LongIsland SUFFOLK EDITION
Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM DECEMBER 2017
Family Vacation Guide • Washington, D.C., with kids • Cruises that leave from NYC • Why teens will love Niagara Falls
Holiday Fun! Tree and menorah lightings, Nutcracker performances, & Hanukkah recipes
The Big Apple Circus Is Back
A behind-the-scenes look at why it’s ‘better than ever’
HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS
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NYMetroParents
Helping Parents Make Better Decisions
Contents
December 2017 ››
14
Features
14 The Big Top is Back After filing for bankruptcy, the Big Apple Circus returns—under new ownership—to Lincoln Center.
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18 How to Choose the Perfect Family Cruise for Your Crew Find the right cruise for your family with these tips and a roundup of cruise lines departing from the New York area. 22 A Capital Adventure As it turns out, Washington, D.C., is a great place to take young kids. 24 I Took a 14-Year-Old YouTube Addict to Niagara Falls Seven surprises of taking a mother-daughter weekend trip to the falls 40 Celebrate the Festival of Lights Three international dishes to enjoy for Hanukkah
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48 How Can I Introduce Technology into My Child’s Life in a Safe and Appropriate Manner? Smart devices can be great tools—when they’re used wisely.
Connections
6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Quotables 11 NYMP Q&A: Blogger Emma Johnson discusses raising kids as a single mom. 50 Voices: Reflections of a [Not So] ‘Very Cool Dad’
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Fun & Activities
Family Activities CALENDAR ››
Original photo by PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com)
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12 DIY Corner: Crafty Gift Guide 13 Media Matters: Apps That Keep Families Close 26 Outing: Pleasantville, Westchester County 27 Family Activities Calendar 38 Where-To Guide: Cut Your Own Christmas Tree 39 Where-To Guide: Kid-Friendly Museums
Directories 42 44 45 46 47 49
#SnapShot2017 Professional Services Open Houses Party Central Meet the Health Care Professional Advertisers’ Index
››
ON THE COVER ›› 14 The Big Apple Circus is Back Holiday Fun: 27 Lightings and Nutcracker performances 40 Hanukkah recipes Family Vacation Guide: 18 Cruises that leave from NYC 22 Washington, D.C., with kids 24 Why teens will love Niagara Falls facebook.com/nymetroparents
@NYMetroParents
Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!
They’re not just our patients, they’re our inspiration.
We believe in heroes because we see them every day. That’s why we developed the GREAT KIDS Project. DNA from every patient builds our database and helps us predict why some children develop cancer. That knowledge guides treatment, minimizes risk and helps us understand how genetics contributes to cancer. That’s why our patients don’t just inspire us, they bring us one step closer to a cure. See why we’re inspired at Northwell.edu/GREATKIDS Cohen Children’s Medical Center is a nonprofit hospital supported by the people and the communities we serve. LongIslandParent
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DECEMBER 2017 • Vol.9 • No.7
NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com
EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Deborah Skolnik
EDITOR’S NOTE
MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling DEPUTY EDITOR: Caitlin Berens SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf
A Season of Cheer, and Changes
REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Whitney C. Harris (Manhattan); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Jamie McGillian (Westchester); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERN: Jordan Laird
H
appy holidays! As 2017 dwindles and 2018 dawns, it’s a time for changes everywhere, including here at NYMetroParents. I’m Deborah Skolnik, the brand’s new editorial director. Though you and I don’t know each other well—yet—we already have plenty in common, because I’m in the trenches right alongside you, raising children. I know what it’s like to hold a laughing baby up over my head and have her drool right into my open mouth (a mistake I made only once); to spend an afternoon scrubbing my living-room walls because my toddler decorated them with a red china marker; to lie awake at night with an aching heart after preschool graduation, and elementary and middle school graduation, as well. My daughters are 13 and 17 now, which means I’ve also figured out the best way to embarrass adolescents (by dancing/ pointing/breathing in public). I bet you’re familiar with some of these things, too. But I also know that every mom and dad’s journey is unique. That’s why I’m so excited to work for a brand with such a great motto: “Helping parents make better decisions.” We understand that your time, money, and energy are precious commodities, and we’re here to show you how to make the most of all three. Leaf through this issue, and you’ll see exactly what I mean. Planning a holiday trip over your long-awaited winter break? Cruising with kids is more popular than ever, but the children’s programs on ships can vary widely. To help you figure it all out, we’ve got the ultimate guide to family-friendly cruises that leave from the NYC area, by Emma Steven (p. 18). If you’re more of a landlubber, you’ll want to check out Judy Koutsky’s report on touring Washington, D.C., with her elementary-school-aged sons (p. 22), as well the surprising discoveries that Christina Vercelletto made while visiting Niagara Falls with her teenage daughter (p. 24). Of course, there’s plenty of fun to be had right around here. Katelin Walling treats us to a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the Big Apple Circus (p. 14), which is back at Lincoln Center and better than ever…we’re talking seven-people-making-a-pyramidon-a-high-wire better. (And you thought your life is a balancing act!) If you’ve ever thought about cutting your own Christmas tree, we’ll show you the best places to do it (p. 38). In addition, our roundup of kid-friendly museums (p. 39) will help you inject a little culture into this month’s stretch of delightfully school-free days. We at NYMetroParents are here to help you do your best, in the way that’s best for you. But no matter what, I hope everyone reading this letter has a holiday season that’s exactly the same—filled with joy, peace, laughter, and love. Deborah Skolnik Editorial Director
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Keep in Touch: 7 @nymetroparents nymetroparents.com December 2017 | nymetroparents.com 6editor@nymetroparents.com
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NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS
nymetroparents.com/np-sp
Who: Ohman School of Ballet What’s New: Ballet Barre Workout classes for adults, which were added in September. No previous ballet training is required for the Ballet Barre Workout, though classes train and develop the same muscles professional ballerinas do. Ballet Barre Workout classes are currently offered Tuesdays from 9:45-10:45am and Wednesdays from 7-8pm. The class costs $15. Babysitting is available during the Tuesday morning class for $5 per child. Ohman School of Ballet offers ballet classes for children ages 3 and older, as well as separate classes for adults. Workshops, summer classes, and intensives are also offered. Want More Info: 60 Calvert Ave., Commack; 631-462-6266; ohmanballet.org
Courtesy Ohman School of Ballet
Ballet School in Commack Adds Ballet Barre Workout Classes
Ballet Barre Workout classes at Ohman School of Ballet train and develop the same muscles professional ballerinas do.
Who: Law Offices of Brad H. Rosken, P.L.L.C. What’s New: A Melville location, which special education attorney Brad Rosken moved his practice to from Huntington in October. Primarily, Rosken helps parents of children with special needs understand and work with local school districts to provide the best education for their child. This includes preparing parents for meetings in which school districts discuss what they feel is appropriate to meet a child’s needs. Rosken also provides counsel for disciplinary matters; testing accommodations; support for issues pertaining to failures of the Americans with Disabilities Act; accommodations for students with disabilities in school, camp, or college; and more. Want More Info: 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville; 631-209-4077; specialedcounselor.com
Iris B. Rosken
Special Education Attorney Moves Practice to Melville
Attorney Brad Rosken specializes in education, school, and disability law for students with special needs.
Who: Chance To Dance What’s New: The dance studio’s first website, which launched in September and allows users to access class schedules, event calendars, and information about the studio’s philosophy and staff. Chance To Dance offers classes for children ages 2½ and older in ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, contemporary, lyrical, hip-hop, and musical theater. Class sizes are limited to ensure quality and provide individualized attention. The studio is also on Facebook and hosts a number of charity events to help the community and those in need. Chance To Dance hopes to launch an adult dance and fitness program this winter. Want More Info: 140 N. Belle Mead Road, Suite F, Setauket; 631-246-9650; chance2dance@aol.com; chancetodancestudios.com
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December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Courtesy Chance To Dance
Setauket Dance Studio Launches Website
Chance To Dance holds recitals with an emphasis on ageappropriate music, costumes, and choreography.
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Skate to your inner amazing. Group ice skating classes are a great way to get your child started in the sport. Northwell Health Ice Center’s program offers something for everyone—from first steps on the ice to mastering advanced skating skills.
Winter classes start January 4th
Enroll now! Visit NorthwellHealthIceCenter.com to learn more.
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UOTABLES Blogging has a way of curating our life and trying to make things always look perfect and that’s just not reality. Some days I’m isolated from the world and my only window to what’s going on is my computer and some days I’m running around the city and sweating my ass off trying to get the stroller up and down those damn subway steps. —Allison Cooper, in a post entitled “Thoughts On Quieting My Mind,” on her blog projectmotherhoodnyc.com
in an instagram This pretty much sums up the past year... “Hey Mom and Dad, you guys still can’t keep up with me? Ha!” #jdpodolsky #cashmeoutsidehowboutdat (Posted by Manhattan mom @callybabie, aka Caroline Wexler)
A SPECIAL HOLIDAY FOR SPECIAL KIDS
in an instagram
“The holidays can be fun, exciting, and filled with lots of activities, especially right here in New York City. Some of those can be loud and crowded, too. When you have a child with special needs, this time of year can be challenging. While I want my son to be part of it, not everything works for him and his needs. After lots of trial and error, I have figured out the best way to make him feel included, while hopefully having him understand what is going on. I do have to work extra hard to make this happen but I know it is worth it in the end.”
I ❤ Bay Ridge! #bayridge #bayridgebrooklyn #brooklynkids #atreegrowsinbrooklyn #brooklynliving #nycliving #scooter #microscooter #afterschool #kindergartener
In an article entitled “Spending the Holidays with a Child with Autism,” by Dana Greenburg; read the full piece at nymetroparents.com/holidays-autism.
(Posted by @usjapanfam, aka Heather Tomoyasu, who blogs at usjapanfam.com)
“Every tantrum is different, every kid is different, every situation unfolds differently. Sometimes you’re in a good mood and taking a leisurely walk in the park, sometimes you’re already frustrated and running late. Sometimes you’re at home, sometimes you’re in Target, sometimes you’re at a restaurant... Sometimes there’s an obvious reason for the tantrum (you denied the kid a toy, you took the iPad away, big brother ate a candy bar in front of little brother), and sometimes there is no reason at all.” —Mike Julianelle, in a post entitled “Expert Tips for Parents Are Great (In Theory),” on his blog dadandburied.com
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December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS: SEE THE WINDOWS: Find department-store holiday displays at nymetroparents.com/windows. CHOO CHOO!: See where to find holiday train shows at nymetroparents.com/holiday-trains. COLD & FLU SEASON: Learn how to avoid common childhood illnesses at nymetroparents.com/prevent. HIT THE ICE: Find ice-skating rinks near you at nymetroparents.com/ice-skating.
NYMP Q&A
All The Single Mommies ››
By Bethany Braun-Silva
Emma Johnson is the founder of the blog WealthySingleMommy.com, geared toward successful women who are raising kids solo, and recently wrote the book The Kickass Single Mom.
Is your child gifted?
What does it mean to be a “kickass single mom”? The goal is for women to live life fully on their own terms. We are living in a time of unprecedented opportunity, rights, and freedom for women. How do we make the most of these, while also honoring our own needs and dreams? This means each woman must think and act outside of any preconceived boxes. However, there are some tenets of “kickassiness”: Having or striving for financial independence, prioritizing our romantic needs, giving back, and focusing on being the kind of women we want our daughters to grow up to be, and our sons to embrace as their peers in every regard.
Enriching brilliant minds every day… in every way. A
What are your tips for successful co-parenting? Start from a position of 50-50. Except in cases of abuse, each parent should be presumed equal and competent, with the same rights and responsibilities for the children. This means equal time with the kids; equal say in matters like education, health, and religion; and equal priority for each parent’s extended family, including new romantic partners. Not long ago my work travel schedule suddenly became incredibly busy, and both my boyfriend and my ex’s girlfriend offered to help with the kids. A few years ago my ex and I wouldn’t have been able to negotiate that without a brawl, but I am here to tell you this kind of cooperation is an incredible gift to the kids and their adults, both logistically and emotionally. Also, whenever possible, eliminate or minimize money tension between your kids’ dad and yourself. If you are constantly fighting over money, or one person is angry with the other over sums paid or not paid, find ways to automate any payments, make transparent out-of-pocket expenses for the kids (for things like health care, extracurricular activities, child care), or bring in a mediator to smooth things over. What are the advantages for kids being raised by a single mom? Many women find that single motherhood suits them far better than parenting inside of a traditional partnership. The kids benefit from mothers who are living their best lives. Also, single moms tend to take on tasks that have traditionally been assigned to men, such as breadwinning, home repairs, and yard work. Kids in these families are graced with an enlightened view of what men and women can and should do. All children in single-mom families have the advantage of knowing that family can mean different things to different people. Chances are, kids of single moms will have less time with their mother, because she works more and/or because they spend more time with their other parent. Lots of research has found that children benefit from the closer relationships they form with the other caregivers in their lives, such as grandparents and babysitters.
CA
DEMI
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C
E X YEARS - OF E CE LLENC
Academic Enrichment in All Subject Areas Ages 2-16
LongIslandParent 11
DIY CORNER Crafty Gift Guide
By Katelin Walling
From subscription boxes to one-off kits, these crafty gifts give your DIY-lover the satisfaction of creating his or her own gift. Bonus: All materials needed to complete each project are included in the kit, or are common household items, so you won’t have to go to the store for a last-minute supply run.
