Bronx/ Riverdale Family September 2019

September 2019

newyorkfamily.com

Back-to-school

Activities

Fall Fun! Apple Picking, Hayrides & More!

Dikla Goren Dekel Catching up with this stylish mom on the go

contents

September 2019

NewYorkFamily.com

pg. 26

pg. 22

FEATURES 6 | Scheduling Your Kids How much is too much when it comes to your kid’s schedule? Our Editor weighs in 22 | Dikla Goren Dekel — Stylish Mom on the Go The DUMBO influencer and blogger chats with us about gratitude, embracing chaos, and her passion for fashion 24 | Apple Picking and Fall Fun Our top picks for apple picking, hayrides and fall fun close to the Big Apple

Stories & columns 4 | Editor’s Note Back to school time can be a renewal for grownups too 10 | Ask the Expert How to deal with bullies, even if the bully is your own child 14 | Family Health Flu shot facts. Don’t do winter without reading this

pg. 18

pg. 10

Family fun 26 | Calendar Unmissable events in Manhattan and beyond for September

Activities directory 16 | Back to School Activities Exciting activities and enrichment programs for kids

18 | Mom Hacks Healthy, easy and affordable school lunches and snacks for when you’re bored of the same old 30 | We Asked All the back-to-school feels

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Editor’s Note

NewYorkFamily.com Publisher: Cliff Luster Publisher: Susan Weiss Associate Publisher: Mary Ann Oklesson Creative Director-At-Large: Hester Aba Executive Editor: Donna Duarte-Ladd Digital Editor: Katarina Avendaño Partnership Managers: Erik Bliss, Erin Brof, Mary Cassidy, Shelli Goldberg-Peck Marketing Assistant: Charlotte Sauvagnat Art Director: Leah Mitch Web Developer: Sylvan Migdal Nina Gallo Photography

September

September always feels like a renewal. The new school year begins and fall is on the horizon. The reset button has been set, and a summer break with plenty of warm sunshine has re-energized the whole family.

This month can also mark an important time for those school-age kids: the nervous energy of being in a new grade, reconnecting with classmates, meeting their teacher.

Exciting!

When it comes to packing lunches for the kids for the new school year, we’ve got tasty snacks and lunch tips (page 18), make easy and inspiring meals for them.

Gracing our cover this month, we have powerhouse mom, Dikla Goren Dekel,

Graphic Designers: Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti Editorial Interns: Michael Davis, Sarah Jackson, Mia Salas

Contact Information

(page 22) a parenting influencer who oozes positivity and gratitude while embracing the chaos of parenting.

Lastly, getaways are not only for summer! As we move into fall, escape the city and head to the orchards for apple picking and hayrides, you’ll want to read up on our extensive Autumn Adventures guide (page 24).

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Happy September!

Donna Ladd Executive Editor

President & Publisher: Victoria Schneps-Yunis CEO & Co-Publisher: Joshua Schneps

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get in touch Share your feedback and ideas about family life in the city!

Email us at editorial@newyorkfamily.com and tag us at #newyorkfamily

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SMART PARENTING

Balancing Extracurricular Activities How to keep it together when it comes to all those after-school sports, classes, and programs!

BY DONNA LADD

A

s we move on to a new school year, I have been spending my free time researching the sports, classes and extracurricular activities my kids will be doing this school year.

I am a former “Sports Moms,” think like a Stage Mom of after school activities, and that would be me. I hadn’t planned it this way. My mother never pushed my sisters and me to do sports. But my father was the outdoorsy type, and we did everything from track and skateboarding to raquetball and volleyball. When my oldest son was around 16 months, I enrolled him in his first soccer class. It was adorable watching him and his “teammates” figure out where exactly the ball was to go and why they couldn’t tackle or eat the netting.

Then it got serious. The kids got older,

6

and there was more passion, practice time and parent participation required. After soccer, we did basketball, flag football and then gymnastics. My son excelled in gymnastics, and I started to think — Olympics. Gold! But he hated it. He felt he was being pushed too hard, and the truth is, he was. I kept pushing. But he was miserable, and he demanded a break, or a break-up as I called it with what I thought was our one-onone bonding time.

So last school year we took the year off.

My youngest had recently been diagnosed with autism, so focusing on his needs was already proving to be quite time-consuming.

And privately, I was becoming a bit unhinged with all that was on my plate. This decision was the best thing we could have done as a family. We focused on the youngest, his therapies and getting him into a specialty school. My oldest still participated in his

Bronx/Riverdale Family | September 2019

after-school activities, but as far as anything extra, we stopped it all, even the guitar lessons. Having this past year off also helped me get some perspective on time and how we spend it. This is the time while these kids are young; I needed to stop trying to be a super mom and chill out! Cherish the memories and let them have fun.

Now we’re back at it. We missed the practices, the running out the door early on Saturday mornings, even the snow days where I use to curse the weather as we trudged through the snow. But the truth is these kids wake up at dawn. We might as well get out the door and be productive! And participating in a sport or extracurricular activities has enormous benefits. There were many Saturday mornings where I’d find my son on the Xbox, and we would spend the better part of the day arguing about being on the tablet. Participating in a sport

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or extracurricular activity helps our kids to learn to communicate better, to practice social skills and to come together with a group of kids in the same age group (some from different schools!) who learn to be part of a team. I am excited and nervous about going back to the running around and the evening practices. But I’m ready, and I have begun to mentally prepare myself to go with the flow and enjoy the ride.

A few tips I learned during my hiatus:

committed to the time and days he will be practicing and agreed to the time we will be getting up for games. He is genuinely excited, which helps us feel united in having this be a great experience for us as a family.

When it comes to after-school or weekend classes — what does your child want?

I never asked my son what he wanted to do.

When one activity wasn’t his thing, we just moved onto the next. I never considered that maybe he didn’t like sports. He was excelling in after-school classes like theater and dance and yet I continued to put him in sports classes. I felt if his friends are in these classes, shouldn’t he be as well? During our year break, I stopped pushing, and I was surprised when he asked to play baseball this year.

He has had a hand in the league we chose,

Step back if you have overscheduled your kids If the classes, activities or weekend sports leave you or your family feeling like you’re losing it, step back. This doesn’t mean quit.

Skip a game or two. Talk to the coach and let him or her know you’ll be missing a few classes. Take some time to ask why is this not enjoyable. It may be the wrong fit for your child? Perhaps they are in too many activities? Finish the class if you can, set new limits and work within the limitations you set up for your family when choosing the next set of classes and activities.

