Drew Kristofik

Drew Kristofik's early career editing teen magazines somehow morphed into a seven-year stint at MacNeil/Lehrer, followed by a very long sojourn at Nickelodeon/Viacom as Director of Content for Nick online and then Editor-in-Chief of ParentsConnect.com local. She was a founding member of the WebbyAward winning GoCityKids, has written for Family Fun Magazine, Vanity Fair, and New York, and her novel for middle schoolers, The Time Boat, is available on Amazon Kindle. She strives to keep the MommyPoppins New York Events calendar packed and accurate, and can be reached at events@mommypoppins.com.

Latest posts by Drew

Where to See Holiday Concerts and Sing Christmas Carols in NYC This Season

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Thu, 12/02/2021 - 12:23pm

Sing Christmas carols during the annual winter edition of Make Music New York this holiday season. Photo courtesy of Make Music New York

Crooning Christmas carols on a brisk evening in the company of neighbors, pals, or friendly strangers is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season. Carolers of all levels mingle at these events—even the occasional Broadway star has been spotted from time to time—to serenade the city with a message of peace and joy. We've rounded up more than a dozen gatherings where you can literally sing in the holidays, and don't forget to check out all of the Christmas tree lightings—they often include caroling in their programs, too

If you'd rather just listen, consider booking tickets to a holiday concert to get everyone in the spirit. We've got our top picks for those, plus, we couldn't resist including a collection of NYC's many salutes to Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

However you spend the holidays, we wish you all the joy of the season. Don't forget to check our Family Activity Calendar and Guide to Holiday Events for more seasonal picks.

Christmas Tree Farms Near DC Where You Can Cut Your Own

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Sun, 11/21/2021 - 9:37am

Find the perfect tree for your family at Snickers Gap Tree Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm

Nothing quite says Christmas like the smell of fresh pine, balsam, or fir that fills the air this time of year. And there are plenty of Christmas tree lots in the DC area that make finding the perfect tree super convenient for busy families. But if you're looking for a truly authentic Christmas experience—and a great family bonding and photo opportunity—cutting down your own Christmas tree is the way to go. Check out our list of Christmas tree farms around Washington, DC where you can cut your own tree.

Not sure you're up to the challenge of chopping down a Christmas tree? No worries—most of the Christmas tree farms on our list also offer fresh-cut trees ready to be wrapped up and wrangled into your living room. So, you'll get the experience of visiting a Christmas tree farm without all the extra work.

Most of the Christmas tree farms on our list open the day after Thanksgiving (November 26, 2021) and close when they run out of trees, so be sure to call or check the website before you go to see what's available. And if you're looking for more holiday activities, don't miss our list of the best holiday and Christmas activities and events in DC in 2021. Here's to making holiday memories with your family!

Free Outdoor Movies in NYC This October

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Fri, 10/08/2021 - 10:25am

Jack Skellington gives a new meaning to Christmas Spirit in The Nightmare Before Christmas, which is one of the free outdoor movies streaming in NYC this October.

New York City's FREE summer movie season is anticipated annually, but in 2021 New Yorkers are in for a special treat! The FREE outdoor movies are extending well into the fall. There are enough FREE outdoor movies playing in October, they warrant a list of their own. Our list of FREE outdoor movies playing this October includes the SHOCKTOBERFEST series in Brooklyn, which offers screenings in some of our favorite parks and playgrounds.

Movies usually begin when evening falls, so take note of the earlier showtimes this season. Plan to arrive early to stake out a good viewing spot. Even if your local park is screening a flick you've watched a dozen times before, it's a totally different experience viewing it in the open air alongside other fans. It's a thrilling, communal event, and a rite of passage for New Yorkers of all ages. Plan to practice social distancing and bring your masks; they're required for the unvaccinated.

Best Dance Classes for Kids Near DC

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Sun, 08/08/2021 - 8:00am

Unlock your child's love of dance at a DC-area class or studio. Photo by Jay Williams

One perk of raising children in the DC area is the volume of high-quality classes for kids. If you have a budding ballerina or Baryshnikov—or a kid who wants to learn some smooth K-pop moves at an area dance class—have no fear. We have all the info on dance classes for kids near DC, along with their current COVID precautions.

25+ Fun Things To Do in NYC This Weekend: Pride, Porch Stomp, and More

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Wed, 06/23/2021 - 4:35pm

The PrideFest street fair has been reimagined with safety top of mind, but there will still be plenty of celebrating going on. Photo courtesy of the fest

Wave June goodbye with a rainbow flag: It's Pride weekend in NYC! What better time to put on some glitz, make pride buttons, and party in the Village?

It's also Pollinators Weekend, which takes some of the sting out of the heat, humidity, and rain in the forecast! What better time to dance in the garden, stomp on the porch, or bang on some steel pans?

Of course there are also outdoor movies, and Klezmer, and puppets. Is this NYC or what?

Oh so much more is just waiting for your click on the Mommy Poppins Activity Calendar. We also have all the info you need to get to NYC beaches, plot a summer day trip, or find FREE fun every day of summer vacation. As if that's not enough, let us remind you our favorite FREE swimming pools open Saturday, and our Summer Fun Guide has even more seasonal must-do's.

19 Free and Cheap Online Summer Camps in 2021

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Tue, 06/22/2021 - 1:50pm

Find an online summer camp to fill an hour (or several) of your kid's time.

Need to fill a week or two of summer camp this summer? Or, not ready to send the kids back to a full-time day camp? Good news: There are a number of FREE online summer camps from top-notch organizations and nonprofits that still have open weeks!

These virtual camps from the likes of 4-H Club and UNICEF are open to kids all over the US, from Boston to Los Angeles, so kids in cities thousands of miles apart have a chance to meet and connect with kids they might otherwise never have known. We love that most won't cost you a cent and might just help fill a few hours of your kid's day with some really fun summer activities. Find more virtual summer programs in our Camp Directory, or check out our local Summer Camp Guides for in-person options.