Suffolk Parent October 2019

LongIsland SUFFOLK EDITION

Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM OCTOBER 2019

Happy Halloween!

Keeping kids safe while trick-or-treating Haunted houses, pumpkin patches, and more!

Wild Birthdays Three major party trends Surviving the Sweet 16 Plus, planning resources

Crafting the Perfect Baby Registry

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

LonIslandParent

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contents table of

october 2019

10

Safety Tricks (and Treats) for Halloween

22

Halloween Fun in Manhattan

Prepare your kids, so Halloween is safe and stress-free for everyone

birthdays 12 Wild and Wilder 14 Birthday Party Directory 46 The (Not-So) Sweet Season

40

Events to kick off the spooky season and guides for other fall activities

Can You Afford to Stay Home?

What to consider when deciding whether to go back to work or become a stay-at-home parent

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 8 Working with Your Nanny—When You Work from Home 10 Safety Tricks (and Treats) for Halloween 16 Back-to-School Resources 36 Baby’s Wish List 39 Open Houses 41 The Disaster Zone 42 Profesional Services 43 Meet the Health Care Professional 45 Advertisers’ Index

22 Halloween Fun in Manhattan

38 Moving Right Along

23 Family Activities Calendar

40 Can You Afford to Stay Home?

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 10 Keeping kids safe while trick-or-treating 12 Three major party trends 14 Planning Resources 22 Haunted houses, pumpkin patches, and more 36 Crafting the Perfect Baby Registry 46 Surviving the Sweet 16 facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

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raising kids editor’s note

OCTOBER 2019 • Vol.11 • No.5

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

It’s Spooky Season

C

risp air, cooler temperatures, and (soon) the changing of the leaves. Those are a few of our favorite things, but nothing beats our favorite fall holiday: Halloween! Some people celebrate their birthdays for the whole month, but we celebrate Halloween all month long—and affectionately refer to it as Spooky Season.

(Though, if we’re being honest, we officially started celebrating on Friday the 13th.)

In this issue, you’ll find a roundup of the best Halloween events in the community (p. 32), from spooky movie screenings to Halloween scavenger hunts, as well as a few can’t-miss celebrations in Manhattan (haunted hayride anyone?), to get you in a ghoulish mood (p. 22). Plus, you’ll find tips to keep your kids safe while trick-ortreating (p. 10).

Bonus: We’re creating a Halloween e-book just for you, full of advice, 2019’s hottest costumes, places to celebrate, and more! Look for it on nymetroparents.com in early October.

Speaking of celebrating birthdays all month long, this also happens to be our birthday issue! We spoke to moms, party planners, and trend experts to find the three most-popular party themes that break the mold—and provide tips for throwing them (p. 12).

I didn’t have a huge bash for my Sweet 16—they weren’t really a thing in Maine.

We likely celebrated with dinner at my favorite restaurant, followed by blueberry pie and presents at home. Looking back, I don’t mind that the affair was low-key— especially after reading about Suzanne Bergen’s experience. In “The (Not-So) Sweet Season” (p. 46), Bergen compares organizing her daughter’s Sweet 16 to planning her own wedding. Ultimately, though, it was all worth it. If you’re getting ready to plan a birthday party, make the best decisions for your child’s celebration by checking out the birthday party resources directory (p. 14).

However you choose to celebrate (Halloween or birthdays), we hope it’s a blast!

Katelin Walling Editorial Director

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

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

EDITORIAL

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

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

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

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HEAD OF MARKETING: Waldo Tejada ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER: Anastasiya Borunova

Our Editors Find You the Best Events!

When it comes to finding weekend fun with your kids, we make it easy for you! Our editors spend hours scouring the community for the best events happening. And every Thursday, you’ll receive a curated list of the best of what’s happening that weekend in Suffolk County —from sports and theater to festivals and petting zoos.

Sign up today at nymetroparents.com/newsletter!

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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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raising kids new places, new programs

Who: Love of Learning What’s New: Denise Brazeau joined the leadership team on Aug 1. Sawyer, an online enrollment system, launched Sept. 4. Francesca Love, a Love of Learning alumna, began assisting with extended hours on Sept. 4.

Brazeu was an early education teacher at LOL for 11 years and is currently an adult instructor for rising Montessori teachers.

Sawyer was implemented to streamline the process of enrolling kids in the Montessori program, according to outgoing director Lille Craig.

Love will enhance the extended hours program by instructing in activities, such as yoga, that support the growth of children’s cognitive skills and emotional intelligence in a safe and nurturing environment.

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Montessori School in Centerport Adds Online Enrollment, Staff Members

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raising kids child care

Working with Your Nanny—When You Work from Home ›› Courtesy Mommybites

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or moms and dads who work at home, establishing rules and boundaries with the nanny can be tricky. Because you’re sharing a space, it’s essential that everyone knows who is boss during business hours.

Here are a few guidelines that will help everyone work well together.

• Have a weekly or biweekly meeting (though not in front of the kids) to discuss how things are going.

• Avoid interrupting conversation between the nanny and children when they are engaged.

• Don’t intervene. Even when a child is crying, throwing a tantrum, or having some sort of problem at school, let the nanny handle this as though you were working out of the house.

• You and the nanny should set up a routine for mealtime,

naptime, bathing, bedtime, and social activities. If you need to step out of the home office, try to do it when the kids are otherwise engaged.

• The day should operate as if the parent commuted to a job outside the home. Say a quick goodbye each day and then head to the home office.

Although maneuvering between work and home mindsets (when office and home are in the same place!) can be confusing, it can be done successfully and smoothly as long as you and your nanny respect each other’s workspaces. In fact, it could be the best of both worlds— the people who care most about the kids are all in one place!

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.

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October 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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9/21/18 11:17 AM

raising kids in the know

Safety Tricks (and Treats) for Halloween

H

alloween is one of kids’ favorite nights of the year, but it can also present some scary situations. Walking in the dark, wearing costumes, and receiving candy from strangers can make kids vulnerable to danger. Fortunately, there are ways to prepare your kids so Halloween is safe and stress-free for everyone.

Be Careful About Candy

Travel in Numbers

Choose Costumes Wisely

When it comes to Halloween safety, there’s no substitute for parental supervision, says Chris Hughes, the chief of police at Northport Police Department in Suffolk County. Kids younger than 12 should not go trick-or-treating without an adult, adds Debra Holtzman, J.D., M.A., author of The Safe Baby, and a national child safety expert. “Always look left, right, and left again when crossing, and keep looking as you cross. Hold the hands of young children and accompany them to the door of every home they visit,” she says.

Stay Local

When kids are ready to go out on their own, they should not trick or treat in any unfamiliar part of town, Hughes says.

Knowing where they are, how to get home safely, and who to go to for help—such as a neighbor or other trusted adult in the neighborhood—is crucial. They should only go up to houses with lights on, keep their cellphones fully charged, and never go inside any home, Holtzman advises.

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October 2019 | nymetroparents.com

››

By Jacqueline Neber

Make sure your child knows to never eat anything that is unwrapped or appears to be homemade, Hughes says. You should “discard any candy that is a choking hazard, or that your child is allergic to, or that is not in its original wrapper, or looks as though it has been opened,” Holtzman adds.

“Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year,” Holtzman says. Crossing the street carefully can help prevent car accidents—but costumes matter too. Kids should wear reflective tape on their costumes, and costumes should allow for 100-percent visibility. “Should something happen, you want to be able to see it coming,” Hughes says.

Consider face-paint instead of masks, Holtzman suggests, because it ensures kids can see and it won’t restrict breathing.

Costumes should also be flame-resistant, and short enough that kids won’t trip or fall.

Don’t Be Spooked

Halloween is and should remain a fun and festive holiday—as long as a few safety rules are in place. In general, Hughes says, kids should stay aware of their surroundings and avoid engaging with strangers. This will help everyone have more fun—even parents, who won’t have to worry while their kids trick or treat.

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LonIslandParent 11

Certified Concussion Center

r e d l i W d Wild an

Three trending birthday

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same parthrown) many of the e’ve all been to (and ting rinks, , bouncy houses, ska ties: amusement parks fty parents cra se tho then there are d An rs. ate the vie mo ative-minded few tside the box—the cre who love to plan ou om rented tarantulas Fr w. ne try something who aren’t afraid to ay parties might these innovative birthd to enchanted forests, bash. just inspire your next

W

Wild Animals

››

throw them

By Emma Steven

ll.” working out really we kids between 4 party works best for al im Tips: A wild an owns My Reptile s Glen Cohen, who and 10 years old, say k his pet reptiles t started when he too Guys—a business tha ht cities. Most eig now operates in d an l oo sch s’ kid to his one’s home, he simple affairs in some of these parties are enter tainer, which t the animals and the explains. It’s all abou e. Minkoff agrees: to find the right on is why it’s important it’s just a bunch g ny, enter tainin guy, fun a ve ha n’t do u yo “If

ays o! Wild animal bir thd Forget the petting zo n tha re mo re we . There are a hot commodity ms ite ed em -th gle jun 594,000 searches for to months, according on Etsy in the last six rt. pe ex nd tre n, the site’s Dayna Isom Johnso , ace tpl rke ma ent Plus, The Bash, an ev ndlers are one of its ha al im an t tha ts repor searches. top 10 most popular a mom of five in , off ink M ie Stephan for exotic animal party Irvington, threw an y an . She used a comp her 7-year-old twins t nu est Ch ts, based in called Outragehiss Pe , fox a a, tul t a taran Ridge, which brough sly mpany was ridiculou co he “T . by lla and a wa e lov “The parents were in amazing,” she says. ded up s in love with it. It en with it, everyone wa

of animals and the kids are going to zone out.”

Favors: Try this Pinterest favorite: Put animal crackers in mini mason jars or clear bags and decorate them with homemade tags. Or have the kids create mini terrariums, which double as favors, says Seri Kertzner, founder of Little Miss Party, a New York events company. Another idea: stuffed animals the kids can “adopt” and take home.

Kidchella

Throwing your own festival became a popular trend after Kim Kardashian celebrated her daughter North’s first birthday party with a kids’ version of the famous music festival Coachella. (Etsy has recently seen a 33 percent increase in searches for festival-themed items, Johnson says.) Kardashian’s bash featured a Ferris wheel, food stands, tents, and a stage, but fear not!

You don’t need to have her budget to throw your own Kidchella.

Tips: Festivals are all about the music. There are DJs out there who specialize in kids’ parties, and will do dance games and give out prizes. If a DJ isn’t in the budget, create a great playlist. You could also hire a face painter or use a tool like Blinger to decorate hair and clothes with sparkles. When it comes to décor, hang outdoor fairy lights and make your own festival signs.

Favors: Set up a craft station and make flower crowns (Little Miss Party has a great online tutorial).

Enchanted Forest

One of Pinterest’s biggest party trends of 2019 (searches jumped by 238 percent since last year, according to Johnson) is fairy forests. Think: fairy and elf costumes, toadstool seats, and lots of natural decorations like flowers, wood, grass, and moss. With all this magic, it’s a great theme to inspire little imaginations.

Tips: Summer Ticas, a Manhattan mom, brought the enchanted forest inside for her daughter Andrea’s fourth birthday party. She used online tutorials from Pinterest to create trees out of twisted green and brown craft paper, and fairy lanterns using jars and glitter. She then sourced fairy garden miniatures (think mini-houses and toadstools) to decorate. For activities she set up craft stations for kids to make fairy dust necklaces and mini terrariums they could take home.

Favors: Ticas made fairy tutus, wands and wings, elf hats, and capes for her daughter’s guests. The kids loved running around the enchanted forest in their fairy garb. Plus, Pinterest has some great DIY fairy houses, which could work as favors.

Emma Steven is a British freelance writer living in Manhattan with her husband, two small kids, and two cats.

HELPFUL TIPS FOR PLANNING A CREATIVE BASH Decorations

Creating themed party décor looks easy enough on social media, but it can be overwhelming to do yourself. You could consult a party planner, or you could try one of these tricks: • U tilize Etsy. It’s a great place to find creative décor, favors, and invitations that look like you made them yourself.

• F or DIYers, start early and stay organized with a timeline. Manhattan mom Summer Ticas, who often creates all the décor herself, says she starts planning six months out.

• Plan with Pinterest. “I look at all the ideas that come out of the themes and I do spend quite a bit of time creating a board,” Ticas says.

• S ource from wholesalers. In order to save money, Ticas says she sourced fairy gardens for her daughter’s enchanted forest party direct from wholesalers rather than the craft store.

• C reate a balloon garland. It’s one of the most requested items but very easy to do yourself, according to Seri Kertzner, founder of Little Miss Party. “They can be enormous or much more low-key,” Kertzner says, but anything around 10 feet long (approximately 30 balloons) looks fancy and is affordable because there’s no helium. For instructions, check out Little Miss Party’s YouTube tutorial.

Entertainment

Now that you’ve decided to host your own party, figuring out the entertainment is key to happy partygoers.

• M ake the theme age-appropriate. Tarantulas might be great for older kids, but choose something a little easier to handle for toddlers.

• D o your research. Irvington mom Stephanie Minkoff used word of mouth recommendations and Facebook reviews to help her choose a wild animal handler for her sons’ party. “I probably contacted ten different people, and I got prices from four hundred dollars to four thousand dollars,” she says.

• B ook early. “These guys get booked quickly!” Minkoff says.

• C onsider low-cost options that fit with the theme. Think: a scavenger hunt, an epic game of hide and seek, or DIY party favors.

Favors

If you’ve settled on giving favors to each guest, consider these tips: • D on’t give a favor that’s just going to end up in the trash.

“I will always do something that is seasonally related or something that’s going to be useful to the parent or child,” Kertzner says. For example, personalized water bottles in the summer and mittens in the winter.

• B ring spares in case an extra guest turns up.

“I always have extra favors on hand now,” Kertzner says. “If I end up with extras at the end of the party, I use them as gifts or return them.”

Birthday Party Directory BIRTHDAY PARTY ENTERTAINMENT

Dynamic Beat Productions

Long Island, New York, and the Tristate area 631-399-6942 dynamicbeat.com dynamicbeat@optonline.net Your special event needs just the right mix of creativity, energy, and professionalism to get the celebration started. Dynamic Beat Entertainment has been making events memorable for 20 years. Our services include DJ, lighting, photo booths, lounge décor, and video production.

Erik’s Reptile Edventure

P.O. Box 612, Middle Island 631-335-9308 edventureshow.com edventures1@yahoo.com Have a World of Reptiles Party featuring 12 animals from all around the world! Wildlife education and fun with live reptiles and museum animals. All of our animals are adopted, or rescued, and cared for by Erik for years!

We are ready to make your party an unforgettable event!

BIRTHDAY PARTY PLACES

BounceU Farmingdale

101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale 631-777-JUMP (5867) bounceu.com/cities/farmingdale.ny farmingdale.ny@bounceu.com BounceU Farmingdale was voted “Best of Long Island” for Children’s Party Place and Family Amusement Center. We provide the ideal combination of inflatable structures, a clean environment, incredible customer service, and non-stop excitement.

Private parties are meticulously planned and prepared by our knowledgeable staff, so parents can relax and enjoy themselves.

