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

Mom's Night Out: Let's Dance!

Submitted by Allison on Sun, 11/14/2010 - 10:07pm

This is a post about dance classes, but not for your kids, for YOU (minus the little tutus or sequined leotards you may be imagining.) Parents need an outlet to release energy and creativity, and well, just to have fun once in a while too. On a recent mom’s night out, a friend and I decided to do something completely different and took a Bollywood dance class. I’m talking a simple drop-in, no experience necessary, wear what you want, just for fun dance class. There are plenty of them offered here in NYC in all sorts of styles for less than $20. So what do you want to try, Belly dancing, African Dance or maybe Hula Hooping?

Giving Back at Birthday Time

Submitted by Allison on Sun, 10/24/2010 - 11:16pm

I’ve been thinking about ways to celebrate my soon-to-be-2-year-old’s birthday with all the traditional fun, but minus the usual mound of presents. Is this possible to pull off without offending friends and family or upsetting the birthday boy? I think so. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting a ban on all birthday gifts! But there are ways to strike a balance and make birthday parties more socially, environmentally and financially friendly. Besides, who in NYC has the room for all those presents anyway? Here are a few ideas to limit the toy intake and use the occasion to share all that birthday love and generosity with others.

Create Your Own Preschool Co-Op

Submitted by Allison on Sun, 10/17/2010 - 10:49pm

I opted for a parent-founded preschool co-op for my 2-year-old and couldn't be happier. Our preschool co-op meets for two hours on Fridays at a local church's nursery space. This type of preschool alternative can be a great option for families overwhelmed by the preschool admissions process. However, a few weeks into the experiment, our small group of parents has already learned from our early mistakes in planning the co-op, or rather over-planning it!

I'm happy to share some of what’s working and what hasn’t in case it might help other like-minded parents succeed in building their own preschool co-op.

Wizard of Oz Lands at Children's Museum of Manhattan

Submitted by Allison on Sun, 09/26/2010 - 10:03pm

Toto, I don’t think we’re in New York anymore. For the first time ever the Wizard of Oz has been licensed for a traveling museum exhibit, and Oz has landed at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. Kids, toddlers and parents can follow the yellow brick road to a land of hands-on activities, games and even a few science lessons based on the classic movie. Read on to find out what is in store for your munchkin.

Best Baby Shower Gift Idea Made Easy: Online Registries for Planning Meal Delivieries for New Moms

Submitted by Allison on Sun, 08/22/2010 - 3:32pm

What's the best baby shower gift for a friend who is having a baby? In my opinion, skip the cute onesie and BRING FOOD. A healthy, home-cooked meal delivered to a new mom's door, ready to eat, is an amazing gift any time, but especially when you’re trying to adjust to one of life’s curve balls. I remember my mother bringing foil-covered lasagnas to neighbors after a birth or death in the family. Now our generation is continuing that awesome tradition with the help of a modern resource: online meal registries which make organizing deliveries amongst friends much easier.

Toddling the Upper West Side: 10 Things to do in 10 Blocks with your Toddler in the West 80s

Submitted by Allison on Sun, 07/25/2010 - 9:09pm

If you spend your days toddling around the city with a toddler, the Upper West Side is a perfect place to let them explore. Sandwiched between two amazing parks are tons of places to enjoy with your little ones in this neighborhood that may just be as family-friendly as they come in NYC. I’ve been touring the Upper West Side with my one-and-a-half-year old 10 fun-filled blocks at a time and sharing my recommended itineraries for parents and toddlers. We’ve already tackled the 60s and 70s, so this time we’re toddling our way through the West 80s. It seems everywhere you turn there is something fun for families in this corner of the city, but these are our top 10 finds starting south and walking north.

Stroller Workouts That Can Work for You and Your Child in New York City

Submitted by Allison on Tue, 06/29/2010 - 9:39pm

If your jogging stroller has been doing a lot more strolling than jogging lately, you might want to consider checking out some of these stroller workout classes. I strapped on my sneakers and strapped in my one-and-a-half-year-old to try them out. Here's what we learned about stroller fitness classes in the New York City, what to expect, and some tips for making these workouts work for you and your child:

Toddling the Upper West Side: 10 Spots in 10 Blocks for you and your toddler in the West 70's

Submitted by Allison on Tue, 06/22/2010 - 3:27pm

We love exploring neighborhoods with our toddler. It gives you a whole new view of NYC. My 1-and-a-half-year-old and I have been exploring every square inch from Columbus Circle up to 100th Street, coming up with itineraries in 10-block stretches for parents and toddlers. We recenly posted about 10 toddler-friendly spots in the West 60s and this week we've dug up 10 cool finds in the West 70's.

Find out what to do, where to eat and how to have fun on the Upper West Side with your tyke in tow: