the arts for youth on Long Island.

TICKETS: www.stallercenter.com/outreach

stallercenter.com

(631) 632-arTS [2787]

@stallercenter

Long Island Voyager’s Day Camp

Young People’s Day Camps Suffolk

Wantagh pool and park 1 King Road, Wantagh Cantiague Pool and Park 480 W. John St., Hicksville 516-238-4586 livoyagersdaycamp.com livoyagersdaycamp@gmail.com Long Island Voyager’s Day Camp is an exciting, action-packed, safe, summer experience for ages 4-14. Campers find themselves on an exciting adventure every day. We offer swimming, sports, art, drama, activities, door-to-door transportation, before- and after-care, and swim instruction. Trips to Splish Splash, Adventureland, Atlantis Marine World, and museums.

631-310-6880 ypdc.com YPDC of Suffolk is licensed by the NYS Health Department, and accredited by the ACA for your child’s safety. Free door-to-door transportation, with activities supervised by licensed teachers and administrators. Superior camper-to-counselor ratio. YPDC is fun, educational, diversified, and convenient. Keeping children smiling and parents at ease since 1972.

YMCA of Long Island Bay Shore, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Holtsville, Huntington, and Patchogue 855-2YMCALI (962254) ymcali.org/camp camp@ymcali.org info@ymcali.org At the YMCA Summer Day Camp, we offer the best of adventure, athletics, creative arts, camp traditions, trips, special guests, and summer learning. Our programs for ages 3-16 are designed to meet your child’s interests and abilities. Pick your camp weeks! June 29-Sept. 4. Discounts available (expire April 30).

CAMPS - Sleepaway Camps Camp Huntington 56 Bruceville Road, High Falls 855-707-2267 camphuntington.com admissions@camphuntington.com Camp Huntington, a coed, residential summer camp for children and young adults with autism and related developmental and learning disabilities, ADD. Ability levels mild to moderate-severe. Located in High Falls in the beautiful Catskill Mountain region, the camp provides therapeutically and instructionally designed recreation programs in summer.

CAMPS - Specialty Camps Baking Coach®

Huntington 631-543-8608 bakingcoach.com lisa@bakingcoach.com Step into summer with some amazing culinary, baking, and cake decorating programs for ages 7-14. Apply math skills, reading, and understanding the science of baking during our workshops. Learn team building and work individually to create wonderful food. Weekly rates available, July 13-Aug.21, half- and full-day.

Camp Huntington 56 Bruceville Road, High Falls 855-707-2267 camphuntington.com admissions@camphuntington.com Camp Huntington, a coed, residential summer camp for children and young adults with autism and related developmental and learning disabilities, ADD. Ability levels mild to moderate-severe. Located in High Falls in the beautiful Catskill Mountain region, the camp provides therapeutically and instructionally designed recreation programs in summer.

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium Nature Summer Camp 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor 516-692-676 • cshfishhatchery.org

320 Broadway-Greenlawn Road,

continued on page 18

SPORTIME SUMMER CAMPS JMTA SUMMER TRAINING CAMPS

PRESCHOOL UNDER 10 TENNIS TENNIS & SPORTS EXCEL TENNIS JMTA GREEN & YELLOW BALL TRAINING JMTA MAC RED BALL & MAC ORANGE BALL VOLLEYBALL HOCKEY MORE! Register Today!

(888) NY-TENNIS www.SportimeCamps.com

Camp locations across Long Island, including the Hamptons, in New York City and Westchester. We’ve got your summer fun covered! Visit us online to find the camp nearest you or contact us at camps@sportimeny.com. Programs and services vary at each SPORTIME Camp location.

LongIslandParent 17

continued from page 18 info@cshfishhatchery.org Young explorers, grades pre-K-12th, spend summer surrounded by nature. Encourage their love of science with hands-on activities, nature crafts, live animals, and outdoor adventure nature camps. Expeditions to nearby salt marsh, ponds, and woodlands. One-, to four-day camps available. Summer fun at a great price! Prepare to get wet and muddy!

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory - DNA Learning Center 516-367-5170 dnalc.cshl.edu; dnalc@cshl.edu Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center is the world’s first science center devoted entirely to genetics education. Each summer since 1985 our laboratory classrooms have filled with students participating in five-day science camps. Fun, challenging programs guided by experienced teachers for science enthusiasts entering sixth-12th grade.

Destination Science - The fun science day camp for curious kids 5 to 11! multiple locations in Nassau and Suffolk Counties 888-909-2822 destinationscience.org info@destinationscience.org For more than 20 years, we have focused on STEM learning through science-based activities. Experience fun, hands-on science to encourage year-round learning. Three science stations daily, games, spirit days, and all

the fun of camp! Programs include STEAM Inventors and Anti-Gravity Racers Camp, Galactic Space Training Camp, and Robot Island.

Great Strides Long Island 41 Coram-Swezeytown Road, Middle Island 631-786-9708 greatstridesli.org julie@greatstridesli.org Great Strides offers equestrian activities for children and adults of all ages and abilities. Our equine friends can help us face all of life’s challenges with strength and confidence. Offering summer programs, a four-day introduction to horses in June, July, and August. Private lessons are available for English and Western students.

iD Tech Held at 150 prestigious campus locations 1-888-709-8324 idtech.com iD Tech is the world leader in STEM education, with 450,000 alumni and more than 20 years of experience. Summer programs for ages 7-19 are held at 150 prestigious campuses including NYU, Caltech, and Imperial College London. Students build in-demand skills for futures in coding, game development, robotics, and creative arts.

JB Yoga SUP and Yoga Empowerment Camps 917-301-6919 jbyoga.com

jessica@jbyoga.com Our fifth year running, camp is taught by certified lifeguards and yoga teachers. Your children will learn skills of stand-up paddle boarding, as well as water safety and rescue. Campers will also gain vital knowledge about how to take care of one of our most precious resources-the water.

LIU Post Center for Gifted Youth Director Dr. Lynne Manouvrier LIU Post, Brookville 516-299-2160 liu.edu/giftedyouth vera.savino@liu.edu The Long Island University program for gifted children was established in 1979 in response to the recognition of society’s special responsibilities for children with demonstrably superior intellectual ability. The LIU Center for Gifted Youth offers extraordinary teachers recruited from leading schools in the metropolitan area, and university-level facilities.

Long Island Explorium 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson 631-331-3277 longislandexplorium.org Summer camp 2020 will stretch the boundaries of fun, catapulting STEAM learning skyward! Let the Explorium be your journey of exploration, discovery, invention, and innovation this summer. Find intriguing challenges to solve, and creative people to meet. You choose one-five weeks of fun learning.

10 Acres of Indoor and Outdoor Adventure, Sports, Activities and Special Events!

●Athletic Fields ●Sports Courts ●Playgrounds ●Dance ●Karate ●Challenge Course ●Foam Parties ●Gymnastics

●Animal Shows ●Giant Slide ●Sprinkler Park ●Slip-N-Slide ●Carnival ●Talent Show ●Glow Party ●and Much More

Ages 2 -12 Yrs ● 2 - 8 Weeks ● Flexible Day/Week Scheduling Full Day 9am - 4pm ● Early Drop-off & Late Pick-up Half Day Program Also Available (Ages 2 to 5yrs.)

KidsCountryDayCamp.com

631-331-5351

37 Crystal Brook hollow Rd. Mount Sinai, NY 11766

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

C on t u s to a c t v a c l a i s it s s!

Discover the joy of making music together with your family! Find a location near you in Long Island or Queens: www.MusicTogetherLI-Queens.com

Music Together Various locations Find the location near you musictogetherli-queens.com While the big kids are at camp this summer, have some family-style, music-makin’ fun with your little ones. Once a week for six weeks, you’ll sing, dance, and play with your baby, toddler, or preschooler in a play-based, developmentally appropriate musical environment. Find a location in Queens or on Long Island.

Ohman School of Ballet New York Dance Theatre 60 Calvert Ave., Commack 631-462-6266 ohmanballet.org office@ohmanballet.com The Ohman School of Ballet was founded in 1979 by former NYC Ballet soloist Frank Ohman. The school is a non-competition, non-recital school, focusing on proper classical ballet technique. Offering a two-week summer intensive as well as summer evening classes for children through age 17, and Ballet Barre Fitness classes.

Posey School 57 Main St., Northport 631-757-2700 poseyschoolofdance.com poseyschoolofdance@gmail.com We offer a Fine Arts Camp (ages 3-6 and 7 and older) with dance, acting, and fine art, June 29-July 17 and Aug. 10-28. Mini Intensive (ages 7-11), offers a

ballet-based camp with a performance. Professional Intensive (ages 12 and older) offers a ballet-based camp with a performance highlighting a classical ballet.

SPORTIME Summer Camps Several locations in Nassau, Suffolk, Manhattan, and Westchester 888-698-3664 sportimecamps.com camps@sportimeny.com SPORTIME’s Summer Camps offer children ages 3-16 a great combination of sports instruction and games, swimming, arts and crafts, and exciting special events. Camp activities include age- and level-appropriate tennis, soccer, softball, basketball, flag football, and floor hockey. Campers learn fundamental skills, participate in competitive drills, and learn game strategies. St. Patrick Youth Community

Summer Camp St. Patrick Church 280 E Main St., Smithtown 631-360-0185 stpatsyouth.com spyouth@optonline.net Camp St. Patrick offers Summer Sports Camps! Our Basketball Camp engages children in skills, drills, games, and scrimmages. Great prep for school try outs or CYO! One-week Cheerleading Camp to strengthen new and old cheerleading skills. We offer Dek Hockey and LAX clinics during the summer as well.