Ease up during the classes and games My husband was the assistant coach for my son’s soccer team, which put added pressure on my son. The games, especially if the

team lost, could be intense. He was four.

We need to lighten up as parents, and I am as guilty as the next. I found myself being quite competitive, but it’s not worth it unless you have a future NCAA player on your hands. Work on having a healthy sense of competitive balance, especially when it comes to sports, so your child sees you are happy, win or lose.

Know your bandwidth Learning from past mistakes — I am scheduling classes and activities that are close to home. This is what works for us, as we are always crunched for time even on a Saturday.

The baseball league my son will be joining is 10 minutes from our apartment. This will help when we have to run to practice and on those frigid mornings when we need to hurry to a weekend game. I also know parents in this league, which will help if I need someone to tag team when it comes to dropping off and picking up during practice.

All the classes, sports and dances are part of our kids growing up. Enjoy, breathe it all in. These are what memories are made of!

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Bronx/Riverdale Family | September 2019

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ASK THE EXPERT

Let’s Talk About

BULLYING How to help deal with this serious issue

BY SAMANTHA HUGGINS

I

t’s true that hurt people, hurt people. Kids who are trapped in a bullying relationship experience deep power imbalances that can build in momentum and impact over time.

These inequalities between children can be caused by popularity, racism, able-body privilege, gender identity and many other factors. The pain for the receiver can be immeasurable, and the outcome can have a lasting emotional and social impact on both parties.

What is bullying?

According to stopbullying.gov, bullying is defined as “unwanted aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.” The behavior is repeated or has the potential to be repeated over time. There are several versions of bullying, including social, verbal, emotional and physical. These forms of bullying can happen both in person as well as through social channels such as texting and online games (thank you, technology!). This means the threat of bullying is even more significant than when many of us parents were kids. When bullying is happening, it can be constant, with no break for the entire family.

The bullied child may cope in a variety of ways. Kids might go into an emotionally frozen state and not speak out until their distress manifests into physical illness. Some children become depressed or exhibit other emotional and psychological changes, while others may try to tackle it head-on.

Addressing the bullying The tricky thing about our kids getting older is that we can’t just pick them up off the playground floor and walk out of the park. Resolving conflict isn’t easy once children reach a certain age. As we get older and add more depth and dimension to our relationships and social structure, the stakes become higher. The repercussions of our

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actions and how we choose to support both parties can significantly impact the outcome.

It’s a delicate balance for everyone involved.

Dealing with bullying Here are some tools and suggestions for parents whose children are feeling attacked, as well as those kids who are being accused of bullying and might, therefore, feel on the defensive themselves.

Try to stay calm: Whether your child is the accused or the recipient of bullying behavior, let’s put on our empathic hats and collect information before we act. Our goal is to be swift, thoughtful, and to not make the situation worse.

Be mindful of labeling kids: Labels feel

Bronx/Riverdale Family | September 2019

like hard facts. When we speak in stone, we are cementing ideas about our kids as well as their perceived views of themselves. Rather than saying “so-and-so is a bully,” consider using language that feels more fluid. “My child has been bullying yours.” “My child is being bullied.” These kinds of statements offer an ending, and we are thereby planting a seed of future resolution.

Check-in with your kids and do it often: Just as we learn as new parents to consider growth, weight and perceived milestones to assess whether or not a child is thriving, it is essential to check in on how our children are doing socially. Children might share their struggles in subtle ways. Whichever mode they are in, there are usually clues and

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opportunities to approach these subjects throughout the school year. Sometimes it takes more cajoling than a simple “How was your day?” Learning signs of bullying and how to keep open lines of communication between you and your kids can increase the likelihood that they will be willing to share what is going on in their lives.

Circle your wagons: As our kids get older and move up the educational ranks, many parents experience difficulty in connecting with other families at their kids’ schools.

Parents’ lives become busier and, as our children require less immediate attention there is often less opportunity for engagement with our kids’ classrooms.

This can weaken relationships among and between parents and school communities, and lack of communication can affect the willingness to partner to resolve delicate issues that children are confronted with. If bullying is something you feel is happening to your child, reach out to trusted resources for support. If you do not have a support system, look to connect with your school’s administration or a teacher in your child’s

Just as we learn as new parents to assess whether or not a child is thriving, it is essential to check in on how our children are doing socially.

and more than 70% of kids and teachers report witnessing it. This is a systemic problem. Hopefully, we can address this issue by creating and maintaining strong community webs of support in our schools, neighborhoods, and homes, encouraging empathy and addressing unearned privilege.

Let’s agree to talk and listen to each other when we are faced with these horrible situations. Let’s also work on building strong community relationships. I know I will be working on mine.

classroom. They may be able to open the channels to working with the family of the suspected bully. There are also vast online resources, such as stopbullying.gov and pacer. org.

Remember, you are not alone. According to the Society for the Positive Care of Children, nearly 30% of kids report being bullied between sixth and 12th grades,

Samantha Huggins is a birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, doula trainer, CBC, parent and curriculum builder. As a founding member of Carriage House Birth, Samantha works vigilantly to redefine doula work and contemporary parenting. She oversees CHB Education focusing primarily on curriculum building, elevating doula professionalism, and training doulas. Samantha is deeply committed to this work and creating a model of care that is sustainable and works for all people. Samantha is the mother of two, wife to one and friend to many.

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family health

Flu Shot Facts Common questions about the vaccine

By Pramod Narula, m.d.

I am planning to get the flu shot for myself.

I’ve heard I should also have my daughter vaccinated against the flu, but I am worried.

I’ve heard so many conflicting things: that the shot can actually give her the flu and that she might get the flu anyway. So why bother? I want to protect her and do the right thing — I just don’t know what that is!

T

here are many theories and misconceptions out there about flu shots, including the ones you mentioned.

Let’s tackle some of the big ones with information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Can a flu shot give you the flu?

No, a flu shot cannot cause flu illness. The influenza viruses contained in a flu shot are inactivated (killed), which means they cannot cause infection. Flu vaccine manufacturers kill the viruses used in the vaccine during the process of making it, and batches of the flu vaccine are tested to make sure they are safe.

In randomized, blinded studies, where some people get flu shots and others get salt water shots, the only differences in symptoms was increased soreness in the arm and redness at the injection site among people who got the flu shot. There were no differences in terms of body aches, fever, cough, runny nose or sore throat.

