Allison

Allison Hilton - NYC Writer

Allison loves living in NYC. After working as a TV news producer, she now stays at home on the Upper West Side to raise her son. When they're not traveling, they're enjoying city life and contributing to Mommy Poppins.

More About Allison

What's your favorite place to hang out with kids in NYC?
Any of the amazing parks. There's always something new to discover, and great people watching.

What do you do when you're kid-free?
This year I got to travel solo to China! But usually I like to go to the theater or try some new restaurant, exhibit or other NYC cultural experience I've read about.

What's your best parenting moment?
Whenever my son's face lights up when he accomplishes something for the first time, and says "I did it!"

What's your least favorite thing about raising kids in NYC?
Our extended families aren't here.

Latest posts by Allison

9 More Experience Gifts for New York City Kids

Submitted by Allison on Mon, 12/12/2011 - 9:00am

This season, the theme of our Holiday Gift Guide is shopping local. And no gift is more local than a memorable NYC experience.

Last year, we shared 10 ideas for experience gifts for New York City kids, like enjoying high tea or going rock climbing at Brooklyn Boulders. These are our favorite kinds of presents: They don't need to be wrapped, they don't take up any precious space in our small apartments and they create special family memories.

The possibilities for experience gifts in NYC are endless, and span all interests and budgets. You can buy tickets and stuff them in stockings, or get creative and make your own coupon good for your child to "cash in" for one of these fun outings.

Best Bakeries and Other Sweet Spots on the Upper West Side

Submitted by Allison on Mon, 11/28/2011 - 9:00am

During our month-long series of posts focusing on the Upper West Side, we've shared many of our favorite neighborhood haunts, including toy stores, play spots and family-friendly restaurants. Now we've got something really sweet for you: our top dessert spots on the UWS.

There are of course a slew of UWS places where you can pop in for a quick treat. We've picked the nine that we always have trouble resisting, jam-packed with all kinds of goodies from cupcakes to ice cream, cake to cookies.

Indoor Play Spaces on the Upper West Side: 23 Fun Inside Spots for NYC Kids

Submitted by Allison on Mon, 11/14/2011 - 4:00pm

So far this month as part of our focus on the Upper West Side, we've rounded up cool things to do and awesome toy stores. Now we're rounding up indoor places to play on the UWS.

While the UWS is bookended by Riverside Park and Central Park, their playgrounds clear out when it's cold or rainy. But there are plenty of inside neighborhood spots where kids can run around and have fun. We're not just talking about the usual pay-to-play places like CMOM or AMNH, or members-only play spaces like NY Kids Club; there are also lots of unusual destinations, many of which are free. Here are our top 23 UWS spots where kids can play (or at least hang out a bit) indoors.

NYC Toy Stores: Best Toy Shopping on the Upper West Side

Submitted by Allison on Sun, 11/06/2011 - 3:00pm

As we mentioned last week, Mommy Poppins' neighborhood of the month is the Upper West Side. We already shared our top 30 things to do on the UWS. Today we're highlighting our favorite toy stores in the area.

The UWS is so family-friendly that you can find a business selling toys on most blocks (along with a Starbucks or two). The West 80s in particular could be dubbed "Toy Store Row." Now if you ask my three-year-old, there's no such thing as a bad toy store. However, as an UWS parent who frequently finds herself searching for last-minute birthday party gifts, I certainly like some more than others. Here are sixUpper West Side toy shops that really stand out from the rest in terms of products, prices and cute offerings. One even has a Tooth Fairy Registry.

Parents' Night Out: Haunted Restaurants and Adults-Only Treats for Mom and Dad

Submitted by Allison on Sun, 10/23/2011 - 10:00am

When you're a parent, Halloween feels like it's all about the kids. That's why for this month's Parents' Night Out post, we wanted to remind you that there are ways adults can enjoy treats and a few thrills, too.

We've got a list of tasty New York City places where you can indulge in adults-only desserts. Or if chills are what you're after, we know about a few restaurants with haunted histories.

Here are ways you can get a bit of a Halloween fix, without a costume or kid in sight.

Best Gifts for New NYC Moms and Dads

Submitted by Allison on Mon, 10/17/2011 - 9:00am

When a friend tells you she's pregnant, after all of the usual questions—due date, boy or girl or unknown—you usually ask where she's registered. But as a parent of two I can tell you, sometimes it's best to think outside the box. Buying off the registry is nice but some parents—especially first-time moms and dads—don't realize what they really need until the baby arrives. This is especially true for New York City families, who are usually way too space-challenged to accommodate large or unnecessary items, like one of those humongous stuffed animals that requires its own bedroom.

As someone who's had to freecycle a number of well intentioned but extraneous gifts (see ya, wipe warmer), I've compiled a list of presents that I think NYC parents will be psyched to receive.

Moms' Night Out: Love, Loss, and What I Wore and a Great Babysitting Deal

Submitted by Allison on Mon, 09/19/2011 - 12:00pm

You know how sometimes a piece of clothing can bring back a past conversation or experience? From a white wedding veil to a black funeral dress to a sequined dance recital leotard, our wardrobes and our memories are intertwined. It's a girl thing and it unites women everywhere.

That's what makes the show Love, Loss, and What I Wore such a great way to spend a moms' night out. A series of vignettes about the ups and downs of various women using clothing as the connecting thread, the hit Off Broadway show will celebrate its two-year anniversary on October 1, and it doesn't look like it's going out of style anytime soon.

While my previous moms' night out suggestions, like cool dance and art classes, and a downtown scavenger hunt, were more interactive, Love, Loss, and What I Wore is really engaging and moving, and inspires meaningful post-show conversations. Plus, at select performances, you can add on childcare for just $15 per kid. So gather your girlfriends, put on something fabulous and get ready to bond.

Two Great Upper West Side Classes for Toddlers: Elliott's Gymnastics and Creative Play for Kids

Submitted by Allison on Mon, 08/22/2011 - 9:00am

[UPDATED: July 18, 2012]

As September approaches, New York City families are signing up their kids for extracurricular classes. As an Upper West Side mom of a very energetic two-year-old, I've spent countless hours trying out various kids' classes in our neighborhood. We've sampled quite a few, everything from music to gymnastics to art. I call it our "toddler class crawl," and it's been a great way to figure out which programs work for my son without making a major time and financial commitment to a class he ends up hating.

Here's the scoop on how our toddler class crawl came to be, and two Upper West Side tot spots that, in my opinion, stand out from the rest.