Studio E Art Classes 77 Broadway, Rocky Point 631-744-4001 studioeartclass.com/childrens-camps Studio E offers art enrichment camps for ages 5-17. Topics include pottery, hand-building, painting, drawing, sketching, collage, and illustration. Camps are taught by a New York State-certified art teachers and camp is offered on Tuesdays-Fridays, half- or full-days. Tuition starts at $175 per week. Save 10 percent by registering before April 1.

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts 185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 631-643-7900 usdan.org info@usdan.org Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts, the nation’s preeminent arts day camp offers more than 70 programs of study in the arts, including visual art, dance, music, theater, creative writing, nature, chess, and recreational arts. Three-, four-, and seven-week sessions are offered.

LIU POST’S CENTER FOR GIFTED YOUTH SUMMER 2020 PROGRAM

Are You the Parent of a Gifted Child? LIU Post’s Center for Gifted Youth announces its 40th annual program for gifted children. The summer program runs Monday to Friday from July 6 to July 30, 2020. The summer program is open to gifted children ages 2-8. The program expands students’ knowledge, develops creative and critical thinking skills, and offers children the opportunity to learn in an exciting and accepting environment. INQUIRE ABOUT TRANSPORTATION!

Admission is highly selective and enrollment is limited.

July 6 - July 30, 2020 For information call 516-299-2160 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth Now find us on Facebook

LIU Post • School of Professional Studies • 720 Northern Blvd. • Brookville, NY 11548-1300 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth • Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, Director

LongIslandParent 19

Pre-Professional ACCREDITED • AWARD-WINNING • AFFORDABLE • AGES 3 & UP

Ballet Based Dance Performance Program focused on learning and performing a different ballet each week! Swan Lake Jun 29–Jul 3 Don Quixote July 6-10 July 13–17 Sleeping Beauty Cinderella Aug 10–14 Firebird Aug 17-21 Coppelia Aug 24-28 Additional classes and performance opportunities in: Tap • Modern/Contemporary Jazz • Hiphop • Improvisation Character Dance

Monday–Friday 9am to 5pm $800/wk

Mini Intensive Performance Dance Camp

For younger dancers Ages 7-10 • $500/wk Monday–Friday 12noon–5pm Learn & perform a different ballet each week!

Photo: Janette Pellegrini

57 Main Street, Northport

631.757.2700

poseyschoolofdance.com

Celebrating our 60th Summer!

SAINT PATRICK’S YOUTH COMMUNITY

SPRING/SUMMER • • • •

Summer Day Camp Cheer Camp Deck Hockey Basketball for Girls and Boys (4th - 12th Grades) • Vacation Bible School • Basketball Clinic • Summer Literacy Program

St. Patrick Youth Summer Enrichment Call Cindy 631-360-0185 Call for info. regarding Summer Camp 2020

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

St. Patrick R.C. Church 280 E. Main St., Smithtown 631-360-0185 stpatsyouth.com

Call now for registration details

R A D N E CAL

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for details Turn the page Live Tour Jurassic World

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 24 Holiday Fun 25 Fairs, Festivals, & Markets 26 Nature Lovers 28 Little Makers 29 Educational Activities

30 Theater, Concerts, & Movies 32 Get Active 33 Museums & Exhibits 34 Special Needs,

5 Events Worth the Trek Into the City

EDITOR’S

T O H TICKETS

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the March 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! The Chocolate Expo WHEN: Sunday, March 1, 10am-7pm WHERE: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Taste, purchase, celebrate, and indulge in delicious goodies, plus enjoy entertainment and fun activities like a DJ chef, TV-style competitions, and the expo’s first-ever chocolate spa experience. WHY WE LOVE IT: Free face painting and balloon twisting activities for children will take place in The Chocolate Expo’s Kidz Zone inside the museum’s Junior Jet Club, along with chocolate-themed crafts! WANT TO GO? $10-$35. 516-572-4111. thechocolateexpo.com.

LI Camp Fair FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 8, 11am-2:30pm WHERE: Hofstra University Fitness Center, 245 Hofstra University, Hempstead AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kids can play and participate in fun activities while parents meet summer camp exhibitors. Register online. WHY WE LOVE IT: Activities include face painting, art projects, sports, dance, music, martial arts, and lots of playtime! WANT TO GO? 516-597-4937. licampfair.com.

Long Island Pet Expo WHEN: March 7-8, Saturday, 10am-7pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Suffolk Community College Health and Exposition Center, 1001 Crooked Hill Road, Brentwood AGES: All WHAT: Bring your pet and enjoy dozens of different pet vendors and shows! WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will flip for high-flying Frisbee dogs and reptile and bird shows. WANT TO GO? $20 weekend pass; $15 single day pass; $12 single day pass online; $9 weekend pass children ages 4-12; $6 children 4-12; $5 children 4-12 online; free for children 3 and younger. 631-423-0620. familypetshows.com.

Purim Under the Sea Party WHEN: Tuesday, March 10, 6-9pm WHERE: Chabad of Islip, 102 E. Main St., Bay Shore AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate with Megillah reading, a fish and sea buffet, a treasure hunt and seashell crafts, and more. RSVP online. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will love the bubble show and a chance 22

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

The Chocolate Expo to dress up in sea style! WANT TO GO? $25; $15 children; $20 before March 6; $12 children before March 6. 631-913-8770. jewishislip.com.

Super Hero Day WHEN: Saturday, March 21, 12:30-2:30pm WHERE: Long Island Aquarium, 431 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Your little one will meet all of their favorite super heroes, plus enjoy an epic battle scene and a casual lunch followed by an ice cream bar. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will jump at the chance to wear their favorite super hero costume! WANT TO GO? $35.95; $31.95 children 3-12; $5 children younger than 2. 631-208-9200. secure.longislandaquarium.com.

Puppetkabob/’Dirty Gerts’ + Workshop on World Puppetry Day WHEN: Saturday, March 21, show: 11am; free workshop: 11:45am WHERE: Goat on a Boat at Bay Street Theater, 1 Bay St., Sag Harbor AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Dirty Gerts is a groovy blend of pop culture, puppets, and colorful confetti, telling the tale of a girl who finds that the best way to fit in at school is to not actually fit at all. WHY WE LOVE IT: The puppets and props are made entirely out of repurposed paper products! WANT TO GO? $15-$18. 631-725-4193. goatonaboat.org.

Jurassic World Live Tour WHEN: March 12-22, see website for schedule WHERE: NYCB LIVE, Home of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Your trip to Isla Nublar takes a terrifying turn after the Indominus rex escapes and causes chaos in the park! The adventure continues as you join forces with a team of scientists to unravel a corrupt plan and save Jeanie, an all-new dinosaur, from a terrible fate. WHY WE LOVE IT: Experience some of Jurassic World’s most iconic dinosaurs including Blue the raptor, triceratops, pteranodons, and the mighty T. rex! WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

The 58th Annual Montauk St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 22, 12pm WHERE: Edgemere Road, Montauk AGES: All WHAT: The 58th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will kick off from

Edgemere Road, runs up Edgemere Road and then turns on to Main Street and past the reviewing stand on the green, under the watchful eye of MC Rick White, and finishes at the end of Main Street by the IGA. WHY WE LOVE IT: Arrive early to get a good vantage point to see New York’s second largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade! WANT TO GO? 631-668-1578. montaukfriendsoferin.org.

All Kids Fair WHEN: Sunday, April 26, 10am-4:30pm WHERE: Hilton Long Island/Huntington, 598 Broad Hollow Road, Route 110, Melville AGES: All WHAT: Two bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals, popcorn, a photo booth, cotton candy, a petting zoo with sheep, goats, rabbits, and chickens, and more await at this premiere family event! WANT TO GO? $7 per child/adult; $5 per child/adult if purchased by Feb. 29; free for children 1 and younger. 516-621-1446. allkidsfair.com.

Thomas and Friends™: Explore the Rails WHEN: Through May 10: daily, 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. 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.

Does Your Dancer Have The Proper Training?

Frank Ohman School of Ballet • August Summer Intensive including ballet, modern, contemporary, and more. August 10 - August 21 • Classes ages 3 to pre-professional • Summer evening classes – 6 weeks beginning July 6 • Training School for New York Dance Theatre • Audition for LI’s Largest “Nutcracker” in May New Artistic Director New York City Ballet’s Principal Dancer Ask la Cour

Call for a FREE TRIAL CLASS

Calvert Avenue, Commack • 631.462.6266 www.ohmanballet.org • office@ohmanballet.com LongIslandParent 23

dinner, and show by Las Vegas Headliner TJ Tana! RSVP by March 5. Costumes are encouraged. WANT TO GO? $25; $20 if paid by March 5. 631-351-8672. thechaicenter.com.

Shamrock Cards FREE WHEN: Wednesday, March 11, 4pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by creating a shamrock card. Registration required. WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library card. 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Bay Shore Brightwaters St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Holiday Fun Purim-Themed Storytime Hosted by East Northport Jewish Center FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 1, 10:30am WHERE: Barnes and Noble—East Northport, 4000 E. Jericho Turnpike, East Northport AGES: 3-7 WHAT: Children are invited for Purim stories, a little bit of singing, a small craft, and lots of fun. WANT TO GO? 631-462-0208. barnesandnoble.com.

Irish American Society of Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens 70th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 1, 12pm WHERE: Courthouse Drive, Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Everyone is invited to a post-parade party at the Irish Center! WANT TO GO? 516-742-8080. irishamericansoc.com.

Kings Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 12pm WHERE: Intersection of Lou Avenue and Pulaski Road, Kings Park AGES: All WHAT: The parade features numerous bagpipe bands, floats, hundreds of marching community organizations, and more. WANT TO GO? kpstpat.com.

The 86th Huntington St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 8, 2pm WHERE: Huntington Train Station, Route 110 and Broadway, Huntington Station AGES: All WHAT: The Huntington St. Patrick’s Parade is Long Island’s oldest and largest, and features dozens of pipe bands. WANT TO GO? huntingtonhibernian.com.

Purim in Game Land WHEN: Tuesday, March 10, Megillah reading: 5pm; buffet dinner: 5:30pm; show: 6:30pm WHERE: The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Pkwy., Dix Hills AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate “Purim in Game Land” with a Megillah reading, 24

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

2020 Cutchogue St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 2-6pm WHERE: Cox Lane, Route 25, Cutchogue AGES: All WHAT: The 16th annual Cutchogue St. Patrick’s Day Parade will march from the traffic light at Cox Lane and down Route 25, ending in Cutchogue Village. WANT TO GO? northforkchamberofcommerce.org.

Bay Shore Brightwaters St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 2-6pm WHERE: Main Street, Bay Shore AGES: All WHAT: The parade steps off at 2pm sharp from South Saxon Avenue and travels west along Main Street, finishing in front of St. Patrick’s Church. WANT TO GO? 631-665-6668. stpatricksparadebsbw.com.

53rd Annual Westhampton Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 12-2pm WHERE: Oneck Lane and Mill Road, Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate this year’s theme of “love local” with a parade that celebrate the Irish in all of us! WANT TO GO? 631-560-6392. whbstpats.com.

St. James 36th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 1pm WHERE: Lake Avenue, St. James AGES: All WHAT: See piper bands, marching bands, Scout troops, dance groups, floats, fire trucks, antique cars, and more at this festive parade. WANT TO GO? 631-584-8510. stjameschamber.org.

70th Annual Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 15, 1pm WHERE: Corner of 25A and Harrison Avenue, Miller Place AGES: All WHAT: The parade is filled with performances from dancing to bagpiping. WANT TO GO? friendsofsaintpatrick.com.

30th Annual Bayport-Blue Point St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 15, 11am WHERE: S. Snedecor Avenue, Bayport

AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate with these two towns at their annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. WANT TO GO? bayportbluepoint.com.

52nd Brentwood St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 21, 1pm WHERE: Clarke Street and Washington Avenue, Brentwood AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the 52nd Brentwood St. Patrick’s Day Parade. WANT TO GO? facebook.com/brentwoodnystpatricksdayparade/.

30th Ronkonkoma St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 22, 2pm WHERE: Patchogue-Holbrook Road and Portion Road, Ronkonkoma AGES: All WHAT: The Parade starts at the corner of Patchogue-Holbrook Road and Portion Road and continues from Portion Road to Ronkonkoma Avenue, then south on Hawkins Avenue to Church Street, and ends at St. Joseph’s Church. WANT TO GO? facebook.com/brentwoodnystpatricksdayparade/.

Shamrock Button Art WHEN: Wednesday, March 25, 4pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Make a beautiful St. Patrick’s Day work of art with canvas, buttons, and glitter. Registration required. WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library card. 631-2883335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Fairs, Festivals, & Markets Irish Family Day at Walt Whitman Birthplace WHEN: Sunday, March 1, 1-3pm WHERE: Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station AGES: All WHAT: Award-winning dancers will perform and also interact with the audience in answering questions and teaching some Irish dance steps. Sign up online. WANT TO GO? $9 per child; free for chaperones. 631-427-5240 x113. waltwhitman.org.

‘Wings of Fire’ FanWing Fan Fest FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 2pm WHERE: Barnes and Noble: 842 Sunrise Highway, Bay Shore; 600 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove; 4000 E. Jericho Turnpike, East Northport WHAT: Join Barnes & Noble for a scavenger hunt, activities, giveaways, and more at this special celebration for the newest book in the beloved Wings of Fire: Legends series. WANT TO GO? barnesandnoble.com.

Great South Bay Coalition’s Family Fun Parade Zone FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 15, 11am-2pm WHERE: Henrietta Acampora Cottage, 39 Montauk Highway, Blue Point AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy crafts, games, face painting, and hot chocolate! WANT TO GO? bayportbluepoint.com.

Greek Heritage Day WHEN: Sunday, March 22, 1-3pm WHERE: Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Educational & Cultural Center, 97 Main St., Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: See traditional performances by St. John’s Hellenic Dancers of Blue Point and taste your favorite Greek foods like stuffed grape leaves, Greek meatballs, and baklava. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 children younger than 12 and seniors. 631-689-5888. stonybrookvillage.com.

Welcome To Our Neighborhood: A Tribute To Mr. Rogers FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 22, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Patchogue-Medford Library, 54-60 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Mr. Rogers’ birthday with simple crafts, a movie, green screen photos, Mr. Rogers trivia, prizes, and birthday cake! WANT TO GO? 631-654-4700. pmlib.org.

Craft & Gift Fair FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 29, 10am-4pm WHERE: Newfield High School, 145 Marshall Drive, Selden AGES: All WHAT: Shop a fine selection of crafted home decor, folk art, photography, handcrafted jewelry, and more. WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 631-846-1459. www.depasmarket.com.

CatVideoFest WHEN: Wednesday, March 4, 7:30pm WHERE: Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington AGES: All WHAT: CatVideoFest is a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos and raises money for cats in need through partnerships with local cat charities. WANT TO GO? $17; $12 members. 631-423-7611. cinemaartscentre.org.

Welcome To Our Neighborhood: A Tribute To Mr. Rogers LongIslandParent 25

for clues they have left behind. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $4. 631-423-1770. parks.ny.gov.

Night Before the Full Moon Hike with Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt FREE

Girl Scout Day

Nature Lovers Stars on Sundays FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 1, 7-9pm WHERE: Hofstra University Observatory, 826 Huntington Place, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Hofstra invites kids of all ages to view the moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Venus, star clusters, nebulae, and double stars with telescopes from the Hofstra Observatory. RSVP online. WANT TO GO? 516-463-7777. hofstra.edu.

Tiny Tots: Colorful Rainbows WHEN: Friday, March 6, 10-11am WHERE: Sunken Meadow State Park, Route 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Parents and children connect with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $4. 631-581-1072. parks.ny.gov.

This Isn’t an Aquarium, It’s My Classroom

WHEN: Sunday, March 8, 7-8pm WHERE: South Fork Natural History Museum, 377 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton AGES: All WHAT: Join the South Fork Natural History Museum on this leisurely paced hike through open fields, and then enjoy some light refreshments and convivial conversation. WANT TO GO? 631-537-9735. sofo.org.

Girl Scout Day WHEN: Sunday, March 8, 10am-5pm; 2pm tour WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 5-8 WHAT: In honor of Girl Scout Day, all girls wearing their uniforms will receive a free hatchery and aquarium tour with their paid admission. WANT TO GO? $7; $6 seniors; $5 kids age 3-17; free for members and under children ages 3 and younger. 516-692-6768. cshfishhatchery.org.

Tiny Tots: Forever Green WHEN: Tuesday, March 10, 10-11am WHERE: Connetquot River State Park Preserve, 3525 Sunrise Highway, Oakdale AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Children and their parents connect with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $4. 631-581-1072. parks.ny.gov.

WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 10am WHERE: South Fork Natural History Museum at Southampton High School, 141 Narrow Lane, Southampton AGES: All WHAT: See and learn about keeping saltwater fish and corals alive in captivity, as well as the difficulty and rewards of aqua-culturing clownfish. 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: Night of the Owl

Family Program: Winter Beach Wander

WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 10:30am WHERE: South Fork Natural History Museum, 377 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Join Miles on a winter trek through Vineyard Field to learn all about the cold weather strategies of Long Island’s creepy crawlies. 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.

WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Sunken Meadow State Park, Route 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Breathe in the crisp winter air and stroll the beach at Sunken Meadow. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $4. 631-581-1072. parks.ny.gov.

Children’s Program: Wildlife Detectives WHEN: Sunday, March 8, 1:30-3pm WHERE: Connetquot River State Park Preserve, 3525 Sunrise Highway, Oakdale AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Uncover what animals are living in the forest by searching 26

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Friday, March 13, 7-9pm WHERE: Connetquot River State Park Preserve, 3525 Sunrise Highway, Oakdale AGES: All WHAT: Explore the world of owls and learn how they hunt in the dark during a walk through the preserve at night. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $4. 631-581-1072. parks.ny.gov.

Bugs in Winter

Historic House Tours WHEN: Sundays, March 1 and March 15, 1-2pm WHERE: Connetquot River State Park Preserve, 3525 Sunrise Highway, Oakdale AGES: 5 and older

WHAT: Step back in time as you tour the main house of the South Side Sportsmen’s Club. Reservations suggested. WANT TO GO? $4. 631-581-1072. parks.ny.gov.

Invasive Species of the South Fork WHEN: Sunday, March 15, 10:30am WHERE: South Fork Natural History Museum, 377 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Learn about many of the invasive species that can be found on the South Fork of Long Island. 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.

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 hands-on-activities, stories, songs, crafts and a wagon ride (weather permitting), and visit the animals. WANT TO GO? $14 per class (minimum of 4 classes); $7 siblings older than 1; free for siblings younger than 1. 631-852-4610. ccesuffolk.org.

Storytime with Jungle Bob’s Reptile World FREE WHEN: Thursday, March 19, 11am WHERE: Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Story time comes alive with Jungle Bob’s Reptile World. WANT TO GO? 631-271-1442. bookrevue.com.

Tiny Tots: Seeds of Spring WHEN: Friday, March 20, 10-11am WHERE: Sunken Meadow State Park, Route 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park AGES: 3-5 WHAT: This programs will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. WANT TO GO? $4. 631-581-1072. parks.ny.gov.

Plant a Pizza WHEN: Saturday, March 21, 1pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: Families are invited to plant their own basil, oregano, and tomatoes to take home to grow. Registration required. WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library card. 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Andy Sabin’s Annual Spotted Salamander Search WHEN: Saturday, March 21, 8pm WHERE: South Fork Natural History Museum, 377 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton AGES: All WHAT: Search for the spotted salamander, one of four native mole salamanders. 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.

Sharks! For Mini-Marine Biologists WHEN: Sunday, March 22, 10am-12pm WHERE: Sport Fishing Education Center and Aquaculture Facility, Ocean Parkway, Babylon AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Touch shark jaws, eggs, teeth, and other artifacts as you learn some fun facts about sharks. Pre-registration required. WANT TO GO? $27 per child (includes one adult; $5 per additional adult). 631-239-1800 x1. ccesuffolk.org.

Third Winter Seal Walk WHEN: Sunday, March 22, 1:30pm WHERE: South Fork Natural History Museum at Cupsogue Beach County Park, 975 Dune Road, Westhampton Beach AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Walk to the ocean at Cupsogue Beach County Park, where, at low tide, you can expect to see some northern seals sunning themselves. WANT TO GO? $10; $7.50 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger and members. 631-537-9735. sofo.org.

Tiny Tots: Spring Is Here! WHEN: Tuesday, March 24, 10-11am WHERE: Connetquot River State Park Preserve, 3525 Sunrise Highway, Oakdale AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Children and their parents connect with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $4. 631-581-1072. parks.ny.gov.

Preschool Programs Nature Explorers Series WHEN: Tuesdays, March 4-25, 10-11:15am WHERE: Suffolk County Environmental Center, 550 S. Bay Ave., Islip AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Enjoy hiking, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and more! WANT TO GO? $8; $4 members. 631-852-8660. seatuck.org.

Seatuck’s Saturday Nature Explorers WHEN: Saturdays, March 7-28, 1-2pm WHERE: Suffolk County Environmental Center, 550 S. Bay Ave., Islip AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a nature fix after a long week. Register online. WANT TO GO? $4; free for members. 631-581-6908. seatuck.org.

Meet the Turtles of Long Island WHEN: Sunday, March 29, 10:30am WHERE: South Fork Natural History Museum, 377 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turkpike, Bridgehampton AGES: All WHAT: Learn where native turtles live and how to spot them. WANT TO GO? $10; $7.50 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger and members. 631-537-9735. sofo.org.

Farmer’s Helper WHEN: Through April 4: Saturdays, 10am-12pm WHERE: The Green School, 287 Merchants Path, Sagaponack AGES: 3-10 WHAT: Learn how to care for animals big and small: horses, pigs, chickens, goats, and more. Register online. WANT TO GO? $50. 631-237-1148. the-green-school.org. LongIslandParent 27

AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Make a personal pizza with a choice of specialty toppings. Registration required. WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library card. 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Watercolor Workshop for Kids WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 10-11:30am WHERE: Clinton Academy, 151 Main St., East Hampton AGES: 10-13 WHAT: Use visual stimulation from the exhibits to create a maritime-based watercolor. Call to register. WANT TO GO? $35. 631-324-6850. easthamptonhistory.org.

Family Fun with ARTful Adventures: Op Art! Binoculars

Little Makers In Like a Lion WHEN: Thursday, March 5, 1:30pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Learn facts about lions, sing songs, and create your own lion craft. Registration required. WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library card. 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Steam Zone: Art Start FREE WHEN: Friday, March 6, 10:30-11:15am WHERE: Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn AGES: 1½-5 WHAT: Visit the creativity stations where little artists will make simple projects to inspire their imaginations. Stations include coloring, stickers, bingo markers, and a seasonal glue project. WANT TO GO? 631-757-4200. harborfieldslibrary.org.

Takeover! Artist-Led Workshop: Combination Creatures for Kids with Jodi Bentivegna WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 3pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 4-13 WHAT: Children will take turns drawing different sections of a creature’s body on large format folded paper. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 friends of SAC. 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.

Binoculars FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 9am-12pm WHERE: Home Depot, 5025 Jericho Turnpike, Commack AGES: 3-12 WHAT: With help from parents and store associates, your child will create her own pair of binoculars to take home. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-462-5300. homedepot.com.

Pizza Your Way WHEN: Friday, March 13, 6pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach 28

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, March 14, check-in: 11:15am; program: 11:30am-1pm WHERE: Hofstra University Museum of Art Emily Lowe Gallery, 1000 Fulton Ave., 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. Advance registration is required. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 in advance. 516-463-5067. hofstra.edu.

Community Finger Paint FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 2-4pm WHERE: Patchogue-Medford Library, 54-60 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: All WHAT: Create a design on life-sized mural paper that will become a beautiful outdoor mural for the entire community to enjoy. WANT TO GO? 631-654-4700. pmlib.org.

Express Yourself WHEN: Wednesday, March 18, 6pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Join artist Joyce Raimondo for an expressive art class. Registration required. WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library card. 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Straw Painting WHEN: Wednesday, March 25, 4pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Paint with no hands during this fun watercolor project. Registration required. WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library card. 631-2883335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Out Like a Lamb WHEN: Thursday, March 26, 1:30pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Learn, read stories, and build your own lamb. Registration required. WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library card. 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

The Great Playdate: Baby Chick Cupcakes FREE

Interview Prep

WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library, 1 S. Country Road, Brightwaters AGES: 2-5 WHAT: Make some adorable baby chick cupcakes with your little one! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-665-4350. bsbwlibrary.org.

WHEN: Friday, March 20, 3:30pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Teens who are starting to look for jobs can learn how to prepare for an interview and write a resume and cover letter. WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library card. 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

The Great Playdate: Walk-In Spring Craft FREE

Science Saturday Workshop: World Water Day

WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library, 1 S. Country Road, Brightwaters AGES: 2-5 WHAT: Get crafty with your little one and make an art project together! WANT TO GO? 631-665-4350. bsbwlibrary.org.

Open Studio for Families WHEN: Saturdays, March 14-28, 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. WANT TO GO? $12; $9 seniors; free for children younger than 18, students with ID, and members. 631-283-2118. parrishart.org.

Educational Activities Women’s History Day: Women of Invention—Focus on Food FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 1, 2-4pm WHERE: Patchogue-Medford Library, 54-60 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: All WHAT: Experience living women’s history through exhibits, demos, tastings, crafts, and a visit from animal partners. WANT TO GO? 631-654-4700. pmlib.org.

Storytime and Activities Featuring ‘How to Catch a Dinosaur’ and ‘How to Catch a Unicorn’ FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 11am WHERE: Barnes and Noble: 842 Sunrise Highway, Bay Shore; Smith Haven Mall: 600 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove; 4000 E. Jericho Turnpike, East Northport AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Hear two adorable rhyming stories followed by fun activities. WANT TO GO? 631-206-0198. barnesandnoble.com.

Homeschool STEM Class & Meet-up: Codebotics WHEN: Wednesday, March 11, 1-2pm WHERE: Long Island Science Center, 40 Peconic Ave., Riverhead AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Students have a fully hands-on experience of coding and seeing the results as their mini robot comes to life and obeys their commands. Advanced registration required. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 members. 631-208-8000. lisciencecenter.org .

WHEN: Saturday, March 21, 2-3pm WHERE: Long Island Science Center, 40 Peconic Ave., Riverhead AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Learn about water conservation and what you can do to make a difference for International World Water Day. WANT TO GO? $10 admission plus $5 workshop fee; free for members. 631-208-8000. lisciencecenter.org.

Egg Drop Challenge WHEN: March 21-22, 10-11:30am WHERE: Children’s Museum of the East End, 376 BridgehamptonSag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton AGES: All WHAT: Can you create protective container that will keep an egg from breaking following by a 10-foot drop? Register online. WANT TO GO? $20; $5 members. 631-537-8250. cmee.secure. force.com.

Great Graphic Novels for Girls (and Guys, Too)! FREE WHEN: Monday, March 23, 7-8pm WHERE: Huntington Library, 338 Main St., Huntington AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Join librarians Andrea and James for discussions about some of today’s best new graphic novels. WANT TO GO? 631-427-5165. myhpl.org.

The Great Playdate FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 10am-12pm WHERE: East Islip Public Library, 381 E. Main St., East Islip AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Talk, sing, read, and, of course, play at the library. WANT TO GO? 631-581-9200. eipl.org.

The Great Playdate: Science Day! FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 11am-4pm WHERE: Floyd Memorial Library, 539 First St., Greenport AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Come to the library to explore some science concepts. WANT TO GO? 631-477-0660. floydmemoriallibrary.org.

Meet Sled Dog Noggin FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 29, 11am WHERE: Teen Center at the Patchogue-Medford Carnegie Library, 160 W. Main St., Patchogue AGES: All WHAT: Come for bagels and meet Noggin, a real sled dog! WANT TO GO? 631-654-4700. pmlib.org. LongIslandParent 29

Sarah Nolen, Puppet Showplace Theater—’Judy Saves The Day’ WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 11am WHERE: Goat on a Boat at Bay Street Theater, 1 Bay St., Sag Harbor AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This modern interpretation of the traditional Punch and Judy show is a hilarious, hand-crafted farce that the whole family will enjoy. WANT TO GO? $15-$18. 631-725-4193. goatonaboat.org.

