AUGUST 2014
AUGUST 2014
established 1986
NEWYORKFAMILY.COM
The
ULTIMATE GUIDE to
RAISING KIDS in the
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contents
Photo by Karen Haberberg
AUGUST newyorkfamily.com
pg.16
pg.61
pg.103 pg.75 pg.23
pg. 27
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO RAISING KIDS IN THE CITY 2014-2015
COLUMNS 12 | Editor’s Note From the practical to the sublime 14 | Events & Offers Our annual readership survey and a chance to win a fab parent-moon 112 | Last Word The Awakening
FEATURES 16 | In My Room We stepped into the bedrooms of seven décor-savvy kiddos (including three sets of siblings sharing rooms) to capture snapshots of urban family living 18 | Spend City Our budget blogger—and local mom of two—offers some savvy tips on saving money in all aspects of city life 23 | It’s Super Dad! In the hospital with leukemia, a Brooklyn father reassures his young son by sketching heroes from the comics
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SPECIAL SECTIONS & DIRECTORIES 27 | Classes From new and cool offerings to classic favorites, our guide to the city’s best classes is sure to delight kids of all ages
94 | New & Expectant Parents A selective guide to local bump and baby essentials—plus, the Best in Show picks from the 2014 New York Baby Show
53 | Museums The city’s many museums aren’t just grown-up affairs—most offer special programming for children as well
99 | Health & Wellness A selective list of New York City’s best family-friendly health and wellness pros
61 | Attractions Our hit parade of the top family-friendly adventures and attractions in the city
103 | Theaters & Live Performances Take a seat and check out the most kidfriendly theaters and live shows in town
69 | Education Some of the city’s brightest teachers offer advice to parents on how to help their children thrive
109 | Special Needs A local mom of two (and special needs consultant) shares her wisdom about raising children with developmental challenges
75 | Birthdays Our favorite birthday party venues and entertainers are sure to make any child’s special day the best ever
Cover Illustrations by Holly Morrison and Rachael Tucker
89 | Shopping Our guide to the best family retailers— from boutiques to big box stores—offers the inside scoop on shopping the city in the smartest way www.newyorkfamily.com
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SWIM SPORTS FITNESS COOKING ARTS
Registration now open! Classes begin September 6.
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AUGUST 2014 Editor and co-publisher Eric Messinger emessinger@ manhattanmedia.com senior Editor Bridget Moriarity bmoriarity@ manhattanmedia.com associate Editor Mia Weber mweber@ manhattanmedia.com ART DIRECTOR Holly Morrison hmorrison@manhattanmedia.com ADVERTISING DESIGNER Rachael Tucker rtucker@manhattanmedia.com
Contributing PhotographerS Heidi Green, Karen Haberberg, Michael Jurick, Sarah Merians, Andrew Schwartz, Ali Smith Contributing Writers Leah Black, Anastasia Capatina, Nicole Goldstein, Jaime Rochelle Herndon, Kelsy Kershaw, Tiffany Lu, Emily Murphy Publisher John Hurley For Information On The Baby Show 212.268.3086, jhurley@ manhattanmedia.com Associate Publisher Mary Ann Oklesson maoklesson @ manhattanmedia.com Special Projects Director Alex Schweitzer aschweitzer@ manhattanmedia.com SALES ASSISTANT Erik Bliss ebliss@ manhattanmedia.com Circulation Aaron Pollard apollard @ manhattanmedia.com Accounts Manager Kathy Pollyea kpollyea @ manhattanmedia.com
Manhattan Media Chairman of the board Richard Burns EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Hilary Vartanian General Manager - operations Shawn Scott Assistant to the Chairman Clara Quiroga Director of digital Dennis Rodriguez New York Family is a division of Manhattan Media, publishers of AVENUE magazine, and The Blackboard Awards.
Š 2014 Manhattan Media, LLC | 72 Madison Avenue, 11th Floor New York, NY 10016 | t: 212.268.8600 | f: 212.268.0577 www.manhattanmedia.com
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TIME TO PLAY In an issue that is so much about the enriching experiences of a New York City childhood, I want to begin with one of my favorites: the playground. As a city, we’re very blessed in our playgrounds, and for many parents they really are the oases that allow us to feel like we can raise kids in the city without depriving them of childhood’s most important and elemental experience: play. You know that local playground, with the nifty features, where your children have spent so many hours growing up? Now imagine their lives if their playground was worn down and crummy, or didn’t exist at all. I love the community aspect of playgrounds, where you and your kids are likely to see the same people over and over and make friends. I’ve loved going on little city adventures to unfamiliar neighborhoods and new playgrounds. And, of course, I loved the times I’ve spent with my children at playgrounds—whether riding down the slide with my babies, or (these days) enjoying a book while casting occasional glances at my 10-year-old son as he plays a pick-up game of one kind or another. Years ago I wrote an article about screen time that basically tried to answer the perennial parental
IN
Photo by A. De Vos Photo Inc.
editor’s note
dilemma: how much is too much? After speaking with a ton of notable experts Enjoying the 2014 New York Baby Show and helpful with our publisher John Hurley (left). parents, what I concluded was that, instead of obsessing about screen time, it might be more beneficial to think about that issue in the context of the whole of a child’s life, with questions like: do they seem happy and engaged? Are they reading? Do they like their friends? Are they getting lots of time at the playground, or in other active pursuits? Check off these boxes, and the screen time question will seem like less of an issue. And therein is my “operating manual” for the 20142015 Ultimate Guide. As much as I hope that, in the pages that follow, you’ll find a lot of wonderful ideas and helpful resources for raising children and enjoying life in the city, in my experience, none of them top time in the playground—which, if you think about it, is kind of Stage One of the city’s awesome street life. Happy Days, Eric Messinger Editor, emessinger@manhattanmedia.com
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events & offers TAKE OUR READER SURVEY,
WIN A PARENT MOON! We’re conducting our annual readership survey! The results of this survey will help us shape New York Family’s magazine, website, and weekly e-newsletters to better address the interests and needs of our readers. The survey is conducted online, and only takes a few minutes to complete. All data will be tabulated collectively, and your individual answers will not be revealed in public or shared with third parties. And the best part? Anyone who takes the survey can enter to win a two-night stay at the Maritime Hotel, one of the city’s chicest boutique hotels, and a session at the new LUSH Spa on the Upper East Side. To take the survey, visit: surveymonkey.com/s/NewYorkFamily2014. Thank you in advance for your participation.
SAVE THE DATE
Sign Up For Our E-Newsletters The best way to follow New York Family on a daily basis is with for our free weekly e-newsletters at newyorkfamily.com. Covering parent needs from bump to tween, the newsletters include: *New York Family Baby on Tuesdays For new and expectant parents (with children up to toddler age), our Baby newsletter offers a lively mix of pre- and post-natal resources, parenting tips, news, shopping, and personal essays.
New York Family has recently debuted a new events calendar on our website. Its rainbowhued color scheme makes it impossible to miss, but the events that populate it, of course, are the bigger draw. Now these events come with loads of practical information, such as their intended age group as well as their geographical location. Another new feature? Events can be submitted to New York Family by outside parties. Want to see your event on our calendar? Visit newyorkfamily.com today.
*Weekly Scoop on Wednesdays For parents with children from toddlers to tweens, the Weekly Scoop is a trove of our best ideas and resources for raising kids and enjoying family life in the city, including tips on classes, parties, shopping, education, family fun, hot topics, and parental musings—not to mention weekly giveaways. *Weekend Planner on Thursdays For parents with children of all ages, our Weekend Planner offers a brief but incredibly handy tip sheet of our favorite family events and activities around town over the weekend.
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IN MY
ROOM
Like The City Itself, The Bedrooms Of These Local Kids Are Full Of Vibrance, Personality, Fun & Love
Edited by Mia Weber, Photos by Karen Haberberg Photography Just as no two families are exactly the same, no two NYC apartments are the same—and nowhere is this beautiful fact more evident than in the variety of ways that kids (with the help of some super-cool parents) make their spaces their own. We stepped into the bedrooms of seven décorsavvy kiddos (including three sets of siblings sharing their rooms) and asked them what they liked most about their room and what their fave thing to do was. As you’ll see, these abodes give the sometimes-scolding phrase “go to your room” a whole new meaning!
MOLLY RICHARDSON, 11 & BELLAMY RICHARDSON, 13
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village Molly’s favorite thing about her room: “I have these really cool lights that change colors under my loft bed, so I can have a disco party with my friends…I love to listen to music.” Bellamy’s favorite thing about her room: “I love my fluffy beanbag under my loft bed. It’s so comfortable to sit and read in… And I have a really pretty jewelry box with my name on it that I got from my aunt and uncle and cousins for my bat mitzvah. It has all of my necklaces and bracelets in it.”
SPENCER BROD, 8 & AUSTIN BROD, 7
Neighborhood: Upper East Side Spencer’s favorite thing about his room: “The basketball hoop and comfortable pillows…because comfy pillows make me sleep easier and basketball is for fun.” Austin’s favorite thing about his room: “My safe…because it keeps all of my money.”
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MAXWELL MACPHERSON, 2.5 & DASHIELL MACPHERSON, 7 MONTHS
Neighborhood: West Village Maxwell’s favorite thing about his room: “My new big boy bed… because it’s mine!” Maxwell’s favorite things to do in his room: “Sleep and read stories.”
SIMONE M., 8
Neighborhood: Harlem Simone’s favorite thing about her room: “My craft area is my favorite part of my room, because that’s were I get to be me and I get to be noisy and I get to be messy.”
www.newyorkfamily.com
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August 2014 | New York Family
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$PEND CITY Our Top Expert On Thrifty Family Living In NYC Offers Some Savvy Tips On Saving In The City By Hillary Chura In my experience, there are ways to reduce the cost of almost any good or service your family enjoys in the city—it just takes a little creativity and moxie. I’ll get you going with some of my favorite moneysaving tips for New York families, but once you start noodling it over, I’m sure you’ll come up with some of your own. I realize none of these tidbits will finance the Ivy League, but they may lessen the guilt next time you order in.
you know that Mesopotamian coins aren’t really their cup of chai after only 20 minutes. You might consider joining museums you frequently frequent. Not only will free entry prompt you to visit, but you’ll get discounts on special exhibits. ATTRACTIONS: For a great price on all kinds of fun activities for families, check out biddingforgood.com, an online auction clearinghouse where schools, foundations, religious organizations and other charities auction off summer camps, trips, memberships, sports tickets, and more. In recent years, I snagged a museum membership, baseball class, professional consulting, dolphin watching, and a chess camp for half price. Additionally, AAA offers member discounts of up to 25 percent on museums, arts, and sporting events. SHOPPING:
CLASSES: You’ve got tons of well-priced options to further exhaust/enrich your kids after a day of the three Rs. Parent-run Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops charge a nominal fee for a year of amazing activities— everything from community work to field trips and life lessons like knot-tying and first aid. For $5 per school year, the Boys’ Club of New York offers sports, academic support and arts education (and for $25, members get six weeks of often private musical instrument lessons). MUSEUMS: Just about all the city’s museums have dedicated hours each week or month during which they don’t charge admission—or at least they let you decide what you’d like to pay. Not having to plunk down plastic allows you to taste what different museums have to offer without feeling guilty when the kids let
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If you live in a pricey hood and aren’t in a hurry, consider venturing farther afield. Depending on where you live, a few stops on the subway could save you significantly on everything from parking to birthday cakes. Even in your own neighborhood, shop around. I recently was stunned to discover I could pay $19 for a lb of wild salmon at Fairway, $30 at Agata, or $40 at the local fishmonger—shops all within a half mile of one another. HEALTH & WELLNESS: If you suspect someone in your family may be suffering from a health issue, call local hospitals to see which ones might be running a study about your particular issue. Many issues—from sleep apnea and eating disorders to overactive bladder and autism— are being studied somewhere nearby. Volunteers continued on page 20
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continued from page 18
are eligible for free screening (often with expensive tools like an MRI), which could cost thousands of dollars otherwise. NYU Langone’s Child Study Center, for example, offers free autism screening. Some programs even offer stipends to participants.
yourself, whereas established coaching services have already done the vetting. There are also agencies like Bee Tutored that specialize in providing affordable tutoring services. SPECIAL NEEDS:
CAMPS: Think outside the tent. Some of the more affordable day camps are sponsored by non-profits like the Brooklyn Arts Exchange, the Van Cortlandt House Museum, Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, YMCAs, New York Botanical Garden, and Greenwich House. Likewise, many neighborhood churches offer weeklong half-day programs where kids do crafts, sing, and play outside with some religious education sprinkled in. A weeklong program rarely tops $80 per child, with the possibility of discounts for sibs. The Park Avenue United Methodist Church on the Upper East Side is home to a non-sectarian a six-day halfday youth theatre camp for $250. Though technically not a non-profit, the NYC Parks Experience Summer Day Camp offers a seven-week, $500 per child summer program through a lottery. NEW PARENTS: If you need some help with your new addition (but can’t justify a $3,000 monthly childcare disbursement), consider sharing a nanny with another family. Shares take many forms. With some, one nanny will split her time between two families evenly; in others, one family’s needs may be much greater than the other, so the nanny will spend most of their time with one set of children. A good arrangement can help you manage your expenses while getting the childcare help you need. Also consider joining a babysitting co-op where you sit for a neighbor’s sleeping child one night, and they return the favor another. Not only will you save on a sitter, but you’ll get to better know other parents. Of course, as with any childcare arrangement, it’s always important to get to know any sitter before leaving your child with them. EDUCATION: Being that this is New York, even academic rock stars likely will want a private tutor at least once before they set out on their grand college tour. If you can’t, or don’t want to, spend upwards of $150 an hour for established tutoring services, try connecting with one of your child’s amazing former teachers. They know your child and are often familiar with specific tests your child will take. Additionally, the Teachers College at Columbia University trains many of the city’s finest educators, and some of their students earn and extra $50-60 an hour coaching kids. The downside is that you must interview the candidates
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When it comes to certain special needs’ services like ADHD or speech therapy, call a local professional school. To get clinical practice, graduate student apprentices can address your needs under the watch of a veteran—at next to nothing. Should you want actual practitioners, call a school’s placement offices and ask how to hire recent graduates. THEATERS & SHOWS: Audience Extras members get into far off-Broadway and under-published shows for about the price of a coffee cart breakfast. If you’re a student, retiree, educator, or a part of another qualified group, a Theatre Development Fund membership offers drastically reduced advance Broadway and offBroadway tickets. Should a TKTS booth be out of your way, compare prices at broadwaybox. com, entertainment-link.com, nycgo.com, and theatermania.com. BIRTHDAYS: Perhaps no occasion demonstrates the tradeoff between money and convenience more saliently than birthdays. Often, we go DIY. We scour the apartment, buy groceries, and have parties in our home. We invite parents, brew up sangria, and have a party as much for our friends as for the child in question. For our son CJ’s 6th birthday, my husband dressed up as a nerdy scientist and entertained the kids with experiments he pulled off the web. For our son Andy’s summer birthday one year, we got an NYC Parks permit, loaded the double stroller with fruit kabobs and other homemade noshes and headed to a local playground. Since no fete is complete without song, a musical friend (shout out to Moey) climbed aboard a jungle gym and strummed “Happy Birthday” to the crowd, who almost slowed down enough to listen.
Hillary Chura writes our Le$$er Parenting column where she helps New Yorkers parent on a budget. She lives in Manhattan with her sons and husband.
www.newyorkfamily.com
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it’s
Super
Left: A Superman cartoon drawing by Seth Kushner.
Dad!
In The Hospital With Leukemia, A Brooklyn Father Reassures His Young Son With The Help Of His Favorite Heroes From The Comics By Seth Kushner [Editor’s Editor’s Note: Seth Kushner and I were first connected because we share a high school mentor (at Abraham Lincoln in Coney Island), a teacher who inspired me toward my writing/editing life—and who, a generation later, nurtured Seth toward his dream of becoming a photographer. People love Seth: He’s a wonderful and unlikely paradox of both genuine hipster and generous mensch. I was stunned when I came upon a Facebook post from Seth in late-May indicating that he was in the hospital with Leukemia. In addition to photography, one of Seth’s passions is comics. He did the photos for Leaping Tall Buildings: The Origins of American Comics, (2012), a book of profiles of Stan Lee, Art Spiegelman, and other great masters of the form. He writes comics, too: Just a few months ago Seth completed a successful Kickstarter campaign to have his autobiographical web-based comic, SCHMUCK, about his single days, published in print. What I didn’t know, until recently, is that Seth can also draw. I know this now because while Seth was in the hospital he started drawing pictures of superheroes for his son, Jackson, and also shared them on Facebook. There was a streak in June when it felt like I was waking up every morning to a new drawing from Seth, a jolt of love and inspiration that, I knew, he was getting back from his community of friends and followers on Facebook. After his second round of chemo, Seth returned home to Brooklyn—to his wife, Terra, and to Jackson, who turned 5 on July 4—and I invited him to share the story of his drawings, and the drawings themselves, in New York Family. -Eric Messinger] www.newyorkfamily.com
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I
Near right: Seth Kushner with his son, Jackson.
I knew I was going to have to be in the hospital for a long while, but I had no idea my stay would end up being nearly two months. I felt pretty sick at the beginning, since I had come in with flu-like symptoms, which lead to my diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. By the second week, I still felt pretty lousy but it was because I was going through my first round of chemo and was feeling major fatigue, among other things. But, with all that, the worst part of it all was being away from my 5-year-old son, Jackson. Sure, this would suck for anyone, but as the freelancer in the family, I was accustomed to picking Jackson up from preschool every day, then playing with him at the park, going food shopping, making him dinner, bathing him and helping to put him to bed. Now, with a potentially deadly disease, I didn’t even know when I’d be able to hug him again. I knew no matter what I had to remain a presence in my son’s life. Technology became our savior when we started talking to each other on FaceTime every morning at 7:30am, before Jackson would leave for school. Some mornings he told me about what he and mommy were doing that day, or what he learned at school the previous day. Other mornings he’d show me his “stinky” feet. It didn’t matter what we talked about. We were connecting. It would break my heart when he’d ask me when I was coming home or when I would get better. I would simply tell him I was getting better every day and I would be home soon. I didn’t know when, but one day I would surprise him. A couple of weeks into my stay, my wife Terra encouraged me to take up a childhood passion of mine. Jackson was sending me his drawings to hang up in my room, so Terra thought it would be nice if I sent him back my drawings. She turned to my good friend, cartoonist Dean Haspiel, for advice on art supplies. He recommended particular pens and pencils and brushes for me to use, which Terra ordered. I decided to draw one superhero every morning to send home to Jackson. I’m a big comic book superhero fan and I’ve been sharing that love with Jackson, so I knew he’d appreciate the drawings. My drawing skills were rusty, to say the least. I’d spent the past few years writing comics, not drawing them. I turned to much more skilled artists than I to handle the art chores. I started out drawing a freehand Superman and I wasn’t thrilled with the results. I decided I needed to reference the work of some of my favorite artists, and when I did, not surprisingly, my work got better. I began with drawing the icons: Batman, Superman, Captain America, Spider-Man. Jackson was familiar with those guys. But, my hospital stay was so lengthy, I was soon drawing more obscure heroes like Falcon, Ant-Man, Orion, and Doctor
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Strange. I knew Jackson wouldn’t know them, but he’d learn. Drawing became part of my routine. I’d spend about two hours working on them every morning. Soon, all my doctors and nurses knew about my project. They’d ask: “Who are you drawing today”? The exercise of drawing gave me purpose, as well as another way to connect with my son. It also sharpened my art skills. I found myself getting better and needing to rely on reference much less as I went on. In addition to sending my drawings home with Terra to give to Jackson, after I’d finish one, I’d take a photo of it with my iPhone and post on Facebook. Each one would get several hundred “likes.” Many of my professional cartoonist buddies encouraged me to keep going. Now, I’m spending a few glorious weeks at home with my family, having been released from the hospital. I haven’t done any drawings since I’ve been home. Instead, finally feeling more like myself, I’ve been focusing on working on my various comic book projects, working on scripts, sending proposals to publishers and spending time with my family and friends. I have to go back into the hospital soon for another extended stay. I will be getting a bone marrow transplant. My doctors say it will give me the best chance for a long-term remission. I expect I will go back to drawing once I’m back inside. I’m thinking I might be all superhero-ed out, so I might take a stab at drawing a daily Star Wars character instead.
To SEE more of Seth Kushner’s PHOTOGRAPHY, BOOKS, AND COMICS, visit sethkushner.com.
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Come Play Yoga at Karma Kids Yoga! Yoga for Babies Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Families Community Yoga CircusYoga Prenatal Yoga & Prenatal Pilates Free Story Time Yoga Yoga Birthday Parties Special Events Teacher Training
102 West 14th Street & 104 West 14th Street, NYC | karmakidsyoga.com | (646)638-1444 KARMA_0814NYF_FP.indd 1
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classes
ULTIMATE GUIDE 2014
Students enjoy shapes at Citibabes.
Keepin’ It
Classy
From New & Cool Offerings To Classic Favorites, Our Guide To The City’s Best Classes Is Sure To Delight Kids Of All Ages Edited by Nicole Goldstein, Elizabeth Malhame & Mia Weber 14th Street Y This community center located on the East Side in Gramercy offers a number of programs for families with kids of all ages. For babies and toddlers, classes are offered in movement, art, and music. Ages 3-12 can sign up for sports like baseball and soccer or for dance like ballet and capoeira. There are also children’s swim, tumbling, and gymnastics classes, as well as courses for children with special needs. 14streety.org
74th St. MAGIC 74th St. MAGIC offers one of NYC’s most comprehensive enrichment programs, with a wide array of classes in its Mini MAP program (early preschool enrichment), MAP program (preschool alternative classes), and MAGIC program (music, art, gymnastics, and cooking classes). Sharing a building with Epiphany Community Nursery School, children will find state-of-the-art classrooms, a baby- and a fully-equipped gym as well as an outdoor rooftop playground. 74magic.com 92Y This special gem on the Upper East Side offers so much for families and kids of all ages, including a nursery school, Wonderplay early childhood programs, and a parenting center. Afterschool classes in dance, art, music, aquatics, and sports are offered for all ages. There’s also a variety of family performances and holiday celebrations throughout the year, as well as a rooftop playground and an indoor GymMaze. 92Y.org continued on page 28
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ABC Do-Re-ME! Music and movement classes for infants and children ages 6 and up are offered at several locations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Astoria, Queens. Programs include: the drop-in Musical Playdate with guitar playing and children’s singing teachers; Musical Stories that feature animal songs, children’s stories, and funny instruments like nose flutes; and Classical Playdate introducing kids to classical music. abcdoremenyc.com Advantage Tennis Club Offering a quick start program, children and 4 and older can learn the game of tennis in a calmer environment. Your children will start on smaller courts with smaller rackets. All equipment is provided as your child takes part in this program taught by experts. advantagetennisclubs.com American Museum of Natural History This iconic museum on the Upper West Side offers classes for kids ages 2 through high school, including special workshops, camps, and institutes. A Science and Nature Program offers weekday morning and afterschool classes that let kids explore artifacts and specimens, live animal habitats, and more. The Early Adventures program, for preschoolers beginning at age 2, offers classes on observing and handling live animals and taking part in science-based art projects. amnh.org Applause NYC The home of Rock ‘n’ Roll Babies, Broadway Babies, and Broadway SuperStars, Applause Theatrical Workshops are designed for kids who love to perform, whether they’re newborns or in grade 12. Theater games, improvisation, musical theater performance, acting, and dancing are offered. Workshops are located on the Upper East Side. applauseny.com apple seeds apple seeds is an all-in-one play space for families with children ages newborn to 5. Their flagship location is in the Chelsea/Flatiron neighborhood, and a second location on the Upper West Side opened in 2012. Both locations feature a state-of-the-art indoor playground with museum-quality exhibits, 100 different children’s classes per week, unique birthday parties, and an award-winning day camp. appleseedsplay.com The Art Farm In The City Come enjoy the award-winning petting zoo and a variety of classes and programs, including Rocks, Smocks & Animals (for kids and caregivers), Animal Care, Farm Foodies Cooking; Monday-Friday drop-in activities, and birthday party options in a variety of themes. theartfarms.org Art Muse Kids ages 3.5-12 can sign up for live tours of more than 25 museums and art galleries in NYC with ArtXplorers at Art Muse, located on the Upper East Side. Special themes offered include Egyptian art, African masks, storytelling, Greek gods, shapes and colors, and more. Each tour includes an art project, props, and objects for kids to touch. Little ones under 5 must be accompanied by an adult. artxplorers.com
Hot Trend: Tech-tastic It’s undeniable that kids these days are going to wind up more tech-savvy than their parents. So why not hop on the very sleek and cool bandwagon and nurture your child’s tech tendencies with a fun class? RoboFun (on the Upper West Side) uses a philosophy of constructivism in their LEGO robotics classes to help students “learn, accomplish, and impact.” Or get into the tech groove in a scientific manner with any of SciTech Kids’ inquiry-based classes and programs. The focus is on scientific literacy and critical thinking so students pick up a myriad of skills while carrying out experiments and building their own inventions. Encourage young gamers to delve deeper into their hobby with programming and gaming workshops from Launch Math & Science Centers. At Launch, kids can explore app development, graphics, computer programming, and plenty more 21st-Century learning topics.
Asphalt Green Active kids can head to this sports center on the Upper East Side for all their swimming, fitness, and sports needs. All ages can sign up for gymnastics, flag football, martial arts, soccer, baseball, and more. There’s also a Sports Performance School (SPS) for ages 7-14 for improving fitness and core strengthening. asphaltgreen.org Atlantic Acting School Home to famous alumni like Felicity Huffman and Jessica Alba, this acting school gets kids and teens started with a variety of afterschool and summer programs. Kids get an introduction to writing, acting, storytelling, and improvisation. Ages pre-K to age 6 create stories through play and improvisational exercises, while older students learn the Practical Aesthetics technique created by David Mamet and William H. Macy. All classes culminate with a performance. atlanticactingschool.org Baby Fingers Based on extensive research, Baby Fingers offers a combination of American Sign Language (ASL) instruction, music, games, stories, and dramatic play to promote family communication. ASL is offered to babies and toddlers, while kids 2-6 can take Creative Play and Sign to improve speech and language and further develop literacy skills. For all ages, Sign and Stretch combines sign language with yoga. Available at multiple locations throughout Manhattan. mybabyfingers.com Ballet Academy East The Upper East Side’s Ballet Academy East offers ballet classes for all ages, including mother and child classes for the littlest dancers and pre-ballet for ages 3-6. Tap is offered for ages 3.5-6 to develop musicality, while drama classes for ages 4-6 incorporate group improvisations and theater games. There’s also a modern dance class offered for ages continued on page 30
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Saturday, September 6 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
th
Marvels Of Motion Presented by
Mad Science at 11:30 am
Music for Aardvarks at 12:30 pm
Call us today at
212.737.2989 or visit us at
www.74magic.com Under the red canopy at 510 East 74th Street 30
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Photo by Daniel S. Burnstein
MAGIC’s Fall Open House
Photo by Heidi Green Photography
Fall Classes Begin September 8th
Clockwise from top: Let’s Gogh Art; the Art Farm in the City; the Ballet Club.
3-5; primary ballet and enrichment classes for ages 6 and up; and ballet, tap, jazz, and Zumba for teens. baenyc.com The Ballet Club This dance studio on the Upper East Side offers ballet classes and a Children’s Creative Dance Club for all ages. A ballet club class introduces little ones to ballet techniques, classical ballet, and the history of ballet through a special story time. The Creative Dance Club focuses on modern dance, jazz, folk dance, and natural movement. theballetclub.com Ballet Hispanico This ballet studio on the Upper West Side adds Hispanic culture and dance styles to traditional ballet. A special Adventures in Dance is offered for the 2-5 crowd; the general program for ages 6-18 offers over 25 classes a week in ballet, flamenco, hip hop, and salsa, as well as training in varied Latin American dance traditions. ballethispanico.org Bija Kids Through their yoga classes in Brooklyn, Bija Kids teaches children the basics of physical postures, breathing practices, and age-appropriate meditation techniques. In an energetic and creative setting, groups of children (crawling through tweens) and families can work on improving strength, coordination, and flexibility, while focusing on relaxation through meditation. bijakids.com Bilingual Birdies The foreign language and live music curriculum at Bilingual Birdies features interactive songs, movement, dance, puppetry, and theater-based games. The program is designed to teach children of all ages French, Mandarin, Hebrew, Spanish, and English (ESL) vocabulary alongside respective cultures. Find Bilingual Birdies at community centers, prewww.newyorkfamily.com
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schools, and indoor playgrounds throughout the city. bilingualbirdies.com
f r e e!