Celebrations In The Kitchen

63 E. Old Country Road, Hicksville 516-396-2193 celebrationsinthekitchen.com celebrationsinthekitchen@gmail.com The most unique, fun-filled, joyous event! We have created a true baking experience for everyone to enjoy, including sugar cookie baking, all about pizza, cupcakes from scratch, doughnuts, chocolate and candy projects. Come in, call, or visit celebrationsinthekitchen.com for more information on parties.

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium

1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor 516-692-6768 cshfishhatchery.org

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info@cshfishhatchery.org Celebrate your child’s next birthday at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium! See the Hatchery & Aquarium’s exciting live exhibits. Feed the hungry trout and learn about fish, reptiles, and amphibians with an up-close animal encounter. Fishing Parties are available too, (for children turning age 4 and older).

Gold Medal Gymnastics Centers

266 East Pulaski Road, Greenlawn 631-427-8275 huntington@gmgc.com 1752 Middle Country Road, Centereach 631-981-4653 centereach@gmgc.com 683 Route 25A, Rocky Point 631-821-2100 rockypoint@gmgc.com 253 W. Main St., Smithtown 631-366-4653 smithtown@gmgc.com;gmgc.com Long Island’s leading gymnastics center, “Where Every Child is a Champion” since 1973.

Island-wide with six locations and fully certified instructors. We offer classes for boys and girls 3 months to 18 years, beginner to advanced, licensed Ninja Zone Program and action-packed birthday parties!

Gravity Vault Melville Indoor Rock Gym

40 Melville Park Road, Melville 516-777-9255 gravityvault.com/locations/melville-ny melville@gravityvault.com Host a birthday party with The Gravity Vault where ages 5 and older can come climb and have fun.

Climbing is a great way to celebrate your birthday! Our awesome climbing parties give kids an exciting day they will never forget! Offering different party package options to accommodate your needs.

Great Strides Long Island

41 Coram-Swezeytown Road, Middle Island 631-786-9708 greatstridesli.org julie@greatstridesli.org Lasso some birthday fun at Great Strides Long Island. We offer a relaxed picnic atmosphere (indoor facility is available), farm animals, and a horse ride-all for a reasonable price. Email julie@greatstridesli.org for more information.

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Pier 86, W. 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, Manhattan 646-381-5010 intrepidmuseum.org groupsales@intrepidmuseum.org Celebrate your child’s birthday with a one-of-a-kind party!

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space

October 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Museum captivates groups of all ages and interests. Choose from exciting themes, value packages, and customization options to create an original birthday adventure they’ll never forget. Packages start at $30 per person.

Karts Indoor Amusement Center

701 Union Parkway, Ronkonkoma 631-737-5278 karts1.com; info@karts1.com Karts offers a variety of options for kids and adults starting at age 4 (40 inches tall). Whether it be racing, laser tag, or one of our other great activities, our unforgettable parties are loved by both kids and parents.

Key to My Art, Inc.

10 W. Oak St., Amityville 631-608-9048 131 Main St., East Rockaway 516-218-2920 keytomyart.com/nymetroparents.html info@keytomyart.com Celebrate your child’s birthday with us at Key to My Art! Your child chooses what the group paints. They can choose any theme, character, animal, or place. Parties include all supplies from aprons to easels, plus step-by-step instruction, pizza, and juice for all the children. Everyone leaves with a finished painting.

Long Island Aquarium

431 E. Main St., Riverhead 631-208-9200 xH2O (426) or 631-208-9200 x125 longislandaquarium.com Have your child’s birthday party at the Long Island Aquarium.

Party options include a choice of private rooms, select food items, and ice cream cake. All parties include a guided tour of the aquarium, special seating at the Sea Lion Show, and rides on the submarine simulator!

Long Island Ducks Bethpage Ballpark

3 Court House Drive, Central Islip 631-940-DUCK (3825) liducks.com The perfect party for your sports fan! Imagine the excitement when your child stands on the dugout with QuackerJack while the crowd sings Happy Birthday!

Their name will be displayed on the scoreboard and announced.

Package includes box seats and meal. Guests will have fun in the kids zone inflatable area.

Long Island Explorium

101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson 631-331-3277 longislandexplorium.org Celebrate your birthday at the LI Explorium. Enjoy 90 minutes to two hours of exciting, interactive activities. Select a theme from our four well-loved STEM challenges and give your friends the most memorable birthday party ever.

Packages available. Call to reserve your best party today!

Long Island Nets

NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale longisland.gleague.nba.com Long Island Nets birthday party packages are a great way to celebrate your next birthday. Receive exclusive gear and birthday shout outs.

Main St. Board Game Cafe - Unplug Your Game

307 Main St., Huntington 631-729-0060 mainstboardgamecafe.com/reservation info@mainstboardgamecafe.com Unplug your game! Main St. Board Game Cafe hosts parties for kids, tweens, and teens. Supervised by our staff of board game experts, our parties are a fun yet enriching experience for your next birthday or event. Ask about our Dungeons & Dragons parties as well!

Monster Mini Golf

410-C Commack Road, Deer Park 631-940-8900 monsterminigolf.com/locations/ deer-park Your celebration at Monster Mini Golf is a one-of-a-kind party!

All birthday packages include 90 minutes in a haunted mansion-themed private party room and a dedicated party host leading monster-themed, age appropriate, interactive games. Guests will play a round of golf under black lights with monster-themed décor featuring fun-loving, animated monsters.

My Gym Children’s Fitness Center

1320 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook 631-751-KIDS (5437) mygym.com/stonybrook 128 W Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station 631-427-GYMS (4967) mygym.com/huntingtonstation Great South Bay Shopping Center 985 W. Montauk Highway, West Babylon 631-314-GYMS (4967) mygym.com/babylon At My Gym the goal is to make your party an amazing, customized celebration and a wonderful memory for all guests. You will have exclusive use of the entire gym with a rock wall, trampoline, trapeze, climbing structures, and slides. Highly trained, enthusiastic instructors lead your guests through action-packed activities.

Not Just Art

183 South St., Oyster Bay 516-922-8300 notjustart.com create@notjustart.com Not Just Art has oodles of excellent music, art, and science parties for ages 1-12 and older. Choose from our treasury of super imaginative projects or use favorite themes and activities as a creative springboard. We customize the fun to your child’s interest!

Saf-T-Swim

Suffolk: 3500 Veterans Memorial Highway, Bohemia 631-580-2825 6136 Jericho Turnpike, Commack 631-462-9696 1850 NY-112, Coram Located inside New York Sports Club 631-736-6604 1015 Grand Boulevard, Deer Park 631-254-4025 515 Broadhollow Road, Melville 631-940-7160 150-154 Kroemer Ave., Riverhead 631-727-5458 7 Browns Road, Nesconset 631-406-7316 saf-t-swim.com A Saf-T-Swim pool party is a great way to celebrate year-round!

You and 24 guests will enjoy two hours or more of fun in our 88-degree heated pools, followed by a celebration with pizza in your own private party room.

Invitations, party host, lifeguard, and thank you cards included.

Studio E Art Classes

565 Route 25A, Miller Place 631-744-4001 studioeartclass.com/parties Studio E offers birthday party parties for 10 painters, with two hours of party time, art project of choice, two pizza pies, juice, water, homemade cupcakes, paper

goods, and personalized invitations. The best party around for the best price around! For more information visit studioeartclass. com/parties or call 631-7444001.

BIRTHDAY MARKETPLACE

Thomas School of Horsemanship Riding Academy

250 Round Swamp Road, Melville 631-692-6840 tshcamp.com; tsh@tshcamp.com Birthdays are more fun with horses and friends! Ride, play, and have exclusive use of our party room! Children receive one hour of riding time taught by one of our certified ride instructors who will teach them a fun-filled beginner lesson. Our facilities allow parties to run rain or shine!

Urban Air Lake Grove

3147 Middle Country Road, Lake Grove 631-861-4125 urbanairtrampolinepark.com/ locations/new-york/lake-grove Escape the same old birthday formulas with a unique experience that allows you run, jump, and soar! Test your skills in the Warrior Obstacle Course and zigzag 30 feet in the air on our Sky Rider Indoor Coaster. Or book a Friday night glow party with black lights and glow sticks!

Your special event needs just the right mix of creativity, energy & professionalism to get the celebration started. Dynamic Beat Entertainment has been making events memorable for 20 years.

Services include DJ / Photo Booths Lounge Decor / Video Productions

www.dynamicbeat.com 631-399-6942 EMAIL: events@dynamicbeat.com

LongIslandParent 15

Back-to-School Resources AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium

1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor 516-692-6768 cshfishhatchery.org info@cshfishhatchery.org Join us for a fun-filled hour of nature activities (fish feeding included). Using live animals, crafts, stories, and games, we guide you and your little ones through nature adventures. Ages 2-5 at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium Pollywog Adventures program. Catch & Keep Trout Fishing-spaces available firstcome, first-served.

Hofstra University Continuing Education - Saturday Classes for Young People and Precollegiate Career Discovery Institute

516-463-7400, Jessica Dease, program director ce.hofstra.edu/youth jessica.dease@hofstra.edu Saturday Classes for Young People wants your child to love learning. Our small classes provide individual attention and help encourage students’ curiosity. There are many classes to choose, including reading, math, writing, STEM/STEAM, cartooning, theater, art, video game development, Minecraft, and swimming.

LIU Post Center for Gifted Youth

Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, director LIU Post, Brookville 516-299-2160 liu.edu/giftedyouth The Long Island University program for gifted children was established in 1979 in response to the 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.

St. Patrick Youth Community

St. Patrick Church, Smithtown 631-360-0185 stpatsyouth.com spyouth@optonline.net St. Patrick’s Youth Enrichment Center offers a kindergarten readiness program, and before- and after-school care for children 2-12. Challenging, timely activities on-site will provide your child with what they need to be a well-rounded, thoughtful student.

16

Tutoring for SAT preparations, study skills, and Catholic High School entrance exam classes are offered.

Sylvan Learning Centers of Mineola and Huntington

393 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola 516-743-9943 locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/mineola-ny 1160 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington 631-424-5600 locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/huntington-ny sylvanlearning@optonline.net Sylvan’s Personalized Tutoring programs in reading, writing, mathematics, SAT and ACT Prep will improve your child’s skills and confidence. We use a state-of-the-art assessment, personal learning plans, and certified teachers to ensure the high level of quality instruction and support that Sylvan prides itself on.

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 (VEG), open seven days-a-week, offers a rigorous and highly-creative academic program, in all subject areas, to gifted students ages 2-16. Its CORE curriculum includes instructional writing/grammar, geography, global studies, STEAM, mathematics, Latin/Greek Etymology, SAT/ ACT vocabulary enrichment, business, anatomy/physiology, advanced study skills, and creative problem solving.

ART Key to My Art, Inc.

10 W. Oak St., Amityville 631-608-9048 131 Main St., East Rockaway 516-218-2920 keytomyart.com/nymetroparents.html info@keytomyart.com Key to My Art is owned and operated by a New York State-certified art teacher who believes that anyone can create art if they want to. We teach your child how to work with different materials and mediums, while using a variety of techniques and styles.

October 2019 | nymetroparents.com

STEM 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 (VEG), open seven days-a-week, offers a rigorous and highly-creative academic program, in all subject areas, to gifted students ages 2-16. Its CORE curriculum includes instructional writing/grammar, geography, global studies, STEAM, mathematics, Latin/ Greek Etymology, SAT/ACT vocabulary enrichment, business, anatomy/physiology, advanced study skills, and creative problem solving.

FITNESS Thomas School of Horsemanship Riding Academy

250 Round Swamp Road, Melville 631-692-6840 tshcamp.com tsh@tshcamp.com Thomas School of Horsemanship offers unique after-school programs for all levels of riding from beginners to advanced.

We offer group or private lessons in seasonal series. Many students ride all year-round and compete in horse shows.

We also offer our students the possibility of leasing a horse.

HORSEBACK RIDING Thomas School of Horsemanship Riding Academy

250 Round Swamp Road, Melville 631-692-6840 tshcamp.com tsh@tshcamp.com Thomas School of Horsemanship offers unique after-school programs for all levels of riding from beginners to advanced. We offer group or private lessons in seasonal series. Many students ride all year-round and compete in horse shows. We also offer our students the possibility of leasing a horse.

continued on next page ››

BIRTHDAY MARKETPLACE » ATTENTION PARENTS AND TEACHERS! «

Make your next birthday party come to life by hosting it at Bounce U! • • • • •

Private Party Experience Giant Inflatable Rides Dedicated Party Pros Easy to Do We Clean Up!

$3 OFF

One Admission to Open Bounce!

Valid at BounceU of Farmingdale location only.

Coupon not valid with any other offer or discounts.

No Cash value. One Coupon per visit per family.

Not valid on Special Events or Charity Events.

Expires 12/31/19.

Erik and the Reptile Brigade are back with amazing new programs • The World of Reptiles and Amphibians • Animal Rescue and Awareness Party featuring all rescued animals!

• The Animal Science Academy Online School All programs are BOCES Registered • Eriks Reptile Adventures is NYS Department of Education Vendor

$25 OFF Plus 3 FREE Additional Kids with a Premier or a Spec-Tac-U-Lar Party.

Want to make your Birthday Party an unforgettable event? Have a WORLD OF REPTILES PARTY featuring 12 animals from all around the world!

Valid at BounceU of Farmingdale location only.

Coupon not valid with any other offers or discounts.

No cash value. One Coupon per visit per party.

Expires 12/31/19.

BounceU of Farmingdale (631) 777-JUMP (5867) • BounceU.com/farmingdale 101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale, NY 11735

Erik’s Reptile Edventure 631-335-9308 www.edventureshow.com | Email: erikwildlifekidsclub@gmail.com

Our party planner will work with you to plan everything from start to finish, to ensure that the guest of honor and his/her friends have a fun and memorable birthday party experience.

• Ice skating • Skate rental • Pizza • Soda, water or juice

ASK ABOUT OUR NEW ARCADE PACKAGE

Birthday parties take place during one of our indoor open skate sessions (maximum of two hours), and are available for kids ages six and older.

Call Kaitlin Santino at 516-441-0070 to learn more.

Deposit of $100 required to book a party.

LongIslandParent 17

‹‹ continued from previous page

SWIMMING & WATER SPORTS Hofstra University Continuing Education - Saturday Classes for Young People and Precollegiate Career Discovery Institute

516-463-7400, Jessica Dease, program director ce.hofstra.edu/youth; jessica.dease@hofstra.edu Saturday Classes for Young People wants your child to love learning. Our small classes provide individual attention and help encourage students’ curiosity. There are many classes to choose, including reading, math, writing, STEM/STEAM, cartooning, theater, art, video game development, Minecraft, and swimming.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SERVICES

DENTISTS & ORTHODONTISTS The Tooth Pillow Dentistry

775 Park Ave., Suite 340, Huntington 516-317-2476 toothpillowny.com The Tooth Pillow Dentistry is a group of board-certified pediatric dentists and dentist anesthesiologists who work together to safely provide dental treatment while your child “sleeps.” We provide this service for children who cannot be treated in the typical dental chair setting due to age, behavior, or other factors that hinder treatment.

DOCTORS Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy

Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Nassau: 516-2161791 Queens: 718-640-6767 lispeech.com Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, owns and operates Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. With her group of therapists, she supports families across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, expressive and receptive language disorders.

Pediatric Immediate Care

surance plans accepted. More than 30 years of dedication to our patients. We are open seven days-a-week, including holidays.

