New York Family October 2019 by Schneps Media Digital Editions

October 2019 established 1986

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Pumpkin Patches

The best spots in and around NYC!

New York by Night

After-dark adventures for the whole family

High l oo h Sc de Gui

Ariane Goldman

On kids, baby bumps and her maternity fashion empire

FIND YOUR FALL Explore plentiful pumpkins, silly scarecrows, bountiful harvests, and more for a fall you won’t forget. Spooky Pumpkin Garden Honey & Harvest Weekend Spooky Pumpkin Nights Giant Pumpkin Weekend

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October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

contents

October 2019 NewYorkFamily.com

pg. 50

pg. 20 pg. 40

pg. 24

pg. 44

FEATURES 14 | Mom Style Jenny Greenstein of Your Soul Style on post-baby style and where fashion fits in 28 | Technology What you need to know about TikTok to keep your kids safe 40 | Nighttime Adventures for Kids Awesome activities for kids to explore New York by night! 44 | Ariane Goldman: Maternity Style’s Game-Changer How this mother of two has brought the baby bump front and center

Stories & columns 6 | Editor’s Note Fall Fun-October 8 | Contributors The wonderful peeps who have shared their talents this month 10 | Smart Parenting Tips on getting through mom guilt

New York Family | October 2019

20 | Mom Hacks: Family Dinner Our round-up of the best easy meal delivery kits for family dinners 24 | Mom Hacks Old school DIY Halloween costumes 26 | Parent’s Book Club Megan Miranda’s latest novel, The Last House Guest 30 | Ask the Expert Mallika Chopra on how to deal with pre-teen emotions 64 | Mom Stories Essay: Cris Pearlstein shares why making mom friends can be hard 66 | We Asked The beauty of fall in NYC

58 | Travel Newport, Rhode Island: Escape to New England for your next seaside trip

Family fun 56 | Family Fun: Corn Mazes Corn mazes near NYC 60 | Calendar Unmissable events in Manhattan and beyond for October

directory 32 | High School Listings Our picks for high schools in Brooklyn, Bronx/Riverdale, Manhattan and Queens

Home & Away 54 | Neighborhood Guide: Koreatown Explore Korean culture in Midtown 50 | Family Day Out: Pumpkin Patches and Picking Check out our guide to the best spots for pumpkin picking

on the Cover Photo: Brooklyn-Based Photographer Ana Gambuto anagambuto.com Hair & Makeup: Buffy Hernandez | buffysaintmarie.com

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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 Ad Ops Coordinator: Charlotte Sauvagnat Art Director: Leah Mitch Web Developer: Sylvan Migdal Nina Gallo Photography

Fall Fun — October Fall is one of my favorite seasons. Growing up in a warm-weather climate, I appreciate the turning of the leaves and moving from t-shirt to sweater weather. A seasonal must for my kids is pumpkin picking. Luckily our guide to Pumpkin Patches and Picking (page 50 ) has all the best spots in and around NYC. And we have a special feature on mazes for our corn maze (page 56) enthusiasts. If you’re looking to explore fun parts of our city — check out Kid-Friendly Koreatown for dumplings, sweet churros and more (page 54). With both holidays and school days coming up, our 32 Nighttime Adventures for Kids (page 40) is the perfect guide for evening fun for the entire family.

For those of us parents who either have or will be entering into the pre-teen zone, we have author Mallika Chopra sharing her personal story and tips (page 30). It was such a privilege to get a personal peek into the life and home of our October cover Ariane Goldman, The Designer Who gets Maternity (page 44). This mother of two has changed the game in maternity fashion and redefined how we all see pregnancy style.

Graphic Designers: Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti Editorial Intern: Mia Salas Graphic Design Intern: Elvia Caballero

Contact Information

ADVERTISING: (718) 260-4554 Advertising@NewYorkFamily.com Circulation: (718) 260-8336 Tina@NewYorkFamily.com

Address: New York Family Media/Schneps Media 1 MetroTech Center North, Third Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201

Happy Fall!

Donna Ladd Executive Editor

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

New York Family has been recognized for editorial and design excellence by PMA. New York Family is published monthly by Queens Family Media, LLC.

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

New York Family | October 2019

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Contributors

Maria-Piessis

Jen Brister

Jenny Greenstein

Mallika Chopra

Ana Gambuto

Founder of Soul Style Jenny Greenstein is our Mom Style profile this month (page 14) sharing her wisdom and expertise on empowering new moms with style. With a background in the corporate fashion industry as a stylist/ visual merchandiser, Jenny specializes in the motherhood space, supporting mamas and mamas-to-be on how to navigate their personal style. Jenny lives in Manhattan with her family. Visit her website, yoursoulstyle.com.

Mallika Chopra is a mom, media entrepreneur, public speaker and published author. Just Feel – How to Be Stronger, Happier, Healthier, and More, her latest project, is a beautiful guide empowering kids ages 8-12 to problem solve, harness inner strength, and gain grit and emotional awareness. This month she shares her story and tips in Just Chill (page 30). Learn more about Mallika and her message on intention, balance and living a life of balance. Learn more at mallikachopra.com.

Ana Gambuto grew up in California and now lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn. Ana’s enthusiastic, playful outlook helps her make lifestyle photos and content for brands, entrepreneurs and families. This month you can find Ana’s gorgeous work on our cover story on Ariane Goldman (page 44). Ana’s work has been featured in Parents, Cup of Jo, Goop and on the IG pages of countless influencers. For more on her work, visit anagambuto.com

New York Family | October 2019

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smart parenting

How to Deal With Working Mom Guilt We have all been there. Here are five tips to getting through it and not letting it rule your life By Donna LaDD

irst, let me just put it out there. The title of this piece should not be How to Deal with Working Mom Guilt; it should read How to Live with Working Mom Guilt. After ten years, I have yet to master complete balance in my life. My mom guilt can cause temporary paralysis of the senses, cause me to stand in the middle of a street in tears, cause me to rethink my profession and overall feel at a loss for words when I feel I have disappointed my kids. And every year, we hear some statistic or quote from a powerful woman, and we know we are not alone in experiencing working mom guilt.

New York Family | October 2019

I can list what my shortcomings are as a busy mom, but why even go there? The crazy part is I am a good mother. I go beyond to make sure my kids have a childhood that will provide them with structure and love that provides the tools that will result (I hope!) in caring and mature adults. Like any feeling, be it joy, sadness â&#x20AC;&#x201D; guilt comes in ebb and flows. And as most moms can attest to, it is a work in progress not to let it take over and get the better of us. So I live with mom guilt, and I deal with it, and here are a few ways I do both. Know Your Worth Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go Zen Mama for a bit. Affirmations,

self-care, reading an encouraging book or following people on Instagram that lift you â&#x20AC;&#x201D; this all helps. Being firm in believing that you are doing your best will help when the mom guilt sets in. Like all negative vibes, you can dismiss them as quickly as they hit or if there is a lesson to learn there, check in with that feeling, learn, then release. Be Particular With Who You Follow on Social Media Be realistic with yourself when it comes to how others live, primarily through social media. If following a particular person is making you feel you are not even close to having as good as life as this person then

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October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

unfollow or mute them. There doesn’t have to be any deep thinking into this. It’s okay if following someone who posts beautiful images is aspirational for you. It is also okay if it is not. Social media should be fun, not make you feel less than, especially as a mother. Set Boundaries in Your Life Saying no or simply shutting down negative situations is a personal challenge. In the last year, I have become much better at choosing things and situations that work for me and my family unit. I only have myself to blame when I allow in a person or situation that is negative. Boundaries. It is essential to know what is going to tip you over. And it’s fine. Whatever your threshold is, is good, as you do not have to measure up to anyone else. You are magnificent, and doing a great job. Say this to yourself every day. Believe it. The Kids Will Be Alright My closest mom friends and I frequently share how we feel that the more we work, the more intense the kids seem to get. The

Believing you are doing your best will help when the mom guilt sets in. emotions are a rollercoaster, and there have been sleepless nights, on both sides, especially when the day has not always gone as planned. Something I have started to do is step back or walk away to another room to not be reactionary. I have found that four out of five times I get an apology or a snuggle. Sometimes it’s my turn to apologize. And within minutes, we are all good. Depending on the disagreement or moment, it may be best to let it slide. Other times, talk it out, especially if your child is old enough and open to working through tough conversations. Accept or Ask for Help This is something of a work in progress for

me. I have a hard time reaching out and asking for help. Lately, I have been so busy that the offers to pick up one child or stop by early to take another to school have been a tremendous support in my day to day. Time to not carry every burden. If you have the means to hire more help, hire away. If your mother in law would like to visit and the worst thing she does is fill your dishwasher wrong, who cares — she provides love and hugs, so a win-win for all. Ask away. Reach Out to Friends. Know You’re Not Alone When it comes to mom guilt, it is essential to remember that most of us experience this at some point in our lives. Many seasoned parents have told me that especially when kids are young, we experience it more. Go out and get your nails done. Sit and have a warm latte, even if it is only for five minutes. Reach out to friends, whether in person or through a mom group. Supporting each other and sharing our stories is how we all get through these rough moments and most importantly, we’re all in this together.

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mom style

Ana Gambuto @anagambuto

Empowering New Moms — with Style Stylist Jenny Greenstein on the emotional highs and lows of figuring out fashion post baby By dONNA LAdd

e chatted with Jenny Greenstein from Your Soul Style on postbaby body, the emotional highs, and lows that come when figuring out how and where fashion fits in and how you can find your style for in this new chapter in your life.As someone who worked in fashion for many years, I was shocked when I was pregnant with my oldest and found myself stumped style-wise. I had always romanticized what sorts of clothes I would wear when I was finally sporting my baby bump. I planned to be one of those stylish pregnant women who look good in everything. Then reality set in. The maternity clothes seemed too pricey, and the pieces I did invest in lasted only so long. I found myself living in long tees and leggings. Post-baby, it got worse. I had trouble accepting my new body and now limited on

New York Family | October 2019

time I was wearing the wrong pieces. I did finally get my step back, and then a few years later, I adopted my youngest son. Although I did not have post body issues, I found myself again stumped. New baby stress, fatigue — I did not have to give birth to have post-baby struggles. Thankfully I had started to follow Jenny Greenstein of Your Soul Style on Instagram. Jenny’s tips help me to understand that life changes after a baby. I learned to embrace where my body and life were at the present moment. Thankfully Jenny is sharing her wisdom with us today on post-baby style — and how when it comes to style, it’s about finding what works for you and getting to your new normal. How was Your Soul Style born or what is Your Soul Style? Your Soul Style stands at the intersection of style and mindfulness. I have a long history

working in the corporate fashion industry, but always felt called upon to use style as a tool for self-expression, empowerment, and building an authentic self-concept. I didn’t feel that there was space for that in the industry. So in 2012, after 10+ years working as an in-house stylist/visual merchandiser, combined with a semester working towards my Masters in Social Work at NYU (which would have been my other career path had I not chosen fashion), Your Soul Style was born. I fancy myself a ‘stylemaker’ from the inside out, a philosophy guided by style as a vehicle to empower women, and built on a foundation that feeling your best is contingent upon authenticity. Life can be challenging, but how we show up matters and is a litmus test for what is truly going on inside. While I work with women ranging in age and experience, I specialize in the motherhood space, supporting mamas and

October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

mom style

mamas-to-be navigate their personal style during this beautiful (and complicated) time. With the endless adjusting in this role, self-care is imminent. It takes work, a commitment, desire, courage, self-love, and acceptance while moving through the physical, emotional, and mental transitions that occur during pregnancy and beyond. That said, it’s vital to find a “new normal” stylistically to be our best selves from the inside out, the inner reflecting the outer. We owe it to ourselves as women and mothers to live in that empowered space. What are some of the frustrations mothers have post-baby when it comes to style? I can’t go into a deep dive style conversation with a new mom without discussing the physical transformation because it’s the most visible and tangible adjustment that women must embrace. No one’s clothes fit post-baby. And they may never fit the same again, so that is cause for frustration. But the truth is that the emotional, mental, and financial shifts are just as profound. And typically a woman’s style doesn’t align in those areas anymore either. My clients look in their closet after the baby arrives and see a woman that doesn’t exist hanging up. Becoming a mother crosses you over into a new realm, and we must accept that who we were is no longer. Everything has changed, including our perspective. Women are eager to get back to their pre-baby selves, but women need to let go of this idea in order to create a new normal. There really isn’t any going back, and really — who wants to go backwards in life anyway? It takes a lot of work, a commitment and dedication for women to release old self-concepts, but when they are ready, so much beauty emerges, and a new level of authenticity rises up that feels way more aligned with current life. It is never easy to evolve and grow, we all have gravitational pulls working against us, we are creatures of habit, and the journey comes with pain and frustration. But with patience, willingness, and mindfulness, together we ride the wave towards establishing a personal sense of style that feels right. And we do get there. How does style therapy work? There are many personal stylists in NYC, but my clients are specific and understand emotional health is part of the equation when getting dressed. I support women as we discover the roots of their authenticity. Only once we arrive here, can we work our way outwards to ensure the outer self aligns

New York Family | October 2019

Jen Brister @storyandgoldphoto

with the inner one. I educate my clients to understand how personal style is relevant for an overall empowered sense of self. My clients recognize our work is a therapeutic process, one that takes courage, requires vulnerability, and openness to examine one’s experience. Because I am personally committed to a daily practice of emotional

and mental evolving, our relationship is typically a natural fit, transference, and countertransference of information, which in psychology terms means that my clients direct their feelings onto me, and I transfer emotions (with guidance) onto them. Women from all different professional backgrounds and experiences seek out my support, but

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mom style

many of them if not all, live mindfully and are committed to emotional, physical, and mental wellness. I believe that a critical part of self-care is ensuring our truest self is the one that’s showing up. None of us walk around naked, and clothing is a key tool in demonstrating who we are. I help my clients get there, providing a road map to authentic representation. Your Soul Style has always been a platform where style meets mindfulness, and my clients live that truth to the fullest. What is your philosophy when working with a client? The most important part of my work is meeting my clients where they are and eliminating social/cultural pressure and expectation to look a certain way. We are all unique with our own narrative and thus require developing individual expression. So we always start there. Personal style is the result of understanding our deepest selves first. And once we get there, we can draw that confident sense of self to the surface. Is detoxing different for every woman — I

“my clients look in their closet after the baby arrives and see a woman that doesn’t exist hanging up.” assume it’s on a case by case basis? Yes, of course. It’s all contingent upon where a woman is in her process. Life presents very specific transitions such as motherhood, new careers, weight shifts, etc. but each woman has her own agenda and her own individual needs that need to be addressed. I never take a cookie cutter approach because not all women were created equal, and that’s the beauty of it all. With a postpartum mother, what are a few pieces she should invest in? During the postpartum period of a woman’s life, she is transitioning, in-process, and has

Jenny’s Key Pieces for Moms

Jean: A medium midrise helps tuck in the midsection. A bit of stretch keeps you comfortable. madewell Classic straight.

Camisoles: Invest in a few cami’s, for nursing and to pair with tops and wrap around knits. Hanro sphaghetti Camisole.

New York Family | October 2019

Dresses: If nursing look for dresses that are not too structured and allow for easy feeding or pumping. Zara Printed midi Dress.

not necessarily landed in a stable place yet. And that is expected and OK. But, because of this, the best piece of advice I give women is that investing during this time is just as vital as when things are even flow. Women should feel beautiful at every life phase, and I always recommend setting aside a budget (no matter how small or big) to dedicate to this time. The investment is more than dollars and cents. It’s an investment into yourself, your emotional health, and well-being. That said, a few key pieces to consider are... • 1-2 pairs of non-maternity denim that fit your current shape • A beautiful blazer that elevates a look and works with changing shape • 2-3 dresses with less structure to be worn now and later • Appropriately fitting undergarments to support feeling sexy • Tops with discreet access (for breastfeeding) such as wrap tops or button downs You are much more than a stylist per se, do you feel that you being a mother helps you to understand where these mothers are coming from? One hundred percent. In my opinion, motherhood and all of its ebb and flow can only be understood when you’re in the role of. When you’ve been there and can fully grasp and understand how challenging the transitions actually are. Before I had my daughter, I had a birds-eye perspective on the experience and could only offer technical guidance and support. But now that I’m a mom myself, there is a key emotional element that I bring to my work, which creates trust and relatability in the process of supporting women through their own journey. Let’s just say, I get it. Lastly, can you explain how one can work with you, Do you work with clients remotely? I do in-person styling/shopping support for women who live in the NYC metropolitan area and work remotely for women that don’t. The services page on my website , yoursoulstyle.com, breaks down each of my services, including packages for mama’s and mama’s to be. Any service or package can also be customized to meet a woman’s specific needs. All inquiries should be sent to jenny@ yoursoulstyle.com. I can also be found on social media @yoursoulstyle, where I provide a lens into my work with clients, the Your Soul Style philosophy and mission, and of course some personal stuff too.