Bilingual Buds Programs are offered in Mandarin and Spanish at this immersion school located on the Upper West Side. Classes after school feature science, technology, the arts, and culture, as well as a mommy-and-me bonding for ages 1-3. Another supplemental program for enrolled preschoolers and summer camps are also available. bilingualbuds.com Book Nook: Children ages 2-5 can experience Book Nook’s warm and welcoming environment—which promises to create a place to learn that little ones will love. Located on the Upper West Side, this program teaches your children responsibility and developmental skills, starting at a young age. booknooknyc.com Bounce & Flip Learn the art of gymnastics and tumbling with trained instructors in Midtown West. Children ages 2-17 can experience all that they gym has to offer using trampolines, tumble track, foam pit, and a rock wall. Private lessons offered along with customized birthday parties. bounceandflip.com Bright Kids NYC The Bright Kids NYC Gifted and Talented Bootcamp is a budget-friendly package of tutoring and books to prepare your child for the NYC gifted exam, offering savings of up to 30 percent off retail price. Last year, 90 percent of clients qualified for G & T programs. brightkidsnyc.com Broadway Dance Center Young dancers receive elite training from leading dance teachers and choreographers in state-of-the-art studios located in the Theater District. The Children’s and Teen Program (ages 3-18) offers 32 weeks of instruction in creative movement, pre-dance, ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, Triple Threat, Latin, jazz, modern, African, contemporary, jumps and turns, and lyrical dancing. Shorter workshops in a variety of levels are also offered. broadwaydancecenter.com Carousel of Languages Kids ages 6 months to 12 years can learn one of many foreign languages, including Spanish, French, Italian, Mandarin, Hebrew, and Russian at The Carousel of Languages, located on both the Upper East and West Sides. An afterschool program for kids to continue their linguistic studies, as well as a summer program that incorporates games, music, and art, is also offered. carousellanguages.com The Chabad Preschool at Beekman Place This preschool offers afterschool enrichment classes as well as a weekly Baby Loves Shabbat! class for babies 6-18 months and caregivers. The gentle mommy-and-me introduction to Jewish songs is centered around a Shabbat party of music, parachute play, candle lighting, and Challah baking—bringing the joy of Jewish traditions alive while focusing on children’s development. chabadsutton.org
OPEN HOUSE
Join us Sep 7 Meet our instructors and find out about our fall kids’ classes.
Creative Kids’ Club 10 am–12 pm Draw out your family’s creativity! Enjoy a morning of art, music, dance and more. Ages 6–12 RSVP at 92Y.org/CreativeKids
Gymnastics Studio in the Sky 1–5 pm Tumble, flip and jump in our new Studio in the Sky. Ages 4–16 RSVP at 92Y.org/StudioInTheSky
92nd Street Y | 212.415.5500 Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street Take ➃ ➄ express to 86th or ➅ local to 96th Street An agency of UJA-Federation
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Photo by Scott McDermott
digital photography, CSS choristers, digital animation/sound effects, drawing, painting, sculpture, wellness, and yoga. churchstreetschool.org Citibabes Located in SoHo, this family membership club offers age-appropriate classes for little ones 2 months to 10 years. Besides its renowned preschool program, CitiSchool, kids can also enroll in enriching classes focusing on science, art, cooking, music, ballet and creative movement, foreign languages (like French and Spanish), American Sign Language, and family yoga. Combination classes for babies and toddlers are also offered. citibabes.com Golf lessons at Chelsea Piers.
Chelsea Piers Sports enthusiasts of all ages love this Chelsea complex, which features classes in every sport imaginable, including golf, baseball, basketball, bowling, boxing, dance, and gymnastics. Also on the menu: ice hockey and ice skating at the Sky Rink, fitness classes, running, soccer, sailing, rock climbing, yoga, swimming, and volleyball. chelseapiers.com Children’s Museum of the Arts (CMA) Professional teaching artists leads age-appropriate classes in fine art and media making at CMA in SoHo. Multi-sensory WeeArt classes for babies up to age 5 develop fine and gross motor skills. Kids ages 5-12 can sign up for afterschool classes like drawing, sculpting, art history, animation, and filmmaking. A more intensive teen program helps students build portfolios. cmany.org Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) CMOM’s popular enrollment classes are offered all year long. Intimate classes, expertly trained teachers, and unique classroom spaces make a combination offered nowhere else in NYC. CMOM’s enrollment classes are designed to support the many ways children learn and to help parents understand and guide their child’s development. cmom.org
Collina Italiana Italian language and culture programs are offered at this Upper East Side location as well as off-site. Children’s programming, developed for toddlers through teens (2 and up), includes singing, dancing, theater, storytelling, games, and Disney films in Italian. Kids ages 5-12 will even create a play and perform it all in Italian on stage. collinaitaliana.com Columbus Gym Active tots and school-aged children can sign up for classes at Columbus Gym, the largest gym on the Upper West Side. Classes feature age-appropriate activities for ages 10-12 months up to 12 years. The 3,000-square-ft gymnasium features tumbling mats, a soft jungle gym, a trampoline, beams, rings, and bars, where kids can test their gymnastics, movement, motor skills, balance, and coordination. columbusgymnyc.com ConstructionKids ConstructionKids afterschool classes are for both experienced and new builders, grades pre-K-4. Children learn basic tool safety and how to assemble materials in this active, creative class. Children work with drawings (blueprints), learn the history and context of building traditions, and work with a variety of materials. Vacation camps and home-school options also offered. constructionkids.com
Child’s Play NY Budding thespians learn the craft of acting by re-interpreting classic and contemporary children’s literature at Child’s Play NY in Carroll Gardens and Brooklyn Heights. Afterschool classes for ages 3-5 and 4-6 are offered alongside summer intensives and in-school residencies for both 3-5 and 6-9, in which kids explore storytelling, song, creative movement, theater games, and improvisation. childsplayny.com
Cook With Class Chef Rob Endelman teaches cooking classes for ages 5 and up. All classes use organic, local, and seasonal ingredients. Kids learn how to make over their favorite junk foods using various cooking techniques. Classes are offered throughout New York City. cookwithclass.net
Children’s Tumbling Starting at 16 months, children can learn the gymnastics behind tumbling at Children’s Tumbling. With a non-competitive approach, music, storytelling, and imagination are incorporated into active classes for kids in Lower Manhattan. For kids 6.5 years and older, stilt-walking, trapeze, and circus silk classes are available. childrentumbling.com
The Craft Studio In the Craft Studio’s crafting classes, let your kids create uninhibitedly with the most fun, creative, and trendy art supplies. Supportive and caring instructors, not to mention fun philosophies, help kids ages 3 and up make neon wrap bracelets, wallets and pocketbooks, multimedia self portraits, and so much more. There’s something for everyone, available in studio, your school, or other spaces. craftstudionyc.com
Church Street School for Music and Art This non-profit school for the arts in Lower Manhattan focuses on music and art classes for ages 16 months to teens and adults. An Afterschool Arts Academy features classes in comics and illustration, art foundations, hip hop dance,
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Creative Play for Kids This music, movement, and play program for ages 3 months continued on page 36
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Back-to-School is cool with personalized gifts Script and Scribble has great ideas for kids and moms alike. New clothes, new friends, new adventures … and fresh new school supplies. The start of a new school year is always an exciting time for kids and parents alike. And when their school supplies are personalized, kids are even more eager for the bell to ring. Nobody understands this as well as Lourdes Reich, founder of Script and Scribble, the catalog and online retailer. Lourdes is a mom who turned her love of custom stationery and personalized gifts for kids and adults into the only nationally distributed catalog of its kind. The back-to-school issue is eagerly awaited by moms and grandmoms who love to select unique gifts and personalize them with their little scholar’s name.
PoPular with the back-to-school crowd
“When selecting back-to-school gifts for our catalog and website, I consult with two experts, my own children,” says Lourdes. “Then I search out unique items that will appeal to kids and moms alike.”
When asked to list some of this fall’s hot trending items Lourdes reels off some kid-favorites: lunch totes and matching water bottles, personalized pencil cases and art journals for little artists, stylish, protective iPhone and iPad covers, in designs for both kids and adults. Here are two novel items – Money Envelopes pre-printed with your child’s name are ideal for sending cash to school. You can fill in the amount enclosed and the purpose, such as lunch money, field trip or fundraiser. And, when your child needs to be excused from school or arrives late … a personalized Excuse Pad informs teacher of the reason.
keePing kids food-safe Food allergies are a big concern today, and Allergy Alerts warn folks what NOT to feed your food- sensitive little ones. Script and Scribble offers an Allergy Alert calling card, sticker and bag tag, all designed to give you peace of mind. There’s so much to see – and personalize – in time for the new school year. Look for Script and Scribble’s Back-to-School collection at www.scriptandscribble.com.
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{ Script and Scribble } info@scriptandscribble.com 800.652.1260 www.scriptandscribble.com
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AtlAntic for Kids
Acting progrAm
Intense, excItIng & fun classes for ages 4 - 18! FAll worKshops begin september 10
To register your child and for more details:
AtlAnticActingschool.org tIckets on sale now! oct 18 - nov 9, 2014 Book, Music and Lyrics by scott elmegreen Based on the book series by Annie bArrows Illustrated by
sophie blAcKAll
tickets: $15 - $20 linda gross theater 336 w. 20th street, nYc
AtlAntictheAter.org 866-811-4111 Ivy + Bean is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), 570 Seventh Avenue, Suite 2100, New York, NY 10018. (866) 378-9758 www.theatricalrights.com
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JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN HOUSE Monday August 11, 2014 10AM-4PM Early Childhood Literacy Enrichment For Ages 18 Months-5 Years Old
A unique skill building program designed by a certified teacher and reading specialist in early childhood and elementary education.
www.BookNookNYC.com
More Information: hello@booknooknyc.com
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167 West 81st Street New York, NY 10024 P 212-873-2665
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to 3 years is offered at several locations throughout Manhattan. Little ones will enjoy singing, dancing, open play, stories, and instrument playing. Drop-in classes and music-and-art combo classes are also available. creativeplayforkids.com Cumbe Center for African and Diaspora Dance During the summer, this Brooklyn-based venue offers a day camp for children ages 3-9. Kids will learn about the African culture, and be able to express themselves by telling a story through dance. Children ages 1-14 can be enrolled in classes during the school year. cumbedance DanceSport Located on West 34th Street, the largest ballroom and Latin dance studio in New York offers a Made4Kids music and dance education program. Little Learners, for ages 3-5, encourages individual expression and communication, free style and partner dance, and sign language fundamentals. Preschool alternative music and dance classes are also offered. Children 6-12 learn dances from different cultures, including salsa, merengue, swing, ballroom, and hip hop. dancesport.com Dean Street This Brooklyn restaurant’s weekly children’s events include everything from arts and crafts to story time to singalongs with kid-favorite musicians and bands. All programs begin at 10:30am—so stick around after for a family lunch! deanstreetbrooklyn.com The Diller-Quaile School of Music Since 1920, Diller-Quaile has been developing the innate musicality in each individual, inspiring participation for a lifetime. The School is comprised of early childhood, instrumental and vocal, adult, teacher training, and outreach departments. Rug Concerts, master classes, and faculty concerts occur throughout the year. diller-quaile.org Discovery Programs This early childhood institution on the Upper West Side hosts year-round special events, classes, camps, and programs for ages 6 months to 14 years. At each age, kids have a variety of activities to choose from. Classes include Art for Tots, ballet and jazz, gymnastics (including Baby Gym and Gym for Tots), Sumo Samurai, soccer, a Musical Theater Club, and more. There’s also an open gym and art studio. discoveryprograms.com East Side Tae Kwon Do At this Upper East Side gym, kids ages 2-14 learn martial arts training in Tae Kwon Do and yoga. Cardio kickboxing, warrior yoga classes, parent/child Tae Kwon Do, and bully selfdefense workshops (for ages 5-7 and 8-14) are also offered. eastsidetaekwondo.com East Side Yoga Designed to build body awareness in a non-competitive environment, this kids’ yoga school on the Upper East Side offers age-appropriate classes that teach proper form, poses, and even meditation. Classes are available for kids 3-12. eastsideyoganyc.com
HOT TREND: Crafty Cool Arts and crafts are a longtime staple of childhood learning—but what’s exciting is that the city is now offering more craft-based programming than ever. Hiho Batik—a unique and family-friendly boutique and batik studio with locations in Park Slope—offers Make Your Own activities by appointment, walk-in, and for parties and private classes, where kids and fams can create their own traditional batik designs on clothing, tote bags, and more. Also in Park Slope, cultured kids can get their fold on at Taro Origami Studio. The Studio offers hands-on corners, classes, and workshops for kids of all levels—all dedicated to the beautiful craft of Japanese paper folding. Loop of the Loom on the Upper East side offers even more traditional craft instruction— as the first-ever certified SAORI studio, gallery, and authorized SAORI loom distributor, their classes will send your child home with heaps of handwoven goodies and an appreciation of an ancient art form. If a more all-encompassing approach to crafts is more your child’s idea of fun, turn to the Craft Studio on the Upper East Side. From private classes to afterschool programs to birthday party options, kids can pop in for painting, drawing, sculpting, and more!
Eastside Westside Music Together This internationally recognized music program for babies, toddlers and children up to age seven is located on both the Upper East and West Sides. Baby and mixed age groups encourage each child to move, chant, sing, and explore musical instruments with lots of parent participation. Older kids ages 5-7 will learn basic music literacy combined with play, laying the foundation for school or private instruction. eswsmusictogether.com EBL Coaching EBL Coaching offers afterschool and weekend courses for students in grades pre-K-12 in reading, writing, math, and study skills. They use research-based, multi-sensory methods that are individualized according to the needs of each student. Specialized programs for students with learning disabilities and ADHD are also available. eblcoaching.com Education Light: School of Chess After years of teaching chess at schools like Princeton Day and Mandell, Light Buggiani has opened a chess school at two locations on the Upper East Side. Classes are based on age and experience, with only ten students per class. Plus, each student gets a free hour of private lessons to ensure mastery. educationallight.com Fastbreak Kids Fastbreak opened a brand new facility last fall, offering a variety of sports developmental programming for all levels continued on page 38
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Un
io n is Sq NO ua W re L O oc PE a N! tio n
Upper West Side 506 Amsterdam Avenue
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Union Square 46 E 11th Street
Upper East Side 1597 York Avenue
212-828-MATH (6284)
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from ages 1.5-18. The 7,000-square-ft indoor facility on the Upper East Side will include a state-of-the-art basketball court, private training area, parent viewing area, and party room. With basketball, baseball, flag football, soccer, and more, there’s something for every active city kid. fastbreakkids.com French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) FIAF, located on the Upper East Side, offers education and arts classes for exploring French culture. Classes are designed for toddlers, kids, and teens to learn the French language. Kids and family events and story hours are held in the library, and other performing arts events are held during the year. fiaf.org Freshmade NYC This cooking school for kids 2-9 emphasizes math, science, literacy skills, and fine motor development while teaching fun, age-appropriate ways to make tasty and healthy dishes. Located in Greenwich Village, it also offers birthday parties, catering, and courses for parents like What to Eat When You’re Expecting and Navigating the Grocery Store with a Toddler. freshmadenyc.com Fukasa Kai Through martial arts, your child can build confidence, selfcontrol, and inner peace. Students will receive different belts based on their level of skill and learning. Classes offered after school on weekdays and held at several locations around the city. fukasakai.com The Gaga Center This is the first space in Manhattan dedicated to the kidfavorite game of gaga. Played in an octagonal pit with a soft foam ball, gaga combines the skills of running, striking, dodging, and jumping. Grades K-6 get a serious workout in the fun and easy game. One-hour classes begin with a warm-up, followed by a quick strategy lesson. gagacenter. com German-American School Since 1892, teachers have been educating children of all races and cultures in German at the German-American School. Meeting once weekly, classes prepare students for a variety of tests up to college level. german-american-school.org Gymboree Play & Music At several locations throughout Manhattan, kids can sign up for music, art, sports, family fun, and school skills classes for up to age 5. Gymboree Play & Learn, one of the most popular classes, encourages development through play, from sensory stimulation to problem-solving games and storytelling. The class is offered in a variety of age groups. gymboreeclasses.com Gymtime Rhythm & Glues There’s so much for kids to get involved in at this Upper East Side facility, from early enrichment and preschool alternative classes to creative art and cooking to gymnastics and sports. Classes are broken up into age groups for ages 6 months to 12 years. While babies and toddlers learn to play, move, and explore using gross motor and early language
Jodi’s Gym (above); the Craft Studio (inset left).
skills, older kids can create crafts or learn about nutrition in a class like Fabulous Foodies. gymtime.net Hands On! Using a special instrument-based curriculum, this music studio (in two Manhattan locations) introduces infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to popular folk tunes, nursery rhymes, and lullabies in the Hands On Musical Experience. Classes feature stories narrated by hand puppets, music, instrument exploration, and movement. An introductory keyboard class is also offered for budding pianists. handsonformusic.com HiArt! This art studio in Chelsea features a variety of classes that inspire kids. Ages 2-12 can sign up for Opera ‘N Art, which incorporates visits to New York City museums, art galleries, and operas with mixed media art projects. Other classes for older kids include writing, painting, and collage making. Holiday camps and mini-camps are also offered. hiartkids.com ¡HOLA! A Playgroup in Spanish Available in multiple locations throughout Manhattan, kids are taught Spanish using original and traditional music, movement, art, games, and props. Classes are offered for ages 12 months to 9 years. Besides reinforcing vocabulary in the language classes, kids can also take culture and movement classes in yoga, ballet, and flamenco classes taught entirely in Spanish. holaplaygroup.com continued on page 40
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OUR NEWEST LOCATION IS COMING TO THE UPPER EAST SIDE
ENRICHED FULL DAY PROGRAM! · Infant · Toddler · Pre School · Pre K
www.sunshinenewyork.com
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1595 Lexington (Corner of 101st St)
212-444-2026
Text SunshineLC to 22828 to join our mailing list
La Scuola D´Italia is a private unique Italian / English bilingual and bicultural school reflecting the best features of the Italian and American education. Knowledge of the Italian / English language is not a prerequisite for admission to Pre-K through 9th grade. La Scuola D´IItalia is chartered by the Board of Regents of the State of New York and by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Italy. The school is a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools. In addition to our program, we offer a summer camp, please contact us at our main campus for more information and to register.
www.lascuoladitalia.org Tel. 212.369.3290 email: secretary@lascuoladitalia.org
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explore. play. grow. connect. Fall semester begins Sep 7
I’m Bilingual Interested in teaching your child another language? Musical Kids International on the Upper East Side teaches kids Spanish through interactive activities that incorporate music, dance, art, and movement. Professional educators who are native speakers work with imported materials and with their own award-winning products, including reading rugs and play areas. imbilingual.com Jazz at Lincoln Center Kids and families can participate in the family concert series, Jazz for Young People, in which they go behind the scenes and learn about famous jazz performers and jazz styles at Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side. WeBop, an early childhood jazz education program for ages 8 months to 5 years and their parents, teaches improvisation and lets kids jam with a live quartet, swing to nursery rhymes, and more. jalc.org The JCC in Manhattan This 14-story community center on the Upper West Side serves families with a variety of classes and programs for members of all ages and abilities. The health club offers swimming lessons as well as sports and wellness classes. Other classes cover art, science, cooking, gymnastics, Russian language, dance, music, acting, and performing arts. Programming is also available for children with special needs. jccmanhattan.org
Photo: Nancy Adler
Jodi’s Gym Jodi’s Gym has been providing NYC kids ages 9 months to 12 years with the highest level of fun and fitness for over 30 years. Their step-by-step, positive approach ensures that every child feels a sense of accomplishment, improves his or her skills, and has tons of fun! For the tiniest tumblers to the more advanced gymnasts, class offerings include gymnastics (mommy and me, preschool, and grades K-6), gym and music combos, dance, fitness, science, holiday camps, open play, private lessons, and the best birthdays ever. jodisgym.com
sports | tumbling | gymnastics pre-nursery | music | art ballet | aquatics | dance science | yoga | fencing jewish life | cooking jccyoungfamilies/jccschoolage
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Joffrey Ballet School Kids who sign up for ballet at Joffrey Ballet School in the West Village are trained in classical and contemporary ballet as well as other forms of dance, including modern, jazz, hip hop, and character dance. A Children’s Program (ages 2-9) also offers Dance with Me (where parents or caregivers are the dance partner). A Young Dancer’s Program is offered for ages 10 and up. joffreyballetschool.com Karma Kids Yoga Karma Kids Yoga offers a fun and creative approach for infants through teenagers. Magical yoga adventures with puppets, songs, stories, and games keep young kids engaged; classes for older kids include simple and challenging poses for increasing strength, coordination, balance, focus, and confidence. Included are kid-friendly music, fun yoga games, and relaxation time with foot rubs. Glow-in-the-dark, pajama, and circus yoga are also available alongside birthday parties. karmakidsyoga.com
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Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy (KTUGA) Founded by Kate Tempesta—deemed a Top Young Instructor by Golf Digest—KTUGA helps kids ages 4 and up learn proper technique, etiquette, and skill in both indoor and outdoor settings. The curriculum uses imagination, play, and age-appropriate methods in combining a mixture of putting, driving, pitching, and chipping to help children learn four basic shots. ktuga.com Kick & Play Introduce your toddler, ages 12-24 months, to the basics of soccer and fun-filled movement. From the creators of Super Soccer Stars, this pre-soccer program engages toddlers’ natural development with the help of puppet friends. Parents and children stretch to a song, enjoy a soccer warm-up and upper body activity, learn soccer skills, and play educational games. kickandplay.com Kids At Art Kids at Art is the premiere Art Studio for Children in NYC. They focus on the basics of visual arts, with age-appropriate projects for each group from 2-12 years of age in painting, drawing, collage, and much more, all in a nurturing environment. kidsatartnyc.com
Kids In Sports Kids can sign up for this specialized sports program located throughout Manhattan for ages 12 months through 12 years. Learn the fundamentals of baseball, basketball, flag football, floor hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and volleyball through multisport or sport-specific classes. Kids In Sports offers camps for two different age groups, both indoors, for ages 2.5-3 and 4-6. kisnyc.com Kidville Child development specialists design a variety of creative classes to stimulate, engage, and entertain babies up to age 6 at this favorite kid center, located throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. Choose from cooking, gym, art, enrichment, and music and dance classes like Rockin’ Railroad. Not sure if your child is ready for preschool? The Kidville University program offers an alternative. kidville.com La Scuola Di’Italia La Scuola, located on the Upper East Side is the only English/Italian bilingual school in North America, making it very unique. Here, your children will learn about the American culture along with European culture. The curriculum is full of mathematics, science, and liberal arts. Schooling offered for middle school and high school students as well. lascuoladitalia.org continued on page 42 www.newyorkfamily.com
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Photo: David Plakke Media
Kids At Work A variety of drop-off classes are offered for babies and tots up to age 4 at this center in Chelsea, focusing on educational policies from Bank Street and Montessori systems. Try a sensory music or art class, learn how to play soccer with Super Soccer Stars, whip up some goodies while Cooking with Julie, or toddle around a toddler ballet class. Sun Sessions at a local park incorporates music, movement, stories, and songs. kidsatworknyc.com
Imagination runs wild Creativity blooms Young artists have a blast
National Academy School Young Artist Programs 5 E. 89th Street at Fifth Avenue
REGISTER NOW! www.nationalacademy.org 212.996.1908
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Language Workshop for Children Stimulating language lessons are offered for babies, toddlers, and elementary school children. Original music, action games, visual aids, and vocabulary-building songs help students learn Spanish, French, Chinese, and Italian. The program is internationally recognized, using the Thibaut Technique, a whole language approach using both sides of the brain. This fall, they will also be offering Kids MusicRound classes. Located on the Upper East Side and in Manhasset. languageworkshopforchildren.com Launch Math & Science Centers This center on the Upper West Side teaches basic math concepts to young children, using objects and themes they encounter every day. Through small group activities, little ones ages 3-5 will learn counting, geometric designs, math vocabulary, measuring, estimation, patterns, time, and more. Kids in grades K-8 learn using fun computer-based instruction, hands-on tools, and problem-solving. launchmath.com Let’s Gogh Art Let your children express their creativity through art. Children ages 2-12 can engage in art in multiple ways at Let’s Gogh Art. Whether your children are painting, dancing, or creating stories, the fun never seems to end. Let’s Gogh Art is offered at several locations throughout New York City and also hosts birthday parties with an abundance of themes. nyletsgoghart.com Lil Yogi’s NYC The fundamentals of yoga are introduced to kids ages 12 months through the teen years in this playful, non-competitive program. Held at studios throughout the Upper West Side and in Central Park in late spring and summer, classes are designed to help kids feel stronger and more relaxed, engaging their imaginations with pictures, music, stories, interactive games, and traditional poses. lilyogisnyc.com
The Little Gym The Little Gym’s gymnastics program for preschoolers and kindergarteners has been specially designed to help children reach developmental milestones in a structured environment that combines gymnastics with fun. Five co-ed classes are offered: Funny Bugs (3-4 years), Giggle Worms (4-5), Good Friends, (5-6), Mini Flips (3-4, advanced), and Mini Jets (5-6, advanced). thelittlegym.com Little Maestros This award-winning infant and toddler music program, available in several Manhattan locations, offers little ones an introduction to music with instruments, age-appropriate movement exercises, pretend play and interactive activities, original music performances, bubbles, musical storytime, puppet shows, and more. littlemaestros.com Loop of the Loom This hand-weaving studio on the Upper East Side offers afterschool classes for ages 8-14. Using the award-winning SAORI weaving program from Japan, kids of different levels produce their own projects with semi-private instruction. They’ll learn spinning and felting from natural fiber, dyeing, sewing, knitting, and crochet to create belts, hats, ponchos, bags, dresses and more. loopoftheloom.com Lucy Moses School This Hebrew arts school located at the Kaufman Center on the Upper West Side offers dance, music, and theater classes for preschoolers through teens. Preschoolers develop dance techniques through ballet, creative dance, rhythmic games, songs, and stories, while older kids learn modern dance and jazz combinations, Broadway music, and children’s theater. Music classes range from instrument instruction to composition to advanced music theory. kaufman-center.org/lms continued on page 44
Photo by E. Patino
From left: The School at Steps; Gymtime Rhythm & Glues
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Introducing
BABY STEPS
(ages 3 mos. – 2 yrs.) Mommy & Me Dance Classes
Register now for all dance classes, ages 3 mos. – 18 yrs., beginning Sept 2014 at StepsNYC.com/school
Training the dancers of tomorrow
The School at Steps is a division of Steps on Broadway
2121 Broadway @ 74th St, NYC 10023 212-874-3678
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Photo: E. Patino
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WHO SAID SCIENTISTS DON’T HAVE FUN? OUR KIDS HAVE A BLAST AT
SCITECH KIDS
AFTER SCHOOL & WEEKEND PROGRAM
Fall is a great time for kids to explore the wonders of science. SciTech Kids sparks a child’s innate curiosity and creativity about science through rich, hands-on, captivating experiences.
BUDDING SCIENTISTS ENJOY THEMES INCLUDING:
• Human body • Earth & Space • Energy & Motion • Living Organisms • How Stuff Works • Light & Sound
Whether an Explorer (3-5) Adventurer (ages 6-8) or Investigator (ages 9-12) SciTech Kids inspires kids to think like scientists.
• Air & Water • Electronics AND MORE
To register call (212) 804-7055 or sci-techkids.com OPEN HOUSE Monday, September 16th, 6pm @ New York Junior League 130 East 80th Street (Park & Lexington)
This much fun only comes around with Let’s Gogh Art! The mobile
ART CLASSES
art program that brings classes and events to your
BIRTHDAYS
neighborhood.
STORY ART AND MORE Join us to make a little mess while
EXPLORE. INSPIRE. CREATE.
having a WHOLE LOTTA OF FUN!
New York City
917-704-0102 Find your child’s perfect class at:
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From left: Loop of the Loom; Children’s Museum of the Arts
Mad Science Mad Science sparks imaginative learning for ages 3-8 with STEM-focused topics like Color Lab, Wacky Waves, Digging for Dinosaurs, Magnificient Magnets, and more. Offerings include preschool, elementary, and afterschool workshops as well as vacation camps, private home classes, birthday parties, and special events. madscience.com/manhattan Make Meaning Make Meaning is a first-of-its-kind destination for kids and adults to have fun with creativity. They offer more than 50 activities like cake decorating, jewelry making, and more, featuring mediums like candles, soap, glass, ceramics, paper, and jewelry. You can also get creative with your crew in one of our stunningly designed private party spaces for all ages. Located on the Upper East and West Sides. makemeaning.com Manhattan Tennis Academy As your child’s skills grow in tennis, their equipment will change along with their instruction. As they become more familiar with the sport, they will start to learn more fundamentals. Manhattan Tennis is located in Midtown and offers indoor classes for children ages 4-16. manhattantennisacademy.com Mathnasium Located on the Upper East and West Sides and in Brooklyn, this learning center helps increase your child’s math skills, understanding of concepts, and overall school performance. Kids attend two or three times a week for about an hour. mathnasium.com Moey’s Music Party This award-winning Off-Broadway songwriter/mom-rocker and her band perform children’s concerts throughout NYC playgrounds and birthday parties in the New York Metro area. Summer classes are offered in Central Park, featuring songs, dances, instruments, musical fairy tales, weekly themes, and lessons in counting and phonics for infants through preschoolers. moeysmusicparty.com
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MusiBambino Music & Dance Program Starting at a young age, children can immerse themselves with in music and dance at MusiBambino. Music classes are offered for children ages 4 months to 5 years. Starting out with sing-alongs and eventually learning to play instruments. Dance classes are offered for children ages 2.5-5. musibambino.com Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals Children 6 months to 5 years will enjoy singing, dancing, musical story telling, instrument jam sessions, and puppet play at this music class featuring original music that reflects growing up in an urban environment. Classes are held at multiple locations. musicforaardvarks.com My Gym My Gym, which has five franchise locations throughout NYC, has a history of building children’s self-esteem and nurturing a love of fitness and activity through fun. Gym, yoga, and martial arts classes are offered in a clean, safe, and fun environment for children 6 weeks to 6 years. Member benefits include unlimited summer classes and free plays as well as exclusive savings on parents’ night out, summer camp, and birthday parties. mygym.com National Academy Museum & School The Academy’s art classes for young students incorporate drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and mixed media in a learning environment that encourages creativity and self-expression. With classes taught indoors and out, young students explore Museum Mile and Central Park as well as the newly redesigned Academy. nationalacademy.org
Now Registering for the 2014-15 School Year Register Online, by Phone or in Person
BALLET ACADEMY EAST
Pre-Professional Ballet Division Ages 6 - 19 Boys’ Scholarship Program Audition Dates: 8/27 & 9/15 Sign up online or by phone
Pre-Ballet, Tap and Modern Ages 3 - 6
Petit Dancers
Ages 18 months - 2 years
Adult Open Classes All Levels - Start Anytime Ballet, Tap, Zumba, Jazz, Modern, Pilates and Yoga
1651 Third Avenue New York, NY 10128 212-410-9140 • info@baenyc.com www.BalletAcademyEast.com
Teaching German Since 1892
New York Jazz Academy This fast-growing music school offers an introduction to jazz curriculum in locations throughout Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island. Ages 9-13 can audition for a Junior Jazz Workshop, which introduces improvisation and styles while teaching note reading, music theory, instrument technique, ensemble performance, and more. Even infants and preschoolers get an introduction to jazz with Jelly Jamz in Jackson Heights. nyjazzacademy.com New York Theatre Ballet Ballet School NY is the official training school of New York Theatre Ballet, offering graded classes like pre-ballet (ages 4-7), Ballet I and Ballet II (ages 8-11), and advanced Ballet III and Young Artists Program (ages 11 and up). The Children’s Division, by audition only, performs its “Once Upon a Ballet” series. Ballet is taught as an art form, with strong technical skill and discipline. The ballet company and school also recently moved to a new location in the East Village. nytb.org NY City Explorers This team of educators and artists offers enrichment classes, preschool programs, and adventure camps for kids of all ages. Five-hour walking adventures to each of the five boroughs are available for ages 2-16 to explore parks, museums, and attractions through the Backpacks and Binoculars Camps. nycityexplorers.com continued on page 46
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GERMAN for CHILDREN
After School Program Low Tuition No Previous German Required Children’s Classes Meet once a Week Minimum Age 4 Years NY State Accredited
212-787-7543 Four Convenient Locations: • Garden City • Franklin Square • Queens (Ridgewood) • Manhattan Classes Start In September
www.german-american-school.org August 2014 | New York Family
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NY Kids Club Sign your child up for classes at one of these six children’s enrichment centers, located throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. There are baby fitness and music classes for infants 2-5 months old plus a variety of classes for preschoolers and school-age children. Choose from art, music, dance, gymnastics, fitness, cooking, preschool learning, or combo classes. nykidsclub.com Peridance Capezio Center The renowned School at Peridance has been recognized as a pioneer in dance education. The PeriChild Program for students 18 months to 18 years features a progressive interdisciplinary approach to dance training, emphasizing a thorough understanding of various dance techniques while promoting self-expression and creativity. Classes include ballet, modern, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theater, salsa, and African. peridance.com Physique Swim School Physique Swimming offers classes year-round at all skill levels, starting at 6 months. In addition to swim lessons, Physique Swimming offers a summer camp in Battery Park City with swim instructions, an educational art program, and exciting sports activities every day. physiqueswimming.com Planet Han At Planet Han, it’s Mandarin for all with learning, fun, and confidence! Kids and adults can learn Mandarin through group classes, afterschool programs, and private tutoring. They’ll send you MP3 files after each class to recap what the children have learned. planethanchinese.com Playgarden Offering classes in ballet, hip hop, sports, karate, music, and more, Playgarden enriches growing minds and bodies in the early years. This indoor playground and activity center located in Tribeca is geared toward children ages 0-5. playgardennyc.com Poppyseed Pre-Nursery: Meeting two or three times a week, tots and 2s with adults enjoy frequent contact and a daily routine of singing and dancing, playing with toys, arts and crafts, mini-gym, and snack and story time. Poppyseed is the perfect bridge between home and nursery school. poppyseedprenursery.com Prenatal Yoga Center The first yoga center of its kind in NYC, the Prenatal Yoga Center’s schedule includes Pre- and Postnatal Yoga, New Mother’s Support Groups, Childbirth Education and a Breastfeeding Support Circle, all conducted in a calm, peaceful environment. Now offered in a new Park Slope, Brooklyn, location as well as in Manhattan. prenatalyogacenter.com Private Picassos Kids ages 18 months and up can learn all about fine art with this group of weekly classes at a variety of locations around New York City. Customized, in-home art lessons or arranged museum and gallery tours also let kids explore legendary artists. Kids get involved with interactive projects that in-
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HOT TREND: Weird & Wonderful As of late, the trend towards quirky class offerings has really taken off. Hipster tots can get their groove on with the Baby DJ School—an interactive music program for kids ages 3-36 months and their caregivers—at several Brooklyn locations (and soon to be offered in Manhattan as well). And at the unusual intersection of tech-based and crafty is the Brooklyn Robot Foundry (offered at several Brooklyn locations, as well as in Tribeca) where imaginative kiddos can pair everyday items with engineering concepts to craft their own ‘bots. For an off-thebeaten-path option for little nature-lovers, round up the whole family for the New York City Audubon’s Birding For Families class in Central Park (free, every Sunday March-May), which promises a birding adventure every week in addition to lessons in spotting and identifying birds.
crease fine motor skills such as crafting their own jewelry or making their own books. privatepicassos.com Reebok Sports Club/NY & Sports Club/LA Programs here are created with a developmental approach to learning. Offerings include a 2s separation program, classes in which 2s and 3s can explore project play, plus other programs focused on tennis, zumba, and other sports. Both camps and afterschool options are available. reeboksportsclubny.com & thesportsclubla.com Riverside Piano Studios Musically inclined kids can get jazzed over individual classes at Riverside Piano, which moved into a new Columbus Circle location last fall. Six teachers instruct in classical, jazz, and pop piano lessons and songwriting. The new location offers afterschool, evening, and weekend openings to new students. riversidepiano.com Riverside Music Studios One of the Upper West Side’s most beloved piano teachers has opened a small school in Columbus Circle where little musicians will find rooms and varied lessons in individual violin, cello, guitar, flute, voice instruction, and more. Traditional piano instruction will remain a focus while The Piano Games program, suitable for 3 and up, includes activities to inspire piano-technique building. riversidemusicstudios.com Robofun Children ages 3-12 will love building robots using LEGOs. Parents of preschooler’s can join in on the fun and create a battery-powered robot together. Using creativity, children can build their own robots using motors and sensors. Children ages 4-6 can create their own animations using their own script and designs. robofun.org continued on page 48
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The IDEAL School & Academy is New York City’s only independent inclusion school. At IDEAL, we are dedicated to creating a diverse community that affirms and accepts the full identities of all people, while inspiring academic excellence, creative leadership, and a desire to build a more just and equitable world. Our K-12 program strives to develop students who are intellectually curious, independent, and creative; are self-confident, have self-respect, and are willing to take risks; are prepared to be responsible, productive citizens, and ethical and compassionate human beings; have had the opportunity to learn from peers and to be mentors; have a true appreciate for differences and are therefore adaptable to a changing world; and are prepared to flourish in a global and diverse community.
To learn more and to apply, contact our Admission Office at 212-769-1699 or admissions@theidealschool.org The IDEAL School & Academy 314 W. 91st Street, NY, NY 10025
www.theidealschool.org
Engage your child in some activities that don’t involve staring at a screen.
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yyaa.org SIGN UP FOR FALL PROGRAMS
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From left: Launch Math & Science Centers; Fukasa Kai.
Royal Swim Royal Swim is a competitive swim club for kids ages 5-18 and older. The mission of the team is to provide a safe, competitive program that is perfect for the whole family and swimmers of every age. royalswimteam.com Rutgers Community Programs Focusing on social and emotional and cognitive development, children will enjoy all that this program has to offer. Classes are offered for parents as well, helping them through the stages of parenthood. Additionally, On My Own Playgroup helps toddlers adjust to being on their own with hands on activities and allowing children to work at their own pace. rutgerschurch.org The School at Steps The School at Steps is a training ground for students ages 2-18, offering year-round programs with classes in ballet, modern, tap, jazz, theater dance, hip hop, and Pilates. Beginning with the Young Dancers Program and continuing through technique classes and the pre-professional Program, young dancers learn and experiment with technique and enrich their appreciation for the various forms of the art. stepsnyc.com SciTech Kids Working alongside real scientists, children ages 3-15 engage in experiments and building projects that teach them to think and problem solve like the pros. The program offers age-based classes with a curriculum integrating numerous branches of science and invention-based activities like robot building and CSI forensic studies. Summer camp, preschool and afterschool programs, and special events are also available. sci-techkids.com Simply Sports This athletic program in Manhattan for ages 3-13 offers a range of age-appropriate sports that are scheduled after school, on weekends, and on school holidays at various locations. Kids can choose baseball, basketball, flag football, or soccer in clinics, leagues, and competitions. Fun sports events like capture the flag and miniature golf are also organized throughout the year. simplysports.net
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Soccer by Coach Fher The well-known and much-respected Coach Fher offers a specialized development program to bring out the best soccer skills in kids ages 2.5-10. Classes are offered year-round throughout New York’s boroughs in both indoor and outdoor settings with a low coach to child radio. coachfher.com socialsklz:-) Fun, interactive workshops teach children more than basic manners; this organization on the Upper West Side also teaches fundamental social skills and etiquette. Lessons include making good first impressions, introducing one’s self, starting conversations, dining and phone skills, making a toast at a party, and safe internet use. Classes are divided into age groups (4-7, 8-12, 13-17). socialsklz.com SocRoc A former soccer professional and certified strength and conditioning specialist teaches soccer and fitness classes year-round throughout Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. Kids ages 2-14 will develop core, upper body, and lower body strength, as well as learn soccer basics and enhance flexibility and endurance. jcsocroc.com SPORTIME Randall’s Island This impressive facility includes 20 indoor/outdoor hard courts, a 20,000-square-ft clubhouse, and a fitness and training center. SPORTIME’s Junior Tennis program and John McEnroe Tennis Academy for Elite Players are designed to excite kids about the world of tennis and nurture young players into world class athletes. Summer camp sessions are also offered. sportimeny.com StageCoach Theatre Arts Singing, drama/acting and dance classes are offered for budding thespians (ages 4-18) at this Upper East Side parttime performing arts school. Kids learn vocal articulation and modulation, acting techniques, characterization, and advanced choreography. stagecoachschools.com
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robofun
Ask For a
SM
After School Clubs start Sept. 8 Monday ~ Thursday
Weekend Programs start Sept. 7
Vacation Days Rosh Hashanah Columbus Day Election Day Veterans Day
FREE Trial Class
FRENCH • SPANISH ITALIAN • CHINESE Ages 6M-9Y • Full Immersion • Native Teachers
CLASSES PRESCHOOLS & CAMPS Featuring the Thibaut Technique®, perfected over 40 years and recognized by The New York Times, PBS, People, Parents, Wall St. Journal, Fox, BBC, NBC, CBS, ABC, and CNN.
AWARD-WINNING MATERIALS MANHATTAN Upper Eastside • LI • NJ
212.628.2700
www.LanguageWorkshopForChildren.com
LEGO® Robotics Grades K-6 Scratch Video Game Design
Grades 1-6 Stop Motion Animation
Grades 3-6 online registration at robofun.org 2672 Broadway, Loft A &102nd, NYC | 212.245.0444
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Super Soccer Stars & Super Soccer Stars Premier Super Soccer Stars teaches soccer skills in a fun, noncompetitive and educational environment. Through their age-specific curriculum, they use soccer to nurture, build self-confidence, and develop teamwork. Kick & Play, the parent/child pre-soccer program, is perfect for tots ages 12-24 months. Advanced young soccer stars can check out Super Soccer Stars Premier development classes and the NY Stars Premier competitive travel teams. supersoccerstars.com & starspremier.com SwimJim SwimJim classes are a fun way to learn swimming and water safety year-round. They believe children learn best in a friendly, loving environment where they feel safe and at ease, which enables young swimmers to learn basic and advanced skills while helping parents feel reassured. With five NYC locations and classes ranging from infants to adult, SwimJim has a class for everyone. swimjim.com TADA! Youth Theater Sing, dance, and act! TADA! Youth Theater runs weekly musical theater classes—and whenever school is out, TADA! is in with one-day and week-long camps. Toddlers through 8th graders build performing skills with original TADA! music. tadatheater.com Take Two Film Academy Aspiring movie makers ages 8-15 will love this filmmaking and film-acting program, available afterschool, on weekends, and over the summer. The Upper West Side facility invites students to write, act, shoot, and edit their own film and submit to the New York International Children’s Film Festival. Cameras, audio and editing software and other equipment are provided. taketwofilmacademy.com Tennis Innovators Starting at a young age children can learn the basics of tennis and become interested in the sport. Lessons are taught by trained instructors creating a positive energy towards the sport. There are seven different Tennis Innovators locations throughout New York City. tennisinnovators.com TLB Music TLB Music is a music studio and playspace located on the Upper East Side. Group classes for ages 4 months to 6 years are designed to enhance development while introducing children to all genres of music and classical and folk instruments. Its eco-friendly playroom for children ages 6 months to 6 years is perfect for playdates and birthday parties. tlbmusic.com West Side Taekwondo This martial arts center on the Upper West Side offers Tae Kwon Do training for kids of all ages. Age-appropriate classes include Pee Pods (ages 3-4), Pee Wee (ages 4-5), children’s program for beginners, intermediate and advanced (ages 6-11), teens and adults. westsidetkd.com
Yogi Beans
YMCA Located throughout New York City, local branches of the Y offer a variety of programs for kids of all ages, from pre-K through teen. There are traditional sport clinics, parent/child and group swimming lessons, fitness, art, music, dance, performing arts and visual art classes, and, for older kids, martial arts training and academic enrichment classes. ymcanyc.org Yogi Beans This Upper East Side yoga studio for kids offers flexible dropin classes for babies, toddlers, children and teens year-round. Age-appropriate classes help kids with breathing exercises and proper poses, while props like storybooks, songs, and games will keep them entertained. yogibeans.com ZGT At ZGT on the Upper East Side, mommy & me classes are offered for children ages 1-3 and their caregivers. Here they will be taught the difficult language through songs with their moms. Children ages 4-5 can take classes that focus on the vocabulary of the Chinese language in a fun and educational manner. zgtnewyork.com
For more classes in the city, visit newyorkfamily.com/classes.
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103 W 96th St, New York, NY 10025
UpperValleyPreschool.org
| 212-257-4749
Where daycare and preschool meet in NYC Every day is a new adventure
A connected community where students love to learn and learn to lead At Rodeph Sholom School, where community matters as much as curriculum, students in nursery school through 8th Grade learn to care and to compete, to speak up for themselves and to look out for others. Come see how this warm, vibrant and diverse Reform Jewish independent school could be right for your child and your family.
RODEPH SHOLOM SCHOOL Office of Admissions 646.438.8600 / admissions@rssnyc.org 10 West 84th Street, New York, NY 10024 www.rodephsholomschool.org
Now accepting applications for fall 2015 in early childhood, elementary and middle school divisions. Financial aid available.
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What will your child Explore+Discover today?
Explore+Discover invites you to discover your new neighborhood home for infant & toddler care and education. Discover the E+D Difference: • Early education for infants & toddlers • Daycare services like no other • Highly trained early education staff • Eight age-appropriate classrooms • Three dedicated teachers for each class • Arts-oriented curriculum • Private outdoor play area • Daily exposure to art, literature, music and natural materials • Flexible weekly and daily scheduling
Center Opens September 8, 2014 444 Second Avenue (at 26th St.)
To register for a tour or to learn more about Explore+Discover, contact us at: info@explorediscover.net or 212.867.3386 explorediscover.net E+D_0814NYF_FP.indd 1
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museums
Hall of Ornithischian Dinosaurs AMNH/D. Finnin
ULTIMATE GUIDE 2014
CURATING FOR
KIDS
The American Museum of Natural History
The City’s Many Museums Aren’t Just Grown-Up Affairs—Most Offer Special Programming For Children As Well Edited By Tiffany Lu & Tali Rosenblatt-Cohen Now more than ever, museums are creating inventive programming to capture the interest and imagination of kids of all ages. American Museum of Natural History (AMNH): More than just home to the giant T-Rex dinosaur bones, AMNH boasts a range of programs and exhibits, from rainforest tours to huge IMAX presentations about space and wildlife. Be sure to check out its new exhibit, Spiders Alive!, which features live spiders, larger-thanlife models, fossils, and more. amnh.org Brooklyn Children’s Museu (BCM): At BCM, the original children’s museum and the first LEED certified green museum, children experience the world at exactly their level. BCM offers kids a myriad of things to do, whether it’s crawling inside a pond aquarium or www.newyorkfamily.com
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learning about their neighbors in World Brooklyn. Kids with special needs should also check out the Sensory Room, which offers activities that stimulate different senses. brooklynkids.org Brooklyn Museum: Introduce your child to the rich heritage of world cultures at one of the largest art museums in the country. It offers something for everyone: Meet the Museum is a program for toddlers, Arty Facts is catered to kids 4-7, and older kids and their parents can take classes in the Gallery/Studio Program. brooklynmuseum.org Children’s Museum of the Arts (CMA): With its stateof-the-art Media Lab & Sound Booth, Clay Bar, and Fine Art Studio, CMA is dedicated to extending the benefits of art to all children. The museum has exhibits meant to delight and inspire kids and offers a wide range of classes—including one for physically disabled children and their siblings. cmany.org Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM): CMOM is committed to healthy living by presenting interactive exhibits that let kids learn and play at the same time. Explore its new exhibit Jazzed! The Changing Beat of 125th Street for live music and art workshops centered on the legacy of Jazz in America, and the EatPlaySleep exhibit for improving everyday health. cmom.org continued on page 54
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Jon Wallen
art and culture through projects, tours, classes, and the archeology zone, where they gain hands-on experience with ancient artifacts. Be sure to visit the two exhibits on Mel Bochner, focusing on the artist’s fascination with words, and on his past commissions at the museum respectively. thejewishmuseum.org
The DiMenna Children’s History Museum
DiMenna Children’s History Museum at the New York Historical Society: At the DiMenna Children’s History Museum, your budding historian can learn about the history of the city and the people in it. Check out its ongoing family learning programs such as the Little New-Yorkers class, which includes story time and crafts, and Cross-Stitch Circle, where kids can learn the art of embroidery. Kids can also try their hand at research in a Civil War Photography Camp this August. nyhistory. org/childrens-museum El Museo Del Barrio: Visit New York’s leading Latino cultural institution and see the exhibit Museum Starter Kit: Open With Care, which explores the significance of El Museo’s creation by focusing on works by artists like Raphael Montañez Ortiz, inviting local artists from East Harlem, and more. Bring the kids for a day of culture, art, and family programs geared toward community awareness and growth. elmuseo.org Guggenheim: Internationally renowned for modern and contemporary art, the Guggenheim offers Family Sundays with tours led by museum educators, intended to engage children ages 3-10. Or go anytime and borrow their family activity pack with suggested activities and games. For those who enjoy landscape paintings and woodcuts, be sure to check out the new Vasily Kandinsky exhibit, which showcases the artist’s work before his shift in style to abstraction. guggenheim.org Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: Come aboard one of the most successful ships in US history. The Exploreum exhibit is designed for children of all ages to learn about water, space, air, and life at sea. Future pilots can blast off in flight simulators, and daredevils will love the 4D Motion Ride Theater. intrepidmuseum.org Japan Society: Dedicated to deepening mutual understanding between the US and Japan, family programming is organized around some of Japan’s annual festivities and allows children to learn about Japanese history and culture through storytelling, crafts, and celebrations. japansociety.org The Jewish Museum: Children will experience Jewish
Liberty Science Center: Worth the trip to New Jersey, the Liberty Science Center is home to the nation’s largest IMAX dome theater, tornado- and hurricaneforce wind simulators, a pitch-black crawl-through Touch Tunnel, and the BASF Kids’ Lab (where ages 6-12 can get their hands dirty with science experiments). If you decide to make the trip, don’t miss the world’s first Beyond Rubik’s Cube exhibit, which has 7,000-sq-ft of games, puzzles, art, and more for kids to enjoy. lsc.org The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Story time in Nolen Library, Sunday Studio, and Start with Art at the Met are just a few of this museum’s kid-friendly programs. It also offers a program for families with children who are blind or partially sighted, plus one for children over 6 who have learning or developmental disabilities. metmuseum.org The Morgan Library & Museum: Originally the private library of Pierpont Morgan, the Morgan Library & Museum now houses all forms of manuscripts, early books, and prints. Keep an eye out for family-friendly events like the Spring Family Fair or Mr. Morgan’s sensory workshop. themorgan.org Museum of Arts & Design (MAD): MAD explores the intersection of art, design, and craft. Kids will be especially interested in the Studio Sunday programs and the Sarah and Seth Glickenhaus Education Center—an open studio where visitors of all ages can watch artists at work and participate in the creative process. madmuseum.org Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA): MOCA is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and culture of Chinese Americans. Be sure to check out the Oil and Water exhibit to learn about the contemporary reinterpretation of ink, a medium essential to Chinese calligraphy, poetry, and painting. While there, check out the many performances, book readings, and games meant to entertain multi-generational families. mocanyc.org Museum of the City of New York: Showcasing the city’s unique past and diverse heritage, the Frederick A.O. Schwarz Children’s Center offers programs that teach children about NYC. Permanent collections at the museum include Activist New York — which teaches children and adults about social activism in the city. mcny.org Museum of Math (MoMath): MoMath is brand new to the museum scene and offers kids great opportunities to learn about the world from a mathematical continued on page 57
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for children in 3rd to 8th grade The Jewish Journey Project (JJP) is a new,
revolutionary after-school Jewish learning experience. JJP offers multiple pathways of Jewish learning for kids to travel. The
begins with you!
For more information visit:
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OVER 250 CHILDREN ARE NOW PARTICIPATING IN JJP! Our classes explore Jewish content through art, drama, cooking, sports, film, text study, Hebrew, photography, video games, and more.
JJP IS AN INITIATIVE OF
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Congregation Ansche Chesed, B’nai Jeshurun, Congregation Habonim, Society for the Advancement of Judaism, Tamid:The Downtown Synagogue, and West End Synagogue. JJP is made possible with the support of Bezalel Foundation, Gottesman Fund, Jim Joseph Foundation, Neshamot Fund, The Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life, UJA-Federation of NY, and generous individual donors.
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212.744.4900 Kids In Sports is a specialized sports program for children ages 12 months - 12 years old. Kids in Sports teach children the fundamentals of Baseball, Basketball, Flag Football, Floor Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer and Volleyball. In addition, Kids in Sports conducts Sport-SpeciďŹ c classes, runs several camps and hosts birthday parties.