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Andrew Cohen, Esq., Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen

250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216, Manhattan 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen provide personalized, high quality special needs estate planning and special education legal services at a reasonable cost. Attorneys Cohen and Adler-Greene also conduct free workshops on several topics for agencies, schools, and parent groups.

Laura Adler-Greene, Esq., Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen

250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216, Manhattan 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com; lag@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen provide personalized, high quality special needs estate planning and special education legal services at a reasonable cost. Attorneys Cohen and Adler-Greene also conduct free workshops on several topics for agencies, schools, and parent groups.

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. He will guide you, decipher lingo, and develop effective strategies.

Osmo

playosmo.com Osmo merges tactile exploration with iPad and Fire tablets, actively engaging children in the learning process. Whether your child is a music lover, budding coder, or aspiring mathematician, Osmo has the right games to inspire your child.

150 E. Sunrise Highway, Suite 105, North Lindenhurst 631-956-PEDS (7337) STORES & RESOURCES 1077 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown Andrew Cohen, Esq., Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen 631-864-PEDS (7337) 250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216, Manhattan 698 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn 212-244-0595 718-389-PEDS (7337) 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City pediatricimmediatecare.com Pediatric Immediate Care is a team of 516-877-0595 hearts where kids come first. State-of-theamcohenlaw.com art medical office equipment allows us to ac@amcohenlaw.com deliver your test results during your visit.

The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen Kid-friendly, walk-ins welcome, most inprovide personalized, high-quality special 18 October 2019 | nymetroparents.com

needs estate planning and special education legal services at a reasonable cost. Attorneys Cohen and Adler-Greene also conduct free workshops on several topics for agencies, schools and parent groups.

Laura Adler-Greene, Esq., Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen

250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216, Manhattan 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com; lag@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen provide personalized, high quality special needs estate planning and special education legal services at a reasonable cost. Attorneys Cohen and Adler-Greene also conduct free workshops on several topics for agencies, schools, and parent groups.

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. He will guide you, decipher lingo, and develop effective strategies.

Osmo

playosmo.com Osmo merges tactile exploration with iPad and Fire tablets, actively engaging children in the learning process. Whether your child is a music lover, budding coder, or aspiring mathematician, Osmo has the right games to inspire your child.

TUTORS & TEST PREP St. Patrick Youth Community

St. Patrick Church, Smithtown 631-360-0185 stpatsyouth.com; spyouth@optonline.net St. Patrick’s Youth Learning Center offers tutoring for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. SAT preparations, study skills, and Catholic High School entrance exam classes are offered.

Sylvan Learning Centers of Mineola and Huntington

393 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola 516-743-9943 locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/mineola-ny 1160 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington 631-424-5600 locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/huntington-ny sylvanlearning@optonline.net Sylvan’s Personalized Tutoring programs in reading, writing, mathematics, SAT and ACT Prep will improve your child’s skills and confidence. We use a state-of-the-art continued on next page ››

BIRTHDAY MARKETPLACE COLD SPRING HARBOR FISH HATCHERY & AQUARIUM

PARENT & ME POLLYWOG ADVENTURES Classes begin September 2019 ~ REGISTER TODAY!

• Crafts • Stories • Games • Fish Feeding Wednesdays & Thursdays 10am • Ages 2-5

Enroll thru August

BIRTHDAY PARTIES!

SUMMER CAMPS

CELEBRATE WITH US! Explore the aquarium, feed fish & enjoy a live animal presentation!

Pre-K thru HS

Grand Reopening

631-940-8900

Glow in the dark mini golf Come see our brand new state-of-the-art arcade and virtual reality.

Celebrate your Birthday in Monster Fashion with a one-of-a-kind party!

We have the best parties around.

We make the experience fun for all ages!

410-C Commack Road | Deer Park monsterminigolf.com/locations/deer-park/

Join

NYMetroParents Get advance notice on activities, participate in group discussions and receive special notices. www.facebook.com/nymetroparents LongIslandParent 19

LIU POST’S CENTER FOR GIFTED YOUTH

FALL 2019 AND SPRING 2020 SATURDAY 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 fall program runs on Saturdays from Oct. 5 to Dec. 14, 2019 and the spring program runs on Saturdays from Feb. 1 to April 25, 2020. The program is open to gifted children entering grades 2-8 in Sept. 2019. 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.

Oct 5 - Dec 14, 2019 & Feb 1 - April 25, 2020 for students entering Kindergarten in Fall 2019

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

Follow us on Twitter

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

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October 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Building Blocks is an early childhood learning center focusing on education of all young children. We offer parent and child groups, preschool classes, and childcare. As a New York state-accredited special education program for more than 36 years, we provide special instruction, ABA, speech, occupational, and physical therapy, psychological and diagnostic services.

‹‹ continued from previous page

assessment, personal learning plans, and certified teachers to ensure the high level of quality instruction and support that Sylvan prides itself on.

EDUCATION

PAROCHIAL & RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS Catholic Elementary Schools of Long Island Diocese of Rockville Centre

Catholic Elementary Schools of Long Island Diocese of Rockville Centre

Multiple Locations 516-280-2479 licatholicelementaryschools.org Long Island’s Catholic elementary schools are 43 unique and beautiful schools in Nassau and Suffolk counties that educate the whole child in the spirit of service and compassion. Coupled with God’s love, we strive to inspire each child to grow spiritually and academically in a diverse and challenging world.

Holy Angels Regional School

1 Division St., Patchogue 631-475-2641 holyangelsregional.org mconnell@holyangelsregional.org Since 1923, Holy Angels ReLOOKING FOR gional School has illuminated hearts and minds of students through academic excellence and the values of Catholic faith.

Our mission is to provide each student the opportunity to grow spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically in a safe and caring environment.

Multiple Locations 516-280-2479 licatholicelementaryschools.org Long Island’s Catholic elementary schools are 43 unique and beautiful schools in Nassau and Suffolk counties that educate the whole child in the spirit of service and compassion. Coupled with God’s love, we strive to inspire each child to grow spiritually and academically in a diverse and challenging world.

Holy Angels Regional School

1 Division St., Patchogue Saving money on 631-475-2641 a New York City holyangelsregional.org mconnell@holyangelsregional.org family day is easy!

Since 1923, Holy Angels Regional School has illuminated hearts and minds of students through academic excellence and the values of Catholic faith. Our mission is to provide each student the opportunity Cityguideny.com has to grow spiritually, intellectuLong Island Lutheran Middle & coupons and discounts for ally, emotionally, socially, and High School NYC sightseeing attractions, physically in a safe and caring 131 Brookville Road, Brookville restaurants, stores and more. environment.

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29 Pinewood Drive, and developing tomorrow’s leaders. We empower every 631-499-1237 member of our close-knit combbdps.com munity to achieve and grow Building Blocks is an early Savinglearning moneycenter on a personally, academically, and LOOKING FOR childhood spiritually. With an education New focusing on education of is alleasy!

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LongIslandParent 21

Halloween Fun in

N Y C

By Melissa Wickes

Wh ere to.. .

W Courtesy Carl Schurz Park

hen it comes to October, all we can think about is Halloween. What better way to enjoy the crisp fall air, the changing colors of the leaves, and decorating for the ghoulish season than getting outside with the family and picking the perfect pumpkin to take home and carve. And if carving pumpkins isn’t your thing, but you still want in on Halloween fun, the Halloween Harvest festival at Socrates Sculpture Park has a ton of spooky activities for the whole family.

The Carl Schurz Park event invites families to bring their decked-out dogs on Sunday, Oct. 20.

Happy Howl-oween!

We love kids in Halloween costumes, but there’s nothing cuter than dogs in Halloween costumes! Carl Schurz Park invites more than 200 uniquely dressed pups to show off in front of a bluechip fashion industry board of judges at the Howl-oween Howl Healthy Hound Fair. Watch, gush, and cheer on the four-legged friends as they wag their tails and strut their stuff. Careful, your little one might be asking for a dog of his own by the end of the day! Sunday, Oct. 20; 12-3pm; Ages: All; Basketball and Hockey Court and John Finley Walk at Carl Schurz Park, 86th Street and East End Avenue, Upper East Side; carlschurzparknyc.org

PICK PUMPKINS

Queens County Farm Museum 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park 718-347-3276 queensfarm.org Hours: Through Oct. 26: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4:30pm Admission: Free Pumpkin picking, hayrides, and a 3-acre, interactive corn maze on-site.

Courtesy Boo at the Zoo

>> For more places to pick pumpkins in your area, visit nymetroparents.com/pumpkins.

GET IN THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON

Lions and Goblins and Ghouls, Oh My!

The Bronx Zoo’s annual Halloween favorite Boo at the Zoo is back with spooky fun for the whole family. Favorites include magic shows, the extinct animal graveyard, a corn maze, a costume parade, pumpkin carving demos, mind reading, and (who could forget) a candy trail!

Special events, including the Dinosaur Safari and Spooktacular Night Walks, are available with the purchase of extra an ticket on the website. Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 28-Nov. 3, including Monday, Oct. 14., 10am-5:30pm; Ages: All. $39.95; $34.95 ages 65 and older; $29.95 ages 3-12; free for children 2 and younger. Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx; 718-220-5100; bronxzoo.com/boo-at-the-zoo 22

October 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy Socrates Sculpture Park

The Halloween-themed weekends at Boo at the Zoo incorporate wildlife while highlighting the best parts of the season.

Halloween Harvest Festival 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City 718-956-1819 socratessculpturepark.org Hours: Saturday, Oct. 26, 12-4pm Admission: Free At this free event, enjoy a Gede song workshop, card readings, and a procession culminating in a powerful dance and drum performance conceived and directed by Alexandra Jean-Joseph, with choreography by Mikerline Pierre and music by Menesky “Sky” Magloire. >> For more fun Halloween events like this, visit nymetroparents.com/halloween-fun.

Ideas When You Need Them:

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

nymetroparents.com/register

Turn the page for details on RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns (No. 8 on our list).

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

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OCTOBER CALENDAR

24 Editor’s Hot Tickets 25 We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!,

Show Time!

WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

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

suffolkcal@davlermedia.com

30 Animal Lovers,

Movers & Shakers

26 Smarty Pants

31 Mini Musicians

Special Needs

27 Once Upon a Time

32 Halloween

28 Crafty Kids

34 Fun Fairs & Festivals

29 The Great Outdoors

35 Little Foodies

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the eight 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!

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PumpkinFest

WHEN: Oct. 5-6, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm; sensoryfriendly hour: 10-11am WHERE: Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank AGES: All WHAT: Families can have fun with wagon rides, live music, pumpkin decorating, games, a corn maze, hands-on science, crafts, 4-H project displays, and farm animals!

WHY WE LOVE IT: The festival opens an hour early for a special sensory hour both mornings.

WANT TO GO? $12. 631-852-4610. ccesuffolk.org.

‘Cirque Mei’

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WHEN: Friday, Oct. 11, 8pm WHERE: Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: All WHAT: Cirque Mei will feature traditional and contemporary Chinese circus acts in a colorful and lively celebration of the internationally renowned Chinese circus arts.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Featured routines include Hoops Diving, Lion Dance, Flying Meteors, Foot Juggling with Umbrellas, Female Contortion, and a Ladder Balancing Act. WANT TO GO? $25-$69. 631-207-1313. patchoguetheatre.com.

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Spellbound Theatre Presents ‘Wink’

WHEN: Oct. 13-14, Sunday-Monday, 11:30am and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Inspired by the classic poem, “Wynken, Blynken and Nod,” Wink transforms a familiar bedroom into an imaginative world full of surprises.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The performance combines shadow puppetry, physical theater, and animation to inspire young audiences.

WANT TO GO? $7-$23. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Long Island Fall Festival 2019

WHEN: Oct. 11-14, Friday, 5-9pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-9pm; Monday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Heckscher State Park, 1 Heckscher State Parkway, East Islip AGES: All WHAT: The festival features hundreds of vendors, three stages of entertainment, a world-class carnival, children’s activities, and more.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Foodie families will appreciate international food courts, a Hilltop Brewery, and a coffee house.

WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 631-423-6100. lifallfestival.com.

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October 2019 | nymetroparents.com

3 Park After Dark’s 1st Annual Spooky Faire

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WHEN: Friday, Oct. 18, 5:30-9:30pm WHERE: Village of Amityville, Park Avenue, between Greene and Ireland avenues, Amityville AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy crafts, pumpkins, food, music, face painting, gelato, tarot readings, and more.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It promises to be a spooky fun kick-off to the weekend!

WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 631-264-6000. amityville.com.

Great Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Sail FREE

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WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 26, 3pm WHERE: Belmont Lake State Park, 625 Belmont Road, North Babylon AGES: All WHAT: Watch your pumpkin go for a sail around the lake, enjoy children’s activities, and visit the not-so-scary Spooky Den. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will be entertained the whole time with crafts, games, inflatables, funny photos, and trick-or-treat stations WANT TO GO? 631-667-5055. parks.ny.gov.

Pumpkin & Craft Beer Festival

WHEN: Oct. 5-27, Saturday-Sunday, 9am-6pm WHERE: Garden of Eve Organic farm, 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy roasted sweet corn and squash, fresh-squeezed lemonade, organic hot dogs, craft beer, and pumpkin everything.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The fun includes live music, a pedal kart track, a maze, a lavender labyrinth, and friendly farm animals.

WANT TO GO? $5. 631-722-8777. gardenofevefarm.com.

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RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns

WHEN: Oct. 4-28, Please see website for schedule WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: See more than 1,000 hand-carved illuminated jack-o’-lanterns designed to bring out the fall spirit in visitors of all ages!

WHY WE LOVE IT: The event is a thrill for the whole family and set to a musical score to delight the senses.

WANT TO GO? $26; $22 ages 3-17; free for children 2 and younger. 516-252-3392. therise.org.

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SHOW TIME! The Big Band and Rock & Roll Car Show

WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE

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

Halloween Science FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 12, 2:30-3:30pm WHERE: South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Bouncing bubbles, screeching balloons, changing colored worms, and dry ice will be featured in this Halloween themed science event. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-549-4411. shpl.info.

Fall Green Screen Studio FREE

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 14, 2pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: All WHAT: Drop in with your family and learn how to use green screen technology.

WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

Halloween Hay Bale Theater FREE

WHEN: Oct. 11-25, Fridays, 5:30pm; film starts at 6pm WHERE: Stew Leonard’s, 1897 Front St., East Meadow AGES: All WHAT: See a free children’s Halloween-themed movie with complimentary juice and popcorn. Seating is on a first-come, firstserved basis.

WANT TO GO? 516-394-9001. stewleonards.com.

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 6, 9am-4pm WHERE: The Village Green, 27320 Route 25, Cutchogue AGES: All WHAT: The Popular Car Show returns with a new theme! Free tours of historic houses with paid admission.

WANT TO GO? $20 car entree; $15 pre-registration; $6; free for children younger than 12 with a paid adult. 631-734-7122. cutchoguenewsuffolkhistory.org.

‘The Wizard of Oz’

WHEN: Through Oct. 20: Saturday-Sunday, 10:30am WHERE: The Argyle Theatre, 34 W. Main St., Babylon Village AGES: All WHAT: People of all ages will enjoy this colorful, classic fairy tale from somewhere over the rainbow.

