When asked to illustrate her dream job as a first grader, Jody drew a picture of a mom with one kid on each hip and another clinging to her leg. All these years later, that is her reality, raising three kids in New York City. Since that gig only pays in hugs and kisses, she has spent her professional career as a journalist covering health, fitness, sports, and parenting topics. She's currently the regional editor overseeing the Mommy Poppins NYC, New Jersey, Long Island, and Westchester sites and can be reached at jody@mommypoppins.com.
Submitted by Jody Mercier on
If you've been slacking on your summer camp plans, take note: students only have a few weeks of school left before the season kicks in. Happily, our sponsors are here to help make your search a little easier with deals on summer camps and drop-in classes for a variety of ages and interests.
Sign up soon because these offers will evaporate as temperatures rise.
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With the temperature (and humidity!) rising, summer seems to have arrived, but most NYC kids still have weeks of classes ahead. Nevertheless, we've got news of lots of cool happenings to look forward to once homework no longer dominates every waking minute. From rewards for good grades at a popular amusement park, to a partnership between the Girl Scouts and the National Park Service, to an innovative new program at the Children's Museum of the Arts, this news post is packed with fun for families.
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We love finding cool ways to give back, especially when kids can get involved. It's even better when it supports an amazing organization that helps the most vulnerable New Yorkers, children. That's why we're partnering with The New York Foundling's petiteSHOP—a unique shopping experience along with family-friendly activities and experiences—to help raise money to support the important work The New York Foundling does.
For three weekends in May, you can drop by The Foundling Children's Charity Pop-up to find cool designer duds, toys, decor and more at a variety of price points, and participate in workshops and activities, including a free family photo shoot with celebrity and fashion photographer Lee Clower. It will be fun, and you can all go home knowing you did some good, too.
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Sometimes it feels like Morningside Heights has about as many restaurants as it does college students, which is to say, a lot. Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue overflow with cozy cafes and raucous bars, and during the warmer months, sidewalk-dining options are plentiful. If you find yourself in this neck of the woods enjoying all the cool things there are to do with kids, we've got a roundup of the top 12 family-friendly restaurants where you can grab a bite with the brood.
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I've written in the past about my family's love of baseball, which extends well beyond just playing. My son, a die-hard Yankees fan, has seen games in six big-league ballparks. With spring in the air, and Opening Day only days away (the Yankees are back in the Bronx on April 6, the Mets at Citi Field on April 13), I've been looking for tickets that can get my family of five into a game without breaking the bank. Read on for the scoop on wallet-friendly ticket deals, and my tips for enjoying America's favorite pastime with your brood in tow.
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The sun is shining, the snow has melted and New York City finally seems to be easing into spring. All of this warm weather has got us thinking about getting outside for some fun, like working in a garden or enjoying a round of tennis. Happily, our sponsors are offering great deals for both! And when the inevitable April showers cloud the horizon, take advantage of these deals on indoor music lessons, live theater, birthday parties and more.
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Soho is famous for its high-end shopping. And even though its highest profile children's shop, the Scholastic Store, has closed, there are still some great places in the neighborhood to pick up cool kids' clothes and toys, and enjoy storytime or a high-tech children's workshop. So go beyond the outposts of national chains like Joe Fresh Kids and Diesel Kids, and check out these (mostly) independent small retailers.
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If you have a child born in 2011 listen up! The NYC Department of Education just released info about how to apply to free pre-k for fall 2015, and there are some really promising changes. For the first time, there will be one application for pre-k programs in both public schools and community-based early education centers, which means less paperwork and (hopefully) less confusion. Even better, schools chancellor Carmen Fariña has promised that there will be a seat for every age-eligible child.
Of course, you'll still want to do your research before you hand in that application. Here's everything you need to know about applying to free pre-k this fall.