Kids: Jack Licitra: U Are The Music!

Sarah Nolen, Puppet Showplace Theater—’Judy Saves The Day’

Theater, Concerts, & Movies 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’ WHEN: Through 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.

‘Thomas and Friends: Start Your Engines’ FREE WHEN: Thursday, March 5, 2-3:15pm WHERE: Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Watch Thomas and Friends: Start Your Engines. WANT TO GO? 631-757-4200. harborfieldslibrary.org.

Starry Nights March WHEN: Tuesday, March 10, 7pm WHERE: Staller Center Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy many woodwinds on stage for the lovely Raff Sinfonietta double wind quintet. WANT TO GO? $44. 631-632-2787. stallercenter.com.

‘A Cappella Live’ WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 7pm WHERE: Staller Center Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: A Cappella Live is a high-energy musical celebration of contemporary a cappella. WANT TO GO? $52. 631-632-2787. stallercenter.com. 30

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, March 15, 3pm WHERE: Recital Hall Stony Brook, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: Jack and friends return to the Staller Center Recital Hall with another festival of awesome-ness. WANT TO GO? $20. 631-632-2787. stallercenter.com.

Family Movie: ‘Frozen 2’ FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 15, 2:30-4:15pm WHERE: Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn AGES: 3-12 WHAT: See Frozen 2 at the library with friends! WANT TO GO? 631-757-4200. harborfieldslibrary.org.

‘Hansel And Gretel’ WHEN: Through March 21: 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.

Russian National Ballet: ‘Giselle’ WHEN: Saturday, March 21, 8pm WHERE: Staller Center Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: Giselle portrays a young peasant girl who goes mad and dies of a broken heart and reappears as one of the supernatural spirits whose mission is to bewitch men to fall under their deadly spells. WANT TO GO? $54. 631-632-2787. stallercenter.com.

Bela Fleck & The Flecktones WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 7pm WHERE: Staller Center Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: This show features inspired jazz that you won’t hear anywhere else! WANT TO GO? $54. 631-632-2787. stallercenter.com.

Lively Arts—‘Mutts Gone Nuts’ WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 2-4:30pm WHERE: Suffolk Community College at Sagtikos Van Nostrand Theater, 1001 Crooked Hill Road, Brentwood AGES: All WHAT: Expect the unexpected as canines and comedy collide in this smash hit performance. WANT TO GO? $19.75; $9.75 students 16 and younger; 1 free ticket for SCCC students with current ID and veterans with ID. 631-851-6589. sunysuffolk.edu.

ACTIVITIES

EVENTS

A Couple of Puppets: ‘The Doubtful Sprout’ WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 11am WHERE: Goat on a Boat at Bay Street Theater, 1 Bay St., Sag Harbor AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Get ready to explore the world under your feet in this underground puppet adventure. WANT TO GO? $15-$18. 631-725-4193. goatonaboat.org.

The Travelin’ Trunk Show WHEN: Sundays, March 1-29, 11am WHERE: ThinkBIG! Theater Arts, 42 S. Ocean Ave., Patchogue AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Each week, Miss Heather returns from a trip around the world with a new story to share! WANT TO GO? $10 per child and adult; $5 additional adult. 631-307-4042. thinkbigtheaterarts.org .

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Family Movie: ‘Arctic participate inDogs’ groupFREE discussions

WHEN: Sunday, March 29, 2:30-4:15pm and receivePublic special WHERE: Harborfields Library,notices. 31 Broadway, Greenlawn AGES: All WHAT: See Arctic Dogs at the library. www.facebook.com/nymetroparents WANT TO GO? 631-757-4200. harborfieldslibrary.org.

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The fun science day camp for curious kids 5-11!

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‘101 Dalmatians’ WHEN: March 7-April 4, see website for schedule ACTIVITIES EVENTS MORE WHERE: BayWay Arts Center Children’s Theatre, 265 E. Main St., East Islip AGES: All WHAT: This stage adaptation of the animated classic is certain to charm and delight all audiences. WANT TO GO? $13; $11 in advance. 631-581-2700. broadhollow.org.

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

WHEN: March 28-May 3, see website for schedule WHERE: John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport AGES: All WHAT: See this pink-errific story come to life on stage! WANT TO GO? $15. 631-261-2900. engemantheater.com.

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destinationscience.org and receive special notices. 888-909-2822

www.facebook.com/nymetroparents 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

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Stony Brook Medicine’s Mall Walkers Club FREE WHEN: Wednesday, March 25, 8am WHERE: Smith Haven Mall, 313 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove AGES: All WHAT: Mall Walker Monthly Meeting members receive a complimentary snack and blood pressure screening starting at 8am, and hear an informative lecture at 9am. Sign up online. WANT TO GO? 631-724-8066. stonybrookmedicine.edu.

The Great Library Playdate! FREE

Jumperoo Toddler Time Open House

Get Active! Jumperoo Toddler Time Open House WHEN: Tuesday, March 3, 10am-2pm WHERE: Urban Air Adventure Park Lake Grove, 3147 Middle Country Road, Lake Grove AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Little kids can play during the day while the big kids are at school. Urbie will be stopping by to visit, plus there will be a special hands-on instrument petting zoo workshop presented by students from Stony Brook University. WANT TO GO? $14.99 includes one parent pass, one “5 and under” pass, and socks for both; $6.99 for each additional child 5 and younger (includes socks); free for members. 631-861-4125. urbanairtrampolinepark.com.

YA Book Club Featuring ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ FREE WHEN: Friday, March 13, 7pm WHERE: Barnes and Noble: 842 Sunrise Highway, Bay Shore; 600 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove; 4000 E. Jericho Turnpike, East Northport AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Join Barnes and Noble to discuss unraveling this mystery wrapped in an enigma! WANT TO GO? barnesandnoble.com.

Homeschool Open Play WHEN: Fridays, March 6 and March 20, 10am-3pm WHERE: Urban Air Adventure Park Lake Grove, 3147 Middle Country Road, Lake Grove AGES: All WHAT: Long Island’s homeschooling families are invited for open play days twice a month on Fridays during special daytime hours. There are so many attractions available to get your children active! WANT TO GO? $14.99 per child (includes socks); $9.99 parent pass if participating (includes socks); free for members. 631-8614125. urbanairtrampolinepark.com.’

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Thursday, March 26, 11am-1pm WHERE: Center Moriches Free Public Library, 235 Main St., Center Moriches AGES: 2-12 WHAT: Play with games and toys and complete a craft! WANT TO GO? 631-878-0940. centermoricheslibrary.org.

The Great Playdate: March Madness Basketball FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 11am-12pm WHERE: Amityville Public Library, 19 John St., Amityville AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Enjoy some silly games with Jump Bunch. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-264-0567. amityvillepubliclibrary.org.

The Great Playdate: Family Fun Day! FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 10am-4pm WHERE: Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy over-sized games, LEGOs, button creations, and crafts. Complete the scavenger hunt and win a prize! WANT TO GO? 631-928-1212. cplib.org.

The Great Playdate FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 2:30-4:30pm WHERE: Copiague Memorial Library, 50 Deauville Blvd., Copiague AGES: All WHAT: Visit the library to discover all the wonderful toys, board games, and computer games for your family to enjoy together! WANT TO GO? 631-691-1111. copiaguelibrary.org.

The Great Playdate FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 10am-12pm WHERE: Lindenhurst Memorial Library, 1 Lee Ave., Lindenhurst AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: There will be music, stories, crafts, activities, and a lot of fun! WANT TO GO? 631-957-7755. lindenhurstlibrary.org.

The Great Playdate FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 28, ages 1½-3: 10-10:45am; ages 3-5: 11am-12pm; ages 2 and older: 12:30-3:30pm WHERE: Patchogue-Medford Library, 54-60 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Join Great South Bay Dance for creative movement dance activities, free play, and more. WANT TO GO? 631-654-4700. pmlib.org.

Colorado Mammoth @ New York Riptide

Science Saturday Workshop: Pi Day

WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 7:30pm WHERE: NYCB Live, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Box Lacrosse is back on Long Island! WANT TO GO? $15-$65.50. 516-402-3006. newyorkriptide.com.

WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 2-3pm WHERE: Long Island Science Center, 40 Peconic Ave., Riverhead AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Celebrate Pi Day, recite the infinite digits of Pi, talk to friends about math, and eat pie. WANT TO GO? $10 admission plus $5 workshop fee; free for members. 631-208-8000. lisciencecenter.org.

Lawn Games for Indoors FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 1:30-4pm WHERE: Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy giant games including checkers, giant Scrabble, Jenga, Connect Four, corn hole, and floor puzzles. WANT TO GO? 631-757-4200. harborfieldslibrary.org.

Tournament Tuesdays FREE WHEN: Tuesday, March 31, 3-4:30pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Show up and bring your best game for this month’s Tournament Tuesday. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 players. WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

Museums & Exhibits Potato Printing WHEN: Sunday, March 1, 1-5pm WHERE: Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Design your own wrapping paper and explore potato printing. WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. longislandexplorium.org.