Court esy K iwiCo
7 DIY Kits for the Crafter in Your Life
Creative Crates at Your Door
The subscription-based KiwiCo offers boxes for ages newborn to 2, 3-4, 5-8, and 9 and older that include creative materials or a full project and more, depending on the age range. Created to celebrate kids’ natural creativity and curiosity while helping parents bring enriching experiences to their children, boxes can be gifted in one-, three-, six-, or 12-month subscriptions. ($16.95-$19.95 per month; kiwico.com)
Court esy
Inspired by Netflix’s Project MC2, the Project MC2 Perfume Science Kit encourages girls to use STEAM skills to make their own signature scent. The set comes with a mini science lab and two scents; common kitchen ingredients such as lemon juice and vanilla also can be used to create fragrances. Other kits in the line include Crayon Makeup and H2O Nail. ($19.99-$29.99; toysrus.com)
ent
Founded in 2012 by designer Todd Oldham to inspire kids’ creativity and inventiveness, Kid Made Modern has kits for all the crafters in your life. You’ll find a wide range of appealing projects, from drawing comic books to designing jewelry and customizing musical instruments. ($14.99-$39.99; kidmademodern.com)
rtainm
Innovative Beauty
MGA Ente
ern
Courtesy Kid Made Mod
Kid Made Crafty
Mini Wonkas Courtesy Handcrafted HoneyBee
If your little crafter is into beauty products, but you’re worried about what’s in said products, you’ll love Handcrafted HoneyBee. These kits— created by a husbandand-wife team with backgrounds in education, math, and engineering—utilize STEAM education and Whole Brain Learning, while enabling girls to create skin care products such as lip balms and clay masks. ($28; handcraftedhoneybee.com)
Aspiring artists will appreciate the Art Making with MoMA kits, designed by Museum of Modern Art educators. They’re an easy way to create original artwork, while exploring the materials and techniques favored by such artists as Jacob Lawrence, Jackson Pollock, and Vincent van Gogh. Selections include Storytelling Art, Action Painting, and Brushstroke and Color-Mixing. ($16-$25; store.moma.org)
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December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Knit 1, Purl 1 Whether your crafter is an experienced knitter or picking up the needles for the first time, We Are Knitters offers a project kit that’s right at his or her skill level. Using sustainable, natural, and sometimes recycled fibers, the (aspiring) knitter in your life can make anything from a clutch or hat to a blanket or sweater. ($29-$250; weareknitters.com)
Courtesy We Are Knitters
A Design tesy MoM Coure, .moma.org Stor store
Inspired by Fine Art
Little candy lovers can DIY their own sweet treats with Glee Gum’s Make Your Own candy kits, which are designed to connect kids to the global community. Made from natural ingredients, the easy-to-use kits teach kids why seaweed is the secret to gummies, how rainforest rubber gives gum its bounce, and why the story of chocolate begins in the tropics. ($13.95; gleegum.com)
Courtesy Glee Gum
Busy (Beauty) Bee
Media Matters: APPS
Apps That Keep Families Close
Kindoma Storytime (Free,
Recommended age: 4+
with in-app purchases)
★★★★
This great app makes lon
g-distance shared readin g easy. iPad
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch,
Heads Up! ($0.99)
Recommended age: 7+
★
★★★ Family fun is guaranteed with this guessing game. Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
THE GAME OF LIFE: 2016
Recommended age: 8+
The classic game takes kid
Edition ($2.99)
★★★★★
s on a speedy 3-D adven ture. iPad, Android
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch,
Virtual Geocaching—Xnote
Recommended age: 12+
Send personalized, virtua
($2.99)
★★★★
l treasure hunts to any sm artphone. iPad
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch,
In Theaters Dec. 15: Ferdinand Our Partner: Common Sense Media An independent nonprof it that helps families make smart media choices. Check out thousands of ratings and reviews at commonsensemedia.org
Parents need to know that Ferdinand is an animated, modernized take on the classic picture book The Story of Ferdinand. Ferdinand (voiced by John Cena) is a gentle bull who prefers sniffing flowers to fighting in an arena. But when villains see how big and scary-looking he is, they kidnap him to make him fight. He must rely on new friends (Kate McKinnon, Gina Rodriguez, David Tennant, and more) to escape and stay true to himself. The bright, colorful animation goes far beyond the book’s ink illustrations, and it’s safe to expect lots more slapstick and some rude humor. But overall this looks like a sweet, funny movie that kids and families will enjoy.
See more at NYMetroParents.com/media
LongIslandParent 13
Katelin Walling
“As long as you need to love, laugh, and wonder, the Big Apple Circus is here for you,” Ringmaster Ty McFarlan said at the end of the show.
The Big Top is Back
››
After filing for bankruptcy, the Big Apple Circus returns—under new ownership—to Lincoln Center, with Nik Wallenda and Grandma the Clown as headliners. By Katelin Walling
G
“
ood…good…good…good…good…good.” Grandma the Clown and I stopped talking mid-conversation—and I held my breath—as we gazed at the high wire in the Big Apple Circus tent. Nik Wallenda and his troupe were practicing the Wallenda Seven Person Pyramid during the last week of rehearsals before the circus officially opened, and I had a front-row seat. Other than the hum of the fans running to inflate the safety air mattress in the ring, all I could hear was the mid-walk check-in from the high-wire walkers—and it’s no different in performances. When I saw the full show during opening weekend, even the babies and toddlers in the audience seemed to realize that something dangerous and awesome was going on 40 feet in the air and didn’t make a sound. If the Wallenda name isn’t familiar to you, it will be once you see the Big Apple Circus this winter. Nik Wallenda, a seventh-generation member of the legendary Wallenda family, is headlining the 40th anniversary season of the Big Apple Circus with Barry Lubin, aka Grandma the Clown, who is appearing in her 26th season with the Circus.
‘The Big Apple Circus is Bigger and Better Than Ever’
I know what you’re thinking: Didn’t the Big Apple Circus file for bankruptcy last year? You’re right; it did. And that’s when Neil Kahanovitz, its chairman, stepped in. “I put together a group of people who wanted to keep the Big Apple Circus alive and in New York City,” he says. That group, Big Top Works, acquired the circus nearly a year ago. Kahanovitz—a spinal surgeon who took a five-year leave of absence from medical school in his 20s to be a circus performer—had compelling reasons to save the Big Apple Circus. “It’s one of the shining stars of the unique culture in New York City. You have Lincoln Center, which is the premier performing arts center in the United States, and right there for almost three months during the holiday season, you have what is now the pre-eminent circus in America,” he says. “And for decades and generations, people have grown used to bringing their kids and now grandchildren to see the Big Apple Circus, so it’s really part of New York’s cultural history.”
Typically the creative team (including the director, choreographer, lighting designer, set designer, and musical supervisor) starts to plan the season almost two years in advance. “This year, because we didn’t know if we were going to be able to buy the circus, we jammed almost two years of activity from a production standpoint into six months,” Kahanovitz says. “It’s been very hectic and…it’s certainly paid off.” Once the performers were confirmed—this year’s show has high-wire walkers, acrobats, clowns, contortionists, and puppies and ponies, among others—the team figured out the run of show with the aim of keeping audience members of all ages captivated. “Pardon the pun, but it’s really a juggling act of putting the acts in the right order so that it flows and continues to build throughout the first act and into the second act,” Kahanovitz says. After the circus completes its almost three-month run in Manhattan, it will travel to Atlanta, GA; Washington, D.C.; Boston, MA; Baltimore, MD; and possibly a few more cities, taking the tour through July. Kahanovitz’s goal? “That people realize that the Big Apple Circus is bigger and better than ever, that the acts are bar none the best in the world and are all gathered in an incredible production setting that has been developed by New York and Broadway’s finest production teams.”
The Ultimate Balancing Act
Clowning Full Circle
Barry Lubin (Grandma the Clown), on the other hand, “never intended to go into the circus,” he says. While he’d been a bit of a clown growing up, he discovered a passion for professional clowning during his college years. At the time, he was a student at Emerson College in Boston, MA, and thought he was going to become a television director. “The stress level was so unbelievable that I changed majors and changed majors and after three years, I wanted to take a year off to figure it out,” he says. “Well, I never went back because during that year off, I auditioned for [Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey] Clown College and just got drawn to this. I ended up going to Clown College instead of finishing my senior year, and was offered contracts with the now-defunct Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and it just kept snowballing.”
continued on next page ››
ing Katelin Wall
With circus performing in his blood, Wallenda first began walking on the wire as a toddler. “I was about 18 months old…we were in California on a show called Circus Vargas, which is still running to this day, and I was walking up the tent line as my mom was helping me,” he recalls. By age 2, he was performing in the ring as a clown. As a young teen, the high wire beckoned again—“13 years old was my first performance up on a wire,” he says. Growing up in the circus was “an amazing life,” Wallenda says. His mother home-schooled him while they were on the road, and his field trips were to cultural meccas such as the Smithsonian and Gettysburg. “Wherever we were, we got to see history face to face,” he recalls. When the family was not touring, Wallenda attended private school. “It was a pretty awesome life for sure, to have a close family like that and to be able to see the world,” he says. “It’s an experience that most children don’t get.” Balancing his family life with performing is challenging for Wallenda, especially when walking on a wire across Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon—huge TV productions that came with a lot of media, a lot of training, and a lot of focus, he says. “The truth is, I went out and did those things because my passion was always performing under a big top,” he adds. “The idea was to go out and do these giant productions to raise attention and raise awareness of what happens [in the tent].” Though Wallenda completed these and other amazing feats (he holds six Guinness World Records for tightrope walking), he says the accomplishment he’s most proud of is raising his three children. While none of Wallenda’s kids have expressed interest in becoming the eighth generation of circus performers, his 15-yearold daughter is following in his footsteps as a home-schooler traveling with her parents and the Big Apple Circus. Wallenda also has two sons, a 19-year-old who enlisted in the Marines, and a 16-year-old who is back home in Sarasota, FL, playing high school football.
As for why Wallenda and his wife, Erendira, who also performs in the show, decided to join the Big Apple Circus this season? “We saw it as a great opportunity. …We saw it as ‘hey, our industry needs a shot in the arm and this is a great opportunity with new leaders, new owners, to go out there and show the United States that the circus industry is still strong and going strong and will continue on,’ ” he says. “This is the premier circus, without question, in the U.S., so we saw it as a great opportunity to come back to the industry that we love and be a part of reinvigorating it. I think as a whole this team can do great wonders for our industry and for our passion.”
Grandma the Clown, performed by Barry Lubin, is back for a 26th season with the Big Apple Circus.
Grandma the Clown was created at the beginning of Lubin’s career, when he was just 22 years old. “Grandma is a compilation of my two grandmothers, who I love very much, and my observation of senior citizens through the years. It’s one of many characters that I started off with, and it’s the one that audience members identified as the one they wanted to see more of,” he says. Lubin has now been performing for 43 years, and this year kicked off Grandma the Clown’s 26th season with the Big Apple Circus. He’d left back in 2012 to pursue other opportunities, one of which was to be the first professional clown to perform on all seven continents, which he completed in January with a show for penguins in Antarctica. “The great thing about Grandma is, in a person’s life a grandmother is a beloved figure...I pay tribute to senior citizens, I don’t make fun of senior citizens. And now, in fact, I am a senior citizen. I’ve come full circle. I was a 22-year-old little old lady and now I’m a 65-year-old little old lady.” His bio on the Big Apple Circus’ website says his daughters “have gracefully navigated the world having to explain that their father is also a Grandma.” Though his children are adults now, Lubin says balancing clowning with raising children was difficult. “Years and years and years ago, the family did travel together, but my wife and I decided we wanted our kids to have the opportunities to take swim classes and dance classes and have a social life that was more like a ‘normal’ child’s,” he says. “Over the years I have missed a lot of important moments in their lives, but I try to minimize that as much as I possibly can. They’re adult children now, so they tolerate it pretty well, and they did back then as well. [But] it made me ache when I had to miss a dance recital or something extremely important in their lives because they only got to do it once.” The chance to have more time with his daughters, who live locally, was part of the equation when deciding to be part of the
A Show for the Young and Young-at-Heart
Back in the arena, the tightrope walkers have finished practicing the Wallenda Seven Person Pyramid and are back on the ground. The staging team works quickly to break down and fold up the safety air mattress and set up for the next act to rehearse, just like they do during full performances. In addition to Wallenda and Grandma the Clown headlining the Big Apple Circus, this year’s show also includes Ty McFarlan as ringmaster; the Anastasini Brothers performing their icarian act (one brother does flips and does tricks while balancing on the other’s feet); Dandino, a roller-skating act; Elayne Kramer, a contortionist and seventh-generation circus performer; Jan Damm performing a ‘rola bola’ balancing act; Gamal Garcia Tuniziani, a juggler and third-generation circus performer; the Flying Tunizianis on trapeze; clown Joel Jeske, “who is a phenomenal partner” to Grandma the Clown, Lubin says; and Jenny Vidbel, who performs with her horses, ponies, and dogs. For those who are concerned about the welfare of the animals performing in the show, rest assured they are treated well. (When I visited the horses and ponies, who are rescue animals, in their clean stables during rehearsals, they were enjoying fresh hay.) “They are part of Jenny’s family. When she rescues these animals, she doesn’t really look at them as performers first. If they do work out to be performers and it’s something they like to do, then good. But if not, they spend the rest of their lives out in the pasture at the farm, which is in a gorgeous setting in upstate New York,” Kahanovitz says. “Those horses and ponies are just as happy as any horse or pony I’ve ever seen, and they’re immaculately taken care of. Jenny, first and foremost, is completely in love with every one of those animals.” And you can see that affection in the show. The Wallenda Seven Person Pyramid is the show’s finale—an act “that has never been done in New York City, and it’s something that people recognize as the most difficult aerial feat, particularly on the high line,” Kahanovitz says. The pyramid was first conceptualized in 1946, when Wallenda’s great grandfather sat “at his dining room table with a bunch of wine glasses, and said, this would be cool, and started stacking them up and created the seven-person pyramid. He started training for it on the wire in 1947 and performed it all the way through 1962,” Wallenda says. The family stopped performing the stunt that year when two of Wallenda’s uncles died and one Kateli n Wa lling
The Wallenda Seven Person Pyramid is “the most dangerous feat you can do in the circus world,” Nik Wallenda says.
Big Apple Circus’ 40th anniversary season. “Getting to spend the holidays with my kids…when I’m all over the globe is very difficult to do, obviously,” Lubin says. “I have a tradition with my kids where on Christmas Eve, we drive around and look at the lights in New Jersey and have dinner together. It’s a very small thing, but a very important thing.” Family time, and the fact that Big Apple Circus is the “best circus in the world,” he adds, made the decision relatively easy. “I’ve crossed almost everything off my bucket list and being back in New York is a big moment for me. When I stepped out of my trailer in makeup just now, to me it was like, this is pretty fantastic. It feels like coming home.”
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Nik Wallenda rides a bike across the high wire, while his wife, Erendira, hangs by her mouth 40 feet in the air.
was paralyzed from the waist down during a performance in Detroit, MI. The catastrophe occurred because one of the performers “was under the weather, slipped, and fell,” Wallenda says. The family brought the pyramid back to the high wire in 1998, and now New Yorkers young and young-at-heart can see “the most dangerous feat you can do in the circus world,” according to Wallenda. Producing a show that appeals to all ages is something Kahanovitz says is important to Big Top Works. “What really excites me is to talk to people as they leave the show, and they realize that this is not just a circus for children. It’s a circus for everyone. And we have put together a show that really has something for everyone. Clearly children love it, but what we’re really excited about is the fact that people in their 20s and 30s and parents and grandparents love it just as much, if not more.” The Big Apple Circus is at Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center, Manhattan, with performances through Jan. 7, 2018. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bigapplecircus.com.
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How to Choose the Perfect Family Cruise for Your Crew ›› Find the right cruise for your family with these tips and a roundup of cruise lines departing the New York area. By Emma Steven
C
ruises are the fastest-growing category in the leisure travel market—it’s estimated that more than 25 million people will set sail this year. But with so many cruise lines competing to woo families, how do you decide which one is perfect for you? To help, we have gathered tips on how to pick a cruise that fits your crew, along with a list of the best family cruise lines departing from the New York area. All aboard!
