Amy Meader

Latest posts by Amy Meader

Long Beach Island with Kids: Best Things to Eat, See, and Do

Submitted by Amy Meader on Mon, 06/25/2018 - 10:00am

The beautiful water and white sand beaches of Long Beach Island keep visitors coming back year after year. Photo courtesy of LBI

For quality family time, there are few places more magical than Long Beach Island on the Jersey Shore. This 18-mile barrier island has everything you could want in a summer vacation with the kids. Whether you're after a low-key beach getaway or a high-energy, action-packed weekend trip, the Island has it all.

LBI beaches offer the best of both worlds: the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, and the calmer waters of the Barnegat Bay. My family has been coming here since I was born, so I may be biased, but this Jersey beach truly is the best place for some family fun in the sun. Often less crowded than other popular shore towns in New Jersey, it still feels like a hidden gem. Read on for top tips on visiting Long Beach Island with kids.

Best Toddler Playgrounds in Lower Manhattan

Submitted by Amy Meader on Fri, 06/08/2018 - 4:00pm

Play with sand, water, or the big blue blocks at the Imagination Playground. Photo courtesy NYC Parks

Thanks to the residential boom in Lower Manhattan, the borough's southernmost point is more family-friendly than ever. Streets that once were the domain of Financial District workers running for their offices are now just as likely to be full of strollers and newly-walking tots. The many new playgrounds that have been constructed or renovated in this area make downtown Manhattan a part of the city you don't want to miss for family fun.

The playgrounds on this list offer fun things to do for all ages but are especially great for toddlers—because as all parents of toddlers know, finding a playground where your little one won't get run over by bigger kids is no small feat. Fun equipment, appropriate climbing structures, infant swings, thoughtful layouts, and a bevy of sandboxes await you at these downtown playgrounds, all located south of Washington Square Park. Time to get swinging!

NYC's Financial District with Kids: 30 Fun Things To Do

Submitted by Amy Meader on Tue, 05/08/2018 - 11:05am

The Financial District is still considered to be one of the fastest growing Manhattan neighborhoods for families in NYC. Office buildings have been converted into high-end condos and new buildings are constantly being built. There are excellent and thriving elementary schools that have been created in the area to accommodate the influx of children and the neighborhood is rich in off-the-beaten-path museums, parks, and a large number of businesses that cater to families.

NYC Fun Zone Gives Upper East Side Toddlers a New Play Space

Submitted by Amy Meader on Wed, 05/02/2018 - 8:39am

The Upper East Side is already packed with plenty to do for neighborhood families. It's almost made for kids, and we're told that the Yorkville neighborhood east of Third Avenue is booming with kid fun, too. In fact, the Manhattan nabe just got a brand-new play space that's steps from Carl Schurz Park, and it truly is a gem nestled among the shops on York Avenue.

The minute you enter NYC Fun Zone you notice its inviting, clean space for babies up to kindergarten-aged kids. Toddlers will feel right at home. Even my 5-year-old had a blast and didn't want to leave!

Get all the details on the bright and fun new uptown venue below.

The Craft Studio Brings Its Arts and Crafts Charm to Tribeca

Submitted by Amy Meader on Thu, 03/29/2018 - 11:29am

Downtown NYC just got lucky—The Craft Studio, long a mainstay of the Upper East Side has finally opened a Lower Manhattan outpost and fans of the wonderfully charming crafting mecca couldn’t be happier. Not only is it a great place for kids to unwind after school, it is also a birthday party venue and a great option for play dates.

Learn more about the new location below, including what you can look forward to in the brand-new downtown arts space.

The South Street Seaport Museum: Tall Ships and NYC Beginnings

Submitted by Amy Meader on Fri, 02/09/2018 - 10:06am

Looking for something unique to do with your family on the weekend in Lower Manhattan?

Stop by the gem of a historic spot, the South Street Seaport Museum—a place every New Yorker should visit at least once. Housed in New York’s southern-most seaport, this spot tells the story of how New York’s harbor gave rise to the metropolis we know and love today. After a major restoration post-Hurricane Sandy, the museum is back in action and ready to educate and entertain family members of all ages through tours, activities, workshops, and special events.

Read about other great exhibits for NYC kids in our Museum Guide.