Rosalind Muggeridge

When not busy trekking across NYC with her two little explorers in tow, Rosalind Muggeridge is covering events for Mommy Poppins for Brooklyn and Queens. Her career includes 10 years in the nonprofit world followed by four years as the events editor at Brooklyn Parent Magazine. She can be reached at events@mommypoppins.com.

Latest posts by Rosalind

15 Times Square Restaurants for Kid-Friendly Eats

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on Tue, 10/19/2021 - 5:12pm

Kid-friendly picks at Havana Central include mac and cheese and chicken fingers, but also flavorful Cuban picks like rice and beans.

Finding a family-friendly Times Square restaurant that doesn't belong in a mall might be more difficult than navigating the costumed-character-crammed sidewalks of the area with a stroller. The Applebee's and Olive Garden might leave you feeling as if you're in the 'burbs, not the crossroads of the world.

But just as there are things to do with kids in Times Square beyond the tourist attractions, there are also a variety of off-the-beaten-track, family-friendly eateries that serve tasty cuisine reflecting our melting pot of a city.

With Broadway back and kid-friendly shows in the mix, too, you might need a pre-show nosh, so skip the chains and try one of these 15 kid-friendly Times Square restaurants.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden: 8 Things To Do With Kids

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on Thu, 04/08/2021 - 6:47pm

Spring may be the most colorful season at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, but it's worth a visit anytime of the year.

Since its founding in 1910, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has provided a welcome respite to concrete-weary city dwellers. It was a dismal day when the garden closed its doors for a few months in 2020, but like many local institutions, it's happily reopened and is gearing up for its most vibrant season of the year.

Though Prospect Park is affectionately known as "Brooklyn's backyard," my family and I have also spent many hours—in all seasons—at the BBG, exploring the winding paths, whiling away an afternoon underneath the dreamy cherry trees, and watching the turtles sunning themselves in the Japanese Pond.

Read on to learn about our favorite things to do in this beautiful urban garden, which is truly one of our favorite places in NYC.

Cross-Country Skiing Near NYC: Where to Hit the Trails With Kids

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on Mon, 02/08/2021 - 5:33pm

Cross-country skiing is easily accessible from NYC.

Although NYC is close to plenty of downhill skiing options, cross-country skiing is also a fun option with kids. Also known as Nordic skiing, cross-country skiing is a great winter sport for families. Children as young as 5 can ski alone, and parents can tow tots in a sled or carry them in a backpack while on the trails. You can't do that while swooshing down a mountain!

While cross-country skiing is nowhere near as dangerous or as expensive as downhill skiing, the tricky thing is finding snow and equipment. Unlike downhill ski resorts, most cross-country trails aren't in the business of making their own snow so you're going to have to wait for the white stuff before you can get out there. Getting outfitted with XC skis is relatively inexpensive comparend to downhill, but unless you want to purchase kits for your growing children, you also need to find a spot that offers children's gear rental. Your best bet is a Nordic Ski Center that offers trails and rentals.

Here are our favorite spots where families can enjoy cross-country skiing, and most are less than a 2-hour drive from New York City. But conditions and offerings change, so call ahead to make sure they have both snow and ski rentals in your sizes.

Find more fun seasonal activities in our Snow Sports Guide.

Interactive Online Theater Shows For Kids to Stream Now

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on Mon, 11/02/2020 - 4:35pm

The Wizards Of Oakwood Drive is a live, online, interactive theatrical experience for kids. Photo by the author

With Broadway dark and bans on public gatherings still in effect, it's easy to tire of the same old streaming content. If you're craving a trip to the theater, you're in luck: The show has gone on for kids at these four theater groups who are putting on exciting, interactive online theater performances.

You'll find something for every age group, and the best part is, kids are part of the on-screen action. Some of these creative online shows are also available for private events and birthday parties.

So, next time kids beg for a little screen time, skip the family movie night, show your support for live theater, and stream one of these engaging and spirited interactive online theater shows for kids.

13 Restaurants Offering Thanksgiving Dinner Takeout in NYC in 2020

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on Sun, 11/01/2020 - 12:29pm

BKLYN Larder provides pasture-raised turkeys from local farms for a perfect Thanksgiving dinner.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and while many things look different in 2020, one thing is certain: The holiday is best spent with loved ones gathered around a table for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. If you'd rather spend the bulk of the day with your family instead of in the kitchen, ordering Thanksgiving dinner takeout could be your meal ticket to a more relaxing holiday.

So, kick back and cue up the re-imagined the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on the TV and let one of these 13 New York City restaurants handle the Thanksgiving dinner duties. You'll be thankful for a day off, and they'll be grateful for your support.

How to Get an Egg into a Bottle: A Science Experiment with a Bit of Magic

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on Mon, 09/21/2020 - 10:45am

Watch as the egg slides into the bottle!

Kids play both scientist and magician in this science experiment by performing the seemingly impossible feat of fitting an egg into a jar!

One of our 64 Easy Experiments for Kids, this eye-popping experiment can be completed by kids of various ages, but it will require adult supervision or a grown-up hand for a couple of the steps. It makes use of common items that you might already have on hand so it's easy to squeeze into a down moment at home with the kids. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to fit an egg into a bottle — a quick way to engage kids in a complete a science lesson.

Turn Milk into Plastic in This Science Experiment

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on Sat, 08/01/2020 - 12:33pm

This science experiment turns out fun crafts for kids!

Transform milk into plastic with this cool science trick! Environmentally conscious kids will be amazed that you don't need to use harsh chemicals to make plastic in this science experiment. Plus, the resulting casein polymer creation can be dressed up with paint and glitter, turning it into a bonus craft project for kids.

One of our 64 Easy Experiments for Kids, this cool experiment can be completed by kids of various ages and makes use of common household items that you might already have in your pantry. (Cheers for skipping that extra trip to the store.) Read on for a great way to engage kids—and sneak in a science lesson at the same time.

13 Education Workbooks to Keep Kids Learning

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on Sat, 07/25/2020 - 1:02pm

Workbooks can supplement school learning or fill in over the summer. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

The upcoming school year is just around the corner, and many parents might be seeking ways to prep kids for the new year or for tools to enhance school curriculum, especially if they are facing virtual learning. Educational workbooks and children's activity books can often help to fill that gap, especially in elementary-age kids.

Workbooks for kids come in many formats and offer a host of different types of skills practice. There are preschool workbooks, kindergarten workbooks, and those that delve into more advanced subjects. But with so many options out there, choosing the right workbook for your child can be a bit overwhelming.

With that in mind, we've singled out our 13 top picks for ages ranging from preschool to 5th grade. Find more homeschooling resources in our Remote Learning & Homeschool Guide for parents.