Things to Consider When Planning a Cruise What does your family need? Almost all cruises now offer some type of family programming, but the services and facilities vary between cruise lines and even individual ships. Some are better for babies and young kids, some for tweens and teens, and others are best for intergenerational parties. A ship that suits teens who want to entertain themselves may not be great for a sports-enthused tween, or a toddler obsessed with Disney princesses. Do you want drop-off activities for the 18
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kids or to play together as a family? Scheduled or freestyle fun? Investigate what’s offered and consider what each member of the family needs. How old are your kids? Each cruise line splits its kids’ activities by different age ranges. Check that these work for your family, especially if you want siblings to play together. If you have really young kids, double-check that your chosen ship offers drop-off activities. Some will only allow potty-trained kids or children ages 3 and older in their programs. Most ships do not allow children who are not potty trained into the water areas and pools, so if you have a toddler, check first. What size ship suits your party? Larger and newer ships are more likely to have bigger cabins and family suites, as well as exciting-sounding facilities such as bowling alleys and ice-skating rinks. They can also have a party atmosphere and crowds. Smaller ships may have fewer activities, but some fam-
ilies prefer the more sedate atmosphere and shorter lines. If you have teens who like to wander, you’ll want to bring cellphones to keep track of them on a larger ship.
INTO OUR GIANT MINIATURE WORLD
How many days do you want the cruise to last? Most lines offer cruises ranging from three to 14 days. Up to seven days can be a good starting point for families and cruise newbies. After all, you don’t want to book a 14-day cruise and discover you hate it on day two! Consider how many days it will take your family to relax and settle in so you can come back from your vacation well rested. What lodgings suit your family’s needs? Each ship has a variety of accommodations, from basic cabins with dividing curtains, to suites with sea views and balconies. Some lines have better basic cabins, some better suites. If you have small kids and won’t be out every night, it’s worth making sure your cabin won’t be above a bar or nightclub. Do you want flexible or set dining times? Each cruise line has a multitude of restaurants and dining choices. Some offer flexible, casual dining where you can pick and choose from whatever cuisine you want. Others are more formal, giving you set times to dine each night. Almost all cruises will offer buffets as well as dining rooms, room service, and often at least one formal meal per trip. What type of entertainment interests you? Many cruise lines offer big-name performers and Broadway-worthy productions. Others have acrobatic shows, character meet-and-greets, or activity zones so the family can entertain themselves at a water park, ice-skating rink, or bowling alley. What atmosphere do you want? Do you prefer a traditional, more formal ship or something more casual? A themed cruise or a trip with unrelated but exciting activities? Do you want to pick activities as you go, or to be scheduled? Some ships have a party atmosphere, while others are more laid-back. Figure out the ambience you desire overall as well as in the mornings and evenings. What is your perfect itinerary? From the New York area, the Caribbean is a popular choice for families. Other destinations include city stops in New England and Canada or beach-focused trips to the Bahamas and Bermuda. Some cruise lines stop in Orlando, FL, which is perfect if you want to hit the theme parks or other nearby attractions. Just keep in mind many of the organized activities on land can be expensive, so you may want to plan ahead and book your own entertainment. Read the fine print While some cruises are truly all-inclusive, others may charge more for certain things on board, excursions, or for activities during stops on land. Know what is—and isn’t—included in your ticket price, so you don’t have any surprises when it’s time to disembark.
Family-Friendly Cruise Lines Departing the New York Area More and more families are taking to the high seas for vacation, and New York is a popular place to set sail. Now that you have the tools to plan your cruise, evaluate each cruise line to find the best fit before looking at the specific ships’ offerings. continued on next page ››
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‹‹ continued from previous page
Disney Cruise Line Disney offers some of the most popular cruises for families, particularly families with young children. With just one ship sailing from New York, the Disney Magic, you’ll have to book early. Where to? Itineraries to the Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean, Bermuda, and Canada. Bahamian cruises stop off at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. Families on this trip also get the chance to visit the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida as one of their stops. Highlights: The big draw is the opportunity to make your kid’s dreams come true as they meet their favorite characters. Options include tea with a princess, character breakfasts (select cruises of seven nights or more only), and character meet-and-greets. Other highlights include Disney movies on the big screen, dinner shows, and splashing in Goofy’s Pool. Disney cruises are famous for their Broadway-quality family entertainment and original shows. Exclusive to Disney Magic is Tangled: The Musical, the first-ever stage adaptation of the animated film. The Pirate Night deck party is also a big hit. Kids clubs: The ships have kids clubs for children ages 6 months and older, including a drop-off nursery (extra fee applies) for babies. Another bonus for families with young children: Disney is one of the only cruise lines with splash areas for kids still in diapers. Dining: Guests are given set dining times; eating at the same time each night with the same people, but rotating through different restaurants. There are also casual options, buffets, in-room, and, of course, character dining. Best for: Families with children ages 12 and younger, but Disney cruises attract fans of all ages. Old and young love the classic, Golden Age styling; famous customer service; and smaller size. To book: disneycruise.disney.go.com Carnival Cruise Line Families enjoy Carnival cruises in part because the ships have lots to do and offer good value for the money, along with a laid-back, social atmosphere. The brand-new Carnival Horizon is scheduled to set sail from New York starting May 2018. Where to? From New York, the Carnival Horizon will depart directly to Bermuda. An itinerary for an Eastern Caribbean cruise includes stops in Grand Turk, San Juan, and Amber Cove. Highlights: There’s a Seuss character breakfast (green eggs and ham, of course!), a parade, and themed activities. The new Carnival Horizon will also feature a Dr. Seuss-themed water park. The whole family can enjoy exciting water slides; two theaters, including an IMAX; and SportSquare, a large outdoor recreation area including mini golf, a ropes course, and foosball tables, to name a few of its many attractions. Carnival is also famous for its nightlife for grown-ups, including comedy clubs and big-name performers. Kids clubs: On offer for ages 2-17, including a special teen-only lounge with a DJ. Younger children do not have to be potty trained to attend, but children older than 3 will have their parents contacted if they need to be changed. Dining: Standout options include Bonsai Teppanyaki and Guy’s Burger Joint from Food Network personality Guy Fieri. Best for: Families with children ages 2 and older. Laid-back cruisers who like to be entertained all the time, even by the pool. Dr. Seuss fans and burger lovers. To book: carnival.com Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line offers a relaxed atmosphere and a huge fleet. The Norwegian Escape, Breakaway, and Gem all sail from New York. 20
December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Where to? The ships embarking from New York have itineraries to the Bahamas and Florida, Bermuda, Canada and New England, Eastern Canada and Quebec, and transatlantic (one-way) cruises to London, England. Cruises are also available to the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean. Norwegian Cruise Line is a specialist in the Caribbean and has its own island, Great Stirrup Cay, a stop on the Western Caribbean as well as Bahamas and Florida trips. Highlights: Norwegian Cruise Line introduced ‘Freestyle Cruising,’ which means you can follow your own schedule for activities and eating. This cruise line is famous for its nighttime performances and meal entertainment such as Cirque Dreams, an acrobatic and dance show. Kids clubs: The Guppies Nursery (exclusively on the Norwegian Escape), offers care for children ages 6 months to 3 years. Norwegian Cruise Line offers youth programs divided by age groups for children ages 6 months to 17 years. Activities might vary from ship to ship and depending on the age of your child, but some offerings include circus school, theme nights, parades, treasure hunts, and painting. Dining: Options include specialty dining, buffets, room service, and dining rooms. There are no set dining times, but reservations are available. Best for: Families who want to make their own schedule during the day and love shows. To book: ncl.com Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean cruises are a popular choice for families, with nonstop action for every age. Anthem of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas sail from Cape Liberty, NJ. Where to? Cruises departing Cape Liberty head to Bermuda, Bahamas, Eastern and Southern Caribbean, and also have itineraries to Bermuda and Boston, Canada and New England, and Bermuda and Caribbean. Cruises to the Bahamas will enjoy a stop at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean International’s private island, and passengers can also spend a day in Orlando exploring theme parks, the Kennedy Space Center, or Cocoa Beach. Royal Caribbean International also has Fall Foliage Northbound Cruises to experience peak fall, scheduled for September 2018. Highlights: Royal Caribbean is famous for its never-ending list of innovative play zones and activities, including a rock climbing wall, surfing simulator, trapeze school, and skydiving simulator. A partnership with DreamWorks brings character visits and parades on board from movies such as Shrek and Kung Fu Panda (available on Anthem of the Seas). Entertainment varies per ship but can include Broadway musicals such as CATS or Grease as well as original productions. Kids clubs: Fun and educational programs are offered by age group for children ages 6 months to 17 years. A drop-off nursery is offered on select ships including Anthem of the Seas. Royal Caribbean has great teen entertainment including parties and nightclubs, and offers group and in-cabin babysitting for children ages 1 and older. Select cruises have a Baby Splash Zone for children who are not completely potty trained. Dining: Choices range from casual to elegant, such as Johnny Rockets diner, Chef Jamie Oliver’s Jamie’s Italian (Anthem of the Seas), and Chef’s Table for five-course gourmet meals. Best for: Active families with teens or tweens. Cruisers who are always on the go and want to try everything. Musical lovers. Screenagers who will appreciate the high-speed Wi-Fi. To book: royalcaribbean.com
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Judy Koutsky
Clockwise from left: The author’s sons pose with the Washington Monument in the background during their trip to Washington, D.C., last spring; the author’s sons at the National Air and Space Museum; the author’s sons at the FDR Monument. Opposite page: The author’s sons enjoy an ice cream treat at the National Mall.
A Capital Adventure
››
With many historical venues and lots of walking required, a trip to Washington, D.C., seemed risky. Turns out, it’s a great place to take young kids. By Judy Koutsky
M
ost people think of Washington, D.C., as the quintessential eighth-grade graduation trip. The kids are old enough to understand (some, if not all) of the history, and with all the walking involved, they have the stamina for truly exploring the region. But last spring, when my boys were 6 and 8, in kindergarten and second grades, we thought perhaps a trip to our nation’s capital wasn’t a bad idea, especially given the tumultuous political election we’d just lived through. Could a trip there be educational and fun for two high-energy, short-attention-span kids? We decided to find out. We stayed at the River Inn, in large part because it’s affordable and centrally located: It’s near Georgetown, the Metro, and a mile away from the National Mall. Plus, the property has kitchens in all rooms and there’s a giant Whole Foods five minutes away (where we went daily). The staff at the hotel was extremely friendly and super knowledgeable; I was constantly asking their opinion on where to go and when. It’s not a fancy property, but for my family of four, it was a good fit. Turns out many people from the Northeast (and from our town) were in D.C. for spring break. Each family we talked to toured our
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nation’s capital in a different way. Some did only one activity each day or focused on one area during their stay. We are a full-speedahead family, and so we make the most of every visit, which often means packing in as much as possible. Here’s what we did during our four-day trip to our nation’s capital.
The International Spy Museum
Even before heading to D.C., I had heard of this museum. It’s one of the few for which you have to pay to get in (it’s not a Smithsonian) and the $20 ticket price (for adults; kids are cheaper) can be tough to swallow for a family. Despite the price, the lines are long, a sure tip-off that this museum is popular. While much of it was above my kids’ heads (the idea of government spies was fictional in their mind), my younger son said this was his favorite museum of all that we visited.
The Newseum
This was hands-down my favorite. Like the spy museum, you have to pay to get in, but it was not super crowded. A highlight of the six-floor Newseum was the exhibit about the Berlin Wall, featuring
The National Zoo
The star attraction here is the pandas, and they were well worth the line to see. The zoo is free since it’s part of the Smithsonian, and there’s not a line to get in, just to see the pandas, which is also free. Both of my kids loved seeing these cuddly, cute creatures, and we spent a chunk of time simply watching them. The zoo is a good way to take a break from all the history and science museums.
National Air and Space Museum
This is the most-visited museum in Washington, D.C., and for good reason. We spent several hours taking in the various aircraft and space exhibits, plus we saw an IMAX movie. The kids loved this museum (and the IMAX); it’s well worth a full afternoon or day.
National Museum of Natural History
We saw another IMAX movie here and also spent time at the must-sees: the Hope Diamond and plenty of dinosaurs and mammals from around the world. For younger kids, make sure to take them to the Butterfly Pavilion, the O. Orkin Insect Zoo, and Q?rius, the hands-on lab that has a dedicated junior section for those ages 10 and younger. Also, Objects of Wonder focuses on a bunch of weird stuff that kids find fascinating, such as a hunk of whale earwax.
Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
Even though we walked nearly 20,000 steps a day (it was fun to watch the numbers climb on our Fitbits!), having the option to jump on the bus and rest for a while was great. Also, I really appreciated the narrative on the bus. Everyone gets a set of headphones and sets the dial to their language preference. We took the bus to the zoo, to Arlington National Cemetery, around the National Mall and Tidal Basin, and toured much of D.C. that way.
Monuments and Memorials
The weather in D.C. the week we went was beautiful and perfect for walking. We visited many memorials—Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, Martin Luther King Jr., Franklin Delano Roosevelt— and this was one of my favorite things we did. Simply being outside in such a beautiful setting and surrounded by inspirational quotes from great leaders appealed to and inspirited each of us.
Firefly Restaurant
Most of our dining while in Washington, D.C., was on-the-go. Truth be told, my kids are not great at sitting down for long periods of time, but I wanted to try Firefly since I had heard that it’s built around a large indoor tree, which sits in the middle of the room, and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and comfort food. Verdict: The pot roast is divine, definitely a favorite dish. Ingeniously, they give all children cookies to decorate as soon as they sit down. My boys took the project seriously and gave serious thought to where they were putting the sprinkles and chocolate chips. No iPads were needed to entertain them, and I was able to have adult conversation while the boys were preoccupied. Then when the food arrived, our waiter took the cookies away to be baked and brought them back for dessert. My kids thought this was the best restaurant ever! Turns out, there is plenty to do and see in Washington, D.C., for young kids. We enjoyed our visit so much, we are thinking about coming back next year. Judy Koutsky is a Westchester-based writer who writes often about travel, parenting, health, and lifestyle.
Judy Koutsky
an actual piece of the wall; my kids were fascinated by the idea that a city could be walled in and people were not free to leave. We also saw Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs, and the exhibit about Civil Rights was especially interesting to my kids. I feel like we all got an education from this museum.
Arlington National Cemetery
While some families avoid this stop, we thought it was an important one to visit. We went straight to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to watch the changing of the guard. My kids found this very fascinating: The guards change every 30 minutes. Then we slowly walked back and talked about soldiers and war at the level that was appropriate for them. Kids today know about these topics—how can they not, with what’s in the news every day?—and discussing it with them in a way they understand allowed them to ask questions and created an open dialogue.