Is it better to get the flu than the flu vaccine?

No. The flu is a serious disease, particularly among young children, older adults and people with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes. Any flu infection can carry a risk of serious complications, hospitalization or death, even among otherwise healthy children and adults. Therefore, getting vaccinated is a safer choice than risking illness to obtain immune protection.

What about people who get a seasonal flu vaccine and still get sick with flu-like symptoms?

14

Some people may experience flu like symptoms despite getting vaccinated because they may have been exposed to an influenza virus that is very different from the viruses the vaccine is designed to protect against.

The ability of a flu vaccine to protect a person depends largely on the similarity or “match” between the viruses selected to make the vaccine and those spreading and causing illness. There are many different influenza viruses.

Is it too late to get vaccinated after Thanksgiving (or the end of November)?

No. Vaccination can still be beneficial as long as influenza viruses are circulating. The CDC recommends that providers begin to offer influenza vaccinations as soon as vaccines become available in the fall, but if you have not been vaccinated by Thanksgiving (or the end of November), it can still be protective

Bronx/Riverdale Family | September 2019

to get vaccinated in December or later.

Influenza is unpredictable and seasons can vary. Seasonal influenza disease usually peaks in January or February in most years, but disease can occur as late as May. Is the “stomach flu” really the flu?

No. Many people use the term “stomach flu” to describe illnesses with nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms can be caused by many different viruses, bacteria or even parasites. While vomiting, diarrhea, and being nauseous or “sick to your stomach” can sometimes be related to the flu — more commonly in children than adults — these problems are rarely the main symptoms of influenza. The flu is a respiratory disease and not a stomach or intestinal disease.

Pramod Narula, M.D .is the Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at NewYorkPresbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital.

St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School 1909 Daly Avenue, Bronx, NY 10460 718-893-7600

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- Childcare (2-years to 5-years) - Family EarlyLearn CACFP - Headstart - Pre-school Evaluations - Universal Pre-K - Pre-school Special Education - Family EarlyLearn (6-weeks to 4-years) - 3-K for All program For more information contact the central office located at: 880 River Avenue Bronx, NY 10452 2nd Floor Phone: (718) 992-1321 Fax: (718) 992-8539 James W. Nathaniel, CEO HacFamilyServicesInc.org www.hacfs.org Nearly a half a century of service to the Bronx

Early Childhood Center III* 1399 Ogden Avenue Bronx, NY 10452 (718) 293-9196 Richard H. Mangum Early Learning Center 921 E. 162nd Street Bronx, New York 10451 (718) 590-0673 Marshall England Early Learning Center 800 Concourse Village East Bronx, NY 10452 (718) 742-2366/69 Head Start Program* 880 River Avenue 2nd Floor Bronx, NY 10452 (718) 992-1321 September 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

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Activites Directory | Special Advertising Supplement Now under new ownership!

General Activities New Settlement Community Center

KIDVILLE RIVERDALE

555 West 235th Street • Bronx, NY 10463 718-708-8081 • kidville.com/riverdale

1501 Jerome Ave., Bronx, NY 718-758-5901 newsettlement.org The New Settlement Community Center is excited about the variety of activities they are offering families during the 2019-2020 school year. There’s a host of healthy, fun and exciting programs for children 6 months old and older including: Ballet & Hip-Hop with Alvin Ailey, group as well as private swimming classes, mixed martial arts, youth technology, and piano, guitar, violin, and musical theater with Music for the People NYC. The Mixed Martial Arts, Youth Technology, and Group Swim program consists of eight weeks of classes once a week. Alvin Ailey Dance and Music for the People NYC is divided into two 14 week sessions with classes offered once a week.

Performing Arts

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Bronx/Riverdale Family | September 2019

stop by and register at any time!

Kidville Riverdale 555 W. 235th St., Riverdale, NY 718-708-8081 kidville.com Now under new ownership!

This enrichment center specializes in award-winning music, dance, art, and gym classes for newborns to children 6 years old. The classes help kids learn, play and grow. Kidville University is an alternative preschool program for 2- and 3-yearolds, meeting two or three times per week. The AfterSchool Club for children 3-6 years old is a drop-off program featuring fun-filled afternoons of excitement, creativity, physical activity and cognitive learning. Enroll in any combination of days to create a custom after-school schedule. Activities vary by day; see schedule for more information. Kidville also runs spectacular, all-inclusive birthday parties for children of all ages!

Bronx House School of Performing Arts

Sports

990 Pelham Parkway South 718-792-1800 X 236 holley@bronxhouse.org bronxhouse.org Founded in 1912 as the Bronx House Music School, they offer instrumental music instruction for all ages, a variety of dance classes for all levels, and theater classes as well as a production program for youth. Classes are offered year-round on both weekdays and weekends, designed to meet individual needs and schedules. The facilities feature a state-of-the-art 7,000 square foot wing that includes soundproof and sound enhanced music rooms and three dance studios. Performing Arts School faculty are dedicated, enthusiastic and accomplished performers and educators with advanced degrees from universities around the world. Whether you are a new pupil, parent, community member or one of the continuing students,

Croton Park East 1720 Crotona Ave., Bronx, NY 718-247-7420 nyjtl.org There’s no better time than now to train at the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning! The Center is host to the NYJTL Bronx Open, a WTA International tournament, and is the new home of the New York Empire. Developed by seventime Grand Slam Champion and Executive Director of Tennis Liezel Huber, the Junior Development and Competition level programs aim to teach and improve tennis technique, strategy, and create basic patterns of play for effective point construction. Included is a fitness component designed to improve footwork, balance, speed and strength.

When kids train at Corey Leeds, they are taught to “compete like a champion.”

Round-trip transportation is available.

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Youth Technology

Swimming

Music

game design • web design robotics

group classes • private classes swim camp • swim team

Mixed Martial Arts

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu • kickboxing

B D 4

musical theater • piano violin • guitar

Alvin Ailey Dance ballet • hip-hop

train to 170th Street or Mt. Eden

1501 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. 10452 • 718-758-5901 (On the corner of W.172nd St. & Jerome Ave.)

www.newsettlementcommunitycenter.org September 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

17

MoM hacks

Game On!

Instagram Inspo

By Denise nicole

I

t’s that glorious time of the year again — back to school! Between shopping, stocking up on school supplies, and making massive to-do lists, we all have been busy. But with a new school year comes new opportunities to do things better.

