Angela Johnson

Latest posts by Angela Johnson

Our Favorite Toddler Playgrounds in Brooklyn

Submitted by Angela Johnson on Tue, 08/03/2021 - 12:00pm

Brooklyn tots have plenty of options when it comes to playground play time. Photo by Sara Marentette

It's no secret that Brooklyn is one of the most family-friendly boroughs in New York City. More young families are discovering the rich culture and kid-friendly perks that make it a great place to raise your family. It's the reason why strollers outnumber the hipsters in most Brooklyn neighborhoods. And one of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful tree-lined blocks is to go for a walk with your tot in tow to visit some of the amazing toddler playgrounds in the area.

We've ranked the best playgrounds in Prospect Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and even the top playgrounds for big kids in Brooklyn, but now we're presenting a list of our favorite toddler playgrounds in the borough.

25+ Things to Do With Kids in Brooklyn Heights

Submitted by Angela Johnson on Mon, 04/26/2021 - 6:17pm

Brooklyn Heights is well-loved by local families for its abundance of green space, kid-friendly eats, and historic charm.

Affectionately known as America's first suburb, Brooklyn Heights is a historic enclave with lots of kid-friendly things to do, see, and eat. The classic architecture and warm neighborhood vibe attract young families to the area, and the beautiful waterfront parks—notably the Promenade and Brooklyn Bridge Park—make Brooklyn Heights well worth a visit.

While so many parts of Brooklyn seem to be rapidly modernizing and changing, Brooklyn Heights has managed to maintain much of its original historic charm. The Brooklyn Heights Historic District is one of the first designated historic districts in the city and includes homes that have been around since the 1820s. Here are the best places to eat, shop, play, and learn with kids in Brooklyn Heights.

12 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Chelsea Market

Submitted by Angela Johnson on Mon, 11/26/2018 - 11:00am

The Chelsea Market is a hub for fresh food, gifts, and treats—and super-fun to explore with kids.

Chelsea Market, an enormous food hall and marketplace located in the former factory that was the birthplace of the Oreo cookie, has a little something for everyone, from fancy chocolates to grilled cheese. The building’s unique architecture and convenient location near the High Line make it a popular NYC shopping and eating spot. But one of the best things about shopping at Chelsea Market is that you don’t have to worry about anyone leaving with an empty stomach. Even the pickiest eaters can find something they love among the bakeries, pizza shops, and burger joints inside.

If want to introduce your kids to a variety of delicious foods from around the world—or you're just looking for an indoor activity (that's not another indoor play zone or museum), there is enough here for a fun afternoon or morning outing. Pro tip: It's best to avoid lunchtime when it is really crowded, or better yet try a weekend morning when the place is a ghost town. Here's what to taste, see, and do at Chelsea Market with kids.

The NYC Public School Calendar for 2018-2019

Submitted by Angela Johnson on Wed, 08/29/2018 - 6:30am

If you're a parent of a child in public school, you live by the school calendar. Even many local NYC preschools follow the public school schedule. As the first day of school in NYC approaches (Wednesday, September 5...but who's counting?) you'll want to bookmark the New York City Department of Education's calendar for the 2018-2019 school year.

Keep this list handy as you start making next year's family vacation plans! With the exception of the occasional unplanned snow day or case of the sniffles, these are all of the dates you can count on your kiddos being out of school.

Kid Explorers Dig Into the New Ripley's Relic Game in Times Square

Submitted by Angela Johnson on Thu, 07/19/2018 - 9:17am

A new interactive experience has come to Ripley's Believe it or Not! Times Square just in time for summer (believe it or not, Times Square isn't just for NYC visitors!). The museum that's widely known for being the home of all that's unusual just launched Ripley's Relic, a high-tech escape game that is designed to bring out your inner explorer.

My kids have never met an adventure they didn't like, so I trekked to Times Square with my 8-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son in tow for the opening of Ripley's Relic to take a crack at solving the puzzle in person.

5 Inspiring Firefighter Museums Near New York City

Submitted by Angela Johnson on Fri, 07/13/2018 - 4:00pm

Firefighters to the rescue at the Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center.

Kids love firefighters. And who can blame them? Brave men and women who drive around in shiny red trucks—and actually save lives—are kind of like real-life superheroes. And a chance to try on equipment, climb aboard fire trucks, and have questions answered by some of these superheroes themselves could be your little firefighter fan's dream come true. Luckily, the New York area is home to several museums dedicated to firefighters that are great for the whole family.

If you're looking for fun indoor activities to help you beat the heat (or the rainy day blues), here are some of the kid-friendly firefighter museums in our area where you and your kids can learn how firefighters do their jobs, plus how to prevent fires in your own home, and how to act in a fire emergency.

Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn with Kids: Fun Things to Do as a Family

Submitted by Angela Johnson on Wed, 06/20/2018 - 10:00am

Stroll the streets of this picturesque neighborhood lined with beautiful brownstones. Photo courtesy of Gates Condos

From the quiet, tree-lined brownstone streets to the bustling business districts along Fulton Street and Nostrand Avenues, Bedford-Stuyvesant has something for everyone. Young families in NYC are discovering Bedford-Stuyvesant as one of the best corners of Brooklyn to settle, drawn by its rich cultural history, beautiful architecture, and close-knit community.

Bedford-Stuyvesant is bordered by Flushing Avenue to the north, Atlantic Avenue to the south, Classon Avenue on the west, and Broadway on the east. Most of the neighborhood is easily accessible by the A and C trains, along with several bus lines. But one of the best ways to experience Bed-Stuy, as it is affectionately known, is on foot. You can find yourself in Bed-Stuy with just a short walk from nearby Clinton Hill, Crown Heights, or Williamsburg. And once you have a chance to experience the sights and sounds of this vibrant community, you may never want to leave.

Even as gentrification brings new real estate developments, coffee shops, and wine bars to the neighborhood, Bed-Stuy is committed to maintaining its unique neighborhood identity. From creative classes to free activities to family restaurants, here are some of the best things to do in Bed-Stuy with kids.

Where to Find Teen-Friendly Dance Parties in NYC

Submitted by Angela Johnson on Mon, 06/04/2018 - 10:05am

No one over 18 is admitted to this teen-only club! Photo courtesy of 7eventytwo

Music-loving teens in New York City are in luck. All the big musicians come through the city, and there are plenty of quirky, off-the-radar music venues, too.

Yet, not everything is open to the under-18 crowd. Many shows, especially if held at a bar, and a number of clubs, ban those under the legal drinking age of 21. Luckily, there are a handful of places that open up their doors to teens for dancing, concerts, and club nights, so NYC teenagers don't have to miss a beat.

Read on for a list of clubs where they won't have to worry about getting carded—and you won't have to worry about them sneaking into someplace they shouldn't be.