Washington Nationals Baseball Game
My kids love sports; me, not so much. But even I got into the energy of a Nationals game. The crowd was so energetic that it was simply contagious. Plus, there are playgrounds on-site for kids who can’t sit still for hours. Before hitting the game, we stopped at a Shake Shack across the street from the park and feasted on burgers, fries, and shakes. Due to the location of the restaurant, pretty much everyone was going to the game, so the excitement started even before we entered the ball field. We went to an evening game, and it was a great way to spend a warm night, after walking all day. LongIslandParent 23
Christina Vercelletto
A view of Niagara Falls
I Took a 14-Year-Old YouTube Addict to Niagara Falls ››
A mother-daughter weekend in Niagara Falls felt like a preposterous idea. So I tried it, and here are the seven surprises I got. By Christina Vercelletto
I
f you have a child between the ages of 12 and 15, you’re often confused. They change friends, their taste in clothes, their favorite foods—sometimes overnight. They’re with you physically, but their minds and spirits definitely are not, as they look down at their phones for hours on end. Some days, nothing you do, or offer to do, is right. My 14-year-old daughter, Amelia, a good kid by any definition, jumps out of the car before I’ve even come to a complete stop at the home of her BFF of the week, and doesn’t look back. She stiffens a little when I hug her, remarking, “Mom, you’re like really close to my face right now.” Together time is now largely limited to mani-pedis—if she can bring a friend. That’s why a mother-daughter long weekend seemed like it might be tough to pull off without tears (on her part or mine) before the end of it. But a long weekend to Niagara Falls, that classic vacation destination where her grandma honeymooned
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December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
circa 1960? And without a friend in tow? I like a challenge, so I convinced her to go. (Fine, I pointed out we’d need mani-pedis for the trip). Here are the seven discoveries we made: We can agree on something. The flight from JFK was only about an hour, less time than many of us spend commuting to work. On the other end, Buffalo Niagara International Airport is as easy to get through as my garage. Maybe easier. There was no line (not one person!) in security, and it looked unusually clean for an airport. Or, at least, if you had a toddler who put a pretzel bit found on the floor in his mouth, you wouldn’t consider calling 911, as you may at LaGuardia. Amelia marveled, “This isn’t even like an airport…” I couldn’t agree more, I said. I felt hopeful.
She’s not beyond noticing when I’m not nearby. At Sheraton at the Falls, the pool area has two tropical aquariums. If you upgrade to a club-level room, well worth the splurge, you get free breakfast, hot food and all, so there is minimal morning rushing. And then at 5pm, they have gratis beer and wine and hearty snacks laid out, conveniently in a lovely glass-enclosed space right next to the pool. So there I sat, with my pinot noir, waving to Amelia when she looked up to see where I was. Wait! Did she just look around to see where I was? I’m still allowed to help her. Yes, it’s kitschy, and been around forever, but we donned the garbage bags they hand out as ponchos and boarded Maid of the Mist. How wet could we get, I wondered? I’ll just say this: If you go to Cave of the Winds first, keep the foam sandals they give you. This boat ride gives you a perspective you really can’t get any other way. When we got off, we looked like two madwomen, our hair wet yet somehow still windblown, and black mascara streaks running down our cheeks, donned in foam sandals and bright blue trash bags. We laughed. “Can you get my face?” she asked. I wiped her cheeks with a tissue. She did not say I was too close to her face. My utensils are not necessarily contaminated. When we arrived at Hibbard’s Original Frozen Custard in nearby Lewiston, which we were told has the custard to end all custard, Amelia tried the thick soft serve in cookies and cream. I got black raspberry. We ate our treats at picnic tables. She tried mine, off of my spoon, without saying “Ew, no…” She knows better than me sometimes. I’m the one who climbs the 377 steps to the crown of the Statue of Liberty, then, frozen in fear, tells everyone I’ll meet them back down in the lobby. I didn’t share Amelia’s enthusiasm about a Rainbow Air helicopter ride over the Falls. But she cajoled me, saying it would be fine, and what could happen when they do 40 rides a day, and she would hold my hand if she “really had to.” The floor was see-through. So unless I closed my eyes the whole time, there was no way to avoid seeing that I was really, really, really high up. I resolved not to let my 14-year-old daughter, who was giddy with excitement, see me close my eyes. And it was awesome.
Christina and Amelia Vercelletto prepare for a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls.
Somehow, it didn’t bother me as much as I anticipated, though admittedly I avoided looking down at the floor. I just told myself I was on a plane, which somehow doesn’t bother me. Taking in the amazing views knowing I would only be able to see them for five minutes of my life distracted me from my distance from the Earth. She’s not too old for the Rainforest Café. Who else remembers this place? They had a few around here years ago. It’s fun, what with the indoor thunderstorms and animatronic tigers and all, but it’s definitely a place for kids. Something Amelia has been insisting she no longer is for a good two years now. But it was getting late, we were hungry, and the Rainforest Café is attached to the lobby of Sheraton at the Falls. You don’t even have to go outside. Turned out, she loved it. We shared a monstrous plate of nachos we barely put a dent in, and then she dug into pasta with veggies. I had a surprisingly good steak. Surprisingly because, well, steak at a kid’s place seemed dicey. But the gamble paid off. Seeing her sip raspberry lemonade from a plastic kid’s cup made my night. A little bit of the paranormal makes history cool. At my insistence, we hit a bounty of historic (read: educational) attractions just outside of Niagara Falls. The first was the NYPA Niagara Power Vista in Lewiston, with sophisticated, teenfriendly exhibits that made all that science information relatable to their day-to-day lives. Amelia didn’t emerge a hydropower genius, but she loved the motion simulator ride that replicates the journey of a single drop of water as it turns into energy. The ride sprays mist all over you, perchance we didn’t have enough back at the Falls. Go to Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown before or after the Power Vista, since they are only 10 minutes apart. At the fort, we explored the very same buildings that were occupied by NativeAmerican, French, British, and American soldiers in the 18th century, and got a feel for what life at the fort was like with reenactments by blacksmiths, coopers, and bakers. Our tour guide told us the story of a local newspaper reporter who wanted to stay overnight in one of the buildings that was reputed to be haunted. He barely lasted two hours. An episode of the erstwhile Syfy series Ghost Hunters had been filmed here. Amelia and I used to love that show—but when she got to be 12, she became lots less interested in watching TV with mom than staring at YouTube. The next day, we ventured underground at the Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride. As part of the 70-minute guided tour, you walk through a misty water tunnel that was blasted out of solid rock, and examine artifacts left behind by the Irish immigrants who did the work in the early days of the Erie Canal. Our tour guide, who was quite the character, informed us that if water drips on your head, it’s a year of good luck. Well, our tour group now has enough luck for our children’s children. I don’t think it’s going too far to bring an umbrella. The boat ride is a damp proposition, too. (Clearly, there is no eluding water in these parts.) A zip line across the canal is coming soon, they told us. And—what are the odds!—this tunnel was also the site of a Ghost Hunters episode. When we got back to our room that night, Amelia and I stayed up and streamed the episodes. Just like the good old days. Christina Vercelletto is a travel writer and a former editor at NYMetroParents, Parenting, Scholastic Parent & Child, and Woman’s Day. She lives on Long Island with her kids, a chiweenie, Pickles, and a 20-pound calico, Chub-Chub.
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OUTINGS: Pleasantville, Westchester
nymetroparents.com/outings
5 Reasons We Love Pleasantville
Nature, film, and charm just a drive from Suffolk County. ›› By Kathryn Sheridan 2 Courtesy Jacob Burns Film Center
Courtesy Pleasantville Farmers Market
3 Courtesy New York State Parks
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1 Jacob Burns Film Center offers a variety of indie, foreign, and documentary film screenings. 2 The Pleasantville Farmers Market often offers live music and entertainment for kids, such as Marco the Magician. 3 The Rockefeller State Park Preserve consists of more than 1,000 acres of picturesque land as well as Swan Lake.
T
he appropriately named village of Pleasantville in Westchester County has all the charm of a small community while boasting the benefits that come from being a train ride away from Manhattan. Pleasantville is familiar worldwide to the subscribers of Reader’s Digest, which made the village its headquarters and maintains a presence there. The village was noted in GQ’s list of “Top Ten Best Smelling Cities in the World.” They write, “If Norman Rockwell’s paintings emitted a scent, this is what it would be.” Here are the five reasons we love Pleasantville.
A Movie-Buff’s Haven
Credited with putting Pleasantville on the cultural map, the nonprofit Jacob Burns Film Center draws moviegoers in for screenings of indie, foreign, and documentary films. Film industry powerhouses such as George Clooney, Woody Allen, Robert Redford, and Stephen King have made guest appearances and speeches at the landmark theater. Programs and classes are offered for kids and adults of all ages to learn about film, storytelling, and production.
Fresh Produce Year-Round
Since 1998, the Pleasantville Farmers Market has provided year-round access to healthy, locally grown food. Today, it is the largest farmers market in Westchester County with more than 55 vendors and it attracts upwards of 2,500 people each week. Weekly vendors are posted on its website along with an interactive map so visitors can locate and learn more about them. Through Nov. 18 the market is located next to the Metro-North station at Memorial Plaza on Saturdays from 8:30am-1pm. Most weeks May-October the outdoor market features live music and events for kids, as well as health and culinary events. During the winter, Dec. 2-March 24, 2018 the market is housed in the local middle school on Saturdays from 8:30am-1pm.
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December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
The Preservation of Nature
Offering hiking trails, fishing, and panoramic views of the Hudson River, the Rockefeller State Park Preserve is a favorite outdoor destination of Pleasantville residents. The park consists of more than 1,000 acres of picturesque land donated by the Rockefeller family. The system of carriage roads created by John D. Rockefeller, a horse-lover, remain in use in the park. In the fall guests can enjoy peak fall foliage and in the spring visitors can view the Peony Monument’s 425 tree peonies in bloom next to the Rockefeller Art Gallery, which has rotating exhibits of two-dimensional arts.
Indie Literature Lovers
Located just around the corner from the Pleasantville Metro-North station, the Village Bookstore is an old-fashioned wonderland of good reads. The store also hosts author readings and poetry contests. Its most famous customers might be Bill and Hillary Clinton, who live in nearby Chappaqua and adopted the store after their local bookstore closed.
The Live Music Scene
Every year on a Saturday in July, thousands flock to the village for the Pleasantville Music Festival. The all-day event features a mix of established musicians and bands and newcomers on two stages. Families can bring blankets and chairs to enjoy a day of live rock and blues tunes during the next festival, July 14, 2018.
Want to Go?
Directions: Approximately a 1-hour, 20-minute drive from Huntington For more information: nymetroparents.com/pleasantville
Ideas When You Need Them:
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Turn the page for details on The Hampton Ballet Theatre School Performs ‘The Nutcracker’ (No. 3 on our list).
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EDITOR: DEE SAUNDERS nassaucal@davlermedia.com
DECEMBER CALENDAR
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Editor’s Hot Tickets
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Must-Sees in NYC
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We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Show Time!
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Holiday Fun, Mini Musicians
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Smarty Pants
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Dance Party, On Screen
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Crafty Kids, Movers & Shakers
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Animal Lovers, Special Needs
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EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS
Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the 10 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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Annual Brookhaven Town Tree Lighting FREE
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The Hampton Ballet Theatre School Performs ‘The Nutcracker’
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 1, 6pm WHERE: Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy holiday entertainment, costumed characters, hot chocolate, and candy canes while waiting for Santa to arrive. WHY WE LOVE IT: Santa will arrive by helicopter to light the tree—talk about a grand entrance! WANT TO GO? 631-451-9276. brookhavenny.gov.
WHEN: Dec. 8-10, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 1pm and 7pm; Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Students transport the audience to a land where snowflakes, and flowers dance, and Clara saves the Nutcracker from the evil Mouse King. WHY WE LOVE IT: Beautiful costumes and choreography. WANT TO GO? $20 and up. 631-324-4050. guildhall.org.
38th Annual Holiday Festival FREE
The Chocolate Expo
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 11am-8pm WHERE: Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: This first-ever puppet parade features 14-foot puppets and will be lead by Tom Manuel, owner and founder of the Jazz Loft, with a New Orleans brass band. WHY WE LOVE IT: This festive event will also feature a promenade of 60 decorated holiday trees and live music. WANT TO GO? 631-751-2244. stonybrookvillage.com.
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December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 10am-7pm WHERE: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy tastings and sales of chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, and more from local, regional, and international vendors. Kids can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s New York and America’s largest chocolate event! WANT TO GO? $10-$20. 516-572-4111. cradleofaviation.org.
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WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 17, 1-3:30pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Norman Daniels, coordinator of Multicultural Affairs at Suffolk Community College, presents songs, music, poetry, and dancing that people enjoy on this cultural holiday. WHY WE LOVE IT: A fun way to learn about this holiday. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.
Live Performance: ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
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WHEN: Dec. 8-23, Friday-Saturday, 7pm; Sunday, 3pm WHERE: SoLuna Studio, 659 Old Willets Path, Happauge AGES: All WHAT: Charlie, Lucy, Sally, Linus, and all of their friends come to life in this holiday classic. WHY WE LOVE IT: Charlie Brown personifies the holiday spirit. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 for children younger than 10. 631-7616602. solunastudiony.com.
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Long Island Speech & Myofunctional Therapy
Kwanzaa Celebration FREE
1-844-5-SPEECH
www.LIspeech.com
Licensed Speech Pathologists & Myofunctional Therapists Specializing in the Treatment and Correction of:
• Language Disorders • Memory & Auditory Processing Difficulties • Fluency • • Voice Disorders • Motor Planning Disorders • Deviate Swallowing • Tongue Thrust • • Feeding & Swalling Problems /Aversions • Thumb Sucking • Articulation Disorders • Oral Facial Muscle Weakness •
Specialized Specialized Therapy Therapy Approaches Approaches Including: Including PROMPT Therapy • Individual FEEDING Therapy Augmentative Communication Evaluations & Therapy
“FEES”...Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Participating with most Major Health Insurance Companies With 7 locations across Nassau & Suffolk
‘Mrs. Claus Saves the Day!’
WHEN: Dec. 3-23, Saturdays, 2pm; Sundays, 11:30am WHERE: BroadHollow Theatre, 265 E. Main St., East Islip AGES: All WHAT: Mrs. Claus has her hands full helping a youthful reindeer who possesses an unusual luminous red nose. WHY WE LOVE IT: Mrs. Claus gets a little attention in this adaptation of the classic. WANT TO GO? $13. 631-581-2700. broadhollow.org.
Gustafer Yellowgold
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HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW
Insertion date: DEC 01, 2017 Size: 3.55" x 4.7" 4C MAG
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WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 30, 11am WHERE: Goat on a Boat at Bay Street Theater, 1 Bay St., Sag Harbor AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Gustafer the character is a friendly creature who came to Earth from the sun and is living out an explorer’s life in a slightly psychedelic version of the Minnesota woods. WHY WE LOVE IT: This unique multi-media performance offers live music, colored-pencil animations, and storytelling. WANT TO GO? $18. 631-725-4193. goatonaboat.org.