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MOM HACKS

5 Meal Delivery Ki�s We tested these cool services that make life easier in the kitchen

BY HESTER ABA AND DONNA LADD

efore I became a mom, I was always in awe of my mom friends, who were always sharing their tips on how they made dinner for their growing families. I had one friend who would spend her entire Sunday cooking meals for the week. I can recall when

I was younger my own mother cooking up eggplant lasagna and soups that she would freeze and use as time savers down the line. With three kids, she was always working hard to have a healthy meal on the dinner table. Now, as a busy mother, my friends and I swap recipes and tips on making quick yet nutritious meals. We also do meal kits. I have

FAMILY MEAL KIT: Plated What makes Plated unique and the right fit for me as a mother is that their chef-designed meals are the sorts of dishes I always aim to create. High-quality meals with seasonal ingredients and sourced the way I like to shop, which is preferably organic, no added hormones or antibiotics and sustainability sourced fish. How it works is Plated features 20 recipes each week, you choose how many servings you like and dishes can be mixed and matched in any combination. Meals are delivered with all the fresh ingredients you need, pre-portioned, along with detailed recipe instructions. Why It Works: In my dream world, I

New York Family | October 2019

found meal kits to be one of the ultimate dinner hacks. Like any meal, kids have opinions, and for the money that is spent these meals have to work hard. Thankfully we have tested the following five (one is actually a cake kit, yay!) and we feel that they are worth being listed as our top picks for familyfriendly meal delivery services!

can get all of this together but in my real world, getting out, putting everything together only happens when I have the time, which are weekends. During the week when I return home from my workday, home-cooked meals are not ready until 7 or 7.30pm. This means a late kid bath, story reading, and bed wrangling. I find myself ordering out at least three times a week, which can be expensive. Another advantage to using Plated is unlike a gym subscription you can’t get out of, it’s easy to skip weeks of Plated deliveries as well cancel under their ‘no strings attached cancel anytime’ policy. Best value three servings a night for fournight — perfect for two adults and two kids. Favorites: The Seared Steak with Roasted Broccoli and Caesar Dressing is super tasty and the Taiwanese Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Cashews and Dates are not too heavy and easy to whip up.

KIDS READY MADE MEALS: Yumble A meal kit is a time-saver, especially for the busy parent, but what if you love the service, but your kid does not? My oldest son rarely ate any of the dishes I cooked from the meal kit services we used in the past. I like the idea of having healthy food that gets delivered to my door with meals that allow a break when preparing the family dinner, especially when having a busy work month, or my husband is traveling for long periods. But what is the point of cooking up these meals if the kids aren’t going to eat them? So we gave Yumble a whirl. This meal service is geared towards kids, and the meals are ready-made. There are no ingredients to whip up — it’s you choosing your meals and popping them in the oven. Why it works: Yumble works hard to make kids happy with their meals. Smart. They aren’t underestimating their customer. They may be a bit crazy to service the pickiest age group in the universe, but they aren’t missing a beat with meals such as Tasty Taco Bowl and Handmade Pizza Pockets. From the

moment the box is delivered, Yumble feels happy. My son was excited from the get-go as the wooing starts as soon as you open the creative packaging and a packet that includes star charts, golden coins that are meant to be given as a reward, activity sheets they can draw on and a few other cool things. Yumbe worked hard to please my picky eater and, drum roll, it worked. We received six meals, and there were no complaints about any of the meals. Neat packaging, fun names, and food that kids want to eat, the kinds of food they love yet are made to be healthy. Yumble also offers dairy, egg, gluten-free, as well as vegetarian options. I was prepared to have to sell my boy on these meals, which has been my past experience. With Yumble, there was no cajoling. I did add fresh fruit and

cheese to all the meals as my kid is a big dinner eater. Best value is the 12 meals plan, which for two kids averages out to $5.62 a meal. Favorites: My oldest loved the Bowl of Yays Pasta, the Vegetarian Bean Burrito and Better Chicken Nugget Dinner. The costs of six meals comes to about $50, a valuable service for our busy lives.

HEARTY BASICS: Gobble With starting a new job and back-to-school hitting, I needed to step off the planning-shoppingcooking treadmill for a while and gave Gobble a whirl. While I was initially taken-aback by the amount of plastic packaging the meals came in, I definitely appreciated the easy and quick familyfriendly meals they provided. Gobble promises “dinner kits designed for 15 minutes,” and while I didn’t quite hit that time frame (partly because I was trying to multi-task with homework and stack-

ing the dishwasher!) I was always under 30 minutes from taking the ingredients out of the fridge, to dinner being served. I also love how Gobble offers Lean & Clean options for parents who might be trying to get healthy and clearly marks allergens. Why it works: Gobble keeps it pretty simple and classic, avoiding strong flavors, or making it easy to serve sauces on the side for picky eaters. The portions were also hearty and perfect for hungry kiddos. Because of the limited space in my New York kitchen, I don’t have many big pans (or the kind that can go in the oven) so I always went over the one pot promise, but I found the prep super-easy and clean up afterwards was a breeze. Favorites: I never thought that the Pan-roasted Chicken with Pesto Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus and Carrots would be something that could be produced in less than 30 minutes!

October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

mom hacks

Plant-Based: Purple Carrot Last year my husband went vegan. As a show of solidarity, I agree to 60 days of cooking and eating a plant-based diet for our family. The toddler, well we’re happy if he eats anything, so he was out. My oldest lasted about a week. I cooked some serious vegan meals to start, the kind where you are making your own cashew crema sauce to go with tofu scrambled chilaquiles. I enjoy cooking; I’m known in my circle for loving to cook but cooking vegan, I hated. It was time-consuming and frankly expensive. I realized I needed to be schooled on making plant-based meals which lead me to give Purple Carrot a try. I started with the two serving meal plan which is two servings for three meals which comes out to $11.99 a meal. This is a bit on the high side; however, for what I was spending to buy all the ingredients for one meal, this was a cost-saver, and we usually had leftovers. Why it works: The meals never left us feeling hungry. They were all delicious.

“Home-Baked” Cakes: Poppikit At New York Family, we definitely count cake as a meal, and when you’re in need of a “homebaked” cake for your little one’s birthday or school event, you can’t go wrong with one of PoppiKit’s offerings. They come packaged with everything you’ll need to get baking, with the exception of milk, eggs, butter and “wet” ingredients. What elevates PoppiKit above grocery store options is firstly the convenience of being able to have everything delivered straight to your door, and secondly the fact that they give

New York Family | October 2019

Every single dish. Some of the meals took time to make despite all the ingredients being broken down, so I had to come to the acceptance that cooking healthy, gluten and high protein meals are a bit of a labor of love which is why I fed the kids first on the nights I made Purple Carrot for my husband and myself. Although not quick dishes, I learned some short- cuts to cooking vegan as well what sorts of ingredients have lasting power and can work in more than one meal such as vegan cheese, tempeh, and miso. Purple Carrot has an easy cancel and skips meals policy. Extras such as a delicious black bean bowl can be added for lunch as well as a breakfast dish like superfood toasts.

Favorites: The Blackened Tempeh Chopped Salad is something I now make at least once a week, I no longer need the kit as we eat it so frequently and the Sweet Pea Flatbread with Truffled Fingerling Potatoes & Kite Hill Ricotta is a dish I would never have known where even to start, it’s so darn good!

you such a leg up on decorating by including fun colors to customize your frosting, fondant, and even toppers for some cake kits. Why it works: With clear instructions, carefully measured ingredients and tonnes of ideas for decorating, your final product will definitely be Pinterest-worthy. I also loved how easy it was for kids to get involved to help out! Favorites: I’m obsessed with the ombre cake kit and plan on taking full credit for being a master baker. Great British Baking Show, here I come!

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mom Hacks

Old-School Costumes!

Try these chill DIY projects this Halloween By Lindsey Peers President of The Craft studio

long for the days when Halloween was the craftiest of holidays. My favorite costumes were the ones where my mom and I dreamt up something and had a ball making it happen with few supplies, no special skills, and lots of laughs! I loved our Hershey Kiss costume where she wrapped me in tin foil and added a paper tag. And then there was my zombie

prom queen costume when we got a thrifted dress and took it out to the back yard and dirtied it up ourselves, painted my face white and puffy painted a PROM QUEEN 1969 sash. We moms are all pulled in a million different directions and constantly pressed for time but a good old fashioned DIY Halloween is easier than you think! Here are three super easy, done-in-minutes costumes you can throw together.

The Craft Studio is located at two locations: Tribeca (174 Duane St, New York, NY) and Upper East Side (1657 3rd Ave., New York, NY)

Llama Drama! Who doesn’t love a fluffy doe-eyed llama?! Create a sidekick llama for your mini with these super easy steps! Materials A cardboard box large enough for your llama rider to be able to stand in Scissors and/or Box Cutter Tan Craft Fur* Googly Eyes Tan Tempera Paint (or acrylic paint but be careful because acrylic paint can stain) Brown Pipe Cleaners Yarn Black Marker Pink Foam Sheet Tacky Glue *Can’t find tan craft fur?!? Painting stretched out cotton balls works great! Instructions 1. First cut the top flaps off the box

New York Family | October 2019

(save at least one for llama head) and then guess-timate the size leg holes you need by first sketching the outline and then cutting them out. On the flap for the head, draw a long neck and oval shape for llama head. Cut the head and neck shape out of the flap in one piece. 2. Have your kiddos help you paint the box and llama head! Perfect is boring and crazy brush strokes make for a more unique and special llama! 3. Cut your pipe cleaner into one inch pieces for the llama’s eyelashes. Cut patches out of the fur. Cut a short tongue out of the pink foam and draw a black line down the middle. Fun fact: llama tongues only can stick out about a half of an inch! 4. Hole-punch or use a box cutter to put two holes opposite each other in the front of the box and then align two more holes directly across from them in the back of the box. Then punch a hole in the top of the ear of

the llama and the base of the neck. Lastly make a hole in the middle of the back of the box. Weave your yarn first from one front hole to one back hole making shoulder straps and tie to fit your little one’s needed length so they can wear the box on their shoulders. Next, tie a long loop through the ear hole so your little can wear the head around his or her neck and hold on top the yarn like reins. Lastly, tie one more piece of yarn from the neck hole to the hole in the middle of the back of the box to attach the neck and the body of your llama leaving it loose enough so your little one can stand and wear the yarn comfortably. 5. Glue an eye on each side with the curly pipe cleaner eye lashes glued on top! Glue on the short little tongue and patches of fur in adorable places. Now you’re ready for plenty of Halloween drama with your llama!

Photos by Derrick Watterson

Bag of Jelly Beans

Materials Clear Trash Bag* Basic Black Headband Plastic Sandwich Bag* Latex Balloons in Assorted Bright Colors* Black Pipe Cleaner Cardstock* Markers Scissors *Everything with a * can be a compostable/biodegradable version to be nice to mother earth! Instructions 1. We all know you are full of hot air! Use it to blow up around 20 balloons without passing out! Take lots of breaks. 2. In the base of the trash bag use scissors to cut leg holes out and arm holes near the opening of the bag but leaving enough room at the top

of the bag to tie the back shut behind the costume wearer’s back once the bag is on and full of balloons. There are no exact measurements! Just eyeball your kid and eyeball where to make the leg and arm holes. 3. Cut a label out of your card stock in a creative shape (consider a star or a heart shape) to create a label for your bag. 4. Bunch up the base of the sandwich bag for the head-piece and twist the pipe cleaner around it and then twist the pipe cleaner around the headband to create the top of the bag. 5. Next assemble that bag of sweetness! Put the trash bag on and start dunking in the balloons. Next seal up the bag by tying the access plastic around the back or bunched up at each shoulder…whatever is more comfortable. 6. Lastly, tape on with scotch tape your label and put the headband on your cutie.

Cactus

It doesn’t get cuter or cooler than this one. Materials Green Turtle Neck Green Sweat Pants Green Beanie Yellow Foam Glue Gun Scissors Instructions 1. Cut a lot of random and varying triangle spikes out of the yellow foam. Do as many as you want to create a spikier or more sparse cactus. We used about 100! 2. Squirt the hot glue onto the triangles and then stick them on your hat, sweats and turtleneck. 3. That’s it… and now you’ve got one dangerously cute cactus! October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

Parent’s Book CluB

Discover New Stories with Us!

Christine Watley

OCTOBer THeMe:

Halloween Thrill By Mia Salas

alloween is October 31, but the whole month leading up to the spooky holiday is full of ghost stories, scary costume ideas, creepy orange and black decor, and... mysterious deaths in all-consuming towns. In our Monthly Pick, you’ll experience that thrill and fear characteristic to Halloween, all while trying to solve the mystery of a young woman’s death.

New York Family | October 2019

The Last House Guest Megan Miranda

Two girls form an unlikely friendship in Littleport, Maine. Each summer for almost a decade, the girls are inseparable — until Sadie is found dead. While the police rule the death a suicide, Avery can’t help but feel there are those in the community, including a local detective and Sadie’s brother, Parker, who blame her. Someone knows more than they’re saying, and Avery is intent on clearing her name, before the facts get twisted against her.

Welcome to New York Family’s Parent’s Book Club! Each month, we feature a different Monthly Pick novel, all of which have several copies available in the New York Public Library. We encourage you to start your own book club with friends, loved ones, and neighbors, using our Monthly Pick as your book of the month. Host meetings to discuss the novel with our discussion questions, and enrich your perspective of the book with our author interview on NewYorkFamily. com. We hope to connect NYC families and encourage more “me time” for parents.

Megan Miranda is the New York Times best-selling author of All the Missing Girls. She has also written several books for young adults, including The Safest Lies, Fragments of the Lost, and Come Find Me. She grew up in New Jersey, graduated from MIT, and lives in North Carolina with her husband and two children. The Perfect Stranger is her second novel of psychological suspense and The Last House Guest is the latest. Twitter: @MeganLMiranda Her Website: MeganMiranda.com To read our interview with Megan Miranda, visit NewYorkFamily.com! Megan Miranda

Discussion Questions You read the book, now we have the discussion questions here to guide your book club meeting! We hope that these questions will spark thoughtprovoking, intellectual, and even controversial discussions about the novel.

1. How would you characterize Avery and Sadie’s relationship? 2. Share a theory that you had for Sadie’s death as you were reading. Did you suspect Detective Collins? 3. How does the thrill/mystery genre differ from other genres that you’ve read in the past? If you always read thrill/mystery novels, what draws you to them? 4. Avery describes Littleport as if the place itself has the power to transform people and shape who they become. Have you ever been in a place, a country, town, or city, where you feel different, as if the place and its environment impact your thoughts and actions? Describe that feeling.

intentions in the case, why might Sadie not have photos of Avery? Was their friendship more one-sided? 12. While we know that the Lomans perhaps had a guilty conscious for Avery’s parents’ death, why do you think they took Avery in, only to abandon her after Sadie’s death? Were they ever remorseful or were they just doing it for Sadie? Or perhaps they had other intentions? 13. Connor and Faith forgive Avery for the past as she redeems herself in the present. While the novel ends before Parker has a chance for redemption, do you think that Avery will ever forgive him for his role in her parents’ death? Are some actions unforgiveable? What makes something unforgiveable?

shares her motivation for writing The Last House Guest and what she hopes that readers take away: “I am usually someone who starts with character, but this time I was inspired partly by setting. I wanted to set the story in a town that could be viewed from two different perspectives, both from an insider who lived there year-round, but also as an outsider who maybe only sees the surface of it and is somebody who visits in the summer. The characters of Avery and Sadie grew from that idea: somebody who lived there and a visitor. And I knew I wanted to set it in Maine, which was where my dad grew up. We used to take trips up the coast every summer and we’d stay in Pearl Harbor, so that was the inspiration for the setting. But it became something much more from there. It is a mystery at the heart, but I think it’s really about this very unusual and intense friendship between Avery and Sadie and, for me, it’s also a story about Avery’s resiliency.”

5. For Avery, Littleport is her home, but for the Lomans and the other guests, Littleport is their summer vacation. What’s the difference between home and vacation? Do you see these differences cause tension between the residents and guests?

We hope enjoyed reading and discussing Megan Miranda’s The Last House Guest. Next month, look forward to a novel that explores immigration, womanhood, sexuality, identity, and more. And for our Brooklyn readers out there, November’s Monthly Pick takes place partly in Brooklyn!

10. Were you rooting for a love story between Avery and Connor? Avery and Parker?

19. What did you think about the structure of the novel? Why do you think Miranda decided to write the novel this way, with shifts in time between the summer before Sadie’s death and the summer after? What is the role of time? What can time do and what are its limitations?

11. Detective Collins confronts Avery and tells her that Sadie has no photos of Avery on her phone. Although we later find out that the Detective has other

20. Compare The Last House Guest to another thriller/mystery that you’ve read, either by Miranda or another author. How were they similar/different?

6. The whole story is told from Avery’s perspective. Did you trust Avery’s narration? While we know her past struggles, we also don’t get lots of details about what her past relationships were like with Connor, Faith, her parents, and her grandma. Is it possible that Avery picks and chooses what she tells readers about her past? 7. Who was your favorite character in the novel and why? 8. What gives a person power? Money? Beauty? Intelligence? Courage? Does power always mean control over others? Who, in this novel, is powerful, and what is the root of their power? When do the power dynamics shift? 9. Share a passage in the novel that stood out to you and explain why.

14. Look back at the last chapter. Did you expect the novel to end this way? What other endings did you anticipate after Detective Collins was caught and the truth of Avery’s parents’ death revealed? 15. How might the novel have changed if Miranda didn’t include the last bit about Avery’s properties that she invested in? 16. How does the title, The Last House Guest, impact your understanding of the novel? 17. What do you think of the book cover? How does it connect to the novel? 18. Sadie kept a huge secret from Avery, Parker’s role in her parents’ death, and there could have been more that she was hiding. How can the people who we believe to be our closest friends and companions actually not be who we think they are? Are we all inherently hiding secrets about our pasts?

October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

Technology

TiKTok: What Parents Need to Know Understanding why pre-teens obsess over this social media app for homemade music videos By Mia SalaS

e live in an age of rapid technology, with a new app, social media platform, or another way to connect emerging constantly. With the blur of Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Oovoo, Vine, YouTube, VSCO, Pinterest, and more, it’s difficult to stay up to date as a parent. You don’t want to limit your children entirely and take away their social media accounts, but you also want to make sure that they are safe. If you have tweens and teens, you’ve likely heard of the TikTok craze. We’ve explored and observed TikTok to keep you informed and provide you with tips for monitoring your kids’ TikTok usage! What is TikTok? TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create and share short form music videos. You must be 13 years old and up to create an account. When you sign up, the first thing you do is enter your birthday, and if TikTok sees that you are under 13, the app will not allow you to create an account. You can choose from thousands of songs to create a video, along with filters, effects, and photos. However, many kids download TikTok to watch popular videos more so than create their own. The home page will show a feed of popular videos for you, based on what you’ve watched before, and videos from your followers. The discover page allows you to search videos and find new ones by trending hashtags. Users can like, comment, and share videos. Age Restriction There are a number of issues that arise from TikTok that parents should be aware of. First, for kids who are under age 13, they figure it out pretty quickly that all they need to do to create an account is choose an earlier birth year. Even if you enter in an age that is under 13 at first, but then enter an age that is over 13, TikTok will still let you create an account (very frustrating, we know!). The best way to prevent your pre-tween from downloading TikTok is to go into their iPhone or iPad and click on the following (for iOS 12): Settings, Screen Time, and then Content & Privacy Restrictions. Here, you can restrict certain apps from being purchased. Since TikTok is set for ages 13 and

New York Family | October 2019

older, you can simply restrict your kids from purchasing apps that are for ages 13 and older. The Consuming Nature of TikTok Much like with any social media platform, TikTok is a consuming and distracting app that can pull you in for hours as you watch video after video. TikTok can definitely be a distraction to homework, extracurriculars, and even social time with friends. Thankfully, TikTok has a system in place to prevent kids from getting stuck in the app for long periods of time. Under your TikTok profile, click on the three dots in the upper right corner, which is Privacy and Settings. Select Digital Wellbeing and Screen Time Management. Then set a screen time limit. Note that if your kids know their TikTok passcode, they can enter it after the time limit is up to keep using TikTok, so keep the passcode hidden! Exposure to Explicit or Inappropriate Songs and Videos While kids can make their account private so that only their friends can watch their

videos and send them messages, there’s not a whole lot of control on what other people post. On the Home and Discover pages, there are hundreds of thousands of public videos that can feature inappropriate ideas, suggestions, or images. A great way to limit these types of videos from your kid’s feed is to go back under Digital Wellbeing and select Restricted Mode. This setting does its best to limit the appearance of content that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Note that this feature turns off after 30 days, so you will have to go back in afterwards and set it up again. A form of exposure that doesn’t have a direct solution is the song list. Many songs are explicit, and there’s not exactly a way to filter these out. Self Image Suggestions TikTok wouldn’t be a social media platform if it didn’t have the iconic effects and filters that kids love to experiment with. However, one feature to watch out for in particular is the Beauty tool. When your kids create videos, they can turn Beauty on, which

essentially airbrushes their face to make them more “beautiful.” The implications of this tool are certainly not a message that you want your kids to pick up, especially for young girls. Again, there isn’t exactly a way to prevent exposure to features such as these, especially if your kids are also using Instagram and Snapchat. But monitoring screen time surely helps, and it’s important to have conversations about self and body image with your kids. They are likely seeing a lot of versions of what it means to be pretty or handsome from social media, so just keep the line of communication open on this subject. Duets and Reactions Another important feature in TikTok is Duets, in which two videos get placed side by side. If your Duet settings are public, then anyone can Duet with you, as in put their video beside yours so that other users watch the two simultaneously. To change this feature, go to Privacy and Safety and click on “Who can Duet with you” to switch it from everyone to friends, or turn it off altogether. Duets can be fun, but they are also a source of bullying, as kids make

Much like with any social media platform, TikTok is a consuming app that can pull you in for hours as you watch video after video. fun of others by placing a video next to their video that mocks the corresponding one. Reactions allow users to record their reaction to a video as they are watching it, and then share that reaction with others. This is another feature that feeds into bullying, but you can easily change the settings to restrict who can react to your videos to either friends or nobody.

school, or even last name. This could be a fun activity that you and your kid do together, while also a great way to monitor what your little one is sharing on social media. Not only are more social media platforms quickly arising, but kids are starting to use social media at a younger age than ever before. We understand that this is certainly a fear among parents of tweens and teens (or even younger kids). In order to best address these fears, just get to know the social media apps that your kids are using inside and out! TikTok is a fairly new app, but its popularity is skyrocketing among kids. Stay in the know with our detailed outline of TikTok and its many features. Despite TikTok’s parental concerns, it really is a fun and unique app to get creative and share a few laughs with friends. With our tips for how to monitor TikTok, your kids can enjoy the app in a smarter and safer way.

Profile Information One last thing to keep in mind about TikTok, or really for any social media platform, is the information that your kids share in their profile. On TikTok, kids can choose a profile photo, profile video, username, write a bio, and link their Instagram or Youtube. If this is your kid’s first exposure to social media, you’ll probably want to help them through creating their profile, or look it over after they are done. Make sure that they do not reveal any private information in their bio, such as their address,

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October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

ask the expert

Just chill! How to navigate the emotional highs and lows of your pre-teen

By Mallika Chopra

he idea of navigating our child’s adolescent years with grace and sanity is an aspirational goal for most parents. As an author and a lifelong meditator, I anticipated I was in for some bumps in the road, but that, armed with knowledge and tools, my girls’ teenage years couldn’t be that hard. Oh, how naïve I was! I had no idea of the challenges I would face when the pre-teen years hit. If someone told me to “chill” at the moment, I noticed my 12year old daughter’s shaved eyebrow and cut lip from her impulsive attempt at hair removal; I would have snapped. I would have probably used some inappropriate language to leave me alone. My daughter wept, and I shouted at her — it was only an hour later after the shock of her bizarre behavior had subsided, and I knew she was safe, that I took a deep, conscious breath and regretted my overblown, non-chill reaction. And, just when I thought I had mastered adolescent parenting, my younger daughter undermined my confidence with gloomy moods and emotional, teary outbursts that came at the most unexpected times. Let me assure you — we are all figuring out how to deal with our teens, and when it’s personal, frankly, no one is an expert. Even still, let me attempt to share some of the lessons learned from both personal and professional navigation of the emotional preteen and teenage years. Knowledge is Power As parents, we are often surprised, nostalgic, emotional, shocked, and in denial about the fact that our sweet, precious baby is on their way to being a full-fledged teenager. Adolescence creeps upon us with the first signs of physical and emotional changes beginning even as early as 8 years old in girls (on the early end). The average age for girls to begin puberty is 11, and for boys is 12 years

New York Family | October 2019

old. As parents, my guess is, none of us are every ready. Puberty involves physical and emotional changes over several years, with areas of the brain also developing at different paces. For me, books like Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain, by Dr. Dan Siegel and Decoding Boys: New Science Behind the Subtle Art of Raising Sons, by Dr. Cara Natterson (to be released early 2020) helped me to understand the science behind adolescent development. As a parent, getting an overview of what to expect and why your child may be sleeping, eating, and behaving differently is incredibly helpful when you think you are the only one trying to figure out just what is going on with your child. When I wrote my book, Just Feel, I intended to present knowledge directly to kids about their physical and emotional development. It is empowering for kids to know that their body is changing, and they can make choices to feel better by sleeping more, moving, and eating healthy foods. It is also reassuring for kids to know that it is normal to have a range of emotions, that all feelings are natural, and that there are tools to process the lows (and highs) of life. If they know how they feel, they can make choices to act in ways to feel more in control of their life. Of course, this applies to parents as well as kids! Be Present and Listen Pre-teen and teenage years are both a lonely and exciting time of life. Kids are dealing with physical changes that they may not fully comprehend. They may feel frustrated by acne, self-conscious of their body, confused by mood swings, and just feeling misunderstood by everyone – most notably their family. They are questioning their beliefs and navigating more to their peer group as they figure out who they are. This can leave loving, devoted parents feeling bewildered, frustrated, unappreciated, and even angry. When my cuddly little girl started to

disappear into her room the minute she walked in from school, closing the door behind her, I began to feel left out of her life. With a deep breath, I had to remind myself time and again that this stage of her journey was about her, not about me. My role as a parent was to be present for her – with love and acceptance. My husband and I still mandated family dinners, set limits on computer time and social media, and kept to appropriate bedtimes – we were her parents, after all. But there were things I knew I had to let her figure out for herself – things like changing dynamics with friends, letting go of an extracurricular activity I thought she loved but turned out she didn’t, or just wanting to sleep in until noon on a Sunday. I had to let go, let her feel the ups and downs of life, and figure some things out for herself. On the rare occasion when she wanted to talk, I was overly eager to give her my opinions and advice. I soon learned that she would share more if I truly listened and heard what she was going through without judgment. If she felt like crying, I would hold her, resisting the desperate urge to find out exactly who had hurt her and how I could resolve her conflict. If she was happy and was randomly volunteering to cook dinner with me, I soaked in every minute of her presence without questioning why. I realized that being present meant, most often, not doing anything, but just being with her. Listening to her ups and downs, smiling at her funny stories, and letting her express her frustration at a teacher who said something that seemed completely innocuous to me. Forgive – Yourself and Your Kid After shouting at my daughter post the shaving-her-eyebrow stunt, I felt terrible. After all, my daughter was devastated by what she had done to herself and would have to live with the short term consequences before her hair grew back. She didn’t need my shock

at her impulsive behavior added to her already regretful situation. But that’s what happens — we, as parents, are humans, too. When it comes to our kid’s safety, we react with natural panic. When they are rude, we feel it is unacceptable behavior. When they roll their eyes at everything we say, we are angry, but also feel hurt. In my experience, it is better, when the dust settles from a frustrating teen encounter, to take a deep breath, think about what happened, and reset the mood. This may mean forgiving yourself for shouting at your kid or forgiving your kid for acting in a way that you cannot comprehend. Talking to your kid about your feelings, even if they seem not to be listening, can help build a bond with them. The key is not to blame them or burden them with your stress, but to find a way to express your feelings of frustration lovingly. When you have snapped at them, and feel bad even if it was justified, let them know it doesn’t feel good. When they have been rude to you, let them know that behavior hurts you. Be willing to forgive, even multiple times for the same offense, but also continue to share how you feel. In this manner, you will show them the power of sharing their feelings, of self-forgiveness, and processing their own stressful and regrettable situations of the future. Find Your Stress Management Tools As a parent, having ways to deal with stress can have a significant impact on your family’s wellbeing. Your pre-teen will observe how you deal with stress and will mimic similar behaviors as they figure out stress-management for themselves. Find a regular exercise routine for yourself, explore yoga or meditation, or go for walks or hikes in your neighborhood. Model good sleep and nutrition. Know that watching your child grow through the often-difficult emotional stages of puberty brings up many feelings about your role as a parent. It is a time of accepting your aging, letting go, and grappling with what lies ahead for your family and you as an individual. You will be your child’s most powerful teacher in how to deal with the range of emotions they will face throughout their lives by setting a good example for them. While you may feel excluded from their lives at times, now more than ever, you have an important role to play in their journey of self-discovery. Mallika Chopra is a mom, author, and public speaker. Her most recent book is Just Feel: How To Be Stronger, Happier, Healthier and More, an illustrated guide for kids. October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

high schools Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

MANHATTAN Academy of Thought and Industry East Village 1 Avenue B, New York, NY 917-338-2820 thoughtandindustry.com eastvillage@ thoughtandindustry.com This new school for grades 7 through 12 is opening this fall in the East Village. The Academy of Thought and Industry (ATI) in Manhattan joins a network of high schools with campuses in Austin, San Francisco, and St. Louis. ATI is an autonomous learning community that offers hands-on work, self-directed projects, and entrepreneurial endeavors among expert mentors and ambitious peers. This Manhattan campus is located near Tompkins Square Park and historic libraries. There is space for 35 students.

Brooklyn Friends School Upper School Brooklyn Heights - Downtown Brooklyn 116 Lawrence St., Brooklyn, NY 718-852-1029 brooklynfriends.org Since 1867, providing a college preparatory program serving students from preschool to grade 12, and committed to educating each student intellectually, aesthetically, physically, and spiritually in a culturally diverse community. A vibrant, thriving community of educators and learners actively engaged in intellectual growth and participation in the arts and athletics, guided by the Quaker principles of truth, simplicity and peaceful resolution of conflict. Each student is offered a challenging education that develops intellectual abilities and ethical and social values to support a productive life of leadership and service. BFS offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program for high school juniors and seniors.

Cardinal Spellman High School One Cardinal Spellman Pl., Bronx, NY 718-881-8000, ext. 206 cardinalspellman.org You can have it all - SMALL school friendliness and BIG

school opportunities! This high school offers a program of studies and activities to prepare each student for personal success in college and in life. Many of the graduates are awarded college scholarships. In addition to providing a strong academic foundation for college, students are helped to further develop the social skills necessary for the demands of college life. Being a large co-ed school, students are offered a step forward toward a more college-like environment, giving them the opportunity to continue to develop their social skills beyond the small school setting they are leaving behind, while still receiving the full support of a nurturing atmosphere. If your student is in 8th grade, why not call for an appointment to Spend-A-Day?

Cathedral High School Midtown East 350 E. 56th St., New York, NY 212-688-1545 cathedralhs.org An Open House will be held Sunday, October 20, 2019 from noon to 2:30 p.m. Cathedral High School, a Catholic College Preparatory school of the Archdiocese of New York located in the heart of Manhattan, welcomes young women of all faiths and cultures. It is a community of students, teachers, staff, parents and alumnae committed to achieving excellence in education. They continually challenge their students to become productive members of society who will conduct themselves with religious and moral integrity in the pursuit of social justice.

New York Family | October 2019

which is embodied in their mission statement of “unity and reconciliation through allinclusive love”. Fontbonne has a long tradition of sisterhood that has provided a welcoming environment that invites social inclusiveness and moral support while instilling leadership skills, spiritual strength and self-confidence. Their alumnae leave the school as intelligent, confident young women with loving hearts and a solid moral foundation.

compassionate mind. Their low teacher/student ratio allows them to understand and work with each student as an individual in order to ensure academic success and instill a love of learning. These standards align firmly with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. In addition, students follow the New York State Board of Regents program.

Green Meadow Waldorf School

21-21 Crescent St., Astoria, NY 11105 718-721-7200 stjohnsprepschool.org Paving the way for Leaders of Tomorrow for nearly 150 years, the school is dedicated to promoting academic excellence and to instill the principles and values of the Catholic Faith in a positive, nurturing environment. A rigorous academic curriculum, an engaging spiritual program, meaningful service experiences, and extensive extracurricular opportunities establish a strong foundation for life. Advanced Placement courses are offered in all subject areas. St. John’s Prep has an academic affiliation with St. John’s University. The Baccalaureate Program allows qualified students at the Prep to complete their senior year of high school at the University. The school building features well-equipped science laboratories, stateof-the-art computer labs, wireless capability, smart boards, library, band room, art room, an auditorium, chapel, guidance center, gymnasium, weight room, outdoor track, and retreat center.

307 Hungry Hollow Road Chestnut Ridge, NY 845-356-2514, ext. 302 mmcdonagh@gmws.org Green Meadow Waldorf School offers a cutting-edge, time-tested education that meets children at each stage of their development. Join them for infant/toddler and family programs, nursery through 12th grade classes that are led by experienced Waldorf teachers, and afterschool classes and summer adventures (both open to the public). As one of the oldest, largest Waldorf schools in the US, they serve about 230 students who go on to top colleges, fulfilling careers, and are known for their resilience and creativity. Green Meadow provides daily bus service from Manhattan, Riverdale, and Tarrytown. Attend an admissions event to see how they are transforming education.