WANT TO GO? $15. 631-230-3500. argyletheatre.com.

Cirque Mei

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 20, 6pm WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: All WHAT: A company of 40 Chinese artists and acrobats perform routines including hoop diving, contortion, and a ladder balancing act!

WANT TO GO? $36 and up. 516-299-3100. tillescenter.org.

Stages Presents ‘Frankenstein Follies’

WHEN: Oct. 25-27, Friday, 7:30pm; Saturday, 2:30pm and 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Bay Street Theater, 1 Bay St., Sag Harbor AGES: All WHAT: A Halloween-themed musical revue featuring all of your favorite monsters and ghouls with a cast of local young performers.

WANT TO GO? $15. 631-725-9500. baystreet.org.

Dreamworks ‘Madagascar A Musical Adventure, Jr.’

WHEN: Through Oct. 27: see website for showtimes WHERE: Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown AGES: 3-12, adult WHAT: Follow all of your favorite friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.

WANT TO GO? $18. 631-724-3700. smithtownpac.org. ››

Eli Wilner: Montauk Moments Coming to LaMantia Gallery in Northport FREE

WHEN: Oct. 25-26, 6-8pm WHERE: LaMantia Gallery, 127 Main St., Northport AGES: All WHAT: Artist Eli Wilner captures the essence of Montauk in a series of landscape, nautical, and floral paintings.

WANT TO GO? 631-754-8414. lamantiagallery.com.

Halloween Jam Party FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 27, 12-3pm WHERE: Musicology Performance Center, 90 West Main St., Smithtown AGES: All WHAT: Will your costume win the $100 prize? Candy, pizza, and open jam sessions makes this one rockin’ Halloween party!

WANT TO GO? 631-352-5535. musicologyperformance.com.

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Science Saturday Workshop: Dino Detective

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 12, 2-3pm WHERE: The Long Island Science Center, 40 Peconic Ave., Riverhead AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn about dinosaurs and make a fossil project to take home.

WANT TO GO? $10 admission, plus $5 workshop fee; free for members.

631-208-8000. sciencecenterli.org.

Sayville Coders FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 12, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Sayville Library, 88 Greene Ave., Sayville AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Learn the basics of computer programming using online programs, such as Scratch. You must bring your own Chromebook. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-589-4440. sayvillelibrary.org.

AdvoKids

SMARTY PANTS Hook and Ladder FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 5, 1pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: 2-9 WHAT: Learn all about fire safety and experience what it’s like to be a firefighter. Hook and Ladder will be at the library with their fire truck for children to get a hands-on learning experience. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

Science Saturday Workshop

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 5, 2-3pm WHERE: The Long Island Science Center, 40 Peconic Ave., Riverhead AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Students design, construct, and test their very own bridge.

WANT TO GO? $10 admission, plus $5 instructor led workshop fee; free for members. 631-208-8000. sciencecenterli.org.

International Observe the Moon Night Week

WHEN: Oct. 1-6, see website for schedule WHERE: Long Island Explorium, Port Jefferson Harbor, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the landing of humans on the Moon at the Long Island Explorium with themed activities this week.

WANT TO GO? $5; free for members and children younger than 1.

631-331-3277. longislandexplorium.org.

Future Scientist Workshop: Junior Chiropterologist

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2-3pm WHERE: Long Island Science Center, 40 Peconic Ave., Riverhead AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Enter the world of this unique nocturnal animal and make a bat project to take home!

WANT TO GO? $10 admission, plus $5 workshop fee; free for members.

631-208-8000. sciencecenterli.org.

Huntington Arts Council: Landscapes: Home and Afar FREE WHEN: Through Oct. 12: daily, 9:30am-5pm WHERE: Main Street Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington AGES: All WHAT: See art displayed by a diverse group of artists.

WANT TO GO? 631-271-8423. huntingtonarts.org.

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October 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 13, 11am-1pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Discuss and view treaties designed to protect Native Americans before creating their own treaty to address an issue of concern to them.

WANT TO GO? $14; $13 seniors 65 and older. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

World Space Week

WHEN: Oct. 9-13, see website for schedule WHERE: Long Island Explorium, Port Jefferson Harbor, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Design and build your own model spacecraft or satellite and learn about the moon village.

WANT TO GO? $5; free for members and children younger than 1.

631-331-3277. longislandexplorium.org.

Science Saturday Workshop: Game Creators

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 19, 2-3pm WHERE: Long Island Science Center, 40 Peconic Ave., Riverhead AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn the “science” behind a good game. Play some classic games and create a game to take home.

WANT TO GO? $10 admission, plus $5 workshop fee; free for members.

631-208-8000. sciencecenterli.org.

We Celebrate Earth Science Week!

WHEN: Oct. 14-20, see website for schedule WHERE: Long Island Explorium, Port Jefferson Harbor, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Join the Long Island Explorium for some geoscience experiments.

WANT TO GO? $5; free for members and children younger than 1.

631-331-3277. longislandexplorium.org.

Green Teens: Spooky Science

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 26, 1-3pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Learn about some spooky science topics from spider webs to skeletons.

WANT TO GO? $14; $13 seniors 65 and older. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Science Saturday Workshops: Mummy Madness

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2-3pm WHERE: The Long Island Science Center, 40 Peconic Ave., Riverhead AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn what happens during the mummification process and make a mummy to take home.

WANT TO GO? $10 admission, plus $5 workshop fee; free for members.

631-208-8000. sciencecenterli.org.

WANT TO GO? $12; $8 children; 2-for-1 admission for members, plus bring a guest for half off. 631-387-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Learning to Launch Workshop

stART (Story + Art): ‘One Day On Our Blue Planet: In the Antarctic’

WHEN: Oct. 5-26, see website for schedule WHERE: Child Behavior Consulting, 10 Janet Court, Nesconset AGES: 3-5, 5-8, Adult WHAT: Learn and use strategies that help children and parents learn to listen to each other!

WANT TO GO? $25 for one parent and one child; $10 for each additional person. 631-617-1958. childbehaviorconsulting.com.

ONCE UPON A TIME Mother Goose FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 3, Newborn to 1: 10:15-10:45am; ages 1-2:, 11:15-11:45am WHERE: Sayville Library, 88 Greene Ave., Sayville AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Learn and enjoy Mother Goose songs and rhymes both familiar and new. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-589-4440. sayvillelibrary.org.

STEAM Preschool Storytime FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 10, 1-1:30pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Learn through read aloud, imaginary play, tinkering, and exploration. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

Bilingual Storytime FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 10-10:30am WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Toddlers and their caregivers are welcome to join the library for bilingual story time in English and Spanish. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

Pajama Story Time FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 15: Tuesdays, 6-6:30pm WHERE: John Jermain Memorial Library, 201 Main St., Sag Harbor AGES: 2-5, adult WHAT: Snuggle up with a good book before bedtime at the library.

WANT TO GO? 631-725-0049. johnjermain.org.

WHEN: Oct. 22-24, Tuesday and Thursday 11:30am-12pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: After the story, pack a “suitcase” for an Antarctic adventure!

WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission, plus $4; plus $3 for members.

516-224-5800. licm.org.

Friday Storytime FREE

WHEN: Oct. 4-25, Fridays, 10:15-11am WHERE: Sayville Library, 88 Greene Ave., Sayville AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Build your child’s early literacy skills in this program that incorporates Every Child Ready to Read initiatives. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-589-4440. sayvillelibrary.org.

Wiggling on the Weekend FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 26, 10-11am WHERE: South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station AGES: Newborn-5 WHAT: Enjoy playing, dancing, singing, bubbles, listening to stories, and making a cool craft. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-549-4411. shpl.info.

Tuesday Storytime FREE

WHEN: Oct. 1-29, Tuesdays, 10:15-11am and 1:30-2:15pm WHERE: Sayville Library, 88 Greene Ave., Sayville AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Build your child’s early literacy skills in this program that incorporates Every Child Ready to Read initiatives. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-589-4440. sayvillelibrary.org.

stART (Story + Art): ‘Three Little Ghosties’

WHEN: Oct. 29-31, Tuesday and Thursday 11:30am-12pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: After the story, create a fun pop-up ghost puppet to take home!

WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission, plus $4; plus $3 for members.

516-224-5800. licm.org. ››

Celebrating Our 35th Anniversary

stART (Story + Art): ‘Bats at the Beach’

WHEN: Oct. 15-17, Tuesday and Thursday 11:30am-12pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Learn about the “batty” way to enjoy the beach at night! After the story create your own silly bat spinner toy.

WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission, plus $4; plus $3 for members.

516-224-5800. licm.org.

Harbor Haunts Tour

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 19, 4:30pm and 6:30pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Explore Cold Spring Harbor’s ghostly side with fascinating tales of mishaps and historic hauntings on Main Street. Enjoy complimentary cider and snacks.

Building Blocks is an Early Intervention and Preschool Program dedicated to educational excellence and committed to meeting the developmental needs of all young children. Services are provided at home, in the community, at daycare, or at our center as determined by the child’s IEP or IFSP.

El & Preschool Autism Program • SEIT Services Family Training • Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy Complete Diagnostic Services Special & General Education Classes El Special Instruction • Parent Child Groups Toddler Separation Groups

Building Blocks is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit agency and has been providing services to children from birth to age 5 years and their families for more than 30 years.

To refer a child suspected of developmental delay please call Suffolk County DOH EIP at 631-853-3100 for children 0-3yrs; or the child’s school district for children 3-5 years of age. All authorized services provided to eligible children are funded through NYS & Suffolk County at no cost to families.

BBDPS is an approved provider and evaluator of Early Intervention & Preschool special education services and is regulated by NYSED and NYSDOH.

LongIslandParent 27

Viking Invasion FREE

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 7, 4-4:45pm WHERE: Sayville Library, 88 Greene Ave., Sayville AGES: 6-11 WHAT: Explore the lives of early whalers and how the Vikings discovered North America, and make a craft. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-589-4440. sayvillelibrary.org.

Spooky Slime FREE

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 11, 7-7:30pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Make and take home your own spooky slime. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

CRAFTYKIDS 3D Printing and Modeling FREE

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 4, 7-8pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Bring your ideas to life by learning to create 3-D models using TinkerCAD. Design a rocket pencil or pen holder! Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

Tweens Night Out: Creepy Cardboard Castle FREE

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 11, 7-8pm WHERE: South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Make your own miniature mansion from cardboard, tape, paint, and tea lights. Enjoy snacks, too. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-549-4411. shpl.info.

You Bat-ter Believe It

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 12, 2-4pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Learn all about bats and then create your own hanging bat to take home.

WANT TO GO? $14; $13 seniors 65 and older. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Family Scarecrow Workshop FREE

Crafternoon

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 26, 1-3pm WHERE: Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket WHAT: Stop by Emma Clark Library for a free craft! Kids can choose between a Halloween cat door knob hanger or a welcome fall pumpkin sign.

WANT TO GO? 631-941-4080. emmaclark.org

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 12, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Sayville Library, 88 Greene Ave., Sayville AGES: All WHAT: Bring the whole family (and some old adult-sized clothes) and make a scarecrow to display for the season! Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-589-4440. sayvillelibrary.org.

Pumpkin Painting Party

Build-a-Boat Workshop

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 4, 5pm and 6:30pm WHERE: Stew Leonard’s, 1897 Front St., East Meadow AGES: 2-10 WHAT: Paint a pumpkin and enjoy snacks and juice. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $12.99. 516-394-9001. stewleonards.com.

Sunny Days: Family Celebration FREE

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 14, 12-2pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Design and build a unique wooden vessel from a variety of wooden materials and hot glue guns.

WANT TO GO? $12; $6 members. 631-387-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 5, 1-3pm WHERE: Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton AGES: All WHAT: Join Guild Hall for a sun-filled afternoon of workshops, performances, and gallery tours as they celebrate the exhibit Ugo Rondinone: Sunny Days!

WANT TO GO? 631-324-4050. guildhall.org.

Spiderweb Dream Catchers

Vampirina Paint Event

Fall Leaf Art

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 6, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Key to My Art, 10 West Oak St., Amityville AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Kids will have fun learning to paint Vampirina.

WANT TO GO? $20. 631-608-9048. keytomyart.com.

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October 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 4pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Make a spooky Halloween decoration. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631-2883335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 4pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Create an autumn-themed art project. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631-2883335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Mosaic Pumpkins

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 17, 1pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Listen to a pumpkin story and then create your very own paper pumpkin. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631-2883335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

WHAT: Create a flower picture using these sweet treats. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631-2883335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Nightmare on Main Street FREE

Zombie Workshop FREE

WHEN: Oct. 18- Nov. 16, 9am-5pm, daily WHERE: Main Street Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington AGES: All WHAT: Students are invited to participate in Nightmare on Main Street with art inspired by the theme of Halloween!

WANT TO GO? 631-271-8423. huntingtonarts.org.

Maker Madness FREE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 18, 5:30-7:30pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Join artist Chris Vivas as he leads you through a step-by-step process to transform yourself into a zombie. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 23, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Build, create art, explore the sciences, and apply mathematics to fun activities. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

Skull Bites FREE

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 25, 4-5pm WHERE: Sayville Library, 88 Greene Ave., Sayville AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Enjoy a not-too-scary story and then make a spooky skull magnet clip. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-589-4440. sayvillelibrary.org.

Tin Punch Bat FREE

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 25, 5:15-6:15pm WHERE: Sayville Library, 88 Greene Ave., Sayville AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Create a shiny decoration to hang in a window! Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-589-4440. sayvillelibrary.org.

Learn to Draw with Art Teacher Amy FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2-3pm WHERE: South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Art Teacher Amy will take you step-by-step through a drawing of a black cat and pumpkins using colored pencils. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-549-4411. shpl.info.

Halloween Monsters

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 28, 1:30pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Practice recognizing your shapes by creating a paper monster.

Registration required.

WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631-2883335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Candy Corn Day

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 30, 10am and 4pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 3-5

Celebration of the Long Pond Greenbelt FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 12, 10am-1pm WHERE: South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center, 377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Behind SoFo, Bridgehampton AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy guided trail walks, play games, make crafts, and participate in a wide variety of activities provided by local environmental and community organizations.

WANT TO GO? 631-745-0689. cmee.org.

Visit to the Milk Pail’s U-Pick Farm with The Children’s Museum of the East End WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 12, 10:15-11:15am WHERE: Milk Pail U-Pick Farm, 50 Horsemill Lane, Water Mill AGES: All WHAT: Kids will pick apples as well as their very own pumpkin, participate in a scavenger hunt, enjoy apple cider, and more.

WANT TO GO? $10. 631-537-8250. cmee.org.

Gardening in the Park FREE

WHEN: Saturdays, Oct. 5 and 19, 9am-12pm WHERE: The Common Ground, Rotary Park, between Gillette and Candee avenues, Sayville AGES: All WHAT: Join other dedicated volunteers to care for the beautiful gardens and grounds. Tools are provided.

WANT TO GO? 631-664-4230. thecommonground.com.

South Shore Surf Fishing Tournament

WHEN: Oct. 25-27, 12pm, daily WHERE: Captree State Park, 3500 E. Ocean Parkway, between Moriches and Jones Inlet, Bay Shore AGES: All WHAT: Compete or just watch the annual Bluefish and Striped Bass Surf Fishing Tournament.