Back to school can come with its own unique set of stressors, not the least of which are school lunches and the plethora of snacks our kids require seemingly every hour on the hour.

This means it is time to pull all of our ingenuity and creative force to master...the lunch box. It is time to find that perfect combo of healthy and fun that your tribe might actually eat.

Like most moms, nourishing my family with healthy meals is important to me. But it can get a bit overwhelming keeping up with the pace of NYC and staying grounded in healthy habits. I have learned a few tricks to simplify the process. Warning: the following tips could radically transform your mom life and may even result in you having time to pack your own lunch as well!

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We’re making your back-to-school meal prep hassle-free. It’s a game changer!

@little_lunch_love

Some of my favorite lunch accounts:

@superhealthykids

Look for lunch and snack inspiration It’s time to do your research, which, for most of us, means scrolling for 15-20 minutes on Instagram (Pinterest if you really want to get serious). That’s where we get all our best meal ideas these days, right? Try not to get overwhelmed by the visuals. Social media is guilty of the perfect lunch — we have all become obsessed with those perfect bento box meals. While your lunch may not be

Bronx/Riverdale Family | September 2019

@schoollunchbox

shaped into creative masterpieces, we all know most days a sandwich and a side of peas will work just fine. As long as your kid likes it, that’s all that really matters.

Show them that eating is fun My kids love cooked baby carrots, sliced mini cucumbers and plain cooked pasta spirals. My mom hack to save time is to buy pre-sliced or spiraled veggies. Especially during the school

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Fave School Gear week, in the fridge, you’ll find pre-sliced fruits and vegetables. You can also purchase veggie and fruits, set aside 45 minutes to an hour and chop them up as soon as you bring them home from the grocery store — or after the kids go to bed. Since my children are still on the younger side, they are easily swayed to eat their fruits if in fun shapes. Using cookie cutters, you can instantly upgrade your lunchbox game, and it’s a great way to save time.

For grain and protein options, easy-cook dishes that can be done over the weekend are brown rice and grilled chicken (or chickenless nuggets if you have a vegetarian in your household). Store your hard work into airtight containers or mason jars in the fridge, and they will stay fresh all week.

Now that you have all the timesaving tools and snack hacks ready to go, where are you going to put all these delicious morsels of goodness? Have no fear, I’ve got just a few of my favorite lunch gear goodies lined up for you.

Check them out here: Thermos Funtainer stainless steel food jars. These babies actually keep food hot and cold, plus they’re durable and can survive being dropped and tossed around a bit.

One-pot meals are hassle-free Stop wasting dishes and time cooking everything in different pots. Need boiled eggs, pasta and soft-cooked carrots for the kids’ lunchboxes tomorrow? No problem! Boil one pot of water and toss them all in. Pay attention to the time, using a small strainer to scoop out what needs to come out first. Cool it all. Separate and put into the lunchbox or storage container of your choice until it’s time to be feasted on.

Stasher bags.

These nontoxic silicone reusable bags are amazing.

You can heat them and freeze them, and they are dishwasher-safe. Put any and all snacks inside.

“Don’t fix what isn’t broken” applies to kids meals too Don’t be afraid to repeat meals. If you have found a meal that your little ones love to eat and enjoy — no need to reinvent the wheel.

Kids are creatures of habit; having the same meal two-three times a week is a good thing.

If the lunchbox keeps coming back empty, or at least with some of the food eaten, thank your lucky stars and take the win.

Bentgo box.

Bento Boxes are great for getting crafty with a variety of different lunch items and snacks.

They are versatile and one of my favorites.

Meal delivery services are a mother’s helper Try out a meal delivery service; they’re not just for dinner. There are many meal delivery services where you can get pre-planned, sometimes already prepped meals delivered right to your door. You can whip these up in no time and even have your kids help! One of our family favorites is Hungryroot. They have some plant-heavy, nutrient-loaded meals and snacks that are so delicious, my kids loved them. Most of their meals can be prepared in 15 minutes or less (with kids helping), and they are colorful and creative. Think pad thai with sweet potato noodles and a colorful shaved brussel sprout salad. Another service is Yumble, which is a meal service designed specifically for kids. You can order up meals with farm-fresh produce that are nutritionist-approved and ready to eat.

OmieBox Bento Box with Thermos.

This is a really cool lunch box, bentostyle. There’s actually a built-in thermos to keep food hot or cold inside the lunchbox.

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Classic chicken nuggets with corn and peas or multigrain mac and cheese with a side of broccoli are big hits on their menu.

Say yes to the school lunch Don’t forget the school lunch. If school lunch

Bronx/Riverdale Family | September 2019

Best Snacks

What lunch is complete without the snacks?

Here are some of my favorite snacks you can pick up to add that extra something to your little one’s lunch. Bobo’s Oat Bars and Bites, LesserEvil popcorn, Bitsy’s Smart Crackers and Once Upon A Farm smoothie blends.

Drinkable yogurt and granola, mandarin oranges and fresh snap peas are also great on-the-go snacks.

is provided, it’s a viable option as well.

I had illusions of grandeur last school year and expected every one of my son’s lunches to be perfect veggie skewers in small shapes and pinwheel magic. It didn’t happen, and that’s OK! Some days I packed the “perfect” lunch, other days I sent him to school with a bottle of water and a banana — such is life! He ate school lunch and was just fine.

Everyone’s schedule is different. Whether you’re a stay at home mom, a mom who works outside of the home or somewhere in between — these tips can help you streamline your routine.

When it comes down to it, we are all just trying to have as many stress-free mornings as possible. These hacks have worked well for my family and me; use what works for you and your family’s lifestyle. Now off to the races — I mean classroom!

Denise Nicole is a birth and postpartum doula, wellness advocate and content creator. Her goal is to help people find sustainable and healthy habits for themselves and their families. Denise is very passionate about wellness for all, self-care and finding the perfect matcha. Denise is a mom of two; follow her family on their NYC adventures on Instagram @abrooklynbabe

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September 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

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Dikla Goren Dekel Mom on the Go! On the importance of gratitude, embracing chaos, and her love for style

By Katarina avendaño

M

other and influencer Dikla Goren Dekel is a mom on the move. After growing up in Israel, she moved to NYC at age 29 where she settled into life with her long-time love and now husband Noam. After the birth of her second child, she started GirlPlusTwo, a blog and social media moniker that reaches mothers around the world. Her platform was built out of her desire to build a career where she could spend time with her kids while working — a career choice that ended up being the perfect fit.