Lyceum Kennedy French American School 225 E. 43rd St., New York, N.Y. 212-681-1877 lyceumkennedy.org lkadmissions@lyceumkennedy Lyceum Kennedy’s mission is to provide its students with a unique bilingual and bicultural education based on the principles of self-expression and differentiated pedagogy. Their solid foundation allows students to grow into full participants in the world around them and keep a passion for knowledge throughout their lives. At Lyceum Kennedy, they place emphasis on multiculturalism, challenging curricula, and critical thinking, with an open and

St. John’s Preparatory School

Winston Preparatory School 126 W. 17th St., New York, NY 212-496-8400 winstonprep.edu AWalmsley@winstonprep.edu An innovative day school for students in the 4th through 12th grade with learning differences such as dyslexia, nonverbal learning disabilities, and executive functioning difficulties. Their unique model of education for the individual provides intense skill remediation while encouraging stu-

“Technologists know how phones really work, and many have decided they don’t want their own children anywhere near them...A wariness that has been slowly brewing is turning into a regionwide consensus: The benefits of screens as a learning tool are overblown, and the risks for addiction and stunting development seem high.” –A Dark Consensus About Screens and Kids Begins to Emerge in Silicon Valley, The New York Times, 10/26/18

Informed by research, Green Meadow Waldorf School’s media policy limits screen time for children under age 11 and supports mindful use in older students. Our cutting-edge educational methods are based on nearly 100 years of child observation. Our graduates leave our closeknit community to go on to top colleges and universities, where they are known for embodying 21st-century capacities including curiosity and collaboration.

Does your child’s school have a media policy?

Now busing from Manhattan and Riverdale!

gmws.org

Saturday, October 19, 2019

October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

high schools Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

dents to build independence, resilience, responsibility, selfawareness, and self-advocacy. Attend an open house at one of their five campuses in the tristate area, or in Marin, CA, where they are opening in 2020. Visit winstonprep. edu for monthly open house dates and to learn more about Winston Prep.

Xaverian High School Bay Ridge 7100 Shore Road, Brooklyn, NY 718-836-7100, ext. 127 xaverian.org A private, co-educational, Catholic, college preparatory school for grades 6 – 12. Established in 1957, it’s one of the 13 schools sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers. Students grow in their faith, intellect, leadership skills, musical passions, and athletic talents. They take part in realworld experiences in professional fields through the Internship Program. Students become independent thinkers whose learning goes beyond the classroom. They are challenged to their fullest potential, mastering the necessary skills, as well as curriculum content, to be prepared for their collegiate pursuits at top colleges and universities. Courses have an interdisciplinary approach to teach technological communication and presentation skills.

BROOKLYN Brooklyn Friends School Upper School Brooklyn Heights - Downtown Brooklyn 116 Lawrence St., Brooklyn, NY 718-852-1029 brooklynfriends.org Since 1867, providing a college preparatory program serving students from preschool to grade 12, and committed to educating each student intellectually, aesthetically, physically, and spiritually in a culturally diverse community. A vibrant, thriving community of educators and learners actively engaged in intellectual growth and participation in the arts and athletics, guided by the Quaker principles of truth, simplicity and peaceful resolution of conflict. Each student is offered a challenging education that develops

intellectual abilities and ethical and social values to support a productive life of leadership and service. BFS offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program for high school juniors and seniors.

Fontbonne Hall Academy Bay Ridge 9901 Shore Road, Brooklyn, NY 718-748 2244 fontbonne.org A college preparatory Catholic secondary school for young women sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Joseph, offers a superior educational program to form and empower women of confidence and compassion. They provide a learning environment that not only stresses academic excellence, but also spiritual growth, which is embodied in their mission statement of “unity and reconciliation through allinclusive love”. Fontbonne has a long tradition of sisterhood that has provided a welcoming environment that invites social inclusiveness and moral support while instilling leadership skills, spiritual strength and self-confidence. Their alumnae leave the school as intelligent, confident young women with loving hearts and a solid moral foundation.

New York Family | October 2019

Williamsburg Charter High School Williamsburg 198 Varet St., Brooklyn, NY 718-782-9830 thewcs.org admissions@thewcs.org The Williamsburg Charter High School unites youth, families, staff, teachers and the community at large in providing young people with the tools necessary to make sense of the world, preparing them in their journey to become citizens of the local and global community. Young people accomplish this through participation in a liberal arts education that includes language, literature, writing, science, history, mathematics, the visual and performing arts, technology and explorations in disciplines designed to teach justice, independent thinking, respect and compassion for themselves and others as well as the skills of critical thinking, communication and research.

The Winchendon School Clinton Hill 352-8 Classon Ave., Brooklyn, NY 347-763-8520 brooklyn.winchendon.org A better way to do high school – since 1926. Winchendon is seeking students who care about the environment, young entrepreneurs, and curious teens who want more out of their high school experience. Here, you can discover yourself, and challenge yourself in ways you haven’t even thought of yet. Whether it’s studying the American Revolution in the heart of Massachusetts or street art in New York City, your child’s classes will be active, not passive. They see student-focused academic attention as the key to unlocking potential.

musical passions, and athletic talents. They take part in realworld experiences in professional fields through the Internship Program. Students become independent thinkers whose learning goes beyond the classroom. They are challenged to their fullest potential, mastering the necessary skills, as well as curriculum content, to be prepared for their collegiate pursuits at top colleges and universities. Courses have an interdisciplinary approach to teach technological communication and presentation skills.

QUEENS

Archbishop Molloy High School 83-53 Manton St., Briarwood, NY 718-441-2100 molloyhs.org A Catholic Marist college preparatory school that nurtures intellectual curiosity, creativity, personal growth and faith. Students are eager to meet the school’s tradition of high standards in academics, athletics and service to others. They are challenged to excel by a top-tier faculty, dedicated coaching staff and competitive curriculum. Students feel like they are part of a family, and with many after school activities and programs, there is something for every student. The school continually benchmarks its current academic offerings and use of technology with other higher learning institutions to keep evolving as a dynamic place of learning in a rapidly changing world. Non scholae, sed vitae (Not for school, but for life). Attend the Open House on Sunday, October 20th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Belong. Believe. Become.

CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL

OPEN HOUSE

Join us and discover how we succeed!

Sunday, October 20, 2019 12 – 3 PM 350 East 56th Street, NYC

x State of the Art STEM Academy. x Medical Gateways Academy which includes a partnership with The Memorial Sloan Kettering Science Enrichment Program and Internship. x Business Academy which includes a partnership with St. Francis College for college credits. x Law Curriculum featuring internship opportunities and a Mock Trial Team. x Honors Academy in which students will take all honors classes along with obtaining an Advanced Regents Diploma and participating in qualifying AP courses. x Competitive Sports program and numerous extracurricular activities offered. x The graduating Class of 2019 earned over $27 million in college scholarships and grants with acceptances into top schools such as Columbia University, Cornell University, New York University and University of Notre Dame. x Prime Location - Cathedral is located in Midtown East and easily accessible by the 4/5/6, E, M, N, and R trains.

www.cathedralhs.org

212.688.1545

X A V E R I A N N XX AA VV EE RR II AA N X A V E R I A N

Open House: October 20, 2019 10AM - 2PM

Open House:October October 20,2019 2019 10AM- 2PM - 2PM Open Open House: House: October 20, 20, 2019 10AM 10AM - 2PM

A Catholic, co-educational, college preparatory school in the tradition of the Xaverian Brothers since 1957, Xaverian oﬀers:

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For more information, please contact Xaverian’s Office of Admissions For information, please contact Xaverian’s Office of Admissions Formore more information, please contact Xaverian’s Office of Admissions at (718) 836-7100 x117 orcontact admissions@xaverian.org TACHS #011 For more information, please Xaverian’s Office of| Admissions atat (718) 836-7100 x117 or admissions@xaverian.org | TACHS #011 (718) 836-7100 x117 or admissions@xaverian.org | TACHS #011 7100 Shore Rd, Brooklyn NY, 11209 | www.xaverian.org/admissions at (718) 836-7100 x117 or admissions@xaverian.org | TACHS #011 7100 Shore Rd, Brooklyn NY, 11209 | www.xaverian.org/admissions 7100 Shore Rd, Brooklyn NY, 11209 | www.xaverian.org/admissions 7100 Shore Rd, Brooklyn NY, 11209 | www.xaverian.org/admissions

Accessible by Accessible by Accessible by NYC Ferry! NYC Ferry! NYC Ferry!by Accessible NYC Ferry!

October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

high schools Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

of students, teachers, staff, parents and alumnae committed to achieving excellence in education. They continually challenge their students to become productive members of society who will conduct themselves with religious and moral integrity in the pursuit of social justice.

Holy Cross High School 26-20 Francis Lewis Blvd., Flushing, NY 718-886-7250, ext. 524 holycrosshs.org admissions@holycrosshs.org Holy Cross High School, a Catholic college preparatory school in Queens, educates the hearts and minds of young men and women following the educational and spiritual vision of Blessed Father Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross. The Congregation of Holy Cross also sponsors six colleges and universities in the United States including St. Edward’s University, the University of Portland, Stonehill College, King’s College, Holy Cross College, and the University of Notre Dame. Graduates have a competitive edge in regards to scholarships and programs when applying to these colleges, as these schools are aware of the quality education students receive at Holy Cross. Attend an Open House on October 20, 2019 noon to 4 p.m., RSVP online at www. holycrosshs.org/RSVP

The Kew Forest School 119-17 Union Turnpike Forest Hills, NY 11375 718-268-4667 kewforest.org Established in 1918 and having celebrated its centennial this past year, The Kew-Forest School is the oldest independent co-ed, college preparatory school in Queens. With 70+ nationalities represented on campus and 30+ languages spoken at home, the School provided a safe nurturing, and intellectually vigorous environment for students in Preschool through Grade 12. Open House, Saturday, October 19th at 1:00. For more information, please contact: Brad Walters, Director of Admission, admission@ kewforest.org,

Martin Luther School 60-02 Maspeth Ave., Maspeth, NY 718-894-4000 info@martinluthernyc.org martinluthernyc.org admissions@martinluthernyc. org. For 60 years, this school has prepared students in New York City and on Long Island for success in college and in life. Here your child will learn and grow in a small, safe and nurturing place where dedicated teachers give individualized attention and teach respect for each other’s diversity. The teaching style is studentcentered and experiential to foster well-developed critical thinking skills. The school’s Service requirement helps cultivate good character and civic responsibility. Students are encouraged to try the wide range of extracurricular opportunities in athletics and in the fine arts offered as the school launches a new partnership with Apple called 1:1 iPad Learning. Attend an Open House on Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School 71-06 31st Ave., East Elmhurst, NY 718-898-3800, ext. 11 msgrmcclancy.org An outstanding co–educational college preparatory high schools in Queens. Guided by the traditions of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, students are offered a comprehensive academic program that exceeds the New York State curriculum requirements. Opportunities are provided for college credit courses, AP classes and a challenging Honors Program. The co-curricular program of clubs and activities offers students social, cultural and creative experiences. The athletic teams are highly competitive and have their share of city titles. Celebrating over 50 years of Catholic education in Queens, the school is permanently chartered by the State of New York and fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges. [TACHS CODE:#017]

New York Family | October 2019

Saint Demetrios High School Astoria 30-03 30th Dr., Astoria, NY 718-728-1754 sdprep.org This school was established in 1956 by Greek-Americans who had settled in Astoria. Accredited by the NY State Department of Education (Board of Regents) and the Ministry of Education of Greece, the high school provides a college preparatory education while also promoting Christian values of service and charity to the community. A class size of approximately 15 students allows for individualized and personalized attention by the faculty. Tuition is affordable and qualifying students may receive merit and athletic scholarships. Graduates are accepted to some of the finest colleges/universities including: NYU, Fordham, Macaulay Honors (CUNY), SUNY, Cornell, Columbia and Yale. The School was recently ranked one of the top private schools in NYC by Niche.com.

St. John’s Preparatory School 21-21 Crescent St., Astoria, NY 718-721-7200 stjohnsprepschool.org Paving the way for Leaders of Tomorrow for nearly 150 years, the school is dedicated to promoting academic excellence and to instill the principles and values of the Catholic Faith in a positive, nurturing environment. A rigorous academic curriculum, an engaging spiritual program, meaningful service experiences, and extensive extracurricular opportunities establish a strong foundation for life. Advanced Placement courses are offered in all subject areas. St. John’s Prep has an academic affiliation with St. John’s University. The Baccalaureate Program allows qualified students at the Prep to complete their senior year of high school at the University. The school building features well-equipped science laboratories, stateof-the-art computer labs, wireless capability, smart boards, library, band room, art room, an auditorium, chapel, guidance center, gymnasium,

weight room, outdoor track, and retreat center.

St Mary’s High School 51 Clapham Ave., Manhasset, NY 516-627-2711 stmary.ws/HighSchool The Saint Mary’s High School education is about more than just academics. Spiritual values, a sense of service and the growth of faith are fostered by connecting Gospel values to all parts of the curriculum, including core academic classes, allowing students to deepen their moral standards and ethics. Students learn about the tenets and meaning of their faith and how to live it joyfully, especially in serving others within the school and greater community. St. Mary’s balances strong academic development with experience to encourage personal growth. Exceptional faculty and staff inspire each student along their educational journey, always promoting the safe and welcoming culture that is one of the hallmarks of the St. Mary’s experience. Schedule your personal tour by calling 516 627 2711 ext 1084.

The Windsor School Flushing 37-02 Main St., Queens, NY 718-359-8300 thewindsorschool.com admin@thewindsorschool.com An independent, coeducational, middle and high school, for students in Grades 7 – 12. The mission of the school is to develop well-rounded and thoughtful students prepared to cope with a changing postmodern and globalized world. They strive to provide our graduates with an academic foundation that will enable them to gain admission to the colleges or universities of their choice as well as to succeed in those institutions. Programs must be rounded out with electives, art or AP classes. Every day is an open house at the Windsor School. They are proud to offer local students a Merit Scholarship & Financial Aid package which helps make our school an affordable choice for most families. Please contact the Principal, Mr. DeFeo, for more information on admissions.

Xaverian High School Bay Ridge 7100 Shore Road, Brooklyn, NY 718-836-7100, ext. 127 xaverian.org A private, co-educational, Catholic, college preparatory school for grades 6-12. Established in 1957, it’s one of the 13 schools sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers. Students grow in their faith, intellect, leadership skills, musical passions, and athletic talents. They take part in real-world experiences in professional fields through the Internship Program. Students become independent thinkers whose learning goes beyond the classroom. They are challenged to their fullest potential, mastering the necessary skills, as well as curriculum content, to be prepared for their collegiate pursuits at top colleges and universities. Courses have an interdisciplinary approach to teach technological communication and presentation skills.

BRONX/RIVERDALE Academy of Mount St. Ursula 333 Bedford Ave., Bronx, NY 718-364-5353 amsu.org For over 164 years, AMSU has been offering an exceptional Ursuline education to young women in grades 9-12. They challenge students to respond to the call to scholarship, leadership and service. All lessons and activities are infused with the values of Catholic education rooted in the Gospels. The school is strongly committed to its programs in Academic, Arts and Service. Academics: The Classes of 2018 and 2019 earned nearly $40 million in academic scholarships and 100% were accepted to college. Arts: Classes in visual arts, music, theater and media are required. Service: Each student must perform at least 10 hours of service each year. They encourage all of their young women to be leaders in society!

AECI 1 – NYC Charter High School for Architecture, Engineering & Construction Industries 838 Brook Ave., Bronx NY

646-400-5566 aecicharterhs.org AECI offers an academic program that provides students with a foundation of the necessary skill, knowledge, and practical experience to pursue a path leading to college and/or a career in architecture, engineering or construction industries. The school’s offerings are focused on providing a rigorous college preparatory sequence of classes while also preparing students for success on industry-recognized certification exams. All students receive double periods in Math and ELA in freshman year to prepare for long lasting success. All staff members are tasked with developing the whole child by working together to ensure that all academic, emotional, and social development is supported, cultivated and challenged.

AECI 2 - NYC Charter High School for Computer Engineering & Innovation

Incredible things happen when children love to

Learn. Join us for an open house this fall! Learn more: calhoun.org/visit

160 West 74th Street

Preschool – 12th Grade calhoun.org

424 E. 138th St., Bronx, NY 646-741-7470 aeci2charterhs.org By popular demand, AECI 1 is proud to launch AECI 2 this school year. It is the AECI network’s second location in the South Bronx. The mission of AECI 2 is to create a rigorous college prep academic program that provides students with a foundation of the necessary skills, knowledge and practical experience to pursue a path leading to college and or a career in the computer, engineering or innovation industries. The second high school is a computer engineering and innovation themed school and serves Grades 9-12. Some of the classes they offer students starting in 9th grade are Intro to Computer Science Principles, Coding Circuit Design, and 3-D printing.

Aquinas High School 685 E. 182nd St., Bronx, NY 718-367-2113 aquinashs.org Aquinas is committed to educating and inspiring young women for a lifetime of faith, learning and compassionate October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

high schools Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

action for a more just world. It is a community of faith and learning rooted in the Catholic tradition and committed to excellence in the education of young women – mind and heart, body and soul. Since its founding in 1923, the school has welcomed each new wave of NYC’s population with a challenging curriculum, a broad spectrum of co-curricular activities and passionate community service in a diverse and nurturing environment. Today, 100% of their students achieve Regents endorsed diplomas and go on to attend a college or university of their choice.

Cardinal Hayes High School 650 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 718-292-6100, ext. 187 cardinalhayes.org Inspiring culturally diverse young men of the NYC metro area through spiritual growth and a rigorous college preparatory program of academics, extra-curricular activities and personal discipline. As a Christian community comprised of parents, students, teachers, faculty, alumni and benefactors, the goal of personal excellence and responsible citizenship is accomplished by embracing traditional Roman Catholic values. The high school believes: an effective education develops the whole person spiritually, intellectu-

ally, emotionally, socially and physically. Every student has unique talents that should be developed to their fullest potential. Every student can become a life-long learner. Every student and every background deserve respect and consideration. Every student has the right to safety, love, and a challenging and stimulating learning environment.