WANT TO GO? $15 per participant. 631-669-0449. parks.ny.gov.

Egg Taking Demonstrations

WHEN: Oct. 19-27, Saturday-Sunday, 1pm and 3pm (No 3pm demonstration on Oct. 26) WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Witness the centuries-old process of trout egg taking and fertilization.

WANT TO GO? $7; $6 seniors 65 and older; $5 kids ages 3-12; free for members. 516-692-6768. cshfishhatchery.org. ›› LongIslandParent 29

Bats, Barnacles & Broomsticks - Halloween Party

ANIMAL LOVERS Book Time with a Dog FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 3, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Children who are struggling with reading are invited to spend some quality time and read to a certified therapy dog in a relaxed and supportive environment. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

Jungle Bob FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 3, 7pm WHERE: Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington AGES: All WHAT: Jungle Bob speaks about and signs copies of his new children’s “color me” picture book, Lenny: A Most Unusual Reptile. Meet some of the live animals from the story!

WANT TO GO? 631-271-1442. bookrevue.com.

Paws on Parade

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 5, 11am-4pm WHERE: Southampton Historical Museum, 17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy contests, an agility course, auctions, photo opportunities with Bay Street’s Frankenstein Follies Halloween cast in character, face painting, and more!

WANT TO GO? $25; $20 in advance; free for children 16 and younger.

631-283-2494. southamptonhistory.org.

Nature at Night FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2:30-3:30pm WHERE: South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn how nocturnal creatures like bats, owls, and even bugs benefit our environment while we are asleep! Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-549-4411. shpl.info.

Serpents, Dragons, and Turtles FREE

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 21, 4-5pm WHERE: Sayville Library, 88 Greene Ave., Sayville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: In celebration of National Reptile Awareness Day, visit with a python, a snapping turtle, a bearded dragon, and more! Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-589-4440. sayvillelibrary.org.

Splish Splash, Animal Baths

WHEN: Saturdays, Oct. 5 and 26, 3-3:30pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Learn about what goes into the care of the museum’s animals.

WANT TO GO? $14; $13 seniors 65 and older. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

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October 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 26, 11am-4pm WHERE: Long Island Aquarium, 431 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: There will be a Costume Parade for the Penguins, author readings, the Live-brary team with the 3-D printer, craft and game stations, and more!

WANT TO GO? $33; $27 children ages 3-12; $25.50 seniors ages 62 and older;. Kids ages 12 and younger wearing a costume get half-price admission. 631-208-9200. longislandaquarium.com.

Boo at the Zoo Party

WHEN: Oct. 20-27, Sundays, 1-3pm WHERE: Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville AGES: All WHAT: Throw on your costumes for animal encounters, the Cookie Candy Craft–Snack Table, and more!

WANT TO GO? $18.95; $16.95 children ages 3-12 and seniors; free for children 2 and younger. 631-878-6644. longislandgamefarm.com.

Dogs Day on the Farm

WHEN: Oct. 26-27, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Garden of Eve Organic Farm, 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: A unique opportunity to bring your pup to the farm to enjoy a hayride, the fields, and a walk on a dog trail.

WANT TO GO? $5; free for dogs. 631-722-8777. gardenofevefarm.com.

White Post Farms Fall Festival

WHEN: Through Oct. 27: daily, 10am-4pm WHERE: White Post Farms, 250 Old Country Road, Melville AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This annual festival includes a petting zoo, bounce ‘n’ slides, hayrides, and lots of great shows for kids.

WANT TO GO? $23.95. 631-351-9373. whitepostfarms.com.

MOVERS & SHAKERS La Loteria FREE

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 4, 3:30pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Test your luck in this traditional Mexican game of chance! Prizes will be awarded to winners.

WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

Baby Games FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 5, 10-10:45am WHERE: Sayville Library, 88 Greene Ave., Sayville AGES: Newborn to 1 WHAT: Enjoy finger plays, music, bubbles, parachute play, and more.

Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-589-4440. sayvillelibrary.org.

Kick & Play FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 12, 10-10:45am WHERE: South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station AGES: 1-3 WHAT: You and your little one will learn pre-soccer skills that will have your toddler learning to balance, run, kick, and play! Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-549-4411. shpl.info.

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Self-Defense FREE

nymetroparents.com/register ››

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 12, 10-11am WHERE: Sayville Library, 88 Greene Ave., Sayville AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Sayville’s High Kick Tae Kwon Do & Martial Arts will be teaching basic self-defense. Teens will learn respect, gain confidence, and get a good workout. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-589-4440. sayvillelibrary.org.

Escape the Room: ‘Stranger Things’ Edition FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 6-7pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: 13-17 WHAT: While it looks like any other ordinary room, it’s actually a mystery puzzle. Find the hidden objects, figure out the clues and solve the puzzles to earn your freedom and ‘Escape the Library.’ Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

Escape the Room: Murder Mystery FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 17, 6-8pm WHERE: Sayville Library, 88 Greene Ave., Sayville AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Can you solve a murder mystery and escape the room before it’s too late? Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-589-4440. sayvillelibrary.org.

Protect the Bluffs Color Walk/Run

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 19, registration: 8am; walk/run: 9:30-11:30am WHERE: William T. Rogers Middle School, 97 Old Dock Road, Kings Park AGES: All WHAT: Walk or run with your family for a good cause and then enjoy music, food trucks, sponsor tables, and giveaways.

WANT TO GO? $50 family package for family of four; $20; $10 ages 13 and younger. sites.google.com/a/commackrotary.org/protect-the-bluff-color-run.

Teen Dungeons & Dragons FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 24, 6-7pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Join the group for an epic journey and battle monsters and win treasure! Beginner friendly. Dice and character sheets will be provided.

Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

MINI

MUSICIANS Music with Miss Lori FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 10:30-11:15am WHERE: East Hampton Library, 159 Main St., East Hampton AGES: 1-3 WHAT: Sing and dance with Miss Lori and her guitar as she celebrates the seasons. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-324-0222. easthamptonlibrary.org.

Toddler Fun FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 5, 11-11:45am WHERE: Sayville Library, 88 Greene Ave., Sayville AGES: 13 months to 3 years WHAT: Music, movement, and games to keep your toddler interested!

Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-589-4440. sayvillelibrary.org.

Play Hooray Babies & Kids FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 19, 10-10:45am WHERE: South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Lively musical activities will have everyone up and moving to the beat! Incorporates fine and gross motor skill activities, nursery rhymes, books, rhythm sticks, hula hoops, dancing, hobby horses, parades, and more. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-549-4411. shpl.info.

Dancing Jelly Beans FREE

WHEN: Oct. 3-24, Thursdays, 11-11:30am WHERE: South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station AGES: Newborn to 3 WHAT: Shake your sillies out with Miss Janeth.

WANT TO GO? 631-549-4411. shpl.info.

Long Island Band ‘History of Rock ‘n’ Roll’ in Planetarium Concert

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 26, 5:30-7pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Carriage House, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: All WHAT: The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll combines music, costumes, and video in an unforgettable evening.

WANT TO GO? $25; $20 in advance; $15 for ages 15 and younger.

516-293-0674. vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Music and Movement

WHEN: Oct. 2-30, Wednesdays, 11:30am-12pm (No session Oct. 9) WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy creative movement exercises and interactive sing-alongs that get little bodies moving to the rhythm.

WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission, plus $4; plus $3 for members.

516-224-5800. licm.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS A Kooky Spooky Halloween: Sensory Sensitive Performance

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 6, 11am WHERE: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson AGES: 3-8 WHAT: A sensory-friendly performance of a merry musical about a ghost who’s afraid of the dark!

WANT TO GO? $10. 631-928-9100. theatrethree.com.

Enrichment Program for Teens with Special Needs: Fall Wreaths FREE

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 11, 6-7pm WHERE: Sayville Library, 88 Greene Ave., Sayville AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Make a special fall wreath to hang on your door at home.

Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-589-4440. sayvillelibrary.org. ›› LongIslandParent 31

Halloween Scavenger Hunt

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 23, 4pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Solve riddles, search for clues, and earn prizes. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631-2883335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Halloween Costume Party

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 25, 6pm WHERE: Stew Leonard’s, 1897 Front St., East Meadow AGES: All WHAT: Meet Wow the Cow and enjoy arts and crafts, games, food, and tons of fun! Register online WANT TO GO? $14.99; $12.99 ages 11 and younger. 516-394-9001. stewleonards.com.

HALLOWEEN FUN Story Crafternoon: Candy Corn Creature FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 3, 4:30-5:15pm WHERE: Sayville Library, 88 Greene Ave., Sayville AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Hear Halloween stories and create a candy corn monster out of paper. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-589-4440. sayvillelibrary.org.

Fright Night FREE

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 4, 6:30-8:30pm WHERE: Sayville Library, 88 Greene Ave., Sayville AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Meet in Teen Central for food, fun, and frights! See the 1982 classic thriller, Poltergeist. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-589-4440. sayvillelibrary.org.

Spooktacular Dance Party

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 18, 6-7:30pm WHERE: Stew Leonard’s, 1897 Front St., East Meadow AGES: All WHAT: Show off your costume and your best dance moves, enjoy brick-oven pizza, apple cider doughnuts, and apple cider, and go home with a Halloween goodie bag. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $12.99; $10.99 ages 11 and younger. 516-394-9001. stewleonards.com.

Halloween Family Day

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 20, 1-3pm WHERE: Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station AGES: All WHAT: Have fun with spooky, not scary, games, Halloween crafts, a prize for best costume, guided tours of the birthplace, and an interactive magic show.

WANT TO GO? $9 per child; chaperones free. 631-427-5240. waltwhitman.org.

Pumpkin Park at Adventureland

WHEN: Oct. 19-20, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Adventureland, 2245 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale AGES: All WHAT: More than 30 vendors set up throughout the park, giving out free giveaways to trick-or-treaters! Rides will be open at regular price.

WANT TO GO? Admission is free; POP Bands are $33.99 per person.

631-694-6868. adventureland.us.

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October 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Halloween Escape Room FREE

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 25, 7-8pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Find the hidden objects, figure out the clues, and solve the puzzles to earn your freedom and ‘Escape the Library.’ Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

The Halloween Bash

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 25, 4pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the East End, 376 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton AGES: Newborn-5 WHAT: Families are invited to join CMEE for a fun-filled evening of ghoulish games, trick or treating, creepy crafts, a costume parade, and more! Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $12; free for members. 631-537-8250. cmee.org.

A Kooky Spooky Halloween

WHEN: Oct. 5-26, Saturdays, 11am; plus Sunday, Oct. 20, 3pm WHERE: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Hilarious hijinks and a message of cooperation make this a delightful musical for the entire family.

WANT TO GO? $10. 631-928-9100. theatrethree.com.

Safe Halloween FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 26, 10am-1pm WHERE: Community Ambulance Company Inc., 420 Lakeland Ave., Sayville AGES: All WHAT:Wear your costumes, bring an item to donate, and join the fun!

WANT TO GO? “Price” of admission is one item for a soldier’s care package. See suggested list at eventbrite.com/e/safe-halloween-community-ambulance-company-tickets-69811818027.

Halloween Family Movie & A Craft

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 26, 11am WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Halloween by creating a Snoopy puppet and watching, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631-2883335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Haunted Hatchery

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2-5pm WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor

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AGES: All WHAT: Receive a sweet treat as you trick-or-treat your way through the Hatchery & Aquarium. Enjoy games and Halloween crafts too.

WANT TO GO? $7; $6 seniors 65 and older; $5 kids ages 3-12; free for members. 516-692-6768. cshfishhatchery.org.

nymetroparents.com/register ››

Gateway’s Not So Scary Haunt for Kids

WHEN: Oct. 5-27, Saturday-Sunday, 12-4pm WHERE: Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse, 215 S. Country Road, Bellport AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Tickets include walk-through, pumpkin bouncer, face painting, balloon creations, hay bale maze, coloring activities, and more.

WANT TO GO? $15. 631-286-1133. thegateway.org.

The Super Hero Within Meditation Class and Halloween Fun Fest for Kids WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 27, 11:30am-1pm WHERE: Kadampa Meditation Center Long Island, 282 New York Ave., Huntington AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Take part in a day of meditation, games, brunch, pumpkin carving, and more.

WANT TO GO? $5. 631-549-1000. meditationonlongisland.org.

Halloween Paint Event

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 27, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Key to My Art, 10 W. Oak St., Amityville AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Kids will have fun learning to paint Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

WANT TO GO? $20. 631-608-9048. keytomyart.com.

DIY Haunted Houses FREE

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 28, 4-5pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: 5-8 WHAT: A frightfully fun Halloween kids craft, these haunted houses are brought to life with a little imagination. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

Pumpkin Trail FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 31, 3-5pm WHERE: Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Main Street, Sag Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Look for the pumpkin faces in the windows of the participating businesses on Main Street and throughout the Sag Harbor Village business district for trick-or-treating.

WANT TO GO? sagharborchamber.com.

Halloween Festival FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 31, 2-5pm WHERE: Stony Brook Village, 111 Main St., Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: Trick-or-treat in the shops, enjoy games, see the Monster Merlin Parade, and more.

WANT TO GO? 631-751-2244. stonybrookvillage.com.

Halloween Trick or Treat FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 31, 3-8pm WHERE: Tanger Outlets Deer Park, 152 The Arches Circle, Deer Park AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Visit Tanger Shopper Services and participating stores for candy and more! Look for display decals on entrance doors of participating stores.

WANT TO GO? 631-667-0600. tangeroutlet.com.

Halloween Craft and Pumpkin Picking FREE

Halloween Costume Contest

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 29, 10-10:45am WHERE: South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Come in your costume, read a story, make a special Halloween craft, and then pick a pumpkin! Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-549-4411. shpl.info.

WHEN: Oct. 26-31, Saturday-Sunday and Thursday, see website for times WHERE: Wood Kingdom West, 120 Milbar Blvd., Farmingdale AGES: 1-4 WHAT: Kids will enjoy lunch and juice, a goodie bag, prizes for best costumes, and 90 minutes of open play. Register online WANT TO GO? $20. 631-845-3805. swingsetnow.com.

Baby’s First Halloween Bash FREE

Spooky Spirits Rogers Mansion

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 29, 11:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the East End, 376 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton AGES: Newborn-18 months WHAT: Join CMEE for crafts, music, photo opportunities, free play, and light refreshments.

WANT TO GO? 631-537-8250. cmee.org.

Halloween Week Celebration

WHEN: Oct. 23-30, see website for schedule WHERE: Long Island Explorium, Port Jefferson Harbor, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Bring an old T-shirt that nobody will use again and re-purpose it into a trick-or-treat bag.

WANT TO GO? $5; free for members and children younger than 1.

631-331-3277. longislandexplorium.org.

WHEN: Oct. 2-Nov. 2, Wednesday-Saturday, 11am-4pm WHERE: Southampton Historical Museum, 17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton AGES: All WHAT: Explore the exhibits and learn about Southampton’s past, but be on the lookout for ghouls and ghosts of previous occupants.

WANT TO GO? $5; free for members and children 17 and younger.

631-283-2494. southamptonhistory.org.

Trick or Treat at The Heckscher Museum

WHEN: Oct. 30-Nov. 3, Wednesday-Friday, 11am-5 pm WHERE: The Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Children in costume enjoy a festive hands-on art activity, pose with spooktacular props at the Selfie Station, and more.