‘One Fish, Two Fish’ WHEN: Monday, March 2, 11am WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Celebrate Dr. Seuss with a story, craft, snack, and scavenger hunt. WANT TO GO? $12 for child/grown-up pair; $6 members. 631387-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Science Saturday Workshop: Lunar Explorer WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 2-3pm WHERE: Long Island Science Center, 40 Peconic Ave., Riverhead AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Go on a space adventure and learn about the phases of the moon, plus make your own edible moon phase and a “moon rock” WANT TO GO? $10 admission plus $5 workshop fee; free for members. 631-208-8000. lisciencecenter.org.

Scout Night Meet-Up—Juniors: Detective WHEN: Friday, March 13, 5:30-7pm WHERE: Long Island Science Center, 40 Peconic Ave., Riverhead AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Search the scene for clues, analyze your findings, and interpret the evidence to identify a suspect and earn your detective badge. WANT TO GO? $10 per scout. 631-208-8000. lisciencecenter.org.

Irish Pirates WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 12pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Dress in your favorite pirate outfit and learn how Grace O’Malley rose to the top of the male-dominated world of piracy. WANT TO GO? $12 children; $6 adults; half off for members. 631387-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Museum Overnight—Sleep Under the Planes! WHEN: March 20-21, Friday-Saturday, 7:30pm-8am WHERE: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: A night full of activities, a dome theater movie, and snacks. WANT TO GO? $50. 516-572-4111. cradleofaviation.org.

Future Scientist Workshop: Junior Be a Botanist and Be a Botanist WHEN: March 11-28, see website for schedule WHERE: Long Island Science Center, 40 Peconic Ave., Riverhead AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Participants will have a chance to learn about plants and seeds and even plant one of their own to take home and watch grow. WANT TO GO? $10 admission plus $5 workshop fee; free for members. 631-208-8000. lisciencecenter.org.

Let’s Explore Backpacks FREE WHEN: Through April 30: Tuesdays-Fridays, 11am-3pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 12-3pm WHERE: Emily Lowe Gallery at Hofstra University Museum of Art, 112 Hofstra University, Hempstead AGES: 5-12 WHAT: The museum’s 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: Tuesdays-Fridays, 11am-3pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 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. LongIslandParent 33

Special Needs IEP 101: Getting Started FREE WHEN: Tuesday, March 3, 7pm WHERE: Patchogue-Medford Library, 54-60 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: Adult WHAT: Learn what an IEP is, schools’ legal obligations to students with disabilities, and how to ensure that your student’s needs are met WANT TO GO? 631-654-4700 x200. pmlib.org.

Art with a Partner Inclusion Workshops for Children and Young Adults

Drumfolk WHEN: Through March 15: see website for schedule WHERE: New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Enjoy this lively concert full of tap, beatboxing, and the African American tradition of stepping that will take you from West Africa to Washington, DC! WANT TO GO? $17 and up. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.

New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 8, 1-3pm WHERE: Art League of Long Island, 107 E. Deer Park Road, Dix Hills AGES: All WHAT: This series provides each participant and their special loved one an opportunity to bond together while creating something beautiful. WANT TO GO? $35. 631-462-5400 x222. artleagueli.org.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 17, 11am-5pm WHERE: Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 79th Street, Midtown to the Upper East Side, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Have fun this St. Patrick’s Day with one of the most iconic parades that celebrates Irish culture and heritage! WANT TO GO? 718-231-4400.

Sensory Friendly Family Movie: ‘Blaze and the Monster Machines: Robot Riders’ FREE

Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers: ‘Everybody Loves Pirates’

WHEN: Sunday, March 8, 2:30-4:15pm WHERE: Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn AGES: All WHAT: Children of all ages and abilities join for a sensory friendly film. WANT TO GO? 631-757-4200. harborfieldslibrary.org.

5 Events Worth THE TREK INTO THE CITY Michael & The Rockness Monsters FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 11am WHERE: David Rubenstein Atrium, Broadway between 62nd and 63rd streets, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: 4 and younger WHAT: A super galactic, funk-inspired, rock and roll experience! WANT TO GO? 212-875-5375. lincolncenter.org.

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WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: 12 and younger WHAT: Get swept away by this zany tale set on the high seas! WANT TO GO? $14-$17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

Macy’s Flower Show FREE WHEN: Through April 5, daily, 10am-10pm WHERE: Macy’s Herald Square, 100-104 W. 35th St., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Dive into the vibrant colors of deep-sea florals and stunning marine life at the upcoming Flower Show “Voyage to Oceanum!” WANT TO GO? 212-695-4400. macys.com.

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outing

Building Brainpower The Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s new exhibit uses super-powered pigeons to expand kids’ minds By Natasha D’Anna, @Twindollicious

he Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s new mind-stretching, interactive exhibit Superpowered Metropolis: Early Learning City™, which opened Feb. 14, encourages kids ages 1-6 to expand their executive functioning skills. Children are the heroes in a playful, 1,500-foot comic book version of New York City (the Metropolis) in which three genius pigeon mascots (Zip, Zap, and Zoom) help them improve their self-control, mental flexibility, and working memory (their superpowers).

The Exhibit The Metropolis has eight stationary interactive installations, including Baby Grand Central Station, a mini learning hub for ages 2 and younger, which has climb-on trains, a starry sky, and sensory stations. The two-story Treehouse Headquarters is equipped with a map, telescope, periscope, and slide—and an amazing view! The Supercharged NYC Train Table is a colorful, multi-level representation of the NYC transportation system including tracks, tunnels, and waterways. In the Musical Subway Car, handmade musical instruments mimic the sounds of the subways. Colorful flute-shaped tubes whisk scarves through the air at the Whimsical Wind Blowing Fountain, and the Brain Building Games Station features three games, that NYU’s Create Lab designed to train kids’ inhibition, mental flexibility, and memory.

Zip, Zap, & Zoom The friendly pigeon mascots who guide kids through this experience of learning are Zip, Zap, and Zoom. Zip is a calm coach

who encourages “power pauses” or self-restraint, following directions, and taking turns. Zap is a witty thinker who is always at the ready and skillfully organizes and sorts information. Zoom is a curious inventor who can creatively solve problems.

Kids Favorites Don’t miss the superpowered phone booth where your little one can receive a call from Zip, Zap, and Zoom. Also, make sure you drive the Pigeon Mobile—you’ll experience the sounds and smells of NYC while cruising around.

Know Before You Go Did you know your child’s brain grows the fastest from birth through age 5!? You can pick up tips like this at every installation by choosing a card from the Zoom, Zip, or Zap mission. You can also find useful tips about the brain on VROOM. (Check out this app before you go to get a sense of the exhibit’s mission). It can also help you have a conversation with your child, so she knows what to expect when you visit. Finally, it’s best to wear socks and comfortable clothing because there are so many opportunities to climb structures and explore.

Tips for Getting There Address: The Tisch Building, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side Hours: Tuesday-Friday and Sunday, 10am-5pm; Saturday, 1-7pm; Members-only hours: Wednesday, 9-10am and Sunday, 9-10am Admission: $15; $12 seniors and visitors with disabilities; free for children younger than 1 More Info: 212-721-1223; cmom.org

LongIslandParent 35

social media

“You’re Canceled!” What you need to know about the current craze By Melissa Wickes

ver the last few years, “canceling” has come up within the world of celebrities—from the #TaylorSwiftisOverParty to Louis C.K.’s banishment. But what does this really mean? To cancel is to call out a behavior—an offensive remark or an unforgiveable action—and to reject the person responsible through blocking, unfollowing, and even verbally targeting on social media platforms, according to Lizzy Duffy, senior social strategist at Sparkloft Media, a social media creative agency. Unfortunately, cancel culture is no longer just for famous people. It has made its way into classrooms and teen peer groups. And now parents are concerned it’s affecting their kids.

When Kids Cancel When Logan Paul, a 24-year-old YouTuber with 20.2 million subscribers, published a video that included footage of a suicide victim, people banded together to “cancel” him, which in turn pressured not only YouTube but the advertisers and sponsors he worked with to take action against him. Paul was removed from Google’s Preferred, the company’s premier advertising platform, which prevented him from monetizing his YouTube videos. Teens and kids are now applying this practice to their peer groups, Duffy says. While the phrase “you’re canceled” can be a joke between friends, some teens are actually boycotting classmates, and sometimes over a personal opinion. “All the friends I had through middle school completely cut me off,” a high schooler nicknamed “L” told The New York Times. “Ignored me, blocked me on everything, would not look at me.” When L asked a former friend why she had been isolated, she was told she was “a mooch, annoying and petty, and an emotional leech who was thirsty for validation.” When to cancel someone is an arbitrary and personal decision. As Arielle Rokhsar, a junior at The Wheatley School in Old Westbury, explains: “There is no definite line between what actions allow for one to be canceled and for one to be spared, it all depends on how the audience interprets it.” And values are constantly evolving. Ali Bhalloo, Arielle’s classmate, argues the “views that we have today may be considered wrong in the future. Opinions change with time. In my opinion, it is crucial that we cancel cancel culture.”

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Psychological Impact Like bullying, canceling can lead to kids being isolated and ostracized, says Rebecca Sinclair, Ph.D., child and adolescent psychologist and director of psychological services at Brooklyn Minds, a mental health practice with locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Manhasset. “Children and adolescents are much more vulnerable than adults, and isolation can affect depressive moods, anxiety, impulsive behavior, and use of substances.” Plus, cancelation can make individuals afraid to stand up for themselves or voice an opinion, says Alexandra Hamlet, Psy.D., clinical psychologist in the Mood Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute, a nonprofit that helps children and families with mental health and learning disorders. She says that while there are instances when avoidance can be appropriate—such as when someone is racist or harassing—it’s always better to first have a discussion with the individual and help him understand that what was said is not okay. “A question that should be asked is, ‘does the person really deserve the removal of support in such a reactive way for saying one thing that might have been disagreed with?’” Dr. Hamlet says.

The Fine Line A community that unites against someone who has done something unforgivable can be empowering. It can also make kids think twice before posting or announcing potentially offensive views. But there’s a negative too. “It’s balancing this fine line because we want to give our youth and teens the opportunity and power to call [them] out when there are issues in teen behavior,” Dr. Sinclair points out. “The issue is, [cancelation] doesn’t leave opportunity for improvement.” People—especially kids—make mistakes. Kids have not had as many experiences to learn from as adults have. Learning from failures allows adolescents to build up social skills, develop a sense of self, and develop a sense of relationships, Dr. Sinclair says. In 2019, President Barack Obama disparaged the concept of canceling someone in an interview about youth activism. “The world is messy. There are ambiguities,” he said. “People who do really good stuff have flaws. People who you are fighting may love their kids and share certain things with you.”

And kids are often not told they’ve been canceled, or the reason behind it. A confrontation would at least provide them with an opportunity to apologize, learn, and grow, Duffy says. Dr. Sinclair also points out that the confusion caused by social isolation often causes teens to become defensive and cling onto the opinion or belief that led to the cancellation in the first place.

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What is the parent’s role? Like any other difficult conversation with your adolescent, it is important to understand where your child is coming from. “Cancel culture might make the parent really uncomfortable and alert them in a hyper-vigilant way, but it is important to hear from the kids what their emotion and experience is, whether it’s worry, sadness, or anger,” Dr. Sinclair says. “There can be a difference between validating a child’s emotion and agreeing with their behaviors. You can validate how frustrated they are and how confused they are without agreeing that canceling someone is the right thing.” Also, as Duffy points out, cancel culture makes it difficult for adolescents to have transparent conversations about things they disagree about, which is an important life skill. Dr. Hamlet suggests parents focus on teaching their child what it means to understand someone else’s point of view and that settling differences doesn’t have to mean blocking someone out of your life or unfollowing them on social media.

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birthday parties

Take a Birthday Breather Don’t get caught up in the hype—it is possible to throw a stress-free kid’s party! By Kirsten Clodfelter

ove over Pinterest parties. It’s time to take a break from the perfectly curated child’s birthday spectacular. While there’s nothing wrong with themes or crafting, not everyone wants to stay up until 2am making party favors and Instagram-able snack spreads. All kids deserve to be celebrated, yes, but hear us out: Birthdays can be special, magical, and unforgettable without requiring a Cricut machine. Sometimes it’s just fine to throw a low-key party that doesn’t break the bank. We asked experts for their favorite ways to minimize the stress.

Trash your schedule.

and throw a glow-in-the-dark dance party. Old school classics such as musical chairs and heads-up-seven-up are also great go-to games.

Do what they love. “Overall,”Jackson says,“way too much energy goes into trying to create unique experiences.” Instead, she suggests starting with something a child loves and building the party around that. For example, if the child is a sports lover, consider an afternoon of soccer at a sports complex, bouncing at a trampoline park, or a friendly mini-golf competition. You can also bring in some help. Hire an entertainer who can bring in exotic animals or science experiments for a couple of hours of birthday learning and fun.

Dakota Jackson, a special events planner for D&S Events in Virginia, which she runs part-time with her wife, says: go rogue. “The biggest unnecessary thing parents stress about is keeping a strict schedule. Kids won’t necessarily remember what they did, but they’ll remember how they felt. If everyone seems to be enjoying an activity, don’t force the group to start the next thing you planned. And if something isn’t a hit, don’t be afraid to move on quicker than expected.”

Go for an experience.

Go low-tech. Like, really low.

Set the tone.

“Younger kids are happy to just be in a room with other kids! If you blow up some balloons and tell them to keep the balloon in the air, they’ll play for a long time,” says Jessica Ashley, founder and lead event designer at Jessica Ashley Events in Virginia. Another easy crowd-pleaser: hand out glow sticks, kill the lights,

Most importantly, Ashley says, parents should take a breather. “Kids want to share in the joy with their parents. If Mom or Dad is stressed out, kids can totally sense that.” Don’t let the goal of a “perfect party” get in the way of the whole point of the day— celebrating your child in a way that’s fun and happy for them.

Rather than hosting a party, have your child invite one or two friends out for a special event, like a day at an amusement park, an overnight camping trip, or to see a performance or sporting event. Not only does this give parents a pass on party planning, but “a smaller group of friends might create more intense memories together,” Jackson says.

Kirsten Clodfelter is a Midwest-based freelance writer, the co-founder of Rise Marketing, Inc., and a mom of three.

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tech

Pic Tips 8 expert recommendations for taking better photos of your children By Katelin Walling

e always have a camera in our hands these days, which makes it super easy to snap social mediadestined pics of our kids when they’re doing something cute, funny, or outrageous. But what about when you want to take professional-looking photos to share with Grandma and Grandpa, print for your gallery wall, or add to your photo album? Sarah Merians is CEO and founder of Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company, an NYC-based boutique photography studio that specializes in wedding, mitzvah, child, and family photography. Here, she shares eight tips to help you take better photos of your children.

Make it fun!

photos of your child. (And make sure there’s nothing in the background that looks like it’s coming out of his head!) Choose a background that will make the child stand out, Merians suggests, and stay away from darker backgrounds, which tend to go black in pictures.

Stand back to capture candids. If you want to snap a shot of your child living in the moment (i.e. reading, playing, having fun with her friends), stand just outside the doorway or in another room to take the photo. Then you can zoom in and crop the photo to focus on your child. That way, she isn’t aware you’re there.

There’s nothing better than capturing your child’s genuine smile or catching him mid-laugh full of personality. So, Merians recommends making the experience more playful and less like a posed, portrait experience. Tickle your child, have her dance or jump to get the sillies flowing, play peekaboo, make silly noises (we guarantee fart sounds will unleash the giggles!), and tell jokes.

Live in the moment a little more.

Avoid taking photos in the middle of the day outside.

Give the camera to your child.

Digital cameras and smartphones are really sensitive to light, so taking photos in low-light situations (either earlier or later in the day) is better than at high noon or in broad light.

Keep the light on the subject’s face. “I’m forever watching people with their iPhones in a restaurant or at a party and they’re standing against the window taking a picture, and I know the photo isn’t going to be good,” says Merians, who has been a photographer for more than 30 years. That’s why she recommends treating the light in the environment like a flash—keeping the light behind you.

Look for light, simple backgrounds. While there is a time and place for photos in the latest Instagram pop-up, stick to clean, simple, and light backgrounds for classic

With social media, it’s (unfortunately) easy to compare yourself and what you’re doing with your kids to others’ curated feeds. Merians urges parents to occasionally put the camera down: “I think it’s important to be with your children and enjoy them and interact with them and capture moments—just not all the time.”

While you’re in an environment where your phone or camera is less likely to break if dropped (on carpeting) and your child is old enough, take a moment to teach him how to snap a photo of you. “It becomes a shared moment, a moment of education, and not all about what Mom and Dad want but letting the child have a voice and a vision as well,” Merians says. “They might find they enjoy having their picture taken that much more if they understand it.” And who knows, you might just have a budding photographer on your hands!

Be in more photos with your kids. Whether you’re on vacation or you’re doing something really cool with your child near home, ask someone in your vicinity to take a picture of you together. And if you see another parent snapping pics of their kids, volunteer to be their photographer.

LongIslandParent 39

health

Thumb Sucking 101 How to handle this common childhood habit—and tips to get your child to stop By Jaimie Seaton

f your baby or toddler is a dedicated thumb sucker, don’t worry— it’s perfectly normal. Rooting and sucking are natural reflexes for babies, and sucking a finger, thumb, or even a toe is comforting. In fact—as you may know from your ultrasound photos—many babies begin thumb sucking in the womb, and it’s not uncommon for children to continue the habit well past their toddler years.

Pros and Cons Babies will often turn to thumb sucking if they are unhappy, hungry, or tired. That’s a good thing; we want our children to learn to self-soothe. And a 2016 study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children who sucked their thumb or bit their nails were less likely to develop allergies. “Even when the habit lingers past infancy, thumb-sucking is rarely something to be concerned about. It doesn’t indicate that a child has emotional problems or that he will still be sucking his finger when he’s a teenager,” says Sabine Hack, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at New York University School of Medicine. However, after the age of 5, thumb sucking can be detrimental to mouth and teeth development, according to Larissa Davids, D.D.S., owner of Rego Park Orthodontics. And it can lead to bite problems, including an anterior open bite (the teeth not coming together correctly) or a cross bite, and speech impediments.

When and How to Intervene Most children stop sucking their thumb by the age of 3 or 4, or they’ll suck only in times of stress or when going to sleep. There’s no cause for concern until the adult teeth start coming in, at about the age of 6. If your child is still thumb sucking at 5 years, that’s the time to address the issue. The Mt. Sinai Hospital website cautions parents against scolding or punishing their child for thumb sucking. After all, she’s doing it because it’s soothing and comforting, and nagging may actually ingrain the habit. Instead, Dr. Davids recommends talking to your child about the issue. It may be he is embarrassed and will welcome your assistance. Take a loving, positive approach, offering praise when he doesn’t suck. Beyond giving positive reinforcement, there are various methods you can employ to help your child.