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perspective. With interactive exhibits and programs, kids can banish their fear of numbers and shapes and embrace math and its many mysteries. momath.org Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): We all know that MoMA has interactive workshops (like MoMA Labs) and gallery talks for families, but you may be surprised to discover that the museum also offers free screenings of new and classic family films, complete with a discussion led by MoMA educators. moma.org Museum of the Moving Image: Kids love all things digital, so check out a weekend screening of familyfriendly films. Workshops in which kids can learn about and create moving images make this museum a rainy day hit. Kids will love the exhibition What’s Up Doc?, which explores the animation art of Chuck Jones, the man who created some of the most popular cartoons of all time, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and the Road Runner. movingimage.us National Museum of the American Indian: Learn about the original inhabitants of New York at this museum in Bowling Green. Available by appointment, tours of the Haudenosaunee Discovery Room teach kids about traditional and modern American Indian life through hands-on activities. nmai.si.edu National September 11 Memorial Museum: Teaching your children about the events of 9/11 is difficult, but the 9/11 Museum’s tours and historical and memorial exhibitions can help. They also offer an online museum guide for parents to use with kids ages 8-11—it’s filled with key terms, questions, and age-appropriate information. Children 7 and under enter free. 911memorial.org New Museum: As New York’s only museum dedicated to contemporary art, the New Museum offers First Saturdays with Families—a chance for families to explore the exhibits and learn about contemporary art. The museum also hosts a Block Party in the summer that features live performances and fun activities. newmuseum.org
New York Hall of Science: This hotspot located in Queens satisfies both children’s and adults’ curious streaks. Family workshops allow the whole family to experiment together while Preschool Place is an exciting, multi-sensory destination for little ones. While you’re there be sure to check out its touring exhibit, Wild Minds—What Animals Really Think. nysci.org New York Transit Museum: Subway and train fans will learn how New York’s great transportation system was created and enjoy weekend programs that incorporate science, art, and books. With a regular story hour for tots and an afterschool program for kids on the autism spectrum, this Brooklyn Heights museum is a must for all city children. mta.info Queens County Farm Museum: New York City’s only maintained farm is both historical and a museum that’s open year-round. With events such as the Annual Queens County Fair in September, a pumpkin patch in October, and Wildlife Weekends in November, there’s always something exciting going on at the farm. queensfarm.org Rubin Museum of Art: Art from the Himalayas may not be what first comes to mind when thinking about kids, but the Rubin Museum makes family programming a priority. Drop-in workshops, family art labs, and family days and festivals will introduce your kid to the joys of art, yaks, and yurts! rmanyc.org Scandinavian Museum: Dedicated to preserving the history of Scandinavians who settled on the East Coast, this museum hosts a variety of programming, from an annual essay contest for kids in grades 4-6 to the Danish Mardi Gras in February to Viking Fest in May. scandinavian-museum.org Skyscraper Museum: Celebrate our vertical city with a trip to the Skyscraper Museum. Educators engage kids on topics like urbanism, architecture, and engineering through family programs such as continued on page 58
New York City Police Museum: The Junior Officers Discovery Zone allows children 3-10 to learn all about Police men and women in a fun setting. With activities for younger kids, including opportunities to wash a real Police car, as well as for older kids (crime scene observation activities), children will walk away with a greater appreciation for New York City’s defenders of the peace. nycpolicemuseum.org
Photo by Sterling Diaz/Museum of the Moving Image
New York City Fire Museum: Aspiring firefighters will enjoy seeing truck and squad gear of the past and present. The museum features five permanent exhibits, including Tools and Uniforms, Romance of Firefighting, and a tribute to the 343 members of New York City’s Bravest who lost their lives on 9/11. nycfiremuseum.org
The Museum of the Moving Image; The New York Transit Museum (inset) Transit Museum Subway Birthday Bash. Photo by James Giovan 6/14/14
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Sidewalk Art, Skyscraper Physics, and Trash Factory. Be sure to check out its exhibit on Times Square in 1984, a postmodern moment that laid the groundwork for the iconic, brightly-lit tourist spot we know today. skyscraper.org South Street Seaport Museum: As an extension of the Museum of the City of New York, the South Street Seaport Museum offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the city, the sea, and the seaport neighborhood. Families can participate in various activities—from making and decorating model boats, to knot-tying workshops. Come take an interactive look at NYC maps. seany.org Staten Island Children’s Museum: Whether you enjoy playing chess with life-sized pieces or watching the birth of butterflies, the exhibits in the Staten Island Children’s Museum are sure to amaze. On weekends, families can participate in the Up4Art series, create holiday crafts, or assist museum staff as they feed and care for bugs, fish, guinea pigs, and other finefeathered friends. statenislandkids.org
Tenement Museum: Home to more than 7,000 working class immigrants in 1863, the Tenement Museum provides visitors a unique way to appreciate the Lower East Side’s great history. With walking tours of the neighborhood and themed tours within the building (including one from an impersonated 14-year-old past resident), your family will be sure to get a good dose of exercise and knowledge. tenement.org The Toy Museum of NY: Toys are not just for playing, they are for learning too! Kids can discover the history of toys and see toys from the museum’s collection in The Toy Museum: A Mini Musical, a variety of Storytelling programs, an interactive Puppet Making Workshop, and more. toymuseumny.org The Whitney Museum of American Art: “Crying babies welcome!” is the tagline of Stroller Tours at the Whitney, offered for new moms and dads on select Fridays when the museum is closed to the public. Art making workshops geared toward children of various ages are also available to engage your little ones in the artistic process. whitney.org
BIG TIP: Museums That Offer Classes & Workshops For Kids Edited By Tiffany Lu & Nadia Ramlakhan Brooklyn Children’s Museum: The Museum Team afterschool program at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum is a free, yearround afterschool program available for grades K-12. Kids can participate in educational workshops, field trips, and service learning opportunities. brooklynkids.org Brooklyn Museum: The Brooklyn Museum offers gallery and studio courses for children of all ages, ranging from sound and movement for the youngest artists to special effects and modern art for the older crowd. Join professional artists in the youth and family programs for free film screenings and performances. brooklynmuseum.org Children’s Museum of the Arts (CMA): Children as young as 10 months can enroll in CMA’s WEE Arts classes until age five. Young artists ages 5-15 can attend the afterschool program, which offers classes in a range of mediums. Those seeking a quieter setting can take private lessons for one-on-one mentorship. cmany.org Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM): Those with little ones ages 14 months to 2 years can take Parent and Child classes at CMOM, before enrolling them at ages 2-3 in Gentle Separation classes in preparation for preschool. Kids 3-5 can take classes exploring all kinds of scientific wonders. cmom.org Guggenheim: The Guggenheim’s afterschool program offers it all, from painting to drawing to sculpture to collage. Kids ages 8-11 can also take in the museum’s permanent collection and current exhibitions. guggenheim.org Metropolitan Museum of Art: Museum members can choose from classes for ages 3-14 that are all about exploring and investigating artistic concepts, including painting, sculpting, and drawing. For non-members, the museum also offers free teen programs for ages 11-18. metmuseum.org Museum of Arts & Design (MAD): The whole family ages 6
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and up can learn from professional artists in MAD’s monthly Studio Sundays. For just $10, attendees will be able to explore the galleries and participate in a hands-on workshop inspired by objects from exhibitions. madmuseum.org Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA): Lead by trained guides, MOCA’s tours take you outside of the museum and into the streets of Chinatown, where you’ll learn all about the city’s past and present. Each trip encompasses 8-10 different sites, landmarks, and historic streets. mocanyc.org Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): You and your family can participate in gallery talks, where lively discussions are encouraged throughout the galleries. At the Art Labs, families can play, experiment, and create as they find connections between works of art. Lessons on techniques in modern and contemporary art are also offered during workshops. moma.org Museum of the Moving Image: The afterschool program here is divided into two parts: animation and video game design. Tasks include creating hand drawn flipbooks, making Claymation videos, and producing computer animations. movingimage.us New Museum: New Museum First Saturdays for Families offer special, hands-on programs designed for families with children ages 3-10. Families will be able to explore the museum’s exhibits through lively conversation, and make art of their own in related creative activities. newmuseum.org Rubin Museum of Art: This museum of Himalayan art has programming for all ages, from a morning program for tots that’s full of storytelling and community building to Saturday art labs with a specific theme, all including a hands-on project. rmanyc.org Whitney Museum of American Art: The family programs at the Whitney offer interactive tours, workshops, and special events for four different age groups, ages 0-12. Special stroller tours for parents with babies are even available. whitney.org
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attractions ULTIMATE GUIDE 2014
THE
PLACES
TO BE The Hit Parade Of The Top Family-Friendly Adventures & Attractions In The City
Edited by Tiffany Lu & Gavriella Mahpour You don’t have to be a tourist to appreciate all the city has to offer—bring the kids along for a true NYC experience with our special guide. Broadway & Times Square Times Square and Broadway’s theater district may seem daunting to navigate with children, but Manhattan’s epicenter is home to the M&M store, Toys “R” Us, and the Hard Rock Café. Plus, there’s the New Victory Theater, a full-time performing arts theater for kids. timessquarenyc.org Brooklyn Botanic Garden The Brooklyn Botanic Garden houses the Cranford Rose Garden, the Shakespeare Garden, the Discovery Garden, and the Children’s Garden. Kids can grow their own crops and flowers, discover different habitats, and enjoy free family workshops. bbg.org Bronx Zoo The Bronx Zoo is a must for youngsters who are animal lovers. The zoo is home to thousands of creatures such as gorillas, polar bears, and lions. Be sure to check out the sea lion pool, the bug carousel, the exquisite butterfly garden, and the Children’s Zoo, where kids can climb up a spider web, hop like a wallaby, and feed a goat. bronxzoo.com Brooklyn Bridge & Brooklyn Bridge Park A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge provides breathtaking views of the East River. At the end of the overpass lies Brooklyn Bridge Park, where families can enjoy fishing, boating, biking, and even free outdoor movie screenings. brooklynbridgepark.org
Coney Island’s Luna Park
Carousels Carousels are a familiar feature in parks throughout NYC. Take a spin on Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park, Le Carrousel in Bryant Park, the Bug Carousel at the Bronx Zoo, the Forest Park and Flushing Meadows Carousels in Queens, and, of course, the beloved Central Park Carousel. nycgovparks.org Central Park Central Park features 21 playgrounds, a boathouse with rowboat rentals, a children’s glade where kids can participate in crafts, theater programs, and more. The Central Park Zoo will delight with its smallscale, yet thoroughly enjoyable, menagerie of wild animals. Plus, Victorian Gardens hosts amusement rides and a bevy of entertainers during the warm months. centralparknyc.org & centralparkzoo.com Chinatown Manhattan boasts one of the largest Chinatown districts in the nation. Stop by Pearl River Mart for traditional Chinese lanterns and toys, then head to the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory for samples of unique flavors. explorechinatown.com City Island Located off of Long Island Sound, City Island is the perfect day trip destination for families. Accessible via subway and bus, the island hosts the educational City Island Nautical Museum. cityisland.com continued on page 62
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The Cloisters Within Fort Tryon Park is the Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. The museum and gardens offer tours and family programs throughout the year as well as free family story times and painting classes. metmuseum.org Coney Island Arguably the most historic amusement area in the US, Coney Island’s classic rides like Luna Park’s B&B Carousell are just as fun for kids as the amusement park’s new thrill-ride: the Thunderbolt Roller Coaster. Bring the whole family to this iconic beach and boardwalk for a day of food, rides, and sunshine. coneyislandfunguide.com Dave & Buster’s Dave & Buster’s is a great option for families who are looking for indoor fun. With locations throughout the tri-state area, this restaurant/indoor arcade offers up a sports bar menu (think nachos and wings) and hours of play with favorites like Dance Dance Revolution and billiards. daveandbusters.com Dylan’s Candy Bar Dylan Lauren, daughter of iconic designer Ralph Lauren, opened her Willy Wonka-esque candy emporium in 2001. Since then, it has become the world’s largest candy store, carrying more than 5,000 kinds of sweets. dylanscandybar.com The Empire State Building Tourists and locals alike should visit this National Historic Landmark at least once. There is nothing quite like viewing the city from the 102nd floor observatory, a mere 1,250 feet above ground! esbnyc.com Field Station: Dinosaurs More than 30 life-sized dinosaurs—including a 90-ft Argentinosaurus—come to life at this park just a short trip outside of New York. Explore the park with a flashlight after the sun goes down at Dinosaurs After Dark. fieldstationdinosaurs.com Flushing Meadows Corona Park Kayak, fish, play in the spray showers, or hit some balls on the tennis court in this Queens park, home to the Queens Zoo and the World’s Fair Marina. nycgovparks.org/parks/fmcp Governors Island Open every weekend during the summer season, Governors Island has become the go-to destination for locals looking for art exhibitions, concerts, and fairs. Families can tour the national monument on foot or see the island by bike. govisland.com Grand Central Terminal With 68 shops, 35 dining options, and more to choose from, there is sure to be something fun for every member of the family at this historic
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New York landmark. Check out the station’s designer clothing stores, fine dining restaurants, and its very own gourmet and fresh food market. grandcentralterminal.com Greenmarkets Located in all five boroughs, these farmers’ markets are a perfect way to introduce kids to locally grown produce, baked goods, and specialty food items. Start at the Union Square Greenmarket for a taste of what our local growers have to offer. grownyc.org Hersheypark Hershey offers a fun-filled family getaway with more than 65 rides and attractions at Hersheypark. Stay over at the Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, or Hershey Highmeadow Campground and enjoy chocolatethemed fun from morning until night! hersheypa.com Historic Richmond Town Historic Richmond Town on Staten Island is NYC’s living history village and museum. Visitors can take a walking tour of the grounds, view more than 30 original historic homes, and watch reenactments. historicrichmondtown.org Hudson River Park Another great day trip option, Hudson River Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including mini golf, sailing, tennis, skateboarding, and acting classes. Plus, kids can play on the park’s beloved Pier 25 playground. hudsonriverpark.org & hudsonriver.com Ice Skating Rinks Winter wouldn’t be complete without skating in the city. Bring your own blades or rent a pair from the rink at Rockefeller Center, and then glide across the ice while admiring the center’s Christmas tree. Central Park’s Trump Rink opens every winter to the delight of city children, offering lessons for all abilities at its Skating School. therinkatrockcenter.com & wollmanskatingrink.com Imagination Playground Flagship This innovative playground park in the South Street Seaport lets kids use foam blocks, fabric, and mats to create their own play place. They’ll exercise their bodies and minds while they build. imaginationplayground.com Jamaica Bay This Queens hotspot is teeming with fantastic places for kids. The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is filled with more than 330 bird species and offers hikes and sunset tours. Alley Pond Park’s Adventure Course will also please outdoor enthusiasts. nyharborparks.org LEGOland Discovery Center Westchester Travel outside of the city and take your creative kids to a budding builder’s paradise. Learn how the plastic pieces are made in a guided LEGO Factory tour, create your own LEGO cars at Racers: Build & Test, www.newyorkfamily.com
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and watch LEGO characters come to life in the 4D cinema. legolanddiscoverycenter.com Madame Tussaud’s The infamous wax museum adds new figures frequently, making this house of wax a great place to revisit (or visit for the first time). Bring your kids to meet face to wax face some of their favorite singers, athletes, actors, and celebrities at this offbeat museum. madametussauds.com New York Aquarium Brooklyn’s New York Aquarium makes learning about the sea and its creatures fascinating with its Conservation Hall, where you can travel through three different aquatic habitats, and the Sea Cliffs, where otters, seals, and penguins play. nyaquarium.com
big tip: Awesome Apps For Planning Day Trips By Tiffany Lu Navigating New York City’s busy streets and subway lines can be confusing. Luckily, in the age of smart phones there are apps that can help you get to where you want to go fast. HopStop This app gets you door-to-door transit, walking, biking, and taxi directions all over New York. Users can also use it to plan trips with multiple destinations, estimate travel time and taxi cost, and even how many calories you burn or carbon emissions you save on your chosen route. hopstop.com Free for iPhone Embark NYC Step-by-step instructions combined with notifications of advisories and closures based on real-time information eliminate the need for guessing which route is fastest. Even better, this app can work without an internet connection, which means that even underground you can still plan your trip. letsembark.com Free for iPhone Exit Strategy Just as the name implies, Exit Strategy provides users with strategies for where to get on subway trains, so you can board at the right position to arrive directly in front of the exit at your stop. Complete with official subway maps, this app can be used underground as it works entirely offline. exitstrategynyc.com $4.99 for iPhone, $3.99 for BlackBerry, $0.99 for Kindle, $2.99 for Android MTA For those who want more options, be sure to browse through MTA’s app gallery. It includes 78 (and counting) New York City transportation apps, some of which are MTA licensed, for a variety of smartphones. web.mta.info/apps Uber With Uber, taking a taxi has never been so easy—or so stylish, in their sleek black cars. Now rising in popularity worldwide, this app lets you call drivers to your location based on your phone’s GPS. Offering fare quotes and a cashless payment option, this app is the cutting-edge of convenience. uber.com Free for iPhone and Android
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New York Botanical Garden Alongside the wondrous plants and flowers of its numerous ongoing exhibitions is the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, where kids can explore mazes and learn the secrets of plant growth. Visit to see flora like nowhere else in New York’s concrete jungle. nybg.org The New York Public Library (NYPL) The NYPL has a multitude of branches across the city; however, the Stephen A. Schwarzman building at 42nd Street houses the Children’s Center. The center’s circulating children’s books collection makes for hours of reading delight. nypl.org Nintendo World Store At Nintendo World, families can enjoy two floors of interactive gaming. In addition to trying out the newest systems, kids can meet characters like Mario or Luigi and also take the fun home by shopping for souvenirs and special game guides. nintendoworldstore.com Pelham Bay Park & Orchard Beach The largest of New York City’s public parks, the Bronx’s Pelham Bay Park has miles of hiking trails, baseball fields, and basketball courts for athletic youngsters. Beach bums will love Orchard Beach, a sandy paradise located within the park. nycgovparks.org Piper Theater Productions Piper Theater Productions will be performing outdoor shows at the Old Stone House and Washington Park in Brooklyn throughout the summer. Young actors and actresses, ages 7-17, can do more than just watch by joining their Summer Youth Theatre Workshops. pipertheatre.org Prospect Park Aside from playgrounds, Brooklyn’s Prospect Park includes a zoo, horse stables, nature trails, and tennis courts. Scavenger hunts for kids 8 and up turn exploring the park into an adventure. prospectpark.org Radio City Music Hall The largest indoor theater in the world, Radio City Music Hall hosts concerts and shows all year round for your family to enjoy. The hall also offers daily backstage tours. radiocity.com Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! The Times Square Odditorium is known for its collection of all things strange and surprising, but only insiders—and now you—know about Ripley’s Impossible LaseRace, where participants must dodge lasers as they navigate a twisty maze. ripleysnewyork.com Sports Stadiums Formerly New Meadowlands Stadium, the newly continued on page 64
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crowned MetLife Stadium has become the joint home of the NFL’s Giants and Jets. During baseball season, catch a game at Yankee Stadium or Citi Field. Madison Square Garden is the place to be for Knicks and Rangers games, while tennis devotees can watch matches at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. And don’t forget about the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, home to the Brooklyn Nets. metlifestadium.com; newyork.yankees.mlb. com; newyork.mets.mlb.com; thegarden.com; usta. com; barclayscenter.com Snug Harbor Staten Island’s Snug Harbor Cultural Centerand Botanical Garden is a regional arts center where theater, music, dance, architecture, and more thrive. Be sure a trip to the Harbor includes the Staten Island Children’s Museum. snug-harbor.org Sony Wonder Technology Lab Every exhibit at this free entertainment and tech museum is a completely immersive and hands-on experience. Kids will enjoy programming their own robots in the Robot Zone and learning how to make an animated film or video game in the Animation Ramp. sonywondertechlab.com The South Street Seaport The eclectic shops, restaurants, and outdoor food market at Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport continue the old waterfront traditions of originality and community. If that doesn’t win the kids over, then its maritime museum and impressive fleet of historic ships will. southstreetseaport.com
Staten Island Ferry Traveling to and from Staten Island can be an adventure in itself when you take the Staten Island Ferry. The free 25-minute ride takes the stress out of the schlep and mesmerizes little ones with views of New York Harbor. siferry.com The Statue of Liberty The Statue of Liberty offers National Park Rangerguided tours of this national icon. Those not afraid of a few stairs (154 of them, to be exact) can visit Lady Liberty’s crown to see the original torch display, the Liberty Island Museum, and gorgeous views of the city. nps.gov Top of the Rock The Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center provides truly breathtaking views of Central Park and the Hudson River. Don’t forget to bring quarters for the coin-operated binoculars and a camera to capture it all. topoftherocknyc.com The United Nations Although guided tours of the UN are not permitted for children under the age of 5, kids of all ages will get a kick out of creating stamps from photos of themselves in the Personalized Stamp Shop. visit.un.org Wave Hill This picturesque 28-acre public park and cultural center in the Bronx hosts family art projects every Saturday and Sunday morning alongside family yoga classes on Fridays. wavehill.org
Big Tip: NYC By Foot, Boat, Or Bus So you want to experience everything New York City has to offer (which is a lot)—but where to start? There are so many restaurants, historic landmarks, shops, and attractions to see that it can make even native New Yorkers’ heads spin! It might be best to leave the itinerary to the hands of tour guides and just enjoy the ride. Take a look at our list of popular walking, boat, and bus tours of the Big Apple. Free Tours by Foot This top-rated walking tour covers all of Manhattan, parts of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, for a whole day of city fun. What sets it apart from others is its name-your-ownprice system, which lets you decide how much the tour is really worth afterwards. They also offer food, bike, bus, and ghost tours. freetoursbyfoot.com Real New York Tours While they do offer group walking tours, Real New York Tours’ private tours are what attract most visitors, as they allow greater personal attention and flexibility than with a bigger group. They offer six different touring areas all over the city, but you can also mix and match to customize your own itinerary. realnewyorktours.com Circle Line Cruises Operating out of Pier 83, Circle Line Cruises offers five different boat tours around Manhattan and major New
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York attractions, ranging from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours long. You can join a group of 1-14 passengers, or over 15 for a reduced price. They are also available for private charter. circleline42.com New York Water Taxi The New York Water Taxi tours the Statue of Liberty day and night, and caters to seasonal events like the Fourth of July Fireworks. If that’s not enough, their All-Day Access Pass lets you hop on and hop off the boat at stops whenever you want throughout the day. VIP tours, custom groups, and private charters are available. nywatertaxi.com OnBoard New York Tours Don’t want to walk or get on the water? Board this hopon-hop-off shuttle bus tour and see the city roadside! With limited group sizes on smaller shuttles, OnBoard’s six different tours offer interactive, detailed tours of New York’s sights. You can book private tours as well. onboardnewyorktours.com The Ride This tour circles Midtown Manhattan, and has been described as more of an hour-long “comedy show” than a traditional tour, which is often focused on the city’s history. The busses’ stadium seating, huge panoramic windows, and quirky tour guides make this trip a unique experience. experiencetheride.com
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Photo by Jessica Earnshaw
NEW YORK FAMILY PARTNER
THE
LITTLE SCHOOL
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With An Accomplished New Leader, The Alexander Robertson School Is Attracting Families Excited By Their Outstanding Academics & Nurturing Environment By Eric Messinger
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ARS head of school Irwin Shlachter.
ocated on the Upper West Side, near Central Park, the Alexander Robertson School (ARS) is the very model of a small, nurturing private school (Pre-K through grade 5) where all the teachers and administrators know all the students, and parents, too, are an important part of the school community. This past spring, they made two big announcements: first, to address growing interest in the school, ARS introduced their first Pre-K program and another Kindergarten class—both of which have space available for this fall. And second: that a well-regarded and accomplished local educator, Irwin Shlachter, would be joining them as their new head of school, after two decades of overseeing the growth of two other distinguished private schools in the city (first the Rodeph Sholom School, and later Claremont Preparatory School, now Léman Manhattan Preparatory School). With the 2014-15 school year approaching, we spoke with Shlachter about the joys and challenges of being an educator—and what’s so special about ARS.
see me as someone who is approachable, who they can share things with, large or small. I’m also in the classrooms a great deal instead of in my office. I’m there at lunch a lot. I want the kids to feel like this is an extension of their family.
New York Family: What’s the key to educating grade school students? Irwin Shlachter: Grades K-5 are very important grades in terms of getting to know a student, and working with their learning styles to foster a curious and confident learner. There is no question that, as they move into middle school and high school, they become more proficient in their skills but the earlier grades can, you might say, set the tone—and at a small school, with dedicated educators, you can really get to know students and help them maximize their individual strengths. From the start, there needs to be a lot of positive validation. For a young child, you need an environment that is structured but also invites a great deal of creativity—a balance that allows each student to express themselves however they can. Then as they get into the older grades in the school, their learning styles really start coming into focus, and we can best nurture them.
New York Family: What else should parents know about the school’s academics? Shlachter: Let’s talk about the reading and writing. One of the things they are going to be adding is a program that was introduced at Columbia’s Teachers College about 10-12 years ago that I first used at the Rodeph Sholom School. It’s a writer’s workshop approach and it’s very effective in helping students improve their writing. Instead of a teacher circling all the mistakes, it encourages students to write phonetically—which is great for building up vocabulary and spelling. They also illustrate the book and dedicate it, so it makes them feel like they really are publishing something.
New York Family: We know you take a lot of pride in running schools that are infused with a sense of community. Shlachter: It starts in the morning with me being downstairs, greeting the families and students. I like to demystify the persona of the head of the school so that students and parents
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New York Family: Let’s talk about academics, and some of the new programs the school is introducing, like the special STEM program. Shlachter: ARS will be the first school in New York State selected by the Smithsonian Science Education Center to teach its Science and Technology Concepts curriculum, a highlyeffective STEM-based approach to learning (STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). What separates the curriculum from traditional science is that it is integrated into the school day so that students see it as an ongoing aspect of learning instead of just going to science class once a week. It’s very inquiry-based and hands on—and fun! In age-appropriate ways, it’s going to be used by the entire school.
New York Family: What’s the biggest joy for you as an educator? Shlachter: That’s an easy one. Watching students succeed and watching them grow and blossom. And I love when they come back for a visit, and sometimes even ask my advice on life. Parents interested in learning more about ARS, including its new Pre-K and expanding Kindergarten, should visit alexanderrobertson.org, or contact the admissions office at 212-663-2844 or admissions@alexanderroberston.org.
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The City University of New York congratulates the
2014 Blackboard Awards for Teacher Honorees on the occasion of the
Blackboard Awards for Teachers JUNE 2, 2014 BENNO S CHMIDT
CHAIRPERSON, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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JAMES B. MILLIKEN CHANCELLOR
WWW.CUNY.EDU CUNY TV-Channel 75 7/21/14 10:56 AM
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR HONOREES
Eileen Shostack PS 75
Dennis Sullivan Saint Ignatius Loyola
Dana Kaplan PS 33—Chelsea Prep
Dr Katarina H. Klaf PS 77—The Lower Lab School
Bayard Faithfull The Beacon School
Nicole DeVault Alexander Robertson School
Heather Meisner PS 198
Lisa Schalk Chelsea Day School
Evan Burns Democracy Prep Charter High School
Fran Vogel MS 167—Robert F. Wagner Middle School
Karey Boals The Chapin School
Laura Resnick PS 87—William T. Sherman School
Willie DeVargas Little Missionary’s Day Nusery
Kristen Smith MS 245—The Computer School
Sarah Liogys NEST+m THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
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The United Federation of Teachers Salutes
The exemplary New York City Teachers who are honored with this year’s
2014 Blackboard Awards
Michael Mulgrew, President 52 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 www.uft.org
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education ULTIMATE GUIDE 2014
School Smarts The City’s Brightest Teachers Offer Advice To Parents On How To Help Their Children Thrive In School And Beyond
Karey Boals, the Chapin School: “It’s important for students to have a sense of purpose and longterm goals. Students can become solely focused on the short term and can easily lose sight of the long term. Reminding them to ‘pull back the lens’ will be invaluable to them. It is also important for students to feel connected. Connected to parents, friends, teachers and counselors. This will promote academic, mental, and emotional success and strength.” Evan Burns, Democracy Prep Charter High School: “Speaking from a teacher perspective, it’s always helpful to have parents who are interested in what their kids are doing at school. At home, inquire about their schoolwork. Ask them what they’re writing or reading. Ask to read what they’ve written and embarrass them by showing off the good work they do. The more we layer our support of our kids’ education, the more leverage we have on impacting them positively.” Willie DeVargas, Little Missionary’s Day Nursery: “I would say: Listen to your children. Listen to them more. Kids actually don’t have a voice, and they speak up sometimes but we just don’t listen and we just don’t see what they’re wanting and what they’re feeling. Just listen to them and really get down to their level and listen to what they’re saying and not just miss it. It’s very important to know what the concerns are. That way, we can help them further in life and to achieve accomplishments.”
Tashween Ali
One of New York Family’s community-minded events is the annual Blackboard Awards, which is the longestrunning and most prestigious celebration of excellence in local education, honoring schools, principals, and teachers from all education sectors (public, private, charter, and parochial) and grade levels. In addition to being a celebration of everyday educational heroes, the Blackboard Awards are also intended as a resource for parents. In that spirit, we asked the honorees of the 2014 Blackboard Awards for Teachers about how parents can help their children reach their full potential in school. Here’s what they had to say.
Lisa Schalk, left, with a young student.
Nicole DeVault, Alexander Robertson School: “I have advice as a parent on how to help your child reach their highest potential at school, as well as, in life and that is to give them unconditional support and love. This is what I learned from raising my son on my own. No need to compare your child to another child because each and every one is gifted and what you may not see at this moment will develop and reveal itself later with more and more revelations. There is no set-instone timeframe and therefore it is important to let your child’s development unfold naturally. I believe as a parent that honest self-reflection is vital. We are role models and need to walk the walk and talk the talk. Children cannot be fooled. Personally, I believe in a having a loving ‘spiritual’/ethical practice shared by the family that builds a strong foundation of morals and values. Teaching our children to make the right choices and to be proud of those choices will benefit not only your child and your family but everyone with whom they cross paths.” Bayard Faithfull, the Beacon School: “As a teacher and a parent, I hope that families encourage a love of learning. There is a magic to encountering new ideas or solving difficult problems. In a society that is technology-saturated, we as parents need to find time to talk with our kids and have wonderful experiences continued on page 70
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with them. I am a believer in having conversation at dinner. I am a believer in sharing simple pleasures together.” Dana Kaplan, PS 33—Chelsea Prep: “I believe in the four C’s: Commitment, collaboration, communication, and compassion. We must be committed to working through challenges while also examining whether the challenge is the parent’s or the child’s. We are guests in our children’s educational journey. We should strive to model independent thinking, support out-of-thebox ideas, and to hear and see each child for who they are as opposed to what we want them to be. As a model for your child, celebrate your imperfections. This articulation empowers and challenges your child to move forward in a positive light. I believe it is imperative to share with your child that we must always
try, fall, and pick ourselves up rather than to never try at all. Applying this commitment to all life endeavors establishes a sense of compassion towards oneself and our community while promoting determination, dedication, and passion to this wonderful exploration known as life.” Dr. Katarina H. Klaf, PS 77—The Lower Lab School: “My advice to parents is to take time to foster curiosity and creativity. I try to do this in my classroom but parents are essential partners in education, their actions can reinforce what their children learn in school. They too can model for their children the kinds of thinking that are needed in today’s complex world. I encourage parents to speak with their children, question them about what they are learning, actively listen to their continued on page 72
Know Your Resources To ensure that a child growing up in the city gets a good education, parents really do have to turn themselves into educated consumers. We have four thriving educational sectors—public, private, charter, and parochial—and they all have their pros and cons, rules and regulations. And New York Family has several wonderful resources to help guide city parents: The Ultimate Guide To Education: We publish our annual The Ultimate Guide To Education in December, which is not only the season of transitions and adjustments in schools, it’s also the time for admissions applications. The Ultimate Guide covers all of it, helping parents understand local admissions (in all sectors), while also offering stories about news and trends in learning and development, and a parent’s role in their child’s education.
Also note: Many “preschool alternative” programs are offered by neighborhood education and enrichment centers. See our Classes Directory on page 27. Public School Clara Hemphill’s various guides to NYC public schools clarahemphill.net Class Size Matters classsizematters.org DOE (see above) Insideschools insideschools.org NYC Public School Parents nycpublicschoolparents. blogspot.com Private School (Independent) ISAAGNY (see above) NYC Private Schools Blog nycprivateschoolsblog.com The NYC Private School Admissions Handbook nypeas.com The Parents League Of New York (see above) Victoria Goldman’s The Manhattan Family Guide To Private Schools And Selective Public Schools victoriagoldman.net
The Blackboard Awards: The prestigious Blackboard Awards honor excellence in education throughout the city and in every educational sector, calling upon parents and educators to help select and celebrate wonderful schools, principals, and teachers. You can find out more about the Blackboard Awards and read about past winners at blackboardawards. com. When you visit the site, please be sure to tell us about the schools, principals, and teachers of excellence in your family’s life. You can submit your nominations all year.
Charter School DOE (see above) New York City Charter School Center nyccharterschools.org
New York Family & NewYorkFamily.com: If you define education as learning that takes place both in the classroom and outside the classroom, then it’s just a huge part of what we do almost every day on our website and every month in our magazine, by pointing parents to good info and resources for helping them raise their children. In fact, since there’s such a big difference in the day-to-day lives of families once their kids begin kindergarten and are in school all day, we try to pay as much attention to the particular needs and interests of parents with children ages 5 and up as we do for families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. And for the former group, it’s often about education-related activities and enriching extracurriculars. OTHER EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
School Admission Consultants As with college admissions consultants, the city has a small but busy cottage industry of consultants who help parents with nursery, public, and private school admissions. Education First nycedy1st.com Private Education Advisory Service (PEAS) nypeas.com School Choice International schoolchoiceintl.com School Search NYC schoolsearchnyc.com Smart City Kids smartcitykids.com
Nursery School and Pre-K The Parents League Of New York parentsleague.org The Independent School Admission Association Of Greater New York (ISAAGNY) isaagny.org The New York City Department Of Education (DOE) schools.nyc.gov Victoria Goldman’s The Manhattan Directory Of Private Nursery Schools victoriagoldman.net
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Parochial School Archdiocese of New York archny.org Also note: For other faith-based schools in the New York City area, we recommend contacting local organizations affiliated with your religion. They should be able to direct you to schools of interest.
Tutors Bee Tutored beetutored.com Big City Tutoring bigcitytutoring.com Bright Kids NYC brightkidsnyc.com Brownstone Tutors brownstonetutors.com EBL Coaching eblcoaching.com Kumon kumon.com Launch Math Achievement Centers launchmath.com Mathnasium mathnasium.com Next Level Learning nyclearn.com The Princeton Review princetonreview.com
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Evan Burns with his class.
children’s responses, and support their children’s interests no matter what they may be.” Sarah Liogys, NEST+m: “Be a partner with your child’s school. We all have the same goal: To help your child be a happy, well adjusted successful adult! We are all stronger when we work together and play for the same team—your child’s. And, in the wise words of my own mom: Love your children unconditionally.” Heather Meisner, PS 198: “There is so much that parents can do. Talk to your kids. Expose them to the world. Answer their questions, but also throw them back. Respond with: ‘Well, what do you think?’ And: ‘What makes you think that?’ I also think independence is a huge component. Students come from home and the ratio of adult to child is 1:2 or something pretty close. Within minutes they are in a class where the ratio can be up to 32:1. They have no choice but to be independent problem-solvers at times. Giving children responsibilities at home transfers over to the classroom. In the beginning of each year I ask my parents to stop packing their child’s backpack and have the child start to do it. These little things really set a child up to be successful in school.” Laura Resnick, PS 87—William T. Sherman School: “My greatest advice is to be actively engaged in your child’s education. Encourage them to find greatness in themselves, and model that behavior through your actions. Get involved in the classroom curriculum by communicating with the teachers, reading through classroom work and homework, and having discussions at home about the school day. Parents can bridge the classroom learning to the home by reading together, researching topics on the computer or at your local library, or planning a family outing that relates to what your child is learning in school. When parents show they care and are supportive of their child (no matter how good their grades are), their child will want to learn and will be excited about learning. Create a loving, caring, and understanding environment that allows your child to speak openly with you about their concerns and stress. Listen to what they have to say, validate their words and offer them encouraging advice and guidance. Children want to feel that their parents love, support, and understand them. When this type of environment is created at home, it carries over to children being able to reach their full potential at school.”
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Lisa Schalk, Chelsea Day School: “My advice to parents on how to help their children reach their full potential in school is simple: ‘Enjoy your children!’ Read to them, talk to them, listen to them, and come to know them and appreciate them for the unique individuals they are. Enlist them to help at home, to be part of the team of your family. Hold expectations that are realistic for them—that show them that you believe in them and that you hold them accountable so they can rise to challenge, experience success, and come to better know themselves in the world.” Eileen Shostack, PS 75: “I believe that parents should try to act as role models for their children. Rather than telling their children to show respect, cultivate an atmosphere at home that demonstrates respect, care, kindness, a sharing of decisionmaking and responsibility. Parents need to remain as lovable caretakers who take their children on trips, communicate with them, and prioritize their needs. Bookbags should be checked for notices, homework, and other events that took place at school. This will give the child the idea that school is important and linked to the home. Furthermore, parents should read to their children, enjoy some good conversation and guide the child socially so that they make good friends. Parents should not feel the need to go out and supplement common core teaching materials and testing guides. The school can easily take care of this if the child comes to school with the thirst to learn, make new friends, and discover a bigger world. In our schools today, we have a wealth of materials to teach each child. Hopefully, parents will prepare their little ones at home so that we can all work together to make this a better society.” Kristen Smith, MS 245—The Computer School: “One of my favorite quotes is: ‘If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything’ by John Wooden. I see many students who are afraid of failure, but learning from failure is when real learning takes place. Teaching kids resiliency, hard work, and determination are the skills that will help them be prepared and succeed in school and throughout their entire lives.” Dennis Sullivan, Saint Ignatius Loyola: “Always be supportive and as actively involved as possible in your child’s academic life. Also, communicate and work together with the teacher to implement the plan that ensures that your child is meeting his or her individual full potential.” Fran Vogel, MS 167—Robert F. Wagner Middle School: “In today’s environment of over testing and emphasis on grades, parents need to understand that this attention to rigor may not be the skill that will foster creativity and higher-order problem-solving. Parents need to expose their kids to activities that develop these skills. Exploring the world of ideas should be fun—awakening curiosity and delight in the children.”
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“Education is the best provision for the journey to old age.” Aristotle Thanks to every teacher for inspiring that journey!
It’s about great public schools. nyccharterschools.org
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birthdays ULTIMATE GUIDE 2014
DESTINATION
Photo by Heidi Green Photographys
CELEBRATION Edited by Tiffany Lu & Mia Weber
Our Favorite Birthday Party Venues & Entertainers Are Sure To Make Any Child’s Special Day The Best Ever Madame Tussaud’s
Regardless of age or activity and theme presence, there truly is a party venue for every child in New York City. Our top venue list includes sporty soirees, arty parties, red carpet bashes, and many more! Plus, our roundup of the city’s top party entertainers (think musicians, clowns, and more) is guaranteed to make even the most seasoned party-goers crack a smile. VENUES 14th Street Y: Rent out this wide-open space for your child’s next birthday bash. Located in the East Village, this vibrant community center offers private rooms and a rooftop playground. 14streety.org 74th St. MAGIC: 74th St. MAGIC’s popular party themes are jam-packed with fun activities in their gym, baby gym, and party room! The outdoor rooftop playground is available, too, weather permitting. The caring, experienced staff makes sure everyone is engaged and having fun. 74magic.com 92Y: Celebrate good times on the Upper East Side at 92Y. Choose from gymnastics, sports, splish-splash, or Little Fishes Pool and PartyArty! Age-appropriate packages available. 92Y provides staff, sports equipment, art supplies, party favors, and more. You bring the food, decorations, and, of course, the birthday boy or girl! 92y.org American Museum of Natural History: Party with a night, or day, at the museum! Choose from four adventure-themed parties offered throughout the week or plan a group sleepover beneath a 94-ft-long blue whale. Membership required. amnh.org
Applause NYC: Give your regards to Broadway with an Applause NYC birthday party for kids 1-12. Whether they bring the party to you or provide their Upper East Side space, your party’s a guaranteed smash hit with 14 theme selections. applauseny.com apple seeds: With convenient locations in Chelsea and the Upper West Side, apple seeds offers customized birthday parties for children up to 5. The Ultimate Party includes room to roam with the entire playground reserved for your guests. appleseedsplay.com The Art Farm in the City: Book your party at The Art Farm in The City, the only indoor petting zoo in NYC, featuring chinchillas, rabbits, lizards, and birds. Kick it off with disco dancing or circle time, create amazing art projects, mingle with the critters, then end the party with food and cake. Themes include Mad Science, Farm Animals, Princess & Knights, and more. Appropriate for ages 1-8 years. theartfarms.org Asphalt Green: Get physical with a party at this Upper East Side premier athletic complex. Asphalt Green hosts active parties for children ages 3-12. From gymnastics to martial arts to pool parties, kids can get their fit on. asphaltgreen.org Ballet Academy East: At Ballet Academy East, the birthday child and her posse bask in a decorated studio and personalized ballet class according to a theme of the child’s choice. Following the lesson, guests dance a ballet story recited by the teacher. balletacademyeast.com continued on page 76
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Bowlmor Lanes: Bowl the kids over with fun at Bowlmor Lanes. The Times Square location showcases 50 lanes and exclusive New York City history. Book your upcoming party and let the event team get the ball rolling. bowlmor.com Broadway Birthday Bashes At The PIT (The Peoples Improv Theater): Broadway Birthday Bashes, the official birthday party division of The Peoples Improv Theater, creates musicals inspired by your birthday boy or girl. Packages can include backstage passes to meet the performers, snow cones, and face painting. broadwaybirthdaybashes.com Bronx Zoo: Go wild with a Bronx Zoo birthday party celebration. Available for ages 1-12, parties include a private room, exhibit tour, and up-close interaction with some of the most beloved zoo residents. bronxzoo.com Central Park Zoo: It’s a jungle out there, and your child can celebrate as king or queen for a day at the Central Park Zoo. From meeting zookeepers to feeding sea lions, party packages are sure to keep guests roaring with excitement. centralparkzoo.com Chelsea Piers: Chelsea Piers at Pier 61 delivers endless party possibilities. With the Field House, Golf Club, Sky Rink, and Bowlmor Lanes, parents can choose from rock climbing, golf, ice skating, bowling, and more. chelseapiers.com Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM): Whether your child is turning 1 or 10, CMOM will create a memorable extravaganza just for you! Enthusiastic educators, musicians and artists lead the fun with fantastic art projects, music, and adventure. All birthday parties include: invitations, decorations, a personalized cake from Magnolia Bakery, pizza, party favors, and museum admission. cmom.org Children’s Museum of the Arts (CMA): The art of celebration comes alive for birthdays at CMA in SoHo. Party times are Fridays-Sundays for children ages 1-14. Select a package or rent out the entire museum. cmany.org Citibabes: Build it and they will come! Citibabes Soho allows parents to build their perfect party—and the staff takes care of the rest. From 90 minutes to two hours, kids can enjoy live music and fun in a 1,500-square-ft playroom. citibabes.com Color Me Mine: Tap into your child’s artistic side with a birthday party at Color Me Mine in Tribeca. With more than 100 items to choose from, partygoers design and paint their own masterpieces, creating a lasting memory for years to come. tribeca.colormemine.com Columbus Gym: You’ll tumble for an energetic party at Columbus Gym on the Upper West Side. The 90-minute parties cater to children ages 1-12. Supervised by USGF certified staff, gym time includes bars, beams, rings, and trampoline. columbusgymnyc.com Cozy’s Cuts for Kids: Girls just want to have fun at Cozy’s Cuts for Kids with two convenient Manhattan locations. Glam it up with one of four birthday packages featuring manicures and makeup, or get the Glam-To-Go. cozyscutsforkids.com
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Broadway Birthday Bashes at the PIT.
The Craft Studio: The Craft Studio is famous for its magical birthday parties, toy and candy shop, classes, workshops, afterschool programs, parties to go, and special events. All of the programs and events are run with TLC and a wonderful touch that is uniquely the Craft Studio. craftstudionyc.com Dave & Buster’s: It’s Game Day every day at Dave and Buster’s Times Square. Birthday packages are available for groups of 10 or more with special menus, game cards, and unlimited video game upgrades. Plus, your child scores with a D&B souvenir T-shirt. daveandbusters.com Discovery Programs: An integral part of New York for more than three decades, Discovery Programs offers eight interactive party themes for children ages 1-14. Reserve the gym, ballroom, or classroom for a Sunday celebration. discoveryprograms.com Dylan’s Candy Bar: You’ll feel like you’ve won the Golden Ticket with a birthday party celebration at Dylan’s Candy Bar in Midtown. Build your own or choose from Sugar Babies or Sweetie Pie Parties. dylanscandybar.com East Side Tae Kwon Do: At East Side Tae Kwon Do, children learn techniques to break boards, kick, and punch—then cut a birthday cake using a real Samurai sword. Kids can chop their way through the big day! eastsidetaekwondo.com Fantasma Magic: Abracadabra! An award-winning Fantasma Magic birthday party will amaze family and friends. The birthday child becomes the magician’s assistant, and party guests get to participate in a 45-minute magic show. Four unique options fit every budget. Located in Midtown. fantasmamagic.com FAO Schwarz: Start spreading the news about your FAO Schwarz celebration at the Fifth Ave flagship store. The FAO Toy soldier greets guests, guiding them to the second floor private party room. Event planners ensure big fun, like piano dancing! fao.com The Gaga Center: Your kids will go gaga on the Upper East Side for a 90-minute birthday party filled with high energy, plenty of room to roam, music, and the game of gaga. continued on page 78
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Packages can include food, a live DJ, and photographer. gagacenter.com Galli Theater: A birthday extravaganza! In the heart of the Midtown, Galli Theater puts on two-hour shows for all ages. Choose from four package deals or ask them to take the show on road and come to you. gallitheaterny.com Get Coiffed: These stylists make house calls, transforming your average birthday party into a hair-raising event! Choose from a Rocker Girl or Giggles and Girlfriends party, with the option to create professional photographs and music videos. getcoiffed.com Gymtime Rhythm & Glues: What time is it? Gym time! Featuring exciting party themes and activities like Tae Kwon Do, guests are sure to get a kick out of your birthday boy or girl’s special day. Parties are 1.5 hours long on the Upper East Side. gymtime.net Hi Art!: Want an authentic New York experience? Host a Hi Art! Arty Party at this 2,500-square-ft Chelsea studio and gallery. Kids build candy sculptures or improvise to live music with artistic flair. An artisanal catering option is also available. hiartkids.com Hill Country Hospitality: At both Hill Country Chicken and Hill Country BBQ, the team does extensive catering and private event hosting—including birthdays and mitzvahs. The vibe is one of Southern charm, the food is crowd-pleasing, and the event teams can accommodate just about any request. hillcountryny.com Home Cooking New York: What’s cooking in Greenwich Village and Chelsea? Your next birthday party with Home Cooking New York! Rent a fully equipped culinary studio or cook up a storm in your own kitchen. homecookingny.com The Horticulture Society (the Hort): Let the Hort add an exciting twist to your birthday merriment. Choose from a variety of green-themed parties—including Ladybug Picnic, Wiggling Wonders, and Tiny Terrariums—and let the staff meet your child’s current natural fascination. thehort.org iLuminate: The new edition of iLuminate, opened earlier in 2014 at New World Stages to rave reviews. Music, art, dance, and the technological magic of iLuminate brings this extraordinary spectacle to the New York stage—making it the perfect outing for a birthday party (that kids and adults alike will enjoy in awe). iluminate.com The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: If you feel the need for speed, book an action-packed birthday party at The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum at Pier 86. Select from six party themes and Silver, Gold, and Platinum packages. intrepidmuseum.org The JCC in Manhattan: Party space is available ranging from 425-6,000-square-ft at The JCC in Manhattan. Sports birthday parties are also available for children ages 2-12. Located on the Upper West Side. jccmanhattan.org
Jodi’s Gym: Encourage your child to flex his birthday muscles at Jodi’s Gym on the Upper East Side. Private parties with an attentive staff allow you the opportunity to relax and mingle with guests. Extras range from piñatas to art to healthy snacks. jodisgym.com Karma Kids Yoga: Karma Kids Yoga birthday parties include basic and challenging poses, creative breathing techniques, fun yoga games, and relaxation time with hand and foot massages. Choose a basic party package or go with one of the signature specialties: Pajama Yoga, Circus Yoga, Butterfly Yoga, Yoga Spa Party, Downward Doll Yoga, and Yoga Mat Painting. karmakidsyoga.com Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy: KTUGA offers amazing birthday parties for kids 4-8. Pick from a list of activities including shadow screen play, storytelling and dramatic play, music and movement, multi-spot games, golf putting, and more. Parties are one hour long, with equipment, music, prizes, and instructor provided. ktuga.com Kids At Art: The most creative, fun, and personalized birthday parties are at Kids at Art, where there are a variety of art projects to choose from in a private art studio, which is all yours for an hour and a half. Projects can be tailor-made for your child, or you can choose from a variety of others. kidsatartnyc.com Kids At Work: Twenty or so kids ages 1-5 can enjoy an all-inclusive party in the lofty, 1,000-square-ft facility. Basic packages start at 90 minutes with art, pizza, balloons, and a party planner. Add extras such as a 40-minute Jam Session as part of a two-hour celebration. kidsatworknyc.com Kids In Sports: Coaches instruct groups up to 40 boys and girls ages 2 and up at many different locations (Kids In Sports class locations or one of your own, indoor or outdoor). Choose from baseball, football, soccer, volleyball, floor hockey, or basketball and ramp up the excitement with various other group games. kisnyc.com Kidville: Whether it’s a Rockin’ Railroad Birthday Bash or a Fairy Princess Party, Kidville’s got your little ones covered. Birthday children choose from 17 themes to bring 10 friends (or 20 with the Party PLUS option) to enjoy. Satisfy kids’ hunger for food and fun at one of seven New York City locations. kidville.com Let’s Dress Up!: Let’s Dress Up offers six party choices on the Upper East Side, such as a Red Carpet Party or a Mermaid Tea Party. Costumes, favors, and birthday banners delight children. letsdressupct.com Let’s Gogh Art: The Creativity Crew at Let’s Gogh Art can come to a location of your choice for an art-filled party where every child takes home a hand-made creation. Choose from one of 27 different themes (think Gogh Glam and Sensational Scrapbooks), plus add-ons like face painting and premium favors are also available. nyletsgoghart.com
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NYC’s Top 10 Best Cakes A Cake-Crazed Mom Shares Her Top Picks For The City’s Most Delicious And Decadent Offerings By Lani Serota I admit it. I have a cake obsession. My wedding cake was gorgeous, though much smaller than I had anticipated (think of the Stonehenge set from “This Is Spinal Tap”). Since then, I’ve been on a mission to find the perfect cake for every occasion, most often for one of my daughter’s birthday parties. In my mind, living in New York City is the icing on the cake of life, so the fact that there are so many delicious options for birthday cakes is just sprinkles on the icing! Here are some of my favorites: Tribeca Treats: The icing on Tribeca Treats’ adorable cakes has the consistency of fudge. It is eyes-rolling-to-the-back-ofyour-head good and gorgeous. Super-cute standard polka dot designs aside, they can do 3-dimensional decorations that look amazing for the 10 seconds you can keep your kids hands (and mouths) off them, given enough lead time. tribecatreats.com Creative Cakes: When money is no object and the imagination runs wild, Creative Cakes is where it’s at. A Creative Cake is always a showstopper, whether you opt for 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional decorations. Given that the options for the exterior cake are endless, you can forgive that the inside of every confection is the same (and surprisingly good!) chocolate cake. They’re an exception to the rule that cakes can only either look good or taste good. Just don’t tell anyone how much you paid, or they might have you committed. creativecakesny.com Food Emporium: On a taste-per-dollar scale, Food Emporium cakes are simply off the charts. The cakes are flat and the designs are generic, but the base is moist, the icing soft and not too sweet, and the pudding filling to die for. Chocolate or vanilla, that center of gooey deliciousness makes the umpteenth children’s birthday party of the weekend well worth the price of the presents and the inevitable bouncy castle tantrum (I’ve been known to take a piece and finish off my daughter’s as well). thefoodemporium.com Magnolia Bakery: Magnolia Bakery essentially makes for you the cake you would make yourself if you (a) had the time, (b) were born in the South, or (c) had any inclination at all to use your kitchen. I, for one, decidedly do not, so they’re a winner in my book. magnoliabakery.com Alice’s Tea Cup: Consider the secret officially out: If you want Martha Stewart wedding-worthy cakes with lots of flavor and filling options, Alice’s is the place for you. Bring in an invitation, a swatch of fabric, or anything at all, and the artists at Alice’s will make you something truly elegant and special. The best cake I ever bought, hands down. alicesteacup.com
Liberty Science Center: Birthday guests enjoy all-day admission to exhibit floors, cake, and parking vouchers. With hide-and-seek, the Touch Tunnel maze, digital graffiti, and more, kids ages 1-12 can enjoy an activity-packed weekend party. lsc.org Little Maestros: Boogie to original Little Maestros music, story time, and puppet shows. Talented teachers lead the birthday bashes at various Manhattan locations and use topof-the-line instruments. littlemaestros.com Loop of the Loom: Six to 12 weavers can take designs home after a Loop of the Loom birthday on the Upper East Side. Suggested for ages 6 and up, children make homemade
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Magnolia Bakery
BabyCakes: The all-natural, organic, and allergy-friendly BabyCakes may sound too good to be true, but believe the hype. BabyCakes is a haven for those on restricted diets and a slice of heaven even for those not on restricted diets, with cakes and cupcakes as pretty as can be. When I was breastfeeding my highly allergic second child, I confess to paying the $21 delivery fee more than once for a baked treat (or seven). babycakesnyc.com Two Little Red Hens: This bakery’s cupcakes are uniformly delectable and beautiful. The cakes are masterfully decorated with buttercream flowers as beautiful as any fondant ones (but a hundred times more delicious). The seasonally decorated sugar cookies make wonderful hostess gifts and can draw out a smile at a school pickup even after a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Let me just add: They’re so good that I totally lied to my editor about needing a sample of their banana cupcake because “I hadn’t had one in a while.” twolittleredhens.com Dylan’s Candy Bar: The cake might seem completely beside the point at an over-the-top Dylan’s birthday party, but the cakeflavored and cake-topped ice cream is an unusual and unusually good alternative to a traditional cake. It’s simply awesome, tasting just as good as it sounds. If you’re having the calories, you might as well get the calcium too, right? At least that’s how I justify it to myself after the downstairs candy spree. dylanscandybar.com Häagen-Dazs: Remember those whale cakes from Carvel with the cookie crumble in the middle that was better than the ice cream on either side of it? Häagen-Dazs does that same crunchy, crumbly wonderfulness between two flavors of your choice of their darn good ice cream. Enough said. haagendazs.com Baked by Melissa: These mini cupcakes make for bites that are perfectly sized for big people and little people, for big eaters and small eaters. You only need to adjust the amount of the bites you take! For those with artistic ability and patience, the cake art you can design online with different colors and flavors of mini cupcakes can be incredible. They’re certified Kosher and also release new flavors every month! bakedbymelissa.com
weaves or felt creations under the guidance of an instructor. loopoftheloom.com Madame Tussaud’s: Madame Tussaud’s spans 85,000-squareft and houses more than 225 wax figures. The Times Square venue houses a 4D theater and Super Heroes Experience. Packages for ages 4 and up can include Wax Hands, a personal photographer, and concession voucher. madametussauds.com/newyork Mad Science: Kids ages 5-12 can interact for about an hour making cotton candy, bubble potions, or launching rockets. Mad Science provides goody bags and accepts groups up to 20 children. madscience.org continued on page 82 www.newyorkfamily.com
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Make Meaning: Celebrate creativity at Make Meaning with a party focused on making glassware, cakes, ceramics, and more on the Upper East or West Sides. The private events space features two Creative Experiences, a main event and a side show, with a custom cake, decorations, and a VIP pass to return. makemeaning.com Manhattan Movement & Arts Center: Choose from The Amazing Magic Party or The Freckle-taining Party at the Upper West Side’s Manhattan Movement & Arts Center. Enjoy a private party run by staff with meet-and-greets, ticket discounts, Freckleface posters, and silly bands. manhattanmovement.com McBurney YMCA: Book a Saturday or Sunday birthday party room at McBurney YMCA for up to 15-20 guests (depending on type of party). One package for 16 guests offers a onehour activity such as gym sports, swimming, crafts, face painting, or playing in the indoor playground. ymcanyc.org/ mcburney Mo’ Motion: Mo’ Motion offers basketball and multi-sports themed parties for children grades 2-8. They work with the parents and children to tailor the birthday activities to fit their age, skill and interests. Spirited instructors coach and lead up to 25 kids for almost two hours and then walk the kids to a nearby restaurant for pizza. momotion.org Moving to the Beat: Batman, “Frozen,” drama, music and movement, and puppets characterize birthday options at Moving to the Beat. Play games and interact with the animated singer Robert the Guitar Guy. Parties for ages 3 and under are available, as well. movingtothebeat.net Museum of the City of New York: Piece of Cake Parties and the museum team up to present four customized celebrations, each 90 minutes long for up to 20 children. Invites, balloons, pizza, cake, and more come standard. Themes include Taxis & Trains Adventure and Super Skyscraper Caper. mcny.org My Gym: My Gym—which has several NYC locations, including Harlem and the Upper East Side—custom-designs each party to incorporate your child’s favorite age-appropriate games, activities, rides, songs, puppets, and more. They deliver an unmatched level of energy and excitement with the right combination of structured activities and free play. Several packages are available, including various themes, food, and party favors. mygym.com Mystery & Mayhem: Mystery & Mayhem offers incredible improvisational and age-appropriate dress up mystery parties where guests ages 7-18 become suspects in a horrendous crime! “Like Clue, but better!” is the way one youngster described the event, with five riveting and hilarious dramas to choose from. Guests receive gifts of crystals or semi-precious stones in pouches. mysteryandmayhem.com New York Hall of Science: Boasting New York’s largest Science Playground as well as other activities like mini golf and magic, the Super Science Birthday party at the New York Hall of Science is fun for all. A party includes exhibit tours,
interactive activities, and demonstrations. Favors and food included. nysci.org New York Kids Club: With locations on the east and west sides as well as in Brooklyn, you’re never far from a party at New York Kids Club. Choose from a basic or an all-inclusive package with themes like Hip Hop Happening, Spectacular Science Party, Adventures in Storyland, and Broadway Birthday. nykidsclub.com New York Transit Museum: Enjoy a peek at New York’s transit past with a birthday party at the New York Transit Museum. Vintage cars, a birthday turnstile, and even a bus driver’s seat for guests to sit in accompany party activities like Design a Vehicle, Make a Mosaic, and Scavenger Hunt. mta.info/mta/museum Peridance Capezio Center: Birthday parties are offered on Sunday from 11am-1pm. Guests arrive and are treated to a 45-minute dance class in styles including ballet, African, hip hop, salsa, and many more. You provide the decorations and food; the center provides props, dance games, and fun activities. peridance.com Pins & Needles: Pins & Needles offers Sew Much Fun party packages for kids ages 7-14 who love DIY. Parties are customized for the age and skill level of the group. They offer a range of projects to choose from including a tote bag, clutch, appliqué pillow, basic elastic waist skirt, and more. Parties include decorations, project, and materials, with other optional additions. pinsandneedlesnyc.com Playgarden: Playgarden’s Blowout Birthday Party is a fun-filled celebration with private use of two indoor playgrounds! Children 1-6 love the jungle gyms, slides, ball pits, trampolines, roller coasters, and zipline rides! Playgarden coaches run structured games, dancing, obstacle courses, and puppet shows. Cake, cupcakes, pizza, and beverages are included. playgardennyc.com Pop Star Parties: With celebrations hosted at DeeTown Studios (near Union Square), partygoers get to sing to their heart’s content, analyze lyrics, and find out what goes on behind the scenes at a studio where stars like Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers have recorded. The party includes a two-song recording session, download link for the music produced, and pizza, drinks, and more for up to 18 pop stars. popstarparties.com Poppyseed Pre-Nursery: At Poppyseed Pre-Nursery, throw the perfect birthday party for your baby, toddler, or 2-yearold and friends. In a warm and nurturing environment, with a space that feels like a large living room, the partygoers will sing, dance, and do arts and crafts. poppyseedprenursery.com Queens County Farm Museum: For a farm birthday party, look no further than the Queens County Farm, offering children’s birthday parties from April to October for little ones ages 1-12. A full service party incorporates tractor drawn hayrides, animal feeding, and a farmyard tour. Pizza, cake, and favors included. queensfarm.org continued on page 84
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Red Carpet Kids: Butlers wait hand-and-foot, makeup artists powder little noses, and paparazzi snap photos of your child walking the red carpet with friends. Partygoers get to act in mini movies (that they can take home) before viewing the footage at an after-party bash with pizza, soda, candy, popcorn stands, and cake. redcarpetkidsnyc.com
Reebok Sports Club/NY: Boasting one of the largest party spaces in Manhattan, this venue will send out invitations for your child’s party and provide food and decorations. Entertainment and activities provided at extra charge. Set-up and clean-up provided. reeboksportsclubny.com
chocolate ganache). Also try Francois Payard for elegant macs (including cakes festooned with the crunchy cookies) or Sugar & Plumm in Greenwich Village for kid-friendly picks. Cookie Baking: To put an interactive twist on b-day sweets, have the kids bake and decorate cookies themselves! Chloe Doughy—known primarily for their cookie dough subscription and delivery service—offers classes that can be customized for any group size, age range, or dietary preference! They host baking sessions at partner kitchens throughout NYC and can also bring the party to a location of your choice. And did we mention the results are cookies in flavors like Lavender Lemon, Currant Carrot Cake, and Key Lime Coconut?