Cardinal Spellman High School One Cardinal Spellman Pl., Bronx, NY 718-881-8000, ext. 206 cardinalspellman.org You can have it all - SMALL school friendliness and BIG school opportunities! This high school offers a program of studies and activities to prepare each student for personal success in college and in life. Many of the graduates are awarded college scholarships. In addition to providing a strong academic foundation for college, students are helped to further develop the social skills necessary for the demands of college life. Being a large co-ed school, students are offered a step forward toward a more college-like environment, giving them the opportunity to continue to develop their social skills beyond the small school setting they are leaving behind, while still receiving the full support of a nurturing atmosphere. If your student is in 8th grade, why not call for an appointment to Spend-A-Day?

Green Meadow Waldorf School 307 Hungry Hollow Road Chestnut Ridge, NY 845-356-2514, ext. 302 mmcdonagh@gmws.org Green Meadow Waldorf School offers a cutting-edge, time-tested education that meets children at each stage of their development. Join them for infant/toddler and family programs, nursery through 12th grade classes that are led by experienced Waldorf teachers, and afterschool classes and summer adventures (both open to the public). As one of the oldest, largest Waldorf schools in the US, they serve about 230

New York Family | October 2019

students who go on to top colleges, fulfilling careers, and are known for their resilience and creativity. Green Meadow provides daily bus service from Manhattan, Riverdale, and Tarrytown. Attend an admissions event to see how they are transforming education.

The Montfort Academy 125 Birch St., Mt. Vernon, NY 914-699-7090 monfortacademy.org The Montfort Academy is unique as it is the only classical high school in The Bronx and Westchester. It is highly ranked for diversity, academics and college preparation. The mission of the Academy is connected to Ancient Greek and Roman learning, to invest in developing the whole student or homo en toto - mind, body and spirit. The Honorable Richard Greco, Jr., founder and president of The Montfort Academy, says: “The aim of any education should be to help the whole person develop in mind, body, and soul. It is not just to help kids get into the best colleges or to be successful materially but also to help form young men and women who ask themselves daily about what kind of life they want to lead.”

Mount Saint Michael Academy 4300 Murdock Ave., Bronx, NY 718-515-6400 mtstmichael.org Respect, integrity, perseverance, professional behavior and accountability are the five core values that guide the Mount Saint Michael Academy community, a Catholic, college preparatory school for young men, founded in 1926. Today The Mount has over 800 students of diverse backgrounds. It is the only grades 6 through 12 all-boys school in NYC and offers an excellent education, recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, at a fraction of the cost of other private schools. Their beautiful 22-acre campus on the border of Westchester County offers over a dozen sports opportunities and includes batting cages,

baseball, football and soccer fields, and the largest gymnasium in NYC.

Preston High School 2780 Schurz Ave., Bronx, NY 718-863-9134 prestonhs.org Established in 1947 by the Sisters of the Divine Compassion as an independent collegepreparatory Catholic school. They have a longstanding tradition of academic excellence and commitment to empowering young women to become compassionate leaders for change. They offer a broad and challenging curriculum, the support of a diverse, faith-centered community and a commitment to Christian service. The cocurricular program includes honor societies, service clubs, choirs and special interest groups. Those interested in growing artistically have many options including the school musical produced by the Preston Players. The Athletic Department sponsors varsity and junior varsity teams including soccer, basketball, volleyball, cheerleading and softball (2017 division champions). Their goal is to help students become women of dignity, honor, respect and compassion.

St. Raymond Academy for Girls 1725 Castle Hill Ave., Bronx, NY 718-824-4220 straymondacademy.org St. Raymond Academy is a small Catholic high school for young women in an urban setting. They inspire their students to reach their God-given potential in a safe, supportive, and diverse environment. Through a state-approved curriculum and extra-curricular activities, they encourage their students to seek and value truth. By empowering them with an education that promotes a commitment to excellence, self-discipline and strong Christian values, they challenge their students to become successful and accountable in a dynamic society. To learn more about the school, they invite you to attend the upcoming Open House or schedule a shadow day.

www.LyceumKennedy.org Register online for private tours and Open House dates www.LyceumKennedy.org

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Wednesday October 23, 2019 Wednesday October 23, 2019 6:00–8:00 6:00–8:00 P.M.P.M.

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October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

Nighttime Adventures for Kids

By Danielle Sullivan

he city that never sleeps offers multiple activities for kids and families to embark on at night. Whether you have a night owl on your hands or are looking for family fun later in the evening for days off from school and holidays, there are unique escapades, entertainment, and excitement to be had all around the city as the sun goes down!

1. Climb aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum and stay the night on the ocean. Operation Slumber lets visitors sleep on the ship’s hangar deck just like sailors do. Before that, enjoy a good flight simulator ride, pop-up planetarium shows, and flashlight-guided tours of the flight deck. 2. Take a relaxing and beautiful retreat right in the

middle of New York City with Collective Retreats on Governors Island. Enjoy the thrill of camping without sacrificing your comfort. Spend the night in outdoor luxury tents with real bathrooms, high quality linens, electricity and delicious meals while also enjoying favorites such as games, campfires, and community (or fully private) lounging. 3. Enter a whole new virtual reality right next to the Empire State Building. With over three floors of more than 50 different virtual games, films, and experiences, VR World NYC is the largest VR experience in North America. Naturally it gets crowded at peak times so night is an especially good time to go, particularly during the week. 4. Get spooky on a NYC Ghost Tour. Based on

historical facts, this one-hour tour takes you around nine haunted places in Greenwich Village while teaching about the historical background of each. 5. Tour the Brooklyn Museum the first Saturday of

New York Family | October 2019

each month (except January and September) which is opened until 11 pm. For over 20 years, First Saturdays kicks off the month’s new displays and best of all, it’s free. 6. Take a museum tour at the Whitney Museum of American Art and grab some dinner at the Untitled Restaurant or the Studio cafe. Museum is opened until 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. 7. See the gorgeous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

under the evening stars because the magnificent lights just do not look the same in the daylight. Then take in the aroma of hot pretzels while watching ice skaters below. 8. Or be a skater yourself … rent some skates and hit the ice until midnight under festive music and bright lights of Rockefeller Skating Rink.

9. From The Lion King and Aladdin to Wicked and

Frozen, Broadway has a variety of captivating theater shows for kids. Most start about 7-8 p.m. and run approximately two hours. 10. Try stargazing at the High Line that takes place every Tuesday, beginning at dusk, between April through October. Use high-powered telescopes view to see the latest constellations, stars and patterns.

the top artists, makers, and designers. Walk-throughs takes about an hour, open until 9 pm Friday - Sunday.

Illustrations by Elvia Caballero

13. Spend a fun-filled family night with the dinos in Museum Sleepovers at the American Museum of Natural History. Tour the T Rex exhibition with a flashlight, watch a live animal demonstration, and then settle down beneath the 94-foot blue whale or the African elephants. 14. There’s nothing like a star-filled view from the

11. Drop your child off for a Kids’ Night Out at the 92Y,

where kids are treated to a night of games, gymnastics, arts & crafts, sports, pizza, and more . 12. Take a tour of the Color Factory, a 20,000 square foot collaborative and interactive art exhibit, which tells color stories and awakens visitors to the beauty of color in their lives. Installations are created by some of

Empire State Building at night. Visitors can climb to the top of the 102-story skyscraper until 2 am Last elevator up leaves at 1:15 am. 15. Science buffs can sleep in one of the city’s largest

science experiments: the New York Hall of Science. Grab some friends (groups only) and explore the secrets of science through 450 hands-on exhibits, a 3-D theater October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

three-level observation deck. This unparalleled view offers a true 360-degree perspective of the city. Opened until midnight, last elevator up is at 11 pm. 25. If your little night owl gains more energy as the day

goes on, try an evening rock climbing class at Brooklyn Boulders, opened until 10 pm. 26. Take a moonlit stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge

show, and an outdoor Science Playground.

and see the city from a whole new view as you tour the elevated pedestrian walkway, opened 24 hours a day.

16. Meet everyone from the Royals and world leaders

27. Older kids will be fascinated by the adventures at

to the hottest celebs and fashion icons at Madame Tussauds. Rub elbows with your favorite wax figures from music, films, sports and television all night long. Last entry is at 10 pm on the weekends.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not, from the Relic escape and torture chamber to the Smash Dash game of reflexes and the Black Hole. Open until 11 pm. Sun.-Wed. and until 1 am on Thur.-Sat.

17. Visit the splendid St. Patrick’s Cathedral opened daily

28. Let your child loose in a pajama party at the NY

until 8:45 pm. If you’re interested in Christmas Eve midnight mass, you’ll have to enter a lottery via the website.

Kids Club while you enjoy a date night. Times vary and options include a Pets Pajama Party, Wonder Woman/ Superman theme, King of the Jungle, and more.

18. Older kids can enjoy arcade style laser mazes (think The Matrix), laser tag games, and a miniature bowling alley at Laser Bounce in Glendale, Queens. Opened until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, there is also a 3D motion simulator, an arcade, a bounce area and virtual games.

29. Watch the giant balloons inflate for the Macy’s

Thanksgiving Day Parade the night before the big day as SpongeBob, Angry Bird, Charlie Brown, Snoopy & Garfield, Hello Kitty, and Shrek get all the helium they need to make the long trek down Sixth Avenue.

19. Take in a ball game before the season is over at Citi-

field or Yankee Stadium and enjoy a brisk fall night at bat. 20. Enjoy a start-studded NYC ferry ride and see the city from the water’s view along the East River, Rockaway, South Brooklyn, Astoria, or Staten Island. 21. Have an enchanted night with a Taste of

Magic. This magic show combines fine dining and entertainment as magicians perform a magic show at your table between each course. 22. Check out the beautiful decorated windows of Saks

Fifth Ave, Macy’s Herald Square, Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, and Tiffany and Co. and sneak in a few for late night shopping sprees. 23. Watch the Brooklyn Nets’ kick off another season at the Barclay Center. 24. Go straight to the Top of the Rock and enjoy the

New York Family | October 2019

30. Get in the holiday spirit in Brooklyn’s bestdecorated neighborhood, and walk along blocks of beautifully lit houses in Dyker Heights Lights. 31. Take a moonlit stroll along the pyramid steps at

Domino Park to see the 88 magnificent and individually programmable water jets and lights. (Even in daylight the wooden platform is stunning and hosts events and shows.) 32. Grab some snacks and pick your favorite clear

and open spot (think the lawn at Central or Prospect Park, or even your own backyard) and join in on the worldwide celebration, International Observe the Moon Night on October 5th. Best times to view the moon are at dusk or dawn. Danielle Sullivan is a writer, mom of three living in New York City and is a proud Brooklynite. She is an award-winning writer who has won awards from the Parenting Media Association for ten years running. Follow her on Instagram @deewrite.

INCLUSION DIVERSITY EXCELLENCE ACCEPTANCE LEADERSHIP

The IDEAL Difference

On any given day at The IDEAL School of Manhattan, students may give a presentation on a civil rights leader; participate in a musical; enjoy Riverside Park; program a robot; or visit the Met. IDEAL is New York’s only K-12 independent inclusion school, where we celebrate the tremendous social, emotional, and academic growth born in a diverse and nurturing educational community.

#SchoolCanBeIDEAL

Sign up for a Tuesday Talk and Tour or an Open House to learn more about IDEAL’s rigorous and differentiated program, innovative social justice curriculum, and uniquely inclusive community. LOWER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES 314 West 91st Street October 17, 9- !- s .ovember 12, 6-8 P- s !PRIL 7, 2020, 9-11 AM UPPER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES 270 West 89th Street October 24, 9- !- s .ovember 19, 6-8 P- s !PRIL -11 AM

IDEAL is currently accepting applications in select grades for 2019-20 placement.

www.theidealschool.org For further information, contact us at admissions@theidealschool.org or 212-769-1699 October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

Ariane Goldman

The Designer Who Gets Maternity

How this mother of two has brought the baby bump front and center By Donna Ladd

f there is a type of clothing that can cause frustration when shopping, right up there with bathing suits or finding the perfect pair of jeans, mothers of the world know, it is maternity wear. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all experienced that moment when you realize that the cute bump that was at one point manageable is now not. This is why finding the right maternity wardrobe is everything. Thankfully for us all, Manhattan mom Ariane Goldman created Hatch. While Ariane was pregnant with her first daughter, she found herself disappointed by the lack of stylish maternity clothing options available and set out to design her own line. Hatch is designed to be worn before, during, and after pregnancy, making the pieces a great investment. The looks range from flattering denim to scrumptious knits and billowy tops. For NYC mamas and a certain Duchess of Sussex, Hatch pieces serve as perfect anchor items that can be worn easily to both school drop-off or an evening event. Ariane truly designs for all stages of motherhood. I wore Hatch with my youngest, who I adopted. I carried him around until he was two years old, and found that Hatch is both gorgeous and functional. It is no wonder this New York City mom

New York Family | October 2019

Photo by Ana Gambuto

October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

Photo by Ana Gambuto

New York Family | October 2019

A fall look from Hatch’s 2019 line-up.

Signing the lease for her Brentwood store.

With husband Max Goldman.

“It’s easy to be passionate when we are creating real solutions for women during this incredible time in their lives.” has a handle on what women want and need with her designs. While Ariane and her Cinematographer husband Max are now parents to two adorable daughters Charlie and Georgie (ages 8 and 4 years) Ariane’s other baby Hatch keeps growing. Cool collaborations with brands like J.Crew and Tenoverten have brought Hatch to a wider audience. Ariane’s beauty line Hatch Mama Beauty provides non-toxic, safe-for-mother beauty care that helps with insomnia, stretch marks, and thinning hair — YES, thank you, yes! We recently stopped by Ariane’s boho family apartment in the West Village and chatted about being a working mother, her philosophy on child-raising and why creating a line that embraces a mother’s body and experience in pregnancy is what drives Hatch. I love your story on how Hatch was created. How did you go from Wall Street to bridal wear to maternity wear? When I was pregnant with my first daughter in 2011, I couldn’t find timeless, stylish wardrobe essentials that I could invest in during my pregnancy. It was such an amazing, empowering time for me, where I wanted to celebrate my changing body, not hide it. I wanted to still feel like me. I realized there was a huge white space for well-designed maternity clothing, so I created Hatch.

You created Hatch when the maternity niche was not well-served. In my opinion, Hatch is still original and unique in design and branding. How do you stay passionate when designing Hatch now that you have left pregnancy behind you? Our mission continues to inspire me. It’s easy to be passionate when we are creating real solutions for women during this incredible time in their lives. We’re also continually evolving by creating new categories where we can meet expecting mamas where they are, so it always feels new and exciting. Hatch is designed to fit many figures, is this important to you as the founder and designer? Absolutely. Every woman grows differently and experiences pregnancy in her own way. We want to create clothing and beauty essentials that are inclusive and can work at any stage or with any body type. You have been collaborating with some cool brands. Can you share on these collaborations? Will there be more in the future for Hatch? It’s an amazing feeling to find like-minded brands that can contribute their point of view and solutions that can then fit into our world. When it works, it’s an incredible partnership. The coolest part about Hatch is that it is a gateway for women moving into motherhood, so brands from various categories are interested in collaborating with us to share this October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

Mom in the city I wish I had more time for… School pick-up I always feel saner after… A weekend with my family at the beach. Favorite place to grab a bite to eat with the kids? Cowgirl in the West Village. Great kids menu. Cheap and cheerful and great martini. Favorite date night spot? En Japenese Bistro Favorite dessert spot? Bar Pisellino. Favorite park? Central Park even though I live downtown. Running the Reservoir is sacred to me. Favorite fall activity with the fam? Saturday morning walks on an empty beach. Favorite family tv show/movie? America’s Got Talent.

balanced and some days don’t. I think having a great team around me at Hatch helps me focus on what I love doing while allowing me to be the mom I want to be. What is the best parenting advice you have ever received? There is no right answer. Motherhood is comprised of the highs and the lows and insecurities and truths. Any which way you go about it, you can’t go wrong. Love, comfort, and support is the recipe for success.

Photo by Ana Gambuto

moment in a woman’s journey. We definitely have a few more collaborations coming up that we can share when we’re ready! We’re obsessed with Meghan Markle here. How excited were you about seeing her wear Hatch when she was pregnant with Archie? Was this something she did on her own? Yes, we had no idea she had even bought our Eliza dress! To see such a beautiful, inspiring woman in our clothing, there are no words. She’s the gift that keeps on giving. Okay so popular question for the busy mom, how do you juggle this all with two kids? With a dirty martini? Seriously, I don’t know that there’s such a thing as juggling. Some days feel

New York Family | October 2019

Do you have any words of wisdom for mothers who are looking to create a business while also raising small humans? Just go for it! There is never a perfect time. Life never slows down. If you have a vision, take the leap and go for it. What do you love about New York, especially as a designer who is based here and a mother raising her children in the city? It is endlessly inspiring and colorful and fun. I hope living here exposes my daughters to the beautiful differences among people. That said, I also love our home by the beach when the city gets to be too much. Find Hatch at hatchcollection.com.