• P ut her down for a nap earlier than usual, when you first begin to see her getting sleepy. • Offer a stuffed animal as a substitute. • T alk to your child about his frustrations or fears and help identify triggers for thumb sucking. • Use gentle reminders. • Keep her hands busy with fun activities. • Don’t ever ridicule or shame him.

What About Pacifiers? Some parents use pacifiers to wean their children from their thumbs. There’s good and bad on this front, too. Pacifiers at naptime and bedtime can reduce the risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, according to Mt. Sinai’s website, because a pacifier might allow a baby’s airway to open further. It might also prevent her from falling into a deep sleep. (If the baby is breastfeeding, it’s best to wait until he’s 1 month old before giving him a pacifier.) Just as with the thumb, however, children may be attached to their “binky” long after they’ve left the nursery. Again, pacifiers can have a detrimental effect on oral development, so parents will want to break the habit by the time the child is 5, if not before. (Most children give up their pacifiers by 2 to 4 years old.)

When to Seek Professional Help Thumb sucking can be a difficult habit to break. If your child is resistant to your efforts, you may want to have your pediatrician or dentist speak to her, Dr. Davids says. Sometimes a message is better received when it doesn’t come from mom or dad. A medical professional can also advise you on using other methods, including putting a bandage or bitter nail polish on the thumb. If you choose the latter, be sure it’s a non-toxic substance that is safe for consumption. Above all, relax. If you’re stressed about your child’s thumb sucking, he will be too. Rest assured, she’ll eventually break the habit on her own.

Jaimie Seaton has been a journalist for more than 20 years and is the former Thailand correspondent for Newsweek. Her work on divorce, parenting, dating, and a wide range of topics has been featured in the Washington Post, the Guardian, Glamour, and numerous other publications.

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

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Extended Hours

Kids Country Day Camp Mount Sinai kidscountrydaycamp.com

Lunch

Transportation

Camp Chart

SERVICES:

Music Together Various locations in Queens and Long Island musictogetherli-queens.com

Ohman School of Ballet Commack ohmanballet.org

Posey School of Dance Northport Village poseyschoolofdance.com

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

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

Studio E Art Classes LLC Rocky Point studioeartclass.com

USDAN Summer Camp for the Arts Wheatley Heights usdan.org

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

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

l 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

11 Broadway, Suite 550 Serving all of NYC and surrounding areas 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, one-hour treatment. Affordable treatments, no toxic chemicals.

SPECIAL NEEDS Alternatives For Children

1116 Main Road, Aquebogue

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

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

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. Professionals - Tutors & Test Prep

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.

openHOUSES Camps ‘R’ Us

Locations in Baldwin, Bellmore, Deer Park, East Rockaway, Farmingdale, Hicksville, St. James, Syosset, Valley Stream, and Williston Park 516-935-CAMP (2267) campsrus.org/openhouse; info@campsrus.org Visit an open house in March, April, and May for a detailed campus tour led by one of our directors. See our website for schedule by location.

Kids Country Day Camp

37 Crystal Brook Hollow Road, Mount Sinai 631-331-5351 • kidscountrydaycamp.com

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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 April 18 and May 9 from 10am-1pm. Waterfront location for kayaking, paddleboarding, Red Cross swim lessons, sports clinics, day and travel programs.

Long Island Voyager’s Day Camp

516-238-4586 Wantagh pool and park 1 King Road, Wantagh Cantiague Pool and Park 480 W. John St., Hicksville livoyagersdaycamp.com livoyagersdaycamp@gmail.com Join us for free bowling at a camp open house on March 21 from 1-3pm at Massapequa Bowl. Receive a discount on camp registration.

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

birthday / party services

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

Patchogue Theatre ......................................... 23

Bounce! Trampoline Sports ............................ 13

Young People’s Day Camps - Suffolk .............. 47

Staller Center for the Arts/ Stony Brook........... 16 Urban Air.......................................................... 7

Broadway Dance Theatre ............................... 37 Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery ................... 34

child care / day care

Long Island Explorium..................................... 16

Kids Country Day Camp.................................. 18

fitness

Music Together LLC ........................................ 18

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

JBYOGA Holistic Lifestyle. Stand Up Paddle.... 37

The Baking Coach Inc. ................................... 37

classes

music

Urban Air.......................................................... 7

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery ................... 34

Music Together LLC ........................................ 18

Studio E Art Classes.......................................... 8

camps

Great Strides Long Island ............................... 37 Long Island Explorium..................................... 16

performing arts / acting

Broadway Dance Theatre ............................... 37

Ohman School of Ballet ................................. 23

Broadway Dance Theatre ............................... 37

Camp Huntington .......................................... 20

Posey School of Dance ................................... 20

Camps ‘R’ Us.................................................. 20

Studio E Art Classes.......................................... 8

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery ................... 34

The Baking Coach Inc. ................................... 37

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNALC .......... 19

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

Destination Science ........................................ 31 Future Stars - Old Westbury ........................... 38

dance

Great Strides Long Island ............................... 37

Broadway Dance Theatre ............................... 37

Hofstra Summer Camps ................................. 48

Ohman School of Ballet ................................. 23

iD Tech Camps ................................................. 7

Posey School of Dance ................................... 20

play spaces Urban Air.......................................................... 7

special events Patchogue Theatre ......................................... 23 Staller Center for the Arts/ Stony Brook........... 16

special needs Bounce! Trampoline Sports ............................ 13

JBYOGA Holistic Lifestyle. Stand Up Paddle.... 37 Kenwal Day Camp ........................................... 3

developmental

Building Blocks Developmental Preschool ....... 34

Kids Country Day Camp.................................. 18

Building Blocks Developmental Preschool ....... 34

Camp Huntington .......................................... 20

Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.......... 31

Great Strides Long Island ............................... 37

Knox School (The) - Summer Adventures .......... 8 LI Voyagers Day Camp ................................... 15 LIU Center for Gifted Youth ........................... 19

Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.......... 31

education Building Blocks Developmental Preschool ....... 34

sports

Kids Country Day Camp.................................. 18

Camps ‘R’ Us.................................................. 20

Knox School (The) - Summer Adventures .......... 8

Great Strides Long Island ............................... 37

LIU Center for Gifted Youth ........................... 19

JBYOGA Holistic Lifestyle. Stand Up Paddle.... 37

St. Patrick Youth Community ......................... 20

Studio E Art Classes.......................................... 8

family entertainment / events / outings

theater

The Baking Coach Inc. ................................... 37

Bounce! Trampoline Sports ............................ 13

Patchogue Theatre ......................................... 23

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

Long Island Explorium..................................... 16

Staller Center for the Arts/ Stony Brook........... 16

Long Island Explorium..................................... 16 Music Together LLC ........................................ 18 Ohman School of Ballet ................................. 23 Sportime ........................................................ 17 St. Patrick Youth Community ......................... 20

LongIslandParent 45

last word

What is your darkest parenting secret?

“I have lost track of how much I have been drinking in the evenings when I’m home alone with my kids, and I realized I shouldn’t drive if there is an emergency.” —Carol Davis, Manhattan

“I sometimes pretend I’m going to a meeting when I hire a babysitter and then I just drive around and sit in my car—just to get away for a while.” —Brent Minsky, Queens Whenever my twin toddlers are having ‘a moment,’ I sit on the floor and start practicing yoga breathing exercises in front of them. This is something I really started doing to help myself get through the moment, but it actually works in reverse and helps calm and center them too.” —Lauren Carasso (@LaurenCarasso), Westchester

“My almost-4-year-old was not feeling well over the weekend, and while I hate to see my baby sick, I secretly love that she ‘needs’ me again, and will curl up, cuddle, and fall asleep in my arms.”

kle “After I buc their my kids in car seats, I at treasure th t, small, quie lk carefree wa car around the to the front ea seat. It’s lik on.” mini vacati

“When I play catch

with my son, and he drops a few easy balls, I begin quietly muttering things like, ‘Holy crap that is just terrible’ or ‘Wow you really can’t catch, can you?’ ‘Nice try!’ I yell.” —Michael Moshan, Westchester

“

thington —Andrea Wor Westchester t), ha tc (@babygo

”

—Brook Gesser, Brooklyn

—Kathleen Hurley (@letsbemomfriends), Long Island

Connect with us

facebook.com/nymetroparents

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

I have tried, on multiple occasions throughout the years, to convince my principled vegetarian daughter to just drop it already and start eating meat again.

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@NYMetroParents

*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, MARCH 21ST • 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

Your child’s

amazing summer experience starts on the Hofstra campus!

Hofstra Summer Camps, for grades K-12, offers seven weeks of fun and learning in over 75 areas, including arts, academics, sports, career discovery, and more! Sessions run from June 29-August 14, 2020.

Summer Camp registration is underway. Learn more at a Camp Open House: Saturday, April 4, noon-2 p.m. Visit hofstra.edu/camp or call 516-463-CAMP for details.

Ask about our on-site registration discounts!

... And get a head start on the excitement with Hofstra Spring Break Programs! Children in grades 2-12 can experience ﬁve-days of fun with GirlTech Leaders, Fiction Writing, Digital Arts, and more.

Spring Break Programs are offered Monday-Friday, April 13-17, 2020, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn more at ce.hofstra.edu/springbreak

Save

$100

if you register by

March 15, 2020! To learn more about Hofstra’s programs for youth, including our Saturday Classes for Young People and our Pre-Collegiate programs, visit ce.hofstra.edu/youth or call 516-463-7400. Ad_CAMP_SpringBreak2020_MetroParent_Full_B.indd 1

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Suffolk Parent March 2020

Articles inside

Take a Birthday Breather

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