Katie Nave

Katie Nave is a writer living in Brooklyn, New York with her wild child daughter and a menagerie of pets. Her writing has been featured in Glamour, Business Insider, and the GoldieBlox YouTube Channel. She has served as a producer for the National Women’s March and the digital lead for the non-profit organization Girls Inc. You can follow her Instagram (@kathryn.e.nave) for a mix of activism, parenting missteps, anxious musings, and hamster photos.

Latest posts by Katie

Victorian Gardens in Central Park Is a Just-Right Amusement Park for Preschoolers

Submitted by Katie Nave on Fri, 05/31/2019 - 2:39pm

Manhattan's only outdoor amusement park, Victorian Gardens, is now open for the 2019 season. It's one of those annual summer attractions you think all New York City families know about and go to—until you realize a bunch of your friends have never even heard of it.

Victorian Gardens is especially wonderful for younger children, which is why we included it in our roundup of best theme parks for preschoolers, although elementary schoolers will enjoy themselves, too. The rides are contained in a small, enclosed space so you don't have to worry about kids wandering off (like at Coney Island), and there's little walking between attractions. Most of the rides are gentle (a few have height requirements), and there aren't any teens rushing through the crowd. Plus, you can't beat the location at Wollman Rink in Central Park, just steps from the zoo, Heckscher Playground and the carousel.

Destination Playground: Zucker Natural Area in Prospect Park

Submitted by Katie Nave on Tue, 05/21/2019 - 8:36am

Most New York City kids may not have backyards, but they do have no shortage of entertaining and engaging playgrounds and parks, including some playgrounds that are truly special. The Donald and Barbara Zucker Natural Exploration Area in Prospect Park definitely ranks high on our list of destination playgrounds worth a subway ride.

Located on Nellie’s Lawn in the northeastern section of the park, the Zucker Natural Area isn’t your traditional playground, so no swings, slides, or brightly colored plastic. The nature-based play space, opened in 2013, features romping spots made from some of the 500 trees that were downed during storms like Hurricane Sandy, along with other recycled natural materials that have been collected throughout the park.

7 Best Children's Gardens in NYC Where Kids Can Dig, Grow, Explore, and Play

Submitted by Katie Nave on Tue, 05/14/2019 - 10:00am

The Edible Academy at the New York Botanical Garden teaches kids how to grow and harvest veggies and fruits.

While we’re beyond grateful to live in a city with endless amounts of theater and museums to expose little ones to, sometimes it’s essential to get outside and let them be one with nature. Thanks to beloved children's gardens throughout New York, our city kids have a chance to explore different plants, participate in workshops, and get their hands in the dirt.

Now that the city is in full bloom, it’s the perfect time to head to one of the many children’s gardens in NYC. So bring your nature-obsessed kiddos to one of these top children’s gardens in NYC.

Destination Playground: J.J. Byrne Playground in Park Slope Is Action-Packed for All Ages

Submitted by Katie Nave on Tue, 05/07/2019 - 8:43am

The water features at James J. Byrne Playground in Park Slope are a huge draw. Photo by Al DiIngeniis

It’s no surprise that one of the city’s most family-friendly neighborhoods is home to a top destination playground. J.J. Byrne Playground, a Park Slope hotspot, underwent a year-long, multi-million dollar renovation in 2012 to bring in challenging climbing structures for older kids and an action-packed play area for younger kids, plus engaging water features that include a stream and spray jets.

Read on for more features that solidify this spot as one of our favorite playgrounds.

7 Things to Love About the Queens County Farm Museum

Submitted by Katie Nave on Tue, 04/16/2019 - 3:00pm

Visit the seasonal farm at the Queens County Farm Museum for fruit, vegetables, and flowers in a rainbow of colors.

While NYC families have full access to the best museums and shows that the world has to offer, life in the city can sometimes leave us feeling disconnected from nature. We’re always seeking ways to let our little ones get their hands dirty, so it’s no surprise that the Queens County Farm Museum in Floral Park is a family favorite.

Spanning 47 acres, the Queens County Farm Museum dates back to the 17th century and features old-fashioned farm buildings, a greenhouse complex, livestock, planting fields, an orchard, an herb garden and a vineyard, all within city limits. As soon as you walk through the gates, you’ll feel miles away from the city.

Here are the reasons we are forever loving New York City's only historic working farm and why it's a fantastic destination for NYC kids. While you’re there, make a day of it with our Queens Family Neighborhood Guide.

21 Things to Do in Bushwick With Kids

Submitted by Katie Nave on Wed, 03/27/2019 - 10:00am

The Vander-Ende Onderdonk House in Bushwick is the oldest Dutch colonial house in the state.

We’re sure you’ve heard about the cool factor of Bushwick, home to an abundant artistic community and boldly graffitied streets, but the latest hipster neighborhood, bordering Williamsburg, Bed-Stuy, and Ridgewood, actually offers loads of family fun. The once-abandoned warehouses have been transformed into artist studios, galleries, and pizza spots, making the vibrant streets feel like one big adventure.

The rapidly-changing, post-industrial neighborhood of Bushwick offers numerous parks, playgrounds, destination restaurants, and cultural experiences. Plus, it's easily accessible by subway from the L, J, M or Z trains, so even if you don't call Bushwick home, you can still experience this colorful and cool destination. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Bushwick with kids.

Spring Break Camps for Private and Independent School Kids in NYC

Submitted by Katie Nave on Wed, 02/27/2019 - 10:00am

NORY STEM Camp teaches kids a little bit of everything, from robotics to soccer. Photo courtesy of NORY

Most private and independent schools in NYC have a two-week spring break (as opposed to the one-week-long winter and spring breaks public school kids get), during which parents need to keep the little ones busy. Fortunately, NYC has no shortage of camp options for the private and independent school spring break, which runs from March 15 to April 1 for the 2019 school year.

We've rounded up over a dozen programs with camp offerings during the two-week break for private and independent schools. It's always worth checking with your local play space or other neighborhood kid spot to see what's on offer. Be sure to click through to the camps' official sites for more details, including hours and pricing.

Oh, and get ahead of the game by checking out our Summer Camp Guide!

8 Things to Love About the Brooklyn Children's Museum

Submitted by Katie Nave on Thu, 02/21/2019 - 4:00pm

Make a (messy) mini masterpiece at the Tot Studio at the Brooklyn Children's Museum

As the world’s first children’s museum, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum has been a beloved NYC destination since 1899. This Crown Heights institution offers three floors of rotating and permanent interactive exhibits and hands-on cultural and science programs for little ones, ages 6 months to 10 years. BCM aims to inspire children to ask questions and discover answers through exploration and play.

My daughter and I have passed countless hours in the Totally Tots exhibit, designed for children under six. This pint-sized paradise features water, sand, and is usually filled with thrilled toddlers and bleary-eyed parents. Read on to see our top reasons why BCM is one of our top NYC must-see museums.