Check out our new site! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve given our New York Family website a major makeover

Visit newyorkfamily.com to check it out and sign up for our weekly newsletters! October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

FAMILY DAY OUT

Pumpkin Patches and Picking Search for the best pumpkin to carve into a jack o’lantern at these pumpkin patches! BY� KATARINA AVENDAÑO & MIA SALAS

umpkin patches are such a thrill for the younger ones. Let’s start with the fact that it’s a trip away from the city and onto a farm, which for kids, it’s a whole new world! If you are new to pumpkin-patch picking, it isn’t just choosing a pumpkin to bring home. It’s a whole experience! While you meander through the pumpkin patch, make sure to enjoy the farm’s baked goods, take a hayride, see farm animals and even try to find your way out of the corn maze. There is something that the whole family will love, and we’ve even included the travel distance from Midtown so you know how long the journey will be. So find a weekend, a take a trip to one of these pumpkin patches and experience fall to its fullest. Under One Hour

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

Demarest Farms offers a unique pumpkin picking experience for families, kids, schools, friends and groups from September to November. Meet and greet farm animals,

New York Family | October 2019

taste delicious treats, hop on a hay wagon ride, browse Halloween decorations, and use pumpkin carving tools to turn your pumpkin into a jack o’ lantern! The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin is also available exclusively at Demarest Farms. Partnering with Spookley, PACER, and farms across the country, Demarest Farms raises awareness for bullying prevention. Don’t miss out on Pumpkin Picking Movie Night on October 4 and 11, 5:30-8 pm, to watch the Spookley Movie on the big screen as you navigate the pumpkin patch. The cost for general admission is $7, which includes free parking, pumpkin patch entrance, hay wagon ride, two petting zoos, adventure playground, corn box, photo display area and more. All pumpkins, no matter the size, are $10. Children 2 and under are free. Open to the public from 9 am-4:30 pm on weekends and holidays, and 3-4:30 pm on Monday-Friday. Queens County Farm 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Queens, NY 11004 718-347-3276 (40 min from Midtown)

As the longest continually farmed site in New York State, Queens County Farm opens their

pumpkin patch up again this October for families to enjoy. Pumpkin month at Queens County Farm is full of plenty of excitement with the autumn air, variety of pumpkins, New York history and farm animals. While the pumpkin patch is open primarily on weekends, feel free to come during the week to purchase pumpkins in the Farm Store. Open to the public from 11 am-4:30 pm on weekends October 5-26 and October 14. Hillview Farms 223 Meyersville Road, Gillette, NJ 908-647-0957 (50 min from Midtown)

Pick your own pumpkins at Hillview Farms! On weekends in October, you and your family can catch a hayride that brings you through the farm, to the apple orchards and pumpkin patches. Don’t feel like picking out your own pumpkin? Maybe Halloween is around the corner and you need to quickly grab a pumpkin to carve? Pumpkins are also sold at the roadside market! Open 9 am-6 pm (field closed to the public at 5 pm), daily. One Hour to One Hour and a Half Secor Farms 85 Airmont Ave, Mahwah, NJ 07430

201-529-2595 (1 hr from Midtown)

Take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch or corn maze at Secor Farms! You’ll pass by a pond, willow trees and fall decor on your scenic route to the pumpkins. After you pick a pumpkin and return on the hayride, feed the animals at the petting zoo, take photos in front of “How Tall This Fall,” and play with toy tractors in the corn box. Don’t leave before browsing the farm’s market, full of fresh-pressed apple cider and homemade apple cider donuts. Open 8-6 pm, daily. Dr. Davies Farm 306 NY-304, Congers, NY 10920 845-268-7020 (1 hr & 10 min from Midtown)

With a scenic trailer ride that takes you to the Pumpkin Patch, Dr. Davies Farm is a great spot to enjoy an autumn day outside and find beautiful pumpkins! The hayrides have been a farm favorite for decades, transforming your pumpkin picking experience into much more than choosing a pumpkin. If you want to round up a group of people — friends, neighbors, and family — Dr. Davies Farm can accommodate groups up to 100 people. Cash or check only

with ATM available. Open 8:30 am-6 pm, daily. Outhouse Orchards 139 Hardscrabble Rd, North Salem, NY 10560 914-277-3188 (1 hr and 15 min)

This vine free pumpkin patch at Outhouse Orchards attracts plenty of families, year after year. Choose from pumpkins, gourds, and an assortment of Halloween decorations as you celebrate the fall season. Pumpkins are weighed by the pound, weekend parking is $10, and weekday parking is free. Open 9 am-5 pm, daily. Riamede Farm 122 Oakdale Road, Chester, NJ 07930 908-879-5353 (1 hr & 20 min from Midtown)

You might know Riamede Farms for iconic apple orchards, but they also have a CutYour-Own-Pumpkin Patch! Cut pumpkins right from the vine in this pumpkin patch. Riamede Farms recommends that you bring your own cutting shears as well. Hayrides to the pumpkin patch are free on weekends and circle the orchard all day, so be on the lookout for one! Open 9 am-4:30 pm, daily.

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

Every weekend in October, head to the Fall Festival at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard to pick pumpkins! There will also be hayrides, bouncy castles, live music, donuts, face painting, pony rides, BBQ food, brick oven pizza, kettle corn and more. Your pumpkin picking experience is sure to be an exciting one for the whole family here! Cash only with an ATM available in the farm store. Activities range from $5-$10 per person. Open 10 am-5 pm on weekends and October 1, 9, and 14 (pumpkin patch closes at 4:30 pm). Stuart’s Fruit Farm 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs, NY 10527 914-245-2784 (1 hr & 20 min from Midtown)

Not only a fruit farm, Stuart’s Fruit Farm features the perfect pumpkin patch for families, and it is family-operated! Enjoy the autumn air and the farm views as you survey the pumpkins and choose your favorite. You can also buy pre-picked pumpkins and October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

family day out

gourds at the farm stand if you don’t have the time to venture into the pumpkin patch. Don’t miss out on the weekend hayrides! Open 9 am-6 pm, daily. Cash or check only.

produce purchases, children under 2 years old are free. Season passes available. Barton Orchards 63 Apple Tree Lane, Poughquag, NY 12570 845-227-2306 (1 hr & 30 min from Midtown)

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

Beginning in late September and running through the end of October, Barton Orchards boasts a wonderful, family-friendly pumpkin patch. Barton Orchards started as an apple farm, but they have since expanded to include tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, peppers, squash, and, of course, pumpkins! Along with your day of pumpkins, if you’re looking for a more spooky experience, check out Rotten Core Manor, the haunted house recommended for kids ages 6 and up. There are plenty of other exciting activities to do food to taste during your visit, such as the various rides and games in Fun Park and the many places to grab a bite in the Midway Farm Area. Open 9 am-6 pm, daily.

Head to Alstede Farms to pick the freshest pumpkins with your family! There are plenty of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes to choose from: orange and white, munchkins, gourds, and assorted winter squash. Weekday admission is $8.99 per person plus tax and weekend admission is $14.99 per person plus tax. Admission to Pick Your Own fields and orchards includes tractor-drawn hayrides, access to mazes and live entertainment when available. Open 9 am-6 pm (last admission is 5 pm), daily. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm 1335 White Hill Rd, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 914-245-5111 (1 hr and 20 min from Midtown)

Pumpkin picking is open for the season at Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm! Spend the day with your family in the patch as you search for your favorite pumpkin. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm is also very well known for their markets: the bakery, apple farm market and the country market. Purchase tasty treats, decorations, and, of course, pumpkins! Open 10 am-4:30 pm, daily. F&W Schmitt’s Family Farm 26 Pinelawn Rd, Melville, NY 11747 631-271-3276 (1 hr and 30 min from Midtown)

Catch the Annual Fall Festival at F&W Schmitt’s Family Farm for pumpkin picking, hayrides and more! The festivities run through October 27. F&W really encourages parents to bring their children to pick pumpkins, so come on out for this family tradition. Conquer the “Mad Scientist” corn maze, play on the inflatables and playgrounds, pet the farm animals, and visit the farm stand for fall-related treats and decor. Bring your beautiful pumpkin home to carve, eat or display! Free admission with additional cost for the playground, corn maze and daytime haunted house. Open 12-4:30 pm Monday-Friday, 10 am-5 pm Saturday-Sunday. Apple Ridge Orchards 101 Jessup Road, Warwick, NY 10990

New York Family | October 2019

845-987-7717 (1 hr & 30 min from Midtown)

Looking for an educational and interactive experience in the pumpkin patch? Check out Apple Ridge Orchards for some family fun with pumpkins! Take photos in front of the custom farm displays, such as an old tractor and portrait paintings. Enjoy the beautiful views, hop on a hayride, pet and feed farm animals, conquer the corn maze, learn about the observation hives, and taste sweet treats. All ages are invited to spend the day in Apple Ridge Orchards’ pumpkin patch. Pumpkin picking costs $10, which includes one pumpkin of any size with free admission and parking. Open to the public 9 am-6 pm, Thursday-Sunday and holidays. Lawrence Farms Orchards 306 Frozen Ridge Road, Newburgh, NY 12550 845-562-4268 (1 hr & 30 min from Midtown)

Not too far of a drive from NYC, Lawrence Farms Orchards has a pumpkin patch with a wide selection for families to choose from. After you find your perfect pumpkin, browse the concession stand, which features apple cider donuts, pies, cookies, chicken tenders, paninis, hot dogs, roasted nuts, fries, pizza, nachos, ice cream and more! Enjoy a morning out in the pumpkin patch and delectable lunch or snack afterwards to celebrate the fall season. Open 9 am- 4 pm, daily. Admission is $5 per person with a $2 credit towards

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

Masker Orchards opens up their pumpkin patch September 13 through Halloween, so head over before it closes for the season! Located in the Family Fun Area, the pumpkin patch is not only the perfect place to find your Halloween or fall pumpkin, but it is in a central spot for endless family fun. Explore the family-friendly haunted house, get your face painted, conquer the Apple Maze, and enjoy free performances on most weekends. Grab a bite at the Snack Barn after you find your pumpkins, also conveniently located in the Family Fun Area. Be sure to check out the country store while you’re there, which has jams, jellies, local honey, local maple syrup and more. Admission and parking are free, additional costs for pumpkins. 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 not only invites your family to their pumpkin patch this October, but they’ve kicked off their Harvest Festival Weekends! Every weekend through September and October features wagon rides, the corn maze, live music, fresh cider donuts, homemade mac

& cheese, farm-fresh veggie meals and more! There will even be Farmers and Chefs Food Trucks on select weekends for more delicious sweets and eats. The pumpkin patch has both edible and decorative pumpkins to choose from, as well as gourds, squash, corn stalks and straw bales for your fall decor! Mark in your calendars Pumpkin Decorating on October 26-27, 10 am-4 pm, to purchase and decorate a pumpkin at the farm with paints, glitter, stickers and more. Admission is $5 per person and kids ages 12 and under are free. On Tuesdays, general admission is free for everyone. Admission includes wagon rides with additional costs for other activities and produce. Open 9 am-6 pm (last entrance at 5 pm), daily.

With 8 acres of on-the-vine pumpkins, Harbes Family Farm has a huge selection of pumpkins just waiting for you to take home! There are many different varieties available, so you will have no shortage of options here. Don’t miss out on the Annual Pumpkin Festival on September 28-29 from 10 am-6 pm! Enjoy food and drinks as you pick your pumpkins, live musical entertainment, free donut eating contests for kids ages 12 and under, the famous Singing Hayrides, and more. Even if you don’t stop by for the festival, be sure to visit Harbes Barnyard Adventure, which features familyfriendly attractions for everyone to have fun. Pumpkins are sold by the pound. Open 11 am-5 pm on Monday-Friday and 9 am-6 pm on weekends and holidays.

Over an Hour and a Half Apple Dave’s Orchards 82 4 Corners Road, Warwick, NY 10990 845-772-1242 (1 hr and 40 min from Midtown)

Pick your own pumpkins at Apple Dave’s Orchards! The pumpkin patch opens in October for your family to visit and choose your favorite pumpkins. While you are there, take a walk in the herb and flower gardens, jam out to music, catch a hayride, watch a puppet show, and enjoy lots of food. Browse the Country Farm Store on your way out, which has fresh apple cider donuts, pumpkins, jams, jellies, pure honey and more. There is even a Halloween Store that opens up in October, so get into the Halloween spirit with this spooky store before or after pumpkin picking! Open 9 am-5 pm (last admission 4:30 pm), daily. Elwood Pumpkin Farm 1500 E Jericho Turnpike, Huntington, NY 11743 631-368-8626 (1 hr and 40 min from Midtown)

As Long Island’s most western pumpkin farm, Elwood Pumpkin Farm opens up pumpkin picking off the vine to you and your family this fall! There is no charge for admission, but pumpkins are priced by size. Additional costs apply for hayrides and the corn maze. Open 3-5 pm Monday-Friday and 10 am-5 pm Saturday, Sunday, and Columbus Day. Hurd’s Family Farm 2187 State Route 32 Modena, NY 12548 845-883-7825 (1 hr and 50 min from Midtown)

There are pumpkins in all shapes and sizes at Hurd’s Family Farm. Mini pumpkins are

Bishop’s Orchards 1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT 06437 203-453-2338 (2 hrs from Midtown)

$3. Small $5, Medium $10, Large $15, and XL $20. Enjoy an assortment of fall activities while you’re there, such as the 2-acre corn maze with photo challenge game, apple launcher, hayride, rubber duck derby, wild apple obstacle course, and more. While these activities are for an additional cost, there are also plenty of free activities to enjoy after pumpkin picking: storybook trail, horse hoop toss, hiking trails, playground and picnic tables. Be sure to head over for the Three Day Fall Festival Fun, beginning October 12! There will be live music, sweets and treats, and pick your own apples and pumpkins. Open 10 am-4 pm, daily. Dykeman Farm 31 Dykeman Ln, Pawling, NY 12564 845-832-6068 (1 hr and 50 min from Midtown)

This long-established farm has had pickyour-own pumpkins since 1974! Enjoy free parking and free hayrides during your visit. There are plenty of photo spots all around the pumpkin patch for you to take photos of your little ones for Instagram. Shop fall decorations, explore the Kids Play Area, and play in the corn pits after finding the perfect pumpkin. Open weekends in October, 10 am-5 pm. Harbes Family Farm 715 Sound Ave, Mattituck, NY 11952 631-298-0800 (2 hrs from Midtown)

Although Bishop’s Orchards may be a bit of a drive from NYC, it will surely be worth it once you’re making family memories in the pumpkin patch, which opens mid-September and runs through Halloween. These sphereshaped pumpkins are perfect for decoration during Halloween and Thanksgiving, or just the fall season in general! You can also prepare the pumpkins for meals or snacks, such as pumpkin seeds or pumpkin soup. Along with the pumpkins, browse the mums, corn stalks, gourds, squash, Indian Corn, and various other activities for kids and families to enjoy. Grab a scoop (or three) of ice cream while you’re there from Bishop’s Orchards’ new Creamery Ice Cream stand. Open 10 am-5 pm, daily. Hank’s PumpkinTown 240 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY 11976 631-726-4667 (2 hrs from Midtown)

The name says it best, as Hank’s PumpkinTown truly is a pumpkin town with pumpkins of all sizes! Other fall decorations available include gourds, corn stalks, straw bales, Indian Corn, mums, Montauk daisies, door hanging and more. New this year is the Pink Tractor, which features pink porcelain doll pumpkins! There is also face painting and gem mining for an additional cost on weekends and an exciting wooden playground. The Market includes apple cider slushies, apple cider and pumpkin donuts, and more treats. Open 9:30 am-6 pm, daily. October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

neighborhood guide

Kid-Friendly Koreatown Explore Korean culture with your children at this jewel located right in Midtown Manhattan By Mia SalaS

oreatown, located in Midtown Manhattan, celebrates Korean culture through food (Korean BBQ!), music, shopping, and literature. The small neighborhood is packed with shops and restaurants by “building up.” You’ll often have to take an elevator to the eighth or ninth floor to get to a restaurant, because Koreatown is built vertically upwards. But the vertical structure makes Koreatown even more exciting, as many special places are hidden or not as obvious unless you already know about them. That’s the first reason why we want to dive into Koreatown: to provide you with a guide to navigate the popping, yet occasionally secretive NYC spot. Koreatown is also a great place for kids, because it’s an opportunity to experience a different culture, try new things, and explore an exciting environment. This brings me to the second reason why we’re focusing on Koreatown: we want to make sure that you know all about kid-friendly Koreatown. While you may have heard about Koreatown’s nightlife scene, the daytime scene is entirely different, full of families with their little ones. We’ve got the top places for food, shopping and things to do in Koreatown with your kids, so head over to discover a few of these unique spots this autumn! Food Jongro BBQ 22 West 32nd St., Floor 2.