®
Through January 15 NYC’s Favorite Train Show is Better Than Ever!
New Year’s Family Bash
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 31, 11am-12pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Join the countdown to 12pm. Enjoy hot chocolate and create lots of celebratory crafts for the whole family. WHY WE LOVE IT: Families will get to make a time capsule! WANT TO GO? $12. 631-387-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.
‘Oliver’
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WHEN: Through Jan. 21, 2018: Thursday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Enjoy the award-winning musical based on Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist. WHY WE LOVE IT: You will be singing the songs long after the play ends! WANT TO GO? $25; $15 for children younger than 12. 631-7243700. smithtownpac.org. ››
Founding Sponsors
Sponsors
VICTORIA and ROBERT ZOELLNER
LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust
The William O. & Carole P. Bailey Family Foundation on behalf of the St. Bartholomew’s Conservancy, Inc.
LOCATED IN BRONX, NY, JUST 20 MINUTES ON METRO-NORTH FROM GRAND CENTRAL GET TICKETS AT NYBG.ORG
LongIslandParent 29 NBG-079-TrainShow_NyMetroParents_3.55x4.7_Dec01_v2.indd 1
11/3/17 5:40 PM
Gingerbread Wars FREE
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 22, 7-8pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Build and decorate a gingerbread house to take home for the holidays. WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.
Santaland FREE
WHEN: Through Dec. 24: daily, see website for store hours WHERE: Macy’s, 151 W. 34th St., 8th Floor, Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Visitors will wander through a 13,000-square-foot Christmas Village filled with holiday treasures, the biggest of which is Santa Claus himself. After meeting Santa, guests can buy a photo package. Visits are by reservations only this year. WANT TO GO? 212-494-4495. macys.com/santaland.
SHOW TIME! Holiday Light Spectacular
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. Annual Reenactment of the Flying Santa FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 9, 11:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Fire Island Lighthouse, Robert Moses State Park parking field 5, Fire Island AGES: All WHAT: Santa arrives at the lighthouse for this holiday event. WANT TO GO? 631-661-4876. fireislandlighthouse.com.
Holiday Open House FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 12-4pm WHERE: Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington AGES: All WHAT: Festive activities include designing a winter scene in a snow globe, playing on Lite Brite stations, posing for seasonal selfies, and creating art on the digital action painter. WANT TO GO? 631-351-3250. heckscher.org.
Annual Menorah Lighting FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 16, 4-6pm WHERE: Heritage Center, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mount Sinai AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the start of the Festival of Lights at the annual Heritage Trust menorah lighting, hosted by the Temple Beth Emeth. WANT TO GO? 631-509-0882. msheritagetrust.org. 30
December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Dec. 2-17, Friday-Saturday, 5-9pm; Sunday, 5-8pm WHERE: Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville AGES: All WHAT: Come and enjoy festive lighted displays for the holidays during this indoor, walk-through light show. All proceeds benefit the Brookhaven Wildlife Center Inc. and the animals residing at the Holtsville Ecology Site. Additional fee for photos with Santa. WANT TO GO? $5; free for children younger than 4. 631-758-9664. brookhavenny.gov.
The Joshua Holiday Show
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 23, 11am WHERE: Goat on a Boat at Bay Street Theater, 1 Bay St., Sag Harbor AGES: 3-12 WHAT: This intimate concert features original holiday tunes mixed with favorite classics plus Mr. Nicholas in the form of a sock puppet. WANT TO GO? $18. 631-725-4193. goatonaboat.org.
Puppet Show: Goldilocks & the Three Bears FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 28, 4:30pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This classic tale of porridge and intruders unfolds within a small suitcase stage, featuring rotating scenery and miniature marionettes. WANT TO GO? 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.
‘Barnaby Saves Christmas’
WHEN: Through Dec. 29: Saturdays, 11am WHERE: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Barnaby and his reindeer friend Franklynne set off on their journey to save Christmas. WANT TO GO? $10. 631-928-9100. theatrethree.com.
14th Annual Holiday Light Show
WHEN: Dec. 1-30, daily (except Dec. 24-25), 5pm WHERE: Smith Point Park, 1 William Floyd Parkway, Shirley AGES: All WHAT: The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone present the annual drive-thru light show that promises lots of dazzling light displays. Proceeds support services for children. WANT TO GO? $20 per car. 631-543-6622. holidaylightshow.org.
‘A Christmas Carol’
WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Friday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Celebrate the season with Long Island’s own holiday tradition. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas—past, present and future. WANT TO GO? $35; $28 children ages 13-17; $20 children ages 5-12. 631-928-9100. theatrethree.com.
‘Annie, Jr.’
WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Saturdays, 2pm WHERE: Studio Theatre Long Island, 141 S. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst AGES: 3-12 WHAT: This performance of Annie lasts approximately 1 hour. WANT TO GO? $12. 631-226-8400. studiotheatreli.com.
‘Frosty’
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Saturdays, 11am; Sundays, 10:30am WHERE: John W. Engeman Theater at Northport, 250 Main St., Northport AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from mean old Ethel Pierpot and her evil machine that will melt all the snow. WANT TO GO? $15. 631-261-2900. engemantheater.com.
SMARTY PANTS St. James Model Railroad Open House
WHEN: Dec. 1-3, Friday, 6-9pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Mills Pond Gallery, 660 Route 25A, Saint James AGES: 3 and older WHAT: The St. James Model Railroad Club presents a 38-by-48-foot O-scale train layout represents Railroading from the Age of Steam to present day with many freight and passenger trains running simultaneously in a scenic, imaginative setting. WANT TO GO? $2; $0.50 children. 631-862-6575. stacarts.org.
Dicken’s Festival at the Maritime Explorium: Experience the Chandlery of the 1800’s WHEN: Dec. 2-3, Saturday-Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Maritime Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Enjoy hot cider and freshly popped popcorn, watch as real steam-powered ships set sail, and build and decorate your own mini mag lev sled and test it on a magnetic track. WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. maritimeexplorium.org.
Let’s Celebrate Light
WHEN: Dec. 9-10, Saturday-Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Maritime Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Explore patterns while creating a luminary to light your path. WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. maritimeexplorium.org.
Open Houses in December FREE
WHEN: Dec. 9-13, Saturday, 10am-12pm; Wednesday, 6-8pm WHERE: Long Island Whole Child Academy School for Twice Exceptional Learning, 175 Wolf Hill Road, Melville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Join in for a general open house for all families on Saturday and Early Childhood for children in second-third grades on Wednesday. WANT TO GO? 347-668-3676.
Escape the Room
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 16, 5pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Participants will work together and use their imaginations to find hidden objects and earn freedom from the library’s escape room. Registration required. WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631-2883335. westhamptonlibrary.net.
Let’s Celebrate Snow
WHEN: Dec. 16-17, Saturday-Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Maritime Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Explore the science of snowflakes and make one to take home. WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. maritimeexplorium.org.
Tween STEAM FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Tweens learn the science behind fidget spinners and then make their own. Call or go online to register. WANT TO GO? 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.
Family Lego Challenge FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 28, 2-3pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Work together with your family to complete different Lego building challenges. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.
Children’s Workshops: Celebrate the Solstice
WHEN: Dec. 27-29, Wednesday-Friday, 10am-12pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Children do a different art project each day. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $20. 631-854-5579. vanderbiltmuseum.org. ›› LongIslandParent 31
Mommy and Me Gingerbread Houses
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 14, 10-11am WHERE: Picasso Kidz, 72 Broadway, Greenlawn AGES: 3-5 WHAT: All supplies included and final gingerbread houses will be wrapped and topped with a bow. WANT TO GO? $25. 631-261-5500. picassokidz.com.
Holiday Break: Homemade Playdough
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 27, 11am-3pm WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Make playdough with hatchery animals for sculpture inspiration. WANT TO GO? $6; $4 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org.
Scrimshaw Workshop
CRAFTY KIDS Holidays in the Harbor: Sea Glass Ornaments
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 2-3pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Explore the world of glass and see unusual bottles from the musuem’s collection. Create your own sea-glass mosaic holiday ornament to hang up at home. WANT TO GO? $12. 631-387-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.
Gift Making
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 8, 4-5:30pm WHERE: Picasso Kidz, 72 Broadway, Greenlawn AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Each child will make a polymer clay cellphone holder, polymer clay pens, and gift bags. WANT TO GO? $35. 631-261-5500. picassokidz.com.
Quilling Workshop for Teens
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 13, 4-5pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Explore the Victorian art of quilling, and create a simple quilled snowflake to add to your holiday decorating. WANT TO GO? $12. 631-387-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.
Gingerbread House Decorating
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 14, 5pm and 6:30pm WHERE: Beach Bakery, 112 Main St., Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: Families are invited to decorate a gingerbread house. All supplies are included and registration is required. WANT TO GO? $25 with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631-2883335. westhamptonlibrary.net. 32
December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 27, 12-3pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Drop in any time to carve scrimshaw. WANT TO GO? $12. 631-387-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.
Paper Snowflake Lab FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2-3pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Celebrate the season with your family by making paper snowflakes using various templates available, or you can design your own. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.
Craft Stations
WHEN: Dec. 26-29, Tuesday and Friday, 12-3pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Ongoing self-serve wintery crafts. WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children. 631-387-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.
MOVERS & SHAKERS Evening Tower Tour
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 4pm WHERE: Fire Island Lighthouse, Robert Moses State Park Parking Field 5, Fire Island AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Experience the sunset on the first day of winter from the top of the Lighthouse. Bring a flashlight for your walk back to the parking field. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $20. 631-661-4876. fireislandlighthouse.com.
Holiday Cards for Heroes FREE
WHEN: Dec. 1-7, daily, 9am-closing WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: All WHAT: Express your gratitude to our troops overseas by sending them a card for the holidays. There will be a table in the Children’s Room with supplies to make a card. The library will send the cards to the American Red Cross, who will sort and deliver them to the troops. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.
WHEN: Through Dec. 8: Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm; Saturday, 9am5pm; Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Donate gloves, hats, scarves, and socks to hang on the mitten tree. Items will be given to local agencies. WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.
CityBound Must-Sees in
N Y C Courtesy Macy’s / Kent Miller
Mitten Tree FREE
Light Keepers Behind the Scenes Tour
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 9, 9am WHERE: Fire Island Lighthouse, Robert Moses State Park parking field 5, Fire Island AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn how lighthouse keepers in 1860-2017 maintained the light. Includes a tour of the Lens Building and the Boat House. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $20. 631-661-4876. fireislandlighthouse.com.
Special Twilight Tours of Mansion
Ice-Skating Holiday Super Session
WHEN: Dec. 26-29, Tuesday-Friday, 12-5:45pm WHERE: The Rinx, 660 Terry Road, Hauppauge AGES: All WHAT: A great outdoor activity after the holidays. WANT TO GO? $12; $9.50 for children younger than 12; $6 skate rentals. 631-232-3222. therinx.com.
Friday Night ‘Rock and Roll’ Skate
Meet Santa Claus at Macy’s Herald Square!
Meet Santa! Ho! Ho! Ho! He’s here! An annual tradition for so many families, visiting Macy’s Santaland at the Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square means entering a fantasy world of glittering pine trees, snow-capped mountains, twinkling lights, festive trains running along their tracks, cuddly animals, and freshly baked gingerbread cookies. The 13,000-square-foot Christmas Village is filled with holiday treasures, the biggest of which is Santa Claus himself. After meeting Santa, each child will receive a small keepsake from him. Professional photos will be available for purchase (optional), with packages starting at $20.99. This year, visits are by online reservation only. Nov. 24-Dec. 24, see website for store hours. Age: All. FREE. Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W. 34th St., 8th floor, Midtown. 212-494-4495. macys.com/santaland. Meg Banks
WHEN: Dec. 1-29, Fridays, 8:15-10:15pm WHERE: The Rinx, 660 Terry Road, Hauppauge AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Enjoy a fun night out skating with friends or family. WANT TO GO? $13.50; $6 skates. 631-232-3222. therinx.com.
Alexis Buatti-Ramos
WHEN: Dec. 27-28, Wednesday-Thursday, 6-8pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: 9 and older WHAT: This is the only time of the year the Vanderbilt family’s private living quarters can be seen at night. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. WANT TO GO? $10; $9 students; $5 for children younger than 12. 631854-5579. vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Guided Tours of Decorated Mansion
WHEN: Through Jan. 2, 2018: 12:30pm; 1pm; 2pm; 3pm; 4pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: 9 and older WHAT: The mansion of William and Rosamond Vanderbilt is decorated each year by local designers and garden clubs. WANT TO GO? $7; $6 students; $3 children younger than 12.. 631-8545579. vanderbiltmuseum.org. ›› Catch an exciting, kid-friendly show with master of illusion Jason Bishop.
Magic Man The kid-friendly master of illusion, Jason Bishop, will magically make it snow, perform a disappearing act onstage, and execute an incredible appearance in the audience during his amazing Believe in Magic performances happening all month at The New Victory Theater in Midtown. Last season, Bishop had a sold-out run. This season, he’s sure to deliver once again in time to celebrate the new year. Prepare to see his talented assistant, Kim Hess, and his canine companion, Gizmo, perform impressive acts as well. Dec. 1-30, see website for showtimes. Age: 6 and older. $20 and up. The New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Midtown. newvictory.org. LongIslandParent 33
Santa Brunch
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 10am, 12pm, and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Aquarium, 431 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a buffet brunch in the Sea Star Ballroom, make a special take-home holiday keepsake, and capture a family photo with Santa. WANT TO GO? $49.95; $24.95 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 631-208-9200. longislandaquarium.com.
Ye Olde Victorian Holiday Party
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 11am-2pm WHERE: The Whaling Musuem and Education Center, 279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Ring in the holidays with a Victorian-style celebration, including candle dipping, live sea shanties and music, and an abundance of festive and seasonal crafts. WANT TO GO? $5; $15 children. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.
Holidays in the Harbor: Menorah Workshop
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 13, 4:30pm WHERE: The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy latkes, doughnuts, hot chocolate, and music. WANT TO GO? 631-351-8672. thechaicenter.com.
HOLIDAY FUN WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 5pm WHERE: Heritage Center, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mount Sinai AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, listen to Christmas carols, and hang out with Santa Claus. WANT TO GO? 631-384-8900. msheritagetrust.org. WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 12:30-1:30pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Dive into the world of oil, from whale oil to olive oil. See different oil lamps from the museum’s collection and create a working tiled menorah for Hanukkah. WANT TO GO? $12. 631-387-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.
Christmas Party!
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 8, 5-7pm WHERE: Safari Adventure, 1074 Pulaski St., Riverhead AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Visit with Santa, Queen Elsa, and others; hear The Polar Express read; make magician reindeer food; and write letters to the North Pole. WANT TO GO? $9.99-$24.99. 631-727-4386. thesafariadventure.com.
Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop with Citarella
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 9, 12-1pm WHERE: Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Children are invited to join a merry team of confectionary experts and make their own festive displays using frosting, candy, and a fully assembled, freshly baked cookie house. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $20. 631-324-0806. guildhall.org.
‘Tis the Season
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 9, 4-7pm WHERE: Long Island Maritime Museum, 86 West Ave., West Sayville AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the area’s Dutch heritage. Events include lantern tours, holiday ornament crafts, photos with Sinterklaas, hand bell ensemble, hot chocolate, and more. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $5. 631-854-4974. limaritime.org.
Breakfast With Santa
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 8am, 10am, and 12pm WHERE: Heritage Center, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mount Sinai AGES: All WHAT: Ticket includes a full buffet breakfast, holiday music sing-along, and a picture with Santa. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $18; $13 children; free for children younger than 3. 631384-8900. msheritagetrust.org. 34
December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Annual Outdoor Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony FREE
Chanukah Wonderland
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 17, 9:30-11:30am WHERE: The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate with arts and crafts, games, and activities such as decorating donuts, finding Judah the Maccabee, and making olive oil much the same way it was done during the time of the Hanukkah story. WANT TO GO? $10. 631-351-8672. thechaicenter.com.
Let’s Celebrate the New Year
WHEN: Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2018: daily, 1-5pm WHERE: Maritime Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Explore the principles of geometry and design your own Times Square Ball. WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. maritimeexplorium.org.
MINI
MUSICIANS East End Arts Presents 45th Anniversary Celebration Concert
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 7, 7-9pm WHERE: Suffolk Theater, 118 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: The public is invited to attend this concert celebrating the people that have studied, taught, worked, volunteered, and belonged to East End Arts. WANT TO GO? $20. 631-727-4343. suffolktheater.com.
JDT Lab: A Christmas Sing-Along and Musciale FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 12, 7:30pm WHERE: Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Join the Johansen-Markard Piano Duo as they play a festive holiday program of old and new Christmas classics. WANT TO GO? 631-324-0806. guildhall.org.
Ustad Shafaat Khan and East Meets West
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 15, 6pm WHERE: Parrish Art Museum, 279 Montauk Highway, Watermill AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy an evening of Indian classical and folk music, and a blend of Indian and Western music. WANT TO GO? $12; free for students and children. 631-283-2118. parrishart.org.
Karaoke Night FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 27, 6:30-8:30pm WHERE: Connetquot Public Library, 760 Ocean Ave., Bohemia AGES: 3-17 WHAT: A list of songs ranging from Disney to popular titles will be available. WANT TO GO? 631-567-5079. connetquotlibrary.org.
DANCE PARTY ‘The Fantastic Toy Shop’ by Ballet Long Island FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: All WHAT: This ballet is about a toymaker who creates exquisite dancing dolls in her magic toy shop. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.
American Dance Theatre of Long Island Presents ‘Clara’s Dream: The Nutcracker’
WHEN: Dec. 1-3, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday, 1pm WHERE: Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Witness toys that come to life, a Christmas tree that grows before your eyes, flowers that dance, and snowflakes that waltz in this classic magical story. WANT TO GO? $20-$39. 631-207-1313. patchoguetheatre.com.
‘The Nutcracker Suite’
WHEN: Dec. 9-10, Saturday, 1pm and 7pm; Sunday, 1pm and 6pm WHERE: The Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: All WHAT: Ovations Dance Repertory Company presents The Nutcracker Suite with The Atlantic Wind Symphony Orchestra. WANT TO GO? $20 and up. 631-207-1313. patchoguetheatre.org.
‘Northport Nutcracker Ballet’
WHEN: Dec. 16-17, Saturday, 4pm; Sunday 2pm WHERE: Northport Middle School, 11 Middleville Road, Northport AGES: All WHAT: Northport Nutcracker takes place on Main Street in Northport Village during 1893. Music includes Tchaikovsky’s “The Waltz of The Flowers” and “Dance of the Snowflakes.” WANT TO GO? $25. 435-222-2849. tututix.com/poseyschool.
Seiskaya Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’
WHEN: Dec. 15-18, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday, 1pm and 6pm; Monday, 7pm WHERE: Staller Center, 100 Nicolls Road, Stonybrook AGES: All WHAT: The cast will be led by guest artist Nick Coppula, formerly with the Pittsburgh Ballet, plus Seiskaya’s award winning principal dancers Jenna Lee, Diana Atoian, and Brianna Jimenez. WANT TO GO? $40; $34 children. 631-584-0192. nutcrackerballet.com.
ON SCREEN
Anything But Silent: Charlie Chaplin Essanays
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 5, 7:30pm WHERE: Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington AGES: 5 and older WHAT: When Charlie Chaplin moved to the Essanay Studio in 1914, he was given creative freedom, and the result was an explosion of cinematic brilliance and hysterical comedy. Join this rare screening of three of the legendary comedian’s funniest shorts. WANT TO GO? $16. 631-423-7611. cinemaartscentre.org.
Holiday Classics Film Series: ‘Elf’
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 8, 7pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. Bring a wrapped gift for a child in need and receive one free admission. WANT TO GO? $5. 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.
Family Night Out: ‘Despicable Me 3’ FREE
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 15, 6:30-8:30pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Bring the whole family to spend an evening out at the movies. Snacks and drinks will be provided. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.
‘Wizard of Oz’
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 16, 11am WHERE: Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Follow the yellow brick road to enjoy the classic masterpiece, The Wizard of Oz. WANT TO GO? $12; $5 children. 631-423-7611. cinemaartscentre.org.
The Royal Opera Performs ‘The Nutcracker’
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 17, 12pm WHERE: Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A young girl’s enchanted present leads her on a wonderful Christmas adventure in this beautiful classical ballet, danced to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score. WANT TO GO? $11. 631-423-7611. cinemaartscentre.org. ›› LongIslandParent 35
ANIMAL LOVERS Hatchery Tours
WHEN: Dec. 26-28, Tuesday and Thursday, 11am WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Learn how the hatchery cares for the trout. WANT TO GO? $6; $4 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org.
Trout Feeding Demonstrations
WHEN: Dec. 26-28, Tuesday and Thursday, 1pm and 3pm WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Watch the trout jump and splash as they devour a special diet of fish food. WANT TO GO? $6; $4 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org.
Live Animal Encounters
WHEN: Dec. 26-28, Tuesday and Thursday, 2pm WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Learn about the hatchery’s reptiles and amphibians. WANT TO GO? $6; $4 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org.
Animal Tracks: Who’s Been Here?
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 29, 11am-3pm WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Learn to identify animal tracks and make tracks to take home. WANT TO GO? $6; $4 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org.
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December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
SPECIAL NEEDS Ariella’s NY Friendship Circle: Hip-Hop Dance Class Session 1 FREE
WHEN: Through Dec. 6: Wednesdays, 5-5:45pm WHERE: The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Children with special needs will be matched with teen volunteers. WANT TO GO? 631-351-8672. thechaicenter.com.
Ariella’s NY Friendship Circle: Zumba Session 1
WHEN: Through Dec. 18: Mondays, 5:45-6:30pm WHERE: The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Individuals with special needs will be paired with age appropriate volunteers to help them be successful in class. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $15 per class. 631-351-8672. thechaicenter.com.
Special Olympics Bowling at the All Star
WHEN: Year-round: Mondays, 5pm WHERE: The All Star, 96 Main Road, Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Bowlers with special needs are invited to bowl on the main lanes. WANT TO GO? $10 for two games. 631-998-3565. theallstar.com.
Coming up next month: STARTING JAN 20, 2018: Rapunzel: The Untold Story! at Theatre Three, Port Jefferson JAN. 26, 2018: Good Night Moon & The Runaway Bunny at Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, Westhampton Beach JAN. 27, 2018: La Belle, Lost in the World of Automaton at Staller Center for the Arts, Stony Brook
Bar Mitzvah Bat Mi t zvah Sweet Sixteen Quinceañera
Party Planning?
Check off your entire to-do list in ONE DAY!
• Venues • Favors
• Invitations • Food Samples
• Photographers • Décor
• DJs and Entertainment • Judaica
Uniondale • Long Island Marriott • Sunday, March 18th • 12 – 4 PM
Get your FREE family ticket online at CelebrateShowcase.com Tickets purchased at the door are $10 LongIslandParent 37
WHERE-TO GUIDE
nymetroparents.com/where-to
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
››
Research by Melissa Wickes
Bring holiday cheer and family bonding from the farm to your home by cutting your own Christmas tree this winter. Head to a local tree farm and spend a few fun hours seeking out your family’s perfect tree, then cut it yourself. You can also load up on some festive wreaths, garlands, and baked goods to make the holiday merry and bright! As always, call ahead of time to confirm hours and tree availability before planning your adventure.
Elwood Pumpkin Farm 1500 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington 631-368-8626; elwoodpumpkinfarm. com/elwood-christmas-tree-farm Nov. 23-Dec. 24, weekdays, 3pm-dusk, and weekends, 10am-dusk. Pre-cut tree lot is open every day until 7pm. Bring your own saw to cut your tree. Staff will help you tie your tree to your car (no charge). Grandpa Tony’s Tree Farm 305 Weeks Ave., Manorville 516-639-3587 Nov. 27-Dec. 24, daily, 8am-4:30pm. Call to schedule an appointment. Matt’s Christmas Tree Farm 309 Weeks Ave., Manorville 631-874-6260 mattschristmastreefarm.com Nov. 24-Dec 24, Wednesday-Monday, 8am-4:30pm. More than 10,000 trees 38
ranging from 2-foot table toppers to 10foot ceiling scrapers. Bow saws and netting available. Trailer rides back from the field. Loading and tying assistance provided. Candy canes available for kids. Leashed dogs welcome. Potted trees also available. Mike’s Christmas Tree Farm 323 Weeks Ave., Manorville 631-874-3551 mikeschristmastreefarm.com Nov. 24-Dec. 24, daily, 8am-4:30pm. Fresh wreaths also available. Tree wrapping and saws provided. Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm 30105 Main Road, Cutchogue 631-734-8641 santaschristmastreefarm.com Thanksgiving weekend through December (until inventory sells out), daily, 9am6pm; call to check availability. Tools and
December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
assistance provided. Santa appearances on weekends. Christmas shop on premises. Tree shaker and free saws available; no chainsaws allowed. Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm 20685 Main Road, Mattituck 631-298-4619 or 631-298-4118 shamrockchristmastreefarm.com Nov. 24-Dec. 24, daily, 9am-5pm. Tools and assistance provided. Pre-cut trees, handmade wreaths, and crafts also available. Santa appearances on weekends, 12-5pm. Shamrock Express train rides (weather permitting) and a fire pit to enjoy while you’re waiting for your ride. Ornaments, nutcrackers, tree toppers, and more available in the gift shop. No pets allowed.
Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/xmastrees
WHERE-TO GUIDE
nymetroparents.com/where-to
Kid-Friendly Museums
›› Research by Barbara Russo
Linda Burke
Dig up dirt on extinct species, go back in time with a history lesson, and immerse yourself in another culture without leaving your own backyard—all of this is possible at local children’s museums! There’s no shortage of exciting destinations where your kids can soak up equal parts education and excitement. All of these museums have exhibits specifically geared toward the kid crowd, so no one will be disappointed when you set out on your adventure. Most destinations even have tours, so you and your kids can become experts on presidents, dinosaurs, tornados, or whatever you wish, all in a day’s admission! Hours and exhibitions are subject to change—please call ahead or check the website to confirm.
The Hallockville Museum Farm grounds feature 19 historic houses, barns, and outbuildings.
Children’s Maritime Museum at Port Jefferson 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson 631-331-3277; maritimeexplorium.org Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 1-5pm Admission: $5 Housed in the historic Chandlery Building on Port Jefferson Harbor, this museum is a lighthouse learning center featuring interactive exhibits for kids in primary grades and adults. Learn about Long Island’s natural ecosystem and maritime heritage through permanent installations such as Navigation Station and Virtual Submarine—two interactive computer programs that allow visitors to virtually navigate the Port Jefferson harbor (both above and below water) while learning more about the natural attributes and history of the area. Children’s Museum of the East End 376 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton
631-537-8250; cmee.org Hours: Monday and Wednesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm Admission: $12; free for children younger than 1 Kids ages 2-10 can learn through play at the museum’s permanent exhibits, which include a Crawler Garden with bugs, fruits and vegetables, and a drop-in art studio. You can also sail the high seas, discover how a windmill works, try on costumes at the turn-of-the-century general store, and let off some pent-up energy in an indoor play space meant to nurture cognitive and physical development. Legacy Tree Gallery: This indoor play space/exhibit seeks to help kids build healthy bodies and minds. It offers families a fun destination to be physically active during the colder months. The museum’s staff consulted with occupational therapists to implement exhibit features that nurture cognitive and physical development.
The Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor 631-367-3418; cshwhalingmuseum.org Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 12-4pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm Admission: $6; $5 seniors and children ages 4-18; free for children younger than 4 Explore the relationship between Long Islanders and the sea through the museum’s 6,000 objects and artifacts. Cold Spring’s current exhibits display the whaling history of the area. Highlights of the collection include New York state’s only fully equipped 19th-century whaleboat with original gear and one of the most notable scrimshaw collections in the Northeast. See ship models, explore artifacts and tools used by whalers, stand next to a sperm whale jaw, see a diorama of Cold Spring Harbor in 1850, and touch whale bones. See the website for a schedule of family workshops. Hallockville Museum Farm 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead 631-298-5292; hallockville.com Hours: Self-guided walking tours of the grounds, including 28 acres of buildings, gardens, and collections, are offered weekdays, 11am-4pm. Guided tours for the general public are conducted FridaySunday, 12-4pm, May-December. Selfguided tours on weekdays, 10am-4pm. Admission: Self-guided tours: FREE. Guided tours: $7; $5 children and seniors. The grounds feature 19 historic houses, barns, and outbuildings, including the mid-18th-century Hallock Homestead (entry into selected Hallockville buildings is by guided escort only). Visitors can experience farming on Long Island during that time period and meet Hallockville’s friendly cows, sheep, and chickens. Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/museums
Mowie Kay
FOOD & NUTRITION
Potato dumplings and potato spinach croquettes
Celebrate the Festival of Lights ››
Three international dishes to enjoy for Hanukkah By Paola Gavin “Over their two thousand years of exile, Jews migrated across the world, taking their culinary heritage and traditions with them. Wherever they went, they adapted local and regional dishes to fit their own strict dietary laws and, as a result, Jewish food today encompasses an enormous variety of cuisines and cooking styles,” Paola Gavin writes in her recently published cookbook, Hazana: Jewish Vegetarian Cooking. This Hanukkah (Dec. 12-20), why not enjoy tasty recipes with Russian, Turkish, and Italian roots?