Treat House
Delicious Cake Alternatives
Doughnuts: Doughnuts have been slowly sneaking up on cupcakes as the hot dessert-du-jour—and why shouldn’t they? New York offers a plethora of circular delicacies sure to suit the tastes of the birthday boy or girl as well as all adult chaperones at the party—from the elusive Cronut at the Dominque Ansel Bakery in SoHo to the Doughnuttery’s diminutive delights, in an array of enticing flavors like PB&J and Fruity Breakfast Cereal, at Chelsea Market (plus, the tiny size makes them great take-home favors as well).
By Mia Weber When it comes to planning a fresh and fun birthday celebration, there’s no rule that you have to go the traditional cake and ice cream route. We’ve rounded up some great ideas (and local retailers) to sweeten the deal at any party. Chocolate Pizza: This sugary twist on a savory classic is sweeping birthday parties across the city. It’s easy to make at home with store-bought dough and an array of sweet toppings—or, head to Union Square for a Chocolate Pizza from Max Brenner. Their deluxe version is made with melted milk and white chocolate meteors and an ice cream snow ball. Include melting campfire marshmallows as a bonus treat. Caramel Apples: While caramel apples are naturally suited to the autumn season, there’s no reason you can’t whip up this DIY dessert for birthdays year-round. We love the idea of cooking up caramel sauce (a great activity to do with older kids and tweens) and letting guests dip their apples in an array of toppings. For a decadent local option, head to Red Hook, Brooklyn for seasonal offerings at Baked. Their Caramel Apples are a heavenly combo of farmer’s market-fresh apples dipped in homemade vanilla or maple caramel. Rice Crispies: Craving a gourmet spin on a bake-sale classic? Treat House on the Upper West Side offers the fun square snack in dozens of cool flavor combinations—like butterscotch sprinkle and dark chocolate chili—as well as TreatPops, ice cream bars, and homemade flavored marshmallows. All of the crispy rice goods are Kosher, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Plus, ten cents of every bite sold will be donated to Food Bank For New York City. Macarons: In recent years, it seems like you can barely walk down a street in NYC without passing a tempting window display of candy-colored macarons—which naturally lends them to being a perfect birthday treat for kiddos with sophisticated palates. One of our fave mac spots is the Macaron Parlour on the Lower East Side. Here you’ll find crowd-pleasing flavors like Red Velvet, Party Time (salted milk chocolate with dulce de leche), and even Cheetos (yes, actual Cheetos—infused with white
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Pie: Pie—it’s not just for Thanksgiving anymore! Cake’s oftenunder-appreciated cousin has a robust NYC presence and is sure to be a hit at the b-day celebration of any kids with a sweet-tooth. Try rustic—yet innovative—pies from Butter & Scotch (available at various Brooklyn locations, and at Whole Foods Bowery) in kid-friendly flavors like S’Mores as well as parent-pleasers like Bourbon Ginger Pecan. Brownies: Chocolate lovers can diversify from the standard chocolate cake birthday treat with a yummy bite of brownie. Of course, homemade brownies are often a snap to whip up, we also recommend Fat Witch (located in Chelsea Market) for their array of flavor variations (think infusions of cherries, walnuts, and more) and commitment to all-natural quality ingredients. Gelato: An at-home gelato bar is a suave alternative to the sundae bar trend—and super-easy to set up! We love packaged gelato from Talenti (available at Whole Foods, Union Market, and Duane Reade—as well as at a new pop-up shop in Bryant Park through October 15) in party-worthy flavors like Mediterranean Mint and Banana Chocolate Swirl. Simply pick up a few pints and let guests top their scoops with sprinkles, nuts, and fruit. Soda Floats: Step outside the rootbeer box and temp taste buds with locally-made artisan sodas for a unique float bar. Our fave fizzies come from Brooklyn Soda Works—you can snap up bottles on the High Line and at a variety of weekend markets in Brooklyn, plus, they offer catering services—with their refreshing bubbly brews of Apple & Ginger and Grapefruit, Jalapeno & Honey. Just add a dollop of ice cream and a playful party straw! Cake Pops: The only thing more enticing to a child celebrating their birthday than a cupcake? A cake pop! Turn up the fun with cake pops from Fabipops’ kosher bakery in Brooklyn (pops are available for order online as well)—on top of offering a robust menu of flavors, they can even craft pops to look like the birthday celebrant’s fave celebrities. Seasonal and themed looks are available as well.
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SPORTIME: Randall’s Island: Randall’s Island’s state-ofthe-art tennis facility will host a party for your little tennis pro, providing instruction, equipment and tennis courts complete with a party room for enjoying cake afterward. Activities include energetic tennis games and a round robin tournament. sportimeny.com Sports Club/LA: For Kids Only (FKO) at Reebok Sports Club/NY & The Sports Club/LA-Upper East Side is a club within a club for children. FKO hosts birthday parties customized to match your child’s interests. Choose from a variety of exciting activities including sports, rock climbing, toddler gym, dance, movement, art, music, and more. thesportsclubla.com
The Scholastic Store.
The Scholastic Store: With 15 custom birthday party packages ranging from Space Shindig to Pajama Party to Clifford’s Big Birthday Bash, the Scholastic Store in SoHo has it all. Looking to create a more personalized party? The store’s party planning service, will work with you to make your child’s dream party a reality. store.scholastic.com SciTech Kids: SciTech Kids offers science parties that include experiments and demonstrations that are interactive, exciting, and educational for kids 4-11. Themes include beauty and spa science, sports and velocity, mad science chemistry, and more. sci-techkids.com Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids: Throw a glam birthday party for your daughter at Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids. Parties take place in the Glamour Girl dressing room where partygoers get a new hairstyle, makeup application, and mini-cure. Pizza and juice or soda provided. sharkeyscutsforkids.com Simply Sports: For sports fans ages 3-13, Simply Sports offers age-appropriate parties that revolve around activities including baseball, basketball, flag football, and soccer. The fun can take place indoors or outdoors. simplysports.net Slate: Slate’s two-floor, spacious lounge environment holds pool tables and foosball tables galore. From dancing to games to magicians, a party at Slate is complete with food, goody bags, and invitations. slate-ny.com Soccer by Coach Fher: The best kind of party is when the kids come home exhausted! Coach Fher ensures this will happen at his one- and two-hour soccer parties. Providing a coach for every six children, Coach Fher takes care of every detail. The party ends with a family or children’s game. coachfher.com SPiN New York: For a ping pong party like no other, SPiN New York’s private event room includes a ping pong table, bar (for soda and juice!), disco ball, dance floor, DJ booth, and lounge area. newyork.spingalactic.com
StoryTime By Design: Offering 15 different theme birthday parties, StoryTime by Design provides a unique story hour experience. The facilitators will lead your child and guests through a storytelling that makes use of art, music, puppetry, and dramatic play. storytimebydesign.com Super Soccer Stars: Party packages include 60 minutes of soccer and 30 minutes for food, cake, and party festivities. Customize your party with Super Soccer Stars balls as favors, t-shirts, catering, personalized e-vites, balloons, a surprise visit from Kick the Mascot, and more. Parties are available at one of our many locations, in the park, in your home. supersoccerstars.com Symphony Space: Make your kid’s birthday a grand experience with a Just Kidding party at Symphony Space. The party includes tickets to a Just Kidding performance (with the best seating in the theater), a birthday shout-out during the performance, a party in Bar Thalia at Symphony Space, cake and refreshments, and more. symphonyspace.org TADA! Youth Theater: Celebrate like a star! Choose from three different packages for your child’s birthday where they come to you for an interactive song and dance soiree, or you can go to them for a show or even a command performance. tadatheater.com TLB Music: With a playroom boasting a clubhouse, rock climbing mountain, play kitchen, and a transportation corner, TLB Music offers music parties and free play parties. Themes include Jungle Boogie, Barnyard Bash, and Rock and Roll, or you can tailor the party to your child’s favorite songs and musical tastes. tlbmusic.com Tie Dye Town: Host a groovy party at Tie Dye Town, where guests will make t-shirts, artwork, or bracelets with themes like World’s Greatest Super Hero Tie Dye party, World’s Greatest Super-Hero Tie Dye party, and World’s Greatest Tie Dye Slime party. Tie Dye cupcakes and cake, as well as tattoos, round out the list of unique party amenities. tiedyetown.com Tiger Schulmann’s Karate: Tiger Schulmann’s Karate will have your child’s party guests punching, kicking, and blocking their way through a fun-filled birthday. Guests receive introductory course certificates to show their accomplishments. It’s a healthy way to celebrate! tsk.com continued on page 86
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Twinkle Party: The ultimate ballerina party takes place at Twinkle Party, where guests dress up in tutus and take a ballet class. An interactive classical ballet story as well as a tiara for the birthday girl will all be included. Parties are held for up to 25 participating ballerinas. twinklepartyfun.com Vanderbilt YMCA: At the Vanderbilt YMCA, conveniently located in Midtown East, parents can choose from preplanned sports, fitness, and pool parties. Parents supply food, beverages and decorations. Looking for a different twist? The Y’s party planner will also work with you to plan a custom party that fits your child’s interests. ymcanyc.org/ vanderbilt Victorian Gardens: At Central Park’s Victorian Gardens Amusement Park, party guests receive day-long unlimited ride passes! Partygoers will celebrate amidst more than 30,000-ft of rides, games, and attractions, before chowing down on treats like chicken tenders, turkey sandwiches, hot dogs, cookies, and fruit. victoriangardensnyc.com West Side Taekwondo: Available for parties after 1pm on Sundays, West Side Taekwondo will offer a two-hour party complete with introductory lesson, children’s games,
CLOWNS Daisy Doodle offers many fun party activities including magic shows, dance parties, toddler shows, face-painting, balloon twisting, princess and pirate characters, and holiday shows. daisydoodle.com Each child who attends Looney Lenny’s hilarious, interactive magic show (with juggling!) receives their own clown-o-rific name and balloon animal. looneyluckylennyland.com
and demonstration of forms, sparring, and board breaks. westsidetkd.com West Side YMCA: Experts in giving your child a special day, the historic West Side YMCA has created a range of party packages including roof top parties, pool parties, drama parties, sports parties, and dance parties. Teens can also have a party in the teen center, and there is space for parties in the Early Child Exploration Play Center for ages 1-6. ymcanyc. org/westside Yogi Beans: For a yoga party that will have all of your child’s friends in knots, head to Yogi Beans’ new Upper East Side studio for one of the fabulous birthday party packages including the “Spa-tacular” and “Paint Your Face Off” Yogi Beans Birthday Bashes. Each package allows for yoga activities followed by pizza and drinks. yogibeans.com Yorkville Youth Athletic Association: YYAA’s multi-sport party package at their Baseball Academy is their most popular birthday party. Combining activities from baseball and basketball, to flag football, floor hockey, dodgeball, and scooter racing creates an exciting party for children of all ages. yyaa.org
Kiki’s Faces and Balloons is an all-encompassing entertainment company offering face painting, balloon sculpting, “silly people,” and princesses. kikisfacesandballoons.com Party Faces By Rachel’s namesake has a background that’s practically a Ph.D. in paint. Her ability to charm the little ones while she works helps to keep them comfortable with the painting process. partyfacesbyrachel.com MAGICIANS
Juliet Schaefer Jeske’s talents include face painting, balloon twisting, stilts, silly magic, and playing the ukulele and accordion. rednosesnewyork.com Sammie and Tudie’s clowning philosophy: life is better when you’re laughing. This comedic, magic circus show is ideal for ages 3 and up. imaginationplayhouse.com FACE PAINTING Not your typical face painting experience, the award-winning Faces by Derrick will make your kids, ages 3 and up, wish to never wash their faces again. facesbyderrick.com Girls especially love the signature unicorn design of Face Art by Melissa. This mother of two does fabulous face art and gorgeous glitter tattoos. faceartbymelissa.com The owner of Hearts Face Painting & Balloon Art, “Hearts,” brings both creative art forms to birthday environments. facepaintingballoontwisting.com
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The Amazing Max is so beloved; he even has his own Off-Broadway show for mega-magic families. His highenergy, interactive show blends comedy and juggling. maxdarwinmagic.com Cardone the Ultimate Vaudeville Magician’s act includes escape artistry, ventriloquism, and classic scarf, coin, and card tricks. cardonethemagician.com Children ages 3-7 will fold into fits of laughter at Gary the Great’s comedic magic act. He adapts his show based on audience response, so no two performances are alike. ahrealmagic.com Magic Al’s sleight of hand tricks will stupefy even grown-ups and his goofy antics keep kids in stitches throughout every performance. magic-al.com Mario the Magician’s 45-minute set is aimed at kids ages 4-10 who are sure to go nuts for his silly antics and age-old slapstick humor. You can even add on a magic lesson to the end of his act. mariothemagician.com www.newyorkfamily.com
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Kids ages 3-8 (and their parents) will adore Silly Billy. This self-proclaimed “comedian for children” uses magic, balloon twisting, and lots of jokes to drum up laughter. sillybillymagic.com
Mr. RAY takes a mix-it-up approach to birthday gigs. Beginning with a concert and transitioning into a dance party, the festivities end with kids stepping up to sing solos on the mic. His music is a mix of originals, kids classics, and some classic rock for the parents. mrray.com
MUSICIANS Led by Audra Tsanos, Audra Rox’s family-friendly band is just right for Big Apple birthdays. Audra arrives at your party location ready to sing songs made for the city, incorporates the birthday child in the music and will have every guest jamming along on percussion props. audrarox.com Brett Band is the brainchild of early childhood music educator Brett Rothenhaus, formerly of Little Maestros. His original music, along with kiddie classics, makes for a playlist that gets everybody on their feet. brettband.com Looking for a royal way to celebrate your little girl’s birthday? Moey’s Music Party brings the pompoms, maracas, and parachute for 45 minutes of fun. Try the Princess Party Package filled with boas, bling, and boogieing. moeysmusicparty.com Meredith LeVande, perhaps better known as Monkey Monkey Music, specializes in upbeat, original tunes for little ones. Her parachute-, instrument- and bubble-infused party shows instantly get all ages grooving. monkeymonkeymusic.com
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A one-man band, Rockin’ With Andy makes kids and their parents want to shake their groove things. Mom and Dad love Andy’s acoustic guitar versions of grown-up hits, and the little ones go bananas for his kids classics. Andy also brings shakers, bells, scarves, and animal puppets for maximum rocking. rockinwithandy.com SPECIALTY If you can dream it, Nick the Balloonatic can make it. For the last 20 years, Nick’s handiwork has included flower bouquets, superheroes, monkeys on palm trees, top hats, and much more. nicktheballoonatic.com Wendy the Pipe Cleaner Lady is a category unto herself. Girls adore her tiaras, boys covet her spider creations, and even celebrities like Martha Stewart want her pipe cleaner flower rings. thepipecleanerlady.com
FOR MORE BIRTHDAY PLANNING TIPS, VISIT NEWYORKFAMILY.COM
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shopping & stores
Photo by Marilyn Werner
ULTIMATE GUIDE 2014
G N I K TAL
p o Sh
Get The Inside Scoop On Shopping The City In The Smartest Way With The Best Family Retailers—From Boutiques To Big Box Stores Edited by Kelsy Kershaw, Tiffany Lu & Mia Weber New York is a city known for its superb shopping— and the realms of kids’ gear, clothes, and furniture are no exceptions. Whether you’re seeking a high-end boutique nestled on the City’s side streets or big box and department stores offering a wide selection at a great price, we’ve taken to the streets to bring you a selective list of the best places to stock up on all your little ones’ essentials. www.newyorkfamily.com
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Norman & Jules
CLOTHING STORES & BOUTIQUES Babesta Trendsetters-in-training and the parents who shop for them stock up at these twin Tribeca spots (Babesta Cribz and Babesta Threads) for funky furniture, unique toys, and hip clothes for babies. babesta.com Bonpoint The Madison Avenue outpost of the famed French children’s wear couture line is exactly what you would expect: full of beautiful, elegant, and upscale clothing for the younger set. bonpoint-boutique.com Caramel Baby & Child Originally London-based, this children’s clothing line has made its way to the Upper East Side. The line is inspired by classic looks—rompers, jumpers, and plaid trousers—updated with a modern, urban feel. caramel-shop.co.uk continued on page 90 August 2014 | New York Family 89
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Catimini The Upper East Side flagship of this high-end designer children’s clothing line from France is chock-full of signature colorful embroidery and appliqués for infants, girls up to size 12, and boys up to size 10. catiminica.com The Children’s Place There’s a reason this national chain has multiple Manhattan locations: They sell well-made, reasonably-priced clothing and accessories for newborns through kids size 14. childrensplace.com Estella Offering upscale and eponymous designer duds for little darlings, this Greenwich Village shop is a favorite of stylists and celebrities. estella-nyc.com Greenstones & Naturino The wide selection of European branded basics, hats, and accessories has cemented this children’s clothing shop as a favorite among the preschool set. Plus, Naturino children’s shoes is right next door to their uptown locations. naturino.com Harry’s Shoes For Kids This offshoot of the popular Harry’s Shoes is a chip off the old block. The Upper West Side store has a huge selection of infants’ and children’s shoes to keep your tyke shod. harrys-shoes.com Hartstrings With several NYC locations, including a new store on the Upper East Side, Hartstrings offers children’s clothing from its two anchor brands—Hartstrings for girls and Kitestrings for boys—plus a variety of popular brands, like Puma Kids, DKNY Kids, Lucky Brand Kids, Nicole Miller Girls, and Paul Frank Kids. hartstrings.com Ibiza Kidz Located in an area known for catering to the college crowd, this Union Square kids’ clothing, shoe, and toy shop attracts a cult following via the knowledgeable salespeople who expertly fit children’s feet to the right-sized shoes. ibizakidz.com Julian and Sara Downtown parents go gaga for this SoHo children’s store’s chic selection of pint-sized dresses and dress shirts. Stylish little shoes, gifts, and items for Mom round out the selection. julianandsara.com Lester’s The Yorkville outpost of this Tri-State area chain is where parents of infants through preteens shop the latest trends in apparel, accessories, and footwear. A huge selection of seasonal summer camp merchandise will have your tween begging for an airbrushed BFF pillow. lesters.com
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Magic Windows Classic, traditional, and formal clothing for infants through teens, plus custom-made party dresses, make this shop a stand-out at this Upper East Side fixture. magicwindowskids.com My Little Sunshine Multitasking supermoms love that they can shop for kiddie clothes and toys at the same time as their little one gets a haircut at these Chelsea and Tribeca stores. mylittlesunshinenyc.com Pink Olive Take gift giving to a whole new level with this whimsical wonderland nestled in the East Village, Park Slope, and—as of recently—Williamsburg. In addition to an adorable selection of baby and toddler clothes, Pink Olive has everything from playful gifts to handmade jewelry to vintage finds; this store is like the sprinkles on the icing of a cupcake—it makes everything a little bit sweeter. pinkolive.com Polarn O. Pyret This Swedish clothing line for children has two Manhattan locations: Tribeca and the Upper West Side. Parents seeking clothing with European flair (think bright colors and stripes) can snatch up their well-made basics. polarnopyretusa.com Ralph Lauren Children’s There’s no better place to dress your prepster-intraining than this Upper East Side store. Stock up on little oxfords, polo shirts, and brightly colored threads for boys and girls of all ages. ralphlauren.com Rosie Pope Baby Following the success of her maternity line (not to mention the birth of her fourth child) Rosie Pope has launched a line of baby clothes! Available at Rosie Pope stores on Madison Avenue and in Tribeca, this new line of cute, high-quality, and totally irresistible. shop.rosiepope.com/baby Shoofly Shoofly specializes in quality European shoes and accessories for toddlers through teens. One-of-akind clothing, toys, and baby gifts make this Tribeca boutique a standout. shooflynyc.com Sprout San Francisco The Upper East Side location of this popular natural and organic children’s clothing, toy, and furniture shop is more than just a clothing store. They also offer weekly classes, such as postpartum fitness and music, and an indoor play space. sproutsanfrancisco.com Stoopher & Boots Eclectic and seemingly all-encompassing, this Upper West Side boutique has everything from kids’ www.newyorkfamily.com
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clothing and toys to unique finds for grown-ups. stoopheranboots.com Tip Top Shoes The fit specialists here will help your little walker find his or her first pair while older kids will love the vast selection of comfort, dress, and sport shoes. tiptopshoes.com Yoya A super-modern boutique for kids ages 4-14 on the edge of the Meat Packing district, this shop is known for its futuristic clothing, nursery furniture, and playthings. yoyanyc.com
TOY STORES A Time For Children Don’t let the size fool you—this Upper West Side store stocks a wide variety of merchandise, from stuffed Paddington Bears to cards to vintage onesies, and gives 100 percent of the profits to the Children’s Aid Society. atimeforchildren.org Dinosaur Hill This charming East Village variety store stocks both classics and one-of-a-kind items like wooden blocks in 16 languages, batik crib quilts, and a wide variety of handmade puppets and marionettes. dinosaurhill.com Norman & Jules This whimsical shop in Brooklyn’s Park Slope is brimming with toys that are both durable and precious. From wooden Cubebots perched on the counters to the menagerie of multi-hued stuffed animals and dolls lining the shelves, it’s a holy grail for parents who want something their little ones can play with that won’t break, fall out of fashion, or clutter the apartment with garish plastic parts. normanandjules.com Teich Toys & Books This newly-opened sister store to Teich Design (both owned and operated by local parents Allison Teich McGown and JJ McGowan) brings eco-friendly fun to the West Village. You’ll find a vast selection of handmade and vintage-inspired toys and gifts (think old-school board games and high-quality wooden playthings) sure to delight children and parents alike. teichdesign.com
BOOKSTORES Bank Street Bookstore Located on the Northern-most reaches of the Upper West Side, this bookstore caters exclusively to young readers. If you can’t make the trip, its extensive website offers the same carefully chosen selection of books, games, toys, and CDs as its bricks and mortar counterpart. bankstreetbooks.com
HOT TREND: First Class Second-Hand Shops! By Anastasia Capatina Whether you’re a smart shopper on the hunt for gently used kids and maternity clothes at a stellar price, or you have a closet bursting with kiddo clothes and toys that you’d like to pass on to a loving new owner, NYC’s second-hand and consignment options are many and varied. Check out some of our fave shops from around the city that are just as great to donate and consign to as they are to shop at. Clementine Consignment: Get the feel of a high end maternity boutique without the price of one! Clementine Consignment—operated by a motherdaughter team—offers designer names for moms-tobe and kids that include European names like Jacadi, Bonpoint, Catimini, Marie Chantal, and Oilily, and American brands like Tea Collection and Janie and Jack. While moms shop, kids will enjoy bean bag seats, toys, and lollipops! clementineconsignment.com Lulu’s Then and Now: This children’s store (located in Park Slope, Brooklyn)—which operates as a sister store to Lulu’s for Baby and Lulu’s Cuts & Toys—offers a mix of children’s clothes for newborns through age 8, baby gear, books, toys, and even some furniture. Expect great quality and surprise items that may make your day! lulusthenandnow.com Jane’s Exchange: At this East Village shop you’ll find great maternity and kids’ (infants to size 12) apparel in this huge store. Products other than clothes include maternity gear, toys, children’s furniture, and other parenting goods. They accept items of consignment and share the selling price—making it a perfect spot to bring out-grown gear from your own tots’ closet. janesexchangenyc.com Raising Astoria: In addition to offering new and slightly used clothes for moms-to-be and kids, this Queensbased store holds classes for kids and parenting workshops! Got clothes to sell? When consigning, you could score 35-50 percent of the final sale price. You may also rent their cute party room for hosting special events. raisingastoria.com Flying Squirrel Consignment: This shop has tripled its floor space in its recent move to Greenpoint, Brooklyn— which means more clothes and toys for your babies, toddlers, and kids! They even have an online store, where you can shop a carefully-curated selection of new merchandise before you head to the store to browse the consignment picks. flyingsquirrelbaby.com
Barnes & Noble Not surprisingly, this national retailer offers the largest selection and supply of children’s books in the city. With many locations (Union Square, Tribeca, and Brooklyn’s Park Slope) throughout the city, it’s always fun and convenient to pop into B&N to browse their children’s section, or for one of their great events. They also offer a great Kids Club program for young readers. barnesandnoble.com
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The Strand This iconic book store—famous for offering “18 miles of books” at their Union Square flagship—has been offering a stellar selection of books since 1927 and, today, is one of the largest independent book stores in the country. Bring the fam in to check out their second-floor YA and children’s section, or to one of their monthly Story Time events. strandbooks.com
BIG BOX DESTINATION STORES American Girl Place Spend an entire day with your doll lover at this giant concept store picking out a new doll, accessories, and matching daughter and doll outfits. Enjoy the doll hair salon and doll hospital or have a meal at the café. americangirl.com Disney Store The revamped Times Square flagship store is almost as good as visiting the House of Mouse. Disney fans of any age will love the Magical Escalator Experience, the Pixie Dust Path, and the Magic Trees. disneystore.com FAO Schwarz This beloved midtown toy emporium is home to a newborn nursery, stuffed animal extravaganza, and a dozen other stores within its walls. All city kids need to dance on the famed giant piano keyboard at least once in their lifetime. fao.com Toys ”R” Us Come for the toys and stay for the 60-foot Ferris wheel, the 4,000-square-ft Barbie dollhouse, and the life-sized T-Rex. The Times Square flagship store is a toy heaven for children of all ages. toysrus.com
NURSERY & KID FURNISHINGS ABC Carpet & Home All of ABC’s artisanal goods have cultural origins, sourced from all over the globe with a mind toward reducing carbon footprint. Its dedicated Home & Planet line particularly delights design- and sustainability-conscious families alike. abchome.com Albee Baby This family-owned and operated business on Amsterdam Avenue has built its tradition on keeping babies happy with their top-of-the-line baby gear including toys, furniture, bedding and layette. albeebaby.com
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Books of Wonder The oldest independent children’s bookstore in the city is well-known for its collection of both old and new tomes for tots. Twice a week, kids and their caregivers can enjoy story time at this iconic Chelsea spot. booksofwonder.com
Lester’s
Allyn Howard If your walls need a little whimsy and cheer, look no further than the Allyn Howard’s Brooklyn studio, where she’s been painting customized murals and artworks for both nurseries and children’s rooms since 2003. allynhoward.com Babies “R” Us Leading the retail front in all things baby, this Union Square mega-store is your one-stop shop for all your newborn, infant, and toddler needs—from furniture to formula to fashion. babiesrus.com BasicGrey If cookie-cutter nursery rooms bore you out of your mind, hop on over to BasicGrey, which revels in all things quirky. Their children’s wall art, storage barrels, and swaddling arts are practically modern art. basicgrey.com Behr’s Superstore With over 30,000 square feet of baby and children’s furniture, this Long Island megastore offers one of the largest selections in the Tri-State area—and the friendly and well-informed staff is always ready to come to your navigational rescue. behrsfurniture.com Bellini Bellini’s award-winning furnishings combine modern day features with old world craftsmanship to create furniture that is both practical and beautiful. Best of all, their convertible products grow with the kids to last the family a lifetime. bellini.com Bograd Kids Along with offering luxury furnishings and designer bedding, this premium retail store provides customers with design consultations and floor plans at no extra charge. The pre-curated designer rooms offer busy parents everything they need. bogradkids.com buybuyBaby With several locations throughout the NYC metro area, this store offers an excellent assortment of top products and brands for children from birth to age 4, including strollers, car seats, bouncers, bassinets,
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cribs, clothing, bottles, monitors, nursery furniture, and more. buybuybaby.com Casa Kids Proudly made in Brooklyn, Casa Kids’s contemporary furniture collections are designed for utility and durability so they last through the years. Better yet, everything is designed with small spaces in mind—perfect for urban apartments. casakids.com California Closets The design consultants at California Closets are miracle workers. Their adjustable set-ups make transforming age-appropriate furnishings a breeze. californiaclosets.com DwellStudio This wholesale designer, most loved for its bold patterns and rich textiles, recently opened a store in SoHo. Head on in for bedding, rugs, and more with their very own personality. dwellstudio.com giggle They call themselves a new parent store because they’ve made stocking a nursery a whole lot easier; whether it’s in SoHo or the upper east and west sides, all three stores offer fun collections of bedding, toys, gear, and baby care essentials ensuring you a healthy, happy baby. giggle.com Iglooplay Inspired by the idea that play is essential in development, this company’s products feature a rich variety of sculptural shapes, materials, and colors. iglooplay.com IKEA Need a bed on a budget? Not a problem in nearby Red Hook, Brooklyn, where the well-known Swedish IKEA offers modern furniture at a low price— including plenty of super-fun toys and kids’ room picks that are durable and functional. ikea.com Lucky Duck & Friends English Artist Pippa Scott uses a big splash of colors to create a unique collection of cheery, whimsical animal paintings that capture the joys of being a child. luckyduckandfriends.com Mini Jake This modern children’s store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, offers a vast selection of nursery and playroom furniture, décor, and toys that are sophisticated yet playful. minijake.com NessaLee Baby With several locations in the Tri-State area, this luxurious brand integrates the as-seen-on celebbabies aspect and they offer the coolest, newest,
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most reliable merchandise from clothes to gear all while giving you a customized shopping experience. nessaleebaby.com Netto Collection Amongst the first to delve into stylish design in kids furniture, David Netto prides himself on using only sustainably harvested wood and non-toxic finishes to create safe furnishings that aren’t restricted to a pink-and-blue palette. davidnettodesign.com Oeuf Launched by a dynamic French/American duo, this brand offers sustainability-minded European furniture at a low price—without sacrificing its key principles of quality, practicality, and function. oeufnyc.com Posh Baby & Teen Selling only the safest children’s furniture for a wide range of ages, this Staten Island store even offers delivery and assembly service for outer borough families. poshbabyusa.com Raymour & Flanigan Furniture This popular furniture chain boasts a variety of styles from classic to contemporary (but never outdated) with a quick three-day delivery turnaround. raymourflanigan.com Resource Furniture Resource is about form as well as hybrid function— beds with fold-out desks, expandable tables, and sofas with secret storage all boast chic, contemporary looks. resourcefurniture.com Restoration Hardware Baby & Child One of the fastest-growing brands in children’s furnishings, Restoration Hardware produces classy designs for dreamy nurseries, timeless bedrooms, and more. rhbabyandchild.com Spoiled Rotten Too Forget the mundane at Spoiled Rotten Too, a whimsical Long Island boutique that hand picks designer furniture for babies and kids. The in-house painters make their heirloom offerings truly one-ofa-kind. spoiledrottentoo.com Target Going on 50 years, this popular retailer continues to offer attractive furniture at even more attractive prices. If you don’t want to wait for shipping, make a visit to the location on 116th Street, or the Atlantic Terminal offering in Brooklyn. target.com FOR MORE LOCAL STORE LISTINGS, VISIT NEWYORKFAMILY.COM
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new parents
Near left & above: A. De Vos Photo, Inc.