K-Town is known for their famous Korean BBQ. A great experience for families, cook your own meats and dip them in delicious sauces. Your kids will love getting to cook their own food, and if they’re a fan of Korean food, then they’ll definitely get a kick out of this place. As an appetizer, I’d recommend the Korean Pancake, which is great for sharing, and kids often enjoy this Korean take on the pancake. Then choose your meat for the table and get cooking! The atmosphere of this Korean BBQ place is also particularly exciting as you take the elevator up to the second floor and enter into a very authentic space that transports you into a different culture. No worries if your kids don’t know how to use chopsticks — just ask for forks instead! Sunday-Thursday 11:30 am-2 am, Friday-Saturday 11:30 am-4 am.

New York Family | October 2019

Watch dumplings being made — and then try them out — at Mandoo bar. Mandoo Bar 2 West 32nd St.

Are your kids fans of dumplings? If so, they will obsess over Mandoo Bar. And if they’ve never tried dumplings, then Mandoo Bar is the perfect introduction! By the way, “mandoo” is the Korean word for dumplings. When you walk in, you can actually see the chefs rolling the dough and shaping the dumplings. My favorite dumplings are the Vegetable Mool Mandoo, boiled vegetable dumplings filled with mixed vegetables, and Seafood Mandoo, boiled dumplings filled with shrimps, crabsticks and vegetables. Mandoo Bar also features several rice and noodle dishes. Kids love the ramen! SundayWednesday 11:30 am-10 pm, ThursdaySaturday 11:30 am-10:30 pm. Tous Les Jours Bakery 31 West 32nd St.

We all know about the sweet treats at The Sugar Factory, Dylan’s Candy Bar, and Baked by Melissa, but have you heard of this French-Asian bakery in K-Town? Tous Les Jours offers over 300 different kinds of bakery goods, such as bread, pastries, cakes, desserts, and beverages. The bakery is committed to providing freshness and quality, creating joyful experiences, and fulfilling their customers’ bakery needs all day, every day. If you’re looking for a full-sized cake, perhaps for your little one’s birthday, I

recommend the Strawberry Fantasy Cake with strawberry buttercream and jam, topped with macaroons, or the delicious, creamy Cheesecake, topped with fresh cream and strawberries. If you’re looking for a quick bite, check out their Macaroons, Chocolate Croissant, or Chestnut Pastry. Sunday-Thursday 7 am-12 am, Friday-Saturday 7 am-1 am. Grace Street 17 W 32nd St.

Enjoy hot, delicious Korean desserts at Grace Street, including Korean doughnuts and mochi waffles. Grace Street is also famously known for their Shaved Snow, which comes in a variety of flavors. Kids especially love the Cookie Monster Shaved Snow and the new X.O.X.O., decorated with flowers and strawberries. And don’t forget to order Boba Milk Teas on the side, which comes in both hot and iced options. CoFFEEd & Sweet Churros 32nd Street between Broadway and 5th Avenue

This iconic duo teamed up for an explosion of sweetness in Koreatown. After Korean BBQ or dumplings, head over to enjoy a fresh, handcrafted churro with coffee. The kids will likely love the churros, and parents can drink the coffee! The churros are also decorative and come in many different flavors. Made on the spot

for your family, you don’t want to miss out on COFFEED & Sweet Churros! Monday-Friday 8 am-11 pm, Saturday-Sunday 11 am-11 pm. Shopping The Face Shop 25 West 32nd St.

We all know how popular face masks are right now — for girls and boys. The coolness of a mask makes your skin feel so smooth, and afterwards, your face feels clean for days. The Face Shop has Korean face masks that are quite literally the best face masks I have ever tried. They come in many different varieties, including blueberry, avocado, honey, cucumber and more. If your kids aren’t into face masks, they have tons of other products for skincare, nail polish and makeup. The Face Shop is exciting for kids, because they can sample many of the products. Kids get a kick out of experimenting with the skincare products available, while mom and dad can browse the face masks. Monday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm, Sunday 10 am-8 pm.

Introduce kids to Korean culture through cuisine (above) or the pop-culture emporium Koryo Bookstore (left).

Ali’s Market 34 West 33rd St.

A branch of NY Kids Market, Ali’s Market features clothing just for children. Brands include Boboli, City Mouse, Coral & Reef, Elegant Baby, How to Kiss a Frog, No Biggie and many more. Stop by to browse the latest in children’s fashion and receive one-on-one attention in your fashion endeavors!

to ceiling, the bookstore is quite aesthetically pleasing. Yet the store doesn’t only sell books; they have K-Pop posters and music, Korean movies, albums, cute erasers and lots of other Korean souvenirs. Your kids will enjoy exploring this bookstore, as it is definitely not your typical bookstore or library (in the best way possible). Monday-Friday 9:30 am-9:30 pm, Saturday 10 am-9 pm, Sunday 11 am-8 pm.

Cutie pie Baby 34 West 33rd St.

Cutie Pie Baby is the perfect store to visit in Koreatown if you have an infant or toddler. Cutie Pie Baby designs affordable baby gear for your little ones. Offices are located in NYC and Shanghai, and the franchise supports charities all over the world, such as orphanages, cancer research, lifesaving organizations and feeding/clothing the poor. Brands include Mini Muffin, Chick pea, Cutie Pie, Kyle & Deena, and more. ThingS To Do Karaoke Duet 35 53 West 35th St., 2nd Floor

You may have heard stories about K-Town karaoke, and likely those stories were associated with drinks. But Karaoke Duet is one of the few karaoke places in K-Town that allows, and even encourages, children to come out and sing! The only age restriction is that on Sunday to Thursday after 12 am, guests must be 21 or older, and on Friday and Saturday, guests must

be 21 and older after 8 pm. I recommend going during the afternoon, where there will surely be other families there! Feel free to get a private room — these work best when you come as a larger group, so maybe team up with another family for some karaoke fun. Private rooms are also not super expensive: before 8 pm, Karaoke Duet charges $5 to $6 per person, per hour. Typically, groups don’t stay for longer than an hour or two. Want to check if Karaoke Duet has your kids’ favorite songs? Browse their song list beforehand. Koryo Bookstore 35 West 32nd St.

While your kids may not be able to read the Korean collection of books, unless they understand Korean, the bookstore is surely a Koreatown gem. Filled with books from floor

h Mart 38 West 32nd St.

You may be wondering why a Korean grocery store is put under “things to do” instead of “shopping.” Well, if you’re visiting Koreatown with kids, H Mart will definitely become an adventure, especially if your kids have never seen a Korean grocery store before. The large space offers plenty of traditional Korean snacks, food and drinks. One of my favorite treats here that kids tend to enjoy is Pocky, the cookies in the shape of sticks. Cookies and Cream is the best flavor (in my opinion), but Chocolate Cream is pretty good too. Ramen is also a childhood favorite, among Paldo Pororo Flavored Juice Drinks. Kids will love going up and down the aisles to explore all of the new and interesting selections on the shelves. 8 am-10:55 pm. October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

FAMILY FUN

Corn Maze Season is Here! BY SARAH JACKSON

utumn is upon us, which means it’s the perfect time to take the family out for some fun fall activities. Maybe you’ve gone apple picking and been on hayrides already, but why not try going through a corn maze? These mazes aren’t far from the city (two are even in the city!), so bring the family out to these corn mazes near New York City for a fun and challenging adventure. Corn Mazes in New York City Decker Farm 435 Richmond Hill Rd. Staten Island, NY 10314

Deemed an official New York City landmark in 1967, Staten Island’s historic Decker Farm has plenty of fall activities for a day out with the family. The corn maze will be open on weekends, starting in October. While you’re there, you can also pick your own pumpkins, go on a hayride, or even have the kids’ faces painted!

New York Family | October 2019

Queens County Farm Museum 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy. Queens, NY 11004

Wander through three acres of corn stalks in the Amazing Maize Maze at the Queens County Farm Museum. Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you look for clues and solve puzzles to find your way out. The maze is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am - 4:30 pm. On select Saturdays this month, you can even navigate the maze by moonlight (flashlights are welcome, too!). When purchased in advance, tickets for kids ages 4 to 11 are $5, and tickets for adults are $10. Children age 3 and under can enter for free. Prices are higher for tickets bought at the door and for moonlight maze tickets. Corn Mazes Outside the City Hank’s PumpkinTown 324 County Rd. 39A Southampton, NY 11968

At Hank’s PumpkinTown in Long Island, you’ll find three interactive corn mazes

complete with fun and educational games. In the Finger Foods Game, kids will learn about healthy eating habits at five stations throughout the maze. Or, in the Spooky Pumpkin Maze, kids can read along on 13 illustrated storyboards throughout the field about Spookley the Square Pumpkin. The Farm Scene Investigation Corn Maze lets kids test their detective skills as they work to solve a whodunnit in one hour. Admission to the maze park is $15 per person and includes all-day access to corn mazes, unlimited wagon and tractor train rides, pig and duck races, play structures, a 50-foot tube slide and more! Hurd’s Family Farm 2187 State Route 32 Modena, NY 12548

A favorite especially when you have little ones who either are not ready for an intricate corn maze as there is a mini one perfect for toddlers. Once the kids go through the mazes, there is plenty of fun to be had with

a cow train ride, hayrides and our favorite — the giant slide on sand mountain! Kids can apple pick or have a pony ride making this destination the perfect family day out. Families can choose activity a la carte, we recommend the VIP Activity Wristband for $15 that runs until November 3rd. Outhouse Orchards 139 Hardscrabble Rd. North Salem, NY 10560

Learn some fun facts about apples throughout your journey in Outhouse Orchard’s corn maze. You can also pick your own apples, pears and peaches on-site and go on hayrides. Schuyler Farms 1124 Rte. 29 Schuylerville, NY 12871

Every year, Schuyler Farms creates a different theme for its corn maze. This year, the theme honors the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Tickets are $8 per person, and children under age 3 can enter for free. Now celebrating its 18th year of corn mazes,

Schuyler Farms also has moonlight maze nights and, for the family that loves a good scare, haunted maze nights! Moonlight maze nights will take place on select Saturdays in September, and haunted maze nights will take place every Friday and Saturday night this month. Corn Mazes Nearby Alstede Farms 1 Alstede Farms Lane Chester, NJ 07930

A corn maze is just one of the three mazes you’ll find at Alstede Farms in New Jersey.

The farm also has a maze of evergreen trees that is open year-round and even a sunflower maze for the perfect photo op in the summer. Besides the maze’s regular daytime hours, the farm also opens the maze on select nights throughout the fall season for those who want to make their way by flashlight. Admission to the corn maze during regular hours is included with the purchase of a pick-yourown-produce ticket. Tickets to the corn maze at night are $17 and include a hay wagon ride, a stop in the pumpkin patch, a campfire experience, and some live music. Bishop’s Orchards 1355 Boston Post Rd. Guilford, CT 06437

The maze may be made of corn stalks, but this year it’s all about ice cream. That’s the scrumptious design of Bishop’s Orchards’ 2019 maze, where you can play interactive games and test your trivia knowledge of all things ice cream. Tickets are $7 per person, and children age 2 and under can enter for free. The corn maze will be open from 10 am to 5 pm on weekends and Columbus Day.

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October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

Travel

Family Getaway to Newport, Rhode Island Escape to New England for history, activities and seaside life By Jana Beauchamp

ewport, Rhode Island is an easy getaway for city families desiring a historic, picturesque, and relaxing escape. You’ll love the beaches and oceanfront parks and leisurely sails and strolls around historic Newport — along the wharfs, Cliff Walk or Thames Street. You can marvel at Gilded Age mansions, sail in an America’s Cup yacht, sip and savor local delicacies, and enjoy the rich tradition and modern amenities throughout the city. Newport itself is small enough to explore in a weekend but the experiences will transport you so you will want to stay longer. Hotel Viking The Hotel Viking is perched atop Newport’s Historic Hill with breathtaking views of Bellevue Avenue and is centrally located right in the middle of it all. You get the bustle of downtown with easy access to all your heart desires. The 208-room Hotel Viking is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and recently underwent a $6.2 million restoration. The boutique hotel offers the perfect family combination of style, comfort, and modern amenities. Whether you stay in a newly-refreshed guestroom or a luxury suite, there is a sense of history and luxury with a stay custom-designed for your family needs. Don’t miss the Bellevue Suite, which offers a bedroom and sitting area separated by a spiral staircase. The living room separate from the bedroom features a pull-out queen size sleeper sofa which makes it perfect for families. They even warmly welcome your four-legged family members! From the Front Desk depicting ancient Nordic Runes to the original 1926 key box where kids get an antique key, kids of all ages will love the history. Kids will especially love the kids club, indoor pool, game room and outdoor games like corn hole and Jenga. The culinary and cocktail experience at Hotel Viking was family-friendly with menu items to please every palette. The Top of Newport rooftop terrace is so inviting, you

New York Family | October 2019

can take in the stunning 360-degree city and ocean views while sipping a beverage and savoring delicious bites while watching the children play around. The bartender will even make super special Shirley Temples for the little ones and help them take in the 11 am “scene.” Enjoy a dining affair at One Bellevue Restaurant. It offers a beautiful outdoor terrace to enjoy its American bistro fare. Our waiter made dining delightful and even made sure the pup had his water refilled. The hotel’s café, Hill Market, has quick and easy specialties like freshly brewed coffee, homemade pastries and local artisanal products (like Newport Sea Salt Co with salts made from the ocean and Sea Coast Sweets, the chocolate truffles from a Portsmouth woman who makes them in her backyard). For a little rest and relaxation, bring your little loved ones with you to take respite at Spa Fjor. Their Prince & Princess Children’s Menu has specialty treatments like My First Massage, Children’s Facial, Twinkle Toes Pedicure, and Princess Manicure. They will enjoy this pampering while you can enjoy the signature Balinese Massage. The Great Outdoors Arrange a beach butler with the concierge and make your first stop at Easton’s Beach, Newport’s largest beach and recreation area. You’ll get chauffeured to and from the beach in style, having beach chairs waiting for you upon arrival and someone else packing the ideal beach bag with a delicious picnic from Hill’s Market! The whole family will love swimming in the ocean, building sand castles, and playing on the swings overlooking the ocean under the Rhode Island sun. The beachfront Save the Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium allows you to get up close and personal with creatures from the Narragansett Bay like urchins, sea stars and more. Next, go merrily around on the historic Carousel at Easton’s Beach. Then stroll along the beach over to the Cliff Walk (which even has a stroller-friendly patch and spots easily navigated for the littlest legs) and stop at the

Breakers or Elms for a family mansion tour. You’ll experience a summer day in the life of the Vanderbilt children through the voice of the house-sharing its secrets.

The recently restored Hotel Viking, overlooking Newport Harbor is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. the nature trails and have tireless fun. Riding is hands-free (and not strenuous at all!) and there are tour guides in the lead and in the last position, guiding you all along the way. It is novel and memorable and magic on the rails — pure fun! Then end the perfect day with dinner at White Horse Tavern (America’s oldest tavern) and retreat to the hotel for a favorite tradition of bonfires and s’mores on the terrace. You can cozy up next to the fire and enjoy tasty s’mores, storytelling and family fun. The Seaside City Peruse the quaint shops along Bellevue Avenue as you stroll past mansions and continue your discovery of Newport up and down Thames Street. After a fun day exploring town, leisurely make your way down the wharf and let the kids count the sailboats as you relax and savor the fresh local catch at 22 Bowen’s or The Mooring. And if the kids are good, let them have a cookie at the cookie jar and ice cream at Sprinkles before you retreat to the hotel. Indulge in the luxuries of Newport on the water with Cruise Newport with a scenic day sail on the Madeleine. We were warmly welcomed aboard by the captain and crew, and it was smooth sailing for the duration. It was blissful to circumnavigate the island in style from under the sails of the Madeliene. You’ll be admiring views of the mansions and harbor and little ones won’t even ask, “are we there yet?” since they will be busy taking in the beautiful seaside scenery and mansions and more. Once at the wharf, take a leisurely stroll home and savor your time in the city by the sea. For more information on lodging, dining, attractions, transportation and more, visit discovernewport.org

If you and the tots prefer to transform into land rovers, don’t miss a family favorite activity, the Rail Explorers. Join the 20,000+ visitors who “ride the rails” on innovative

new pedal-powered bike/vehicle hybrids. Kids of all ages will relish in riding the train track along the edge of Narragansett Bay. You’ll delight in the scenery as you pedal over

Jana Beauchamp is a freelance journalist based in New York City, who has been with New York Family since 2012. She dreamed of landing Tom Hank’s job in the movie Big, but when she learned, it was a fictitious role she naturally pursued a career in foreign policy. Presently Jana now works on her writing, staying active in philanthropic work and feels her most important job is being a magnificent mom of two. October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

family fun

10 MUSEUMS

MUSIC

THEATER

Great Kid-Friendly October Events in Manhattan By mia salas

JUST KIDDING: ORAN ETKIN’S TIMABLOOLOO October 5 Join internationally acclaimed jazz musician Oran Etkin to explore the world of jazz! Enjoy lots of audience interaction for little ones, including singing, clapping, dancing and drumming. Kids will learn all about instruments and music through this exciting, family-friendly performance. Members $14, non-Members $17, 11 am-12 pm. Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater at Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, symphonyspace.org

NOOMA October 14-18 Designed for babies and toddlers ages 0 to 2, Nooma immerses little ones and their caretakers into a world of music, storytelling, and play. Performers in this vocal circus invite young audience members along in co-creating their story. There will also be a colorful parachute to articulate breathing patterns and encourage play. Free, admission is first come, first serve for the first 40 babies and their caregivers, two shows at 10 am and 11:30 am. Carnegie Hall’s Resnick Education Wing, 881 7th Ave., New York, NY 10019, carnegiehall.org

HARVEST FESTIVAL ATTRACTIONS

FOOD

Outdoors

October 6 Bring your family for a fun and entertaining celebration of the fall! There will be live musical performances, pumpkin decorating, face painting, kite making, meet the chickens, crafts, games, and more. Enjoy the crisp autumn weather as you make your way through the various festival activities. Free, 12-4 pm. Fields 62 and 63 and the Urban Farm, Randall’s Island Park, Wards Meadow Loop, New York, NY 10035, nycgovparks.org

ARTISANAL SWEET TREATS BAZAAR October 20 In honor of National Dessert Month, Grand Bazaar is celebrating with a huge spread of delicious desserts from NYC’s best artisanal sweet-makers! Enjoy experimental donuts, handmade macaroons, creatively flavored peanut-butter cups, small-batch fudge, freshly baked cookies and cupcakes, and delectable truffles and chocolates. All of Grand Bazaar NYC’s profits go to four local public schools, helping over 2,000 children. Dessert for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Yes, please! Dessert costs vary, 10 am-5:30 pm. Grand Bazaar NYC, 100 West 77th St., New York, NY 10024, grandbazaarnyc.org

26TH ANNUAL FAMILY PARTY

Take in the stars from the deck of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum at their Astronomy Night on October 25.