Potato dumplings stuffed with curd cheese and chives Pampushki from Russia
Pampushki can be fried or boiled, sweet or savory. For sweet pampushki, simply omit the chives from the filling, add a tablespoon or two of sugar and the grated rind of a lemon, then serve lightly dusted with sugar. In Russia they generally fry pampushki in vegetable oil, but as I believe cooking with vegetable oils can be bad for your health, I prefer to use olive oil instead. Serves 4 1 lb. potatoes, peeled 2½ cups mashed potato Olive oil, for shallow frying For the filling: 8 oz. curd (pot or farmer’s) cheese 1 egg yolk
40
December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
1-2 tablespoons finely chopped chives Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1. To make the filling, place the curd cheese, egg yolk, and chives in a bowl and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. 2. Coarsely grate the potatoes, then squeeze out as much water as possible. Place in a bowl with the mashed potato, season with salt and pepper, and mix well. Form the potato mixture into balls about the size of an egg. Punch a hole in the center with your forefinger and fill with a teaspoonful of filling, then close up to seal the filling inside. Flatten slightly and shallow-fry until golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Potato and spinach croquettes
Fritikas de spinaka kon patatas from Turkey
These delicious little croquettes may be served as a light main course or a side dish. Traditionally they are often prepared for Rosh Hashanah, or for Passover—in which case, matzo meal is used instead of flour. Serves 4-5 8 oz. spinach 2 lb. potatoes 2 eggs, separated Salt and freshly ground black pepper Flour or matzo meal, for dredging Olive oil, for deep-frying
1. Wash the spinach thoroughly, then cook in a covered saucepan over a moderate heat for 5 minutes or until wilted— the water clinging to the leaves is sufficient to prevent scorching. Drain well and squeeze dry, then chop finely. 2. Boil the potatoes in plenty of lightly salted water for 25 minutes or until tender. Drain and, when cool enough to handle, peel and then force through a sieve or mash with a potato ricer. Add the spinach and egg yolks and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Shape into balls the size of a walnut and flatten slightly, then set aside to cool. 3. Meanwhile, whisk the egg whites until frothy. Dip the croquettes into the egg white then roll in flour. Working in batches, deep-fry the croquettes in hot oil until golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Apple fritters
Fritelle di mele from Italy
These delicious apple fritters are often made for Chanukah and Tu Bi-Shevat, the Festival of the Trees. For a variation, try making them with other fruit, such as bananas, strawberries, apricots, or figs.
Fishing g for some fun? Winter Break Programs at Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium HOMEMADE PLAYDOUGH MAKING
Make your own homemade playdough. Use the Hatchery's animals as your inspiration and get creative!
LIVE AIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Learn about the Hatchery’s reptiles and amphibians
TROUT FEEDING DEMONSTRATIONS
ACTIVITIES Watch trout jump & splash as they devour aEVENTS diet of fish food MORE
ANIMAL TRACKS: Who’s Been Here?
Who’s making that strange footprint in your backyard? Identify animal tracks & make your own track to take home!
NEW YEAR’S DAY HIKE January 1st 11am
Come and learn about Long Island winter habitats and end your visit with a guided nature hike. FAMILY FRIENDLY!
www.cshfishhatchery.org | 516-692-6768 | 1660 Rte. 25A, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
Long Island’s Premier Lice Treatment Centers
866-561-0492
Serves 4-6 4 tart apples 4-5 tablespoons brandy Olive oil, for deep-frying Icing (confectioners’) sugar, for dusting For the batter: 1 cup unbleached plain (all-purpose) flour Pinch of salt 1 teaspoon sugar 1 egg, separated 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons dry white wine 1. For the batter, combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl and make a well in the center. Add the egg yolk, olive oil, wine, and 5 tablespoons water and mix well, then gradually stir in up to another 5 tablespoons water to make a smooth batter. Leave to stand for 30 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, peel and core the apples and cut into rounds about ¼-inch thick. Place in a shallow bowl and pour over the brandy. Let the apples steep for 30 minutes. 3. To finish the batter, in another bowl, whisk the egg white until stiff and then gently fold into the batter. Working in batches, dip the apple rings into the batter and deep-fry in hot oil until golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve at once, dusted with icing sugar.
Recipes excerpted with permission from Hazana: Jewish Vegetarian Cooking by Paola Gavin, published by Quadrille October 2017, RRP $35.00 hardcover.
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nymetroparents @ Play Amusements ›
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nymetroparents Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium ›
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nymetroparents Who says you can’t have fun indoors? Awesome Family Funday!
nymetroparents Fishing for fun? Good things come to kids who bait!
@ Play Amusements | 229 Broadhollow Road (Route 110), Farmingdale 631-815-5355 | atplayamusement.com
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor | 516-692-6768 | cshfishhatchery.org
nymetroparents St. Patrick Youth Community Summer Camp ›
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nymetroparents RPM Raceway ›
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nymetroparents Splash Into Summer Fun at St. Patrick’s Youth Summer Camp! St. Patrick Youth Community Summer Camp 280 E. Main St., Smithtown | 631-360-0185 | stpatsyouth.com
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December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
nymetroparents Need for speed? Race indoor electric karts at RPM Raceway! RPM Raceway | 40 Daniel St., Farmingdale | 631-752-7223 | rpmraceway.com
nymetroparents Sappo School K-12 Private School ›
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nymetroparents
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USDAN Summer Camp For The Arts ›
nymetroparents Looking for small class size and individualized attention? Check out Sappo School!
nymetroparents These are the days we live for! Escape the ordinary.
Sappo School K-12 Private School 40 Kings Park Road, Commack | 631-736-2146 | sapposchool.com
USDAN Summer Camp For The Arts 185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights | 844-824-9790 | usdan.org
nymetroparents Classical Conversations Inc. ›
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nymetroparents Village East Gifted: Academic Enrichment for the Gifted and Talented Student ›
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nymetroparents A love for learning “points” the way to academic success! nymetroparents Classical Conversations Inc.: Helping parents home-school Classical Conversations Inc. | Westchester, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island | 910-673-0100 | classicalconversations.com
nymetroparents Picasso Kidz ›
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Village East Gifted: Academic Enrichment for the Gifted and Talented Student 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station | 216 Mineola Ave., Roslyn Heights 631-549-2313 | villageeastgifted.com
nymetroparents
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Nastics ›
nymetroparents Where every child is an artist!
nymetroparents Nastics: Learn gymnastics, make friends, get fit, and have fun.
Picasso Kidz | 72 Broadway, Greenlawn | 631-261-5500 | picassokidz.com
Nastics | 921-1 Lincoln Ave., Holbrook | 631-567-0066 | nastics.net
LongIslandParent 43
Professional services
Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals. DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS CUMMINGS FAMILY DENTAL 42 High St., Huntington 631-425-1650 cummingsfamilydentistry.com cummingsfamilydentistry@aol.com At Cummings Family Dentistry, we believe that a dentist and patient become a team. We spend time listening to understand your concerns and responding with the best treatment options for you. ISLAND ORTHODONTICS: HORIZON ORTHODONTICS Dr. Scott Friedman 1150 Portion Road, No. 13, Holtsville 631-698-2424 Find us on Facebook: @horizonorthodontics Our practice’s top priority is to provide you the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. We utilize the latest technological advances in the industry, such as invisible ceramic braces and Invisalign®, along with the latest in computer technology. PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY OF SUFFOLK COUNTY: DR. MIKE IOANNOU 2171 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 145, Commack 631-486-6364 3237 Route 112, Building 6, Suite 7B, Medford 631-320-0880 supermolar.com mikeioannou@hotmail.com Dr. Michael Ioannou, a native of Suffolk County, strives to make visiting the dentist a fun experience, all while providing exceptional dental care. He uses excellent behavioral management approaches, a child-friendly environment (TV and cartoons in all treatment rooms), and he sings to the patients! SUFFOLK PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY 8 Medical Drive, Port Jefferson Station 631-928-8585 6144 Route 25 A, Suite D20, Wading River 631-929-7575 750 Roanoke Ave., Riverhead 631-727-8585 suffolkpediatricdentistry.com infoportjeff@suffolkpediatricdentistry.com For 40 years, we have provided dental care that’s friendly, gentle, and compassionate. 44
We provide preventive and comprehensive treatment for infants, children, and adolescents including sedation and general anesthesia dentistry. We strive to help our patients develop good oral hygiene habits and beautiful healthy smiles. DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Nassau: 516-216-1791 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, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders. 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-ofthe-art medical office equipment allows us to deliver your test results during your visit. Kid-friendly; walk-ins welcome; most insurance plans accepted. RMG SPEECH PATHOLOGY Racheal McInnes, M.A., C.C.C.-S.L.P., Speech Language Pathologist 775 Park Ave., Suite 255-4, Huntington 631-372-4142 rmgtherapy.com Racheal Gardega McInnes, speech-language pathologist, is founder of RMG Speech Pathology. Treatment areas include expressive/receptive language disorders, articulation disorders, fluency, voice disor-
December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
ders, auditory processing disorders, and feeding and swallowing disorders. FOOD & NUTRITION THE FOOD WIZARD FOR KIDS Serving all of Long Island 631-606-2680 thefoodwizardforkids.com info@thefoodwizardforkids.com Making food and nutrition fun for the whole family. Available for speaking engagements. Also provides workshops for kids, family night dinners, and healthy weight counseling. LEGAL SERVICES LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, P.L.L.C. 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s 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. SPECIAL NEEDS ALTERNATIVES FOR CHILDREN 1116 Main Road, Aquebogue 631-722-2170 600 S. 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 day care, EI and 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. DR. ELLEN T RICHER, EDUCATION CLINICIAN & COUNSELOR Convenient Long Island locations 347-668-3676 etrdream@aol.com We co-develop strategies to improve executive functioning, sensory process-
ing, and social cognition challenges, and provide enrichment opportunities to engage and motivate highly capable yet underachieving children. LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, P.L.L.C. 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s 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. 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, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders. RMG SPEECH PATHOLOGY Racheal McInnes, M.A., C.C.C.-S.L.P., Speech Language Pathologist 775 Park Ave., Suite 255-4, Huntington 631-372-4142 rmgtherapy.com Racheal Gardega McInnes, speech-language pathologist, is founder of RMG Speech Pathology. Treatment areas include expressive/receptive language disorders, articulation disorders, fluency, voice disorders, auditory processing disorders, and feeding and swallowing disorders. THERAPY & COUNSELORS DR. ELLEN T RICHER, EDUCATION CLINICIAN & COUNSELOR Convenient Long Island locations 347-668-3676
etrdream@aol.com We co-develop strategies to improve executive functioning, sensory processing, and social cognition challenges, and provide enrichment opportunities to engage and motivate highly capable yet underachieving children. TUTORS & TEST PREP ST. PATRICK YOUTH COMMUNITY: ST. PATRICK TUTORING CENTER St. Patrick Church, Smithtown 631-724-1261 stpatsyouth.com spyouth@optonline.net St. Patrick Tutoring Center is here to assist your learner from kindergarten through 12th grades with Catholic Entrance Exam Prep, SAT, Regents, or daily schoolwork. ST. PATRICK YOUTH COMMUNITY: YOUTH ENRICHMENT LEARNING CENTER St. Patrick Church, Smithtown 631-724-1261 stpatsyouth.com spyouth@optonline.net St. Patrick Youth Enrichment and Learning Center provides programs for your child ages 1½ years to sixth grade.
A faith-based program offers a loving, caring environment. SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER OF HUNTINGTON 1160 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington 631-424-5600 sylvanlearning.com sylvanlearning@optonline.net Sylvan of Huntington offers personalized tutoring programs in reading, writing, mathematics, and SAT/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. Enriching every qualified, gifted child. We are also a John Hopkins CTY info and SAT testing center.
Planning an Activity or Event for Children or Families? Get FREE Exposure on
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OPEN HOUSES 2017
Long Island Whole Child Academy School for Twice Exceptional Learning
175 Wolf Hill Road, Melville 347-668-3676 liwholechild.org; info@liwholechild.org LIWCA is a place where children who learn differently thrive. Tour the academy and meet the director, admissions, and faculty. Open houses: Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10am-12pm; and Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 6-8pm.
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Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts
185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 631-643-7900 usdan.com Join us for an open house Sundays, Dec. 17 or Jan. 21, 2018. Reservations required. Visit usdan.org/visit. For $100 off new student tuition use promo code: Suffolk.
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 VEG Academic Enrichment Program provides a comfortable and stimulating learning environment, where Gifted and Talented students are inspired to explore, create, and excel. Call 631-549-2313 to schedule a personal tour.
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Announce it to more than 100,000 parents who are visiting NYMetroParents.com every month. Be featured on the largest family activities Calendar in the metropolitan New York area. LongIslandParent 45
PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT A COUPLE OF PUPPETS THEATRE 631-276-1014 acoupleofpuppets.com acoupleofpuppets@gmail.com Entertain your party guests with a Little Red Riding Hood puppet show! The show is 30 minutes and most appropriate for ages 2-7. We travel to your home or venue. THE FOOD WIZARD FOR KIDS Serving all of Long Island 631-606-2680 thefoodwizardforkids.com info@thefoodwizardforkids.com Try a healthy twist on birthday parties! The Food Wizard for Kids provides birthday party workshops for younger children. Kids discover new foods through fun activities including taste tests and art projects. MAD SCIENCE OF LONG ISLAND Call for locations throughout Long Island: 855-264-1672 madscienceli.com info@madscienceli.com A Mad Scientist brings all the necessary equipment to you. Party packages include invitations and a take-home activity each child makes. Optional grand finales include Bubbling Potions, Rockets, and Cotton Candy. PARTY PLACES @ PLAY AMUSEMENTS 229 NY-110, Farmingdale 631-815-5355 atplayamusement.com info@playamusement.com Have your next party at the newly renovated @ Play Amusements! It offers 30,000-square-feet of fun ranging from 92 arcade games, inflatables, and bumper cars to a roller coaster, carousel, disco room, and laser tag! ART BUZZ KIDS 35 Jackson Ave., Syosset 516-802-4954 syosset@wineanddesign.com 21 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre 516-442-0330 rvc.ny@wineanddesign.com wineanddesign.com 46
Spark your child’s creativity and imagination! Art Buzz Kids offers family-friendly painting and craft classes for children of all ages. Our birthday party themes are designed to inspire and excite all children. 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 in a private party atmosphere. 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 cookie baking and decorating, cupcakes “from scratch,” muffin and scone baking, and brownies. Come in, call, or visit celebrationsinthekitchen.com for more information about parties. COLD SPRING HARBOR FISH HATCHERY & AQUARIUM 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor 516-692-6768 cshfha.org steved@cshfha.org Celebrate your child’s next birthday at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium! See the hatchery and aquarium’s exciting live exhibits. Feed the hungry trout and learn about fish, reptiles, and amphibians with an up-close animal encounter. HUNTINGTON CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 310 New York Ave., Huntington 631-271-4626 huntingtoncenteronline.com huntingtoncenter@yahoo.com Make your child’s birthday a memorable and creative event with our dance-themed birthday parties. As a
December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources.