WANT TO GO? Free for children in costume and their families! 631351-3250. heckscher.org. ››

LongIslandParent 33

shopping, face painting, a bounce castle maze, food trucks and local restaurants, and more.

WANT TO GO? 631-586-2921. festivalsonthebay.com.

Sidewalk Sale

WHEN: Oct. 12-14, Saturday-Monday, 9am-6pm WHERE: Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Main Street, Sag Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Stroll up and down Main Street and discover all that Sag Harbor has to offer.

WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. sagharborchamber.com.

Columbus Day at Adventureland

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS First Fridays on Love Lane: October

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 4, 6-9pm WHERE: The Greater Mattituck Chamber of Commerce, Love Lane, Mattituck AGES: All WHAT: Family and friends enjoy artisanal food, craft beverages, live music, and unique products.

WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. facebook.com/ firstfridaysonlovelane.

Fall Festival and ‘Mourning at the Manor’

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 6, 10am-4pm WHERE: Sagtikos Manor, Montauk Highway between Manor Lane and Gardiner Drive, West Bay Shore AGES: All WHAT: Join the funeral procession and meet the cemetery spirits. Take a self-guided tour of the manor, meet The 3rd NY reenactors, and visit Colonial Demonstrators, a sheep shearing, and more. Family fun for the kids include children’s games and activities and live music.

WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 6-14. 631-854-0939. sagtikosmanor.org.

Riverhead Country Fair

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 13, 10am-5pm WHERE: Main Street, Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Take time to enjoy the local merchants, food, amusement rides, business expositions and displays, and more.

WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. riverheadcountryfair.com.

38th Annual Fall Festival

WHEN: Oct. 12-13, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Montauk Chamber of Commerce, 742 Montauk Highway, Montauk AGES: All WHAT: Families can enjoy live music, Octoberfest foods, the farmers’ market, and more!

WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 631-668-2428. montaukchamber.com.

Fall on the Bay 2019 FREE

WHEN: Oct. 12-13, Saturday, 11am-9pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Tanner Park, end of Baylawn Avenue, Copiague AGES: All WHAT: Attractions include live music and entertainment, boutique style 34

October 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 14, 11am-5pm WHERE: Adventureland, 2245 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale AGES: All WHAT: Take advantage of the day off by enjoying the thrills of Adventureland with your family and friends.

WANT TO GO? Admission is free; POP Bands are $33.99 per person.

631-694-6868. adventureland.us.

Arts & Crafts Guild Annual Show

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 19, 9am-4pm WHERE: The Village Green, 27320 Route 25, Cutchogue AGES: All WHAT: The show benefits Old Town Arts & Crafts Guild. Rain date Sunday, Oct. 20.

WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 631-734-6382. cutchoguenewsuffolkhistory.org.

Oktoberfest

WHEN: Oct. 19-20, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Garden of Eve Organic Farm, 4558 Sound Avenue, Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Spend a fun day outside with live music, vendors, hayrides, locally brewed beer, an Oktoberfest menu, the giant hay pyramid, farm animals, a bounce house, and more.

WANT TO GO? $7.95. 631-722-8777. gardenofevefarm.com.

Halloween Festival

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 26, 11am-12:30pm and 1:30-3pm WHERE: Heritage Trust, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mount Sinai AGES: All WHAT: Have some Halloween fun with pumpkin picking and decorating, unlimited game playing, fun raffles, prizes, and more.

WANT TO GO? $10 per child. 631-509-0882. msheritagetrust.org.

Ragamuffin Parade FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 27, 1pm WHERE: Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Main Street, Sag Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Parade down Main Street to the Custom House Lawn for fun family games and homemade baked goods at the LVIS Bake Sale.

WANT TO GO? sagharborchamber.com.

Wailing Booseum & Festival

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 27, 11am-3pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 3-12 WHAT: See live critters in Dr. Gellerman’s Spooky Zoo, meet costumed characters, and go home with tons of spooky crafts!

WANT TO GO? $15 kids; $6 adults; members half price. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

LITTLE FOODIES

Get weekend activities delivered to you!

nymetroparents.com/register ››

Kids in the Kitchen: Spider Chocolate Pudding Pie

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 11, 11:30am-12pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Little chefs use real cooking tools to make easy, yummy, kid-friendly snacks from start to finish.

WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission, plus $5; plus $4 for members.

516-224-5800. licm.org.

Baking Coach: Spider Cake Pops FREE

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 14, 2-3pm WHERE: South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Dip cake pops into chocolate then decorate them with candy to create the spiders. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-549-4411. shpl.info.

Cereal Killers FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 5-5:45pm WHERE: Sayville Library, 88 Greene Ave., Sayville AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Try lots of cereals while wearing a blindfold, guess what they are, and find out which you like best! Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-589-4440. sayvillelibrary.org.

Spaghetti Pancakes

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 25, 4pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Celebrate World Pasta Day with a fun twist on a traditional meal.

Registration required.

WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631-2883335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Family Halloween Cupcake Workshop FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 26, 12-1:30pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Each family will be able to decorate and take home eight cupcakes in a bakery box. Registration is limited.

WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

Monster Brownies FREE

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 18, 6-7:15pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: 7-11 WHAT: Join The Baking Coach to make monster brownies with candy, chocolate, and marshmallows. Registration is limited.

WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

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Pumpkin Chip Cookies

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 5:30pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Create yummy cookie batter and take it home to bake. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631-2883335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Cooks Who Like Books: Ghost Pizza FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 5-5:45pm WHERE: Sayville Library, 88 Greene Ave., Sayville AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Miss Marianne needs to learn some easy recipes to cook. Come and learn with her! Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-589-4440. sayvillelibrary.org.

Kids in the Kitchen: Monster Eyes Meatball Sub

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 25, 11:30am-12pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Little chefs use real cooking tools as they make easy, yummy, kid-friendly snacks from start to finish.

WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission, plus $4; plus $3 for members.

516-224-5800. licm.org.

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raising kids baby

Baby’s Wish List ›› Don’t be overwhelmed by all the doodads and cute outfits—here’s how to streamline the process of creating a baby registry By Madeleine Burry

B

abies may arrive in their birthday suits, but these tiny humans need a whole lot of gear, products, and clothing on hand from day one. The task of creating a baby registry for all that stuff can be overwhelming. “And it doesn’t help that the market is oversaturated and ever-changing,” says Molly Pross, a baby gear expert and founder of Bump Bestie, a baby-planning service.

Parents should register for 85-120 items, according to Pross.

But which items are must-haves, and which can you safely skip?

We asked experts—along with parents, the ultimate pros—to identify their picks for registries, along with advice for crafting a just-right list for your growing family.

Do you need a registry?

If you’re planning to have a baby shower—or anticipate that friends and family will gift your little one with presents—it’s a good idea to have a registry or wish list in place. That way, you can avoid receiving multiple sets of bassinet sheets when you don’t have a bassinet (or getting sheets that don’t fit your particular bassinet). You don’t want to worry about complicated exchanges and returns after baby’s arrival. Creating a registry also helps you get clear on what you’ll want and need to have on hand.

Where should you register?

Thanks to the Internet, registering is easier than ever. You can choose from any number of brick-and-mortar stores or online establishments, such as Target or Amazon. You can also create a registry that pulls in options from several retailers with sites such as babylist.com and myregistry.com. In general: Be mindful of the store’s return policy (just in case you change your mind), as well as

perks the store may offer to parents who register with them.

In addition to registering online, Pross recommends registering at a local boutique. That way, people can touch and feel items, and you’re supporting a local business.

How do you make your wish list?

Try thinking in categories, Pross suggests. “Organizing into buckets gives you a much better picture and helps you prioritize. For example, nursery furniture can have a ten- to fourteen-week lead time [for delivery], so it’s best to get the big items ordered first,” she says.

And while it may be tempting to add tons of items to your list— every single adorable outfit and every might-be-helpful product— Pross suggests a better strategy is to keep your list focused. “If you have everything on there, guests may end up buying things that you don’t need immediately,” Pross notes. It can be helpful to create a private section of your wish list—that only you and your partner can see—to save items you’re considering and to track the items you’ve purchased yourself, Pross suggests.

Safety is an important consideration as you add items to your registry, says Joe Shamie, president of Delta Children.

“Parents should check that the products they are interested in are Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association-certified,” he advises. Products with that certification meet the standards of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, as well as ASTM International, which develops standards used around the world.

And don’t shy away from practical essentials, says Liz Jeneault, vice president of marketing for Faveable, and a Philadelphia-based mom of a toddler. Diapers, she says, are especially critical (since you’ll go through so many) as well as baby laundry detergent.

Madeleine Burry is a freelance writer and editor who has held staff positions at Parents.com, Scholastic, and About.com. Burry lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with her husband and their cat.

You can follow her on Twitter @lovelanewest.

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October 2019 | nymetroparents.com

q q

AN IDEAL REGISTRY ››

The list of specific purchases varies from one parent to another. If you are planning to take advantage of a lot of hand-me-downs, for instance, your needs may be slimmer. A mom who plans to breast-feed will have different needs than a parent who’s opting to bottle- feed.

That said, these are the most important items to consider.

Nursery and Sleep A safe place for your baby to sleep is the No. 1 registry must-have, says Joe Shamie, president of Delta Children. “Portable cribs and play yards are the next best place for a baby to sleep if a crib isn’t available, making them great for short vacations or trips to Grandma’s,” he says. q Crib, along with a mattress and sheets q Changing table—or a changing table topper that you can fit on top of a dresser q Baby monitor q Rocker or gliding chair

q B aby bottles, a breast pump, and bottle cleaning supplies, including a drying rack: Check whether your health insurance plan covers the cost of a breast pump before adding it to your registry. q Formula q N ursing bras and supportive pillows: Liz Jeneault, vice president of marketing for Faveable and a Philadelphiabased mom of a toddler, recommends the My Brest Friend pillow. “It definitely helped me when I was super tired and struggling to stay awake! I feel it also helped my baby latch on better,” she says.

q S torage: closets, drawers, and other organizational systems.

“Baby clothes are small, so it’s easier to have drawer separators or boxes to keep things organized,” says Molly Pross, a baby gear expert and founder of Bump Bestie.

Bath Time What will you need for bathing your infant?

q B aby swing and bouncy chair: These will allow you to put baby down in a comfortable—and safe—space, says Eva Klein, certified infant and child sleep consultant, mom of three, and owner and founder of My Sleeping Baby. “Otherwise, [parents] could find themselves holding the baby all day, which is exhausting!” she adds.

q Bath toys

q S waddle blankets: Klein notes that infants sleep best when they’re properly swaddled.

q A baby-sized towel and washcloths

q A soft cover for the bathtub faucet q An infant tub q S hampoo, soap, and lotion: Look for products specifically made for baby.

q W hite noise machine: Opt for one that won’t automatically shut off, Klein advises.

Transportation Even city parents who only rarely drive should get a car seat, says Sarah Haverstick, safety advocate at Evenflo. “You never know when you may need to utilize a taxi or ride-share vehicle,” she notes.

q S oothing and play items: Think: pacifiers and blankets, Pross says. And, you’ll want to have some toys and books for baby’s first six months, too.

q C ar seat: “Infant car seats are often compatible with strollers—which can make walking around town or getting in and out of ride-share vehicles even easier,” Haverstick says.

Clothing and Diapering What will baby wear? You may be surprised by how many times in a day you’ll change baby’s outfits—and diapers.

q Stroller

q A n outfit for coming home from the hospital—remember, you’ll be buckling your baby into a car seat, so choose something slim fitting with legs.

Safe to Skip q O utfits: Yes, you do need clothes for baby, but it might be a good idea to keep the number included on your registry low.

“They grow out of them quickly, and I had so many left over,” Jeneault says.

q C lothing—including footed pajamas, bodysuits, side-snap tops, socks, and booties q Burp cloths q Sleep sacks q H ats, sweaters, swimsuits, snowsuits: These, of course, will vary depending on the season q Diapers, diaper cream, and wipes Feeding Your needs here will vary depending on if you’ll be breast-feeding or bottle-feeding.

q Wearable baby carrier

q C ar seat covers and accessories: These can present a health risk, Haverstick says, who recommends avoiding extra inserts, cushions, or fluffy harness covers. “You should only use items that are approved by your car seat manufacturer,” she says. Using ones that are not approved may compromise the performance of the car seat in a crash, she adds. q P illows and soft crib items: These are also best avoided for safety reasons, Shamie says, who advises parents to skip baby pillows, crib bumpers, plush toys, and other decorative items destined to live in the crib. “To keep your child safe, we recommend keeping a completely bare crib,” he says.

LongIslandParent 37

family life home

Moving Right Along ››

10 ways to make a move easier on the whole family By Lambeth Hochwald

M

oving is considered one of the most stressful life events, and anyone who has done it knows why. The packing, organizing, re-organizing, and (literal) heavy lifting are always harder than anyone anticipated. Then there are the emotional detachments and re-attachments.

“A move is a huge transition even if you’re going down the street,” says Nicole Black, who runs Coffee and Carpool, a parenting advice site. She should know—she has moved her three school-aged kids to three different states in three years because of her husband’s career.

“While a move away from friends, family, and the only home a child has known can be traumatic and overwhelming, when you take the time to focus on helping your kids through this process, it becomes a smoother, more positive experience for everyone.”

It’s never easy, but experts have found 10 time-tested ways to cope with a big move and ease the journey to a new home.

Focus on the Future

“Moving means two things: You want to be open with your kids about what they’re leaving behind, but you also want to get them focused on new adventures to come,” says Liz Tenety, co-founder of Motherly, a site for millennial moms, and a mom of three who has moved 10 times as a parent due to graduate schools, changing careers, and a growing family. “My husband and I know that our moves were hard on our kids, but by focusing on new people and experiences, they were able to stay resilient.”

Savor the Memories

“One way for your kids to adjust to this big move is to create a picture book about the house you are currently living in, especially if it is the home your kids were brought home to as infants,” Stitt says. “Have them go around and photograph or video a tour of the house, the neighborhood, and even their school. If they are moving more than an hour or two away, having pictures of their old life will give them something to share with their new life, and a younger child might even be able to bring the book to school for show-and-tell.”

Make Decluttering Fun

“When it came time to move, I created a ‘toy store’ so my kids could be part of decluttering their toys and books,” says Ali Wenzke, author of The Art of Happy Moving: How to Declutter, Pack, and Start Over While Maintaining Your Sanity and Finding Happiness. “We bring every single toy into one space and we display it like a toy store. Then the kids can ‘buy’ all of the toys they want to keep, and we donate whatever remains.

Since we create toy store sections such as dolls, cars, puzzles, and board games, everything is already organized in sub-categories.

Decluttering by sub-category makes the items easy to pack and unpack when you get to your new place.”

Don’t Forget to Supervise

“Especially if your kids are very little, you want to make the timing of a move very specific,” says Elisabeth Stitt, a parenting coach at Joyful Parenting Coaching. “This means you should put dates on the family calendar (even if they might change). Refer often to how much more time you have. For toddlers and preschoolers, make it as concrete as possible by tying the date to their regular routine, as in, ‘two more library visits before we go to the new library.’”