Most days you can find Dikla on Instagram, dishing on her love for fashion, travel, and the juggling of three, soon-tobe four kids! She doesn’t just talk about motherhood, she shares moments from her busy days, showing how crazy but fun it all can be. Whether it’s surviving a road trip with the kids or creating a family routine that works for getting the entire family out of the door to school, Dikla makes motherhood look exciting.

Supporting her through her mom journey is an incredibly loving family: supportive husband Noam and kids Romi age 3, Ori 5, Yuli 8. It’s obvious that family comes first in this household; there is so much shared love and happiness. Dikla and her husband Noam do their best to teach their children about finding everyday joy, the importance of gratitude and positivity!

We chatted with Dikla about GirlPlusTwo, raising kids, and being a NYC mom.

Can you explain what GirlPlusTwo is and what sparked your passion for creating it?

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I founded GirlPlusTwo after my second son, Ori, was born. I was itching to reinvent myself, and used my blog as a way to showcase my life as a mother in the City, explore my love of fashion and connect with parents around the world. I wanted to create something that was wholeheartedly mine, to be my own boss, have creative direction over everything I produce, and still spend as much time with my kids as possible. I have a degree in economics and business management but knew early on that I would rather work with people than sit behind a desk all day crunching numbers. I need something truly dynamic. Next thing I know, this is my fulltime gig, outside of mothering!

How were you able to launch your website and grow your Instagram following as a new mom and stay motivated through it all?

My motivation for doing GirlPlusTwo was to create an exciting career for myself. This motivated me in its earliest months, especially as the blog took off. It also continues to motivate me now, as I make friends and connections through the blog that I could never have dreamed of. I also would be remiss if I did not give major credit to my loving husband, who has supported me in pursuing my dreams every step of the way, and my family, friends and interns.

What’s your routine for getting the kids ready for the new school year? Any tips for getting out the door quicker on those frantic mornings?

I have one word for this: Teamwork. If your partner is able to be there and assist,

Bronx/Riverdale Family | September 2019

take them up on their help! Split the morning chores: brushing teeth, getting the kids dressed, making breakfast and lunches, so that one parent doesn’t feel like it’s all falling on them. Also, involve the kids! Giving the older kids mini-tasks like choosing the cereal and putting bowls on the table makes them feel needed and important, and allows for another aspect of the morning to be taken care of.

To get the kids ready for the new school year, we always do a big school supply and clothing shopping day, where the kids can pick out a few things they want and feel like they have an active role in planning for the year. I also start making bedtimes a bit earlier about a week before school begins and put extra effort into ensuring that a routine is in place for the first day.

After having your first child, you’ve shared that there were difficult times within the first year of parenting. How did you both tackle this and learn together as new parents?

Because our family lives in a different country, no one taught us how to deal with the difficult times postpartum. We had to experience everything on our own, without the support of family close by. Our friends back home, too, were thousands of miles away physically and light-years away from the world of parenting! But, maybe because of having no one else to count on in those first few weeks, we had to ‘win’ at this parenting thing on our own and learn together as new parents. Now, almost a decade later, we’ve gotten more of the hang of this parenting thing, including balancing out our relationship as husband and wife and

as parents. We make sure to carve out time for each other regularly. We make a point of going out for a date night every other week.

We also are conscious of each other’s feelings and needs – Noam is a morning person, and I’m a night person, so we factor this in when deciding who takes which shifts with the kids. I’ve realized that it’s mostly about listening to the person in front of you and understanding their needs to try and make them happy. To me, this is love.

What values do you find the most important when it comes to family, and how are you teaching your kids this?

I feel very fortunate to say that the core of our family is genuine love and happiness.

Noam and I teach our children to be grateful for all that they have, to be kind to all others, and to realize that each moment is a moment for happiness. We demonstrate these values to our kids through our interactions with one another, with friends, family members, and of course, to them directly. We encourage generosity and inclusivity with their friends, as well as an appreciation for the good in their lives. We are also big proponents of fun.

We want our children to live their lives with goodness and happiness every step of the way.

How do you maintain a connection to your home country of Israel and teach your kids about their roots?

We travel to Israel at least twice a year, if not more. Israel is our first home, it’s where we grew up, and it is the foundation of our identities as people. Our families also come out to visit us as often as they can. But, we are still thousands of miles away. The beauty of technology, though, is that we are able to Facetime with everyone over there every single day. Not a day goes by when we aren’t connected to life in Israel. We also celebrate all of the Jewish holidays and are involved with the Chabad here in Dumbo, which helps our children develop a love of Judaism and pride for their Jewish identity.

With three kids and another baby on the way, busy times are coming! But, that is part of the fun of parenting, and Dikla wouldn’t want it any other way. For her, every day is an adventure and she is grateful for it all.

Whether it’s running after the little ones or sharing the experience of watching a sunrise, Dikla takes a moment for family.

Photo by Ana Gambuto Hair & Makeup by Buffy Hernandez Clothing courtesy of Bloomingdales

To learn more about Dikla, visit girlplustwo.com or follow her on Instagram @diklagoren September 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

23

Au��mn Adven�ures Apple picking and fall fun not far from the Big Apple!

BY KATARINA AVENDAÑO AND JANA BEAUCHAMP

T

he start of fall is always an exciting time.

While kids are busy with back-to-school, what better way to spend family time on the weekends than to head to one of these apple picking orchards within striking distance of the city. Kids will be pumped to pick apples, learn how food grows and many of the orchards offer hayrides and a host of other fun fall activities on weekends. We’ve included the travel distance from Midtown so you know how long the journey will be. Because each apple picking season is different, be sure to call ahead to check that there will be ripe apples to pick, and provisions for bad weather, before you set off.

One Hour and Under Demarest Farms 244 Wiermus Road, Hillsdale, NJ 07642 201-666-0472 (40 min from Midtown)

Starting September 3rd, you’ll be able to taste the first of fall’s harvest! Step foot in the orchards and start picking delicious apples for your seasonal pies, ciders and more. Hop on a hayride, pet and feed farm animals and don’t forget to try Demarest Farm’s sweet apple dessert treats. Some of their tasty apples include Cameo, Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, GoldRush, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Liberty, McIntosh, Mutsu (Crispin), Red Delicious, SunCrisp and Winesap. $7 per person

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(age 2 and over), which includes free parking, entrance to the apple orchard, a hay wagon ride, two petting zoos, adventure playground, corn box, photo display area, crooked house village, wooden playsets and picnic area with tables. Open to the public from 3-4:30 pm on weekdays starting Sept. 3.

