Kelly O

Kelly O'Neil - NYC Writer

Kelly is a proud native New Yorker who was raised in Queens, just like her parents. She also lived on the West Coast and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Bolivia before returning to her home borough. She now resides in Sunnyside with her husband (also a Queens native) and their two daughters. Kelly's passions include sampling new cuisines and discovering stimulating things to do wherever she goes.

A New York City public school teacher, Kelly is currently on child-care leave and loves going on local family adventures. She is always on the hunt for the most economical kid-friendly places and activities all around the city, and she shares her finds on Mommy Poppins. Follow her on Google+.

Latest posts by Kelly

26 Things To Do with Preschoolers in NYC Before They Turn 5

Submitted by Kelly O on Sun, 06/18/2023 - 10:50am

Introduce your preschooler to art in a laid back way at Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens, which is stunning in any season. Photo by Jody Mercier

If you've got a little one at home, we've found the best things to do with preschoolers in NYC. Read on for our top picks for little-kid fun.

New York City doesn't lack awesome family events and institutions, but as a mom of two children under the age of 5, I'm always on the hunt for new ideas. These early years are fleeting, and I want to create lasting memories—within budgetary reason—manageable enough for little kids who sometimes still need a nap and a sippy cup.

So, inspired by our roundup of 100 things to do with kids in NYC before they grow up, we came up with this list of 26 things to do with preschoolers in NYC before they turn 5 and head to kindergarten. A few of our selections are well-known favorites with specific under-the-radar attractions perfect for preschoolers, while others are more off the beaten path, but all are things we've enjoyed doing with our own preschoolers or aspire to try soon! Find more ideas in our Guide to NYC for Preschoolers.

The Best Queens Play Spaces and Gyms Open Now For Kids

Submitted by Kelly O on Mon, 02/15/2021 - 1:11pm

From the formerly industrial waterfront to deep in the borough, family-friendly spots and amenities are aplenty in Queens. There are many great playgrounds in warm weather, but the winter season calls for something different, and we've rounded up the best Queens play spaces to while a day away.

The pandemic has been particularly tough on Queens play spaces, but we've still found more than a dozen indoor romping spots in the borough that are open now. While all of these spots are open to the public, no membership required, many require reservations right now.

Some of these spots are currently hosting private playtime for pods or parties, too, and most are much more affordable than their Manhattan competitors.

Find plenty more places to play in our Guide to Indoor Play.

Queens Party Places: 33 Top Spots for Kids' Birthdays

Submitted by Kelly O on Wed, 04/17/2019 - 11:30am

Sports-minded kids will be thrilled with a birthday party at The Complex. Photo courtesy the venue

We've profiled cool NYC party places in the past, but there are so many awesome birthday spots in good old Queens alone that it deserves a post of its own.

These Queens birthday party places cater to all kinds of kids, from active to artsy to animal lovers. As a Queens mom with two children, I've been to many of these spots personally. You can find additional birthday inspiration in our NYC Party Guide.

Crafts for Kids in Queens: 9 Awesome Drop-in Art Spots for Families

Submitted by Kelly O on Wed, 03/13/2019 - 11:00am

Oliloli’s arts & crafts tables are available during open studio hours. Just drop-in and do a project!

Despite NYC's long list of great indoor play options, sometimes kids want to do more than just run and jump around. An art project is a great way to spend a winter or spring afternoon, when the usual roster of play spaces, kiddie gyms and museums is feeling a bit tired. Get busy at a local drop-in art studio to pass some indoor time. Kids can get their hands dirty doing pottery, painting, collage and more.

For drop-in art studios and kids' craft spots, Queens is a worthy rival to Brooklyn and Manhattan. From museums with regular family art programs to places to paint plaster to FREE workshops at the Queens Library, here are nine spots where kids of all ages can flex their creative muscles.

Best of Astoria with Kids: Play Spaces and Indoor Attractions

Submitted by Kelly O on Tue, 01/31/2017 - 3:10pm

Families flock to Astoria, Queens, for its parks, pool, and great restaurants, but also the trove of family-friendly indoor entertainment, from top museums like the Museum of the Moving Image to creative kids' classes and fun play spaces.

We can't possibly list all of the wonderful programs on tap, but we're highlighting locations that offer drop-in sessions, as well as a few perennial family favorites that require longer commitments. Many of these spots attract residents from all over Queens, including my kids and I, who come from Sunnyside to hit The Yoga Room and the inexpensive but fun play space, Kids Playhouse Astoria.

Here are 11 places where kids can swim, dance, bowl or just get their sillies out in Astoria, Queens.

Good Day Play Cafe: New Drop-in Play Space and Cafe in Queens

Submitted by Kelly O on Wed, 10/05/2016 - 11:00am

I first learned about Good Day Play Cafe in Bayside, Queens from three friends who raved after its June 2016 opening. They had me at Stumptown coffee and cold brew, but after hearing about the Hinoki cypress wood cube sensory pit and indoor play area, I knew I had to check it out with my kids, ages 6, 4, and 9 months. The thoughtfully designed space features an engaging and unique play area and a cafe serving delicious eats, making it an ideal destination for families with young kids.

Sunnyside Plays: A New Drop-In Play Space for Queens Kids

Submitted by Kelly O on Wed, 08/24/2016 - 10:00am

Western Queens just gained a new indoor play space for kids with the opening of Sunnyside Plays in, of course, Sunnyside. My family was super excited to have a new indoor playground so close to our neighborhood. In fact, we were amazed when we saw our 7-month-old son start crawling there for the first time. We are already making memories.

The spacious location on 48th Avenue, which just opened this month, is close to Sunnyside Library and Lance Cpl. Thomas A. Noonan Playgroun d. Sunnyside Plays, founded by local parents Ed Kim and Vanessa Quinn, is 1,700 square feet of open, rectangular floor space with 16-foot ceilings. LED track lighting and the studio's vibrant colors give it a refreshing artsy loft feel. Kim and Quinn have art backgrounds and use their knowledge to offer events and classes for kids and adults.

5 ‘Frozen’ Party and Craft Ideas to Melt Away Summer’s Heat

Submitted by Kelly O on Wed, 01/27/2016 - 9:00am

Disney’s Frozen sequel isn’t due out for several years, but that hasn’t slowed down the Elsa and Anna fever in my household where “Let It Go” is the nightly bathtub refrain. If your kid is pining for the snow queen’s return, then it might be time to whip up a Frozen-themed party or activity.

Sticky summer weather only makes us crave a chill-inducing Frozen scenery more. Besides, Olaf would approve of the summer setting, wouldn’t he? So pop on the soundtrack, think ice cold thoughts and check out these five Frozen-themed kid party ideas and activities, some simple, some messy, but all 100 percent fun.