New York Family | October 2019

October 23 A well-loved tradition at the American Museum of Natural History, the Family Party hosts an array of educational activities and entertainment for kids of all ages. Families get to explore the museum after hours, in particular the Museum Science Center, where little ones meet animals and learn about artifacts and specimens. Museum curators, scientists, and educators will be present to guide children through their fun-filled learning experience. Ticket prices vary per package, 5-7:30 pm. American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 100245192, amnh.org

AMNH/ R. Mickens

ASTRONOMY NIGHT October 25 With Halloween quickly approaching, start off your spooky festivities with Astronomy Night! Learn all about the planets from astrophysicist Jackie Faherty. Explore The Intrepid at night, and discover whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s out there in the universe. This is a great opportunity for some pre-Halloween family fun and enrichment. Free, 5-9 pm. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, 12th Avenue and West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036, intrepidmuseum.org

5TH ANNUAL PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST October 26 Carve a pumpkin at home with your family, and then bring it to Washington Market Park to enter the pumpkin carving contest! Sponsored by The Friends of Washington Market Park, this community event invites all families, whether you are entering a pumpkin or not, to join in on the festivities. There are several categories for prizes, such as scariest, funniest, and most creative. Win or lose, this a Halloween display of creativity and community that you do not want to miss! Free, 4:45-6 pm. Washington Market Park, 199 Chambers St., New York, NY 10007, washingtonmarketpark.org

MY NEW BEST FRIEND IS A SKYSCRAPER! October 26 The world of storytelling and skyscrapers combine in this workshop designed for kids ages 4

to 8. Using their imagination, kids will explore the Supertall Wall to pick their favorite building, and then design a character and comic based on that building. Afterwards, kids get to share their creative, skyscraper personalities with the group! $5, 10:30-11:45 am. The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, New York, NY 10280, skyscraper.org

Explore the American Museum of Natural History after hours and the annual Family Party on October 23.

TRICK-OR-TREAT THE TERMINAL October 27 Celebrate Halloween this year at Grand Central Terminal to trick-or-treat in a safe, easy, and indoor setting! There will be plenty of Halloween festivities, including face painting, pumpkin decorating, a photo booth, delicious sweets & treats, and raffle prizes. Participating Grand Central Terminal restaurants and shops will be giving away candy and other surprises to little ones in their costumes! Free, 11 am-2 pm. Grand Central Terminal, 89 East 42nd St., New York, NY 10017, grandcentralterminal.com

HALLOWEEN BOO BASH October 31 Extend the well-loved holiday of Halloween even longer with the Halloween Boo Bash before you head out trick-or-treating! Dress your little ones up in their adorable costumes, and get ready for a spooky celebration. Play kidfriendly games, eat sweet treats, make crafts, and get your group together for your evening of trick-or-treating. Free, 3:30-5:30 pm. Touchdown of the 103rd Street Footbridge in Randallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Island Park, New York, NY 10035, nycgovparks.org October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

family fun

Featured event

Events Around the City By Mia Salas

SUMMER ON THE HUDSON: LITTLE RED LIGHTHOUSE FESTIVAL October 5 Manhattan’s only remaining lighthouse deserves to be celebrated, so come on out for a day of festivities. Dance to live music, eat delicious food, and browse the various art vendors. There will also be readings of the eponymous children’s book, fishing clinics, and Urban Park Ranger presentations. Free, 12-4 pm. Little Red Lighthouse in Fort Washington Park, Hudson River Greenway, New York, NY 10032, nycgovparks.org

NOSTALGIA RIDE: WOODLAWN CEMETERY October 6 Hop on the ride from Grand Central Terminal to Woodlawn Cemetery on WW1-era Lo-V subway cars! A guided tour will take your family through the history of Woodlawn Cemetery. Learn all about the famous businessmen, authors, artists, and musicians who reside there! Enjoy bring-your-own picnic lunches on cemetery grounds after the tour. $35 adults and $20 kids for members, $50 adults and $25 kids for general public, 12-4 pm. Woodlawn Cemetery, 4199 Webster Avenue, Bronx, NY 10470, nytransitmuseum.org

GALAXY DONUTS WORKSHOP October 12 For your donut-loving little one, sign up to make these delicious treats together a the Galaxy Donut Workshop! Learn how to bake galaxy glazed donuts. Not only do they taste delicious, but kids love the colorful glaze. The workshop is designed for kids ages 5 to 8. $45 per child with one caregiver included, 9-10 am. Taste Buds

New York Family | October 2019

Lower East Side Partnership

Pickle Day October 6 As the world’s largest pickle festival, Pickle Day transforms three full blocks in the Lower East Side into the perfect fall festival for all ages! Enjoy all things pickled with more than 20 picklers, 30 local eateries, specialty ice cream surprises, pickles on a stick, and a giant, talking pickle mascot. There will be giant games, face painting, live DJs, balloon

Kitchen, 109 West 27th Street, New York, NY 10001, tastebudskitchen.com

MAZE BY MOONLIGHT October 12 and 19 Sponsored by Con Edison, Maze by Moonlight is an exclusive, exciting event for kids and families! Bring your flashlight to navigate the The Amazing Maize Maze under the starry sky. Gather up your neighborhood friends for a group rate, available for ten or more people. Will you conquer the maze? Advanced Tickets: Adults $12, kids (ages 4-11) $7, door tickets: Adults $17, kids $10, free for ages 3 and under, 4:309 pm. Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, Queens, NY 11004-1129, queensfarm. org

THE POUT-POUT FISH October 12-20 Based on the best-selling children’s book series, this brand new musi-

animals, carnival games, and lots of giveaways. Pickle Day resembles a time in the Lower East Side’s history, when its streets used to be lined with pushcarts. Spend the day with your family at this recreation of the original pushcart market! Free, prices vary for food, 12-5 pm. Orchard Street between Delancy and E Houston, New York, NY 10002, pickleday.nyc

cal is here to bring smiles and laughter to little ones in NYC! Pout-Pout the fish and Ms. Clam’s mystical pearl are swept out to sea, and Pout-Pout must gather the self-confidence to bring the gem home through the big, dark waters. Using musical theater elements and puppetry, The Pout-Pout Fish is an exciting performance for children ages 4 to 7. $25, times vary: shows start at either 11 am or 3 pm and last 55 minutes. The New Victory Theater, 209 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036, newvictory.org

STORYTIME WITH ESMÉ SHAPIRO: ALMA AND THE BEAST October 13 Alma lives happily in her hairy world, until a hairless, button-nosed beast appears in her garden. At first Alma is scared, but then she realizes the beast is lost and misses her hairless home. Alma offers to help the beast find her way back, and the two embark on a

fantastical journey. Kids will love the world that Shapiro creates for little readers! Learn all about friendship through this quirky and charming story. Free, 11 am-12 pm. Books Are Magic, 225 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231, booksaremagic.net

OPEN HOUSE NEW YORK WEEKEND October 18-20 Organized by Open House New York, a nonprofit organization that advocates for an open and inclusive city, Open House New York Weekend allows you to visit and explore historical and culturally rich places in NYC. Discover extraordinary architecture across all five boroughs as many sites that are normally private open their doors to the public for this weekend. Locations include museums, monuments, schools, theaters, private residencies, studios, factories, workspaces and more. Many sites offer family-friendly programming, such as tours, crafts, and other activities! Be sure to check the site listing to see all of the family-friendly sites. Free, additional cost for select tours, all day event. Various locations citywide, ohny.org

HALLOWEEN HOWL & HEALTHY HOUND FAIR October 20 Why should your furry friend have to miss out on the Halloween festivities? Dress your dog up in a Halloween costume, and make your way over to

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Check out the Surrogate’s Courthouse near City Hall, just one of many sites that open their doors to the public for Open House New York Weekend, October 18 to 20. Carl Schurz Park for the annual dog costume event. Watch over 200 pups take the runway and show off their spectacular costume for the judges. Whether you have a dog or not, this is a must-see event! Free, 12-3 pm. Basketball & Hockey Court and John Finley Walk in Carl Schurz Park, East 86th Street and East End Avenue, New York, NY 10028, carlschurzparknyc. org

A SWINGIN’ SESAME STREET CELEBRATION: 50 YEARS AND COUNTING October 25-26

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Sesame Street with this show for all ages! Watch the muppets of Sesame Street, like Elmo, Bert & Ernie, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Grover, and more, perform alongside the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. See your furry and feathered friends sing classic Sesame Street songs: parents and older kids can reminisce on their Sesame Street days, and little ones can see their favorite show come to life. Ticket prices vary based on seating, $40-$135, 7 pm on October 25, two shows at 2 pm and 7 pm on October 26. Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater, Broadway at West 60th Street, 5th floor, New York, NY 10023, jazz.org

SCARY BAZAARHALLOWEEN SPECIAL October 27 Grand Bazaar NYC transforms into “Scary Bazaar” for Halloween festivities! Spooky decorations will welcome you into the venue, and there will be over 140 vendors — many in costume! Enjoy delectable and scary sweet treats from artisanal food vendors, shop, browse, and spend quality family time together leading up to Halloween. All of Grand Bazaar NYC’s profits go to four local public schools, benefitting over 2,000 children. Vendor costs vary, 10 am-5:30 pm. Grand Bazaar NYC, 100 West 77th Street, New York, NY 10024, grandbazaarnyc.org

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mom stories

Making Mom Friends Is Hard It feels kind of like dating, but how does one mom let another mom know she’s available? By Cris Pearlstein

spotted her from about 20 feet away, a vision in black Doc Martens, faded black jeans and an old concert tee. A head of messy curls was covered by a black baseball cap, and even though her eyes were hiding behind a pair of Ray-Bans, I could tell they were kind. I felt drawn to her and decided we needed to meet. No, I’m not looking for a girlfriend, nor am I looking for a life partner. I’m not even hoping for a date out of this, but I am on the prowl, all right. Most days you can find me cruising around my neighborhood on the hunt for a mom friend. This woman, let’s call her Cool Mom, was totally my type: she looked around my age and she was alone. Sure, those might be low standards but these days that’s all it really took. So there I was, watching Cool Mom kick a ball around with her son, waiting for my opportunity. Finally the ball rolled over to my daughter who picked it up, wanting to play. While the kids negotiated over who would hold it, I decided to break the ice. I smiled and said “How old is he?” “16 months,” she replied. And then she added, “She can play with the ball, we’re actually heading to the swings.” My heart sank as I watched Cool Mom walk

New York Family | October 2019

away, holding her son’s hand. I couldn’t help but feel rejected. In the past 18 months since my daughter was born I have come to the conclusion that making mom friends is a lot like dating. I began to wonder about the rules of making mom friends. Were they similar to the rules of dating? Don’t come on too strong, rely on your gut, look for a spark, don’t seem desperate, put yourself out there. But putting myself out there and communicating my availability remains a big mystery. In the world of dating the signals that you are single and ready to mingle are simple (though archaic): lipstick, a slighty-sexy outfit, flirty eyes, and a bare ring finger. None of these do me any good in my quest for a mom friend, though. So how does one mom let another mom know they’re available? So far I’ve relied on smiling, being friendly, and pushing myself to start conversations when I might not have otherwise. It can be exhausting and I often get discouraged, but I keep reminding myself of what I’ve read on all the motherhoodthemed Instagram accounts I follow: I need a community (no matter how small) of other moms to spend time with. Sure, I have a supportive and hands-on husband, a few great long-time friends, and a close-knit family, but if I’ve learned anything from

my on-the-ground experience in the past 18 months, it’s that no one can truly relate to what I’m going through except other mothers with young children. Being a mom to a toddler can sometimes feel like hi-stress combat, and who better to understand that feeling than a fellow soldier, fighting the daily fight? I’ve realized in order to ensure mental and emotional survival I need to find my battle mates, my troop, my platoon. A few days later at a different park I spotted the outfit before I noticed the mom. A classic striped tee tucked into black skinny jeans, topped off with a pair of crisp white platform Supergas. As a recovering fashion editor I often choose my prey based on what she’s wearing, and I assumed the person wearing this outfit was someone I could vibe with. I took a closer look. French Mom had the type of short bob haircut that looked like she didn’t ever have to brush it for it to look good, and she wasn’t wearing a stitch of makeup. I noticed her little blond daughter was also wearing a striped tee as was the newborn-ish baby in her arms. I normally don’t go for mommy-and-me-dressing, but this, I had to admit, was done to perfection. Lastly, I noticed we had the same camo print tote bag and I took it as a sign, so I looked for my in. Put yourself out there, I reminded

myself and took a deep breath. I slowly and casually (always casually) led my daughter over to where French Mom was perched. I heard her ask her daughter, “If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?” The daughter grabbed a monkey bar and without hesitation said, “Paris!” Here was my in. I pounced. “Smart kid,” I say. “I’d want to go to Paris, too.” French Mom laughed and somehow we start talking. She told me her daughter has the same leggings as my daughter, and I told her I have the same tote bag as her. We smiled and continued some small talk. Just as things were picking up my daughter lost interest and wandered to the other side of the playground. I reluctantly followed her and then looked back to see French Mom packing up her things and wrangling her mini-me to leave. I knew I had lost my chance. But it’s funny how things work out sometimes. Like when your husband suggests early one Saturday morning, on a whim, to take a family walk to a park that’s further away than

Being a mom to a toddler can sometimes feel like hi-stress combat, and who better to understand that feeling than a fellow soldier? the park you usually walk to. You barely tame your bedhead, haphazardly throw on some clothes, and skip brushing your teeth — you’re still working on your first cup of coffee and you can’t imagine you’ll have to talk to anyone other than said husband at this ungodly hour. And suddenly there you are at the park, morning breath and all, when your dog runs up to a little girl and her mom actually starts talking to you. She makes the first move, doesn’t seem to notice the bedhead or morning breath, and you instantly feel at ease. Is that a spark? You notice

her hair is the perfect mix of messy and wavy, and her jeans have a slight flare. She’s wearing a floaty floral top and doesn’t flinch when your daughter starts pulling at the long-hanging tassels. Boho Mom was not only friendly and engaging, but it seemed she was the one putting herself out there. I catch a glimpse of our daughters holding hands in the distance. Next thing I knew she was putting her number in my phone, suggesting we meet for a playdate. I have to admit, just like in dating, it felt good to be the one being pursued. It felt good that I didn’t have to make the first move. It felt good that she asked me for my number first. And I also have to admit that, just like in dating, it’s all about that indescribable spark. Without it you’re just two moms standing next to each other at the playground watching your kids steal each others toys. So is Boho Mom the mom of my dreams? Could she be my perfect mom match? It’s too soon to tell, but since that first morning in the park we’ve had two playdates and a third is on the calendar. I think her and I might have a future together...or at least fight a few battles side by side for a little while.

We’re s� S�cial

October 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com

We asked

How Do You Enjoy Fall in the City? We love to head out of Manhattan to the Annual Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortland Manor. Seeing the displays of thousands of hand-carved pumpkins is mesmerizing for my kids. We make a weekend of it and stay overnight to explore Hudson Valley and see the beautiful fall foliage. @juliamclernon

Being new to New York, this is our first “fall.” Our 7-year-old son has said it’s his favorite season despite never having seen it! When we arrived in January after he had lived in Asia for all his life so far, he asked why all the trees were dead! We’re looking forward to the fall colors, pumpkin carving and winter wardrobe shopping which is a novelty! We’re also excited about the ice rinks opening again so we can get our skates on. Indulgent hot chocolates and luxurious lattes from the local cafe will warm our fingers and toes. @sadiedemps

Fall in the city is magical to me. It’s warm with smells of pumpkin spice and cinnamon, combined with huge arrangements of pumpkins on every block. Setting up holiday decorations is always my favorite time of the year, and as a new mother, I get to introduce it all to my little guy. Fall time is family time. @wickedriots147

New York Family | October 2019

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