Queens County Farm 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Queens, NY 11004 718-347-3276 (40 min from Midtown)

What better way to celebrate fall than to start the season off with apple picking? Join the Queens County Farm on weekends throughout October to explore the grounds and taste a variety of Hudson Valley apples. There will also be scrumptious donuts, apple pie, and even crisp apple cider to enjoy while you pick in the orchards. Don’t forget to pick up your Halloween pumpkins, go for a hayride, and roam The Amazing Maize Maze while you are there. Open 11 am - 4:30 pm. October 5th26th, Saturdays and Sundays, October 14th.

Gate admission is free.

Hillview Farms 223 Meyersville Road, Gillette, NJ 908-647-0957 (50 min from Midtown)

Make the trip to Hillview Farms to pick seasonal apples from late August until the end of October. Spend the day with the family

Bronx/Riverdale Family | September 2019

on the farm picking from a variety of apples, taking a ride on their hay wagon, and seeing animals roaming around the farm. You can’t go wrong with the classic red apple, but make sure to take home a few other delicious options, such as Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Jonathan, Macoun, McIntosh and Stayman/Winesap.

Open 9 am - 6 pm (field closed to the public at 5 pm), daily.

One Hour to One Hour and a Half Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY 10560 914-485-1210 (1 hr & 20 min from Midtown)

Be part of the excitement at Harvest Moon for their biggest time of the year. This familyowned and operated apple orchard will be welcoming their main harvest with a variety of delicious apples available for picking beginning Aug 31. Bring the family to visit the orchards as well as their farm store with stone fruits and vegetables. Open 9 am - 4:30 pm, daily (through October).

Stuart’s Fruit Farm 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs, NY 10527 914-245-2784 (1 hr & 20 min from Midtown)

Since 1828, Stuart’s Fruit Farm has been a proud family-operated farm. This fall season,

bee observation hives and taste their sweet and delicious apple treats on the farm.

Open to the public from 9 am - 6 pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and all holidays. Open 9 am - 5 pm, Monday - Sunday for school group reservations only. Admission and parking are free. $29 for half a bushel of apples.

Lawrence Farms Orchards 306 Frozen Ridge Road, Newburgh, NY 12550 845-562-4268 (1 hr & 30 min from Midtown)

bring your family along for the beginning of the apple-picking season where there will be an array of apples to choose from and the opportunity to go on a hayride around the orchard! Before you leave the farm, spread your blanket out for a picnic and share a homemade pie from the farm stand. Apple picking begins Sept. 6 and runs through November. Open 10 am - 5 pm, daily. Cash or check only.

Alstede Farms 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930 908-879-7189 (1 hr & 20 min from Midtown)

Alstede Farms invites your family to pick their crisp, seasonal apples for the fall season.

Kids will be thrilled to see and learn how food grows as they pick their own for a healthy snack. Eat straight from the tree or bring home this delicious fruit for making traditional homemade apple pie, cider and delightful pastries. Choose from over 50 different varieties.

Not sure where to start? Don’t forget to check out the other fun activities offered on the farm, such as exploring the mazes, spending time with the farm animals, and more! You can also pick berries, corn, peaches and more.

9 am - 6 pm for pick your own with last admission at 5 pm, open daily.

Apple Ridge Orchards 101 Jessup Road, Warwick, NY 10990 845-987-7717 (1 hr & 30 min from Midtown)

Kick off the fall season by visiting the most scenic and rustic pick-your-own farm. Just 60 miles from New York City, you can pick from a variety of 20 different apples throughout the Hudson and Warwick Valley. Have a fun and educational experience as you spend time at the orchards picking. They even have dwarf trees that little ones can reach! Make sure to also take a trip on a hayride, pet and feed the farm animals, explore the corn maze, visit the honey

Take a drive to Lawrence Farms Orchards and make it a family day out! Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the farm and have a blast picking a variety of apples such as McIntosh, Jonamac, HoneyCrisp and Gala. Take a break from picking and head over to their concession stands where you’ll find apple-flavored treats, along with hot dogs, milkshakes, chicken fingers and more. Open 9 am- 4 pm, daily. Admission is $5 per person with a $2 credit towards produce purchases, children under 2 years old are free.

Season passes available.

ening guide. Admission, parking and bags are free and apples are $29.95 per bag (but you can eat all the apples you wish as you pick for free).

For the kids, there are barnyard baby animals, pony rides, and wagon rides. The country store has great cider as well as an assortment of apple jams, butters, pies and other goodies.

There is also, a haunted house, live music, country store and more! Apple picking season starts August 31st to early November. Open 9 am-5 pm, daily.

Fishkill Farms 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 845-897-4377 (1 hr & 30 min from Midtown)

Fishkill Farms has been part of the Morgenthau family for over 100 years and invites your family for the apple picking season. This 270acre apple orchard offers a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year that you can pick. Be sure to stop by for their apple season in the months of September and October.

Open 9 am - 6 pm, last entrance at 5 pm daily.

Over an Hour and a Half

Barton Orchards 63 Apple Tree Lane, Poughquag, NY 12570 845-227-2306 (1 hr & 30 min from Midtown)

Switch up your typical weekend plans and take a family car ride to Barton Orchards. These apples are known for being the best in the area with over 120 acres of apple trees to pick from.

Apple picking starts here from the middle of August through November. As we move through the fall season, a variety of different apples will be available for picking, such as Early Golds in August, Jona macs in September, and Ida Reds in October. And, to make sure that you have the freshest apples, Barton’s Orchards rotates picking areas around the farm!

In order to pick apples, you must purchase a Barton apple bag that day. Open 9 am - 6 pm, from August-November.