“It’s easy to get overwhelmed the days before and during a move,” says Sarah Drennan, a realtor at Terrie O’Connor Realtors in Allendale, NJ. “All the more reason to keep an eye on your kids to avoid what happened to me. I left my toddlers in a room with crayons and packing paper while I was cleaning, only to return to the room to find their art covering every wall. They drew on every wall the night before we were to close and hand our home over to the new buyers. Thank goodness for Mr. Clean Magic Eraser!”

Reassure Your Children

Hire a Sitter on Moving Day

Be Specific About Timing

“Your goal is to make sure your kids are involved in the process from beginning to end,” says Lisa Jacobs, a professional organizer in New York City. “Have a conversation with them about how exciting it is to move into a new home with a brand-new room, while assuring them that all of their favorite toys will go wherever they go.”

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October 2019 | nymetroparents.com

“Kids can easily get freaked out by the frantic scene that occurs when the movers arrive,” says T.J. Peterson, digital media coordinator at Oz Moving & Storage. “When parents hire a sitter, the kids will stay calm during the chaotic moving day scene, and your movers will be able to handle tasks unfettered.”

Focus on a Cool, New Bedroom

Mitzvah Market magazine

“If your child is especially stressed about an upcoming move, recast it and focus on how cool his or her new room will be,” suggests Kristen Wilkenson, founder of Mom Managing Chaos, a site that focuses on helping families stay organized. The mom of three children has moved 11 times in the last 15 years to facilitate job changes. “Is there a paint color he or she has in mind for the room, and how does he or she want it to be decorated? Make it fun by looking through décor magazines and Pinterest to get ideas. Start making the idea of the new place an exciting one.”

Get the Kids Settled First

“The first day you get to your new home will be very stressful, but it’s most important that you arrange your child’s space first,” Wenzke says. “Set up the bedding and create a quiet spot where he or she can be alone, if needed. This way, your child will have a private oasis to escape to during the moving chaos. Plus, you may even get a few minutes to unpack some of your own boxes.”

Your Source for Ideas & Inspiration

Scout the Neighborhood for Other Kids

“Having moved my own children several times, I found that it was very important for my kids to meet other kids their age,” Drennan says. “Ask friends of friends if they know of any families with kids the same age or check out local mom groups. I noticed that once my kids had a friend or two nearby, they were better able to settle in.”

Lambeth Hochwald is a New York City-based journalist covering trends, relationships, and life in NYC.

OPEN HOUSES 2019 Catholic Elementary Schools of Long Island

Diocese of Rockville Centre Multiple Locations 516-280-2479 licatholicelementaryschools.org Early Childhood Education Open Houses run Sunday, Oct. 20-Saturday, Oct. 26 at a Catholic Elementary School in your neighborhood. The Catholic Elementary Schools open their early childhood centers to meet prospective new families.

Friends Academy

270 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley 516-676-0393 fa.org Come visit us today. Join this extraordinary school tomorrow. Open houses offered Nov. 7 and 12. RSVP at admissions@fa.org or call for more information.

Holy Angels Regional School

1 Division St., Patchogue 631-475-2641 holyangelsregional.org mconnell@holyangelsregional.org Come visit our school and give your children the advantage that lasts a lifetime.

Call anytime for a tour.

Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School

131 Brookville Road, Brookville 516-626-1700 x546 luhi.org; admissions@luhi.org LuHi invites prospective families to campus to learn about the admissions process, hear from students and administration, and tour LuHi’s facilities on Sept.

30 and Nov. 5.

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Davler Media Group Fax: 212.271.2239 • Call: 914.290.4716 Email: Distribution@davlermedia.com 213 W 35th St. Suite 12W, New York, NY 10001 LongIslandParent 39

family life finance

Can You Afford to Stay Home? ››

Financial advisors outline what to consider when deciding whether to go back to work or become a stay-at-home parent. By Jacqueline Neber

M

any new parents wonder if one of them can stay at home with the kids without straining their finances and current lifestyle. There are several factors at play in that decision, including salary, retirement outlook, and plans for education. It’s a stressful analysis, but financial advisors can offer families crucial feedback about the potential consequences of a parent leaving work, and if stay-at-home parenting makes sense for them.

Sheraz Iftikhar, a managing partner at Arch Global Advisors in New York City, uses several different metrics to figure out how much time at home families can afford. If one parent stays home, he says, the family should ideally be able to afford the same lifestyle as before. Sometimes staying home with your child is more important than the potential revenue from going back to work, but before making that decision, you must consider all of the variables.

Planning for Retirement

If one parent leaves work, the couple should still be able to contribute the same amount to their retirement fund. Iftikhar says 5-10 percent of disposable income made by a couple between the ages of 30-40 should go into retirement savings; that number should increase by 5 percent for a couple between 40-50.

“Now why is that important?” Iftikhar asks. “If you are in your thirties and you’re not able to put away five to ten percent, because now one spouse decides to stay at home, that becomes a difficult decision. Our advice then would be, yeah, you may be able to survive today, but what happens five years down the road and ten years down the road?”

College Tuition

Saving for college is another big issue to consider. Inflation in education is just north of 6 percent for private institution tuition— which means a private college’s current tuition will double in 1213 years. Parents must be aware that if one stops working, they might not be able to save comfortably for their kids’ college.

However, parents can take some of the anxiety out of the college situation by talking about what kind of college they are targeting, Iftikhar says. Private tuition can be incredibly expensive and public schools can be much more affordable. In fact, the price disparity is so large, Iftikhar suggests parents make the discussion a priority.

Brian Cohen, a principle investment advisor at Landmark Wealth Management in Melville, agrees it’s vital that parents are on the same page about education. Beyond public versus private schools, 40

October 2019 | nymetroparents.com

both should agree on whether they want to pay for their children’s entire education or make the kids contribute.

“What I wanted [my kids] to do is at least have skin in the game.

I said, ‘I’ll pay for a SUNY—anything above a SUNY cost is on you if you really want that,’” Cohen says. On the other hand, if parents want to pay the entire tuition cost at whatever their child’s dream school may be, they may not be able to afford to have one parent stay at home. “There are tradeoffs on both sides,” Cohen says.

Re-Entering the Workforce

Chris Congema, a certified financial planner at Landmark, raises another potential consequence of one parent leaving the workforce—it’s difficult to get back into it.

“If someone’s going to be leaving the workplace for ten years or five years as they’re raising their children…as technology and time pass them by, do they lose some of the skills that made them employable?” Congema asks. “Do they have to change careers?

Will their education still make sense now? Getting back into the workforce can be a challenge after you’ve been out for so long.”

Making Difficult Decisions

Despite these challenges, Cohen and Congema have noticed a shift in how parents are able to continue working and be with the kids by keeping flexible schedules or working from home.

They have also seen an increase in stay-at-home dads with moms remaining in the workforce. And they’ve noticed that as couples marry and have kids later in life, they are more aware of the preciousness of watching their kids grow up—and of being around for early milestones.

When making the difficult stay-at-home decision, having a financial planner can be vital. At Landmark, Cohen and Congema help couples figure out how much disposable income they have each month, whether they can go without one person’s income, and whether there is any “fat” in their spending that can be cut to mitigate losing one person’s salary.

But even when all the numbers are in, some parents will still decide to buck the financial repercussions in order to spend more time with the kids. This is a decision that ultimately only parents can make.

As Congema says, “[Spending time with the kids] during this important time when they’re forming a personality and who they will be in the future…that’s something that can’t be overlooked or understated.”

raising kids teen

The Disaster Zone

››

If your teen can’t seem to keep her room clean, no matter how much you nag her, we’ve got expert tips to help! By Lambeth Hochwald

I

f the last time you walked into your teen’s bedroom you walked right out, shocked by the sheer disarray, you’re not alone. Whether due to hormones or disinterest in cleaning, your teen’s bedroom can easily become tornados of dirt and mess. But is it her fault?

“Teenagers’ brains are full,” says Jennifer Snyder, a certified professional organizer and owner of Neat as a Pin Organizing and Cleaning, who works with teens and their parents on ways to keep their rooms tidy. “They have school, driving, tests, sports, work, and other activities. Keeping their rooms clean is usually at the bottom of their priority list.”

Another factor is parents are often the ones who design the layouts of their kid’s rooms—often without the child’s input—which is usually not consistent with how the teen wants to live.

So, without letting your teen too far off the hook, how can you help him maintain some order?

Set Her Up for Success

Leslie Josel, an academic/life coach for teens and a parenting coach in Westchester, says parents have a responsibility to help their teens keep clean. “When parents ask me how to get their kids to organize their room and keep it that way, I lob a question right back at them,” she says. “I ask if their child’s bedroom is set up in a manner that makes it easy for them to create and maintain an organizing system. If they can’t answer that, I send them on a tour of the room.” Then she asks parents to answer the following questions to help them configure a neater space: • Can your teen open his closet door easily or is it partially blocked?

• C an she reach the rod and shelves?

• A re the dresser drawers hard to open?

• I s his dresser crammed full?

• Is there enough room for your teen to store all of her clothes?

• Does he have enough hangers, hooks, storage bins, and boxes?

• D oes she have adequate shelf space for books, memorabilia, electronics, etc.?

• I s there a bulletin board or cork squares on the wall?

• I s there a trash can and hamper? Are they in good condition and easy to use?

• I s there a nightstand for a phone charger, tissues, lamp, water bottle?

• A re there items that belong to other family members stored in your teen’s room?

• D oes your teen know where everything in her room goes?

Tackle the Mess

The first rule of thumb when organizing is everything needs a home. “It’s really that simple,” Josel says. “No matter what your organizing style, if you don’t know where something lives in your room, you’re more apt to let it sit wherever it lands.

That partially explains the landmine that is their floor!” Josel

offers 10 steps to get the cleanup underway.

Before organizing begins, purge. Is the room loaded with empty water bottles, food wrappers, cords to electronics he doesn’t own anymore? Grab a garbage bag and out everything goes.

Start designating specific “homes” for all her belongings.

And make sure these spaces are clearly labeled. When your teen is tired after a long day, visual reminders make cleaning up that much easier.

If your teen needs to see his stuff, remove the closet door.

If you hate looking at his crowded closet, hang curtains above the opening so he can close it off when friends come over.

Replace her dresser with bins lined against a wall to store shirts, jeans, socks, and underwear. This gives her an easy and simple way to get and stay organized.

Hang hooks if he can’t seem to grasp the concept of putting clothes on hangers.

Put all essentials in your teen’s “prime real estate,” which means these items should be stored between his shoulders and knees for easy access. If you have to reach high or move several items out of the way in the closet to put something away, then the likelihood of your teen doing it is super slim.

Leverage the walls. If there’s ample wall space in your teen’s room, hang a bulletin board, cork squares, or even a peg board. They all come in fun colors, are easy to hang, and provide space for notes, invites, and anything else that is hard to organize.

Maximize space with a clear shoe bag. Hang one in her closet or behind the bedroom door and stash small items, like device chargers, jewelry, socks and underwear, belts, and toiletries, for an instant catch-all.

Clear is king: If your teen can’t see it, it doesn’t exist. Don’t stop at clear shoe bags! Consider purchasing transparent bins to help your teen remember what he owns and strategize where it goes.

Pair like with like. This means storing printer paper, ink, toner, and even batteries together. The fewer places your teen needs to look for things, the more likely she will be able to find what she’s looking for quickly and efficiently.

Lambeth Hochwald is a New York City-based journalist covering trends, relationships, and life in NYC. LongIslandParent 41

Professional services

Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS

HORIZON ORTHODONTICS

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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: 516-216-1791 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,

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voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders.

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LINDA SPRINGER, INVESTMENT ADVISER REPRESENTATIVE WITH PRIMERICA ADVISORS

1600 Expressway Drive S., Hauppauge Cell: 631-235-1749 Office: 631-361-6271 primerica.com/lindaspringer linda.springer@primerica.com Linda Springer, an investment adviser representative with Primerica Advisors has proudly served the community in financial literacy education and team training and development for more than 20 years. Contact us at 631-235-1749 (cell) or 631-361-6271(office).

LEGAL SERVICES

ANDREW COHEN, ESQ., LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW M. COHEN

250 West 57th St., Suite 1216, Manhattan 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen provides personalized, high quality special needs estate planning and special education legal services at

October 2019 | nymetroparents.com

a reasonable cost. It also conducts free workshops on several topics for agencies, schools, and parent groups.

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.

VISHNICK MCGOVERN MILIZIO LLP

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LICE

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

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

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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.

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ST. PATRICK YOUTH COMMUNITYST. PATRICK TUTORING CENTER

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.

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.

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SPECIALTY APPAREL

GCH DESIGNS GENEVIEVE C. HASEMANN, SEAMSTRESS

516-983-0427 genevievescustomheirlooms@gmail.com

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.

Meet the

Health Care Professional

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

The Tooth Pillow Dentistry 775 Park Ave, Suite 340, Huntington 516-317-2476 toothpillowny.com The Tooth Pillow Dentistry is a group of board-certified pediatric dentists and dentist anesthesiologists who work together to safely provide dental treatment while your child “sleeps.” We provide this service for children who cannot be treated in the typical dental chair setting due to age, behavior, or other factors that hinder treatment. Your child will leave our office with all of their dental work completed, free from pain and bad memories. We will treat your child as if they were our own. Trust your child with the experts in pediatric dental sedation.

Pediatric Immediate Care 150 E. Sunrise Highway, Suite 105, North Lindenhurst 631-956-PEDS (7337) 1077 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown 631-864-PEDS (7337) 698 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn 718-389-PEDS (7337) pediatricimmediatecare.com Pediatric Immediate Care is a team of hearts where kids come first. State-of-theart medical office equipment allows us to deliver your test results during your visit.

Kid-friendly; walk-ins welcome; most insurance plans accepted. Complete pediatric and adolescent care, as well as baby, camp, school, and sports physicals. Certified urgent care recommended by Urgent Care Association of America. Thirty years of dedication to our patients. The offices are open seven days a week including holidays, 8am-11pm.

Building Blocks Developmental Preschool 29 Pinewood Drive, Commack 631-499-1237 bbdps.com Donna M. Charbonneau is the executive director of Building Blocks Developmental Preschool. BBDPS offers a range of programs and services to children from infancy through age 5. Currently staffed with more than 100 teachers, therapists, and paraprofessionals, including registered nurses as well as psychologists, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, a physical therapist, and a developmental pediatrician.

Early Intervention services are provided for children under the age of 3, who have developmental delays. Building Blocks Developmental Preschool continues to ensure delivery of the highest quality educational services to all students.