special treat, a guest artist will come in costume to perform for your guests! KEY TO MY ART INC. 10 W. Oak St., Amityville 631-608-9048 keytomyart.com At Key to My Art, our children’s paint parties include all supplies from aprons to easels. The guest of honor picks the theme, we provide the instruction, and each guest leaves with a finished painting! LONG ISLAND AQUARIUM & EXHIBITION CENTER 431 E. Main St., Riverhead 631-208-9200 xH2O (426); 631-2089200 x186 longislandaquarium.com Have an Aquatic Birthday Party at the Long Island Aquarium! Take a private tour of the aquarium, receive preferential treatment at our Simulator and Discovery Tower rides, and special seating at our Sea Lion Show! MY GYM CHILDREN’S FITNESS CENTER 1320 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook 631-751-KIDS (5437) mgym.com/stonybrook 128 W. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station 631-427-GYMS (4967) mygym.com/huntingtonstation My Gym parties include exclusive use of the gym, including a zip line, rock wall, trampoline, trapeze, climbing structures, and slides. Instructors lead your guests through action-packed activities of your choice from Gazillion Bubbles to sports, with multiple theme options. NOT JUST ART 183 South St., Oyster Bay 516-922-8300 notjustart.com create@notjust art.com Not Just Art has oodles of excellent music, art, and science parties for ages 1-12 and beyond. Choose from our treasury of super imaginative projects or use favorite themes and activities as a creative springboard. PICASSO KIDZ, CREATIVE ART STUDIO FOR CHILDREN 72 Broadway, Greenlawn 631-261-5500
picassokidz.com picassokidzart@gmail.com Picasso Kidz puts the “ART” in pARTy! Birthdays at Picasso Kidz are truly unique and memorable. We have many packages and options to choose from for ages 2-17. SAFARI ADVENTURE 1074 Pulaski St., Riverhead 631-727-4386 thesafariadventure.com dan@thesafariadventure.com Safari Adventure is Long’s Island’s premier family fun center and birthday party place. Fun for the whole family with inflatables, four-level soft playground, arcade, interactive floor games, and a full café! SOUTH SHORE RECREATION 1132 Penatiquit Ave., Seaford 631-860-3126 southshorerecreation.com Kids are going gaga for the hottest new party on Long Island! Party at our location or we can come to you! Our fantastic coaches will run the Gaga games so you can host the best party you’ve ever had! THE VILLAGE ARTIST 630 New York Ave., Huntington 631-271-0715 thevillageartist.com lori@thevillageartist.com Create art for your next birthday party! The Village Artist Fine Arts Center is proud to host your next birthday party. Enjoy a fun and creative time with your family and friends including an art project of your choice. WHAT’S COOKING? 30 E. Main St., Oyster Bay 516-922-COOK (2665) whatscookingny.com info@whatscookingny.com Martha Stewart, Newsday, and News 12 boast What’s Cooking? is a No. 1 Choice Birthday Party Place where children can explore their creativity in culinary arts. Funtastic cookie, cupcake, Cupcake Wars, chocolate, or pizza parties can be customized in our spacious party room making your party memorable!
Meet the Health Care
Allied Physicians Group, Peconic Pediatrics, Dr. Megan Kasnicki M.D., F.A.A.P. 34 Commerce Drive, Suite 2, Riverhead 631-722-8880 peconicpediatrics.com
PROFESSIONAL
Dr. Kasnicki is a graduate of SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. She completed her pediatrics residency at New York University and is a board-certified pediatrician. She has a special interest in caring for underserved populations, especially in managing the psychosocial and cultural concerns of immigrant families. She is fluent in Polish and is active in the local community.
Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County Dr. Mike Ioannou 2171 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 145, Commack 631-486-6364 3237 Route 112, Building 6, Suite 7B, Medford 631-320-0880; supermolar.com
Dr. Michael Gruttadauria, The Center for Integrative and Innovative Therapies (The CIIT Center) 131 Sunnyside Blvd., Suite 100, Plainview 516-243-8660 theciitcenter.com
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
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
To be in this section, call 631-472-5437 or email nympads@davlermedia.com
Dr. Michael Ioannou, a native of Suffolk County, received his dental degree at the University of Connecticut - School of Dental Medicine, with a residency in pediatric dentistry from Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center. A friendly, patient dentist, Dr. Ioannou strives to make visiting the dentist a fun experience, all while providing exceptional dental care. He uses excellent behavioral management approaches, a child-friendly environment (TV and cartoons in all treatment rooms), and he sings to the patients! Dr. Ioannou currently participates with most insurance companies and has convenient evening and Saturday office hours.
Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, is owner and operator of Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. Along with her group of therapists, she supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders (adults and children). Intensive feeding therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions, and FEES—Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing—are also offered. There is a total of seven affiliated offices across Long Island, all participating with most major health insurance companies and offering evening and Saturday hours.
Dr. Michael Gruttadauria leads the operations at an advanced treatment center for autism spectrum disorder called The CIIT Center. The CIIT Center’s mission is to approach each child with autism as a total entity by enhancing the biomedical, neurological, nutritional, electrical, and immune system of each of our patients and combining this with occupational, physical, and speech therapies, along with applied behavioral analysis. Our comprehensive approach starts with identifying the underlying factors that may be holding the child back, not just treating their symptoms. This gives each child every opportunity to reach their potential.
Pediatric Immediate Care is a team of hearts where kids come first. State-of-the-art 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.
LongIslandParent
SALES OPENING MAGAZINES • WEBSITES • SOCIAL MEDIA • EMAIL send resumé to dmgsales@davlermedia.com
LongIslandParent 47
How Can I Introduce Technology Into My Child’s Life In a Safe and Appropriate Manner? ›› Smart devices can be great tools—when they’re used wisely. By Laura Hart
M
any parents find technology use among their children to be a topic of anxiety. Some fear an interest in technology may lead to an over-saturation of video games and lack of academic or social focus. What many parents don’t realize is, technology usage should be a tool to help children think creatively and eagerly engage in learning. Learning and growing are not one-size-fits-all experiences, as many educators may have led us to believe. Developing a creative and confident learner is something you build by noticing, listening, and engaging with your child in what interests them. To this end, introducing your child to technology is an exciting experience, as there are infinite fun and engaging approaches. When thinking about technology introduction and integration, there are a few things to consider, all of which remain true when speaking about grade-school students, adolescents, or grown adults. First, technology should be used as a supplement to foster interest and enthusiasm in life, rather than a necessity a child is
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pushed toward out of fear that they will not succeed or be ready to face the next challenge in life. The second thing to remember is, it’s quite difficult not to have some aspect of technology in your child’s life. The key is to make sure they have the opportunity to play with it, as they might play with clay, painting, or music. Having this ability will naturally lead children toward the coding, robotics, stop-motion animation, or maker activities that provide so much of what professionals in the 21st-century job market are looking for. Creativity, the ability to work in a team, the ability to take a large challenge and break it down into smaller tasks, and to communicate well with others are all skills fostered through technology use. And they’re more necessary than ever for the future facing our children. Although there are countless applications and networks through which to introduce children to technology, the key is trusting your children to make good decisions and being there to support their choices.
AD INDEX
NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY Metropolitan area!
BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES
DEVELOPMENTAL
MUSIC
@ Play Amusement...................................................... 7
Allied Physicians Group.............................................. 47
Gateway Playhouse.................................................... 13
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery.............................. 41 Gulliver’s Gate............................................................ 19
C.I.I.T. Center....................................................... 17, 47 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.............. 29, 47
Music Together, LLC................................................... 17 Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts................................ 2
Music Together, LLC................................................... 17
EDUCATION
Northwell Health Ice Center / NY Islander.................... 9
LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................ 19
PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING
Picasso Kidz................................................................. 9
Village East Gifted...................................................... 11
Gateway Playhouse.................................................... 13 Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts................................ 2
CAMPS
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS / OUTINGS
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery.............................. 41
@ Play Amusement...................................................... 7
LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................ 19
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery.............................. 41
PLAY SPACES @ Play Amusement...................................................... 7
Gateway Playhouse.................................................... 13 Music Together, LLC................................................... 17 Picasso Kidz................................................................. 9 St. Patrick Youth Community........................................ 9
Gulliver’s Gate............................................................ 19 New York Botanical Garden........................................ 29 Northwell Health Ice Center / NY Islander.................... 9
Allied Physicians Group.............................................. 47 C.I.I.T. Center....................................................... 17, 47
Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts................................ 2 HEALTH Village East Gifted...................................................... 11
SPECIAL NEEDS
Allied Physicians Group.............................................. 47
Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.............. 29, 47 Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County...................... 3, 47
C.I.I.T. Center....................................................... 17, 47 CLASSES LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................ 19
Fairy LiceMothers....................................................... 41
Pediatric Immediate Care....................................... 7, 47
Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County...................... 3, 47 SPORTS
Picasso Kidz................................................................. 9
Pediatric Immediate Care....................................... 7, 47
St. Patrick Youth Community........................................ 9
Meshab OB-GYN........................................................ 52
Northwell Health Ice Center / NY Islander.................... 9
Village East Gifted...................................................... 11
Northwell-Cohen Children Clinical Mag........................ 5
St. Patrick Youth Community........................................ 9 LongIslandParent 49
VOICES
Reflfle fl ctions of a [Not So] ‘Very Cool Dad’ ››
After years of working at parenting magazines and websites, our former editorial director says goodbye to the beat. By Michael Kress
I
was in the grocery store with my kids recently, and in an effort to get them to take a break from trying to kill each other long enough for me to check out, I decided to ask them directly: “Please take a break from killing each other so I can check out.” It didn’t really work, but it did catch the attention of a young woman passing by, who turned to me with a big smile and told me I was a “very cool dad.” Of that I am not sure, but the interjection was enough to somehow silence my kids long enough to allow me to pay and flee. Mission accomplished. Of course, my first instinct was to figure out how I’d write about the anecdote. That’s what we journalists do, and for the past seven years—the last two-plus at NYMetroParents—my career, and my passion, has focused on parenting magazines and websites. Now, as I say goodbye to the beat and begin a new chapter, I am feeling wistful but am also looking forward to my return to being a parenting civilian rather than a professional. When people hear I work in parenting media, they tend to ask for the best piece of advice I’ve learned, or make some comment about how I must be a great parent because of my job. Underlying the question or comment is the assumption that there is some Secret to Perfect Parenting lying somewhere waiting to be unlocked. Of course, there is not, and the articles I’ve published would never claim there is. Ask me instead about the safest way to put a baby to sleep or whether kids’ allowance should be dependant on their doing chores, and then we can have an indepth conversation. Parenting media, like parenting itself, is usually focused on the micro and the mundane—on solving the specific challenge or achieving the unique goal of the moment. In short, it strives to aid in the day-to-day struggles and adventures of modern parenting, rather than propose a Pefect Parenting Plan. That said, I have picked up a few lessons here and there, from the content I’ve edited and my own decade of experience as a parent. What are those? Here are just a few highlights: Michael Kress is the former editorial director of NYMetroParents and the father of three girls.
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1. Kids’ moods will change in a heartbeat. The child throwing an epic tantrum will shrug it off and move on, while the siblings at war will suddenly be playing and laughing together—all while we adults continue to fume and shake, feeling the effects of the conflict long after our kids have forgotten about it. There is a saying about certain cities that if you don’t like the weather, wait a little while and it will change; so, too, for kids’ moods and behaviors. If you have the wherewithal to wait it out, this rough moment will certainly pass. 2. There is no substitute for being present. The best gift we can give our kids is time and attention. Unfortunately, there is the not-small matter of careers and income, and this is one of the harder things for many of us to give, especially in our commutecrazy metro area. At the very least, we can make sure to make the most of the time we do have during the week with our kids and on the weekends, being present not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. Which means: Put down that phone (advice I preach better than I practice). 3. There is nothing more important than raising your kids to be kind. Resilience, academic success, social skills—these things are all important. But I’d give anything to know my kids will live lives of empathy, generosity, and kindness. The greatest moments I can recall as a parent? When I see one of my kids going out of her way to help a sister, friend, or occasionally, my wife or me. 4. Fart jokes are always funny. This is a universal truth that transcends age, gender, or interest. It just is. And that is a fact that can come in handy when stress levels get high and anxiety needs to be released. A bonus of working in parenting media is the free swag—and I must give a shout-out to all the companies that shipped toys and books and baby products that have enriched our lives and occasionally merited a review or mention. My kids, to be clear, are devastated that I am leaving. And there is so much I will miss, too, and not just the goodies. The true reward has been in digging into the issues that matter so much to our lives as parents, learning and growing from the content we’ve published, and sharing it with you to help all of us be the best parents we can be. I look forward to continuing to be part of this community, as a parenting civilian and a reader.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY! NYMetroParents.com is parents' Party Central—one-stop shopping for the best in: H Party Places (for the trendiest, newest, or most classic locale) H Entertainers (clowns, balloon twisting, magicians, spa parties & so much more!) H Gift-Giving (from charitable ideas to the best presents for every age) H At-Home Party Themes (think pirates, princesses, superheroes, Harry Potter…) H Planning Help H Tips & Tricks from the Pros (…and parents who’ve been there!) Bergen•RocklandParent NORTH
HILLSDALE • MONTVALE
SEPTEMBER 2012
NORTHVALE • NORWOOD • OLD TAPPAN • PARK RIDGE • RAMSEY • RIDGEWOOD • SADDLE RIVER/UPPER SADDLE RIVER • WALDWICK • WESTWOOD • WYCKOFF
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LongIslandParent Parent SPETEMBER 2012
Class Is In!
After-School Activities
✓ ❑ ✓ ❑
Resource Guide
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SLOW DOWN!
NYMETROPARENTS.COM
Back-to-School Resource Guide Pack a Smarter Lunch Ease the Morning Rush Advocate for Your Twins
How to Manage Kids’ Schedules
What Makes a Good Mentor?
+ 174 Family
+ 130 Family
(see our calendar, p. 26)
(see our calendar, p. 32)
Events
Events
Plus: Learning to Let Go
Vaccines at Every Age Plus: Journaling for Your Child
Where-To Guide: Berry Picking
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Dinosaur Fun
Where-To Guide: Apple Picking • Outing: New York Hall of Science
NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions
LongIslandParent 51
A Private Practice With a Commitment To Personalized Women’s Health Care and Wellness
Introducing Dr. Karyn Wat Specializing in adolescent and mature women’s health care and obstetrics. Multilingual - English, Spanish and Chinese
Welcome to Mesbah OB/GYN.
We are dedicated to providing the highest quality health care to women of all ages. In this day and age of large impersonal medical groups, our goal is to maintain a personal connection with our patients.
Specializing in minimally invasive and robotic surgery
Most major insurances accepted
877 Stewart Avenue Suite 3 Garden City, NY 11530 516-794-1500 www.mesbahobgyn.com