Masker Orchards 45 Ball Road,Warwick, NY 10990 845-986-1058 (1 hr & 30 min from Midtown)

Masker Orchards is a go-to for family-friendly apple picking in the Hudson Valley region (you can even bring the dog). Drive right to the trees with your family and then get lost in the massive orchard picking a variety of apples (picking poles are also available) and taking in the views and foliage. With 14 varieties of apples ripening throughout the season at Masker Orchards, you’re sure to find all of your family’s favorites; and to help make sure of this, they put together an approximate rip-

Apple Dave’s Orchards 82 4 Corners Road, Warwick, NY 10990 845-772-1242 (1 hr and 35 min from Midtown)

Opening Labor Day weekend, start your picking at Apple Dave’s Orchards and take home a variety of apples like McIntosh, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Gala, Empire, Jonagold, Rome Beauty, Red Delicious, Macoun, Fuji and Golden Delicious apples. You can also visit their farm store where they have fresh-pressed apple cider, apple donuts, pies, flowers and seasonal items. Opens Saturday, Aug. 31. Open 9 am - 5 pm, daily.

Hank’s PumpkinTown 240 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY 11976 631-726-4667 (2 hrs from Midtown)

Hank’s PumpkinTown in Water Mill, NY is well-known to families for its amazing apple picking and over 30 acres of fall family fun! It costs $25 to pick one peck (about 10 pounds of apples), after you’ve had your fill of picking, wander over to the wooden playground, maze park, face painting, and gem mining. We love mining for fossils and gems and have even found (fool’s) gold before! For some extra fun head to the maze park ($15 admission) and you’ll have unlimited access to check out the giant corn maze, jump on the 70’ jump pad, enjoy hayrides, tractor and family corn trains, duck races, a pedal cart race track and much more! The Market has yummy, freshly baked pies, cookies, cupcakes, candy apples and everpopular cider donuts.

September 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

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family fun

10 MUSEUMS

MUSIC

THEATER

ATTRACTIONS

FOOD

Great Kid-Friendly September Events in theBronx By mia salas

FAMILY ART PROJECT: SHADOW PLAY September 1 How can you use the sun as a tool in creating art?

In Shadow Play, little ones get to catch the sun at the right angle and chase their shadow! Families will create art under the sun’s rays and tell stories, and use props, paper, drawing materials, and their bodies to get crafty. Free with admission to Wave Hill, 10 am-1 pm. Wave Hill Public Gardens, 675 West 252ndSt., Bronx, NY10471, wavehill.org

DINOS AFTER HOURS September 7 All ages are welcome at this family program all about dinosaurs! Meet a modernday “dinosaur” up close, compare the bones of dinosaurs and modern animals, and have an exclusive after-hours tour of Dino Safari. Enjoy a pizza dinner as a part of the prehistoric, dinosaur evening. $45, 5-7 pm. Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460, bronxzoo.com

THE EXPLORER’S CLUB: SURVIVAL CRASH COURSE Outdoors

September 8

Urban Park Rangers will lead kids through techniques of wilderness survival and emergency preparedness in an outdoor setting! Learn more about the natural world through handson, interactive activities. Afterwards, earn a survival stamp for your achievements! Free, 1-2:30 pm. Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Van Cortlandt Park, 246 Broadway, Bronx, NY 10471, nycgovparks.org

FERRAGOSTO- BRONX LITTLE ITALY September 8 Immerse yourself into Italian culture, eat delicious food, and listen to wonderful entertainment all day long! There will be plenty of activities for kids, Italian street performances, celebrity guests, and family-owned, small-town businesses and restaurants who are ready to share their slice of Italian culture with you. Free, 12-6 pm. Arthur Avenue between Crescent Avenue and 187thStreet, Bronx, NY 10458, ferragosto.com

BACK TO SCHOOL PIZZA PARTY September 13 School’s back in session! Come celebrate the start off a new school year with pizza, classmates, and neighborhood friends. There’s a lot to look forward to in the 2019-2020 school year, so get ready for all that’s up ahead with this pizza party. Free, 3:30-4:30 pm. Mott Haven Library, 321 East 140th St., Bronx, NY 10454, nypl.org

ARTES BRASILEIRAS MUSICAL PERFORMANCES: NATION BEAT

Feel the rhythm of Brazil with Nation Beat at the New York Botanical Garden on September 14.

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Bronx/Riverdale Family | September 2019

September 14 Enjoy live music by Nation Beat with your family on this fall afternoon! Nation Beat knows how to get a crowd moving with their Brazilian maracatu drumming and New Orleans second line roots rhythms, so be prepared to dance. Nation Beat also appeals to kids of all ages, as they have several educational programs, including The Big Beat Program for grades K-12. Free with garden admission, 1-4 pm. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10458, nybg. org

OPEN HOUSE 2019: THE RIVERDALE Y September 15 To kick off their fall programs, The Riverdale Y invites your family to come enjoy the pool, gym, and fitness center. Sample classes in fitness, swim, sports, and arts as well. At this kid-friendly celebration, there will also be a bouncy castle, face painting, STEM projects, arts and crafts, and more! Free, 10 am-2 pm. Riverdale YM-YWHA, 5625 Arlington Ave., Bronx, NY 10471, riverdaley.org

6th ANNUAL BOOGIE ON THE BOULEVARD September 15 The center lanes of Grand Concourse are closed to cars and open to you and your family for an afternoon of culture, community, art, and fun!

Listen to music, make arts and crafts, dance, learn about healthy eating, play fitness activities and more at the Boogie on the Boulevard.

Bring your family to get involved with your community. Free, 2-6 pm. Grand Concourse from 162nd to 170th streets, Bronx, NY, boogieontheboulevard.org

YANKEES VS. BLUE JAYS: YANKEES KNIT CAP NIGHT September 20

Baseball games have always been a childhood favorite. But when the Yankees take on the Blue Jays, this won’t be just any ball game. It’s Yankees Knit Cap Night! Presented by WFAN, the first 18,000 guests get a free Yankees Knit Cap. The weather’s getting cooler, and it’ll be hat season before we know it. Little ones will look adorable in these knit hats with a pom-pom on top. $15-$385 depending on seat, 7:05 pm.

Yankee Stadium, 1 East 161st St., Bronx, NY 10451, mlb.com

Dance down the Grand Concourse at the annual Boogie on the Boulevard on September 15.

DAY FOR KIDS FESTIVAL AND STEVEN BONANO 5K WALK/RUN MEMORIAL RUN September 28 Calling all kids for this exciting 5K! There is a one-mile run for kids ages 13 and under, so no worries if they do not want to run a full 5K. Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club wants your help to continue to provide educational and developmental programs for young kids, so come out and run, and then celebrate afterwards at the Day for Kids Festival! There will be food, entertainment, and visits by local elected officials. You can even register your child for Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club membership! $20 per runner, Kids 12 and under free, 9 am-4 pm. 1930 Randall Ave., Bronx, NY 10473, kipsbay.org September 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

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family fun

Featured event

Events Around the City

By Mia Salas

HABANA OUTPOST KIDS CORNER: ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL BASH

The Brooklyn Book Festival Children’s Day

September 3 The Kids Corner at Habana Outpost offered workshops and crafts on the weekends all throughout the summer.

With school starting up again, it’s time to finish off Kids Corner with the Back to School Bash! Enjoy arts and crafts and celebrate both the end of the summer and the start of a new school year with your neighborhood friends.

Free, 11 am-2 pm. Habana Outpost, 757 Fulton St., Brooklyn, NY 11217, cafehabana.com

September 21 As the largest free literary event in New York City, The Brooklyn Book Festival presents more than 300 authors and 250 booksellers!

Children’s Day encourages reading for kids through workshops, author readings, art projects and more.

Young readers get to browse a wide selection of books, hear from their favorite authors, get crafty with book-themed arts and crafts, engage in performances and listen during storytime. Free, 10 am-4 pm.

MetroTech Commons, Brooklyn, NY 11201, brooklynbookfestival.org

NYC BROADWAY WEEK September 3-16 There are so many familyfriendly shows playing in the theaters right now, and there’s no experience like Broadway! In the epic 2-for-1 deal during NYC Broadway Week, catch your favorite Broadway shows for a great price. Get ready for amazing theater and family memories. Prices and showtimes vary. Broadway, New York, NY, broadway-show-tickets.com

SEPTEMBER CHILDREN’S ARTS & CRAFTS Tuesdays, September 3-24 Evening arts and crafts are a great supplement to the education and enrichment kids receive at school.

Seaside Library offers arts and crafts for kids, with a different, Septemberrelated theme each week. Themes include sunflowers, pollinators, Henri Matisse and fall landscapes. Free, 4-5 pm. Seaside Library, 116-15 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway Park, NY 11694, queenslibrary.org

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SKYLINE CINEMA AT HUNTER’S POINT SOUTH PARK: MARY POPPINS RETURNS

September 7 As the final movie in the CinemaLIC summer series at Hunter’s Point South Park, Mary Poppins Returns (2018) is the family-friendly hit that’s sure to entertain everyone. Even if your little ones haven’t seen the first Mary Poppins, they will still appreciate this sequel. Out of all the movies offered throughout the summer at this beautiful, outdoor venue, Mary Poppins Returns, rated PG, is the best for kids! Free, movie starts at sunset.

Hunter’s Point South Park, Center Boulevard between 50th Avenue and 2nd St., Long Island City, Queens, NY 11101, cinemalic.com

MC VEGGIE FRESH AT HUDSON RIVER KIDS September 9 and 12 Learn all about living a healthier lifestyle through rap and hip hop! MC Veggie Fresh encourages healthy behavior

Bronx/Riverdale Family | September 2019

changes, self-confidence, cooking with kids, friendly rap battles and food exploration. If your little ones want to continue the exciting journey of health and nutrition, they can read Shanon Morris’ debut book: MC Veggie Fresh Rocks The Mic! Free, 4-4:45 pm.

Hudson River Park’s Pier 25 at North Moore Street, New York, NY 10013 on September 9, Pier 62 at West 22nd Street, New York, NY 10011 on September 12, shanonmorris.com

EZRA JACK KEATS STORY AND CRAFT September 19 Bring your little ones for storytime with a book by Ezra Jack Keats, a pioneer in American children’s literature. Librarians will then lead kids through a book-related craft for further enrichment. At the end of the session, every kid gets to keep a free copy of one of Keats’ books! Free, 4-5 pm. Central Library, Youth Wing, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11238, bkynlibrary.org

Toby Tenenbaum

Learn how to fish on Randall’s Island at the Get Hooked Fishing Festival on September 28.

SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM DAY September 21 Smithsonian Museum Day is not only a citywide event — it’s nationwide! Head over to one of the participating museums with your family after downloading your ticket for free entry. Museums include Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Museum of Chinese in America, New York City Fire Museum, Queens Historical Society, The AKC Museum of the Dog and many more. Free, museum hours vary. Multiple locations citywide, smithsonianmag.com

SQUARE DANCE September 27 Grab your partner and get ready for a night of square dancing! There will be country food, otherwise known as delicious comfort food, music and lots of activities for kids and families. Spend the day outdoors in the park with family and friends. Free, 5-10 pm. Bryant Park Lawn in Bryant Park, New York, NY 10018, nycgovparks.org

GET HOOKED FISHING FESTIVAL September 28 Learn all about fishing and underwater wildlife at Get Hooked Fishing Festival.

Partake in catch-and-release fishing with equipment provided, play games, make crafts related to underwater wildlife, listen to live music and enjoy plenty of refreshments. Free, 11 am-2 pm.

Randall’s Island, Southern Shore, South of 103rd Street Footbridge, New York, NY 10035, randallsisland.org

35TH ANNUAL MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL September 29 Travel back to the Middle Ages at the 35th Annual Medieval Festival. There will be music, magic, jugglers, jesters, knights, medieval crafts, food and drinks and medieval clothing. And, guests are welcome to dress in their Middle Age costumes too! Be sure to watch the joust between four knights on horseback! Free, 11:30 am-6 pm.

Margaret Corbin Drive and adjacent lawns in Fort Tryon Park, New York, NY 10040, nycgovparks.org

Meet MC Veggie Fresh at Hudson River Park on September 9 and 12.

September 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

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We asked

What Does Back-to-School Time Mean for You? Back to school is a season for us! It is the beginning of a new school year, new teachers, friends and a whole new mindset of expectations on what’s to come! I love that feeling of excitement leading up to that very morning when the sound of the alarm clock mixed with the brake of the school bus runs through the house. @twindollicious I’m so excited for back to school season for both myself and my girls! This year, my older daughter is going to Middle School, my youngest will be starting Kindergarten, and my middle girl is going into third! I also love this season as renewal for myself - I’m taking a playwriting class and getting back into freelancing. A season of learning, fun, and challenges for all of us! @weekendjaunts Back to school means back to the routine. Less traveling. More time at home. The fall brings a whole new vibe to our house - which lends itself to football and slowcooked chili Sunday’s. This is my favorite time of year. The coziness that fall brings after a busy summer always puts a smile on my face. @eay814

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Bronx/Riverdale Family | September 2019

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