Andrew Schwartz
ULTIMATE GUIDE 2014
Scenes from the New York Baby Show
expecting the
best
For expectant and new parents (with children up to toddler age), New York Family has four very special and helpful resources: The New York Baby Show: New York Family’s grand annual event will take place in May 2015 at Pier 92. The expo attracts thousands of new and expectant families from the metropolitan area who come to discover hundreds of leading vendors and services for new families, while also enjoying seminars and lectures by parenting and family experts and sharing all sorts of fun activities with their infants and toddlers. Plus, don’t miss our “Best in Show” picks from the 2014 Baby Show on page 96! newyorkbabyshow.com Our Weekly Baby Newsletter: We also offer expectant and new parents a wonderful and free weekly e-newsletter filled with tips on pre- and post-natal resources, shopping tips, news, and musings—not to mention wonderful giveaways. The newsletter is mostly based on our popular New York Family Baby blog, which is where you can sign up to receive it every week. newyorkfamilybaby.com New York Family Baby: This magazine is a special biannual magazine focused solely on the needs and interests of expectant and new parents. The next edition will be available in the fall of 2014.
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A Selective Guide To Local Bump & Baby Essentials Edited by Mia Weber
Finally, the following directory should help you address many of your needs as new parents as well. BABY & BREASTFEEDING GEAR Albee Baby albeebaby.com ANB Baby anbbaby.com Babesta babesta.com Babies“R”Us babiesrus.com Behr’s Superstore behrsfurniture.com Bellini Baby & Teen bellini.com Boing Boing boingboingmaternity.com Brooklyn Baby World brooklynbabyworld.com buybuyBABY buybuybaby.com Caribou Baby cariboubaby.com giggle giggle.com Goodnight Room NYC goodnightroomnyc.com J&R Jr. jr.com/jr Metro Minis metrominis.com NessaLee Baby nessaleebaby.com New York Baby Shop newyorkbabyshop.com Planet Kids planetkidsny.com Posh Baby poshbabyusa.com Pottery Barn Kids potterybarnkids.com Rosie Pope Baby shop.rosiepope.com Schneider’s schneidersbaby.com Sprout San Francisco sproutsanfrancisco.com Upper Breast Side upperbreastside.com Yummy Mummy yummymummystore.com
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CHILDCARE Absolute Best Care absolutebestcare.com Au Pair Care aupaircare.com Au Pair In America aupairinamerica.com Barnard Babysitting barnardbabysitting.com Bright Horizons brighthorizons.com Care care.com College & Nanny Tutors collegenannies.com EurAupair euraupair.com The Goddard School goddardschool.com Great Aupair greataupair.com The House of Little People thehouseoflittlepeople.org Irish Echo irishecho.com (for their listings) The Learning Experience thelearningexperience.com Lucky Lil’ Darlings luckylildarlings.com Mom To Moms Advisor momtomomsadvisor.com Mommybites mommybites.com Nannies Of New York nanniesofnewyork.com Nannies4hire nannies4hire.com The Nanny League thenannyleague.com Penelope’s People penelopespeople.com Pinch Sitters Agency nypinchsitters.com Preschool of America preschoolofamerica.us Preschool of the Arts nycpreschool.com Sensible Sitters sensiblesitters.com Sittercity sittercity.com Tutor Time tutortime.com Upper Westside Playgroup upperwestsideplaygroup.org Urban Sitter urbansitter.com Wee Care weecarellc.com DIAPER SERVICES Diaper Kind diaperkind.com FERTILITY CLINICS The Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility ivf.org New Hope Fertility newhopefertility.com NYU Fertility Center nyufertilitycenter.org Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York rmany.com
Near left & above: A. De Vos Photo, Inc.
Andrew Schwartz Scenes from the New York Baby Show
Andrew Schwartz
BABY-PROOFING A Plus Child Proofing apluschildproofing.com All-Star Baby Safety allstarbabysafety.com Baby Proofers Plus babyproofersplus.com Baby-Safe Inc. babysafeamerica.com
Andrew Schwartz
A. De Vos Photo, Inc.
BABY PLANNERS & CONCIERGE SERVICES The Baby Guy babyguygearguide.com The Baby Sleep Whisperer babysleepwhisperer.com Sissy & Marley sissyandmarley.com
BIG TIP: OB-GYNs, Midwives, Doulas & Lactation Experts If you’re searching for an OB-GYN, midwife, doula, or lactation consultant, there’s no shortage of qualified people in the NYC area. Start by asking trusted friends for recommendations, but don’t take their advice as the last word. Follow your instincts. Search online or use a childbirth reference book to really understand the role of each provider, noting questions to ask when interviewing the kind of health care provider you’re interested in working with. For OB-GYNs: The major local hospitals have referral services. We also recommend the search engine at castleconnolly.com, which gathers Best Doctors lists using peer referrals. For doulas: Try DONA International (dona.org), NYC Doula Service (nycdoulaservice.com), the Metropolitan Doula Group (metrodoula.com), the Doula Project (doulaproject.org), and Mama Views (mamaviews.com) for its Rate My Baby Nurse directory. For baby nurses: Try Mama Views (mamaviews.com) for its Rate My Baby Nurse directory. For midwives: Try the American College of NurseMidwives (midwife.org) and Choices in Childbirth (choicesinchildbirth.org). For lactation experts: Try the New York Lactation Consultant Association (nylca.org). continued on page 96
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HOSPITALS & BIRTHING CENTERS The Brooklyn Birthing Center brooklynbirthingcenter. com Lenox Hill Hospital lenoxhillhospital.org Maimonides Medical Center mainmonidesmed.org Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center mountsinaihealth.org Mount Sinai Hospital mountsinai.org Mount Sinai St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center mountsinaihealth.org New York Methodist nym.org NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center nyp.org NewYork-Presbyterian/Lower Manhattan Hospital nyp.org/lowermanhattan NewYork-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital childrensnyp.org/mschony NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center med.cornell.edu NYU Langone Medical Center med.nyu.edu INFANT CPR Baby Be Safe babybesafe.com Little Hearts littleheartscpr.com MATERNITY CLOTHES A Pea in the Pod apeainthepod.com Belly Dance Maternity bellydancematernity.com Bump Brooklyn bumpbrooklyn.com Clementine Consignment clementineconsignment.com Destination Maternity destinationmaternity.com Encore Maternity encorematernity.com Madison Rose madisonrosematernity.com Motherhood Maternity motherhood.com Rosie Pope Maternity rosiepopematernity.com Veronique Maternity veroniquematernity.com PRE- AND POST-NATAL EDUCATION, FITNESS, AND SUPPORT 92Y 92y.org Babies “R” Us babiesrus.com AquaMom aquamom.com Baby in the Family babyinthefamily.com Birth Day Presence birthdaypresence.net BklynBirth bklynbirth.com Caribou Baby cariboubaby.com Chic City Mom chiccitymom.com Choices in Childbirth choicesinchildbirth.org City Births citybirths.com Destination Maternity destinationmaternity.com (for their classes) Diastasis Rehab diastasisrehab.com Fern Drillings ferndrillings.com Fit4Mom fit4mom.com Fitnotic fitnotic.com The JCC In Manhattan jccmanhattan.org Karma Kids Yoga karmakidsyoga.com Mama Glow mamaglow.com Manhattan Twins Club manhattantwinsclub.org Metro Minis metrominis.com Mind Over Matter Health & Fitness (MOM) mindovermatternyc.com Mommybites mommybites.com MomPrep rosiepope.com Mom Support momsupport.org Newborn Notions newbornnotions.com Northeast Doulas northeastdoulas.com NYC Dads Group/New Dad Boot Camps nycdadsgroup.com Pregnant New Yorker thepregnantnewyorker.com Prenatal Yoga Center prenatalyogacenter.com
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Seleni Institute seleni.org Stork and Cradle storkandcradle.com Strollercize strollercize.com Tribeca Parenting tribecaparenting.com Twiniversity twiniversity.com Urban Wellness Acupuncture urbanwellnessnyc.com Yummy Mummy yummymummystore.com SLEEP CONSULTANTS Deborah Pedrick familysleep.com Dream Team Baby dreamteambaby.com Mommywise mommywise.com NYC Sleep Doctor nycsleepdoctor.com SLEEP-EEZ KIDZ sleepeezkidz.com Sleepy On Hudson sleepyonhudson.com Smooth Parenting smoothparenting.com SoHo Parenting sohoparenting.com Swellbeing swellbeing.com SPECIAL SERVICES FOR NEW PARENTS Cricket’s Circle cricketscircle.com iKidNY ikidny.com Mommy Nearest mommynearest.com pingMD pingmd.com weeSpring weespring.com
BIG TIP: Best In Show The 2014 New York Baby Show introduced new and expectant parents to a variety of amazing products and services in the baby and maternity realms. Of course, we had a panel of expert judges on hand to select five Best in Show products seen at the big event. Comotomo Bottles, designed with a realistic feel: “These are awesome new baby bottles that closely mimic natural breastfeeding…and I love the colors,” says one judge. Another judge praised Comotomo’s teethers for the same reasons—“developmental sensibility, look, and feel.” $13.99, comotomo.com Trio Bike Mono, a lightweight cargo bike. “This sleek-looking way to tote kids around when you’re bicycling is more compact than some bike trailers. Plus it keeps children in the front where you can watch more closely. It’s safe and just so cool!” $3,690, triobike.com & velolifestyle.com Fit Bump 360, maternity fitness-wear: “They had gear that is perfect to get expecting moms to keep the workouts going. Supportive, colorful and with all the tech details you’d expect, the line—[we especially love the long-sleeved shirts]—will grow with you for 9 months and beyond.” Prices vary, fitbump360.com GB Zuzu Stroller, a new lightweight folding stroller: “I’ve tested MANY strollers, and I was super impressed with this one… Besides having a small footprint on the sidewalk, it folds down quickly and compactly in a way I’ve truly never seen. It’s much smaller than the typical umbrella stroller, and it also works with Graco and Chicco car seats without any adapters. To top it off, it has a standing fold, which is perfect while waiting for taxis or subways.” $199.99, gbchildusa.com Twelve Little Diaper Bags, made with high-quality materials and stylish designs: “They are so stylish, made from baby-safe materials, and the built-in pocket to separately store dirty clothes and other messes is genius! Nothing else gets dirty, and it’s easy to wipe clean later on. I particularly love the Courage Backpack and the Carry Love Tote.” Prices vary, twelvelittle.com
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I had a bubble on my brain. They took it out through my nose, and now I can go back to school. – Nile, age 5
S:10”
Kids see the world differently. When they go to the hospital, they need to be treated differently as well. NewYork-Presbyterian is focused on finding ways to make pediatric surgery less invasive, which is why Nile didn’t have to have open-brain surgery to remove his tumor. It’s all so kids can get back to being kids. Learn more at nyp.org/kids
KOMANSKY CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S HEALTH 68TH AND YORK AVENUE, NEW YORK CITY
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health & wellness ULTIMATE GUIDE 2014
doctor
wh ? A Selective List Of New York City’s Best Family-Friendly Health & Wellness Professionals Edited by Tiffany Lu & Gavriella Mahpour
There’s really no question about it—health, safety, and wellness are on the forefront of just about every parent’s mind. Fortunately, we live in a city that offers up a wealth of some of the very best healthcare pros—from pediatricians to pediatric dentists to nutritionists, our short-list of awesome wellness resources is sure to put your family’s health in very capable hands. And for even more great healthcare pros, be sure to check out our October issue each year as we team up with Castle Connolly on a comprehensive Doctors We Love directory.
HOSPITALs Beth Israel Medical Center 1st Avenue at 16th Street bethisraelny.org Lenox Hill 100 East 77th Street lenoxhillhospital.org Maimonides Medical Center 4802 Tenth Avenue maimonidesmed.org Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) 1275 York Avenue mskcc.org Montefiore Medical Center 111 East 210th Street, the Bronx montefiore.org Mount Sinai Hospital 1 Gustave L. Levy Place mountsinai.org New York Eye and Ear Infirmary 310 East 14th Street nyee.edu www.newyorkfamily.com
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New York Methodist 506 6th Street, Brooklyn nym.org New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center 630 West 168th Street nyp.org New York-Presbyterian/Lower Manhattan Hospital 170 William Street downtownhospital.org New York-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital 3959 Broadway childrensnyp.org/mschony New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center 525 East 68th Street nyp.org NYU Langone Medical Center 550 1st Avenue med.nyu.edu St. Luke’s—Roosevelt Hospital Center 1111 Amsterdam Avenue (St. Luke’s Hospital) 1000 10th Avenue (Roosevelt Hospital) stlukeshospitalnyc.org
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BIG TIP: How To PICK A Pediatrician By Jessica Roblin & Mia Weber Choosing a local pediatrician that suits your family’s needs is a daunting task—chiefly because NYC offers a range of stellar healthcare pros and because every child and every family’s needs are distinct. That said, we turned to some respected experts in the medical field for their advice on choosing a pediatrician. “The internet is not the best place to get information, because it’s anonymous and a lot of people share grievances [more than the] positives,” says Dr. Liza Natale of Pediatric Associates of NYC. So what’s a parent to do? The first step is to get some recommendations. Natale suggests checking with fellow parents who have already chosen a pediatrician or getting a list of personally approved doctors from your own physician. If you’re consulting friends, Dr. Michel Cohen of Tribeca Pediatrics recommends asking about their doctors’ availability. “How fast do you get answers when you visit, and, in an emergency, will you really be able to reach your pediatrician?” he asks. Another great starting point in your search is to ask your OB-GYN, says Dr. Deena Blanchard of Premier Pediatrics, who also notes that it’s great to get a jump on finding a peditrician while you’re expecting. “You should ask your OB-GYN. Most OB-GYNs will have good lists of pediatricians in their area,” she says. “It’s good to start to start looking on the earlier side, so you can meet with the pediatrician prior to having a new baby.” Additionally, Dr. Judith Goldstein of Global Pediatrics notes the increasing presence of “group practices.” This means that doctors share on-call shifts at night, on weekends, and during holidays—so taking more than 30 minutes to call back for an emergency isn’t acceptable. Other times, it’s about who you can get in with in the first place. Check various pediatric offices for group visits and presentations, free meet-and-greets, and other prenatal-specific services. Once you have one doctor (or a few) in mind, set up a first visit. At the office, you assess fit factors as simple as the look and feel of the space. While cleanliness and organization are musts, a welcoming set-up can help relax anxious children. Ultimately, the key questions you’re asking while visiting an office revolve around the practice’s struture, Blanchard explains—especially in terms of policies and office hours. But those shouldn’ t be the only items on your checklist. “Most importantly, you want to ask: Do you like the person? Do you feel like they’re somebody that you could see regularly?” she says, adding that it’s worth noting how the pediatrician interacts with the rest of the staff in the office, and how the staff interacts with each other. Another important piece is patience. A doctor should be open to questions without making parents feel silly, Natale says. Cohen, however, notes that some parents do find it reassuring to have a more authoritative sounding board. The one thing to get a second opinion on, Cohen cautions, is medication. “It gets tricky if you ask their approach and they say that they try to be very hands off—when in reality they’ll prescribe medication every visit.” At the end of the day a level of comfort and trust needs to exist with the pediatrician you choose. “Assure yourself that this is someone you can really work with—someone warm and flexible,” Goldstein says. After all the basics check out, it’s like all other important choices in life—it comes down to intuition.
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NUTRITIONISTS Elisa Zied A one-stop shop for all things food-related! This is a great site that focuses on explaining exactly what is in the foods we eat. Elisa Zied, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., has written four books on family nutrition and healthyeating. elisazied.com Food Trainers Food Trainers, created by Lauren Slayton, M.S., R.D., aims to provide inspiration and motivation for families to actually start eating healthy. The website also offers resources and tools for recipes, calorie counting, and fitness. foodtrainers.net Tanya Zuckerbrot of F-Factor The goal of F-Factor is to educate and promote the benefits of a high-fiber diet. Tanya Zuckerbrot, M.S., R.D., created this unique diet in 1999 and offers highfiber menu picks for dining out. ffactor.com
PEDIATRIC DENTISTS Gramercy Pediatric Dentistry 195 3rd Avenue gramercykidsdental.com Manhattan Pediatric Dental Group 192 East 75th Street smiles4kids.com Pediatric Dentistry of New York 115 Central Park West 180 Lincoln Towers, West End Ave, Suite 1F citykidsdentist.com Open Sesame Dentistry 315 West 70th Street, #1J opensesamekids.com Park View Pediatric Dentistry 800A 5th Avenue, #303 parkavepd.com Pediatric Dentistry 305 East 55th Street pediatricdentistnyc.com Pediatric Dentistry & Westside Orthodontics 327 Central Park West, Suite 1C robertperacchia.com
PEDIATRIC OFFICES Beth Israel Pediatric Associates 10 Union Square East (Suites 2J & 2H) bethisraelpediatrics.yourmd.com Big Apple Pediatrics 315 West 70th Street, #1K bigapplepediatrics.com
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Manhattan 51 E. 25th St., 3rd Fl. New York, NY 10010
Tel: (212) 598-0331
Brooklyn 110 4th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11217
Tel: (718) 369-0817
Premier Pediatrics has been providng family-centered, state-of-the-art medical care for 30 years. Prenatal visits are available free of charge. Meet a doctor before your baby is born, learn about the practice, and ask all of your questions.
Visit our website at
premierpediatricsny.com/prenatal to schedule your visit today.
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Carnegie Hill Pediatrics 1125 Park Avenue carnegiehillpediatrics.com Downtown Pediatrics 36 North Moore Street downtown-pediatrics.com LaGuardia Place Pediatrics 505 Laguardia Place laguardiaplacepediatrics.com Global Pediatrics 1559 York Avenue globalpediatrics.com Manhattan Pediatrics 217 Grand Street, 5th Floor manhattan-pediatrics.com Manhattan Physicians Group Various Locations mpgcares.com Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine 390 West End Avenue, #1E pedsny.com Pediatric Associates of NYC 317 East 34th Street 20 Plaza Street East, Brooklyn pediatricassociatesnyc.com Pediatrics of New York 11 East 86th Street, #1B pediatricsofny.com Premier Pediatrics 51 East 25th Street, #301 110 4th Avenue, Brooklyn premierpediatricsny.com
PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY ROOMS Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian childrensnyp.org NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center for Emergency Medicine nypemergency.org
URGENT CARE CENTERS CityMD Various locations citymd.net DR Walk-in Various locations drwalkin.com Emergency Dentist NYC 100 East 12th Street emergencydentistnyc.com Manhattan Physician Group Various locations mpgcares.com MedRite Urgent Care Various locations medriteurgentcare.com Mount Sinai Urgent Care Upper West Side 638 Columbus Avenue mountsinaifpa.org New York Doctors Urgent Care Various locations nydoctorsurgentcare.com New York Hotel Urgent Medical Services travelmd.com
Tribeca Pediatrics Locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens tribecapediatrics.com
One Medical Group Various locations onemedical.com
Village Pediatrics 24 East 12th Street, Suite 403 villagepediatric.com
PM Pediatrics 240 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn pmpediatrics.com
Weill Cornell Medical Associates Various Locations (Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and Tribeca) weillcornell.org/wcma
The Urgent Care Center of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center 1275 York Avenue mskcc.org
West 11th Street Pediatric Associates 46 West 11th Street west11thstreetpediatrics.com
Urgent Care Manhattan 199 Amsterdam Avenue urgentcaremanhattan.com
West End Pediatrics 450 West End Avenue, #1E 2 5th Avenue, #8 westendpedsnyc.com
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For more health & wellness info, see our New Parents section on page 94, OR VISIT NEWYORKFAMILY.COM. www.newyorkfamily.com
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theater & live performance ULTIMATE GUIDE 2014
SETTING THE
STAGE
Edited By Sarah Albert, Jaime Rochelle Herndon & Gavriella Mahpour The New Victory Theater
New York City is home to theater and the performing arts—big and small. Whether you’re interested in the Broadway act with the biggest kid following or a kidfriendly play in one of the smaller theater companies around town, there is something for every creative taste.