LongIslandParent 43

LIParentsDay THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Baby Cafe, Cohen Children’s Medical Center Multiple locations across Long Island childrenshospital.northwell.edu

Clowns.com

200 Meacham Ave., Elmont 516-577-0000 clowns.com

Cohen Children’s Medical Center: Community Outreach

145 Community Drive, Great Neck 631-449-3277 childrenshospital.northwell.edu

Gold Medal Gymnastics Center

Locations across Long Island gmgc.com

Hofstra Youth Programs

Northwell Health Ice Center / New York Islanders 200 Merrick Ave., East Meadow 516-441-0070 nhl.com/islanders

101 Oak St., Uniondale 516-463-CAMP (2267) hofstra.edu/academics/ce/ce_youth_programs_long_ island.html

South Oaks Community Hospital

Long Island Nets

YMCA of Long Island

1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale 844-LINETS-1 (546-3871) longislandnets.com

400 Sunrise Highway, Amityville 631-608-5111 south-oaks.org 121 Dosoris Lane, Glen Cove 516-674-8091 ymcali.org

THANK YOU TO OUR MEDIA PARTNERS! Anton Media Group

132 E. Second St., Mineola 516-747-8282 antonnews.com

Blank Slate Media

105 Hillside Ave., Suite I, Williston Park 516-307-1045 theislandnow.com

Your Local Kids Source

P.O. Box 613, Kings Park 631-406-7832 yourlocalkids.com

Pennysaver’s Got It Local pennysaverplus.com

THANK YOU TO OUR EXHIBITORS! Absolute Best Care

40 Underhill Road, Suite 2E, Syosset 516-802-3780 absolutebestcare.com

Advanced Academic Programs of Roslyn 20 Roosevelt Ave., Roslyn 516-484-1789 roslynacademics.com

AXA Advisors: Brendan J. Carey

1000 Woodbury Road, Woodbury 516-358-3819 longisland.axa-advisors.com

Camp Jacobson

340 Wheatley Road, Old Westbury 516-626-1094 x305 sjjcc.org

The Coder School

45 Ira Road, Syosset 516-584-4244 thecoderschool.com

Combined Insurance

500 Bi-County Road, Suite 135A, Farmingdale 631-893-9234 combinedinsurance.com

Diocese of RVC

128 Cherry Lane, Hicksville 516-678-5800 licatholicelementaryschools.org

Drama Kids

Locations across Nassau County 516-360-5026 dramakids.com/floral-park-garden-city-roslyn-ny

Dynamic Beat Productions

Long Island, New York, and the tri-state area

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631-399-6942 dynamicbeat.com

East Woods School

31 Yellow Cote Road, Oyster Bay 516-922-4400 eastwoods.org

Eglevsky Ballet

700 Hicksville Road, Suite 102, Bethpage 516-746-1115 eglevskyballet.org

Enlightened Parenting

Great Neck 516-317-4397 enlightenedparenting.co

Erik’s Reptile Edventure

Grady Edu

1399 Jerusalem Ave., N. Merrick 516-401-4100 gradyedu.com

Holy Child Academy

25 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury 516-626-9300 holychildacademy.org

Home Safe Home

Hulafrog Long Island 917-297-2476 hulafrog.com

Huntington Learning Center

1-800-CAN-LEARN (226-5327) huntingotnhelps.com

P.O. Box 612, Middle Island 631-335-9308 edventureshow.com

iSchool of Music and Art

EyeLevel Learning Center

Juice Plus & Company

Family First

Knox School

Girl Scouts of Nassau County

Kumon North America

Multiple Locations across Long Island 201-655-0241 myeyelevel.com 100 E. Old Country Road, Suite 14, Mineola 516-804-1010 familyfirstli.org 110 Ring Road, West Garden City 516-292-9453 gsnc.org

Goldfish Swim School

650 Stewart Ave., Garden City 516-267-5120 gardencity.goldfishswimschool.com

October 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Multiple locations across Long Island ischoolmusicart.com Serving all of Long Island 516-815-7375 staceywhitmer.juiceplus.com 541 Longbeach Road, St. James 631-686-1600 knoxschool.org 800-ABC-MATH (222-6284) kumon.com

The Lanyard Ladies

433 Merrick Road, Oceanside 516-578-2248 thelanyardladies.com

Lawrence Woodmere Academy

336 Woodmere Blvd., Woodmere 516-394-1815 lawrencewoodmere.org

Mathnasium

Leadership4Kids / Peter J. Liang Author

Multiple locations, including Roslyn, Port Washington, Glen Cove, Sayville, 877-601-MATH (6284) mathnasium.com

Let There Be Sleep

Melissa Sornik, LCSW PLLC/Talent Development Cooperative

516-858-5502 leadership4kids.com 516-570-7445 lettherebesleep.com

Lice Clinics of America

47 Jackson Ave., Syosset 516-217-8755 liceclinicsofamerica.com/landing/ syosset

Lil’ Athletes Sports Training

Multiple locations across Long Island 516-874-0345 lilathletes.com

Love of Learning Montessori School

268 Sea Cliff Ave., Sea Cliff 516-724-7100 melissasorniklcsw.com

Mindnasium

939 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square 516-216-1073 mindnasium.com

Mommybites

213 W. 35th St., Suite 12W, Manhattan mommybites.com

NEFCU

105 Prospect Road, Centerport 631-629-5599 lolmontessori.org

90 Northern Blvd., Greenvale 516-561-0030 x4601 mynefcu.org

Madison Theatre at Molloy College

New York Fencing Academy

1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre 516-323-4444 madisontheatreny.org

8 Haven Ave., Port Washington 516-472-7042 fencenyfa.com

Main Street Board Game Cafe

576 Broadhollow Road, Melville 631-745-3306 newyorklife.com

307 Main St., Huntington 631-729-0060 mainstboardgamecafe.com

Making Authentic Friendships

631-374-0518 makingauthenticfriendships.com

New York Life Insurance Company

Not Just Art

183 South St., Oyster Bay 516-922-8300 notjustart.com

Peace Talkers Inc

peacetalkers.com

PM Pediatrics

Locations throughout Long Island and New York 516-869-0650 pmpediatrics.com

Power Home Remodeling

1660 Walt Whitman Road, Melville 610-874-5000 powerhrg.com

ProHEALTH Dental

1 ProHEALTH Plaza / 1 Dakota Drive, Suite 115, Lake Success 855-PHD-CARE (743-2273) prohealthcaredental.com

Pump It Up: Great Neck

225 Community Drive, Suite 250, Great Neck pumpitupgreatneck.com

Quality of Life Coaching and Consulting

Social Play Haus

200 Express St., Suite 100, Plainview 516-200-6444 socialplayhaus.com

The Suffolk Center for Speech: Janine Stiene

213 Hallock Road, Stony Brook 631-689-6858 lispeechandmyo.com

That Broadway Smile

800 N. Broadway, Massapequa 516-753-5437 thatbroadwaysmile.com

Twice Exceptional Children’s Advocacy Inc. 32 Ninth Ave., Sea Cliff 347-889-6333 teca2e.org

United Skates of America

1276 Hicksville Road, Seaford 516-795-5474 unitedskates.com/seaford

23 Green St., Suite 204, Huntington 631-923-0450 Raiser & Kenniff, Attorneys at Law 300 Old Country Road, Suite 351, Mineola

Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park

The Safe Center LI

Wowmoms World Long Island

15 Grummen Road W., Suite 1000, Bethpage 516-542-0404 tscli.org

Soccer Shots

171 Eileen Way, Syosset 516-558-2266 soccershots.org

3147 Middle Country Road, Lake Grove 800-960-4778 urbanairlakegrove.com 328 E. Jericho Turnpike, Mineola 516-741-6667 wowmomsworld.com

Youth for Understanding

urbanairlakegrove.com

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

Bounce U - Farmingdale .................... 17 Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery ...... 19 Dynamic Beat Entertainment .............. 15 Erik’s Reptile Edventure ..................... 17 Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center ................................................... 9 Long Island Nets ................................. 15 Monster Mini Golf ............................... 19 Studio E Art Classes............................ 19 Thomas School of Horsemanship Riding Academy & Summer Camp ................ 19 Urban Air Adventure Park...................... 7

camps

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery ...... 19 LIU Center for Gifted Youth................. 20 Studio E Art Classes............................ 19 Thomas School of Horsemanship Riding Academy & Summer Camp ................ 19

child care / day care

Mommybites........................................ 21

classes

Hofstra University Continuing Education ... 2 LIU Center for Gifted Youth................. 20 Studio E Art Classes............................ 19 Village East Gifted ................................ 7

developmental

Building Blocks Developmental Preschool ..................................... 27, 43 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech............................................ 9, 43

education

Building Blocks Developmental Preschool ...................................... 27, 43 Diocese of RVC .................................. 48 Erik’s Reptile Edventure ..................... 17 Hofstra University Continuing Education .. 2 Holy Angels Regional School ............... 7 Law Offices of Brad H Rosken ............. 9 LIU Center for Gifted Youth................. 20 Long Island Lutheran ...........................11 Osmo .................................................... 3 St. Patrick Youth Community................11 Village East Gifted ................................ 7

family entertainment / events / outings

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery ...... 19 Gold Coast Arts Center ......................... 5 Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center ................................................... 9 Long Island Nets ................................. 15 Monster Mini Golf ............................... 19

Northwell Health Ice Center/ NY Islander ............................................... 17 Patchogue Theatre ............................... 9 Staller Center for the Arts/ Stony Brook ...................................................11 Urban Air Adventure Park...................... 7

health

Northwell Health ................................... 5 Pediatric Immediate Care...............11, 43 Tooth Pillow Dentistry (The) ................ 43

play spaces

Bounce U - Farmingdale .................... 17 Monster Mini Golf ............................... 19 Urban Air Adventure Park...................... 7

Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center ................................................... 9 Long Island Parents Day Vendors.44, 45 Patchogue Theatre ............................... 9 Staller Center for the Arts/ Stony Brook .11

special needs

Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech............................................ 9, 43 Law Offices of Brad H Rosken ............. 9 Pediatric Immediate Care...............11, 43 Tooth Pillow Dentistry (The) ................ 43

sports

religious

Diocese of RVC .................................. 48 Holy Angels Regional School ............... 7 St. Patrick Youth Community................11

Long Island Nets ................................. 15 Northwell Health Ice Center/ NY Islander ............................................... 17 St. Patrick Youth Community................11 Thomas School of Horsemanship Riding Academy & Summer Camp ................ 19

retail

theater

Northwell Health ................................... 5

special events

Dynamic Beat Entertainment .............. 15 Erik’s Reptile Edventure ..................... 17 Gold Coast Arts Center ......................... 5

Gold Coast Arts Center ......................... 5 Patchogue Theatre ............................... 9 Staller Center for the Arts/ Stony Brook .11

tutors

Osmo .................................................... 3

LongIslandParent 45

raising kids voices

The (Not-So) Sweet Season ›› One mom’s account of surviving the planning of the epic birthday blowout By Suzanne Bergen

M

y daughter, Kasey, just had her Sweet 16.

That thing sucked up more time and energy than my wedding did. The extravaganza, from what I can tell, is a phenomenon unique to our area and coastal California. Relatives and friends in Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Rhode Island, North Carolina, Ohio, and, for that matter, Canada, were all like, “What are you talking about…?”

Kasey has been invited to six Sweets (as the girls call them) in as many months, with plenty more in the pipeline. Not a one is what we might remember from our high school days, i.e., a backyard barbecue in summer or a sleepover. Among them was a Vegas Night blowout of 150 guests at country club. Another invitation, to an Under the Sea gala, came wrapped in an aquamarine tulle ribbon adorned with a real sand dollar that had been sealed to keep it from breaking in the mail.

Yes, this is all nuts for a seemingly random birthday. But as a mom, you want your kid to have and do what her friends have and do. It’s a hard emotion to resist, even if your brain knows the money could be better spent.

Here’s how Kasey’s fete compared to my 1994 wedding: Wedding: The caterer asked what color flowers I wanted on the tables, since they came with the standard wedding package. “Red, I guess, since the bridesmaids are wearing red.” The End. Sweet 16: To come up with the perfect centerpieces for Kasey’s Fashion theme, we evaluated 8,997 Pinterest images. We settled on square glass jars with Chanel labels and a drop of pink food coloring in the water (One drop! Not too dark!) so they look like perfume bottles, but with light pink, white, and blush wildfloweresque flowers in them. No roses. (Even the florist didn’t know the difference between blush and light pink.) I had to go to a craft store to buy the exact right glass jars…well, two craft stores, because the first one didn’t have enough. Then we downloaded and printed out Chanel perfume labels, changing No. 5 to No. 16 (get it?), bought food coloring, and picked up strands of fake pearls to drape over the flowers, because wasn’t Coco Chanel famous for her pearls? After presenting all of this to the florist, he informed me I had to Mod Podge the labels in case water splattered on them.

Wedding: I ordered the second dress I tried on. It came in. It fit fine…I didn’t really love the sleeves, but I didn’t want to complain because the lady was nice. The End. Sweet 16: I took Kasey to nine stores over the course of six Saturdays before she found The Dress. These outings were always accompanied by Kasey’s BFF, Molly, who would buzz around fishing out about a dozen dresses she thought Kasey would like.

Kasey wound up trying on eight to 10 of Molly’s dozen at each of the stores, so you do the math. At the end of each exhausting expedition, the three of us were hungry, and given Molly’s undying patience, I felt the least I could do was treat her to the diner. I spent I don’t know how much on diner meals capping off fruitless dress searches, listening to the girls discuss high-level matters (should the boyfriends of Kasey’s friends get their own invitations?).

We finally secured The Dress at a shop 50 minutes away, and Kasey needed not one, not two, but three fittings at this far-flung locale.

Wedding: The best man gave a short, nice speech. The End. Sweet 16: The candle ceremony, during which the birthday girl recites a short poem in honor of each important person in her life, has more moving parts than 16 candles (Sorry; 17. I kept forgetting the one for good luck). Kasey decided on floating candles, so there were canisters of varying heights. Don’t even ask about the water.

A specially decorated candle lighter was needed, as was her name spelled out in big sparkling letters in front of the candles.

Then there was the matter of drafting 17 poems that not only, obviously, rhymed, but suitably encapsulated Kasey’s history with and feelings for that person, yet wouldn’t take longer than 45 seconds to recite. One candle had two people attached to it (her Girl Scout co-leaders), so that poem alone took an entire evening to craft. Then the DJ reminded us that Kasey needed to pick a song snippet for him to play as each person was called up.

Seventeen song snippets that suitably encapsulated Kasey’s history with and feelings for that person (or Girl Scout co-leaders).

I asked one sympathetic veteran mom, “Please tell me it will be worth it?!” She said it would be when I saw how happy Kasey was.

She was right. My Kasey was beaming all night long. The restrained, quiet, hard-to-read teen was gone, replaced by a silly, laughing girl, clapping, spinning, and jumping up and down—and not just on the dance floor. The last candle lit that night was for me. Kasey said she saved the best for last and thanked me far more eloquently than I had ever heard her speak. The feeling I couldn’t shake in the weeks running up to the big day, that I had done all this, and she wouldn’t appreciate it, was unfounded. My song snippet was from “Wind Beneath My Wings:” It might have appeared to go unnoticed; But I’ve got it all here in my heart; I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it; I would be nothing without you.

Now I’m among the veterans. Molly’s Sweet is up next. Kasey’s been running around with her dress shopping (payback is…well, you know).

Her mom asked if she could use our floating candle canisters. When I dropped them off, she said, “This is a lot!” I said, “Yep…Let me know how I can help. But it will all be worth it.”

Suzanne Bergen is Long Island writer who marked her son’s 16th birthday with bagels and new sneakers.

46

October 2019 | nymetroparents.com

MELVILLE, NEW YORK

Sunday, November 3rd • 12-4PM Melville Marriott • 1350 Walt Whitman Road

At Long Island Catholic Elementary Schools, we prepare your children for First Holy Communion, for life, and for eternal life. Early Childhood Education gets their lifetime journey o to a safe and loving start.

Visit an Early Childhood Open House, October 20-27, to learn more about how a Catholic education can prepare your child for a full, fulďŹ lling life.

www.LICatholicElementarySchools.org