Kidz Theater Kidz Theater doesn’t just put on productions for kids by kids. It also serves as a children’s acting studio where young aspiring actors learn fundamental stage acting techniques. In late November, they will be performing “Smile,” a satire about a California beauty pageant. kidztheater.org
CHILDREN’S THEATER 13th Street Repertory This theater offers many exciting shows for kids ages 3 and up. From well-known fairytales to interactive shows, there’s something for everyone. You can even have a birthday party or take acting classes. 13thstreetrep.org
Literally Alive Children’s Theatre Literally Alive takes children’s books and turns them into original musicals. Get there an hour early for the pre-show arts workshop that helps children better understand theater. literallyalive.com
Children’s Theatre Company Kids take center stage at this company where all shows include child performers. The goal is to show children that they can be the voice of positive change. childrenstheatrecompany.org
Making Books Sing This theater is all about education using music, puppetry, and physical comedy. Starting November 15, catch a performance of “The Amazing Adventures of Harry and the Princess,” with music and lyrics by Laurie Berkner. Best for children ages 3-8, tickets go on sale September 15. makingbookssing.org
DR2 Theatre The DR2 Theatre in Union Square is an intimate 99-seat venue that has hosted many theatrical productions geared toward kids, including “Dear Edwina,” “The Ohmies,” and the most recent, “The Velveteen Rabbit” and “Bunnicula.” dr2theatre.com Galli Theater For more than 25 years, the Galli Theater has been bringing fairytales to life for children of all ages. Actors encourage the audience to interact and get on stage. For multilingual families, plays are offered in English, French, and German. gallitheaterny.com
Liz Lauren
Take A Seat—Here Are The Most KidFriendly Theaters And Shows In Town
The New Victory Theater This theater selects programs that help educate and inspire the audience. With new baby shows in the upcoming season, their performances are great for children as young as 4 months, but check the website often because each production has its own ideal age range. newvictory.org The Paper Bag Players The Paper Bag Players perform original musicals geared for children ages 3-8, based on a child’s everyday life. thepaperbagplayers.org continued on page 104
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Puppetworks These puppet adaptations of children’s favorite tales are whimsical, fun, and fascinating for children ages 3 and up. In the fall, don’t miss “The Emperor’s New Clothes” and “The Snow Queen” (two shows at each performance), and coming in January 2015, “Sleeping Beauty.” puppetworks.org Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre This puppet theater produces fairytales for children ages 3-9. Come fall, two holiday-themed shows will be performed: “Hansel and Gretel’s Halloween Adventure” and “The Three Bears Holiday Bash.” cityparksfoundation.org/arts/swedish-cottagemarionette-theatre TADA! Youth Theater These shows are written and performed by kids for all audiences. You can get your own children involved or simply enjoy the show as a family. In January and February 2015, you can enjoy their show “Everything About a Family (Almost).” tadatheater.com Tribeca Performing Arts Center & TheatreWorks US Tribeca Performing Arts Center offers an array of performances geared for children and families all year round. From puppets to plays, there’s something for everyone. Plus, many of the family shows at BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts are Theatreworks productions. tribecapac.org & theatreworksusa.org Vital Children’s Theatre Vital Children’s Theatre puts on engaging hour-long performances for children ages 2-10. The company also has weekly summer camps for kids ages 4-6. vitaltheatre.org BROADWAY AND OFF-BROADWAY THEATER “Aladdin” Celebrate 20 years of Disney on Broadway! This Disney favorite hit the big-time on Broadway this year with the musical score you love from the movie, and special songs just for the show. A magical carpet ride, a fabulous genie, colorful costumes and beautiful sets make this a show the whole family will enjoy. aladdinbroadway.com “Annie” When the sun comes out tomorrow, head over to the Palace Theatre and see “Annie.” This Broadway musical favorite has received rave reviews, most notably for its lead actress and rising star, Lilla Crawford. broadway.com/shows/annie-bway “The Berenstain Bears LIVE!” The classic children’s series comes to life in “The Berenstain Bears LIVE! Family Matters: The Musical.” No matter what this bear family goes through, they’re in it together. This show is all about laughs, songs and the importance of family. broadway.com/shows/ berenstain-bears-live-family-matters-musical
BIG TIP: LETS MAKE A DEAL By Nicole Goldstein Seeing an off-Broadway or Broadway show is a family activity that everyone will love. However, tickets can cost topdollar. Check out the sites below to find affordable deals! BroadwayBox.com: Discounts are up to $70 for off-Broadway and Broadway shows. Check out the listings. broadwaybox.com Givenik: Tickets to on and off-Broadway shows are discounted and also offer group rate discounts. Along with selling tickets, Givenik donates to an organization of your choice when you purchase tickets. givenik.com High 5: Teens between ages 13-18 can receive tickets to a show for $5. With each ticket purchased, they can bring an adult for the same discounted price. Be sure to have a valid school ID. highfivetix.org Kids Night On Broadway (KNOB): Kids ages 6-18 can see a Broadway show for free during this annual promotion! Over 20 shows have offered KNOB tickets. Children must be accompanied by a full paying adult. kidsnightonbroadway.com Lunchtix.com: Register for daily e-mails to receive deals to local theaters. There is only a limited amount of time to purchase tickets, so purchase early! lunchtix.com/New-York Playbill.com: Playbill members have access to discounts through daily emails. playbill.com Rush, Lottery, Standing Room Only: Get to the box office as soon as the show in question opens for discounted prices. Be sure to have a valid picture ID. Prices and seats vary depending on the show. playbill.com School Theater Ticket Program: Discounted coupons are offered for organizations, schools, camps, and non-profit organizations. schooltix.com TDF membership: Access to off-Broadway and Broadway productions at discounted prices are at your fingertips. Sign up and see if you are eligible to the Theater Development Fund. Eligible members will receive discounted ticket prices from $9-45. The monthly fee for members is $30. tdf.org TheaterMania.com: Discounted prices to off-Broadway and Broadway shows are available daily. Become a member for special services. theatermania.com TKTS: In the city and decide you want to go to a Broadway show ASAP? There are three locations to find discounted tickets for the same day! Located in Times Square, at South Street Seaport, and in Downtown Brooklyn. Times Square sells tickets for all day performances while South Street Seaport and Downtown Brooklyn only have evening shows available. tdf.org Travelzoo.com: This site offers an abundance of discounted tickets to shows and other family activities. travelzoo.com
Blue Man Group This literally blue trio combines theater, art, and technology into a fascinatingly original performance that’s hard to describe. It’s recommended for ages 8 and up, and no one under the age of 5 is allowed into the theater. blueman.com continued on page 106
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“JAW-DROPPING!” -Time Out NY Kids
“An amazing show for the entire family!” -Macaroni Kids
Now live in the heart of Broadway! Telecharge.com 212-239-6200 iLuminate.com New World Stages, 340 W 50th St.
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BIG TIP: The Kindie Capital By Nicole Goldstein Kindie music is hotter than ever, and many of its best representatives call New York City home. Here, we take a look at some of the many kindie stars based in the five boroughs. AudraRox: You can hire AudraRox for birthday parties, where you can jam out with fun songs everyone will love. Or look out for her regular performances in New York City. audrarox.com Bari Koral Family Rock Band: Koral’s music can be found in yoga classes for children and preschool classrooms. Her pop music has earned her a spot on Sirius radio and won her awards. Recently she released her fourth album, “The Apple Tree & The Honey Bee.” barikoral.com Dan Zanes: Bringing people together through music is Zanes’ mission. Zanes focuses on creating his own songs and bringing old ones back to life. danzanes.com Elena Moon Park: “Rabbit Days and Dumplings” is the debut solo album for Elena Moon Park and her band. In this album you will hear English along with native languages mixed in. The songs come from China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan to create a twist on kindie music. rabbitdays.com Hot Peas ‘N Butter: This band takes their different backgrounds and cultures and morphs them into music. Their Latin, Caribbean, folk, and rock music have been featured on Nickelodeon and Noggin. Partnered with St.Jude Children’s Hospital, they help bring the joy of music to children. You can hear the band on XM radio or go to one of their shows in New York City and the Tri-State area. hotpeasnbutter.com Paper Bag Players
The Itty Biddies: This trio will take your family on a journey through music. Their backgrounds in music help create songs that will leave you singing. You can listen to their music on their blog or see them perform in the New York City area. ittybiddies. virb.com Joanie Leeds: Leeds has released five CDs and is now working on creating new music. She performs at concerts, classrooms, and birthday parties. joanieleeds.com The Laurie Berkner Band: Berkner started as a preschool music
“Cinderella” This Rodgers & Hammerstein musical originally produced for television in 1957 starred then-newcomer Julie Andrews. This contemporary take on a classic story will delight kids and parents alike, with songs like “In My Own Little Corner” and “Ten Minutes Ago.” broadway.com/shows/cinderella “Gazillion Bubbles Show” This interactive show for all ages combines lasers, lights, and bubbles of all shapes and sizes. Audience members can even take a picture in a bubble before and after the show. gazillionbubbleshow.com “iLuminate” The latest show from iLuminate, “Artist of Light,” takes its audience on a journey about a young artist named Jacob who has difficulty connecting with the real world. Art, music, dance, and light all come together for a unique theater experience you won’t forget anytime soon! iluminate.com
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teacher recording songs in her living room. After her first release, she founded a record label, Two Tomatoes Records. From there she went on to release more records. Her music reaches out to not only children, but adults as well. laurieberkner.com Miss Nina: Miss Nina has combined her passion for singing and dancing and her love for reading together creating an energetic environment whenever she is around! Recently, she has created “book songs” that put books to music. You can find her performing at children sing-alongs, bookstores, and other events in New York City or you can watch her weekly sing-along videos on her blog. mymissnina.com mr.Ray: After touring and performing with musicians such as Bruce Springsteen and Meatloaf, mr.Ray started focusing on kindie music. His songs are fun—some about friendships, others about dinosaurs—but they also relate to bigger issues, such as bullying. You can find mr.Ray performing weekly in the Tri-State area. mrray.com The Pop Ups: Music comes alive at The Pop Ups’ shows. Using cardboard cut-outs, puppets, and sets their audience is always in for a treat. Their music brings joy to children of all ages, and they can be found creating new songs and shows in a Brooklyn garage. thepopups.com Suzi Shelton: Being a mother of two, Shelton loves to sing and dance around children. She recently released her third album, “Smile In My Hear.” Her style of music is upbeat and folksy. You can find Shelton and her new songs on her monthly webcast. Shelton and her band perform around the Tri-State area and in New York City. suzishelton.com Vered Music: Studying music therapy has taught Vered Benhorin, Vered Music’s founder, that music can bring out emotions and can impact the body physically and mentally. You can find her performing in New York, Los Angeles, and Colorado, or book her for a birthday party. veredmusic.com Willie DeVargas: Growing up in New York City, DeVargas was exposed to a variety of different types of music. DeVargas is a nursery school music teacher (and recent Blackboard Awardwinner). Working with children has encouraged him to create an upcoming fall album that coincides with a children’s book that he is working on. DeVargas can be found playing at local hospitals and public libraries and is also available for birthday parties. williedevargas.wordpress.com
“The Lion King” This Disney movie has been a Broadway hit since it opened in 1997. Between the elaborate costumes, colorful makeup, comedy, and heartwarming story, people of all ages will find something to love about “The Lion King.” broadway.com/shows/the-lion-king “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” This adaptation of this C.S. Lewis book takes the audience to magical Narnia, where it’s always winter but never Christmas thanks to a spell cast on the land. The show runs for 45 minutes and is recommended for ages 5 and up. narniaoffbroadway.com “Mamma Mia!” “Mamma Mia!” centers on a bride-to-be searching for her dad so he can walk her down the aisle. Set to the tune of ABBA’s greatest hits, this high-energy show will have everyone trying to resist the urge to jump up and dance. ppc.broadway.com/shows/mamma-mia
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“Matilda the Musical” Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book, Matilda, has arrived on Broadway in an all-new musical. “Matilda” is the story of a lively, highly imaginative girl and her adventures in which she uses her superpowers for good. This musical adaptation is presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company and features music and lyrics by comedian Tim Minchin. broadway.com/shows/ matilda “Newsies the Musical” Based on the Disney movie and the real-life newsboy strike, this show focuses on a group of newsboys who fight back at Pulitzer and Hearst’s newspaper price hike. Good for the whole family, it has fast music, intense choreography, and even a romantic plotline. broadway.com/shows/newsies “The Phantom of the Opera” Broadway’s longest-running show, based on the horror novel in which a deformed composer haunts an opera house, still delivers romance, fear, and excitement night after night. broadway.com/shows/the-phantom-of-the-opera “Stomp” This eight-person ensemble creates music with everyday items; no real instruments allowed. It’s all about dance, rhythm, and creativity. Children over the age of 5 will enjoy it. broadway.com/shows/stomp “Wicked” The prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” this popular show focuses on the history of the Wicked Witch of the West. Highly theatrical with stunning sets and elaborate costumes, this play is ideal for ages 8 and up. broadway.com/shows/wicked MUSIC, DANCE AND LIVE PERFORMANCE Barclays Center More than just the home of the Brooklyn Nets, this mega-complex hosts concerts and live events that will interest everyone in the family. August 13-17 brings Marvel Universe LIVE!, in which Spider Man, Hulk, Iron Man and more perform stunts and special effects like you’ve never seen. Then November 11-16, Disney on Ice comes to town with “Frozen.” barclayscenter.com Big Apple Circus You and your kids will be dazzled by the acts and animals which come together under the big tent during the Big Apple Circus. The show rotates through Queens, Rhode Island, and Lake George, NY. bigapplecircus.org Carnegie Hall The iconic theater brings world-renowned musicians to perform in their three halls throughout the year. The Family Concert Series on weekends is interactive and educational, with free pre-concert activities before each show. carnegiehall.org
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DiCapo Opera Theatre This opera house is continuing its Opera for Kids series on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The shows are one-hour versions of operas, performed in English, and the director helps explain the plot and the genre of opera. dicapo.com Jazz at Lincoln Center Children are welcome at all shows, but families can look to the interactive Jazz for Young People Concerts series to introduce their young ones to the rhythms and history of jazz. jalc.org Lincoln Center The iconic theater offers every type of arts event under the sun. There are ballets, exhibits, and plays for your whole family to enjoy. lincolncenter.org Little Orchestra Society This company is devoted to putting on family-friendly shows. Kids ages 3-5 should check out the Lolli-Pops shows, where they can learn about music while hanging out with characters like Buzz the Bee; starting in October, the lineup will include “Circus Parade,” “Tubby the Tuba,” and “Things that go Bang!” Kids ages 6-12 can enjoy the Happy Concerts series, with “Four Seasons: A Spinning Planet” in November, and “Peter and the Wolf” in December. littleorchestra.org Manhattan Movement & Arts Center The Manhattan Movement & Arts Center (MMAC) is home to the Manhattan Youth Ballet as well as the MMAC Theater which currently hosts the Off-Broadway family hit, “The Berenstain Bears LIVE” (see page 104). manhattanmovement.com The Metropolitan Opera Founded in 1883, this famous opera house is the place to go for unforgettable, world-class performances. Visitors can also take backstage tours, and tour Lincoln Center, as well as enjoy the Schwartz Gallery of contemporary art. metopera.org New York Theatre Ballet While the New York Theatre Ballet aims to bring affordable performances to adults, there’s also something for the kids to enjoy—hour-long performances that won’t break the bank. Children can see some of their favorite stories, like “Cinderella” and “Sleeping Beauty,” come to life on stage. Contact for latest show details and times. nytb.org Symphony Space Symphony Space’s Just Kidding series is just for families. Children will love the book readings, concerts, and plays this company puts on. symphonyspace.org The Theater at Madison Square Garden The biggest names in pop culture come to perform at MSG. Check the website early and often to make sure you don’t miss out when your family’s favorite acts come to town! theateratmsg.com August 2014 | New York Family
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special needs
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© Thomas Volpe
ULTIMATE GUIDE 2014
Things
To Know If Your Child Has
Special Needs A Local Mom Of Two (And Special Needs Consultant) Shares Her Wisdom About Raising Children With Developmental Challenges By Joanna Dreifus
New York City is an exhilarating place to raise a family, but I think most parents would agree that it can be stressful, too. What’s more, if your child has special needs, navigating your family’s daily life in the Big Apple can seem especially daunting and difficult. To help, here are 20 tips I’ve gleaned from my experience as a mother of two children who experienced developmental delays and special needs. I hope these bits of philosophical and practical advice will help as you embark on this journey with your family.
Winston Preparatory School
4. You are more than your child’s diagnosis, too: If your child’s delays or special needs require many therapies, it’s easy to let these take over your own life. Make sure to find time for yourself—even if it’s only 10 minutes a day for a power nap or quick walk around the block. And, try to schedule some time alone with your partner and with your other children—it can be easy for them to feel neglected. 5. Accept help: It takes a village to raise any child, and it may take a large and experienced village to raise yours. Accept offers of help from grandparents, friends, and neighbors, whether it’s for an hour of babysitting or some grocery shopping. 6. Get organized: You’ll have a lot of information to keep track of, including your child’s evaluations, reports, and insurance claims. Start with a big loose-leaf binder and jot down everything, including details of all phone calls. 7. Minimize the “schlep factor:” Try to schedule appointments at convenient times and locations, taking your child’s nap times and other routines into consideration. Write out a weekly schedule and keep therapists’ phone numbers and addresses handy. Have extra copies on hand for caregivers.
1. First things first: If you suspect that your infant or child may have developmental delays, don’t be shy about broaching the subject with your pediatrician. Another great resource is YAI Network (yai.org), an NYC agency which can help you schedule an evaluation or find referrals for services your child may need.
8. Respect your child’s therapists: As busy as you are, they are even busier, so respect their time and give ample notice if you need to cancel. Remember to show appreciation for how much these professionals are helping your child. Year after year, therapists tell me how much they appreciate parents who appreciate their work.
2. Take a deep breath: If your child does have delays and requires services such as speech, physical, or occupational therapy, repeat to yourself: “It will be okay.” New York City has some of the best programs to help children with developmental delays, and you have taken the most important first step in obtaining help for your child.
9. Do your online research, but be careful: There’s a lot of misinformation online, particularly about more serious conditions such as autism. Tempers flare and discussions get heated. Be conscious of what you say to others and respect others’ opinions.
3. Remember that your child is more than a diagnosis and don’t obsess over labels: You may hear an alphabet of terms, from ADHD to PDD-NOS to SPD. Your child is still the same person he or she was the day before a diagnosis; nothing has changed the essence of who your child is.
10. Read a book or two: One guide I highly recommend is The Elephant in the Playroom: Ordinary Parents Write Intimately and Honestly About the Extraordinary Highs and Heartbreaking Lows of Raising Kids with Special Needs. For a beautiful but poignant look at many types of special needs, I recommend Andrew Solomon’s Far From the Tree. And for a good laugh on even the continued on page 110
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toughest days, read Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid: A Survival Guide for Ordinary Parents of Special Children. 11. Find the best resources for your family: Ordinary activities like haircuts or dental visits can be traumatic for children with sensory issues. Christina Reinwald (rockinlocksforhair@yahoo.com), a former Cozy’s stylist, specializes in trimming the locks of children with special needs, and does home visits. And Dr. Jed Best on the Upper West Side provides excellent dental care to even the toughest patients. 12. Know your child’s limits: The city is full of exciting activities for kids, but sometimes crowded, loud events aren’t the best for children with special needs. The good news is that more special needs-friendly events crop up in the city all the time: AMC Theaters (amctheatres. com/SFF) holds a monthly sensory-friendly film showing on the Upper West Side; Music for Autism (musicforautism.org) hosts free, interactive, special needs-friendly concerts every other month. Plus, tons of museums now have programs specifically for children with autism or other special needs, including The Jewish Museum (jewishmuseum.org), The Guggenheim Museum (guggenheim.org), the Children’s Museum of the Arts (cmany.org), the New York Transit Museum (web.mta.info/mta/museum), and the Intrepid Museum (intrepidmuseum.org). 13. Jump in: Over the past couple of years, several new play spaces in the city have opened that cater both to children with special needs as well as typically developing children. Some of our favorites are Sensory City (sensorycityot.com) in Long Island City and Extreme Kids & Crew (extremekidsnandcrew.org) in Brooklyn.
BIG TIP: Special Needs Evaluation Centers Advocacy Groups
&
In addition to contacting the following providers, parents can call 311 and ask for Early Intervention. Parents can also view a list of city-approved evaluation providers by borough at nyc.gov. ABC Early Intervention Program a-b-c.org Advocates For Children advocatesforchildren.org Bank Street Family Center bnkst.edu/fc Child Mind Institute childmind.org Children With Special Needs resourcesnyc.org Early Childhood Associates earlychildhoodassociates.org Important Steps importantsteps.com Los Ninos Services losninos.com NYU Child Study Center aboutourkids.org TheraCare theracare.com YAI/NYL yai.org OTHER RESOURCES Ask Stefanie askstefanie.com Dana’s Kids danaskids.com Gigi’s Playhouse gigisplayhouse.org (search New York) New York Child Development newyorkchilddevelopment.com New York Special Needs Support nyspecialneeds.com The Rymac Group rymacgroup.com Special Kids NYC specialkidsnyc.com
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14. Reach out: Raising a child with special needs can feel isolating, and it helps to meet other parents who are doing the same. The JCC in Manhattan (jccmanhattan. org) runs wonderful support groups for parents and events for the entire family, as does the 14th Street Y (14streety.org). The Child Mind Institute (childmind. org) offers free workshops on everything from ADHD to OCD to pharmacological management of kids’ mental health disorders. And UrbanBaby.com and YouBeMom. com both have helpful message boards for the special needs community. 15. Decide what you’ll share: Not everyone needs to know every physical, psychological, and neurological detail about your child. If you feel like sharing, a simple “my child has some delays” suffices. Keep the specific details to yourself and friends and family, especially as your child gets older and privacy becomes more important to him or her. 16. Brace yourself for unsolicited advice: “My friend’s cousin’s nephew had a speech delay and drank fish oil all day long—have you tried that?” Simply smile and say: “Thanks, I’ll look into that.” There’s a lot of chatter among NYC parents about everything from infant development to preschool admissions. These comments can be unintentionally hurtful, so try to take them with a grain of salt and remember that most parents don’t understand what you’re going through and don’t mean to offend you. 17. Ignore the stares & glares: Let’s say that your child has a temper tantrum on the bus. Of course, all children do this, but a child with special needs may be “triggered” more easily or often. People stare, roll their eyes, and make comments. Again, they don’t get it; they haven’t walked in your shoes. Try to be the bigger person and ignore it. 18. Remember to give yourself a break, too: Parenting is the toughest job in the world, and parenting a child with special needs is even tougher. The highs are higher, and the lows are lower. Have faith in your child and in yourself. You are your child’s best resource! 19. Let the experts help you: With a burgeoning population of children with special needs here in New York City, there are plenty of resources to help guide you—including special education lawyers and educational consultants. Feel free to contact me via SpecialKidsNYC. com if you need assistance. 20. Share the wealth: As you raise a child with special needs in New York City, you will glean all sorts of information yourself—above and beyond the tips mentioned above. Pay it forward and share your knowledge with other parents just starting this special journey. Joanna Dreifus is a Manhattan mother of two and the founder of Special Kids NYC. She also serves on the boards of YAI’s New York League for Early Learning and the Manhattan Star Academy. She writes the blog MyMomShops. www.newyorkfamily.com
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Entering Kindergarten With Special Needs An Overview With A Private Schools Directory By Joanna Dreifus For parents with children who have special needs, the process of enrolling your child in Kindergarten can be especially worrisome, as you try to navigate a new bureaucracy and have your child end up in an educational setting that can effectively address his or her challenges. You’ll need to study the New York City Department of Education website (schools.nyc. gov) and their section on special needs. Even a child with a documented history of special challenges and services—from the Early Intervention Program (up to age 3) and the Committee on Preschool Special Education (3-5)—will need to be evaluated under the rules of the DOE’s Committee on Special Education (CSE), and end up with a new IEP (Individualized Education Program) for public school placement. Parents of a child with special needs who are interested in exploring private school options still typically go through the public school process, not only to learn all of their options but also because they may end up seeking funding from the DOE for private tuition if they don’t believe the public system can adequately address their child’s needs. “I advise all of my clients to cast a wide net when they look at schools that serve children with special needs,” says Joanna Dreifus, founder of Special Kids NYC (SpecialKidsNYC.com). “There is a lot of talk about which schools serve which ‘type’ of kids, but it isn’t always accurate. Visit as many schools as possible before you decide where to apply—there is nothing like a first-hand visit to get a sense of whether this is a place where your child and family will fit in and feel welcomed.” Parents who apply and ultimately enroll their child in a special needs private school often hire a lawyer who specializes in advocating for children with special needs to help them attain tuition reimbursement. Families who can’t afford a private lawyer should check out Advocates For Children (advocatesforchildren.org). As a starting point for parents beginning to research their kindergarten options for children with special needs, we recommend the book, A Parent’s Guide To Special Education in New York City and the Metropolitan Area. Also note that many private child and family therapists who work with children who have special needs (like danaskids.com) are very familiar with the special education bureaucracy; so are parent consultants and advocates like Special Kids NYC. Children With Special Needs (resourcesnyc.org), an agency that offers a lot of parent workshops and trainings, is also an excellent special education resource. And here’s a list of popular private schools that focus on all kinds of learners. The Child School Founded in 1973, The Child School was selected as a National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) School of Excellence for 2014-15. They offer 12-month K-12 education for children with varying disabilities, accommodating each student’s unique learning style. thechildschool.org
The Gateway School of New York Gateway consists of a Lower School for ages 5-9, and a Middle School for ages 10-14. Their low faculty-student ratio combined with expert teaching continues to encourage students to overcome learning differences since its establishment 45 years ago. gatewayschool.org The Gillen Brewer School Gillen Brewer, which offers a Pre-School Program for ages 2-8.5 and a School-age Program for ages 5-10, specializes in educating children with challenging, and often multiple disabilities in a rigorous yet individualized 12-month curriculum. gillenbrewer.com The IDEAL School of Manhattan Championing Inclusion, Diversity, Excellence, Acceptance, and Leadership, as their namesake, the IDEAL School’s team-teaching model, small class sizes, and low faculty-student ratios make for a rigorous, individualized K-12 education. theidealschool.org Manhattan Star Academy Founded in 2009 by YAI, one of the premier NYC agencies serving children with disabilities, MSA is a school for children age 5 and older with a diverse range of special needs. The school has a low student/teacher ratio based on the level of support required. MSA offers a comprehensive, developmentally-appropriate curriculum which includes social/emotional development, communication skills, and physical health, as well as a focus on academics based on the New York State common core curriculum. manhattanstaracademy.org The Parkside School The Parkside School offers children with language-based learning difficulties a full array of academic subjects delivered in a rigorous, structured classroom program, with complimentary services delivered in groups both large and small, and even one-on-one. parksideschool.org Rebecca School Rebecca School teaches children ages 4-21, who have neurodevelopmental delays of relating and communication, including autism spectrum disorders. They use the DIR model of teaching to tailor programs to each child’s needs. rebeccaschool.org Stephen Gaynor School Also with a faculty-student ratio of 1:3, Gaynor offers an individualized educational program with multi-sensory techniques that fits the learning style of each child, starting at Pre-K until middle school. stephengaynor.org West End Day School West End Day School is a small, specialized elementary school that offers a social and emotional perspective to learning while maintaining a challenging mainstream curriculum for children who have learning, language, and/or emotional issues. westenddayschool.org
Churchill School and Center Founded in 1972, Churchill teaches students of average or above intelligence, who have specific learning disabilities and require smaller, more individualized learning environments in grades K-12. churchillschool.com
The Windward School With a Lower and Middle School consisting of grades 1-9, Windward focuses exclusively on helping students with language-based learning disabilities. They are nationally recognized for developing language proficiency instructional programs. thewindwardschool.org
Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech Founded in 1867, Clarke provides in five campus locations locations a variety of programs for children, from birth to eighth grade, who are deaf or hard of hearing, so that they learn to listen and talk. clarkeschools.org
Winston Prepartory School With three schools in the tri-state area and a faculty-student ratio of 1:3, Winston offers highly individualized education to students of average to superior intelligence, with primary learning disabilities in grades 6-12. winstonprep.edu
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the last word
THE AWAKENING After A Life-Threatening Brain Aneurism, A Local Dad And High-Powered TV News Producer Changes His Priorities
“WHAT DID IT FEEL LIKE?” That’s usually the first question I get when someone finds out I survived a brain hemorrhage. The answer is easy: the worst pain I’ve ever felt. Like someone was tightening a vice around my head. The kind of pain where you immediately know something is very wrong with you. In other words, don’t freak out the next time you get a bad headache. In my experience, a bleed on the brain announces itself in such a way that you will know it’s time to get to the hospital. Then, inevitably, there’s the followup question asking how a near-death experience changed me. That one is harder to encapsulate in a casual conversation. “Oh, you know, live every day like it’s your last,” I’ll say. But, of course, the answer goes much deeper. I am, fundamentally, a different person. At the time of “the incident,” as I like to call it, I was the executive producer of “Morning Joe” on MSNBC. By definition, EP jobs are adrenaline-fueled, all-consuming, 24/7 thrill rides. I loved it. Three hours of live TV every morning, evening events with the biggest names in media and politics, travel at a moment’s notice—it was all very exciting, and very much dominated my time—leaving little of me left for my wife and young son. If I’m being honest, my job and its trappings defined who I was much more than being a dad and husband. And if I am really being honest, that didn’t altogether bother me. But then, my brain sprung a leak and I found myself lying in the ICU with a lot of time to do nothing but think. In the very beginning, I remember thinking how I wanted everything to go back to normal as quickly as possible. I wanted to be back in the control room, back at the parties, back in the game. But that wasn’t going to happen any time soon. And as I would learn, my life would never go back to “normal.” It turns out that a near-death experience is an efficient way to de-clutter your brain, a way to simply push out things that don’t matter. Emotional spring
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cleaning, if you will. I realized that anything I wasn’t worried about at that moment, I probably didn’t need to worry about ever again. My wife, Jenny, had been simply amazing from the moment she found out I was in the hospital. Holding my hand through the painful procedures, managing visitors, reassuring me I was going to be okay. When I got home she not only had to take care of me (setting an alarm to give me an anti-seizure pill every two hours and dealing with my overall crankiness) but she also had to be mom to our 2-year-old son. Oh, and did I mention she was pregnant? It was somewhere during that time when something clicked—I didn’t want to miss a moment with her or my kids. This brain hemorrhage had almost robbed me of that. Now, you may think I’m going to tell you the Licht family packed up and moved to Vermont to sell cheese and open a bed and breakfast. Sorry. The thing is: I also love my job. It’s part of who I am. That de-cluttering of my brain has actually made me better at what I do. But I don’t let work define me any more. When I’m home with my family, I am there. I turned off the vibrate on my device and told work to call if it was urgent. I take my vacation time. And remember those evening events I used to love so much? Before I RSVP, I ask myself, is this worth missing a night with my family? I also resolved to just do more. A football game with my dad that isn’t completely convenient, a quick trip with my wife, things like that. And this philosophy has spilled over to how we spend time as a family. So while I don’t recommend having a brain hemorrhage, I can say, given how it brought me closer to my family, that it turned out to be one of my life’s greatest blessings. CHRIS LICHT is the executive producer of “CBS This Morning” and the author of What I Learned When I Almost Died: How a Maniac TV Producer Put Down His BlackBerry and Started to Live His Life.
Photo courtesy of Chris Licht
By Chris Licht
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